JP3659499B2

JP3659499B2 - Joint member and manufacturing method thereof

Info

Publication number: JP3659499B2
Application number: JP2002175107A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 紀志一木
Original assignee: Tokai Kogyo Co Ltd
Current assignee: Tokai Kogyo Co Ltd
Priority date: 2002-06-14
Filing date: 2002-06-14
Publication date: 2005-06-15
Anticipated expiration: 2022-06-14
Also published as: JP2004019228A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、二つの構造物が隣り合って配置される場合において、各構造物の両縁部によって形成される目地に装着される長尺状の目地部材と、その製造方法とに関する。本発明に係る目地部材は、浴室の壁と浴槽との間、洗面所の壁と洗面台との間、台所の壁とシンクとの間等の目地を隠蔽するために用いて好適である。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
例えば浴室の壁と浴槽とのように、第１構造物と第２構造物とが隣り合って配置される場合、第１構造物の縁部と第２構造物の縁部とによって形成される目地を隠蔽するものとして、一般的にはシーラントが用いられている。このシーラントは、ペースト状のシリコーン樹脂等からなり、大気中で硬化する性質を有している。このため、このシーラントを目地に対して厚みをもって塗布すれば、時間の経過とともにシーラントが硬化し、目地を隠蔽することができる。
【０００３】
しかし、上記シーラントを用いる場合、シーラントを手作業で目地に塗布しなければならないことから、仕上がりの出来、不出来が作業者の技量に依存し、仕上がりのバラツキが大きくなりやすい。特に、第１構造物の縁部及び／又は第２構造物の縁部が目地の深さ方向において屈曲している屈曲縁部である場合には、その作業の難易度が高くなり、シーラントの目地に対する塗布量が多すぎて見栄えが悪くなったり、逆に塗布量が少なすぎて目地が隠蔽されない部分が生じたりするおそれがあった。また、シーラントに揮発性の溶剤が含まれている場合には、その作業を行う際、溶剤が揮発して作業環境を悪化させるおそれもある。特に浴室等のように、狭くて密閉されやすい場所においてその作業を行なう場合には、その危険性が高く、シーラントの硬化が完了するまでの時間も長くなる。
【０００４】
このため、特開平８−１８７１９８号公報、特開平７−８２９１０号公報又は特開平７−７６９４０号公報に記載された目地部材を採用することも考えられる。これらの目地部材は、目地に装着される長尺状のものであり、頭部と、目地への装着時に頭部の裏面から目地の深さ方向に延出する脚部とを備えている。これらの目地部材は、頭部と脚部とを備えた長尺状のものとして一体成形され得る。これらの目地部材を用いる場合、必要な長さの目地部材を予め用意し、その脚部を目地内に挿入する。これにより、脚部が目地内に保持され、頭部が第１構造物の表面及び第２構造物の表面に当接して目地を隠蔽することができる。こうして、これらの目地部材によれば、高度な技量を有しない作業者であっても容易に目地を隠蔽することができる。また、これらの目地部材は、押出成形機等により頭部の断面形状が規定されていることから、作業者の技量によって頭部の厚みが厚すぎたり薄すぎたりすることがなく、仕上がりのバラツキもなくなる。さらに、これらの目地部材は、予め工場生産されていることから、施工作業時に揮発性の溶剤を使用する必要がなく、作業環境を悪化させることもない。
【０００５】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
ところが、上記従来の目地部材は、押出一体成形等による単に直線状の長尺状体に過ぎないことから、そのままでは屈曲縁部によって形成される目地を好適に隠蔽することは困難である。かといって、目地部材を屈曲縁部に沿う形状に予め成形することは、多くの形状の屈曲縁部が存在し得ることから、現実的でなく、コストの高騰化を招来してしまう。
【０００６】
このため、目地部材として長尺状のものを用意し、この目地部材の屈曲縁部に対応する位置において、脚部を長手方向において部分的に除去した切欠きを形成することも考えられる。こうすれば、脚部の残りが切欠きによって互いに近づいたり、遠ざかったりすることが可能になるため、屈曲縁部によって形成される目地内に脚部を挿入しながら頭部を湾曲することができ、目地を好適に隠蔽することができると考えられる。
【０００７】
しかしながら、こうして脚部に単に切欠きを形成しただけの目地部材では、頭部の弾性力によって元の長尺状に復元してしまいやすい。このため、屈曲縁部によって形成される目地内に保持した脚部が目地内から外れ、良好な仕上がりが損なわれるおそれがある。また、切欠き部分は脚部が除去されているために強度が低く、施工作業時や運搬時などに応力が集中したり、切欠き部分の端が屈曲縁部などに引っ掛かったりして、目地部材が破損されるおそれがある。
【０００８】
本発明は、上記従来の実情に鑑みてなされたものであり、高度な技量を有しない作業者であっても、取扱いが容易で、仕上がりのバラツキも小さく、好適な作業環境の下、さほどのコストアップを生じることなく、屈曲縁部によって形成される目地を好適に隠蔽可能な目地部材を提供することを解決すべき課題としている。
【０００９】
【課題を解決するための手段】
本発明の目地部材は、第１構造物と第２構造物とが隣り合って配置される場合、該第１構造物の縁部と該第２構造物の縁部とによって形成される目地に装着される長尺状のものであって、該第１構造物の表面及び該第２構造物の表面と当接して該目地を隠蔽する頭部と、該目地への装着時に該頭部の裏面から該目地の深さ方向に延出し、該目地内に保持される脚部とを備えた目地部材において、
【００１０】
前記第１構造物の縁部及び／又は前記第２構造物の縁部が前記深さ方向において屈曲する屈曲縁部である場合に、該屈曲縁部に対応する位置には該脚部を長手方向において部分的に除去した切欠きが形成されているとともに、該脚部の残りには該頭部を該屈曲縁部に沿う形状に固定する固定材が固定されていることを特徴とする。
【００１１】
本発明の目地部材では、屈曲縁部に対応する位置に脚部を長手方向において部分的に除去した切欠きが形成されている。このため、脚部の残りが切欠きによって互いに近づいたり、遠ざかったりすることが可能になり、頭部を湾曲させることが可能となる。また、この目地部材では、脚部の残りに固定材が固定されているため、頭部が屈曲縁部に沿う形状に固定され、湾曲した頭部が弾性力によって元の長尺状（直線状）に復元することはない。また、切欠きによって低下した屈曲部の強度が固定材によって補強されている。
【００１２】
このため、この目地部材によれば、屈曲縁部によって形成される目地内に保持した脚部が目地内から外れることがなく、高度な技量を有しない作業者であっても取扱いが容易かつ良好な仕上がりの下で目地を隠蔽することができる。また、この目地部材は、押出成形機等により頭部の断面形状が規定されていることから、作業者の技量によって頭部の厚みが厚すぎたり薄すぎたりすることがなく、仕上がりのバラツキも小さくなる。さらに、この目地部材は、予め工場生産され得ることから、施工作業時に揮発性の溶剤を使用する必要がなく、作業環境を悪化させることもない。
【００１３】
したがって、この目地部材によれば、高度な技量を有しない作業者であっても、取扱いが容易で、仕上がりのバラツキも小さく、好適な作業環境の下、さほどのコストアップを生じることなく、屈曲縁部によって形成される目地を好適に隠蔽することができる。
【００１４】
固定材の形状は限定されないが、板状をなしていることが好ましい。目地は通常幅が狭いため、固定材が板状であれば、そのような目地に本発明の目地部材を装着した場合であっても固定材が邪魔になることはなく、目地を隠蔽することができる。
【００１５】
固定材の縁部は頭部の裏面に当接していることが好ましい。こうであれば、頭部を確実に屈曲縁部に沿う形状とすることができ、屈曲縁部によって形成される目地を確実に隠蔽することができる。この場合において、頭部の裏面には固定材の周縁部が嵌合する嵌合溝が形成されていることがさらに好ましい。こうであれば、固定材の周縁部を頭部の嵌合溝に嵌合させることにより、頭部をより確実に屈曲縁部に沿う形状とすることができ、屈曲縁部によって形成される目地をより確実に隠蔽することができる。
【００１６】
固定材の周縁部の一部分は屈曲縁部に対応する形状に形成され、固定材の周縁部の他の一部分は形状の異なる他の屈曲縁部に対応する形状に形成されていることが好ましい。こうであれば、形状の異なる屈曲縁部に対応した少なくとも二つの目地部材に対し、単一形状の固定材を共用することが可能となる。このため、部品点数を削減でき、ひいては製造コストの低廉化を図ることができる。
【００１７】
固定材の材料は必ずしも限定されないが、固定材が脚部を形成する材料と相溶性のある材料からなり、固定材と脚部とが熱溶着されていることが好ましい。固定材が脚部を形成する材料と相溶性のある材料であれば、固定材と脚部とを熱溶着することが容易となり、その接着強度も大きなものとなる。このため、脚部と固定材とを固定する手段として、接着剤や止め具等が必要でなくなり、製造コストの低廉化を図ることができる。ここで、相溶性のある材料としては、固定材と脚部とをともにポリプロピレン（ＰＰ）としたり、ともにポリ塩化ビニル（ＰＶＣ）としたりすることができる。なお、固定材は透明又は半透明のものを採用することが好ましい。こうであれば、固定材を脚部に固定する場合、目視によりその固定位置を確認することができるため、固定材の位置決めを正確かつ容易に行うことができる。
【００１８】
脚部は、第１構造物の縁部及び／又は第２構造物の縁部に係止可能な係止部を有することが好ましい。こうであれば、目地部材を目地内に装着する際、係止部が第１構造物の縁部及び／又は第２構造物の縁部に係止されることとなり、目地部材を好適に目地に装着することができる。
【００１９】
係止部は、横断面において、目地幅よりも厚い部分を有し、そこから先端に向かって徐々に薄くなる凸部をもつことが好ましい。こうであれば、脚部を目地内に挿入して係止部を第１構造物の縁部及び／又は第２構造物の縁部に係止させる際、脚部はその凸部から円滑に挿入され、さらに凸部を越えた段階で、挿入の抵抗が突然減少し、手ごたえの変化あるいは嵌合音が発生することとなる。このため、施工作業者は脚部が係止されたことを目視で確認することなく容易に知覚することができ、目地部材の目地への装着を確実にすることができる。また、こうして、凸部を越えれば、再び脚部を引き上げることに抵抗を生じるため、脚部が目地から抜け難くなる。このため、脚部を第１構造物の縁部及び／又は第２構造物の縁部に確実に係止することができる。
【００２０】
凸部は頭部とともに第１構造物の縁部と嵌合可能な凹部を形成し、脚部における凹部の裏面側には、第２構造物との干渉によって弾性変形して脚部を第１構造物側に付勢するリップが第２構造物側に突出していることが好ましい。こうであれば、脚部を目地内に挿入する際、リップが弾性変形してその挿入の邪魔にならず、凹部に第１構造物の縁部が嵌合すれば、頭部が第１構造物の表面と好適に当接する。また、リップが第２構造物との干渉によって復元方向に弾性変形して脚部を第１構造物側に付勢する。このため、目地部材が容易に目地に装着されるとともに、目地内に挿入された脚部が抜け難く、脚部の第１構造物への係止がさらに確実なものとなる。また、リップは第２構造物側に突出しているため、リップによって第２構造物と脚部との間のシール性が向上する。
【００２１】
この場合において、凹部内には、第１構造物の縁部との干渉によって弾性変形してその縁部と凹部の表面とに密着するクッションが設けられていることがさらに好ましい。こうであれば、クッションによって第１構造物の縁部と脚部の凹部との間のシール性が向上する。クッションとしては、ポリエチレン（ＰＥ）、エチレン−プロピレン−ジエン共重合体（ＥＰＤＭ）、ポリウレタン（ＰＵ）等からなる弾性体、それらからなる発泡体、それらからなるペースト状のシーリング剤等を採用することができる。
【００２２】
頭部は弾性変形可能な材料からなり、脚部は剛性のある材料からなることが好ましい。頭部が弾性変形可能な材料であれば、頭部が第１構造物の表面及び第２構造物の表面に密着しやすいため、隙間が形成されることがなく、目地を良好に隠蔽することができ、さらには頭部と第１構造物及び第２構造物との間のシール性が向上することとなる。また、脚部が剛性のある材料であれば、脚部を目地内に容易に挿入することができる。弾性変形可能な材料としては、オレフィン系エラストマー（ＴＰＯ）やスチレン系エラストマー等の熱可塑性エラストマー（ＴＰＥ）、軟質ポリ塩化ビニル（ＰＶＣ）、ポリエチレン（ＰＥ）、エチレン−プロピレン−ジエン共重合体（ＥＰＤＭ）、ポリウレタン（ＰＵ）等を採用することができる。剛性のある材料としては、ＰＰ、硬質ＰＶＣ等を採用することができる。
【００２３】
脚部における凹部の裏面側にリップが突出している場合、頭部は弾性変形可能な材料からなり、脚部は剛性のある材料からなり、リップは頭部と同一の弾性変形可能な材料からなることがさらに好ましい。これにより脚部が目地内に好適に保持され、頭部が目地を隙間なく隠蔽しやすい。また、頭部とリップとが同一の弾性変形可能な材料からなれば、目地部材を構成する材料の種類が少なくなり、例えばこの目地部材を押出成形機等によって製造する場合、成形機の構造を簡素化することができ、ひいては製造コストを低廉化できる。ここで、脚部は頭部及びリップと相溶性のある材料からなることが好ましい。こうであれば、頭部やリップを成形と同時に脚部と一体化することができる。相溶性のある材の組み合わせとしては、脚部をＰＰとし、頭部及びリップをＴＰＯ又はＴＰＥとしたり、脚部を硬質ＰＶＣとし、頭部及びリップを軟質ＰＶＣとしたりすることができる。
【００２４】
凹部内にクッションが設けられている場合、頭部は弾性変形可能な材料からなり、脚部は剛性のある材料からなり、クッションは頭部と同一の材料からなることが好ましい。これにより脚部が目地内に好適に保持され、頭部が目地を隙間なく隠蔽しやすい。また、頭部とクッションとが同一の弾性変形可能な材料からなれば、目地部材を構成する材料の種類が少なくなり、製造コストを低廉化することができる。ここで、脚部は頭部及びクッションと相溶性のある材料からなることが好ましい。こうであれば、頭部やクッションを脚部と一体にしやすい。相溶性のある材料の組み合わせとしては、脚部をＰＰとし、頭部及びクッションをＴＰＯ又はＴＰＥとしたり、脚部を硬質ＰＶＣとし、頭部及びクッションを軟質ＰＶＣとしたりすることができる。
【００２５】
本発明の目地部材の製造方法は、第１構造物と第２構造物とが隣り合って配置される場合、該第１構造物の縁部と該第２構造物の縁部とによって形成される目地に装着される長尺状のものであって、該第１構造物の表面及び該第２構造物の表面と当接して該目地を隠蔽する頭部と、該目地への装着時に該頭部の裏面から該頭部と一体をなして該目地の深さ方向に延出し、該目地内に保持される脚部とを備えた目地部材の製造方法において、
【００２６】
前記頭部と前記脚部とを備えた長尺状の本体を一体成形する成形工程と、
【００２７】
前記第１構造物の縁部及び／又は前記第２構造物の縁部が前記深さ方向において屈曲する屈曲縁部である場合に、該屈曲縁部に対応する位置に該脚部を長手方向において部分的に除去した切欠きを形成する切欠き形成工程と、
【００２８】
該頭部を該屈曲縁部の形状に沿って該深さ方向に屈曲し、該脚部の該屈曲縁部に対応する位置に屈曲部を形成する曲げ工程と、
【００２９】
該脚部の該屈曲部に固定材を固定し、該頭部を該屈曲縁部に沿う形状に固定する固定工程とを備えたことを特徴とする。
【００３０】
本発明の製造方法では、成形工程によって、頭部と脚部とを備えた長尺状の本体を一体成形する。一体成形の方法としては、例えば互いに相溶性を有する頭部用の材料と脚部用の材料とを同時に押出成形機によって成形することができる。これにより、頭部と脚部とを別々に成形した後、これらを一体化するといった工程は不要となり、本体を簡易に製造することができる。そして、第１構造物の縁部及び／又は第２構造物の縁部が深さ方向において屈曲する屈曲縁部である場合、切欠き形成工程によって、屈曲縁部に対応する位置に脚部を長手方向において部分的に除去した切欠きを形成する。そして、曲げ工程によって、頭部を屈曲縁部の形状に沿って深さ方向に屈曲し、脚部の屈曲縁部に対応する位置に屈曲部を形成する。この後、固定工程において、屈曲部に固定材を固定し、頭部を屈曲縁部に沿う形状に固定する。こうして、本発明の目地部材が得られる。
【００３１】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下、本発明の目地部材及びその製造方法を具体化した実施形態１〜３を図面を参照しつつ説明する。
【００３２】
（実施形態１）
図１及び図２に示すように、実施形態１の目地部材１０は、第１構造物としての浴槽１と、第２構造物としての浴室の壁２とによって形成される幅ｌ₁（図１２参照）の目地に装着されるものである。浴槽１を正面に見た場合の右側の壁２の縁部と浴槽１の手前側の角の縁部とは目地の深さ方向において屈曲する屈曲縁部１ａとされている。
【００３３】
この目地部材１０は、図３に示すように、本体１１と、本体１１に熱溶着された固定材１２とからなる。
【００３４】
本体１１は、図４に示すように、横断面が略Ｔ字形状とされた長尺状のものであり、ＴＰＯからなる幅ｌ₂の頭部１３と、頭部１３の裏面側で頭部１３と一体をなして延出し、ＰＰからなる脚部１４と、脚部１４の一面側から脚部１４と一体をなして頭部１３に向かって斜めに突出するＴＰＯからなるリップ１５とからなる。ここで、頭部１３は目地を隠蔽する必要があるため、ｌ₂＞ｌ₁とされている。
【００３５】
頭部１３を上方に位置させた場合、頭部１３は上面が下方へ僅かに傾斜した丸みのある略鈍角三角形の横断面形状をなしている。頭部１３の下面と脚部１４とは直角になっている。脚部１４の下端には、横断面において、リップ１５とは反対側の他面側に突出する目地幅よりも厚い部分を有し、そこから先端に向かって徐々に薄くなる凸部１４ａが形成されている。ここで、凸部１４ａの最も厚い部分の幅をｌ₃とすると、ｌ₃＞ｌ₁とされている。凸部１４ａは頭部１３とともに浴槽１３の縁部と嵌合可能な凹部１４ｂを形成している。凹部１４ｂにおける頭部１３の下面と凸部１４ａの上端との距離は、浴槽１（図２参照）の縁部の厚みより僅かに長くされている。また、脚部１４には凹部１４ｂとは反対側にリップ５とほぼ同じ長さの幅をもつ収納溝１４ｃが形成されており、収納溝１４ｃの凸部１４ａ側からリップ１５が突出している。また、リップ５を含めた脚部１４の最大幅ｌ₄は、ｌ₄＞ｌ₁とされている。
【００３６】
図３に示す固定材１２は板状のＰＰからなる。この固定材１２の周縁部は、対角線方向に第１曲線部１２ａと第２曲線部１２ｂとを有している。第１曲線部１２ａは緩やかに屈曲する鈍角によって端が結ばれた複数の短い直線によって形成されている。第２曲線部１２ｂは円弧によって形成されている。
【００３７】
この目地部材１０は、以下の各工程を経て製造される。
【００３８】
＜成形工程＞
本体１１の横断面形状とほぼ同じ形状の開口を有する図示しないダイを用意する。このダイには熱溶融されたＴＰＯとＰＰとが供給されるようになっている。そして、ダイにＴＰＯ及びＰＰを供給し、本体１１を押出成形する。こうして、図５に示すように、頭部１３と脚部１４とリップ１５とからなる長尺状の本体１１を簡易に一体成形する。この際、ＴＰＯとＰＰとは相溶性を有するため、頭部１３及び脚部１４並びにリップ１５及び脚部１４が熱溶着し、大きな結合強度で一体化する。こうして得られた本体１１は、例えば浴槽１の縁部及び／又は壁２の縁部が屈曲縁部１ａでない場合の目地部材１０、２０としてそのまま採用され得る形状である。
【００３９】
＜切欠き形成工程＞
屈曲縁部１ａ用の目地部材１０を製造するため、プレス機等により、図６に示すように、本体１１に例えば切欠き１４ｄ、１４ｅを形成する。これらの切欠き１４ｄ、１４ｅは、屈曲縁部１ａに対応する位置において、脚部１４を長手方向において部分的に除去したものである。なお、プレス型によって切欠き１４ｄ、１４ｅを形成する場合には、同一形状の切欠き１４ｄ、１４ｅを高い精度で形成することができるため、少品種の目地部材１０を大量に生産する場合に好適である。一方、レーザ加工機を用いて切欠き１４ｄ、１４ｅを形成する場合には、プレス型が不要となるため、少量多品種の目地部材１０の製造コストを低廉化することができる。
【００４０】
＜曲げ工程＞
図７に示すように、頭部１３を例えば屈曲縁部１ａの形状に対応した溝を有する型に嵌め込む等の方法により屈曲し、脚部１４の屈曲縁部１ａに対応する位置に屈曲部１４ｆを形成する。この際、切欠き１４ｄ、１４ｅがあることによって脚部１４の残りが互いに近づくことができるため、切欠き１４ｄ、１４ｅ部分に残った頭部１３を湾曲させることが可能となっている。
【００４１】
＜固定工程＞
また、透明なＰＰからなる薄板をプレス機によって打ち抜く等して、固定材１２を用意する。そして、固定材１２の第１曲線部１２ａを屈曲部１４ｆの裏面に当接させ、例えばハンダゴテ等の熱した図示しない治具により脚部１４及びリップ１５と固定材１２とを所定の間隔で熱溶着する。図３中、符号１６を付した複数の部分が熱溶着した部分である。ここで、固定材１２と脚部１４とがともにＰＰであり、リップ１５もＰＰとの相溶性に優れたＴＰＯであるため、熱溶着が容易であり、その接着強度も大きなものとなる。また、固定材１２が透明であるため、固定材１２を脚部１４に固定する際、固定材１２の位置決めを正確かつ容易に行うことができる。こうして、屈曲部１４ｆに固定材１２を固定し、頭部１３を屈曲縁部１ａに沿う形状に固定する。これにより、図３に示す目地部材１０が得られる。ここで、固定方法は熱溶着に限らず、ステープラによって固定したり、接着剤によって固定したりすることも可能である。また、＜曲げ工程＞において固定材１２の第１曲線部１２ａに沿って頭部１３を変形させて屈曲部１４ｆを成形することもできる。この場合、曲げ加工のための型等の治具が不要となり、特に少量の目地部材１０の生産には好適である。
【００４２】
また、他の異なる形状の屈曲縁部用の目地部材２０を製造するためには、＜切欠き形成工程＞として、図８に示すように、本体１１に例えば切欠き１４ｇを形成する。そして、図９に示すように、＜曲げ工程＞として、頭部１３をその屈曲縁部の形状に沿って深さ方向に屈曲し、脚部１４の屈曲縁部に対応する位置に屈曲部１４ｈを形成する。この後、＜固定工程＞として、固定材１２の第２曲線部１２ｂを屈曲部１４ｈの裏面に当接し、脚部１４及びリップ１５と固定材１２とを所定の間隔で熱溶着する。
【００４３】
得られた目地部材１０、２０は、図１に示す浴槽１の縁部と浴室の壁２とによって形成された目地に対し、以下のように施工される。すなわち、図１０に示すように、施工作業者は目地部材１０、２０の脚部１４及び固定材１２を目地内に挿入する。この際、脚部１４が剛性のあるＰＰからなるため、挿入力のロスが少なく、脚部１４を目地内に容易に挿入することができる。そして、脚部１４の凸部１４ａはその横断面における厚さが下方に向かって徐々に薄くなるように形成されているため、それほどの抵抗感なく円滑に挿入され、さらに凸部１４ａが浴槽１の厚みを越えた段階で挿入の抵抗が突然減少する。このため、手ごたえが変化し、係止部１４ａ、１４ｂが浴槽１の縁部１ａに勢いよく当たることにより嵌合音（クリック音）が生じる。また、凸部１４ａが浴槽１の厚みを越えれば、凸部１４ａが目地幅よりも厚い部分を有するため、再び脚部１４を引き上げることに抵抗を生じ、脚部１４が目地から抜け難くなる。
【００４４】
また、脚部１４を目地内に挿入する際、リップ１５が弾性変形して収納溝１４ｃ（図４参照）に収納される。このため、リップ１５はその挿入の邪魔にならない。これにより、凸部１４ａと頭部１３とで形成される凹部１４ｂが浴槽１の縁部に嵌合する。この際、リップ１５は頭部１３が浴槽１の表面と好適に当接する。また、リップ１５が壁２との干渉によって復元方向に弾性変形し、脚部１４を浴槽１側に付勢する。
【００４５】
こうして、目地部材１０、２０が容易に目地に装着されるとともに、目地内に挿入された脚部１４が抜け難く、脚部１４の浴槽１への係止がさらに確実なものとなっている。また、頭部１３が弾性変形可能なＴＰＯからなるため、頭部１３が浴槽１の表面及び壁２の表面に密着しやすく、隙間が生じ難い。このため、目地の隠蔽が確実となり、さらに頭部１３と浴槽１及び壁２との間のシール性が向上している。また、リップ１５が壁２側に突出しているため、リップ１５によって壁２と脚部１４との間のシール性が向上する。
【００４６】
特に、浴槽１の屈曲縁部１ａと浴室の壁２とによって形成された目地に対しては、屈曲縁部１ａ用の目地部材１０を用いる。この目地部材１０は、図１１及び図１２に示すように、脚部１４の屈曲部１４ｆに固定材１２が熱溶着されているため、頭部１３が屈曲縁部１ａに沿う形状に固定され、湾曲した頭部１３が弾性力によって元の長尺状（直線状）に復元することはない。
【００４７】
このため、この目地部材１０によれば、屈曲縁部１ａによって形成される目地内に保持した脚部１４が目地内から外れることがなく、高度な技量を有しない作業者であっても容易かつ良好な仕上がりの下で目地を隙間なく隠蔽することができる。また、この目地部材１０は、押出成形機により頭部１３の断面形状が一定に規定されていることから、作業者の技量によって頭部１３の厚みが厚すぎたり薄すぎたりすることがなく、仕上がりのバラツキも小さくなる。さらに、この目地部材１０は、予め工場生産されていることから、施工作業時に揮発性の溶剤を使用する必要がなく、作業環境を悪化させることもない。また、シーリング剤による施工において必要とされる硬化完了までの養生時間も必要ない。
【００４８】
したがって、この目地部材１０によれば、高度な技量を有しない作業者であっても、取扱いが容易で、仕上がりのバラツキも小さく、好適な作業環境の下、さほどのコストアップを生じることなく、屈曲縁部１ａによって形成される目地を短時間で好適に隠蔽することができる。
【００４９】
他の屈曲縁部によって形成された目地に対しては、他の屈曲縁部用の目地部材２０を用いる。この目地部材２０には、固定部材１０に使用したものと同一の形状の固定材１２を共用できることから、部品点数を削減でき、ひいては製造コストの低廉化を図ることができる。
【００５０】
なお、実施形態１の変形例として、図１３に示すように、凹部１４ｂ内にＴＰＯからなる長手方向に複数条で延びるクッション１７を設けることもできる。こうであれば、クッション１７によって浴槽１の縁部と脚部１４の凹部１４ｂとの間のシール性が向上する。
【００５１】
（実施形態２）
図１４及び図１５に示すように、実施形態２の目地部材３０では、頭部１８の裏面に固定材１２の周縁部を嵌合可能な嵌合溝１８ａが形成されている。他の構成は実施形態１の目地部材１０、２０と同様であり、同一の構成については同一の符号を付して詳細な説明を省略する。
【００５２】
この目地部材３０では、固定材１２の第１曲線部１２ａを頭部１８の嵌合溝１８ａに嵌合させることにより、固定材１２の位置決めが正確となり、ずれを防止することができる。このため、頭部１８をより確実に屈曲縁部１ａに沿う形状とすることができ、屈曲縁部１ａによって形成される目地をより確実に隠蔽することができる。他の作用効果は実施形態１の目地部材と同様である。
【００５３】
（実施形態３）
図１６に示すように、実施形態３の目地部材４０では、一つの切欠き１４ｉにより脚部１４の残りが遠ざかる（切欠き１４ｉが広がる）ように屈曲部１４ｊが形成されており、屈曲部１４ｊには略Ｌ字形状の固定材１９が熱溶着されている。その他の構成は実施形態１の目地部材１０、２０と同様であり、同一の構成については同一の符号を付して詳細な説明を省略する。
【００５４】
この目地部材４０によれば、脚部１４の屈曲部１４ｊが頭部１３を凹状に湾曲するように形成されているため、深さ方向に窪んだ目地の隙間を隠蔽することができる。他の作用効果は実施形態１の目地部材と同様である。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】実施形態１の目地部材を使用する浴室等の斜視図である。
【図２】図１の拡大図である。
【図３】実施形態１の目地部材の平面図である。
【図４】実施形態１の目地部材に係り、図５のＤ−Ｄ矢視に相当する本体の断面図である。
【図５】実施形態１の目地部材に係る本体の平面図である。
【図６】実施形態１の目地部材に係る本体の切欠き形成後の平面図である。
【図７】実施形態１の目地部材の製造方法における曲げ工程及び固定工程を示す平面図である。
【図８】実施形態１の他の本体の平面図である。
【図９】実施形態１の他の目地部材の平面図である。
【図１０】実施形態１の目地部材の使用状態を示す図２のＡ−Ａ矢視断面図である。
【図１１】実施形態１の目地部材の使用状態を示す図２のＢ−Ｂ矢視断面図である。
【図１２】実施形態１の目地部材の使用状態を示す図２のＣ−Ｃ矢視断面図である。
【図１３】実施形態１の目地部材の変形例に係る本体の断面図である。
【図１４】実施形態２の目地部材の固定工程における断面図である。
【図１５】実施形態２の目地部材の断面図である。
【図１６】実施形態３の目地部材の平面図である。
【符号の説明】
１…第１構造物（浴槽）
２…第２構造物（壁）
１ａ…屈曲縁部
１３、１８…頭部
１４…脚部
１４ｄ、１４ｅ、１４ｇ、１４ｉ…切欠き
１２、１９…固定材
１８ａ…嵌合溝
１４ａ、１４ｂ…係止部（１４ａ…凸部、１４ｂ…凹部）
１５…リップ
１６…クッション
１４ｆ、１４ｈ、１４ｊ…屈曲部[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a long joint member that is attached to a joint formed by both edges of each structure and a manufacturing method thereof when two structures are arranged next to each other. The joint member according to the present invention is suitable for concealing joints such as between a bathroom wall and a bathtub, between a washroom wall and a washstand, and between a kitchen wall and a sink.
[0002]
[Prior art]
For example, when the first structure and the second structure are arranged next to each other like a bathroom wall and a bathtub, the edge is formed by the edge of the first structure and the edge of the second structure. Generally, a sealant is used to conceal the joints. This sealant is made of a pasty silicone resin or the like and has a property of curing in the air. For this reason, if this sealant is applied to the joint with a thickness, the sealant is cured with time and the joint can be concealed.
[0003]
However, when the sealant is used, the sealant must be manually applied to the joint, so that the finish and the failure depend on the skill of the operator, and the finish variation tends to increase. In particular, when the edge of the first structure and / or the edge of the second structure is a bent edge that is bent in the depth direction of the joint, the difficulty of the work increases, There is a possibility that the amount of application to the joints is too large and the appearance is deteriorated, or conversely, the amount of the application is too small to cause a portion where the joints are not concealed. Moreover, when the volatile solvent is contained in the sealant, when performing the work, the solvent may be volatilized and the working environment may be deteriorated. In particular, when the work is performed in a narrow and easily sealed place such as a bathroom, the risk is high, and the time until the sealant is completely cured is increased.
[0004]
For this reason, it is also conceivable to employ joint members described in JP-A-8-187198, JP-A-7-82910, or JP-A-7-76940. These joint members are elongate attached to the joint, and include a head and legs extending in the depth direction of the joint from the back of the head when attached to the joint. These joint members can be integrally formed as a long one having a head portion and a leg portion. When these joint members are used, a joint member having a necessary length is prepared in advance, and its leg portion is inserted into the joint. Thereby, a leg part is hold | maintained in a joint and a head can contact | abut to the surface of a 1st structure and the surface of a 2nd structure, and can conceal a joint. Thus, according to these joint members, even a worker who does not have a high level of skill can easily conceal the joints. In addition, since the cross-sectional shape of the head of these joint members is regulated by an extrusion molding machine or the like, the thickness of the head does not become too thick or too thin depending on the skill of the operator. Also disappear. Furthermore, since these joint members are produced in the factory in advance, it is not necessary to use a volatile solvent during construction work, and the working environment is not deteriorated.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, since the conventional joint member is merely a straight long body formed by extrusion integral molding or the like, it is difficult to suitably conceal the joint formed by the bent edge as it is. However, it is not practical to shape the joint member in a shape along the bent edge in advance, and it is not practical and causes an increase in cost.
[0006]
For this reason, it is also conceivable to prepare an elongated joint member and form a notch in which the leg portion is partially removed in the longitudinal direction at a position corresponding to the bent edge portion of the joint member. In this way, the rest of the legs can approach or move away from each other by the notch, so the head can be curved while inserting the legs into the joint formed by the bent edges. It is considered that the joint can be suitably concealed.
[0007]
However, the joint member in which the notch is simply formed in the leg portion in this way is likely to be restored to the original long shape by the elastic force of the head. For this reason, the leg part held in the joint formed by the bent edge part may come off from the joint and the good finish may be impaired. In addition, the notched part has low strength because the legs are removed, stress concentrates during construction work and transportation, and the edge of the notched part is caught on the bent edge, etc. The member may be damaged.
[0008]
The present invention has been made in view of the above-described conventional situation, and even an operator who does not have a high level of skill is easy to handle, has little variation in the finish, and has a great deal under a suitable working environment. It is an object to be solved to provide a joint member that can suitably conceal the joint formed by the bent edge without increasing the cost.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
When the first structure and the second structure are arranged adjacent to each other, the joint member of the present invention is formed on the joint formed by the edge of the first structure and the edge of the second structure. A head that is attached to the surface of the first structure and the surface of the second structure so as to conceal the joint; and when the head is attached to the joint, In a joint member provided with a leg portion extending in the depth direction of the joint from the back surface and held in the joint,
[0010]
When the edge of the first structure and / or the edge of the second structure is a bent edge that bends in the depth direction, the leg is elongated at a position corresponding to the bent edge. A notch partially removed in the direction is formed, and a fixing material for fixing the head in a shape along the bent edge is fixed to the rest of the leg.
[0011]
In the joint member of the present invention, a notch is formed by partially removing the leg portion in the longitudinal direction at a position corresponding to the bent edge portion. For this reason, it becomes possible for the remainder of a leg part to approach or move away from each other by a notch, and to bend a head. Moreover, in this joint member, since the fixing material is fixed to the rest of the leg portion, the head portion is fixed to the shape along the bent edge portion, and the curved head portion is restored to the original long shape (linear shape) by the elastic force. ) Will not be restored. Further, the strength of the bent portion reduced by the notch is reinforced by the fixing material.
[0012]
For this reason, according to this joint member, the leg portion held in the joint formed by the bent edge portion does not come off from the joint, and even an operator who does not have a high level of skill can easily handle it. You can hide the joints under a delicate finish. In addition, since this joint member has a cross-sectional shape of the head defined by an extrusion molding machine or the like, the thickness of the head does not become too thick or too thin depending on the skill of the operator, and there are variations in the finish. Get smaller. Furthermore, since this joint member can be factory-produced in advance, it is not necessary to use a volatile solvent during construction work, and the working environment is not deteriorated.
[0013]
Therefore, according to this joint member, even an operator who does not have a high level of skill can easily handle, have small variations in finish, and bend without causing a significant increase in cost under a suitable working environment. The joint formed by the edge can be suitably concealed.
[0014]
The shape of the fixing material is not limited, but it is preferably a plate shape. Since the joints are usually narrow, if the fixing material is plate-like, the fixing material will not get in the way even if the joint member of the present invention is attached to such joints, and conceal the joints. Can do.
[0015]
The edge of the fixing member is preferably in contact with the back surface of the head. In this case, the head can be surely shaped along the bent edge, and the joint formed by the bent edge can be reliably concealed. In this case, it is more preferable that a fitting groove into which the peripheral portion of the fixing material is fitted is formed on the back surface of the head. In this case, by fitting the peripheral portion of the fixing member into the fitting groove of the head, the head can be more reliably shaped along the bent edge, and the joint formed by the bent edge Can be concealed more reliably.
[0016]
It is preferable that a part of the peripheral part of the fixing material is formed in a shape corresponding to the bent edge part, and another part of the peripheral part of the fixing material is formed in a shape corresponding to another bent edge part having a different shape. If it is like this, it will become possible to share a fixed material of a single shape with respect to at least two joint members corresponding to bent edges having different shapes. For this reason, the number of parts can be reduced, and as a result, the manufacturing cost can be reduced.
[0017]
The material of the fixing material is not necessarily limited, but it is preferable that the fixing material is made of a material compatible with the material forming the leg portion, and the fixing material and the leg portion are heat-welded. If the fixing material is a material compatible with the material forming the leg portion, it is easy to heat-weld the fixing material and the leg portion, and the adhesive strength is increased. For this reason, an adhesive, a stopper, etc. are no longer required as means for fixing the leg portion and the fixing member, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced. Here, as a compatible material, both the fixing material and the leg portion can be made of polypropylene (PP), or both can be made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The fixing material is preferably a transparent or translucent material. If it is like this, when fixing a fixing material to a leg part, since the fixing position can be confirmed by visual observation, positioning of a fixing material can be performed correctly and easily.
[0018]
It is preferable that a leg part has a latching | locking part which can be latched to the edge of a 1st structure, and / or the edge of a 2nd structure. In this case, when the joint member is mounted in the joint, the locking portion is locked to the edge of the first structure and / or the edge of the second structure, and the joint member is preferably connected to the joint. Can be attached to.
[0019]
It is preferable that the engaging portion has a convex portion that has a portion thicker than the joint width in the cross section and gradually becomes thinner toward the tip. In this case, when the leg portion is inserted into the joint and the locking portion is locked to the edge portion of the first structure and / or the edge portion of the second structure, the leg portion smoothly moves from the convex portion. At the stage of insertion and further beyond the convex portion, the resistance of insertion suddenly decreases, and a change in feel or a fitting sound is generated. For this reason, the construction worker can easily perceive that the leg portion is locked without visually confirming, and can ensure that the joint member is attached to the joint. In addition, if the convex portion is exceeded in this way, resistance is generated to pull up the leg portion again, so that the leg portion is difficult to come off from the joint. For this reason, a leg part can be reliably latched to the edge part of a 1st structure, and / or the edge part of a 2nd structure.
[0020]
The convex portion forms a concave portion that can be fitted with the edge portion of the first structure together with the head portion, and the leg portion is elastically deformed by the interference with the second structure on the back surface side of the concave portion in the leg portion. It is preferable that the lip urging toward the structure side protrudes toward the second structure side. If this is the case, when the leg portion is inserted into the joint, the lip is elastically deformed and does not obstruct the insertion. If the edge of the first structure is fitted in the recess, the head portion has the first structure. It preferably abuts the surface of the object. Further, the lip is elastically deformed in the restoring direction by the interference with the second structure, and the leg portion is urged toward the first structure. For this reason, the joint member is easily attached to the joint, and the leg portion inserted into the joint is difficult to come out, and the locking of the leg portion to the first structure is further ensured. Moreover, since the lip protrudes to the second structure side, the sealing performance between the second structure and the leg portion is improved by the lip.
[0021]
In this case, it is more preferable that a cushion that is elastically deformed by interference with the edge of the first structure and is in close contact with the edge and the surface of the recess is provided in the recess. If it is this, the sealing performance between the edge part of a 1st structure and the recessed part of a leg part will improve with a cushion. As the cushion, an elastic body made of polyethylene (PE), ethylene-propylene-diene copolymer (EPDM), polyurethane (PU), etc., a foam made of them, a paste-like sealing agent made of them, etc. Can do.
[0022]
The head is preferably made of an elastically deformable material, and the leg is preferably made of a rigid material. If the head is made of an elastically deformable material, the head easily adheres to the surface of the first structure and the surface of the second structure, so that a gap is not formed and the joint is well concealed. In addition, the sealing performance between the head and the first structure and the second structure is improved. Moreover, if a leg part is a rigid material, a leg part can be easily inserted in a joint. Examples of elastically deformable materials include thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) such as olefin elastomers (TPO) and styrene elastomers, soft polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene (PE), and ethylene-propylene-diene copolymers (EPDM). ), Polyurethane (PU) or the like can be employed. PP, hard PVC, etc. can be used as the rigid material.
[0023]
When the lip protrudes on the back side of the recess in the leg, the head is made of an elastically deformable material, the leg is made of a rigid material, and the lip is made of the same elastically deformable material as the head. More preferably. Thereby, a leg part is suitably hold | maintained in a joint and a head tends to conceal a joint without a gap. Further, if the head and the lip are made of the same elastically deformable material, the number of materials constituting the joint member is reduced. For example, when the joint member is manufactured by an extrusion molding machine or the like, the structure of the molding machine is reduced. This simplifies the manufacturing cost. Here, the leg is preferably made of a material compatible with the head and the lip. In this way, the head and lip can be integrated with the leg at the same time as molding. As a combination of compatible materials, PP can be used for the leg portion, TPO or TPE can be used for the head portion and the lip portion, hard PVC can be used for the leg portion, and soft PVC can be used for the head portion and lip.
[0024]
When the cushion is provided in the recess, the head is preferably made of an elastically deformable material, the leg is made of a rigid material, and the cushion is preferably made of the same material as the head. Thereby, a leg part is suitably hold | maintained in a joint and a head tends to conceal a joint without a gap. Moreover, if the head and the cushion are made of the same elastically deformable material, the types of materials constituting the joint member are reduced, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced. Here, the leg is preferably made of a material compatible with the head and the cushion. If it is like this, it will be easy to unite a head and a cushion with a leg. As a combination of compatible materials, PP can be used for the leg portion, TPO or TPE can be used for the head portion and cushion, hard PVC can be used for the leg portion, and soft PVC can be used for the head portion and cushion.
[0025]
The joint member manufacturing method of the present invention is formed by the edge of the first structure and the edge of the second structure when the first structure and the second structure are arranged adjacent to each other. A head that is attached to the joint and has a head that contacts the surface of the first structure and the surface of the second structure to conceal the joint; In a method for manufacturing a joint member comprising a leg portion integrally formed with the head from the back surface of the head portion, extending in the depth direction of the joint joint, and being held in the joint joint,
[0026]
A molding step of integrally molding a long main body including the head and the leg; and
[0027]
When the edge of the first structure and / or the edge of the second structure is a bent edge that bends in the depth direction, the leg is placed in the longitudinal direction at a position corresponding to the bent edge. A notch forming step for forming a partially removed notch in
[0028]
Bending the head in the depth direction along the shape of the bent edge, and forming a bent portion at a position corresponding to the bent edge of the leg;
[0029]
A fixing step of fixing a fixing material to the bent portion of the leg portion and fixing the head portion to a shape along the bent edge portion.
[0030]
In the manufacturing method of the present invention, a long main body having a head portion and a leg portion is integrally formed by a forming step. As an integral molding method, for example, a head material and a leg material, which are compatible with each other, can be simultaneously molded by an extruder. Thereby, after forming a head part and a leg part separately, the process of integrating these becomes unnecessary, and a main body can be manufactured simply. Then, when the edge of the first structure and / or the edge of the second structure is a bent edge that bends in the depth direction, the leg portion is positioned at a position corresponding to the bent edge by the notch forming step. A notch partially removed in the longitudinal direction is formed. Then, by bending, the head is bent in the depth direction along the shape of the bent edge, and a bent portion is formed at a position corresponding to the bent edge of the leg. Thereafter, in the fixing step, a fixing material is fixed to the bent portion, and the head is fixed to a shape along the bent edge portion. Thus, the joint member of the present invention is obtained.
[0031]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, Embodiments 1 to 3 embodying a joint member and a manufacturing method thereof according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0032]
(Embodiment 1)
As shown in FIG.1 and FIG.2, the joint member 10 of Embodiment 1 is the width | variety l formed by the bathtub 1 as a 1st structure, and the wall 2 of the bathroom as a 2nd structure. ₁ (See FIG. 12). When the bathtub 1 is viewed from the front, the edge of the right wall 2 and the edge of the front corner of the bathtub 1 are bent edges 1a that bend in the depth direction of the joint.
[0033]
As shown in FIG. 3, the joint member 10 includes a main body 11 and a fixing material 12 thermally welded to the main body 11.
[0034]
As shown in FIG. 4, the main body 11 has an elongated shape with a substantially T-shaped cross section, and has a width l made of TPO. ₂ The head 13 extends integrally with the head 13 on the back side of the head 13, and the leg 14 made of PP, and the head 13 integrally with the leg 14 from one side of the leg 14. And a lip 15 made of TPO projecting obliquely toward. Here, since the head 13 needs to conceal the joint, l ₂ > L ₁ It is said that.
[0035]
When the head 13 is positioned upward, the head 13 has a rounded substantially obtuse triangular cross-sectional shape with a rounded top surface slightly inclined downward. The lower surface of the head 13 and the leg 14 are at right angles. At the lower end of the leg portion 14, there is formed a convex portion 14 a having a portion thicker than the joint width projecting on the other surface side opposite to the lip 15 in the cross section and gradually becoming thinner from there. Has been. Here, the width of the thickest portion of the convex portion 14a is set to l _Three Then l _Three > L ₁ It is said that. The convex portion 14 a forms a concave portion 14 b that can be fitted with the edge portion of the bathtub 13 together with the head portion 13. The distance between the lower surface of the head 13 and the upper end of the protrusion 14a in the recess 14b is slightly longer than the thickness of the edge of the bathtub 1 (see FIG. 2). In addition, a storage groove 14c having a width substantially the same as that of the lip 5 is formed on the leg portion 14 on the side opposite to the concave portion 14b, and the lip 15 projects from the convex portion 14a side of the storage groove 14c. In addition, the maximum width l of the leg portion 14 including the lip 5 _Four Is l _Four > L ₁ It is said that.
[0036]
The fixing member 12 shown in FIG. 3 is made of plate-like PP. The peripheral portion of the fixing member 12 has a first curved portion 12a and a second curved portion 12b in a diagonal direction. The first curved portion 12a is formed by a plurality of short straight lines whose ends are connected by an obtuse angle that gently bends. The second curved portion 12b is formed by an arc.
[0037]
This joint member 10 is manufactured through the following steps.
[0038]
<Molding process>
A die (not shown) having an opening having substantially the same shape as the cross-sectional shape of the main body 11 is prepared. The die is supplied with hot melted TPO and PP. Then, TPO and PP are supplied to the die, and the main body 11 is extruded. Thus, as shown in FIG. 5, the long main body 11 including the head portion 13, the leg portion 14, and the lip 15 is simply formed integrally. At this time, since TPO and PP have compatibility, the head portion 13 and the leg portion 14 and the lip 15 and the leg portion 14 are heat-welded and integrated with a large bonding strength. The main body 11 thus obtained has a shape that can be employed as it is as the joint members 10 and 20 when the edge of the bathtub 1 and / or the edge of the wall 2 is not the bent edge 1a.
[0039]
<Cut forming process>
In order to manufacture the joint member 10 for the bent edge portion 1a, notches 14d and 14e are formed in the main body 11, for example, as shown in FIG. These notches 14d and 14e are obtained by partially removing the leg portion 14 in the longitudinal direction at a position corresponding to the bent edge portion 1a. In the case where the notches 14d and 14e are formed by a press die, the notches 14d and 14e having the same shape can be formed with high accuracy, which is preferable when a small variety of joint members 10 are produced in large quantities. It is. On the other hand, when the notches 14d and 14e are formed by using a laser processing machine, a press die is not necessary, and therefore the manufacturing cost of the small quantity and high variety of joint members 10 can be reduced.
[0040]
<Bending process>
As shown in FIG. 7, the head 13 is bent by a method such as fitting into a mold having a groove corresponding to the shape of the bent edge 1 a, and the bent portion is positioned at a position corresponding to the bent edge 1 a of the leg 14. 14f is formed. At this time, since the remaining portions of the leg portions 14 can approach each other due to the presence of the notches 14d and 14e, the head 13 remaining in the portions of the notches 14d and 14e can be curved.
[0041]
<Fixing process>
Further, the fixing material 12 is prepared by punching a thin plate made of transparent PP with a press machine. Then, the first curved portion 12a of the fixing member 12 is brought into contact with the back surface of the bent portion 14f, and the leg portion 14 and the lip 15 and the fixing member 12 are heated at a predetermined interval by a heated jig (not shown) such as a soldering iron. Weld. In FIG. 3, a plurality of portions denoted by reference numeral 16 are heat-welded portions. Here, since both the fixing member 12 and the leg portion 14 are PP, and the lip 15 is also a TPO excellent in compatibility with PP, thermal welding is easy, and the adhesive strength is large. Moreover, since the fixing material 12 is transparent, when fixing the fixing material 12 to the leg part 14, the positioning of the fixing material 12 can be performed accurately and easily. Thus, the fixing member 12 is fixed to the bent portion 14f, and the head 13 is fixed to a shape along the bent edge portion 1a. Thereby, the joint member 10 shown in FIG. 3 is obtained. Here, the fixing method is not limited to heat welding, and fixing with a stapler or fixing with an adhesive is also possible. Further, in the <bending step>, the bent portion 14f can be formed by deforming the head 13 along the first curved portion 12a of the fixing member 12. In this case, a jig such as a mold for bending is not necessary, which is particularly suitable for producing a small amount of the joint member 10.
[0042]
Moreover, in order to manufacture the joint member 20 for the bending edge part of another different shape, as shown in FIG. 8, for example, the notch 14g is formed in the main body 11 as <notch formation process>. Then, as shown in FIG. 9, as the <bending step>, the head 13 is bent in the depth direction along the shape of the bent edge, and the bent portion 14h is located at a position corresponding to the bent edge of the leg portion 14. Form. Thereafter, as a <fixing step>, the second curved portion 12b of the fixing member 12 is brought into contact with the back surface of the bent portion 14h, and the leg portion 14 and the lip 15 and the fixing member 12 are thermally welded at a predetermined interval.
[0043]
The obtained joint members 10 and 20 are applied to the joint formed by the edge of the bathtub 1 and the bathroom wall 2 shown in FIG. 1 as follows. That is, as shown in FIG. 10, the construction worker inserts the leg portions 14 and the fixing member 12 of the joint members 10 and 20 into the joint. At this time, since the leg portion 14 is made of PP having rigidity, there is little loss of insertion force, and the leg portion 14 can be easily inserted into the joint. And since the convex part 14a of the leg part 14 is formed so that the thickness in the cross section may become thin gradually toward the downward direction, it inserts smoothly without much resistance, and also the convex part 14a is the bathtub 1 The insertion resistance suddenly decreases when the thickness is exceeded. For this reason, the response changes, and the engaging portions 14a and 14b strike the edge 1a of the bathtub 1 vigorously, so that a fitting sound (click sound) is generated. Moreover, if the convex part 14a exceeds the thickness of the bathtub 1, since the convex part 14a has a part thicker than the joint width, resistance will be generated when the leg part 14 is pulled up again, and the leg part 14 will not easily come off from the joint.
[0044]
Further, when the leg portion 14 is inserted into the joint, the lip 15 is elastically deformed and stored in the storage groove 14c (see FIG. 4). For this reason, the lip 15 does not interfere with the insertion. Thereby, the recessed part 14b formed with the convex part 14a and the head part 13 fits into the edge part of the bathtub 1. FIG. At this time, the head 13 of the lip 15 is preferably in contact with the surface of the bathtub 1. Further, the lip 15 is elastically deformed in the restoring direction by the interference with the wall 2, and the leg portion 14 is urged toward the bathtub 1.
[0045]
In this way, the joint members 10 and 20 are easily attached to the joint, and the leg portion 14 inserted into the joint is difficult to come out, and the leg portion 14 is more securely locked to the bathtub 1. Moreover, since the head 13 is made of TPO that can be elastically deformed, the head 13 is likely to be in close contact with the surface of the bathtub 1 and the surface of the wall 2, and a gap is not easily generated. For this reason, the concealment of the joint is ensured, and the sealing performance between the head 13 and the bathtub 1 and the wall 2 is improved. Further, since the lip 15 protrudes toward the wall 2, the sealing performance between the wall 2 and the leg portion 14 is improved by the lip 15.
[0046]
In particular, the joint member 10 for the bent edge 1a is used for the joint formed by the bent edge 1a of the bathtub 1 and the wall 2 of the bathroom. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the joint member 10 has the fixing member 12 thermally welded to the bent portion 14 f of the leg portion 14, so that the head 13 is fixed in a shape along the bent edge portion 1 a, The curved head 13 is not restored to the original long shape (linear shape) by the elastic force.
[0047]
For this reason, according to the joint member 10, the leg portion 14 held in the joint formed by the bent edge portion 1a is not detached from the joint, and it is easy and easy even for an operator who does not have high skill. The joints can be concealed without any gaps under good finish. In addition, since the joint member 10 has a constant cross-sectional shape of the head 13 by an extruder, the thickness of the head 13 is not too thick or too thin depending on the skill of the operator. The variation in the finish is also reduced. Further, since the joint member 10 is produced in the factory in advance, it is not necessary to use a volatile solvent during construction work, and the working environment is not deteriorated. Moreover, the curing time until the completion of hardening required in the construction with a sealing agent is not required.
[0048]
Therefore, according to the joint member 10, even an operator who does not have a high level of skill can easily handle it with little variation in the finish without causing a significant increase in cost under a suitable working environment. The joint formed by the bent edge 1a can be suitably concealed in a short time.
[0049]
For joints formed by other bent edges, joint members 20 for other bent edges are used. Since the joint member 20 can share the fixing material 12 having the same shape as that used for the fixing member 10, the number of parts can be reduced, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.
[0050]
As a modification of the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, a cushion 17 extending in a plurality of strips in the longitudinal direction made of TPO can be provided in the recess 14b. If it is like this, the sealing performance between the edge part of the bathtub 1 and the recessed part 14b of the leg part 14 will improve with the cushion 17. FIG.
[0051]
(Embodiment 2)
As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, in the joint member 30 of the second embodiment, a fitting groove 18 a capable of fitting the peripheral portion of the fixing material 12 is formed on the back surface of the head portion 18. Other configurations are the same as those of the joint members 10 and 20 of the first embodiment, and the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof is omitted.
[0052]
In this joint member 30, the first curved portion 12 a of the fixing member 12 is fitted into the fitting groove 18 a of the head portion 18, whereby the fixing member 12 is accurately positioned and can be prevented from being displaced. For this reason, the head 18 can be more reliably shaped along the bent edge 1a, and the joint formed by the bent edge 1a can be more reliably concealed. Other functions and effects are the same as those of the joint member of the first embodiment.
[0053]
(Embodiment 3)
As shown in FIG. 16, in the joint member 40 of the third embodiment, the bent portion 14j is formed so that the remainder of the leg portion 14 is moved away by one notch 14i (the notch 14i widens), and the bent portion 14j A substantially L-shaped fixing member 19 is thermally welded to the plate. Other configurations are the same as those of the joint members 10 and 20 of the first embodiment, and the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof is omitted.
[0054]
According to the joint member 40, since the bent portion 14j of the leg portion 14 is formed so as to bend the head portion 13 in a concave shape, the joint gap recessed in the depth direction can be concealed. Other functions and effects are the same as those of the joint member of the first embodiment.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bathroom or the like using a joint member according to Embodiment 1. FIG.
FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of FIG.
FIG. 3 is a plan view of a joint member according to the first embodiment.
4 is a cross-sectional view of the main body corresponding to the DD arrow in FIG. 5 according to the joint member of Embodiment 1. FIG.
5 is a plan view of a main body according to the joint member of Embodiment 1. FIG.
FIG. 6 is a plan view of the main body according to the first embodiment after forming a cutout in the main body.
7 is a plan view showing a bending step and a fixing step in the joint member manufacturing method of Embodiment 1. FIG.
8 is a plan view of another main body according to Embodiment 1. FIG.
FIG. 9 is a plan view of another joint member according to the first embodiment.
10 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 2 showing a use state of the joint member of Embodiment 1. FIG.
11 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B in FIG. 2 illustrating a usage state of the joint member according to the first embodiment.
12 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC of FIG. 2 showing a use state of the joint member of the first embodiment.
13 is a cross-sectional view of a main body according to a modification of the joint member of Embodiment 1. FIG.
14 is a cross-sectional view of a joint member fixing process according to Embodiment 2. FIG.
FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a joint member according to a second embodiment.
FIG. 16 is a plan view of a joint member according to a third embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 ... 1st structure (bathtub)
2 ... Second structure (wall)
1a ... Bent edge
13, 18 ... head
14 ... Leg
14d, 14e, 14g, 14i ... Notches
12, 19 ... Fixing material
18a ... fitting groove
14a, 14b ... locking part (14a ... convex part, 14b ... concave part)
15 ... Lip
16 ... Cushion
14f, 14h, 14j ... bent portion

Claims

When the first structure and the second structure are arranged next to each other, the elongated structure is attached to the joint formed by the edge of the first structure and the edge of the second structure. A head that abuts the surface of the first structure and the surface of the second structure to conceal the joint, and the depth of the joint from the back surface of the head when attached to the joint In a joint member comprising a leg portion extending in a direction and held in the joint,
When the edge of the first structure and / or the edge of the second structure is a bent edge that bends in the depth direction, the leg is elongated at a position corresponding to the bent edge. The joint is characterized in that a notch partially removed in the direction is formed, and a fixing material for fixing the head in a shape along the bent edge is fixed to the rest of the leg. Element.

The joint member according to claim 1, wherein the fixing member has a plate shape.

The joint member according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the edge of the fixing member is in contact with the back surface of the head.

The joint member according to claim 3, wherein a fitting groove for fitting a peripheral portion of the fixing material is formed on the back surface of the head.

A part of the peripheral part of the fixing material is formed in a shape corresponding to the bent edge part, and another part of the peripheral part of the fixing material is formed in a shape corresponding to another bent edge part having a different shape. The joint member according to any one of claims 2 to 4.

The fixing material is made of a material compatible with a material forming the leg portion, and the fixing material and the leg portion are heat-welded. Joint material.

The joint member according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the leg has a locking portion that can be locked to the edge of the first structure and / or the edge of the second structure. .

The joint member according to claim 7, wherein the locking portion has a thicker portion than the joint width in the cross section, and has a convex portion that gradually becomes thinner from the portion toward the tip.

The convex portion forms a concave portion that can be fitted with the edge portion of the first structure together with the head portion, and the leg portion is elastically deformed by interference with the second structure on the back side of the concave portion of the leg portion. The joint member according to claim 7 or 8, wherein a lip for urging the first structure toward the first structure protrudes toward the second structure.

The joint member according to claim 9, wherein a cushion is provided in the recess to be elastically deformed by interference with the edge of the first structure and to be in close contact with the edge and the surface of the recess.

The joint member according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the head is made of an elastically deformable material, and the leg is made of a rigid material.

The joint member according to claim 9, wherein the head is made of an elastically deformable material, the leg is made of a rigid material, and the lip is made of the same material as the head.

The joint member according to claim 10, wherein the head is made of an elastically deformable material, the leg is made of a rigid material, and the cushion is made of the same material as the head.

When the first structure and the second structure are arranged next to each other, the elongated structure is attached to the joint formed by the edge of the first structure and the edge of the second structure. A head that abuts the surface of the first structure and the surface of the second structure to conceal the joint, and is integrated with the head from the back of the head when mounted on the joint In the manufacturing method of a joint member comprising a leg portion that extends in the depth direction of the joint and is held in the joint,
A molding step of integrally molding a long main body including the head and the leg; and
When the edge of the first structure and / or the edge of the second structure is a bent edge that bends in the depth direction, the leg is placed in the longitudinal direction at a position corresponding to the bent edge. A notch forming step for forming a partially removed notch in
Bending the head in the depth direction along the shape of the bent edge, and forming a bent portion at a position corresponding to the bent edge of the leg;
A method for manufacturing a joint member, comprising: a fixing step of fixing a fixing material to the bent portion of the leg portion and fixing the head portion to a shape along the bent edge portion.