Connection method using a laser transmission bonding technology, an apparatus for bonding as well as a part made of a laser transmissive bonded first plastic part and a second plastic part

An apparatus for connecting a first plastic part and at least one second plastic part by laser transmission bonding technology by a connection method for connecting the first plastic part and the second plastic part to each other by laser transmission bonding technology wherein the first plastic part absorbs laser light and the second plastic part is made of transparent plastic, wherein the second plastic part is a plastic film having a thickness in the range of 10 μm to 10 mm and the connection method comprises the following steps:

• S1) positioning of the first plastic part in a first tool,
• S2) positioning of the second plastic part in a second tool so that the first plastic part retained by the first tool and the second plastic part retained by the second tool are spaced apart from each other thereby preventing mutual heat exchange between the first and the second plastic parts,
• S3) directing laser light through the second plastic part onto a connection zone of the first plastic part whereby the first plastic part is heated at least within the connection zone,
• S4) after heating the first plastic part, moving the second plastic part into contact with the first plastic part, so that the second plastic part is firmly bonded to the first plastic part, and
• switching off the laser light after heating up the first plastic part and pushing the second plastic part against the first plastic part while no light enters the first plastic part, wherein the apparatus has the following features:
• a first tool adapted for retaining the first plastic part made of light absorbing material,
• a second tool adapted for retaining a second plastic part being a plastic film and having a thickness in the range of about 10 μm to 10 mm,
• a laser light source adapted to direct laser light through the second plastic part onto the first plastic part so that the first plastic part is heated by the laser light, and
• a moving construction adapted to move the first and the second tool relative to each other to push the second plastic part against the heated first plastic part, wherein
• the laser light source can be switched on and off in a defined manner so that the first and the second plastic parts are pushed against each other with no laser light entering the second plastic part at the same time.