JP2016037009A - Reinforced fiber fibrillation device and reinforced fiber fibrillation method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a reinforced fiber fibrillation device capable of separating surely an aggregate of reinforced fibers.SOLUTION: A reinforced fiber fibrillation device 1 for fibrillating an aggregate 5 of reinforced fibers cut into a prescribed length includes a lower conveyor belt 11 for conveying the aggregate 5 placed thereon in the oriented attitude crossing a conveyance direction, and an upper conveyance device 13 for conveying the aggregate 5 from the upper side of the lower conveyor belt 11 to the same direction as the conveyance direction of the lower conveyor belt 11 at conveyance speed Vdifferent from that of the lower conveyor belt 11.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for defibrating reinforcing fibers.

  Fiber reinforced plastic moldings obtained by heating and pressurizing nonwoven fabrics containing reinforcing fibers have already been used in various fields such as sports, leisure goods and aircraft materials. Thermosetting resins such as epoxy resins, unsaturated polyester resins, or phenol resins are often used as the matrix resin in these fiber-reinforced plastic moldings. However, when a thermosetting resin is used, the nonwoven fabric in which the thermosetting resin and the reinforcing fiber are mixed has to be refrigerated and cannot be stored for a long time.

  For this reason, in recent years, development of a fiber reinforced nonwoven fabric using a thermoplastic resin as a matrix resin and containing reinforcing fibers has been advanced. A fiber reinforced nonwoven fabric using such a thermoplastic resin as a matrix resin has the advantage of easy storage management and long-term storage. In addition, a nonwoven fabric containing a thermoplastic resin is easier to mold than a nonwoven fabric containing a thermosetting resin, and has the advantage that a molded product can be molded by performing heat and pressure treatment. ing.

  Conventionally, thermoplastic resins are inferior to thermosetting resins in terms of chemical resistance, strength, heat resistance, and the like. However, in recent years, thermoplastic resins excellent in chemical resistance, strength, heat resistance, etc. have been actively developed, and the above-mentioned problems that have been made common to thermoplastic resins so far have been remarkably improved. It is coming. Such thermoplastic resins are so-called “engineering plastics”, which are polycarbonate (PC), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyamideimide (PAI), polyetherimide. (PEI) etc. are mentioned (for example, nonpatent literature 1).

  Carbon fiber, glass fiber, aramid fiber or the like is used as the reinforcing fiber. Such reinforcing fibers serve to increase the strength of the fiber-reinforced plastic molded body. Further, it is known that reinforcing fibers have directionality in the strength of a fiber-reinforced plastic molded body by adjusting the orientation direction thereof to a specific direction (for example, Patent Documents 1 to 6). Such a fiber-reinforced plastic molded body is used for reinforcing core materials such as bumper beams of automobiles and structural parts that require mechanical strength in one direction.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-44188 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-41280 JP-A-6-155495 JP-A-4-208405 JP-A-4-208406 JP-A-4-208407

“2007 Survey Report on Application of Thermoplastic Resin Composite Materials to the Machine Industry Field”, Next Generation Metals / Composite Research and Development Association, Japan Machinery Federation, March 2008

By the way, as for the reinforcing fiber used for the base material for fiber reinforced plastic moldings, the one where the fiber length is long can reinforce plastic (matrix resin) more. Therefore, it is preferable to fabricate a base material for a fiber-reinforced plastic molded body using fibers having a small fiber diameter and a long fiber length (for example, carbon single fiber).
However, since many of the reinforcing fibers have a relatively strong cohesiveness, they tend to aggregate and entangle with each other in the dispersion. If the reinforcing fibers are aggregated and entangled with each other in a lump, fiber orientation becomes difficult, fiber density variation is likely to occur, and this causes a reduction in the quality of the substrate for fiber-reinforced plastic molded bodies.

  The raw material of the reinforcing fiber is usually not a single fiber but a product form of an aggregate such as a strand in which a large number of single fibers are bundled or a chopped strand obtained by cutting this strand into a predetermined length. It is necessary to defibrate chopped strands and the like. High-speed rotary defibrators are widely used for defibrating paper fibers (cellulose fibers), and application to the defibration of reinforcing fibers is also conceivable.

However, since most of the reinforcing fibers have a relatively strong cohesive property, when the dispersion is rotated at high speed and stirred with a high-speed rotating type defibrator, the reinforcing fibers are aggregated and entangled with each other in the dispersion.
In particular, the smaller the fiber diameter, the longer the fiber length, the more likely it will be entangled. As a result, variations in fiber density are likely to occur, and the merchantability of the substrate for a fiber-reinforced plastic molded body is lowered.
For this reason, development of the technique which isolate | separates the raw material of a reinforced fiber reliably is calculated | required.

The present invention was devised in view of the above-described problems, and one of its purposes is to provide a reinforcing fiber disassembling apparatus and a reinforcing fiber disassembling device that can reliably separate a collection of reinforcing fibers. It is to provide a textile.
Note that the present invention is not limited to the purpose described here, and is an operational effect derived from each configuration shown in the embodiment for carrying out the invention described later, and also has an operational effect that cannot be obtained by conventional techniques. It can be positioned as a purpose.

  (1) In order to achieve the above object, the reinforcing fiber defibrating apparatus of the present invention is a reinforcing fiber defibrating apparatus for defibrating an assembly of reinforcing fibers cut into a predetermined length, and includes a conveying direction and A lower conveyance belt that conveys the assembly mounted in an intersecting orientation posture, and the assembly from above the lower conveyance belt in the same direction as the conveyance direction of the lower conveyance belt at a conveyance speed different from that of the lower conveyance belt And an upper conveying device for conveying.

(2) The upper transport device includes an upper transport belt that transports the assembly from above, and the upper transport belt has an upstream end of a transport surface disposed at an intermediate portion in the transport direction of the lower transport belt. It is preferable that the downstream end of the transport surface is disposed so as to protrude from the downstream end of the lower transport belt.
(3) The upper transport belt is extendable in the transport direction, and the upper transport device is disposed at the upstream end of the transport surface and transports the upper transport belt at a constant speed with the lower transport belt. And an upstream drive roll disposed at the downstream end of the transport surface and configured to transport and drive the upper transport belt at a higher speed than the lower transport belt.

(4) It is preferable that the upper transport device has a pressing roll that is provided between the upstream drive roll and the downstream drive roll and presses the upper transport belt downward.
(5) It is preferable to provide a hopper provided above the lower transport belt and placing the aggregate on the lower transport belt in the orientation posture.
(6) It is preferable to include a liquid supply device that is provided above the lower conveyance belt and upstream of the upper conveyance device and supplies liquid to the aggregate.

(7) It is preferable that a storage tank storing a dispersion solvent is provided below the downstream end of the lower conveyance belt.

  (8) Moreover, the reinforcing fiber defibrating method of the invention is a reinforced fiber defibrating method for defibrating an assembly of reinforcing fibers cut to a predetermined length, and is placed in an orientation posture that intersects the conveying direction. When the assembly is transported by a lower transport belt, a transport force is applied to the assembly from above the assembly at a speed different from that of the lower transport belt and in the same direction as the lower transport belt. .

(9) Preferably, the conveying force is applied by an upper conveying belt disposed above the lower conveying belt.
(10) It is preferable that the upper transport belt is extendable in the transport direction, and the upper transport belt is gradually increased from a speed equal to that of the lower transport belt in a region where the transport force is applied to the aggregate.
(11) It is preferable to supply a liquid to the aggregate before applying the conveying force to the aggregate from above.

  According to the present invention, the aggregate of reinforcing fibers placed on the lower conveyance belt in an orientation that intersects the conveyance direction is conveyed in the same direction as the conveyance direction of the lower conveyance belt by the upper conveyance device at a speed different from that of the lower conveyance belt. Therefore, the lower part of the reinforcing fiber aggregate is conveyed at the conveying speed of the lower conveying belt, and the upper part of the reinforcing fiber aggregate is conveyed at the conveying speed of the upper conveying belt different from the lower conveying speed. Thereby, a force acts on the aggregate of the reinforcing fibers in a direction intersecting with the orientation direction, that is, in a direction in which the reinforcing fibers are aggregated by being aligned in the same direction, and the reinforcing fibers are separated from each other. As a result, the aggregate can be finely separated and defibrated well.

It is a schematic diagram which shows the base material papermaking apparatus for fiber reinforced plastic moldings concerning one Embodiment of this invention. 1 is a side view schematically showing a reinforcing fiber defibrating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a top view schematically showing a reinforcing fiber defibrating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is an enlarged view which takes out and shows the turbulent flow generation apparatus in the base material papermaking apparatus for fiber reinforced plastic moldings concerning one Embodiment of this invention.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
The present embodiment relates to an apparatus for manufacturing a base material for a fiber reinforced plastic molded body (hereinafter referred to as “a base material manufacturing apparatus for a fiber reinforced plastic molded body”), and this base material manufacturing apparatus for a fiber reinforced plastic molded body Are a device for making a base material for a fiber-reinforced plastic molded body according to the present invention (hereinafter referred to as a “base material making device for a fiber-reinforced plastic molded body”) and an apparatus for defibrating reinforcing fibers (hereinafter referred to as “reinforcing fiber”). A defibration device).

The base material for fiber reinforced plastic molding obtained by papermaking is a nonwoven fabric. The fiber reinforced plastic molded body is molded by subjecting the substrate for fiber reinforced plastic molded body to heat and pressure treatment. This fiber-reinforced plastic molded product can be molded into a molded product having a sheet shape or a desired shape.
In the present embodiment, the action direction of gravity is the downward direction, and the opposite direction is the upward direction. Further, upstream and downstream are determined based on the manufacturing process of the substrate for fiber-reinforced plastic molded body.

[One Embodiment]
[1. Constitution]
First, the structure of the base material manufacturing apparatus for fiber reinforced plastic moldings to which the reinforcing fiber defibrating apparatus and the base paper making apparatus for fiber reinforced plastic moldings according to one embodiment are applied will be described.

[1-1. Premise]
First, the premise of the base material manufacturing apparatus for fiber reinforced plastic moldings will be described.
The base material manufacturing apparatus for fiber-reinforced plastic molded body is a base material for fiber-reinforced plastic molded body that forms a base material for fiber-reinforced plastic molded body composed of reinforcing fiber and matrix resin from a dispersion containing reinforcing fiber and matrix resin. A reinforcing fiber defibrating device is provided upstream of the paper making device. This reinforcing fiber defibrating apparatus is an apparatus for defibrating an assembly of reinforcing fibers cut to a predetermined length (hereinafter referred to as “chopped strands of reinforcing fibers”).

The fiber reinforced plastic molded body is molded by heating or pressurizing the substrate for the fiber reinforced plastic molded body. This base material for fiber-reinforced plastic molded bodies is one of non-woven fabrics, and is made from a dispersion (so-called “slurry”) in which reinforcing fibers and a matrix resin are dispersed (suspended).
Hereinafter, the reinforcing fiber, the matrix resin, and the dispersion liquid will be described.

[1-1-1. Reinforcing fiber]
In this embodiment, carbon fiber is applied to the reinforcing fiber. However, in addition to carbon fibers, glass fibers, aramid fibers, and other types of reinforcing fibers may be applied to the reinforcing fibers, and a plurality of types of reinforcing fibers may be hybridized. For example, organic fibers excellent in heat resistance such as glass fibers and PBO (polyparaphenylene benzoxazole) fibers may be contained in the reinforcing fibers. In addition, as a carbon fiber, it is preferable to use especially the PAN type | system | group using a polyacrylonitrile (PAN) type | system | group fiber. By using these fibers as reinforcing fibers, it is possible to efficiently ensure the strength and rigidity of the substrate for fiber-reinforced plastic molded bodies.

  Further, the fiber length of the reinforcing fiber is preferably 2 mm or more and 150 mm or less. As the fiber length becomes shorter, a fiber-reinforced plastic molded article having better dispersibility of reinforcing fibers and excellent appearance can be obtained. Moreover, it exists in the tendency which improves the intensity | strength and impact resistance of a fiber reinforced plastic molding, so that the fiber length of a reinforced fiber becomes large. However, the larger the fiber length of the reinforcing fibers, the more likely that agglomerated aggregates (hereinafter referred to as “floc”) in which the reinforcing fibers are entangled with each other. For this reason, it is preferable to set the fiber length of the reinforcing fiber in consideration of the required strength of the fiber-reinforced plastic molded body and suppression of the flocs of the reinforcing fiber.

The fiber diameter of the reinforcing fibers is preferably 3 μm or more and 25 μm or less. The smaller the fiber diameter of the reinforcing fibers, the higher the strength and rigidity of the fiber-reinforced plastic molded body, but the flocs of the reinforcing fibers are likely to occur. For example, if the fiber diameter is 3 μm or less, a carcinogenic problem may occur when taken into the human body. On the other hand, when the fiber diameter is large, the dispersibility of the reinforcing fibers is lowered, and the strength of the fiber-reinforced plastic molded product is lowered. From these viewpoints, the fiber diameter of the reinforcing fiber is preferably within the above range.
Further, the cross-sectional shape of the reinforcing fiber is not limited to a circular shape, and may be an odd-shaped cross-section such as an ellipse.

  The chopped strands of reinforcing fibers are, for example, strands in which 2000 to 3000 single fiber reinforcing fibers are oriented in the same direction and converged (aggregated) are cut to a predetermined length. This chopped strand of reinforcing fibers has a property of being easily dispersed in a liquid such as water. Further, as the chopped strands of reinforcing fibers, those coated with a chemical that repels the reinforcing fibers may be used.

[1-1-2. Matrix resin]
The matrix resin contains a thermoplastic resin and is preferably composed only of a thermoplastic resin. In the present embodiment, the matrix resin is composed only of a thermoplastic resin. As this thermoplastic resin, polycarbonate (PC), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyamideimide (PAI), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyetherimide (PEI), polyetherketoneketone (PEKK), polyamide, polypropylene Such resin can be illustrated. One type of these thermoplastic resins may be used alone, or two or more types may be used in combination. Of these thermoplastic resins, it is preferable to use polycarbonate, polyetherimide, polyamide (nylon), or polypropylene in order to obtain a high-strength fiber-reinforced plastic molded article substrate.

  Further, the thermoplastic resin is preferably fibrous, and a fibrous resin (thermoplastic resin fiber) such as polycarbonate fiber, polyetherimide fiber, polyamide (nylon) fiber, or polypropylene fiber having good fiber dispersibility is used. Is preferred. In this embodiment, thermoplastic resin fibers are applied to the matrix resin. However, the thermoplastic resin may be in other forms such as particles.

  When the thermoplastic resin is fibrous, the fiber length of the thermoplastic resin is also preferably 2 mm or more and 150 mm or less. Each fiber length of the reinforcing fiber and the thermoplastic resin fiber can be arbitrarily selected within the above range. As the fiber length of the thermoplastic resin increases, the process strength of the base material for a fiber-reinforced plastic molded body to be made tends to be improved. Process strength here means the strength which resists the damage in the process of manufacturing the substrate for fiber reinforced plastic moldings. The base material for a fiber reinforced plastic molded body is improved in process strength, so that it is possible to suppress inconveniences in places that are not supported by, for example, a belt or a roll in the manufacturing process. However, the larger the fiber length of the thermoplastic resin, the more likely it is that a floc is caused by the entanglement of the thermoplastic resins. As a result, there is a possibility that clogging may occur due to valves, pumps, or the like in the transportation part III or the introduction part IV described later. For this reason, it is preferable to set the fiber length of the reinforcing fiber in consideration of the required strength of the fiber-reinforced plastic molded body and suppression of the entanglement of the fibers of the thermoplastic resin.

  The fiber diameter of the thermoplastic resin is preferably 3 μm or more and 300 μm or less. As the fiber diameter of the thermoplastic resin becomes smaller, it can contribute to the improvement of the flexibility of the base material for the fiber-reinforced plastic molded article to be produced and the prevention of the falling off of the surface fibers, but the thermoplastic resin flock is likely to occur. For this reason, it is preferable to set the fiber diameter of the thermoplastic resin in consideration of the required characteristics of the base material for a fiber-reinforced plastic molded body and the suppression of the flocs of the thermoplastic resin.

  The mass ratio of the reinforcing fiber and the thermoplastic resin in the substrate for fiber-reinforced plastic molded body is preferably in the range of 10:90 to 80:20, and more preferably in the range of 20:80 to 70:30. Preferably, it is in the range of 30:70 to 70:30. By setting the mass ratio of the reinforcing fiber and the thermoplastic resin within such a range, a lightweight and high-strength fiber-reinforced plastic molded body can be obtained. The dispersion may contain a binder component in order to bind the reinforcing fibers of the substrate for fiber-reinforced plastic molded body and the thermoplastic resin.

  As a binder, what is generally used for manufacture of wet paper machine nonwoven fabrics, such as an acrylic resin emulsion, a styrene-acrylic resin emulsion, PVA, and a thermoplastic resin, can be used. The addition method can be added by dispersing a thermoplastic resin such as PET-modified PET core-sheath structure fiber, polypropylene-polyethylene core-sheath structure binder fiber, or PVA fiber or PVA resin together with reinforcing fiber, etc. Liquid binders such as acrylic resin emulsion and styrene / acrylic resin emulsion can be added by spraying or dipping upstream of the drying part.

[1-1-3. Dispersion]
The dispersion is a dispersion in which reinforcing fibers and a thermoplastic resin are dispersed or suspended in a dispersion solvent. Examples of the dispersion include an aqueous dispersion using water as a dispersion solvent and an organic solvent dispersion using an organic solvent such as alcohol as a dispersion solvent. In the present embodiment, an inexpensive and easy-to-manage aqueous dispersion is applied. The aqueous dispersion is a dispersion containing at least water, and may be composed of water alone, or may contain a solvent other than water, a surfactant, or the like as long as the stability of the aqueous dispersion is not impaired.

As water used for the dispersion solvent, distilled water or purified water can be used in addition to normal industrial water. In this water, a surfactant can be mixed as necessary. Surfactants are classified into cationic, anionic, nonionic, and amphoteric types. In the present invention, an appropriate surfactant can be arbitrarily selected according to the type of fiber.
When the surfactant is mixed with water, the concentration of the surfactant is preferably 0.01% by mass or more and 1% by mass or less, more preferably 0.05% by mass or more and 0.5% by mass. It is as follows.

In the dispersion solvent, a polymer compound (viscous agent) can be dissolved as necessary to adjust the viscosity of the dispersion solvent. As the polymer compound, a water-soluble polymer or a solvent-based polymer can be used depending on the type of the solvent. When the dispersion solvent is water, it is preferable to use polyacrylamide, starch, polyvinyl alcohol, or polyethylene oxide. When the reinforcing fiber is a carbon fiber, anionic polyacrylamide is particularly preferable. When the polymer compound is dissolved in the dispersion solvent, the concentration of the polymer compound is preferably 0.01% by mass or more and 5% by mass or less, more preferably 0.05% by mass or more and 1% by mass or less. It is.
Each of the surfactant and the polymer compound constituting the dispersion solvent may be used alone or in combination of two or more.
The details of the dispersion will be described later in the introduction part IV described later.

[1-1-4. Basic configuration]
Next, with reference to FIG. 1, the basic composition of the base material manufacturing apparatus for fiber reinforced plastic moldings is demonstrated.
This base material manufacturing apparatus for a fiber reinforced plastic molded body is a defibrating part I for defibrating chopped strands 5 (not shown in FIG. 1, refer to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3) in order from the upstream side. , FIG. 1, shown by a two-dot chain line, see FIGS. 2 and 3), and a first storage part II for storing the dispersion liquid in which the reinforcing fibers 9 defibrated in the defibrating part I are put in the dispersion solvent (No. 1) One storage process), a transport part (transport process) III for transporting the dispersion liquid from the first storage part II, and a second storage part (second storage process) V described below for the dispersion transported in the transport part III. An introduction part (introduction process) IV to be introduced into the second storage part V, a second storage part V for storing the dispersion introduced in the introduction part IV, and a base for fiber reinforced plastic molding from the dispersion stored in the second storage part V Wet base material (reinforced fiber) And a papermaking part (papermaking process) VI for papermaking a wet web containing water in the matrix resin (shown in bold in FIG. 1), and a dilution part for diluting the divided water transported in transport part III by supplying water Dilution step) VII.

A reinforced fiber defibrating device 1 is applied to the defibrating part I, and a fiber reinforced plastic is used for the first storage part II, the transport part III, the introduction part IV, the second storage part V, the papermaking part VI, and the dilution part VII. A substrate papermaking apparatus 2 for a molded body is applied.
As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the defibrating part I is provided with a reinforced fiber defibrating apparatus 1 for defibrating chopped strands 5 (here, reference numerals are given only at one place). The chopped strand 5 is defibrated by the reinforcing fiber defibrating apparatus 1 to become reinforcing fibers 9 as a papermaking material.

As shown in FIG. 1, the first storage part II is provided with a storage tank 20 in which the dispersion solvent is stored. Reinforced fibers 9 (see FIG. 2 and FIG. 3) defibrated by the reinforced fiber defibrating apparatus 1 are put into the dispersion solvent stored in the storage tank 20. A thermoplastic resin (not shown) is also added to the dispersion solvent.
In the transport part III, a transport pipe 30 for transporting the dispersion liquid from the storage tank 20 is provided. The transport pipe 30 is provided with a pump P ₁ and a mixer M, the details of which will be described later. The dispersion transported from the storage tank 20 is diluted with the dilution water introduced by the dilution water introduction pipe 81 of the dilution part VII.

The introduction part IV is provided with an introduction part 40 for introducing the dispersion liquid transported by the transport pipe 30 into the second storage part V. The second storage part V is supplied with the dispersion liquid introduced by the introduction part 40. A storage section (also referred to as “pound”) 50 for temporarily storing is provided.
And a wet base material is made from the dispersion liquid stored in the storage part 50 by the paper making part VI.

  Although not shown in the drawings, in the base material papermaking apparatus 2 for fiber-reinforced plastic molded bodies, a downstream part from the papermaking part VI, a press part using a known device such as a dewatering felt, a Yankee dryer, a hot air dryer, etc. A dryer part using a known device is equipped, and the wet base material sent out from the papermaking part VI is dehydrated and dried by each processing part on the downstream side, and used for sheet-like fiber-reinforced plastic moldings. A substrate is produced.

[1-2. Detailed configuration]
Next, the detailed structure of each part in the base material manufacturing apparatus for fiber-reinforced plastic molded bodies will be described in order from the upstream side.
[1-2-1. Defibration part]
With reference to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the reinforcing fiber defibrating apparatus 1 of the defibrating part I will be described.
The reinforcing fiber defibrating apparatus 1 includes a lower conveying device 10 that conveys the chopped strands 5 of the reinforcing fibers that are placed thereon from below, and a hopper 16 that places the chopped strands 5 of the reinforcing fibers on the lower conveying device 10 (illustrated in FIG. 3). And an upper transport device 13 for transporting the chopped strands 5 of reinforcing fibers from above, and a shower (liquid supply device) 17 provided between the upper transport device 13 and the hopper 16 (not shown in FIG. 3). And.

Hereinafter, the lower conveyance device 10 and the upper conveyance device 13 will be described, and then each configuration will be described in the order of the hopper 16 and the shower 17.
The lower transport device 10 includes an endless lower transport belt 11 wound around rolls 12a and 12b. Here, the conveying surface 111 of the lower conveying belt 11 is provided horizontally, and the chopped strands 5 of the reinforcing fibers placed on the conveying surface 111 are conveyed in the conveying direction (right direction in FIGS. 2 and 3). .

Roll 12a, at least one of the 12b is a drive roll for conveying drives the lower conveyance belt 11, the drive roll rotates at a peripheral speed corresponding to the lower conveying speed V _1. That is, the lower transport belt 11 moves in the transport direction at the lower transport speed V ₁ at any location including the transport surface 111.

  The upper conveying device 13 conveys the chopped strands 5 of reinforcing fibers in the same direction as the conveying direction of the lower conveying device 10. In addition, the conveyance by the upper conveying apparatus 13 means applying a force in the conveying direction to the chopped strand 5 of the reinforcing fiber, and the chopped strand 5 is conveyed mainly by the lower conveying apparatus 10. The upper transport device 13 includes an endless upper transport belt 14 wound around rolls 15a, 15b, 15c, and 15d.

  The upper conveyance belt 14 can be expanded and contracted in the conveyance direction of the lower conveyance device 10 (the same direction as the conveyance direction of the upper conveyance device 13). Note that a material having elasticity such as rubber can be used for both the lower conveyance belt 11 and the upper conveyance belt 14. Note that the lower conveyor belt 11 is less likely to expand and contract than the upper conveyor belt 14.

  The rolls 15a, 15b, 15c, and 15d are an upstream drive roll 15a disposed at the upstream end 14a of the transport surface 141 of the upper transport belt 14 and a downstream drive disposed at the downstream end 14c of the transport surface 141 of the upper transport belt 14. It can be classified into a roll 15b and driven rolls 15c and 15d.

Upstream drive roll 15a is rotated at a peripheral speed of the lower conveying speed V ₁ and the constant velocity. Therefore, the upper transport belt 14 is driven in the transport direction at a constant speed (lower transport speed V ₁ ) with the lower transport belt 11 by the upstream drive roll 15a.
On the other hand, the downstream drive roll 15b is rotated at a peripheral speed corresponding to the high speed of the upper conveying speed V ₂ (> V ₁₎ than the lower conveying speed V _1. Accordingly, the upper transport belt 14 is driven in the transport direction at a higher speed (upper transport speed V ₂ ) than the lower transport belt 11 by the downstream drive roll 15b.

Therefore, the upper conveyance belt 14 gradually increases in speed from the lower conveyance speed V ₁ to the upper conveyance speed V ₂ higher than the lower conveyance speed V ₁ from the contact position with the upstream drive roll 15a toward the contact position with the downstream drive roll 15b. Move up and move.
As indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 2, a pressing roll 15e that presses the upper transport belt 14 downward between the upstream drive roll 15a and the downstream drive roll 15b (that is, the transport direction intermediate portion 14b of the transport surface 141). May be provided. Furthermore, the number of pressing rolls 15e is not limited to one and may be plural.

The lower conveyance belt 11 of the lower conveyance device 10 and the upper conveyance belt 14 of the upper conveyance device 13 convey the chopped strands 5 of reinforcing fibers sandwiched from above and below. At this time, the force in the conveying direction (hereinafter referred to as “conveyance”) is gradually increased while the upper conveying belt 14 is stretched on the upper portion of the chopped strand 5 of the reinforcing fiber conveyed by the lower conveying belt 11 at the lower conveying speed V _1. This force acts as a shearing force that separates the fibers.

Hereinafter, further description will be given with reference to FIG.
The transport surface 141 of the upper transport belt has an upstream end 14 a disposed in the transport direction intermediate portion 11 b of the lower transport belt 11, and a downstream end portion 14 c that projects beyond the downstream end 11 c of the lower transport belt 11.
A storage tank 20 (indicated by a two-dot chain line) is provided below the downstream end 11 c of the lower conveyor belt 11 and below the downstream end 14 c of the upper conveyor belt 14.

  The hopper 16 is provided above the lower conveyance belt 11 and between the upstream end 11a and the conveyance direction intermediate portion 11b. The hopper 16 is for placing the reinforced fiber chopped strand 5 on the lower conveyance belt 11 so that the orientation direction of the reinforcing fiber in the chopped strand 5 intersects the conveyance direction of the lower conveyance belt 11. In other words, the hopper 16 puts the chopped strands 5 of the reinforcing fibers on the lower conveying belt 11 in an orientation (crossing direction of the reinforcing fibers when placed on the lower conveying belt 11) intersecting with the conveying direction of the lower conveying belt 11. It is to be placed. The defibrating efficiency of the chopped strand 5 improves as the angle between the orientation direction of the reinforcing fibers in the chopped strand 5 and the conveyance direction of the lower conveyance belt 11 approaches 90 degrees. Therefore, it is more preferable to place the chopped strand 5 on the lower conveyance belt 11 in an orientation posture orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the lower conveyance belt 11.

  Here, the chopped strands 5 of the reinforcing fibers to be placed are accumulated in the hopper 16, and the lower portion of the hopper 16 is cut away by the thickness of the chopped strands 5 of the reinforcing fibers on the conveyance direction side of the lower conveyance belt 11. A cut-out 16a is formed. For this reason, the chopped strands 5 of reinforcing fibers are sequentially placed on the lower transport belt 11 in a predetermined orientation by the hopper 16. In order to stably place the chopped strands 5 of reinforcing fibers in a desired orientation, a plurality of hoppers 16 may be arranged side by side in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction (width direction of the transport belt 11).

  The shower 17 is provided above the lower transport belt 11 and downstream of the hopper 16 and upstream of the upper transport device 13. The shower 17 supplies liquid to the chopped strand 5 of reinforcing fibers. As this liquid, the same one as the above-described separation solvent can be used. Instead of the shower 17, a water jet (liquid supply device) that supplies (injects) liquid at a pressure higher than that of the shower 17 may be used. A plurality of showers 17 or a plurality of water jets may be used alone or in combination.

  The reinforced fiber chopped strand 5 has a property of being easily dispersed in a liquid such as water. Therefore, if the liquid is supplied before the conveying force is applied by the lower conveying belt 11 and the upper conveying belt 14, the reinforced fiber chopped strand 5. Is dispersed prior to defibration by the conveyor belts 11 and 14. When a water jet is used, since the liquid supply pressure is high, the chopped strands 5 of reinforcing fibers can be further defibrated with this physical force.

[1-2-2. First storage part]
Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 1, the first storage part II, transport part III, introduction part IV, second storage part V, papermaking part VI, and dilution part VII of the base material papermaking apparatus 2 for fiber reinforced plastic molding will be described. To do.
As described above, in the storage tank 20 of the first storage part II, the dispersion liquid in which the defibrated reinforcing fibers 9 and the matrix resin are added to the dispersion solvent and dispersed is stored.

The storage tank 20 has an opening 20a at the top and an outlet 20b at the bottom. The opening 20a functions as an inlet for defibrated reinforcing fibers 9 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) and a matrix resin.
The storage tank 20 may be provided with an agitator (not shown) for mixing the dispersion solvent.

[1-2-3. Transport part, dilution part]
The transport pipe 30 of the transport part III has an upstream end 30 a connected to the outlet 20 b of the storage tank 20 and a downstream end 30 b connected to the introduction part 40. The transport pipe 30 includes a pump P ₁ for pumping the dispersion liquid and a mixer M for stirring the pumped dispersion liquid in order from the upstream.

  Further, dilution water is injected into the transport pipe 30 through the dilution water introduction pipe 81, and the concentration of the dispersion is diluted to about 10 to 20 times or more. Thus, by making a dispersion liquid low concentration, the dispersion effect in the mixer M and the turbulent flow generator 41 mentioned later can be heightened more, and the base material for fiber reinforced plastic moldings with a favorable dispersion state can be obtained.

The dilution water introduction pipe 81 has a downstream end portion 81 a connected to the transport pipe 30. This connection point may be upstream of the mixer M or downstream of the mixer M, but the upstream side of the mixer M is preferable because the dispersibility of the reinforcing fibers is improved.
In the dilution part VII described here, since a large amount of dilution water is used, the water discharged in the papermaking part VI is reused as dilution water from the viewpoint of saving water. Specifically, as the diluting water, the water sucked by the suction box 62 of the papermaking part VI is circulated through the circulation pipe 82 and stored in the tank 80. Dilution water stored in the tank 80 is continuously supplied from a dilution water inlet pipe 81 to the transport pipe 30 by a pump P _2.

  However, as the dilution water used in the dilution part VII, water sucked by suction boxes 63, 64, 72 (all of which will be described later in detail) other than the suction box 62 may be used. Furthermore, it is not necessary to reuse the water discharged in the papermaking part VI.

  As the mixer M, it is preferable to use a static mixer. The static mixer is not provided with a drive unit, and can synthesize simply because the circulating dispersion is statically stirred. This static mixer preliminarily stirs the dispersion prior to the turbulent flow generating device 41 described later in detail. However, as the mixer M, a mixer provided with a drive unit that rotationally drives the propeller may be used, and the mixer M may be omitted.

[1-2-4. Introduction part]
The introduction part 40 of the introduction part IV introduces the dispersion liquid transported by the transport pipe 30 into the storage part 50. The introduction part 40 has an upstream end part 40 a connected to the downstream end part 30 b of the transport pipe 30 and a downstream end part 40 b connected to the inlet 50 a of the storage part 50.
1 illustrates an example in which the introduction portion 40 is provided to extend obliquely upward with respect to the vertical direction, but the introduction portion 40 may be provided to extend in the vertical direction or the horizontal direction. .

The introduction unit 40 is provided with a turbulent flow generator 41 that generates turbulent flow in the dispersion.
As shown in FIG. 4, the turbulent flow generation device 41 has a turbulent flow generation flow path 42 that divides and distributes the dispersion liquid and changes the flow path cross-sectional area. Here, the turbulent flow generation flow path 42 is exemplified as having five flow paths 42a, 42b, 42c, 42d, 42e, but may have a flow path branched into 2 to 4 or 6 or more. . Furthermore, you may use the turbulent flow generation flow path 42 which distribute | circulates a dispersion liquid without branching.

The turbulent flow generation channel 42 is tubular. Examples of the channel cross section of the turbulent flow generation channel 42 include circular and polygonal ones. However, the turbulent flow generation channel 42 may be slit-shaped. In this case, the slit-shaped turbulent flow generation channel 42 can be formed by partitioning the turbulent flow generation flow channel 42 with a sheet-like structure (so-called “flow sheet”).
The turbulent flow generation channel 42 has a different channel cross-sectional area depending on the position in the channel direction. That is, the turbulent flow generation flow path 42 is configured such that the inner diameter changes along the flow path direction and the flow path cross-sectional area changes.

In turbulent flow generation channel 42, the upstream portion 421 has a flow path cross-sectional area S _1, the flow direction middle portion 422 has a flow path cross-sectional area S _2, a downstream portion 423 having a flow path cross-sectional area S ₃ . These channel cross-sectional areas S ₁ , S ₂ , S ₃ will be described in order from the upstream.
Upstream portion 421 is enlarged opening of the upstream end portion 42A in order to suppress catching of reinforcing fibers, the flow path cross-sectional area S ₁ is reduced toward the upstream end portion 42A to the downstream.

The flow direction intermediate portion 422 has a channel cross-sectional area S ₂ that expands in a step shape from the downstream end of the upstream portion 421, and turbulence is generated by the change in the channel cross-sectional area.
Downstream portion 423 again decreases as the flow path cross-sectional area S ₃ is directed toward the downstream end 42b. At the downstream end 42B, the flow path cross-sectional area rapidly increases. For this reason, a relatively large turbulent flow is generated on the downstream side of the downstream portion 423.

  In the introduction part 40, an evening roll (not shown) may be provided on the downstream side of the turbulent flow generation device 41. Evener rolls are rolls that are perforated in a staggered manner, and the dispersion of the dispersion liquid circulates through these holes, so that the reinforcing fiber frog can be unraveled. However, depending on the concentration of the reinforcing fiber in the dispersion and the fiber length of the reinforcing fiber, there is a risk of promoting the aggregation and re-aggregation of the reinforcing fiber. It is preferable to determine whether or not.

Next, the parameters of the dispersion will be described.
The concentration of reinforcing fibers in the dispersion (concentration before being diluted with dilution water) is preferably approximately 3.0% or less. If this concentration is large, the production efficiency is increased, but the reaggregation of the reinforcing fibers in the storage tank 20 is not likely to become strong. If the concentration of the reinforcing fiber in the dispersion is 3.0% or less, the turbulent flow generator 41 can release the reaggregation of the reinforcing fiber and obtain a good dispersion state.

The concentration of the reinforcing fiber in the dispersion liquid diluted with the dilution water injected from the dilution water introduction pipe 81 enhances the dispersion effect of the turbulent flow generating device 41, and the base for the fiber reinforced plastic molded body with less fiber binding. From the viewpoint of obtaining 0.5% or less, preferably 0.1% or less, more preferably 0.01% or less. In addition, the one where this density | concentration is lower is advantageous also from a viewpoint of the uniformity of basic weight.
On the other hand, when the concentration of the reinforcing fiber in the dispersion after dilution is 0.02% or more, when the dispersion is dehydrated to make paper, the fabric weight can be secured and the productivity can be improved. This concentration can be adjusted by adjusting the circulation amount of the dilution water.

  The Reynolds number of the turbulent flow generated by the turbulent flow generating device 41 is preferably 7000 or more and 200000 or less, and more preferably 170000 or less. As the Reynolds number increases, the generation of turbulence is promoted to tend to break up the aggregation of the reinforcing fibers and suppress the flocs of the reinforcing fibers, but the reinforcing fibers may be broken or broken. For this reason, it is preferable to set the Reynolds number in consideration of suppression of aggregation or reaggregation of reinforcing fibers and breakage or breakage of reinforcing fibers (that is, strength of reinforcing fibers). That is, if the Reynolds number of the turbulent flow here is 7000 or more, aggregation or reaggregation of the reinforcing fibers can be suppressed, and if it is 170000 or less, breakage or breakage of the reinforcing fibers can be suppressed.

  The viscosity of the dispersion (dispersion solvent) is preferably 0.9 mPa · s or more and 3.0 mPa · s or less by adding the above-mentioned adhesive. As this viscosity increases, there is a tendency to obtain a base material for a fiber-reinforced plastic molded article having excellent fiber dispersibility even with the same Reynolds number, and with few reinforcing fiber breaks and breaks. On the other hand, there is a possibility that the dehydration resistance increases and the productivity is lowered. For this reason, it is preferable to set the viscosity in consideration of suppression of aggregation of the reinforcing fibers and productivity. That is, if the viscosity of the dispersion liquid is 1.1 mPa · s, aggregation of reinforcing fibers can be suppressed, and if it is 1.0 mPa · s or less, productivity can be improved. The viscosity setting range here is the item [1-1-3. This can be achieved by setting the concentration of the above-described polymer compound (viscous agent) in the dispersion to a predetermined range.

In addition, the viscosity of the dispersion liquid is obtained by filtering the dispersion liquid collected from the reservoir 50 through an 80 mesh filter (fluid) and collecting the filtrate, and using a Canon-Fenske viscometer, JIS Z 8803 “Method for measuring liquid viscosity It can measure according to the measuring method prescribed | regulated.
Further, the viscosity used for setting the viscosity of the dispersion is the downstream of the junction with the dilution part VII in the transport part III, the introduction part IV, the storage part V, the dilution part VII, that is, where the dilution water circulates and flows. Can be injected. Note that the above-mentioned viscous agent is preferably injected between the pump P ₁ and the mixer M or between the mixer M and the turbulent flow generation device 41. In this case, a sticky inlet (not shown) is formed at the corresponding location.

[1-2-5. Second storage part]
The storage part 50 of the second storage part V temporarily stores the dispersion liquid introduced from the introduction part 40. In addition, the storage part 50 is provided with a plate part (not shown) as a side wall of the stored dispersion.
The reservoir 50 has a bottom 50b that is inclined so that the depth of the stored dispersion becomes shallower as the distance from the introduction portion 40 increases. The bottom 50b has an opening, and an inclined bottom wire 61 of a bottom wire device 60 described later travels along the opening.

[1-2-6. Papermaking part]
The papermaking part VI includes a bottom wire device 60 having an inclined bottom wire 61 and a top wire device (liquid surface portion moving device) 70 having a top wire (conveying belt) 71.
Hereinafter, the wire devices 60 and 70 will be described in detail.
The bottom wire device 60 includes an endless inclined bottom wire 61, a plurality of rolls 64a, 64b, 64c, 64d, 64e, 64f, and 64g around which the inclined bottom wire 61 is wound, and three types of suction boxes 62 and 63. , 65.

The inclined bottom wire 61 has a region (hereinafter referred to as “papermaking region”) 61a for making a wet base material from the dispersion. This papermaking area 61a is an area that extends obliquely upward from the lower part of the storage part 50 (the opening part of the bottom part 50b) to the upper side of the liquid level 69a of the dispersion liquid.
At least one of the plurality of rolls 64a, 64b, 64c, 64d, 64e, 64f, and 64g is a drive roll, and this drive roll rotates at a paper making speed (bottom paper making speed V ₃ ) by the inclined bottom wire 61. That is, the roll 64a, 64b, 64c, 64d, 64e, 64f, the inclined bottom wire 61 wound in 64g is driven at a bottom sheet forming velocity V _3. For this reason, the papermaking region 61a of the inclined bottom wire 61 can be said to be a region that moves obliquely upward from the dispersion liquid over the liquid surface 69a of the dispersion liquid.

  The three types of suction boxes 62, 63 and 65 are located in the vicinity of the same level as the upstream suction box (lower suction device) 62 in which a suction port 62a is provided below the liquid level 69a of the dispersion and the liquid level 69a of the dispersion. A transfer suction box (transfer suction device) 63 provided with a suction port 63a and provided immediately downstream of a portion where the top wire 71 and the inclined bottom wire 61 are separated at a downstream end of a liquid surface portion moving region 71a described later; It can be roughly divided into a downstream suction box 65 in which a suction port 65a is provided above the liquid level 69a of the dispersion. The transfer suction box 63 is provided immediately downstream of the portion corresponding to the downstream end of the liquid surface portion moving region 61a.

  The upstream suction box 62 sucks the moisture of the dispersion liquid downward from the suction port 62a through the papermaking region 61a. The water sucked here is sent to the tank 80 and is pressed into the transport pipe 30 as diluted water. The upstream suction box 62 absorbs water to make a wet base material from the dispersion, and absorbs a larger amount of water than the suction boxes 63 and 65 described below.

The transfer suction box 63 sucks the wet base material on the inclined bottom wire 61 to the lower inclined bottom wire 61 through the papermaking region 61a from the suction port 63a. The transfer suction box 63 attracts the wet base material between the inclined bottom wire 61 of the bottom wire device 60 and the top wire 71 of the top wire device 70 to the lower inclined bottom wire 61 (the upper surface of the papermaking region 61a). Of course, the moisture of the wet base material is sucked below the inclined bottom wire 61 here as well.
The downstream suction box 65 is disposed downstream of the transfer suction box 63 and promotes further water absorption from the wet equipment absorbed by the transfer suction box 63. This downstream suction box sucks the moisture of the wet base material on the inclined bottom wire 61 downward from the suction port 65a.

The top wire device 70 is a device that specifically moves the liquid surface portion 69 of the dispersion stored in the storage portion 50 from upstream to downstream in response to the movement of the papermaking region 61a.
The top wire device 70 includes an endless top wire 71, a plurality of rolls 73a, 73b, 73c, and 73d around which the top wire 71 is wound, and a suction box (upper suction device) 72.
The top wire 71 has a liquid surface portion moving region 71a along the liquid surface portion 69 of the dispersion liquid.

A plurality of rolls 73a, 73b, 73c, at least one 73d is a drive roll, the drive roll is rotated at a top sheet forming speed V _4. The liquid surface portion moving area 71a moves in accordance with the movement of the paper making area 61a. Here, the top paper making speed V ₄ and the bottom paper making speed V ₃ are set equal (V ₃ = V ₄ ). ing. For this reason, the top wire 71 wound around the rolls 73a, 73b, 73c, and 73d is driven at the same speed as the bottom wire 61. More specifically, the liquid surface portion moving region 71a of the top wire 71 moves from upstream to downstream at the same speed as the bottom wire papermaking region 61a.

Among the plurality of rolls 73a, 73b, 73c, 73d, the roll 73a disposed at the downstream end of the liquid surface portion movement region 71a is a pressure contact roll that presses the top wire 71 against the wet base material on the inclined bottom wire 61. .
The suction box 72 sucks the moisture of the dispersion liquid upward via the liquid surface portion moving region 71a, and the suction port 72a is provided above the liquid surface 69a of the dispersion liquid.

[2. Action and effect]
Since the reinforcing fiber defibrating apparatus 1 and the base material sheet-making apparatus 2 for a fiber-reinforced plastic molded body according to an embodiment of the present invention are configured as described above, the following operations and effects can be obtained.

[2-1. Reinforcing fiber defibrating device]
First, the action and effect of the reinforcing fiber defibrating apparatus 1 in the defibrating part I will be described.
A hopper 16 for placing the chopped strands 5 of reinforcing fibers on the lower conveying device 10 in an orientation posture intersecting the conveying direction is above the lower conveying belt 11 and between the upstream end 11a and the conveying direction intermediate portion 11b. Therefore, the chopped strands 5 of reinforcing fibers can be placed on the upstream side of the reinforcing fiber defibrating apparatus 1.

  The chopped strands 5 of reinforcing fibers are sandwiched and transported from above and below by the lower transport belt 11 of the lower transport device 10 and the upper transport belt 14 of the upper transport device 13. It is transported at a higher speed than the lower transport belt 11 around 15b. For this reason, the chopped strands 5 of reinforcing fibers placed in an orientation posture crossing the transport direction are applied with a transport force in the same direction as the lower transport belt 11 by the upper transport belt 14 at a higher speed than the lower transport belt 11. It is done.

  By this conveying force, a force (shearing force) in a direction intersecting the orientation direction acts on the chopped strands 5 of the reinforcing fibers that are oriented and focused in the same direction, and the chopped strands 5 of the reinforcing fibers are finely divided. It can be separated and satisfactorily defibrated.

  The upper conveyor belt 14 that can be expanded and contracted in the conveyance direction is conveyed and driven at a constant speed with the lower conveyance belt 11 by an upstream drive roll 15 a provided at the upstream end 14 a of the conveyance surface 141, and also to the downstream end 14 c of the conveyance surface 141. The downstream drive roll 15b provided is transported and driven at a higher speed than the lower transport belt 11. For this reason, in the region where the conveying force is applied to the chopped strands 5 of reinforcing fibers, the conveying speed of the upper conveying belt 14 is gradually increased from the same speed as that of the lower conveying belt 11.

  Accordingly, the chopped strands 5 of the reinforcing fibers placed and conveyed on the lower conveyance belt 11 are gradually defibrated while being conveyed by the upper conveyance belt 14. Thereby, the fluctuation | variation of the orientation attitude | position of the reinforced fiber to be defibrated is suppressed, and it can contribute to reliable defibration. Moreover, since the conveyance speed of the upper conveyance belt 14 becomes gradually higher than the conveyance speed of the lower conveyance belt 11, the chopped strands 5 of reinforcing fibers can be defibrated reliably.

  Since the presser roll 15e presses the upper transport belt 14 downward between the upstream drive roll 15a and the downstream drive roll 15b, the upper transport belt 14 can be reliably brought into contact with the reinforcing fiber, thereby further reliably. Can be defibrated.

A shower 17 is provided on the downstream side of the hopper 16 and on the upstream side of the upper transport device 13, and the shower 17 supplies liquid to the chopped strands 5 of reinforcing fibers. For this reason, the liquid is supplied to the chopped strand 5 of the reinforcing fiber before the conveying force is applied to the chopped strand 5 of the reinforcing fiber from above.
Therefore, the chopped strands 5 of reinforcing fibers can be preliminarily defibrated prior to defibration by the belts 11 and 14. The fact that the chopped strands 5 of reinforcing fibers have the property of being easily dispersed in a liquid such as water contributes to preliminary defibration. Thereby, the chopped strand 5 of the reinforcing fiber can be further defibrated.

The transport surface 141 of the upper transport belt has an upstream end 14 a disposed in the transport direction intermediate portion 11 b of the lower transport belt 11, a downstream end portion 14 c disposed so as to protrude from the downstream end 11 c of the lower transport belt 11, and storage. Since the tank 20 is provided below the downstream end 11c of the lower conveyance belt 11 and below the downstream end 14c of the upper conveyance belt 14, the defibrated reinforcing fiber 9 is stored in the dispersion tank. Can be dropped to 20. Thus, the process concerning manufacture of the base material for fiber reinforced plastic molding can be implemented continuously, which contributes to the improvement of productivity.
Thus, the dispersion of the reinforcing fibers in the dispersion favorably contributes to improving the quality of the substrate for the fiber-reinforced plastic molded body.

[2-2. Substrate papermaking equipment for fiber-reinforced plastic molding materials]
Next, the operation and effect of the base material papermaking apparatus 2 for fiber-reinforced plastic molding material will be described.

[2-2-1. First storage part-introduction part, dilution part]
First, the operation and effect of the substrate papermaking apparatus 2 for fiber-reinforced plastic molding material in the first storage part II to the introduction part IV and the dilution part VII will be described.
In the first storage part II, the reinforcing fibers 9 defibrated from the opening 20 a of the storage tank 20 are put into the dispersion solvent, and the dispersion liquid is stored in the storage tank 20. This dispersion liquid flows out from the outlet 20b to which the upstream end 30a of the transport pipe 30 is connected.

In the transport part III, the dispersion liquid is pumped to the pump P ₁ and circulates in the transport pipe 30. At this time, the dispersion is stirred by the mixer M. That is, the mixer M is agitated prior to the turbulent flow generator 41. This contributes to suppression of flocs of the reinforcing fiber.
If a static mixer is used as the mixer M, the dispersion is gently stirred as compared with stirring by another mixer having a drive unit. For this reason, it is possible to suppress breakage or breakage of the reinforcing fibers in the dispersion, and it is possible to obtain a good dispersion state by leveling the deviation of the distances between the reinforcing fibers in the dispersion.

  The dispersion transported in transport part III is diluted with the diluent supplied from dilution part VII. Thereby, the dispersibility of a reinforced fiber can be improved in the dispersion liquid which distribute | circulates the transport part III. Moreover, since the dilution water used in the dilution part VII recycles the water sucked by the suction box 62, it is possible to reduce the cost for the water.

In the introduction part IV, the dispersion liquid flows through the introduction part 40. The introduction unit 40 is provided with a turbulent flow generator 41 that generates turbulent flow in the dispersion. For this reason, a turbulent flow is generated in the dispersed flow flowing through the turbulent flow generating device 41.
In the turbulent flow generation device 41, turbulent flow is generated at a location where the flow path cross-sectional area changes. In particular, the greater the change in the cross-sectional area of the flow path with respect to the flow rate of the dispersion, the greater the turbulence that occurs. In the turbulent flow generation channel 42 of the turbulent flow generating device 41, when a dispersion liquid flows relatively from the upstream part 421 to the flow direction intermediate part 422, a dispersion liquid flows out from the downstream part 423. A relatively large turbulent flow is generated. In this way, turbulence can be reliably generated.

  Depending on the parameters such as the concentration of the dispersion, viscosity, Reynolds number, fiber length of the reinforcing fiber, and fiber diameter, the distance between the reinforcing fibers varies upstream of the introduction unit 40 due to the turbulent flow generated by the turbulent flow generator 41. If this is the case, this variation can be leveled and supplied to the storage section 50 downstream of the introduction section 40, and if the reinforcing fibers are aggregated upstream of the introduction section 40, this condensation is turbulent. Can be unraveled and supplied to the storage section 50 downstream of the introduction section 40. Therefore, aggregation or reaggregation of reinforcing fibers in the storage unit 50 can be suppressed. As a result, it is possible to suppress agglomeration of aggregated reinforcing fibers to the substrate for fiber-reinforced plastic molded body.

The technology for transporting the dispersion in the laminar flow or the transition region from laminar flow to turbulent flow only makes it difficult to change the distance between the reinforcing fibers in the dispersion. By using the turbulent flow generation device 41, the distance between the reinforcing fibers is leveled and the aggregated reinforcing fibers are unraveled by the turbulent flow, so that the flocs between the reinforcing fibers can be positively suppressed. Therefore, flocs of reinforcing fibers can be reliably suppressed, and the quality of the substrate for fiber-reinforced plastic molded bodies can be improved. In addition, the flocs of reinforcing fibers can be reliably suppressed in-line, which contributes to stable production of a base material for fiber-reinforced plastic molded bodies over a long period of time.
Moreover, since the turbulent flow generation channel 42 is tubular, it is possible to generate turbulent flow more effectively than a slit-shaped flow channel 42.

[2-2-2. Second storage part and papermaking part]
Next, the operation and effect of the base material papermaking apparatus 2 for fiber-reinforced plastic molding material in the second storage part V and the papermaking part VI will be described.
In the second storage part V, the dispersion liquid transferred to the papermaking part VI is temporarily stored in the storage unit 50. In the papermaking part VI, the wet base material is made from the dispersion liquid stored in the storage unit 50. In this papermaking part VI, a wet base material is made by the bottom wire device 60 and the top wire device 70.

  The top wire device 70 moves the liquid level portion 69 of the dispersion liquid from upstream to downstream in response to the movement of the papermaking region 61a when the wet base material is made. Thereby, in the liquid level part 69 of a dispersion liquid, the floc of a reinforced fiber can be suppressed. Moreover, the wet base material dehydrated by the upper and lower wires 61 and 71 can be superposed, and the basis weight can be increased. As a result, the presence of flocs of reinforcing fibers in the wet base material can be suppressed, the orientation and density of the reinforcing fibers can be made uniform, and the basis weight can be further increased. Therefore, the quality of the base material for fiber reinforced plastic molding can be improved. Thereby, the rigidity and intensity | strength of the fiber reinforced plastic molded object which shape | molded the base material for fiber reinforced plastic molded objects can be improved.

A flow is created in the dispersion liquid stored in the storage unit 50 by the bottom wire device 60 and the top wire device 70, respectively.
In the storage unit 50, a flow velocity F ₁ of the dispersion liquid by the inclined bottom wire 61 and a flow velocity F _{2 of the} dispersion liquid by the top wire 71 are generated.

The flow velocity F ₁ of the dispersion liquid by the inclined bottom wire 61 decreases as it goes upward. This is because the dispersion liquid is dragged by the inclined bottom wire 61 having the papermaking region 61a that moves obliquely upward from the lower portion of the storage section 50 over the liquid surface 69a of the dispersion liquid.
Further, the flow velocity F _{2 of the} dispersed flow generated by the top wire 71 becomes smaller as it goes downward. This is because the dispersion is dragged by the top wire 71 having the liquid surface portion moving region 71a from the upstream to the downstream along the liquid surface portion 69 of the dispersion stored in the storage portion 50.

From these, the flow velocity F _{1 of the} dispersed flow that decreases from the lower side to the upper side generated by the inclined bottom wire 61 and the flow velocity F _{2 of the} dispersed flow that decreases from the upper side to the lower side that are generated by the top wire 71 are synthesized. The flow velocity of the dispersed flow in the vertical direction of 50 can be leveled. Further, since the moving speed of the paper making area 61a (bottom paper making speed V ₃ ) and the moving speed of the liquid surface portion moving area 71a (top paper making speed V ₄ ) are equal, variation in the flow velocity of the dispersed flow in the vertical direction of the reservoir 50 is achieved. Can be further suppressed.

Next, papermaking of the wet base material will be described.
The bottom wire device 60 is provided with an upstream suction box 62 that sucks the dispersion liquid downward through the papermaking region 61 a of the inclined bottom wire 61. For this reason, a wet base material containing reinforcing fibers and a matrix resin is formed on the inclined bottom wire 61. The wet base material made on the inclined bottom wire 61 can be oriented (vertical orientation) along the paper making direction of the inclined bottom wire 61 by adjusting the upstream suction box 62.

  The top wire device 70 is provided with a suction box 72 for sucking the dispersion liquid upward through the liquid surface portion moving region 71 a of the top wire 71. For this reason, the density | concentration of the reinforced fiber and matrix resin in the dispersion liquid directly under the top wire 71 increases as it goes downstream from the upstream. Thereby, the wet base material containing the reinforcing fiber and the matrix resin under the top wire 71 can be made. The wet base material made under the top wire 71 can be oriented (vertical orientation) along the paper making direction of the top wire 71 by adjusting the suction box 72.

  With these wire devices 60 and 70, it is possible to produce a wet base material highly oriented in the vertical direction, and thus, it is possible to manufacture a base material for fiber-reinforced plastic molded bodies having a high vertical orientation. . Needless to say, the aspect ratio of the wet base material can be adjusted by adjusting the suction boxes 62 and 72.

Since the top wire device 70 has a pressure contact roll 73 a that presses the top wire 71 against the wet base material on the inclined bottom wire 61, the wet base material made by the top wire 71 is moistened by the inclined bottom wire 61. It is pressed onto the substrate. Water can be efficiently removed from the wet substrate by the pressure contact of the pressure roll 73a.
Since the wet base material is sucked downward together with moisture by the transfer suction box 63 or the downstream suction box 65, the wet base material under the top wire 71 is attracted to the wet base material on the inclined bottom wire 61, and the wet base material is downstream. Can be guided to the side.

[Others]
Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Each structure of one Embodiment mentioned above can be selected as needed, and may be combined suitably.

In the reinforcing fiber defibrating device 1 of the embodiment described above, the shower 17 is provided on the downstream side of the hopper 16, but the shower 17 may be provided on the upstream side of the hopper 16.
The shower 17 may be omitted. In this case, for example, the downstream portion of the reinforcing fiber defibrating device 1 may be immersed in the dispersion solvent stored in the storage tank 20 so that the transport surface 141 of the upper transport belt 14 is submerged. In this case, the conveying surface 111 of the lower conveying belt 11 and the conveying surface 141 of the upper conveying belt 14 are arranged to be inclined so as to be positioned downward toward the downstream side. According to such a configuration, the chopped strands of reinforcing fibers can be defibrated reliably in the same manner as the shower 17 is provided.

Further, in the reinforcing fiber opener device 1, the conveying speed V ₂ of the conveyance speed V ₁ and the upper conveyor belt 14 of at least the lower conveyor belt 11 has only to different. For example, the transport speed V ₂ of the upper transport belt 14 may be set constant. Further, the transport speed V ₂ of the upper transport belt 14 may be set lower than the transport speed V ₁ of the lower transport belt 11. In this case, the transport speed V ₂ of the upper transport belt 14 may be gradually decreased from the transport speed V ₁ . Alternatively, the transport speed V ₂ of the upper transport belt 14 may be set to be constant, and the transport speed V ₁ of the transport surface 111 of the lower transport belt 11 may be set to gradually increase or decrease gradually. Good.
Moreover, the upper conveyance apparatus 13 is not restricted to the arrangement | positioning mentioned above. For example, the downstream end of the transport surface 141 of the upper transport belt 14 may be disposed upstream of the downstream end 12 b of the transport surface 111 of the lower transport belt 11.

Moreover, the upper conveyance belt 14 may be omitted, and a roll that is provided side by side in the conveyance direction and that conveys the chopped strands 5 of reinforcing fibers from above may be provided. The chopped strand can be defibrated by rotating at least a part of these rolls at a speed different from the transport speed V ₁ of the lower transport belt.
Further, the storage tank 20 may not be provided on the downstream side of the reinforcing fiber defibrating apparatus 1. That is, the reinforced fiber defibrating apparatus 1 may be used separately from the fiber reinforced plastic molded base material sheet making apparatus 2.

In the base material papermaking apparatus 2 for fiber-reinforced plastic molded body described above, it is important to generate a turbulent flow in the flow of the dispersion liquid in the introduction section 40 that introduces the dispersion liquid into the storage section 50. What is necessary is just to provide what generates a turbulent flow, and the detailed structure is not restricted to the structure mentioned above. For example, the flow path cross-sectional area of the turbulent flow generation flow path 42 in the turbulent flow generation device 41 may be reduced only at the downstream end.
Of the suction boxes 62, 63, and 72, particularly the suction box 63 that guides the wet base material along a predetermined path, when the opposing rolls are disposed at a position such as a corner of a belt conveyance path. A suction roll may be used.

Moreover, it may replace with the top wire 71 and may use the other conveyance belt (belt without a dehydration effect | action) which consists of rubber | gum, a film, etc. In this case, since the liquid level part 69 is moved by the conveying belt, the quality of the wet equipment can be improved.
When such a conveyor belt is used, a dehydrating effect as in a wire cannot be obtained, and it is considered difficult to produce a wet base material under the conveyor belt. Therefore, a suction box 72 and a transfer suction box used for papermaking by the top belt device 70 are considered. The configuration such as 63 is omitted.

  Further, a liquid surface portion moving device that does not use a conveyor belt is also conceivable. That is, it is only necessary to have a configuration for moving the liquid level portion 69 at least from the upstream side to the downstream side. As such a configuration, a part of a roll that is rotationally driven in a predetermined direction is provided on the liquid level portion 69. What is immersed, a blower that circulates air in parallel with the liquid level of the liquid level part 69, a pump or a mixer that is immersed in the liquid level part 69 and pumps the dispersion liquid downstream along the liquid level, etc. Can do.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Reinforcing fiber defibrating device 2 Substrate paper making device for fiber reinforced plastic molding 5 Chopped strand (aggregate) of reinforcing fiber
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 9 Reinforce | strengthened fiber 10 Lower conveying apparatus 11 Lower conveying belt 111 Conveying surface 11a Upstream end 11b Conveying direction intermediate part 11c Downstream end 12a, 12b Roll 13 Upper conveying apparatus 14 Upper conveying belt 141 Conveying surface 14a Upstream end 14b Conveying direction Intermediate part 14c Downstream end 15a Upstream drive roll 15b Downstream drive roll 15c, 15d Driven roll 15e Pressing roll 16 Hopper 16a Notch 17 Shower (liquid supply device)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 20 Reservoir 20a Opening 20b Outlet 30 Transport pipe 30a Upstream end part 30b Downstream end part 40 Introduction part 40a Upstream end part 40b Downstream end part 41 Turbulence generator 42 Turbulence generation flow path 42a, 42b, 42c, 42d, 42e Each flow path 42A Upstream end 42B Downstream end 421 Upstream portion 422 Flow direction intermediate portion 423 Downstream portion 50, 500 Storage portion 50a Inlet 50b Bottom portion 60 Bottom wire device 61, 610 Inclined bottom wire 61a. 611 Papermaking area 62 Upstream suction box (lower suction device)
62a Suction port 63 Transfer suction box (transfer suction device)
63a Suction port 64a, 64b, 64c, 64d, 64e, 64f, 64g Roll 65 Downstream suction box 69, 690 Liquid surface portion 69a Liquid surface 70 Top wire device (liquid surface portion moving device)
71 Top wire (Conveyor belt)
71a Liquid surface area moving area 72 Suction box (upper suction device)
72a Suction port 73a Pressure rolls 73b, 73c, 73d Other rolls 80 Tank 81 Dilution water introduction pipe 81a Downstream end 82 Circulation pipe I Defibration part II First storage part III Transport part IV Introduction part V Second storage part VI Papermaking Part VII Dilution Part P ₁ , P ₂ Pump M (Static) Mixer V ₁ Lower Conveying Speed V ₂ Upper Conveying Speed V ₃ Bottom Making Speed V ₄ Top Making Speed F ₁ Dispersion Flow Rate F ₁ Inclined Bottom Wire 61 F ₁₁ Reservoir 500 Dispersion Flow Rate F ₂ Dispersion Flow Rate with Top Wire 71

Claims (11)

A reinforced fiber defibrating device for defibrating an assembly of reinforced fibers cut to a predetermined length,
A lower conveying belt that conveys the aggregate mounted in an orientation posture intersecting the conveying direction;
An upper conveying device that conveys the aggregate from above the lower conveying belt at a conveying speed different from that of the lower conveying belt in the same direction as the conveying direction of the lower conveying belt. Textile equipment. The upper transport device has an upper transport belt that transports the assembly from above,
The upper conveying belt is characterized in that an upstream end of a conveying surface is disposed at an intermediate portion in a conveying direction of the lower conveying belt, and a downstream end of the conveying surface is disposed so as to protrude from a downstream end of the lower conveying belt. The reinforcing fiber defibrating apparatus according to claim 1. The upper transport belt is extendable in the transport direction,
The upper transport device is disposed at the upstream end of the transport surface and is disposed at the downstream end of the transport surface while being disposed at the upstream end of the transport surface, and an upstream drive roll that transports the upper transport belt at a constant speed with the lower transport belt. The reinforcing fiber defibrating device according to claim 2, further comprising a downstream drive roll that conveys and drives the upper conveyor belt at a higher speed than the lower conveyor belt. The reinforcing fiber defibration according to claim 3, wherein the upper transport device includes a pressing roll that is provided between the upstream drive roll and the downstream drive roll and presses the upper transport belt downward. apparatus. 5. The hopper according to claim 1, further comprising a hopper that is provided above the lower conveyance belt and places the aggregate on the lower conveyance belt in the orientation posture. 6. Reinforcing fiber defibrating device. 6. The liquid supply device according to claim 1, further comprising a liquid supply device that is provided above the lower conveyance belt and upstream of the upper conveyance device and that supplies liquid to the assembly. The reinforcing fiber defibrating device according to item. The reinforcing fiber defibrating device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a storage tank in which a dispersion solvent is stored below a downstream end of the lower conveyance belt. A reinforced fiber defibrating method for defibrating an assembly of reinforced fibers cut to a predetermined length,
When transporting the assembly mounted in an orientation posture crossing the transport direction by the lower transport belt, the lower transport belt is the same as the lower transport belt at a speed different from that of the lower transport belt. A reinforcing fiber defibrating method, wherein a conveying force is applied in a direction. The reinforcing fiber defibrating method according to claim 8, wherein the conveying force is applied by an upper conveying belt disposed above the lower conveying belt. The upper conveyor belt is extendable in the conveyance direction,
The reinforcing fiber defibrating method according to claim 9, wherein in the region where the conveying force is applied to the aggregate, the upper conveying belt is gradually increased in speed from the same speed as the lower conveying belt. The reinforcing fiber defibrating method according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein a liquid is supplied to the aggregate before the conveying force is applied to the aggregate from above.

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