JP2019173218A - Apparatus for manufacturing reticular structure and method for manufacturing reticular structure - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an apparatus and a method for manufacturing a reticular structure, which generate little cooling irregularities in a thickness direction of the reticular structure when the reticular structure is cooled, and has sufficient durability.SOLUTION: There is provided an apparatus comprising: a nozzle 10 having a discharge hole 11 for extruding a molten thermoplastic resin in a line shape; a water tank 20 arranged below the nozzle 10; a conveying device 30 which is provided in the water tank 20 and conveys a reticular structure 60 having a linear resin 12; and a water release device 40 which is provided in the water tank 20 and releases water. The conveying device 30 is composed of at least a first conveying device 31 and a second conveying device 32. The reticular structure 60 is arranged between the first conveying device 31 and the second conveying device 32. The reticular structure 60 arranged between the conveying device 30 is not present on an extension line of a release direction of the water of the water release device 40.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an apparatus for manufacturing a network structure and a method for manufacturing the network structure.

  Currently, net-like structures are being widely used as cushioning materials used in furniture, bedding such as beds, and seats for vehicles such as trains, automobiles, and motorcycles. The network structure has the same durability as the foamed-crosslinked urethane, has excellent moisture permeability and air permeability, and has an advantage that it is hard to be steamed because of low heat storage. Furthermore, since it consists of a thermoplastic resin, there are advantages that it is easy to recycle, there is no worry about residual chemicals, and it is environmentally friendly.

  As a production apparatus for a network structure, a pair having a plurality of extrusion holes for extruding and lowering a molten thermoplastic resin as a filament, a water tank for cooling the aggregate of the filament, and a pair below the extrusion hole Conveyors that are provided opposite to each other and that have endless members that are provided around the gap, and water that passes through the gap from the vicinity of the jet holes that are provided in an inner region of the conveyor and that jet cooling water from the gap toward the aggregate. A forced convection member including at least one of the suction holes for sucking the liquid, and the aggregate is taken up by a conveyor at a speed slower than the descending speed of the filament, and cooled in the water tank, so that the aggregate becomes a three-dimensional network structure. There is a three-dimensional network-structure manufacturing apparatus (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  In addition, as a method for producing a network structure, an extrusion step in which molten thermoplastic resin is extruded downward as a plurality of filaments and lowered, and a collection of filaments in which the filaments contact the water surface or descend are sandwiched. A pair of guide members facing each other or a conveyor facing below the guide members, the loops are entangled irregularly, and the entangled portion is thermally welded, and the assembly is sandwiched by the conveyor A take-off step of taking the water into the water at a speed slower than the descending speed of the wire, and an endless member provided around the conveyor has a gap, and from the inner area of the conveyor toward the take-up area sandwiched between the pair of conveyors Forced convection of water occurs by ejecting cooling water or sucking water through the gap from the take-up area to the inner area of the conveyor, and collects in parallel with the take-off step The is method of producing a three-dimensional net-like structure characterized by comprising a cooling step of cooling in water (e.g., see Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2015-155588

  However, the manufacturing apparatus and the manufacturing method of the network structure as disclosed in Patent Document 1 jet the cooling water toward the network structure when manufacturing the network structure, and the surface portion of the network structure directly hit with the cooling water. There is a difference in the degree of cooling between the inside and the inside where the cooling water is not applied, and cooling spots are generated in the thickness direction of the network structure. When there are cooling spots in the production of a network structure, the internal repeated compression residual strain that was insufficiently cooled is large, the hardness retention after repeated compression is small, and the durability of the network structure is extremely inferior. There is a problem that it ends up.

  The present invention was devised to solve the above-described problems of the prior art, and its purpose is to cool the network structure in the thickness direction when the network structure is cooled during the manufacture of the network structure. An object of the present invention is to provide a manufacturing apparatus and a manufacturing method for a net-like structure which is less likely to cause spots and has sufficient durability.

  The network structure manufacturing apparatus of the present invention that has solved the above problems includes a nozzle having a discharge hole for extruding a molten thermoplastic resin as a line, a water tank disposed below the nozzle, and a water tank. A transport device that transports a net-like structure having a linear resin, and a water discharge device that is provided in a water tank and discharges water in a predetermined direction. , Which is composed of at least a first transfer device and a second transfer device, and there is a network structure between the first transfer device and the second transfer device, and the network structure between the transfer devices is a water discharge device. It does not exist on the extended line of the water discharge direction.

  In the network structure manufacturing apparatus according to the invention, the water discharge direction of the water discharge device is preferably directed to the water surface of the water tank.

  In the network structure manufacturing apparatus according to the invention, the water discharge direction of the water discharge device is preferably on the network structure side between the transfer devices rather than the vertical direction.

  In the network structure manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention, the water discharge device has a discharge hole for discharging water, and the discharge hole is disposed below the water surface of the water tank by 0.1 mm or more and 400 mm or less. preferable.

  In the network structure manufacturing apparatus according to the invention, it is preferable that the water discharge device is disposed inside the transfer device.

  In the network structure manufacturing apparatus according to the invention, it is preferable that the transport device has a mesh belt and a driving roller.

  In the network structure manufacturing apparatus according to the invention, the driving roller is composed of at least an upper driving roller and a lower driving roller, the upper driving roller is above the inside of the conveying device, and the lower driving roller is below the inside of the conveying device. The direction of the water discharged by the water discharge device is preferably a direction toward the upper drive roller.

  In the network structure manufacturing apparatus according to the invention, it is preferable that the amount of water released by the water release device increases as the amount of resin pushed out from the nozzle increases.

  In the network structure manufacturing apparatus according to the invention, it is preferable that the amount of water released by the water discharge device increases as the speed of the transfer device increases.

  In the network structure manufacturing apparatus according to the invention, it is preferable that the direction of water discharged by the water discharge device is linked to the amount of resin extruded from the nozzle.

  In the network structure manufacturing apparatus according to the invention, it is preferable that the direction of water discharged by the water discharge device is linked to the speed of the transfer device.

  In the network structure manufacturing apparatus according to the invention, the water discharge device has a discharge hole for discharging water, and the position of the discharge hole from the water surface of the water tank is linked to the amount of resin pushed out from the nozzle. Is preferred.

  In the network structure manufacturing apparatus according to the invention described above, the water discharge device preferably has a discharge hole for discharging water, and the position of the discharge hole from the water surface of the water tank is preferably linked to the speed of the transfer device.

  Moreover, the manufacturing method of the network-structured body of the present invention that has been able to solve the above-described problems includes a step of extruding a molten thermoplastic resin as a line, and a resin of the line by the first conveying device and the second conveying device. A step of transporting a network structure having a water tank in a water tank, and a step of discharging water in a direction other than a direction toward the network structure between the first transport device and the second transport device by a water discharge device. It is characterized by having.

  According to the present invention, the water discharge device provided in the water tank discharges water, and the network structure between the transfer devices does not exist on the extension line of the water discharge direction of the water discharge device. A network structure with sufficient durability that causes convection to the water in the aquarium and makes it easy to cool the surface and the inside of the network structure uniformly, hardly causing cooling spots in the thickness direction of the network structure Can be manufactured.

The side view of an example of the network structure manufacturing apparatus in embodiment of this invention is represented. The side view of another example of the network-structure manufacturing apparatus in embodiment of this invention is represented.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated examples, and may be implemented with appropriate modifications within a range that can be adapted to the purpose described above and below. Any of these may be included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  A network structure manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention is provided in a nozzle having a discharge hole for extruding a molten thermoplastic resin as a line, a water tank disposed below the nozzle, and the water tank. A transport device that transports the network structure having resin, and a water discharge device that is provided in the water tank and discharges water in a predetermined direction. The transport device includes at least the first transport device and the first transport device. It is composed of two transport devices, and there is a network structure between the first transport device and the second transport device, and the network structure between the transport devices is on the extension line of the water discharge direction of the water discharge device. Is characterized by not existing.

  The network structure of the present invention has a three-dimensional random loop joining structure in which a linear resin made of a thermoplastic resin is twisted to form a random loop, and the respective loops are brought into contact with each other in a molten state. It is a structure.

  1 and 2 are side views of the network structure manufacturing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. The network structure manufacturing apparatus 1 includes a nozzle 10, a water tank 20, a transport device 30, and a water discharge device 40.

  The nozzle 10 has a discharge hole 11 for extruding a molten thermoplastic resin as a line. That is, the linear resin 12 is formed by extruding the thermoplastic resin melted by heating from the discharge hole 11 of the nozzle 10.

  The discharge holes 11 of the nozzle 10 may be arranged in one row, but are preferably in a plurality of rows. Since the nozzle 10 has the plurality of discharge holes 11, a plurality of linear resin 12 can be formed at the same time, and the production efficiency of the network structure 60 can be increased. The number of discharge holes 11 provided in the nozzle 10 can be adjusted according to the hardness and cushioning properties of the network structure 60 to be manufactured.

  The cross-sectional shape of the outlet of the discharge hole 11 is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a circle, an ellipse, and a polygon. In particular, the cross-sectional shape of the outlet of the discharge hole 11 is preferably circular or elliptical. When the discharge hole 11 is configured in this manner, the cross-sectional shape of the resin 12 of the filaments extruded from the discharge hole 11 is also circular or elliptical, and when the above-described three-dimensional random loop bonding structure is formed, It is possible to increase the area where the linear resins 12 are in contact with each other, and to manufacture the network structure 60 having high elasticity and durability.

  Further, the cross-sectional shape of the linear resin 12 extruded from the discharge hole 11 may be solid or hollow. In order to make the cross-sectional shape of the resin 12 of the filaments hollow, for example, a configuration having a mandrel such as a mandrel inside the discharge hole 11 may be used. Specifically, the cross-sectional shape of the outlet of the discharge hole 11 is a so-called C-type nozzle in which the inner side and the outer side of the discharge hole 11 are partially communicated, or a bridge is provided in the discharge hole 11 so that the discharge hole 11 is formed. A so-called three-point bridge nozzle or the like divided in the circumferential direction can be used.

  The length in the major axis direction of the cross-sectional shape of the outlet of the discharge hole 11 is preferably 0.1 mm or more, more preferably 0.5 mm or more, and further preferably 1.0 mm or more. By setting the lower limit value of the length in the major axis direction of the cross-sectional shape of the outlet of the discharge hole 11 in this way, the network structure 60 is improved in durability, and the network structure 60 can withstand repeated compression. Can do. Further, the length in the major axis direction of the cross-sectional shape of the outlet of the discharge hole 11 is preferably 10 mm or less, more preferably 7 mm or less, and further preferably 5 mm or less. By setting the upper limit value of the length in the major axis direction of the cross-sectional shape of the outlet of the discharge hole 11 in this way, the network structure 60 with good cushioning properties can be manufactured.

  When the nozzle 10 has a plurality of discharge holes 11, the size of the cross-sectional shape of the outlet of each discharge hole 11 may be the same or different. If the size of the cross-sectional shape of the outlets of all the discharge holes 11 included in the nozzle 10 is the same, the network structure 60 in which the thickness of the resin 12 of the filaments is uniform can be obtained. Further, for example, when the size of the cross-sectional shape of the outlet of the discharge hole 11 at the center of the nozzle 10 is made smaller than the size of the cross-sectional shape of the outlet of the discharge hole 11 at the outer peripheral portion, the line inside the reticulated structure 60 is obtained. Since the resin 12 in the strip is thinner than the resin 12 in the strip on the surface portion of the network structure 60, the internal temperature of the network structure 60 is likely to be lower than the surface portion, and the cooling structure is less likely to cause cooling spots. The body 60 can be manufactured.

  Examples of the thermoplastic resin extruded from the discharge hole 11 include polyester-based thermoplastic elastomer, polyolefin-based thermoplastic elastomer, polystyrene-based thermoplastic elastomer, polyurethane-based thermoplastic elastomer, polyamide-based thermoplastic elastomer, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, and the like. Is mentioned. In particular, the thermoplastic resin preferably contains at least one of a polyester-based thermoplastic elastomer, a polyolefin-based thermoplastic elastomer, and a polystyrene-based thermoplastic elastomer. When the thermoplastic resin contains at least one of a polyester-based thermoplastic elastomer, a polyolefin-based thermoplastic elastomer, and a polystyrene-based thermoplastic elastomer, processability is improved and the production of the network structure 60 is facilitated. Moreover, it is more preferable that the thermoplastic resin contains a polyester-based thermoplastic elastomer. Since the thermoplastic resin contains the polyester-based thermoplastic elastomer, the repeated compression residual strain can be reduced, the hardness retention after repeated compression can be increased, and a highly durable network structure 60 is manufactured. be able to.

  The water tank 20 is disposed below the nozzle 10 and is configured to receive the linear resin 12 extruded from the discharge hole 11 of the nozzle 10. The water tank 20 has water for cooling the linear resin 12 extruded from the discharge hole 11 of the nozzle 10. The linear resin 12 extruded from the discharge hole 11 of the nozzle 10 forms a random loop by landing on the water surface in the water tank 20 and twisting, and comes into contact with adjacent random loops in a molten state. A structure in which random loops are joined in a three-dimensional direction is formed and simultaneously cooled by water to fix the structure. In this way, the network structure 60 is obtained.

  The conveyance device 30 is provided in the water tank 20 and conveys the network structure 60 having the linear resin 12. That is, the transport device 30 transports the network structure 60 having the linear resin 12 that is pushed out from the discharge hole 11 of the nozzle 10 and received in the water tank 20 in the water tank 20. The transport device 30 preferably transports the network structure 60 from the water surface of the water tank 20 toward the bottom of the water tank 20.

  The transfer device 30 is composed of at least a first transfer device 31 and a second transfer device 32, and a network structure 60 is provided between the first transfer device 31 and the second transfer device 32. Since the transport device 30 is configured in this manner, the mesh structure 60 can be transported in a state of being sandwiched between the first transport device 31 and the second transport device 32, so that the surface is prepared. The network structure 60 having a constant thickness can be obtained.

  The kind of the conveying apparatus 30 is not specifically limited, For example, conveyors, such as a belt conveyor, a net conveyor, a slat conveyor, are mentioned. Details of the transport device 30 will be described later.

  The water discharge device 40 is provided in the water tank 20 and discharges water in a predetermined direction. On the extended line in the water discharge direction of the water discharge device 40, the network structure 60 between the transfer devices 30 does not exist. Since the water discharge device 40 discharges water in the water in the water tank 20 and the network structure 60 located between the transfer devices 30 does not exist on the extended line in the water discharge direction, the surface portion of the network structure 60 is obtained. The water is not directly applied to the water and cooled, but convection is generated in the water in the water tank 20, and the network structure 60 is cooled by this water. Thereby, both the surface part and the inside of the net-like structure 60 in the water tank 20 can be cooled uniformly, and it becomes difficult to generate | occur | produce a cooling spot. In the conventional manufacturing apparatus that cools the surface portion of the network structure 60 by applying water, cooling spots are generated in the thickness direction of the network structure 60, and an increase in repetitive compressive residual strain in a portion where cooling is insufficient or However, in the network structure manufacturing apparatus 1 of the present invention, there is a problem that the cooling spots are less likely to occur, and therefore, the increase in the residual compressive strain and the hardness after the repeated compression. A decrease in retention rate can be prevented, and a highly durable network structure 60 can be manufactured.

  The water discharge direction of the water discharge device 40 is preferably directed to the water surface of the water tank 20. Since the water in the vicinity of the water surface where the linear resin 12 extruded from the discharge hole 11 of the nozzle 10 comes into contact with the water in the water tank 20 becomes the highest temperature, the water discharge direction is directed to the water surface, so Water having a temperature lower than that of the vicinity of the water surface can be fed, and the network structure 60 can be efficiently cooled.

  Furthermore, the water discharge direction of the water discharge device 40 is more preferably on the network structure 60 side than the vertical direction. That is, it is more preferable that the water discharge direction of the water discharge device 40 is toward the water surface of the water tank 20 and is closer to the network structure 60 between the transfer devices than the vertical direction with respect to the water surface of the water tank 20. . Since the water discharge direction of the water discharge device 40 is as described above, the vicinity of the water surface where the resin 12 of the line extruded from the discharge hole 11 of the nozzle 10 where the water reaches the highest temperature comes into contact with the water of the water tank 20. In addition, low-temperature water can be fed more efficiently, and it becomes easy to uniformly cool the surface portion and the inside of the network structure 60.

  The water discharge device 40 has a discharge hole 43 for discharging water, and the discharge hole 43 is preferably disposed 0.1 mm or more below the water surface of the water tank 20, and is disposed 1 mm or more below. More preferably, it is more preferably arranged below 10 mm. By setting the lower limit value of the distance L1 between the discharge hole 43 and the water surface of the water tank 20 as described above, sufficient convection can be generated in the water in the water tank 20 and the cooling efficiency of the network structure 60 can be improved. Can do. Further, the discharge hole 43 is preferably arranged 400 mm or less below the water surface of the water tank 20, more preferably 350 mm or less, and even more preferably 300 mm or less, Most preferably, it is arranged below 250 mm. By setting the upper limit value of the distance L1 between the discharge hole 43 and the water surface of the water tank 20 as described above, convection of water can be caused from the water discharge device 40 toward the vicinity of the water surface where the water temperature is high. The vicinity of the water surface is the place where the difference in the degree of cooling between the surface portion and the inside of the network structure 60 is the largest, and the network structure 60 is cooled more uniformly by causing convection of water near the water surface. Can do. When the water discharge device 40 has a plurality of discharge holes 43, it is preferable that the distance L1 between at least one discharge hole 43 and the water surface of the water tank 20 is as described above.

  The water discharge device 40 may have one discharge hole 43 or a plurality of discharge holes 43. If the number of the discharge holes 43 is one, it becomes easy to adjust the direction of the water discharged from the discharge holes 43. Further, if the number of the discharge holes 43 is plural, the water discharged from the discharge holes 43 can be diffused, and the water in the water tank 20 can be greatly convected, and the cooling efficiency of the network structure 60 is improved. be able to.

  It is preferable that the water discharge device 40 is disposed inside the transfer device 30. By disposing the water discharge device 40 in this way, the water discharged from the water discharge device 40 is less likely to directly hit the network structure 60, and the water convection is more efficiently performed near the water surface where the water temperature becomes high. Since it can raise | generate, the surface part and the inside of the network structure 60 can be cooled more uniformly and efficiently.

  It is preferable that the upper end part of the conveying apparatus 30 exists above the water surface of the water tank 20. By arranging the transport device 30 in this way, when the linear resin 12 pushed out from the discharge hole 11 of the nozzle 10 comes into contact with the water in the water tank 20, the linear resin 12 is on the water surface. It is possible to prevent the network structure 60 from becoming excessively thick by preventing free movement.

  The conveying device 30 preferably has a conveyor belt 33 and a driving roller 34. Conveyor belt 33 is a net conveyor belt meshed by continuously weaving or weaving rubber or resin flat belts or metal wires, or attaching metal plates to conveyor chains continuously. Slat conveyor belts.

  Among these, the conveyor belt 33 is preferably a net conveyor belt because it has good gripping performance and excellent water passage performance. That is, it is preferable that the conveying apparatus 30 is a net conveyor conveying apparatus having a mesh belt and a driving roller. Since the transport device 30 is configured in this way, water can pass through the transport device 30, so that the transport device 30 is unlikely to hinder convection of water in the water tank 20 by the water discharge device 40, and the network structure. The cooling efficiency of 60 can be increased.

  The conveyor belt 33 is preferably endless. Since the conveyor belt 33 is configured to be endless, the endless conveyor belt 33 can be rotated without interruption by the rotation of the driving roller 34, and the transport device 30 can be continuously operated. Transport can be performed efficiently.

  It is preferable that there are a plurality of driving rollers 34 provided at the upper and lower portions inside the endless conveyor belt 33. That is, it is preferable that the upper drive roller 34 a is provided at the upper part inside the conveyor belt 33 and the lower drive roller 34 b is provided at the lower part inside the conveyor belt 33. Since the driving roller 34 is configured in this way, it is difficult for the conveyor belt 33 to bend, and the rotation of the driving roller 34 can prevent the conveyor belt 33 from spinning and causing the conveyance device 30 to malfunction.

  The driving roller 34 includes at least an upper driving roller 34 a and a lower driving roller 34 b, and the upper driving roller 34 a is disposed above the inside of the transport device 30, and the lower driving roller 34 b is disposed below the inside of the transport device 30. The direction of the water discharged by the water discharge device 40 is preferably the direction toward the upper drive roller 34a. By setting the water discharge direction of the water discharge device 40 in this way, the water discharged from the water discharge device 40 hits the upper drive roller 34a and diffuses, thereby causing convection by the water in the water tank 20. Therefore, the cooling efficiency of the network structure 60 can be increased.

  The distance between the lower drive roller 34b of the first transport device 31 and the lower drive roller 34b of the second transport device 32 is the distance between the upper drive roller 34a of the first transport device 31 and the upper drive roller 34a of the second transport device 32. Is preferably smaller. That is, it is preferable that the distance between the 1st conveying apparatus 31 and the 2nd conveying apparatus 32 is smaller in the lower part than the upper part, and becomes narrow as it goes to the lower part. Since the transport device 30 is configured in this manner, the network structure 60 can be sandwiched between the lower portions of the transport device 30 and the linear resin 12 and the network structure 60 can be easily drawn into the water tank 20. It becomes easy to cool the network structure 60.

It is preferable that the amount of water discharged from the water discharge device 40 increases as the amount of resin pushed out from the nozzle 10 increases. That is, it is preferable that the volume (m ³ / min) of water discharged from the water discharge device 40 and the extrusion amount (g / min) of the resin from the nozzle 10 are linked. For example, when the amount of the resin 12 of the filaments extruded from the nozzle 10 is increased in order to increase the resilience of the network structure 60, the temperature near the water surface of the water tank 20 tends to become higher. Cooling efficiency is deteriorated, and the inside of the network structure 60 is not easily cooled, and cooling spots are easily generated in the thickness direction of the network structure 60. Therefore, the convection of the water in the water tank 20 is increased by increasing the amount of water discharged from the water discharge device 40 with the increase in the linear resin 12 extruded from the nozzle 10, and the cooling efficiency of the network structure 60 is increased. Can be improved and cooling spots can be prevented.

More preferably, the volume (m ³ / min) of water released by the water release device 40 is proportional to the amount of resin extruded from the nozzle 10 (g / min). Since the volume of water discharged from the water discharge device 40 and the extrusion amount of the resin from the nozzle 10 are in such a relationship, the cooling efficiency of the network structure 60 can be further increased, and cooling spots hardly occur. Become.

It is also preferable that the amount of water released by the water discharge device 40 increases as the speed of the transport device 30 increases. That is, it is preferable that the volume (m ³ / min) of water discharged from the water discharge device 40 and the transport speed of the network structure 60 by the transport device 30 are linked. When the speed of the transfer device 30 is increased for the purpose of reducing the density of the network structure 60 in order to reduce the hardness of the network structure 60, the next step is performed while the inside of the network structure 60 is not sufficiently cooled. There is a possibility that the network structure 60 having a large internal repeated compression residual strain, a low hardness retention after repeated compression, and an inferior durability will be obtained. Therefore, as the speed of the transport device 30 increases, the water discharge amount of the water discharge device 40 is increased, thereby increasing the convection of the water in the water tank 20 and increasing the cooling efficiency of the network structure 60 near the water surface. In addition, not only the surface portion of the network structure 60 but also the inside can be sufficiently cooled.

More preferably, the volume (m ³ / min) of water discharged by the water discharge device 40 is proportional to the speed (m / min) of the transport device 30. Since the volume of water discharged from the water discharge device 40 and the speed of the transfer device 30 are in such a relationship, the cooling efficiency of the network structure 60 can be further improved and the occurrence of cooling spots can be prevented. it can.

Further, it is more preferable that the amount of water discharged from the water discharge device 40 increases as the amount of resin pushed out from the nozzle 10 increases and increases as the speed of the transport device 30 increases. That is, the volume (m ³ / min) of water discharged from the water discharge device 40 is proportional to the resin extrusion amount (g / min) from the nozzle 10 and the speed (m / min) of the transport device 30. It is more preferable. Since the volume (m ³ / min) of water discharged from the water discharge device 40 is as described above, for example, for the purpose of increasing the productivity of the network structure 60, the filaments pushed out from the nozzle 10 Even if the amount of the resin 12 is increased and the speed of the conveying device 30 is increased, the resin 12 of the filaments can be sufficiently cooled by increasing the convection of the water in the water tank 20, and the thickness direction of the network structure 60. Cooling spots can be made difficult to occur.

  The direction of water discharged by the water discharge device 40 is preferably linked to the amount of resin pushed out from the nozzle 10. For example, when the amount of the linear resin 12 extruded from the nozzle 10 is increased in order to increase the resilience of the network structure 60, the temperature in the vicinity of the water surface of the water tank 20 tends to become higher, and the network structure 60 is cooled. The efficiency is reduced, and spots are easily generated in the cooling of the network structure 60. Therefore, as the linear resin 12 pushed out from the nozzle 10 increases, the water discharge direction of the water discharge device 40 is brought closer to the center of the linear resin 12 on the water surface of the water tank 20, so that the water surface is likely to become hot. The convection to the nearby water can be increased so that the inside of the network structure 60 is sufficiently cooled, and cooling spots can be prevented.

  The direction of water discharged by the water discharge device 40 is preferably linked to the speed of the transport device 30. If the speed of the conveying device 30 is increased for the purpose of reducing the density of the network structure 60 in order to reduce the hardness of the network structure 60, the internal cooling of the network structure 60 remains insufficient. The durability of the network structure 60 may be lowered. Therefore, as the speed of the conveying device 30 increases, the cooling efficiency of the linear resin 12 is improved by bringing the water discharge direction of the water discharge device 40 closer to the center of the linear resin 12 on the water surface of the water tank 20. The cooling efficiency of both the surface portion and the inside of the network structure 60 can be increased.

  In addition, the direction of water discharged from the water discharge device 40 is more preferably linked to the amount of resin pushed out from the nozzle 10 and the speed of the transport device 30. Since the direction of the water discharged by the water discharge device 40 is set in this way, for example, the amount of the linear resin 12 extruded from the nozzle 10 is increased for the purpose of increasing the productivity of the network structure 60. Even if the speed of the transport device 30 is increased, the water discharge direction of the water discharge device 40 is brought close to the center of the resin 12 of the filaments on the water surface of the water tank 20 to generate a large amount of water convection in the water tank 20. The cooling efficiency of the network structure 60 in the vicinity of the water surface can be increased, and cooling spots can be prevented from occurring in the network structure 60.

  The water discharge device 40 has a discharge hole 43 for discharging water, and the position of the discharge hole 43 from the water surface of the water tank 20 is preferably linked to the amount of resin extruded from the nozzle 10. For example, if the amount of the linear resin 12 extruded from the nozzle 10 is increased in order to increase the resilience of the network structure 60, the temperature near the water surface of the water tank 20 tends to become higher and the network structure 60 is cooled. The efficiency is reduced, and spots are easily generated in the cooling of the network structure 60. Therefore, as the linear resin 12 pushed out from the nozzle 10 increases, by reducing the distance L1 between the water surface of the water tank 20 and the discharge hole 43, convection is caused to move to the high-temperature water near the water surface, The cooling efficiency of the network structure 60 near the water surface can be increased, and cooling spots in the thickness direction of the network structure 60 can be prevented.

  The water discharge device 40 has a discharge hole 43 for discharging water, and the position of the discharge hole 43 from the water surface of the water tank 20 is preferably linked to the speed of the transport device 30. If the speed of the conveying device 30 is increased for the purpose of reducing the density of the network structure 60 in order to reduce the hardness of the network structure 60, the internal cooling of the network structure 60 remains insufficient. The durability of the network structure 60 may be lowered. Therefore, as the speed of the conveying device 30 increases, the distance L1 between the water surface of the water tank 20 and the discharge hole 43 is reduced, so that the surface portion and the inside of the network structure 60 are sufficiently cooled, It is possible to prevent the cooling spots from occurring in the network structure 60.

  The position of the discharge hole 43 of the water discharge device 40 from the water surface of the water tank 20 is more preferably linked to the amount of resin pushed out from the nozzle 10 and the speed of the transport device 30. Since the direction of the water discharged by the water discharge device 40 is set in this way, for example, the amount of the linear resin 12 extruded from the nozzle 10 is increased for the purpose of increasing the productivity of the network structure 60. Even if the speed of the transfer device 30 is increased, the cooling efficiency of the network structure 60 is increased by reducing the distance L1 between the water surface of the water tank 20 and the discharge hole 43 and generating a large amount of water convection in the water tank 20. It is possible to prevent the occurrence of cooling spots on the network structure 60.

  The network structure manufacturing apparatus 1 preferably includes a network structure pulling apparatus 50 that pulls the network structure 60 and pulls it up from the water tank 20. Since the network structure manufacturing apparatus 1 includes the network structure pulling device 50, the network structure 60 is automatically pulled up from the water tank 20 after the network structure 60 is cooled, and the network structure 60 is dried. Since it can move, the productivity of the net-like structure 60 can be raised.

  On one side of the water tank 20, a network structure pulling device 50 that pulls the network structure 60 is provided, and the transport device 30 includes at least a first transport device 31 and a second transport device 32, It is preferable that the discharge device 40 is disposed closer to the network structure pulling device 50 than the vertical plane p1 including the midpoint P1 between the first transfer device 31 and the second transfer device 32. In the aquarium 20, since the mesh structure 60 exists on the mesh structure pulling device 50 side of the vertical plane p1, the vertical plane p1 is located on the vertical plane p1 on the opposite side of the mesh structure pulling device 50 side. In order to cool the network structure 60 efficiently, it is preferable to cause more convection of water toward the network structure pulling device 50 side. Therefore, by arranging the water discharge device 40 in this way, convection can be caused more efficiently with respect to the water in the vicinity of the network structure 60, and the cooling efficiency of the network structure 60 can be improved. .

  The water discharge device 40 includes at least a first water discharge device 41 and a second water discharge device 42, and the transfer device 30 includes at least a first transfer device 31 and a second transfer device 32. The first water discharge device 41 is preferably provided inside the first transfer device 31, and the second water discharge device 42 is preferably provided inside the second transfer device 32. By arranging the first water discharge device 41 and the second water discharge device 42 in this way, convection of water can be generated on both sides of the network structure 60, not only in the vicinity of the network structure 60, Water in the entire water tank 20 can be moved, and the cooling efficiency of the network structure 60 can be further improved.

  The water discharge direction of the first water discharge device 41 may be the same as or different from the water discharge direction of the second water discharge device 42. For example, the water discharge direction of the first water discharge device 41 is the vertical direction toward the water surface, and the water discharge direction of the second water discharge device 42 is also the vertical direction toward the water surface. For example, water convection can be caused equally on both sides of the linear resin 12 in the water tank 20, and the first water discharge device 41 and the second water discharge device 42 can generate convection in a balanced manner.

  In addition, if the water discharge direction of the first water discharge device 41 and the water discharge direction of the second water discharge device 42 are different, the first water discharge device 41 and the second water discharge device 42 are different. Convection of water can be caused at a place, and convection can be preferentially caused at a place where convection is desired.

  The distance L1 between the discharge hole 43 of the first water discharge device 41 and the water surface of the water tank 20 may be the same as or different from the distance between the discharge hole 43 of the second water discharge device 42 and the water surface of the water tank 20. Also good. If the distance between the discharge hole 43 of the first water discharge device 41 and the water surface of the water tank 20 is the same as the distance between the discharge hole 43 of the second water discharge device 42 and the water surface of the water tank 20, the first water discharge device 41. The convection generated by the second water discharge device 42 and the convection generated by the second water discharge device 42 can be of the same level, and the first water discharge device 41 and the second water discharge device 42 generate convection in a well-balanced manner. Can do.

  Further, the distance between the discharge hole 43 of the first water discharge device 41 and the water surface of the water tank 20 is different from the distance between the discharge hole 43 of the second water discharge device 42 and the water surface of the water tank 20, and the network structure pulling device 50 is provided on the side where the first water discharge device 41 is disposed, and the distance between the discharge hole 43 of the first water discharge device 41 and the water surface of the water tank 20 is the discharge hole 43 of the second water discharge device 42. When the distance between the water tank 20 and the water surface of the water tank 20 is larger, the first water discharge device 41 is provided near the network structure 60, so that convection can be greatly generated in the vicinity of the network structure 60. The cooling efficiency can be increased.

  The amount of water released by the first water release device 41 may be the same as or different from the amount of water released by the second water release device 42. If the amount of water discharged by the first water discharge device 41 is the same as the amount of water discharged by the second water discharge device 42, the first water discharge device 41 and the second water discharge device 42 will be in the water tank 20. The same degree of convection can be generated in the water, and convection can be generated in a well-balanced manner in the water tank 20.

  In addition, the amount of water discharged by the first water discharge device 41 is different from the amount of water discharged by the second water discharge device 42, and the first water discharge is on the side where the net-like structure pulling device 50 is provided. If the device 41 is arranged and the amount of water discharged by the first water discharge device 41 is larger than the amount of water discharged by the second water discharge device 42, the first water discharge device closer to the mesh structure 60 The convection of water caused by 41 can be increased, and the network structure 60 can be efficiently cooled.

  The water in the water tank 20 may be discharged, and new low-temperature water may be supplied to the water tank 20. Although not shown in the drawings, the water in the water tank 20 may be discharged by so-called overflow, in which water is discharged from a pipe or the like provided in the upper part of the water tank 20.

  The method for producing a network structure according to the present invention includes a step of extruding a molten thermoplastic resin into a line, and a network structure having the resin of the line is transported in a water tank by the first transport device and the second transport device. And a step of discharging water in a direction other than toward the network structure between the first transfer device and the second transfer device by the water discharge device.

  The thermoplastic resin used as the material of the network structure is heated and melted, and the resin is extruded so as to form a filament. In order to make the resin into a filament, the molten thermoplastic resin may be extruded from a nozzle or the like having a discharge hole.

  The extruded linear resin is received in a water tank in which water is stored. A random loop is formed by landing on the water surface in the aquarium and twisting, and by contacting each other in a molten state with an adjacent random loop, a structure in which the random loops are joined in a three-dimensional direction is formed at the same time. The structure is fixed by cooling with water, and a network structure is formed.

  The network structure is transported in the water tank by the first transport device and the second transport device. The conveying means preferably conveys the network structure downward from the water surface in the water tank. By transporting the net-like structure by the transport means in this way, the extruded linear resin is continuously formed into a sheet-like net-like structure, and has a size suitable as a cushioning material for bedding and seats. A network structure can be produced. As the conveying means, for example, a conveying device such as the aforementioned conveyor can be used.

  Water is discharged into the water in the water tank by the water discharge device. The water discharge direction of the water discharge device is a direction other than the direction toward the network structure between the first transfer device and the second transfer device. In this way, by releasing water in the water, convection occurs in the water in the aquarium, and the high-temperature water near the water surface moves to supply low-temperature water. As a result, the network structure is efficiently cooled so that not only the surface portion of the resin of the filaments but also the inside can be sufficiently cooled, and a network structure having high durability is produced that is less likely to generate cooling spots. be able to.

  The network structure after cooling can be produced by lifting the network structure from the water tank and drying it. Before and after drying the network structure, it is preferable to perform “pseudo crystallization treatment” in which heating is performed for a certain time at a temperature lower than the melting point of the resin used for the material of the network structure. The durability of the network structure can be increased by performing pseudo-crystallization treatment on the resin of the filament. In the pseudo-crystallization treatment, the resin hard segments are rearranged by heating to form a metastable intermediate phase, and a pseudo-crystallization-like cross-linking point is formed, such as the heat resistance and sag resistance of the network structure. It is thought that the durability is improved.

  As described above, the network structure manufacturing apparatus of the present invention is provided in a nozzle having a discharge hole for extruding a molten thermoplastic resin as a line, a water tank disposed below the nozzle, and a water tank. , A transport device that transports the net-like structure having the resin of the line, and a water discharge device that is provided in the water tank and discharges water in a predetermined direction, and the transport device is at least the first It is composed of a transfer device and a second transfer device, and there is a network structure between the first transfer device and the second transfer device, and the network structure between the transfer devices is the discharge of water from the water discharge device. It does not exist on the extension line of the direction. With such a configuration, it becomes easy to cool the surface portion and the inside of the network structure uniformly by causing convection in the water of the aquarium, and cooling spots are not easily generated in the thickness direction of the network structure. A manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing a network structure having durability can be provided.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1: Reticulated structure manufacturing apparatus 10: Nozzle 11: Ejection hole 12: Line resin 20: Water tank 30: Conveyance apparatus 31: 1st conveyance apparatus 32: 2nd conveyance apparatus 33: Conveyor belt 34: Drive roller 34a: Upper part Drive roller 34b: Lower drive roller 40: Water discharge device 41: First water discharge device 42: Second water discharge device 43: Discharge hole 50: Reticulated structure traction device 60: Reticulated structure P1: First transfer device and first 2 Midpoint with transfer device p1: Vertical plane including midpoint P1

Claims (14)

A nozzle having a discharge hole for extruding the molten thermoplastic resin as a line;
A water tank disposed below the nozzle;
A conveying device that is provided in the water tank and conveys a network structure having the resin of the filament;
A water discharge device that is provided in the water tank and discharges water in a predetermined direction;
The transfer device is composed of at least a first transfer device and a second transfer device,
There is the mesh structure between the first transfer device and the second transfer device,
The network structure manufacturing apparatus in which the network structure between the transfer devices does not exist on the extended line of the water discharge direction of the water discharge device.   The network structure manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a water discharge direction of the water discharge device is directed to a water surface of the water tank.   The network structure manufacturing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the water discharge direction of the water discharge device is on the network structure side between the transfer devices with respect to the vertical direction. The water discharge device has a discharge hole for discharging water,
The network-structure manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the discharge hole is disposed below the water surface of the water tank by 0.1 mm or more and 400 mm or less.   The network structure manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the water discharge device is disposed inside the transfer device.   The said conveyance apparatus is a network-structure manufacturing apparatus as described in any one of Claims 1-5 which has a mesh-shaped belt and a drive roller. The drive roller is composed of at least an upper drive roller and a lower drive roller,
The upper drive roller is disposed above the inside of the transport device, and the lower drive roller is disposed below the interior of the transport device, respectively.
The network structure manufacturing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein a direction of water discharged from the water discharge device is a direction toward the upper drive roller.   The network structure manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the amount of water released by the water release device increases as the amount of resin pushed out from the nozzle increases.   The network-structure manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the amount of water released by the water release device increases as the speed of the transfer device increases.   The network structure manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein a direction of water discharged from the water discharge device is linked to an amount of resin extruded from the nozzle.   The network structure manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein a direction of water discharged from the water discharge device is linked to a speed of the transfer device. The water discharge device has a discharge hole for discharging water,
The position of the said discharge | release hole from the water surface of the said water tank is linked with the quantity of resin extruded from the said nozzle, The network structure manufacturing apparatus as described in any one of Claims 1-11. The water discharge device has a discharge hole for discharging water,
The position of the said discharge hole from the water surface of the said water tank is a network structure manufacturing apparatus as described in any one of Claims 1-12 linked with the speed of the said conveying apparatus. Extruding the molten thermoplastic resin into a filament,
A step of transporting the network structure having the resin of the filaments in the water tank by the first transport device and the second transport device;
And a step of discharging water in a direction other than a direction toward the network structure between the first transfer device and the second transfer device by a water discharge device. .

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