JPH06270270A - Method and apparatus for molding liquid crystal resin composite - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To effectively suppress the involution of air when a resin molded product is molded using a strand of a liquid crystal resin composite. CONSTITUTION:A liquid crystal resin composite is formed by performing molding by using a strand S wherein a thermoplastic liquid crystal resin having liquid crystal transition temp. higher than the lowest moldable temp. of a thermoplastic matrix resin is present in the matrix resin in a fibrous state. At this time, the strand is heated to the temp. range from the lowest moldable temp. of the matrix resin to below the liquid crystal transition temp. of the liquid crystal resin in a process before or after the strand is wound around a mandrel and pressed to the surface of the mandrel by a press roller 20 to perform filament winding.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a molding method and a molding apparatus for a liquid crystal resin composite, and more particularly, a molding method and a molding apparatus by a so-called filament winding method using a strand-shaped molding material made of the liquid crystal resin composite. Regarding

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a molding method for molding using a fiber reinforced resin material, a strand-shaped molding material in which a fiber reinforced material is impregnated with a resin is regularly formed on the outer peripheral side of a rotating mandrel. After forming a molded body with a predetermined thickness by winding it around, the resin impregnated in the strand is cured and the mandrel is removed to obtain a hollow cylindrical molded product, a so-called filament winding method. Is generally well known. According to this filament winding method, it is possible to obtain a hollow-cylindrical fiber-reinforced resin molded product having a high specific strength (strength / density) and excellent mechanical properties. Further, such a resin molded product has high efficiency. It enables mass production.

By the way, in recent years, it has been proposed to use a thermoplastic liquid crystal resin as a reinforcing fiber of a fiber-reinforced resin material. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 62-116666 discloses a liquid crystal resin composite in which a thermoplastic liquid crystal resin is used as a reinforcing fiber and is formed into a fibrous shape.
When a thermoplastic liquid crystal resin is used as the reinforcing fiber in this way, when the used and discarded resin molded product is recycled, the thermoplastic liquid crystal resin fiber as the reinforcing fiber is cut along with the crushing of the resin molded product. Also, by heating to a temperature above the liquid crystal transition temperature of the liquid crystal resin to prepare the material,
The fibrous state of the liquid crystal resin as a reinforcing material can be easily reproduced, and it has been generally difficult with fiber-reinforced resin molded products such as glass fiber and carbon fiber to date, and recyclability can be regenerated into a material with similar physical properties. It is possible to achieve a significant improvement in

[0004]

When the above filament winding method is applied when molding the liquid crystal resin composite having the above-mentioned thermoplastic liquid crystal resin as the reinforcing fiber as a molding material, the reinforcing fiber is used as the thermoplastic liquid crystal. By using a resin, compared to the case where other fiber materials such as glass fiber or carbon fiber are conventionally used as reinforcing fibers, voids are more likely to occur in the resin molded product, and mechanical properties such as strength and rigidity are stable. There was a problem that it was difficult to get. The problem of the void may be slightly experienced even when the conventional reinforcing fiber is used, but when the liquid crystal resin is used as the reinforcing fiber, it is particularly remarkable due to the following reasons. Of.

That is, the above-mentioned thermoplastic liquid crystal resin composite is formed by orienting a thermoplastic liquid crystal resin having a liquid crystal transition temperature higher than the minimum moldable temperature of the matrix resin in a thermoplastic matrix resin in a fiber state. However, when the liquid crystal resin composite is heated to the molding temperature for molding, the heating temperature range is set to the minimum moldable temperature (crystallinity) of the matrix resin in order to maintain the fibrous state of the liquid crystal resin. However, it is necessary to limit the temperature to a temperature above the melting point) and below the liquid crystal transition temperature of the above liquid crystal resin. Therefore, the matrix resin cannot be heated to a very high temperature, and the matrix resin is molded while its viscosity is relatively high. Therefore, it is difficult for the entrained air to be discharged due to the flow of the matrix resin. In addition, air is likely to be caught in the molding process. Further, in the strand of the liquid crystal resin composite, since the reinforcing fiber is thermoplastic, it is unavoidable that when heated, it is loosened to some extent and the tensile strength is lowered, and it is difficult to give an appropriate tension. For this reason, it is difficult to effectively eliminate the air present between the fibers, and this remains as voids in the molded product.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and when molding a resin molded product using a strand of a liquid crystal resin composite, it is possible to effectively suppress entrainment of air during molding. An object of the present invention is to provide a resin composite molding method and a molding apparatus.

[0007]

Therefore, in the method of molding a liquid crystal resin composite according to the first invention of the present application, a liquid crystal transition temperature higher than the minimum moldable temperature of the matrix resin is contained in the thermoplastic matrix resin. A method for molding a liquid crystal resin composite, which comprises molding by a filament winding method using a strand having a thermoplastic liquid crystal resin in a fibrous state, wherein the strand is at least either before or after being wound around a mandrel. In the step of, the filament winding while heating above the minimum moldable temperature of the matrix resin and within the temperature range below the liquid crystal transition temperature of the liquid crystal resin, while pressing the strands toward the mandrel surface side by pressing means. It is characterized by performing.

In the method for molding a liquid crystal resin composite according to the second invention of the present application, a thermoplastic liquid crystal resin having a liquid crystal transition temperature higher than the minimum moldable temperature of the matrix resin is a fiber in the thermoplastic matrix resin. A method for molding a liquid crystal resin composite, which comprises molding by a filament winding method using a strand existing in a state, wherein the strand is at least one of a step before and after winding around a mandrel, and a matrix resin While being heated to a temperature within the minimum moldable temperature and lower than the liquid crystal transition temperature of the liquid crystal resin, the outer peripheral portion of the strand is softened as compared with the inside thereof,
The strand is wound around the mandrel.

Further, a third invention of the present application is the method for molding a liquid crystal resin composite according to the second invention, wherein the strand is wound around the mandrel at least one of before and around the mandrel. It is characterized in that a softening resin is attached.

Furthermore, a fourth invention of the present application is, in the method for molding a liquid crystal resin composite according to the second invention, at least one of before and at the time of winding the above strand on a mandrel. It is characterized in that a solvent that dissolves only the above matrix resin is attached to the outer periphery.

Further, a fifth invention of the present application is that, in the method for molding a liquid crystal resin composite according to the second invention, the strand is heated from the outer peripheral side, and then the strand is wound around a mandrel. It is characterized by.

Further, in the method for molding a liquid crystal resin composite according to the sixth invention of the present application, a thermoplastic liquid crystal resin having a liquid crystal transition temperature higher than the minimum moldable temperature of the matrix resin is a fiber in the thermoplastic matrix resin. A method for molding a liquid crystal resin composite, which comprises molding by a filament winding method using a strand existing in a state, wherein the liquid crystal resin is present in a fiber state in the thermoplastic matrix resin. And a second strand consisting of only a thermoplastic matrix resin having a minimum moldable temperature lower than the liquid crystal transition temperature of the liquid crystal resin as a set and wound around the mandrel, and at least one of before and after winding around the mandrel. In the step of, the above-mentioned both strands are mixed with the thermoplastic matrix resin of both strands. Either higher or more low moldable temperature, and is obtained by and performing filament winding is heated to within a temperature range below the liquid crystal transition temperature of the liquid crystal resin.

Further, in the method for molding a liquid crystal resin composite according to the seventh invention of the present application, a thermoplastic liquid crystal resin having a liquid crystal transition temperature higher than the minimum moldable temperature of the matrix resin is a fiber in the thermoplastic matrix resin. A method for molding a liquid crystal resin composite, which comprises molding by a filament winding method using a strand existing in a state, wherein the liquid crystal resin is present in a fiber state in the thermoplastic matrix resin. And a thermoplastic liquid crystal resin having a liquid crystal transition temperature higher than the minimum moldable temperature of the matrix resin is present in a fibrous state in the thermoplastic matrix resin, and has a radial dimension larger than that of the first strand. The second small strand and the second
The strands of the first strand are combined in such a manner that they are located in the gap between the first strands and wound around the mandrel, and at least one of the steps before and after winding around the mandrel The filament winding is performed by heating the matrix resin at a temperature higher than the lowest moldable temperature, whichever is higher, and within a temperature range lower than the liquid crystal transition temperature of the liquid crystal resin.

Furthermore, an eighth invention of the present application is the method for molding a liquid crystal resin composite according to the sixth invention or the seventh invention, wherein the thermoplastic matrix resin of the second strand is the first matrix. Is a resin material different from the thermoplastic matrix resin of the strand.

Further, in the method for molding a liquid crystal resin composite according to the ninth invention of the present application, a thermoplastic liquid crystal resin having a liquid crystal transition temperature higher than the minimum moldable temperature of the matrix resin is a fiber in the thermoplastic matrix resin. A method for molding a liquid crystal resin composite, which comprises molding by a filament winding method using a strand existing in a state, wherein the strand is vibrated at a predetermined amplitude and frequency when the strand is wound around the mandrel. Thereby, the strand is wound around the mandrel while heating the strand at a temperature equal to or higher than the minimum moldable temperature of the matrix resin and within a temperature range lower than the liquid crystal transition temperature of the liquid crystal resin. Is.

Further, in the liquid crystal resin composite molding apparatus according to the tenth invention of the present application, a thermoplastic liquid crystal resin having a liquid crystal transition temperature higher than the minimum moldable temperature of the matrix resin is a fiber in the thermoplastic matrix resin. Strand supply means for supplying a strand existing in a state, a mandrel on which the strand supplied from the supply means is wound on the outer peripheral side, and a tension adjusting means for adjusting the tension of the strand during winding on the mandrel, At least one of before and after winding the strand around the mandrel, the strand, at least the minimum moldable temperature of the matrix resin, and heating means for heating within a temperature range below the liquid crystal transition temperature of the liquid crystal resin ,
When the strand is wound around the mandrel, a pressing means for pressing the strand toward the surface of the mandrel is provided.

[0017]

According to the first invention of the present application, the filament winding is performed while pressing the strands toward the mandrel surface side by the pressing means.
By this pressing force, the air existing between the liquid crystal fibers can be forcibly discharged to the outside. That is, even if the tension and the heating temperature that can be applied to the strand are limited by using the thermoplastic liquid crystal resin as the reinforcing fiber, the generation of voids between the fibers can be effectively suppressed.

Further, according to the second invention of the present application, since the strand is wound around the mandrel while the outer peripheral portion of the strand is softened as compared with the inner portion thereof, the outer peripheral portions of the strands are familiar with each other. When the strands are laminated on the outer peripheral side of the mandrel, the air intervening between the strands can be pushed out and the outer peripheral portions of the strands can be adhered to each other without a gap. That is, even if the tension and the heating temperature that can be applied to the strand are limited by using the thermoplastic liquid crystal resin as the reinforcing fiber, the generation of voids between the fibers can be effectively suppressed.

Further, according to the third invention of the present application, the softening resin is attached to the outer circumference of the strand before and / or at the time of winding the strand around the mandrel. With the outer periphery of the softened compared to the inside,
It becomes possible to wind the strand around the mandrel, and basically, the same effect as that of the second invention can be obtained.

Further, according to the fourth invention of the present application,
Before and / or at the time of winding the strand around the mandrel, the solvent was made to adhere to the outer periphery of the strand, so that the outer peripheral portion of the strand was partially dissolved by the solvent and softened compared to the inside thereof. In this state, the strand can be wound around the mandrel, and basically, the same effect as that of the second invention can be obtained.

Further, according to the fifth invention of the present application,
Since the strand was heated from the outer peripheral side before winding the strand around the mandrel, the outer peripheral portion of the strand was softened by heating as compared with the inside thereof, so that the strand can be wound around the mandrel. Basically, the same effect as that of the second invention can be obtained.

According to the sixth invention of the present application, the first strand in which the liquid crystal resin is present in a fibrous state in the thermoplastic matrix resin and the liquid crystal transition of the liquid crystal resin having the minimum moldable temperature. Since the second strand consisting of only the thermoplastic matrix resin having a temperature lower than the temperature is paired and wound around the mandrel to perform the filament winding, the gap between the first strands is separated into the second strand.
Can be wrapped while being filled with strand resin,
There is very little room for air to intervene between the liquid crystal fibers.
That is, even if the tension and the heating temperature that can be applied to the strand are limited by using the thermoplastic liquid crystal resin as the reinforcing fiber, the generation of voids between the fibers can be effectively suppressed.

Further, according to the seventh invention of the present application, the first strand and the second strand having a smaller radial dimension than the first strand.
And the second strand are combined with each other so that the second strand is located in the gap between the first strands and wound around the mandrel. Therefore, the second strand is located in the gap between the first strands. As a result, the size of the liquid crystal becomes small, and when it is wound around the mandrel in this state, there is very little room for air to intervene between the liquid crystal fibers. That is, even if the tension and the heating temperature that can be applied to the strand are limited by using the thermoplastic liquid crystal resin as the reinforcing fiber, the generation of voids between the fibers can be effectively suppressed.

Further, according to the eighth invention of the present application,
Basically, the same effect as that of the sixth invention or the seventh invention can be obtained. In addition, in particular, since the thermoplastic matrix resin of the second strand is made of a resin material different from the thermoplastic matrix resin of the first strand, the first strand is used as the thermoplastic matrix resin of the second strand. By adopting the one having a lower minimum moldable temperature than the matrix resin of No. 1, when the two strands are combined and wound around the mandrel, the matrix resin of the second strand becomes easier to fluidize. The gaps are more easily filled, and there is less room for air to intervene between the liquid crystal fibers. That is, the generation of voids between fibers can be suppressed more effectively.

Further, according to the ninth invention of the present application, when the strand is wound around the mandrel, the strand is vibrated at a predetermined amplitude and frequency to generate frictional heat between the strands. it can.
Then, due to this frictional heat, the strand is wound around the mandrel while being heated to a temperature equal to or higher than the minimum moldable temperature of the matrix resin, and within a temperature range lower than the liquid crystal transition temperature of the liquid crystal resin. Therefore, by applying the above-mentioned vibration to the strands being wound, the strands can be welded while the air between the strands is forcibly discharged to the outside. That is, even if the tension and the heating temperature that can be applied to the strand are limited by using the thermoplastic liquid crystal resin as the reinforcing fiber, the generation of voids between the fibers can be effectively suppressed.

Further, according to the molding apparatus of the tenth invention of the present application, in addition to the strand supplying means, the mandrel, the tension adjusting means and the heating means, the strand is wound around the mandrel at the time of winding the strand on the mandrel surface side. Since the pressing means for pressing is provided, it is possible to forcibly discharge the air interposed between the liquid crystal fibers to the outside by the pressing force of this pressing means. That is, even if the tension and the heating temperature that can be applied to the strand are limited by using the thermoplastic liquid crystal resin as the reinforcing fiber, the generation of voids between the fibers can be effectively suppressed.

[0027]

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. First, a first embodiment will be described in which filament winding is performed while pressing the strand toward the mandrel surface. FIG. 1 is an explanatory view schematically showing the overall configuration of a molding apparatus for molding by a filament winding method using a strand-shaped molding material of a liquid crystal resin composite according to this example. As shown in this figure, the molding apparatus 1 includes an extruder 2 for extruding a liquid crystal resin composite into a strand shape, a cooling tank 3 for cooling the extruded strand S, and a downstream side while stretching the extruded strand S. A pair of take-up rollers 4 drawn out to the side, and a strand S drawn by the take-up rollers 4, 4.
A tension controller 5 for adjusting the tension of the
The mandrel 6 around which the strand S whose tension is adjusted by the tension controller 5 is wound, for example, the heater 7 for heating the strand S to a predetermined temperature before winding around the mandrel 6, and the mandrel 6 of the strand S. And a delivery barrier 8 for performing positioning at the time of winding.

Further, in this embodiment, as will be described later in detail, a pressing roller 20 for pressing the wound strand S to the surface side of the mandrel 6 is provided at a lateral position of the mandrel 6 in the radial direction. It is arranged. Although not specifically shown, the molding apparatus 1
In order to comprehensively control the operation of each of the above-mentioned components, a control unit mainly composed of, for example, a microcomputer is provided.

The extruder 2 is a supply means for supplying the strand S of the liquid crystal resin composite to the mandrel 6 side.
It comprises a cylindrical main body 11, a nozzle head 12 fixed to the tip of the main body, and a rotary screw 13 housed in the main body 11. And more preferably, a fibrous thermoplastic liquid crystal resin (liquid crystal fiber) aligned in a predetermined length, and a minimum moldable temperature lower than the liquid crystal transition temperature of the liquid crystal resin (melting point in the case of crystalline material) The pellets containing only the thermoplastic matrix resin having the above are charged from the hopper 14, and the rotating screw 13 is driven at a predetermined rotation speed, whereby the charged pellets of the thermoplastic matrix resin are plasticized and melted. The strand-shaped liquid crystal resin composite in which the liquid crystal fibers are oriented in the matrix resin is extruded from the nozzle head 12.

In this example, the following were used as the thermoplastic liquid crystal resin and the thermoplastic matrix resin. -Thermoplastic liquid crystal resin-Material name: Aromatic polyester resin-Product name: Vectra A950 (manufactured by Polyplastics Co., Ltd.)-Liquid crystal transition temperature: 280 ° C-Thermoplastic matrix resin-Material name: Olefin resin-Product name: Nobrene D501 (Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd.)-Melting point: about 155 ° C (normal molding temperature 200 ° C)

As a molding material for extruding the strand S by the extruder 2, instead of separately charging the matrix resin pellets and the liquid crystal fibers into the hopper 14 as described above, they are formed by both. The pellets of the liquid crystal resin composite may be prepared in advance, and the pellets may be supplied from the hopper 14 to the extruder 2. The strand supply means is not limited to the extruder 1 as described above. For example, the strand extruded by the extruder is wound around a so-called bobbin and is supplied from the bobbin to the mandrel 6 side. May be. This also applies to modified examples and other embodiments described later.

The strands S extruded from the extruder 2 are drawn by the action of the take-up rollers 4, 4 to a predetermined draw ratio, then cooled in the cooling tank 3, and then taken down by the take-off rollers 4, 4. Side (mandrel 6 side). The tension controller 5 is composed of a pair of so-called dancer rollers 16A, 16B and a movable arm 17 for adjusting the position of the roller 16B on one side. The movable arm 17 is driven to drive, for example, the lower dancer roller in the figure. By adjusting the position of 16B, the tension of the strand S can be adjusted appropriately.

The strand S to which a predetermined tension is applied by the tension controller 5 is in the heater 7 in a temperature range above the minimum moldable temperature of the thermoplastic matrix resin and below the liquid crystal transition temperature of the thermoplastic liquid crystal resin (so-called). While being heated to a predetermined temperature in the mold window) and only the matrix resin around the liquid crystal fibers is softened, it is regularly wound around the outer periphery of the mandrel 6 while being positioned by the delivery barrier 8. The heater 7
The heating temperature is set lower than that of the mold window, and the strand S is wound around the mandrel 6 in a state where the matrix resin is only softened to some extent, and heating is separately provided near the outer periphery of the mandrel 6 during or after this winding. The strands S may be welded to each other by heating the strands S to a predetermined temperature in the mold window by means (heater). It is also possible to embed a heater in the pressing roller 20 and heat the strand S with this heater.

The mandrel 6 is rotationally driven by a driving device (not shown), and the strand S is wound around the rotating mandrel 6 on the outer peripheral side thereof.
As shown in FIG. 2, on both ends of the mandrel 6, for example, a large number of pins 19, ..., 19 are provided in the radial direction of the mandrel 6 as folding parts for folding the strands S at the ends. The strand S, which is erected upright and is wound up to one end of the mandrel 6, is locked by one of the pins 19, ..., 19 and is then folded back, so as to face in the opposite direction with respect to the longitudinal direction of the mandrel 6. Wrapped around. By repeating such a reciprocating operation, the strand S is laminated and wound around the outer peripheral side of the mandrel 6.

When the strands S reciprocate as described above, the intersections Cs of the strands S are usually formed at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction of the mandrel 6. As can be seen from FIG. 3, the intersection Cs is generated by the strands S obliquely intersecting and overlapping each other. Normally, the strand S has a circular cross section. As a result, the height becomes high, and air easily accumulates in the vicinity. Moreover, since the strands S are regularly wound around the mandrel 6, this intersection Cs is formed on the mandrel 6.
Will occur at a fixed position in the longitudinal direction of.

In the present embodiment, pressing rollers 20, ..., 20 having a predetermined length for pressing the wound strand S toward the front surface of the mandrel 6 are arranged at the positions where the above-mentioned intersecting portions Cs occur. That is, in this case, the pressing rollers 20, ...,
The number of 20 will be determined according to the number of generation positions of the intersection Cs of the strand S. The strand S wound around the mandrel 6 is laminated while being pressed against the surface side of the mandrel 6 by the pressing rollers 20, ...

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the strand S is wound around the mandrel 6 at the position where the crossing portion Cs where air is most likely to be accumulated is formed. Since the pressing rollers 20, ..., 20 for pressing to the side are provided, each pressing roller 2
By the pressing force of 0, the air accumulated near the intersection Cs can be forcedly discharged to the outside. That is, even when the tension and the heating temperature that can be applied to the strand S are limited by using the thermoplastic liquid crystal resin as the reinforcing fiber, it is possible to effectively suppress the generation of voids between the fibers.

In the above embodiment, the pressure rollers 20, ..., 20 are provided in correspondence with the generation position of the intersection Cs of the strand S where air is most likely to be accumulated. Various modifications are conceivable. Hereinafter, these modified examples will be described. In the following description, the same components as those in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 are designated by the same reference numerals and further description is omitted.

FIG. 4 shows a pressing roller 2 according to the first modification.
2 is a perspective view showing 2 and a mandrel 6. FIG. In the modified example 1, the pressing roller 22 is formed as a long single piece having a length substantially equal to the effective length of the mandrel 6. Therefore, in this case, the laminated body of the strands S wound around the mandrel 6 is always pressed against the front surface side of the mandrel 6, and in the case of the cylindrical mandrel 6 having a constant diameter, the air inside the mandrel 6 is removed. It is especially effective in discharging.

FIG. 5 shows a pressing roller 2 according to the second modification.
2 is a perspective view showing 2 and a mandrel 6. FIG. In the first modification, the pressing roller 24 is set to have a considerably short length and is provided so as to be movable along the longitudinal direction of the mandrel 6. Therefore, in this case, even if the mandrel 6 has a complicated shape, the short roller 24
Thus, the filament winding can be performed while partially pressing the strand S toward the mandrel surface side.

FIG. 6 shows a pressing roller 2 according to the third modification.
It is explanatory drawing which shows the arrangement | positioning state of 6,27 and the mandrel 6. In the third modification, the pressing rollers 26 and 27 are long ones having a length substantially equal to the effective length of the mandrel 6.
Formed as genuine. The two pressing rollers 26, 27 are arranged at positions facing each other in the radial direction with the mandrel 6 interposed therebetween. Therefore, in this case, the mandrel 6 is a cylindrical mandrel having a constant diameter, and when the length is particularly long, it is also effective in suppressing the deflection.

Next, a second embodiment will be described in which the filament winding is performed with the outer peripheral portion of the strand softened as compared with the inner portion thereof. FIG. 7 is an explanatory view schematically showing the overall configuration of the molding apparatus according to this embodiment. As shown in this figure, the molding apparatus 31 according to the present embodiment is similar in overall configuration to that according to the first embodiment (see FIG. 1). However, it is basically different in that a softening treatment device 32 for performing a softening treatment for softening the outer peripheral portion of the strand S as compared with the inside thereof is provided between the tension controller 5 and the mandrel 6.
In this case, more preferably, the heater 33 is provided near the outer circumference of the mandrel 6.

As shown in detail in FIG. 8, the softening treatment device 32 is more preferably composed of a molten resin tank 34 in which a thermoplastic resin of the same kind as the matrix resin of the strand S is melted and stored. The temperature of the molten resin in the tank 34 is equal to or higher than the minimum moldable temperature of the thermoplastic matrix resin of the strand S and lower than the liquid crystal transition temperature of the thermoplastic liquid crystal resin (so-called mold window) at a predetermined temperature. Is kept at. In this example, as the thermoplastic liquid crystal resin and the thermoplastic matrix resin of the strand S, the same ones as in the case of the first example were used.

The strand S that has passed through the molten resin tank 34 is wound around the outer periphery of the mandrel 6 with the melted and softened resin attached to the outer periphery thereof. Therefore, in this case, the outer peripheral portions of the strands S easily become compatible with each other,
When this strand S is laminated on the outer peripheral side of the mandrel 6, while pushing out the air interposed between the strands,
The outer peripheral portions of the strand S can be adhered to each other without a gap. That is, even when the tension and the heating temperature that can be applied to the strand S are limited by using the thermoplastic liquid crystal resin as the reinforcing fiber, it is possible to effectively suppress the generation of voids between the fibers.

Although the molten resin tank 34 is provided as the softening treatment device 32 in the above embodiment, various other softening treatment devices can be considered. Hereinafter, a modified example of the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of the softening processing device 36 according to the first modification of the present embodiment. In the first modification, the softening device 36 is sprinkled with a powder (powder) of a thermoplastic resin from above the strand S, and a powder supply unit 37, and a preheater 38 that preheats the strand S upstream of the powder supply unit 37. And are provided. When the resin powder is sprinkled on the strand S heated by the preheater 38 to a temperature close to the softening temperature of the resin powder from the powder supply unit 37, the powder adheres to the surface of the strand S in a softened state. The heating temperature of the heater 33 is set to the temperature inside the mold window of the strand S.

The strand S that has passed through the softening treatment device 36 is wound around the outer periphery of the mandrel 6 with the melted and softened resin powder adhering to the upper surface thereof, and is laminated on the outer periphery of the mandrel 6. At this time, while pushing out the air interposed between the strands, the outer peripheral portions of the strands S can be brought into close contact with each other without a gap. In the first modification, as the thermoplastic liquid crystal resin and the thermoplastic matrix resin of the strand S, for example, the same ones as in the case of the first embodiment are used, and the resin powder is preferably the thermoplastic liquid crystal of the strand S. A powder of the same type as the matrix resin was used. It is more preferable to select the powder whose melting temperature is lower than the minimum moldable temperature of the matrix resin of the strand S as the powder.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a softening processing device 41 according to a second modification of this embodiment. In this modified example 2,
The softening treatment device 41 is provided with a solvent supply unit 42 for sprinkling the solvent of the thermoplastic matrix resin of the strand S. Strands S that have passed through the softening device 41
Is wound around the outer periphery of the mandrel 6 in a state in which the upper surface side is partially dissolved by a solvent so that it is softened as compared with the inside, and when the mandrel 6 is laminated on the outer peripheral side, it is interposed between the strands. While pushing out the air, the outer peripheral portions of the strands S can be brought into close contact with each other without a gap.

In the second modification, as the thermoplastic matrix resin of the strand S, for example, the one shown below is used. -Thermoplastic matrix resin-Material name: Modified PPE resin-Product name: Noryl SE90 (manufactured by Nippon GE Plastics Co., Ltd.)-Normal molding temperature: 200 ° C. Further, toluene was used as a solvent for this.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a softening processing device 43 according to a third modification of this embodiment. In this modified example 3,
The softening device 43 is provided with heat rolls 44, ..., 44 that sandwich the strand S from above and below. The heating temperature of each heating roll 44 is set to a predetermined temperature in the mold window of the strand S. The strand S that has passed through the softening device 43 is wound around the outer periphery of the mandrel 6 in a state of being melted and softened as compared with the inside by being heated and melted at the upper and lower portions of the outer periphery, and is laminated on the outer periphery of the mandrel 6. At this time, while pushing out the air interposed between the strands, the outer peripheral portions of the strands S can be brought into close contact with each other without a gap. In this case, the heat roll 4
High heat transfer efficiency can be obtained by direct contact heating with 4, ..., 44. Further, it is not necessary to provide a heater near the mandrel 6.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of a softening processing device 45 according to a fourth modification of this embodiment. In this modified example 4,
A hot air heater 46 is provided in the softening device 45 so as to surround the outer circumference of the strand S. The heating temperature by the hot air heater 46 is set to a predetermined temperature in the mold window of the strand S. The strand S that has passed through the softening treatment device 45 is wound around the outer peripheral side of the mandrel 6 in a state of being melted and softened as compared with the inside by heating and melting the outer periphery uniformly. in this case,
Due to the indirect heating by the hot air heater 46, the outer peripheral portion of the strand S is uniformly melted and softened, and better adhesion is obtained. Further, it is not particularly necessary to provide a heater near the mandrel 6.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory view schematically showing the overall construction of the molding apparatus according to the fifth modification of this embodiment. As shown in this figure, the molding apparatus 51 according to the present modification is similar in overall configuration to that according to the second embodiment (see FIG. 7). However, in this modification 5, not only a cooling liquid but a refrigerant having a boiling point within the mold window of the strand S is used in the cooling tank 52. Also,
A microwave heating device 53 is used as the softening treatment device. Also in this case, it is not particularly necessary to provide a heater near the mandrel 6.

In this modification, as the thermoplastic matrix resin of the strand S, for example, the resin shown below was used as a resin having high absorption efficiency during microwave heating. -Thermoplastic matrix resin-Material name: Polyamide resin-Product name: Nylon 1013B (manufactured by Ube Industries, Ltd.)-Melting point: 215 ° C (usually molding temperature 230 ° C) Further, a liquid having a boiling point of 200 to 250 ° C in the above refrigerant. For example, the following was used. Refrigerant-Brand name: Therm S 200-S (manufactured by Nippon Steel Chemical Co., Ltd.)-Boiling point: 244 ° C. The strand S that has passed through the cooling tank 52 is molded by the microwave heating device 53 in a state where the refrigerant is attached to the outer periphery thereof. By being heated to a predetermined temperature in the window, the temperature is maintained at the boiling point of the refrigerant and the outer periphery of the window is melted and softened. In this case, liquid (refrigerant) with higher heat absorption than solid
By using, it is possible to perform efficient heating.

Next, as in the case of the first and second embodiments, the filament winding is performed by combining the strand in which the liquid crystal fibers are dispersed in the matrix resin and the strand made of only the matrix resin. Three examples will be described. FIG. 14 is an explanatory view schematically showing the overall configuration of the molding apparatus according to this embodiment.
As shown in this figure, in the molding apparatus 60 according to the present embodiment, two extruders 61, 62 are used as strand supply means.
Are arranged side by side. The molding apparatus 60 is basically the same as the molding apparatus 1 (see FIG. 1) according to the first embodiment except that two extruders 61 and 62 are arranged side by side. Although the heater 63 is installed near the outer periphery of the mandrel 6, it may be arranged on the upstream side of the mandrel 6 as in the case of the heater 7 according to the first embodiment.

Of the two extruders 61, 62, one extruder 61 has a fibrous thermoplastic liquid crystal resin as a molding material and a minimum moldable temperature lower than the liquid crystal transition temperature of the liquid crystal resin. And a pellet containing only the thermoplastic matrix resin having the above are introduced, and the first strand S1 in which the liquid crystal resin is present in a fiber state in the matrix resin is extruded. In addition, the other extruder 62
As the molding material, for example, only pellets containing only the above-mentioned thermoplastic matrix resin are introduced, and the second strand S2 consisting only of the matrix resin is extruded. Although not specifically shown, each of the extruders 61 and 62 has the first internal structure.
The extruder 2 (see FIG. 1) according to the embodiment has the same configuration and performs the same operation. In addition, in this embodiment, the first
As the thermoplastic liquid crystal resin of the strand S1 and the thermoplastic matrix resin of the both strands S1 and S2, for example, the same ones as in the case of the first embodiment were used.

The strands S1 and S2 extruded from the extruders 61 and 62, respectively, are supplied to the downstream side in a bundled state, and finally wound around the mandrel 6 as shown in FIG. , Which is heated by the heater 63 and welded. At this time, as shown in detail in FIG. 16, in the void portion formed between the first strands S1 containing the liquid crystal fibers, the second strand made of only the matrix resin is used. The molten resin obtained by heating and melting the strand S2 of No. 2 is filled. That is, the gap between the first strands can be wound while being filled with the resin of the second strand, and the space for air to interpose between the liquid crystal fibers becomes very small. As a result, even if the tension and the heating temperature that can be applied to the strand are limited by using the thermoplastic liquid crystal resin as the reinforcing fiber, the generation of voids between the fibers can be effectively suppressed.

In this case, the second strand S2 is formed to have a diameter smaller than that of the first strand S1, and the second strand S2 is combined and wound around the mandrel so that the second strand S2 is located in the gap between the first strands S1. By so doing, the gap between the first strands can be more effectively filled with the resin of the second strand when wound around the mandrel 6.

In the third embodiment, the matrix resin of the second strand S2 and the matrix resin of the first strand S1 are the same, but they are different resin materials, especially the second one. The minimum moldable temperature of the thermoplastic matrix resin of the strand S2 is
By adopting a material having a temperature lower than the minimum moldable temperature of the thermoplastic matrix resin of the strand S1 of No. 2, when the two strands S1 and S2 are combined and wound around the mandrel 6, the matrix resin of the second strand S2 is melted It can be easily made. As a result, the gap between the first strands S1 is more easily filled, and the room for air to interpose between the liquid crystal fibers is further reduced. That is, the generation of voids between fibers can be suppressed more effectively.

Next, as in the case of the first and second embodiments, the filament winding is carried out by combining two strands having liquid crystal fibers dispersed in a matrix resin and having different radial sizes. A fourth embodiment will be described. FIG. 17 is an explanatory view schematically showing the overall configuration of the molding apparatus according to this embodiment. As shown in this figure, in the molding apparatus 70 according to the present embodiment, two extruders 71 and 72 are provided side by side as strand supply means, as in the case of the third embodiment.

Each of the two extruders 71 and 72 has a fibrous thermoplastic liquid crystal resin as a molding material and a thermoplastic matrix having a minimum moldable temperature lower than the liquid crystal transition temperature of the liquid crystal resin. Pellets containing only a resin are charged, and a first strand in which the liquid crystal resin is present in a fibrous state in the matrix resin is extruded. 7
No. 2 has a small nozzle hole (not shown).
Therefore, the second strand S4 supplied from the other extruder 72 is the first strand supplied from the one extruder 71.
The diameter is smaller than the strand S3 by a predetermined dimension.

The molding apparatus 70 is the same as the extruder 7 described above.
The molding apparatus 60 is basically the same as the molding apparatus 60 (see FIG. 14) according to the third embodiment except that the nozzle diameters of nozzles 1 and 72 are different and the same molding material is used. Instead of arranging the extruders 71 and 72 side by side as described above, one extruder is provided with two nozzle holes having different hole diameters, and strands having different wire diameters are extruded from these nozzle holes. It is also possible to do so. Further, in the present embodiment, the same thermoplastic liquid crystal resin and thermoplastic matrix resin as the strands S3 and S4, for example, are the same as those used in the first embodiment.

The strands S3 and S4 extruded from the respective extruders 71 and 72 are supplied to the downstream side in a state of being bundled into one set, and finally wound around the mandrel 6 and heated by the heater 63. Although they are welded, at this time, as shown in detail in FIG. 18, they are combined and wound so that the small-diameter second strands S4 are located in the gaps between the first strands S3. Therefore, the first
The void between the strands S3 is the second strand S4.
Becomes smaller by locating, and is wound around the mandrel 6 in this state, so that there is very little room for air to intervene between the liquid crystal fibers. That is, even if the tension and the heating temperature that can be applied to the strand are limited by using the thermoplastic liquid crystal resin as the reinforcing fiber, the generation of voids between the fibers can be effectively suppressed.

In the fourth embodiment, the matrix resin of the second strand S4 and the matrix resin of the first strand S3 are the same, but they are different resin materials, especially the second resin material. The minimum moldable temperature of the thermoplastic matrix resin of strand S4 is
By adopting a lower temperature than the minimum moldable temperature of the thermoplastic matrix resin of the strand S3 of No. 2, when the two strands S3, S4 are combined and wound around the mandrel 6, the second strand positioned between the first strands S3
The matrix resin of the strand S4 can be more easily melted and fluidized. As a result, the first strand S
The gap between the three is more easily filled, and the space for air to intervene between the liquid crystal fibers is further reduced. That is, the generation of voids between fibers can be suppressed more effectively.

Next, a description will be given of a fifth embodiment in which filament winding is performed while vibrating the strand. FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the overall configuration of the molding apparatus according to this embodiment. As shown in this figure, the molding apparatus 81 according to the present embodiment is similar in overall configuration to that according to the first embodiment (see FIG. 1).
However, the delivery barrier 82 is basically different in that it can give vibration to the strand S when the strand S is wound around the mandrel 6.
In this case, it is not necessary to provide the heater 7 in particular.

As shown in detail in FIG. 20, the delivery barrier 82 is connected to an electromagnetic solenoid 83 whose operation is controlled by a control signal from the control unit 84.
The control unit 84 outputs an operation signal of a predetermined cycle to the electromagnetic solenoid 83, whereby the electromagnetic solenoid 83 reciprocates in a predetermined cycle. Therefore, the strand S positioned by the delivery barrier 82 has an amplitude (for example, 1 m) corresponding to the reciprocating stroke of the electromagnetic solenoid 83.
Therefore, the vibration of the frequency (for example, 5 Hz) corresponding to the operation period of the electromagnetic solenoid 83 is applied.

When the strand S is wound around the mandrel 6, by applying the above-mentioned vibration, frictional heat is generated between the strands S, and the frictional heat allows the strand S to be formed into the minimum thermoplastic matrix resin. It is designed to be heated to a predetermined temperature within a temperature range (so-called mold window) above the temperature and below the liquid crystal transition temperature of the thermoplastic liquid crystal resin. In this example, as the thermoplastic liquid crystal resin and the thermoplastic matrix resin of the strand S, the same ones as in the case of the first example were used. In this way, by applying the above-mentioned vibration to the strands S being wound, the strands S can be welded to each other while the air between the strands S is forcibly discharged to the outside. That is, even if the tension and the heating temperature that can be applied to the strand are limited by using the thermoplastic liquid crystal resin as the reinforcing fiber, the generation of voids between the fibers can be effectively suppressed.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the overall configuration of a molding apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a mandrel and a pressing roller of the molding apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a strand intersection formed on the mandrel.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a pressing roller and a mandrel according to a first modification of the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a pressing roller and a mandrel according to a second modification of the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a pressing roller and a mandrel according to a third modification of the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the overall configuration of a molding apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of a softening treatment device of a molding device according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of a softening treatment device of a molding device according to a first modification of the second embodiment.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a softening treatment device of a molding device according to a second modification of the second embodiment.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a softening treatment device of a molding device according to a third modification of the second embodiment.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of a softening treatment device of a molding device according to a fourth modification of the second embodiment.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the overall structure of a molding apparatus according to a fifth modification of the second embodiment.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the overall structure of a molding apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional explanatory view showing a winding state of each strand around the mandrel according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 16 is an enlarged cross-sectional explanatory view showing a part of FIG. 15 in an enlarged manner.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the overall structure of a molding apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional explanatory view showing, in an enlarged manner, a winding state of each strand around the mandrel according to the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the overall structure of a molding apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram showing a delivery device of the molding apparatus and a driving apparatus therefor according to the fifth embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1, 31, 51, 60, 70, 81 ... Molding device 2, 61, 62, 71, 72 ... Extruder 5 ... Tension controller 6 ... Mandrel 7, 33, 63 ... Heater 20, 22, 24, 26, 27 ... Pressing roller 32, 36, 41, 43, 45 ... Softening device 34 ... Molten resin tank 37 ... Powder supply section 42 ... Solvent supply section 44 ... Heat roll 46 ... Hot air heater S ... Strand S1, S3 ... First strand S2 , S3 ... Second strand

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Kenji Moriwaki No. 3 Shinchi Fuchu-cho, Aki-gun, Hiroshima Prefecture Mazda Co., Ltd. (72) Masatoshi Shinomori No. 3 Shinchi, Fuchu-cho, Hiroshima Prefecture Mazda Co., Ltd. Within

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. Molding is performed by a filament winding method using a strand in which a thermoplastic liquid crystal resin having a liquid crystal transition temperature higher than the minimum moldable temperature of the matrix resin is present in the thermoplastic matrix resin in a fibrous state. A method for molding a liquid crystal resin composite, wherein the strand is at least one of the steps before and after being wound around a mandrel, at a temperature equal to or higher than the minimum moldable temperature of the matrix resin, and lower than the liquid crystal transition temperature of the liquid crystal resin. The method for molding a liquid crystal resin composite is characterized in that filament winding is performed while heating within the temperature range of 1) and pressing the strand toward the surface of the mandrel by pressing means. 2. Molding is carried out by a filament winding method using a strand in which a thermoplastic liquid crystal resin having a liquid crystal transition temperature higher than the minimum moldable temperature of the matrix resin is present in the thermoplastic matrix resin in a fibrous state. A method for molding a liquid crystal resin composite, wherein the strand is at least one of the steps before and after being wound around a mandrel, at a temperature equal to or higher than the minimum moldable temperature of the matrix resin, and lower than the liquid crystal transition temperature of the liquid crystal resin. A method for molding a liquid crystal resin composite, characterized in that the strand is wound around the mandrel while being heated within the temperature range of 1, and the outer peripheral portion of the strand is softened as compared with the inside thereof. 3. The method for molding a liquid crystal resin composite according to claim 2, wherein a softening resin is attached to the outer circumference of the strand before and / or when the strand is wound around a mandrel. And a method for molding a liquid crystal resin composite. 4. The method for molding a liquid crystal resin composite according to claim 2, wherein a solvent that dissolves only the matrix resin is applied to the outer circumference of the strand before and / or when the strand is wound around a mandrel. A method for molding a liquid crystal resin composite, which comprises adhering. 5. The method for molding a liquid crystal resin composite according to claim 2, wherein the strand is heated from the outer peripheral side and then the strand is wound around a mandrel. Method. 6. Molding is performed by a filament winding method using a strand in which a thermoplastic liquid crystal resin having a liquid crystal transition temperature higher than the minimum moldable temperature of the matrix resin is present in the thermoplastic matrix resin in a fibrous state. A method for molding a liquid crystal resin composite, comprising: a first strand in which the liquid crystal resin is present in a fiber state in the thermoplastic matrix resin; and a minimum moldable temperature lower than the liquid crystal transition temperature of the liquid crystal resin. The second strand consisting of only the thermoplastic matrix resin is wound around the mandrel as a set, and the both strands are mixed with the thermoplastic matrix resin of the both strands in at least one of the steps before and after the winding around the mandrel. Above the minimum moldable temperature, whichever is higher, and above liquid crystal Method of molding a liquid crystal polymer composite material which is characterized in that the filament winding is heated to within a temperature range below the liquid crystal transition temperature of the lipid. 7. Molding is performed by a filament winding method using a strand in which a thermoplastic liquid crystal resin having a liquid crystal transition temperature higher than the minimum moldable temperature of the matrix resin is present in the thermoplastic matrix resin in a fibrous state. A method for molding a liquid crystal resin composite, comprising: a first strand in which the liquid crystal resin is present in a fiber state in the thermoplastic matrix resin; and a minimum moldable temperature of the matrix resin in the thermoplastic matrix resin. A thermoplastic liquid crystal resin having a high liquid crystal transition temperature is present in a fibrous state, and a second strand having a smaller radial dimension than the first strand, the second strand being the first strand. The mandrels are combined so that they are located in the gap between the strands of the In at least one of the steps before and after being wound on the above-mentioned strands, the above-mentioned both strands are each higher than the minimum moldable temperature of the thermoplastic matrix resin of the both strands, and the liquid crystal transition temperature of the above-mentioned liquid crystal resin. A method for molding a liquid crystal resin composite, which comprises performing filament winding by heating within a temperature range below. 8. The method for molding a liquid crystal resin composite according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the thermoplastic matrix resin of the second strand is different from the thermoplastic matrix resin of the first strand. 1. A method for molding a liquid crystal resin composite, wherein 9. Molding is carried out by a filament winding method using a strand in which a thermoplastic liquid crystal resin having a liquid crystal transition temperature higher than the minimum moldable temperature of the matrix resin is present in the thermoplastic matrix resin in a fibrous state. A method of molding a liquid crystal resin composite, wherein, when the strand is wound around the mandrel, by vibrating the strand at a predetermined amplitude and frequency, the strand is at a minimum moldable temperature of the matrix resin or higher. A method for molding a liquid crystal resin composite, characterized in that the strand is wound around the mandrel while being heated within a temperature range lower than the liquid crystal transition temperature of the liquid crystal resin. 10. Strand supply means for supplying a strand in which a thermoplastic liquid crystal resin having a liquid crystal transition temperature higher than the minimum moldable temperature of the matrix resin is present in the thermoplastic matrix resin in a fibrous state, and the supply. A mandrel in which the strand supplied from the means is wound around the outer peripheral side, a tension adjusting means for adjusting the tension of the strand at the time of winding around the mandrel, and at least one of before and after winding the strand around the mandrel, the strand Is a minimum moldable temperature of the matrix resin, and heating means for heating within a temperature range below the liquid crystal transition temperature of the liquid crystal resin, and at the time of winding the strand around the mandrel, the strand is pressed against the mandrel surface side. A liquid crystal tree having a pressing means for Molding equipment for fat composites.