JP2003053712A - Manufacturing method for compacted material and equipment therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To shorten a heating time for a chip-like material in a mold in a softening process, to improve operability by lowering a pressing pressure in a compacting and fixing process, to reduce the manufacturing cost of a compacted material and to provide the compacted material of high quality. SOLUTION: In the manufacturing equipment for the compacted material, a compacting molding vessel 2 filled with the chip-like material 8 is placed in a treating tank 1 and a high-temperature high-pressure steam for heating is supplied into the treating tank 1 from steam introducing piping 3, while the steam passing through the material 8 is discharged continuously through steam discharge piping 4. Thereby the high-temperature high-pressure steam for heating can be passed continuously and uniformly through the whole of the chip-like material 8. The compacted material of high quality can be manufactured, since the whole of the material 8 can be heated to a softening temperature early and uniformly according to this constitution.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method for producing a consolidated material and an apparatus for producing the consolidated material, which is produced by pressing and fixing a chip-shaped material obtained by crushing wood or the like by using steam as a heating means.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art The following two methods are known as methods for compacting and fixing a chip-shaped material by using steam as a heating means.

After loading the chip-shaped material into a molding die, the chip-shaped material is softened at a predetermined temperature with steam to be mounted in a high-temperature high-pressure type steam heat treatment tank provided with a hydraulic press device for consolidation. A method in which steam is fixed to a fixed shape by press-pressing it into a molded shape with a press machine and then raising the steam temperature to a fixed temperature.

The chip-shaped material loaded in the molding die is softened by a steam heating apparatus, and once taken out of the pot,
A method in which a molding die is locked in a state of being pressed and compressed into a predetermined shape by a press device provided outside, and is returned to the steam heating treatment device of high temperature and high pressure type and fixed.

The chip-like material includes crushed wood such as construction waste and thinned wood, wood chips, sawdust, crushed waste paper, plant fibers, rice husks, and the like, and composite materials containing some of these.

[0006]

In both the above methods and the above methods, the chip-shaped material loaded in the molding die is softened by steam heating. However, the problem in such a softening process is that That is, a temperature difference is likely to occur between the outer layer portion and the inner layer portion of the chip-shaped material filled in the molding die. That is, the outer layer portion of the chip-shaped material filled in the molding die is easily heated by water vapor, but it takes time for the inner layer portion to be heated. It was necessary to eliminate the temperature difference between.

When there is a temperature difference in the softening treatment step, the compression density in the consolidation fixing treatment step becomes different, and even if the outer layer portion is sufficiently consolidated, the inner layer portion is insufficiently consolidated. The shape retention after molding tends to be unstable, and the hardness and strength of the consolidated material tend to be insufficient. For example, when the consolidated material is slice-cut in the thickness direction and used, such defects in the inner layer portion may be surfaced.

Further, the temperature difference between the inner layer portion and the outer layer portion of the chip-shaped material filled in the molding die in the softening process naturally becomes a load of the pressing load at the time of consolidation, so that the uniformly softened product is obtained. Compared with this, a larger press load is required, so that the cost of the equipment is increased and the workability is deteriorated in order to increase the strength of the press device, the molding die, and the like.

In order to eliminate the temperature difference in the softening treatment step, it is necessary to take a sufficient heating time in the softening treatment step to eliminate the temperature difference between the inner layer portion and the outer layer portion, but workability is improved. In order to reduce the manufacturing cost, it is necessary to shorten the heating time in the softening process step as short as possible.

Therefore, according to the present invention, the heating time of the chip-shaped material in the molding die in the softening treatment step is shortened, the workability is improved by lowering the pressing pressure in the consolidation fixing treatment step, The purpose is to reduce the manufacturing cost and to provide a high-quality compact material.

[0011]

A method for manufacturing a consolidated material according to claim 1, wherein a step of filling a molding die with the chip-shaped material and a step of filling the molding die with the chip-shaped material are performed. , A softening treatment step in which steam for heating is continuously passed to uniformly heat the entire chip-shaped material to a predetermined softening temperature, and the chip-shaped material is press-compressed in a molding die and is also consolidated and fixed. And a consolidation fixing treatment step of heating to a temperature. In this method, since steam for heating is continuously passed through the chip-shaped material in the softening treatment step, the entire chip-shaped material can be quickly and uniformly heated to a predetermined softening temperature.

Here, the "softening temperature" is a temperature suitable for softening the chip-shaped material, and is determined in consideration of the properties of the chip-shaped material to be processed. Further, the "consolidation fixing treatment temperature" is a temperature suitable for consolidation fixing the chip-shaped material, and is determined in consideration of the properties of the chip-shaped material to be processed.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a consolidated material, wherein a consolidation fixing treatment temperature is adopted as a softening temperature in the softening treatment step. The consolidation and fixing temperature is
Generally higher than the softening temperature. Therefore, by adopting the consolidation fixing treatment temperature as the softening temperature and continuously passing the water vapor through the chip-shaped material, the tip-shaped material can be heated to the consolidation fixing treatment temperature early and uniformly, so that the consolidation fixing treatment is performed. In the process, the pressing pressure can be significantly reduced, and a compacted material having a uniform inner layer portion and outer layer portion can be manufactured.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the method for producing a consolidated material, the temperature of steam before passing through the chip-shaped material filled in the molding die and after passing through the chip-shaped material filled in the molding die. When the temperature of the water vapor is almost the same, the softening process is transferred to the consolidation fixing process. Thereby, it is possible to shift from the softening process to the consolidation fixing process at an appropriate time.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the apparatus for producing a compacted material, a steam discharge section for continuously discharging steam that has passed through a chip-shaped material filled in a molding die and a steam heat treatment tank at a predetermined temperature. Alternatively, the chip-shaped material is provided with a controller for adjusting the amount of water vapor flowing in from the steam introduction part and the amount of steam discharged from the steam discharge part in order to adjust the pressure, and continuously passing water vapor through the chip-shaped material. It is characterized by comprising a softening treatment means for softening. As a result, a flow path for the steam that is introduced from the steam introduction unit into the steam heat treatment tank, passes through the chip-shaped material filled in the molding die, and is discharged from the steam discharge unit is formed. It is possible to rapidly and uniformly heat the chip-shaped material to the softening temperature by allowing water vapor to continuously pass therethrough.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the apparatus for producing a compacted material, the temperature of steam before passing through the chip-shaped material filled in the molding die and after passing through the chip-shaped material filled in the molding die. Equipped with a measuring means for measuring the temperature of the water vapor of
When the temperature of the steam before passing through the chip-shaped material filled in the molding die and the temperature of the steam after passing through the chip-shaped material filled in the molding die become approximately the same temperature, the softening treatment It is possible to move from the process to the consolidation fixing process.

[0017]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION A compacting material manufacturing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

In FIG. 1, which shows the apparatus for producing a consolidated material, 1
Is a treatment tank as a steam heating treatment tank, 2 is a compaction molding container as a molding die, 3 is steam introduction pipe, 4 is steam discharge pipe, and 5 and 6 are press plates and hydraulic cylinders as compaction fixing treatment means. Is.

This compacting material manufacturing apparatus is equipped with a chip-shaped material 8
Is placed in the treatment tank 1, and in the softening treatment step, steam heated to high temperature and high pressure is supplied to the treatment tank 1 from the steam introduction pipe 3 and steam passing through the chip-shaped material 8 Is continuously discharged through the steam discharge pipe 4, steam for heating at high temperature and high pressure can be continuously passed through the chip-shaped material 8. As a result, the chip-shaped material 8 can be quickly and uniformly heated to the softening temperature, a high-quality consolidated material can be manufactured, and further, the manufacturing time of the consolidated material can be shortened. Hereinafter, the apparatus for manufacturing the consolidated material will be described in detail.

As shown in FIG. 1, the processing tank 1 is a substantially cylindrical container installed horizontally, and a lid 11 that can be opened and closed is attached to the side surface on the left side of the drawing, and the bottom of the processing tank 1 is elongated. A rail 13 with a roller 12 is arranged in the direction. Rail 13
Is for mounting the compaction-molding container 2 and makes it easy to move the compaction-molding container 2 along the rail 13 and to take it in and out from the side surface of the processing tank 1 on the left side in the figure.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a spray pipe 14 having a large number of spray holes 14a formed in the longitudinal direction is provided outside the region where the compaction molding container 2 is disposed in the processing tank 1. It is arranged so as to extend in the longitudinal direction of the processing tank 1.

Above the processing tank 1, a pressure gauge 15 and a safety valve 16 are provided.
A safety device 17 is provided for opening the safety valve 16 and depressurizing the treatment tank 1 when the treatment tank 1 has a predetermined pressure or higher. Further, a drain pipe 18 is installed in the lower part of the processing tank 1 so that the water accumulated in the lower part of the processing tank 1 is discharged. Further, a connection portion 24 of the steam discharge pipe 4 is installed on the right side surface of the processing tank 1.

Next, the consolidation molding container 2 is made of the chip-shaped material 8
Is a molding die for carrying out the compaction and fixing process, and is placed on the rail 13 of the processing tank 1 so that it can be taken in and out from the side surface on the left side of the processing tank 1.

A partition plate 21 having air permeability is arranged at a position at a predetermined height above the bottom surface of the compaction molding container 2.
The partition plate 21 can be composed of, for example, a punching metal plate in which a large number of vent holes are formed so that the chip-shaped material 8 does not fall.

The upper region of the partition plate 21 serves as a filling region for filling the chip-shaped material 8, and the space below the partition plate 21 serves as a water vapor discharge passage 22. A connection portion 23 for connecting to the steam discharge pipe 4 is provided on the right side surface of the discharge passage 22 in the figure. The connection part 23 of the discharge flow path 22 is a connection part of the steam discharge pipe 4.
The structure is a pair with 24, and the structure is such that water vapor can be exhausted while ensuring airtightness.

For example, the connecting portion 23 of the discharge flow path 22 and the connecting portion 24 of the steam discharge pipe 4 form flanges 23a and 24a which face each other and face each other, and both flanges 23a and 24a.
A seal member 25 is attached to each joint surface of a, and when the compaction molding container 2 is installed on the rail 13 of the processing tank 1, the connection portion 24 of the steam discharge pipe 4 is connected to the discharge passage 22.
By fixing the pressure-molded container 2 while pressing 23, it is possible to form a structure in which the discharge passage 22 of the pressure-molded container 2 and the steam discharge pipe 4 are connected while ensuring airtightness.

The steam introduction pipe 3 is a pipe for introducing high-temperature and high-pressure steam from a supply source (not shown) of high-temperature and high-pressure steam into the processing tank 1, and includes a pressure gauge 31, a manual valve 32, and an automatic valve. A control valve 33 and a control device 34 are provided. The pressure gauge 31 is for measuring the pressure of the steam introduced into the processing tank 1. The manual valve 32 is for manually adjusting the amount of steam introduced. The automatic control valve 33 is for automatically adjusting the amount of steam introduced. The control device 34 measures the temperature with a sensor (temperature sensor) 35 mounted in the processing tank 1, and automatically controls the temperature in the processing tank 1 to a predetermined temperature.
It adjusts the opening amount of 33. The control device 34
May adjust the supply amount of water vapor based on the temperature in the processing tank 1 as described above, but a pressure sensor is attached in the processing tank 1 so that the pressure in the processing tank 1 becomes a predetermined pressure. As described above, the opening amount of the automatic control valve 33 may be adjusted to adjust the supply amount of water vapor. Further, the control by temperature and the control by pressure may be used together to adjust the opening amount of the automatic control valve 33 based on both the temperature and the pressure to adjust the supply amount of water vapor. The steam introduction pipe 3 is connected to the spray pipe 14 arranged inside the processing tank 1 so as to extend in the longitudinal direction outside the compaction molding container 2.

As described above, the steam discharge pipe 4 is connected to the discharge passage 22 of the consolidation molding container 2 in the processing tank 1.
A connection part 24 connected to 23 is provided.
It is a pipe for discharging steam from 24 to the outside of the processing tank 1.
A temperature sensor 41, an automatic valve 42, a manual valve 43, and a heat exchanger 44 are attached to the steam discharge pipe 4. Temperature sensor 41
Is for measuring the temperature in the steam discharge pipe 4. The automatic valve 42 is a valve that automatically discharges water vapor during the softening process and the consolidation fixing process. The manual valve 43 is a valve for manually adjusting the discharge amount of water vapor. The heat exchanger 44 includes a cooling water pipe 45 through which cooling water flows, and heat is exchanged between the steam discharged through the steam discharge pipe 4 and the cooling water flowing through the cooling water pipe 45 to convert the steam into water. It is converted and discharged.

The press plate 5 has a shape conforming to the cross-sectional shape of the consolidation molding container 2, and is a member for compressing and fixing the chip-shaped material 8 filled in the consolidation molding container 2 in the consolidation fixing process. The press plate 5 is attached to the tip of a piston rod 6a of a hydraulic cylinder 6 arranged in the ceiling portion of the processing tank 1. In the consolidation fixing process, the hydraulic cylinder 6 is extended to press and compress the chip-shaped material 8 filled in the consolidation molding container 2 with the press plate 5.

Hereinafter, a method of using the apparatus for manufacturing the consolidated material will be described.

First, in the material filling step, the lid 11 on the left side of the processing tank 1 is opened to take out the consolidation molding container 2, the consolidation molding container 2 is filled with the chip-shaped material 8, and the consolidation molding is performed as shown in FIG. The container 2 is returned to the processing tank 1 and the lid 11 is closed.

Next, the softening process is performed. In the softening process step, the chip-shaped material 8 is heated to the softening temperature. The chip-shaped material 8 is heated by introducing steam heated to high temperature and high pressure from the steam introduction pipe 3 and discharging steam from the steam discharge pipe 4 so that the temperature in the processing tank 1 becomes the softening temperature of the chip-shaped material 8. As described above, the control device 34 adjusts the amount of steam introduced from the steam introduction pipe 3 and the amount of steam discharged from the steam discharge pipe 4.

At this time, the pressure in the processing tank 1 into which high-temperature and high-pressure steam is introduced is higher than that in the steam discharge pipe 4. Due to this differential pressure, the water vapor in the processing tank 1 passes through the gap of the chip-shaped material 8 in the compaction molding container 2, flows out to the discharge flow path 22 of the consolidation molding container 2, and passes through the steam discharge pipe 4. It will be discharged to the outside. That is, a flow path for water vapor introduced from the steam introduction pipe 3, passing through the chip-shaped material 8 and discharged from the steam discharge pipe 4 is formed, and the water vapor continuously and steadily passes through the chip-shaped material 8. ,
The entire chip-shaped material 8 in the consolidation molding container 2 is quickly and uniformly heated to the softening temperature.

Further, a temperature sensor 35 attached to the processing tank 1
With the temperature sensor 41 attached to the steam discharge pipe 4, the temperature inside the processing tank 1 and the temperature inside the steam discharge pipe 4 can be comparatively measured. If the temperature inside the processing tank 1 and the temperature inside the steam discharge pipe 4 are substantially the same, the thermal energy of the steam does not decrease when passing through the chip-shaped material 8, so that the chip-shaped material 8 is uniform. It has been heated to the softening temperature. When the chip-shaped material 8 is uniformly heated to the softening temperature, the softening process is transferred to the consolidation fixing process.

In the consolidation and fixing treatment step, the hydraulic cylinder 6 is extended, the chip-shaped material 8 is pressed and compressed by the press plate 5 and held in that state. Then, heated steam is supplied into the treatment tank 1 to raise the temperature in the treatment tank 1 to heat the chip-shaped material 8 to a temperature suitable for the consolidation fixing treatment (consolidation fixing treatment temperature). As a result, the chip-shaped material 8 is fixed in a compacted state, and a compacted material is manufactured.

According to this apparatus and method, in the softening process, the flow path of the steam introduced from the steam introduction pipe 3, passing through the chip-shaped material 8 and discharged from the steam discharge pipe 4 is formed, and the high temperature Water vapor can be forcedly (positively) continuously passed through the entire chip-shaped material 8, so to speak,
The entire chip-shaped material 8 can be heated to the softening temperature quickly and uniformly. Further, when the temperature of the water vapor in the treatment tank 1 and the temperature of the water vapor in the steam discharge flow path 4 become substantially the same, it can be understood that the softening treatment is completed. In this way, the completion of the softening process can be appropriately grasped, and therefore, the consolidation fixing process can be started in an appropriate time, and the work efficiency can be improved. Since the chip-shaped material 8 is uniformly and sufficiently softened in the consolidation-fixing process step, the consolidation-fixing process can be performed with a reasonable press load, and a high-quality consolidation material can be manufactured. .

Although the apparatus for manufacturing the consolidated material according to the first embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the apparatus for manufacturing the consolidated material according to the present invention is not limited to the above.

As a method of manufacturing the consolidated material, in the softening treatment step, a high temperature consolidation fixing treatment temperature may be adopted as the softening temperature of the chip-shaped material 8 as the temperature for softening the chip-shaped material 8.

That is, the temperature at which the chip-shaped material 8 is heated at the stage of the softening treatment step is made the same as the consolidation fixing treatment temperature. In the softening treatment step, since the flow path of the steam introduced into the treatment tank 1 from the steam introduction pipe 3 and passing through the chip-shaped material 8 and discharged from the steam discharge pipe 4 is formed, the entire chip-shaped material 8 is formed. The steam can be continuously passed, and the temperature of the chip-shaped material 8 in the consolidation molding container 2 reaches the consolidation fixing treatment temperature early and uniformly. In the consolidation fixing process, it is only necessary to maintain this temperature, so that the manufacturing time can be shortened.

Since the chip-shaped material is pressed and compressed at a consolidation and fixing temperature higher than the softening temperature generally used, the pressing pressure can be significantly reduced. Further, in this case, since it is ensured that the entire chip-shaped material 8 is uniformly heated to the consolidation fixing treatment temperature in the softening treatment step, it is possible to manufacture a higher-quality consolidation material.

In the softening process, the temperature of the steam in the processing tank 1 and the temperature of the steam in the steam discharging pipe 4 are controlled by the temperature sensor 35 mounted in the processing tank 1 and the temperature sensor 41 mounted in the steam discharging pipe 4. Can be compared and measured. Therefore, when the temperature of the steam in the processing tank 1 and the temperature of the steam in the steam discharge pipe 4 become substantially the same, the chip-shaped material 8 is uniformly heated to the consolidation fixing processing temperature. . Then, at this stage, if the softening treatment step is shifted to the consolidation fixing treatment step, the softening treatment step can be shifted to the consolidation fixing treatment step in an appropriate treatment time, and the working efficiency can be improved.

However, as described above, in the softening treatment step, when the consolidation fixing treatment temperature higher than the softening temperature of the chip-shaped material 8 is adopted, the chip-shaped material 8 is further softened, so that the pressing load is further increased. Get smaller. In this case, generally, in the consolidation fixing process, the higher the pressing load, the higher the strength and hardness of the manufactured consolidated material, and thus the strength and hardness of the consolidated material may decrease.

Therefore, it is advisable to increase the amount of the chip-shaped material 8 to be filled in the consolidation molding container 2 and increase the density of the consolidation material to compensate for the decrease in the strength and hardness of the consolidation material. Although the press load generally increases when the amount of the chip-shaped material 8 is increased, the press load is sufficiently reduced by softening the chip-shaped material 8 at a higher temperature of the consolidation and fixing treatment temperature. The effect of lower manufacturing cost can be maintained.

Next, an apparatus for manufacturing a consolidated material according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

In FIG. 3 showing the apparatus for producing the compacted material, 51 is a treatment tank as a steam heating treatment tank, 52 is a consolidation molding container as a molding die, 53 is a steam introduction pipe, 54 is a steam discharge pipe, Reference numerals 55 and 56 are a press plate and a hydraulic cylinder as a compaction fixing processing means, and the structure is such that the processing tank 51 is installed vertically so as to save the space of the apparatus.

As shown in FIG. 3, the processing tank 51 is a vertically-arranged container having a substantially cylindrical shape, and has an openable / closable lid 61 attached to the upper surface thereof. The processing tank 51 has a mounting portion 62 on which the consolidation molding container 52 is mounted, and an opening area 62a surrounded by the bottom of the processing tank 51 is formed in the central portion of the mounting portion 62. At the bottom of the processing tank 51, a steam inlet of a steam discharge pipe 54
63 is provided. Inside the processing tank 1, a spray pipe 64 having a large number of spray holes 64a is arranged outside the region where the compaction molding container 2 is placed.

A pressure gauge 65 and a safety valve 6 are provided above the processing tank 51.
A safety device 67 which is provided with 6 and which depressurizes the processing tank 51 by opening the safety valve 66 when the pressure inside the processing tank 51 becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined pressure.
Is provided.

The consolidation molding container 52 is a molding die for performing the consolidation fixing process of the chip-shaped material 8 and is placed in the processing tank 51. The consolidation molding container 52 is in a state in which the lid 61 on the upper part of the processing tank 51 is opened, and the container can be lifted from the upper part of the processing tank 51 by a crane (not shown) to be put in and taken out from the processing tank 51.

A partition plate 71 having air permeability is arranged at a position slightly higher than the bottom surface of the consolidation molded container 52. Partition plate 71
The upper side of the is a filling area for filling the chip-shaped material 8, and the space below the partition plate 21 is a discharge area 72 for water vapor that has passed through the chip-shaped material 8.

The bottom surface of the consolidation molding container 52 is open, and when the consolidation molding container 52 is installed on the mounting portion 62 of the processing tank 51,
Water vapor accumulates in the discharge area 72 below the partition plate 21 and the opening area 62a at the center of the bottom of the processing tank 51, and the steam is discharged from the steam inlet 63 through the steam discharge pipe 54 to the outside.

The steam introducing pipe 53 is a pipe for introducing high temperature and high pressure steam from a supply source (not shown) of high temperature and high pressure steam into the processing tank 51, and is similar to the steam introducing pipe 3 of the first embodiment. , Pressure gauge 81, manual valve 82, and automatic control valve 83
And a control device 84 and a sensor (temperature sensor) 85. The function of the steam introducing pipe 53 is the same as that of the steam introducing pipe 3 of the first embodiment, and thus the duplicate description will be omitted. The steam introduction pipe 53 is connected to a spray pipe 64 arranged in the processing tank 51.

As described above, the steam discharge pipe 54 is provided with a steam inlet 63 at the bottom of the treatment tank 51, and a pipe for discharging steam from the steam inlet 63 to the outside of the treatment tank 51 is arranged. ing. Like the steam discharge pipe 4 of the first embodiment, the temperature sensor 91 and the automatic valve 92 are connected to the steam discharge pipe 54.
A manual valve 93, a heat exchanger 94, and a cooling water pipe 95 are attached. Since the function of the steam discharge pipe 54 is the same as that of the steam discharge pipe 4 of the first embodiment, duplicated description will be omitted.

The press plate 55 has a shape conforming to the inner diameter shape of the consolidation molding container 52, and is a member for compressing and fixing the chip-shaped material 8 filled in the consolidation molding container 52 in the consolidation fixing process. The press plate 55 is attached to the tip of a piston rod 56a of a hydraulic cylinder 56 arranged on the ceiling of the processing tank 51. In the consolidation fixing process, the hydraulic cylinder 56 is extended so that the press plate 55 press-compresses the chip-shaped material 8 filled in the consolidation molding container 52.

The method of using this apparatus for producing a consolidated material will be described below.

First, in the material filling step, the lid 61 on the upper part of the processing tank 51 is opened and the consolidation molding container 52 is taken out. Then, the consolidation molding container 52 is filled with the chip-shaped material 8, and the consolidation molding container 52 is returned to the processing tank 51 and the lid 61 is closed, as shown in FIG.

Next, the softening process is performed. In the softening process step, similarly to the apparatus for manufacturing the consolidated material of the first embodiment,
While introducing high-temperature and high-pressure steam from the steam introducing pipe 53 and discharging the steam from the steam discharging pipe 54, the controller 84 steams the steam so that the temperature of the steam in the processing tank 51 becomes the softening temperature of the chip-shaped material 8. The chip-shaped material 8 is heated while adjusting the amount of water vapor introduced from the introduction pipe 53 and the amount of water vapor discharged from the vapor discharge pipe 54.

At this time, the pressure in the processing tank 51 into which the high-temperature and high-pressure steam is introduced is higher than that in the steam discharge pipe 54. Due to this differential pressure, the water vapor in the processing tank 51 passes through the gap of the chip-shaped material 8 in the consolidation molding container 52, flows out to the discharge area 72 of the consolidation molding container 52, and passes through the steam discharge pipe 54 to the outside. Will be discharged to. That is, in this apparatus for producing a consolidated material, in the softening process, the flow path of the steam that is discharged from the steam discharge pipe 54 through the chip-shaped material 8 filled in the consolidation mold container 52 from the steam introduction pipe 53 is formed. Since the water vapor is continuously and steadily passed through the chip-shaped material 8, the entire chip-shaped material 8 in the consolidation molding container 52 is heated to the softening temperature quickly and uniformly.

Further, a temperature sensor 85 attached to the processing tank 51
By using the temperature sensor 91 attached to the steam discharge pipe 54, the temperature of the steam inside the treatment tank 51 and the temperature of the steam inside the steam discharge pipe 54 can be comparatively measured. This processing tank
When the temperature of the steam in 51 and the temperature of the steam in the steam discharge pipe 54 become substantially the same temperature, the thermal energy of the steam will not decrease when passing through the chip-shaped material 8, so that the chip-shaped material This means that 8 was uniformly heated to the softening temperature. In the softening treatment step, when the chip-shaped material 8 is uniformly heated to the softening temperature, the softening treatment step shifts to the consolidation fixing treatment step.

In the consolidation and fixing treatment step, the hydraulic cylinder 56 is extended, the chip-shaped material 8 is pressed and compressed by the press plate 55, and is held in that state. Then, heated steam is supplied into the treatment tank 51 to raise the temperature in the treatment tank 51 and heat it to a temperature (consolidation fixing treatment temperature) suitable for the consolidation fixing treatment of the chip-shaped material 8.

According to this apparatus and method, as in the apparatus for manufacturing a consolidated material according to the first embodiment, in the softening treatment step,
A flow path for the steam introduced from the steam introduction pipe 53, passing through the chip-shaped material 8 and discharged from the steam discharge pipe 54 is formed, and the high-temperature steam is forcedly (aggressively) to the entire chip-shaped material 8. It can be continuously passed, and the entire chip-shaped material 8 can be heated to the softening temperature quickly and uniformly. Further, when the temperature of the steam in the treatment tank 51 and the temperature of the steam in the steam discharge flow channel 54 become substantially the same, it can be understood that the softening treatment is completed.
In this way, the completion of the softening process can be appropriately grasped, and therefore, the consolidation fixing process can be started in an appropriate time, and the work efficiency can be improved. Since the chip-shaped material 8 is uniformly and sufficiently softened in the consolidation-fixing process step, the consolidation-fixing process can be performed with a reasonable press load, and a high-quality consolidation material can be manufactured. .

Although the apparatus for manufacturing a consolidated material according to the second embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the apparatus for manufacturing a consolidated material according to the second embodiment is similar to the apparatus for manufacturing the consolidated material according to the first embodiment. In addition, in the softening process step, a high temperature consolidation treatment temperature may be adopted as the temperature for softening the chip-shaped material 8.

[0062]

The method for producing a consolidated material according to claim 1 is
In the softening treatment step, steam for heating is continuously passed through the chip-shaped material, so that the entire chip-shaped material can be quickly and uniformly heated to a predetermined softening temperature, thereby improving work efficiency. It is possible to provide a compacted material having a high quality.

In the method for producing a consolidated material according to the second aspect, since the consolidation fixing treatment temperature is adopted as the softening temperature in the softening treatment step, the entire chip-shaped material is consolidated quickly and uniformly in the softening treatment step. Since it can be heated to the processing temperature,
Since it is sufficient to maintain that temperature in the consolidation fixing process,
The cost of heating the chip-shaped material can be reduced. Also, the press pressure can be significantly reduced,
In addition, it is possible to manufacture a consolidated material having a uniform quality of the inner layer portion and the outer layer portion.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the method for producing a consolidated material, the temperature of steam before passing through the chip-shaped material filled in the molding die and after passing through the chip-shaped material filled in the molding die When the temperature of the water vapor is almost the same, the softening process shifts to the consolidation fixing process, so it is possible to shift from the softening process to the consolidation fixing process at an appropriate time, improving work efficiency. Can be planned.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the apparatus for producing a compacted material, the steam discharge section for continuously discharging steam passing through the chip-shaped material filled in the molding die and the steam heat treatment tank at a predetermined temperature. Alternatively, in order to adjust the pressure, a chip is provided with a controller that adjusts the amount of water vapor flowing in from the steam introduction part and the amount of steam discharged from the steam discharge part, and the water vapor is continuously passed through the chip-shaped material to form the chip-shaped material. Since it is provided with a softening treatment means for softening, in the softening treatment step, steam is introduced from the steam introduction part, and the flow path of the steam discharged from the steam discharge pipe through the chip-shaped material filled in the molding die Is formed, steam can be continuously passed through the entire chip-shaped material to heat the entire chip-shaped material to the softening temperature quickly and uniformly. As a result, it is possible to reduce the heating cost, improve the work efficiency, and provide a high-quality compact material.

In the apparatus for producing a consolidated material according to claim 5, the temperature of the steam before passing the chip-shaped material filled in the molding die and after passing the chip-shaped material filled in the molding die Since it has a measuring means for comparatively measuring the temperature of water vapor, the temperature of water vapor before passing through the chip-shaped material filled in the molding die and after passing through the chip-shaped material filled in the molding die When the temperature of the water vapor is almost the same, it is possible to shift from the softening treatment step to the consolidation fixing treatment step at an appropriate time. As a result, the heating cost can be reduced and the work efficiency can be improved.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an apparatus for manufacturing a consolidated material according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line AA of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing an apparatus for manufacturing a consolidated material according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 processing tank 2 Consolidation molding container 3 Steam introduction piping 4 Steam discharge piping 5 Press board 6 hydraulic cylinder 8 Chip material 11 lid 13 rails 14 Spray pipe 17 Safety device 18 Drain pipe 21 dividers 22 Discharge channel 25 Seal member 31 pressure gauge 32 Manual valve 33 Automatic control valve 34 Control device 35 sensor (temperature sensor) 41 Temperature sensor 42 Automatic valve 43 Manual valve 44 heat exchanger 45 Cooling water piping

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A material filling step of filling a molding die with a chip-shaped material, and steam for heating is continuously passed through the chip-shaped material filled in the molding die so that the entire chip-shaped material is filled. Consolidation characterized by comprising a softening treatment step of uniformly heating to a predetermined softening temperature, and a compression fixing treatment step of pressing the chip-shaped material in a molding die and heating it to a consolidation fixing treatment temperature. Method of manufacturing wood. 2. The method for producing a consolidated material according to claim 1, wherein a consolidation fixing treatment temperature is adopted as a softening temperature in the softening step. 3. The method for producing a consolidated material according to claim 1, wherein the temperature of the steam before passing the chip-shaped material filled in the molding die and the chip-shaped material filled in the molding die are passed. The method for producing a consolidated material, comprising transitioning from the softening treatment step to the consolidation fixing treatment step when the temperature of the steam after the heating has become substantially the same. 4. A steam heat treatment tank provided with a steam introducing section for introducing steam, a molding die installed in the steam heat treatment tank, and a chip-like material filled in the molding die are compacted. A compaction fixing treatment means for holding, a softening treatment of heating the chip-shaped material filled in the molding die to a predetermined softening temperature, and a state in which the chip-shaped material is press-compressed in the molding die, In a device for manufacturing a consolidated material for performing a consolidated fixing process of heating the inside of a steam heating treatment tank to a consolidated fixing temperature, a steam discharge part for continuously discharging steam passing through the chip-shaped material filled in the molding die and In order to bring the inside of the steam heat treatment tank to a predetermined temperature or pressure, the chip-shaped material is provided with a control unit that adjusts the amount of steam flowing from the steam inlet and the amount of steam discharged from the steam discharge unit. Steam An apparatus for producing a consolidated material, comprising a softening treatment means for continuously passing and softening the chip-shaped material. 5. The apparatus for producing a consolidated material according to claim 4, wherein the temperature of the steam before passing the chip-shaped material filled in the molding die and the chip-shaped material filled in the molding die are passed. An apparatus for producing a consolidated material, comprising: a measuring means for comparatively measuring the temperature of the steam after the step.