Extrusion molding device

Abstract

To provide an extrusion molding device advantageous in view of reducing a size variation of moldings.SOLUTION: An extrusion molding device 1a includes: a die 10; a gear pump 20; a motor 30; a power transmission member 40; a support base 50; a positioning member 60; and a bearing 70. The die 10 is a component for forming a molding material. The gear pump 20 includes a drive gear 21. The gear pump 20 supplies the molding material to the die 10. The power transmission member 40 transmits a power of the motor 30 to the drive gear 21. The positioning member 60 fixes the gear pump 20 and the support base 50 alienated by a prescribed length L1 in a direction parallel to a first axis line A1 so that a second axis line A2 is positioned in a prescribed location with regard to the first axis line A1. The bearing 70 abuts on a supporting surface 80 in a manner that the support base 50 is movable along the supporting surface 80.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an extrusion molding apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an extrusion molding apparatus equipped with a gear pump for supplying molding material is known.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a sheet manufacturing device that includes an extruder for melting a polymer, a gear pump, a die, a measuring device, and a computing device. The extruder melts the polymer, and the molten polymer is transported by a gear pump that is controlled to a constant rotation speed, and is extruded into a sheet from the die. The measuring device measures the properties of the sheet while it is being transported. The computing device controls the rotation speed of the screw of the extruder and / or the heater temperature of the extruder based on the measurement results of the measuring device.

[0004] Patent Document 2 describes a rubber extrusion molding system. This rubber extrusion molding system includes a rubber extrusion device, a rotating support, a thickness sensor, and a control unit. The rubber extrusion device includes a gear pump. The control unit sets the rotation speed of a gear in the gear pump based on the rubber extrusion speed of the rubber extrusion device.

[0005] Patent Document 3 describes a flexible tube manufacturing apparatus. This flexible tube manufacturing apparatus includes a first extruder, a second extruder, a molding device, a first gear pump, and a second gear pump. The first extruder extrudes a first resin. The second extruder extrudes a second resin that is softer than the first resin. The molding device has a first resin supply path through which the first resin is supplied from the first extruder and a second resin supply path through which the second resin is supplied from the second extruder, and extrudes the supplied resin onto the surface of the braid wire. The first gear pump is provided in the middle of the first resin supply path. The second gear pump is provided in the middle of the second resin supply path. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] JP 2014-193604 A [Patent Document 2] Patent Publication No. 2021-30618 [Patent Document 3] International Publication No. 2021 / 024794 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] As described in Patent Documents 1 to 3, in an extrusion molding device equipped with a gear pump, molding materials such as resin and rubber are supplied by the gear pump, and the supplied molding materials are molded into a predetermined shape. On the other hand, the techniques described in Patent Documents 1 to 3 have room for reexamination from the viewpoint of reducing dimensional variation of molded products when the power of a motor is transmitted to the gear pump to operate the gear pump to supply the molding material.

[0008] In view of the above circumstances, the present invention provides an extrusion molding device that is advantageous in terms of reducing dimensional variation of molded products while transmitting power from a motor to a gear pump to operate the gear pump to supply molding material. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The present invention relates to A die for molding the molding material; a gear pump including a drive gear and configured to supply molding material toward the die by rotation of the drive gear; A motor; a power transmission member that transmits the power of the motor to the drive gear; a support base for supporting the motor and the power transmission member; a positioning member that fixes the gear pump and the support base at a predetermined distance in a direction parallel to a first axis that is a rotation axis of the drive gear so that a second axis that is a rotation axis of the motor is positioned at a predetermined position with respect to the first axis; a bearing that contacts the support surface so as to move the support platform along the horizontal support surface on the support surface; An extrusion apparatus is provided. Effect of the Invention

[0010] The above-described extrusion molding device is advantageous from the viewpoint of reducing dimensional variation of molded products while transmitting the power of the motor to the gear pump to operate the gear pump and supplying molding material. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view that illustrates an example of an extrusion molding apparatus according to the present invention. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2A is a perspective view showing a portion of the extrusion molding apparatus shown in FIG. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B is a perspective view showing a part of an extrusion molding apparatus according to a reference example. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing a gear pump of the extrusion molding device shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view that illustrates a schematic diagram of another example of the extrusion molding apparatus according to the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view that illustrates a schematic diagram of still another example of the extrusion molding apparatus according to the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view that illustrates a schematic diagram of still another example of the extrusion molding apparatus according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the following description is for illustrative purposes only, and the present invention is not limited to the following embodiment. In the accompanying drawings, the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis are mutually orthogonal, and the negative direction of the z-axis is the direction of gravity.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2A, the extrusion molding device 1a includes a die 10, a gear pump 20, a motor 30, a power transmission member 40, a support base 50, a positioning member 60, and a bearing 70. The die 10 is a component for molding a molding material. The gear pump 20 includes a drive gear 21. The gear pump 20 supplies the molding material toward the die 10 by the rotation of the drive gear 21. The power transmission member 40 transmits the power of the motor 30 to the drive gear 21. As a result, the drive gear 21 is rotated by the power of the motor 30, and the molding material is sent toward the die 10 by the gear pump 20. The support base 50 supports the motor 30 and the power transmission member 40. The positioning member 60 fixes the gear pump 20 and the support base 50 at a predetermined distance L1 in a direction parallel to the first axis A1 so that the second axis A2 is positioned at a predetermined position relative to the first axis A1. The positioning member 60 fixes the gear pump 20 and the support base 50, for example, so that the first axis A1 is parallel to the second axis A2. The first axis A1 is a rotation axis of the drive gear 21. The drive gear 21 is rotatable about the first axis A1. The second axis A2 is a rotation axis of the motor 30. The motor 30 is rotatable about the second axis A2. The bearing 70 contacts the support surface 80 so that the support base 50 can move on and along the horizontal support surface 80. The support surface 80 is provided, for example, by the extrusion molding apparatus 1a or equipment surrounding the extrusion molding apparatus 1a.

[0014] FIG. 2B is a perspective view showing an extrusion molding apparatus 1x according to a reference example. The extrusion molding apparatus 1x is configured similarly to the extrusion molding apparatus 1a except for the parts that will be particularly described. The extrusion molding apparatus 1x does not include members corresponding to the positioning member 60 and the bearing 70 in the extrusion molding apparatus 1a. According to the study by the present inventors, it was newly discovered that in extrusion molding using the extrusion molding apparatus 1x, the dimensional variation of the molded product may become large. After further study, the present inventors thought that the accuracy of positioning the second axis A2 relative to the first axis A1 may affect the dimensional variation of the molded product. For example, if the inclination of the second axis A2 relative to the first axis A1 is large, the rotational power of the motor 30 may not be transmitted normally, and the flow rate of the gear pump 20 may vary. In addition, the operation of the motor 30 may be overloaded, and depending on the degree of overload, the motor 30 may break down or the power transmission member 40 may be damaged. In extrusion molding using the extrusion molding apparatus 1x, the temperature around the gear pump 20 increases significantly, and the position of the first axis A1 may vary due to thermal expansion of the gear pump 20 or parts around the gear pump 20. On the other hand, the temperature around the motor 30 is kept at room temperature (e.g., 25°C to 40°C), so the position of the second axis A2 is unlikely to vary due to thermal expansion. For this reason, in the extrusion molding apparatus 1x, the inclination of the second axis A2 with respect to the first axis A1 may become large.

[0015] In view of these circumstances, the inventors of the present invention have conducted extensive research to reduce the dimensional variation of molded products while transmitting the power of the motor to the gear pump to operate the gear pump to supply molding material. As a result, they thought that in the extrusion molding device 1x, the driving gear 21 and the motor 30 are connected by the power transmission member 40 regardless of the position of the support table 50 supporting the motor 30, which may affect the accuracy of positioning of the second axis A2 relative to the first axis A1. In addition, in the extrusion molding device 1x, the support table 50 cannot move freely along the support surface 80, and the support table 50 cannot move in accordance with the change in the position of the first axis A1 due to thermal expansion, etc., which is not advantageous from the viewpoint of dimensional variation of molded products.

[0016] On the other hand, in the extrusion molding device 1a, the second axis A2 is positioned at a predetermined position relative to the first axis A1 by the positioning member 60. In addition, the positioning member 60 fixes the gear pump 20 and the support base 50 at a predetermined distance in a direction parallel to the first axis A1. Therefore, the gear pump 20 and the support base 50 are also aligned. This makes it easy to increase the accuracy of the positioning of the second axis A2 relative to the first axis A1. In addition, in the extrusion molding device 1a, the bearing 70 contacts the support surface 80 so that the support base 50 can move along the support surface 80. Therefore, the support base 50 can move along the support surface 80 in accordance with the fluctuation in the position of the first axis A1 due to thermal expansion, etc., and it is easy to maintain high accuracy in the positioning of the second axis A2 relative to the first axis A1.

[0017] 1, the gear pump 20 further includes, for example, a driven gear 22 and a casing 25. The casing 25 houses the drive gear 21. The drive gear 21 and the driven gear 22 are arranged in mesh with each other inside the casing 25. A first flow path 23 and a second flow path 24 are formed inside the casing 25. The first flow path 23 is a flow path for supplying the molding material toward the drive gear 21 and the driven gear 22, and the second flow path 23 is a flow path for supplying the molding material that has passed around the drive gear 21 and the driven gear 22 toward the outside of the gear pump 20.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 3, in the gear pump 20, the casing 25 includes, for example, a first plate 25a, a second plate 25b, and a third plate 25c. The second plate 25b is disposed between the first plate 25a and the third plate 25c in the thickness direction of the second plate 25b. The casing 25 is configured by fixing the first plate 25a, the second plate 25b, and the third plate 25c in a stacked state. The first plate 25a has a through hole 25h. The drive gear 21 includes a shaft 21a, which extends along the first axis A1. A groove 21r is formed at the tip of the shaft 21a. The shaft 21a protrudes toward the outside of the casing 25 along the through hole 25h. The tip of the shaft 21a is disposed outside the casing 25. A protrusion 41 is formed at an end of the power transmission member 40 so as to match the groove 21r, and the power transmission member 40 is connected to the driving gear 21 by engaging the protrusion 41 with the groove 21r. The driven gear 22 includes a stud 22a that protrudes along the rotation axis of the driven gear 22. A recess for accommodating the stud 22a is formed in the first plate 25a.

[0019] The second plate 25b has a through hole 25k for accommodating the drive gear 21 and the driven gear 22. For example, in a plan view of the second plate 25b, the through hole 25k is formed such that a pair of arcs facing each other are arranged on both sides of a portion where the drive gear 21 and the driven gear 22 mesh, and the through hole 25k has a constriction at a portion where the drive gear 21 and the driven gear 22 mesh between the pair of arcs. In the portion of the through hole 25k forming this constriction, a receiving portion 21m for receiving the molding material that has passed through the first flow path 23 and a discharging portion 21n for discharging the molding material toward the second flow path 24 are formed. The receiving portion 21m and the discharging portion 21n are partitioned by the meshing of the drive gear 21 and the driven gear 22.

[0020] The third plate 25c has a through hole 25p and a through hole 25q. The through hole 25p forms a part of the first flow path 23 and is formed at a position corresponding to the receiving portion 21m. The through hole 25q forms a part of the second flow path 24 and is formed at a position corresponding to the discharging portion 21n.

[0021] The arrows in Fig. 3 indicate the flow of the molding material. The rotational power of the motor 30 is transmitted to the drive gear 21 by the power transmission member 40, and the drive gear 21 and the driven gear 22 rotate while meshing with each other. As a result, the molding material passes through the first flow path 23 and is supplied to the receiving portion 21m. Thereafter, the molding material moves through the gap between the inner wall of the through hole 25k and the drive gear 21 or the driven gear 22 in association with the rotation of the drive gear 21 or the driven gear 22, and is discharged from the discharge portion 21n toward the second flow path 24. As a result, the gear pump 20 supplies the molding material toward the die 10. In the die 10, the molding material is molded into a predetermined shape, and a molded product is obtained.

[0022] The discharge volume of the gear pump 20 is not limited to a specific value. In the gear pump 20, the discharge volume per rotation of the drive gear 21 is, for example, 3.0 mL or less. In this way, when the discharge volume of the gear pump is small, the accuracy of positioning the rotation axis of the motor relative to the rotation axis of the drive gear of the gear pump is likely to have a large effect on the dimensional variation of the molded product. Since the extrusion molding device 1a is equipped with the positioning member 60 and the bearing 70, the dimensional variation of the molded product is likely to be small even if the discharge volume per rotation of the drive gear 21 is small.

[0023] The discharge amount per rotation of the drive gear 21 may be 2.0 mL or less, or may be 1.5 mL or less. The smaller the discharge amount, the smaller the allowable torque in power transmission to the drive gear 21 tends to be. The discharge amount is, for example, 0.03 mL or more. For the above reasons, the discharge amount may be 0.03 mL or more and 3.0 mL or more, or 0.05 mL or more and 1.5 mL or less.

[0024] The distance L1 between the gear pump 20 and the support base 50 in the direction parallel to the first axis A1 is not limited to a specific value. The distance L1 is the distance between the gear pump 20 and the joint between the support base 50 and the positioning member 60. The distance L1 is, for example, 10 mm or more and 50 mm or less. In this case, the operation of connecting the power transmission member 40 to the drive gear 21 is easy. The distance L1 may be 15 mm or more or 20 mm or more, and may be 45 mm or less or 40 mm or less.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 1, the positioning member 60 includes, for example, a rod 62 for positioning. The positioning member 60 is fixed to the support base 50 with one end 62a of the rod 62 in the axial direction in contact with the support base 50. This allows the support base 50 to be positioned with high accuracy relative to the gear pump 20. For example, the positioning member 60 includes a bolt 64a and a bolt 64b. The rod 62 is located between the bolts 64a and 64b in the axial direction. The support base 50 has a through hole into which the bolt 64a can be inserted. The diameter of the through hole is smaller than the diameter of the rod 62. The length of the bolt 64a is longer than the length of the through hole. The bolt 64a is inserted into the through hole, and a nut 63 is fitted onto the bolt 64a protruding from the through hole, thereby fixing the positioning member 60 to the support base 50. The rod 62 has a length corresponding to the distance L1.

[0026] The positioning member 60 is fixed to, for example, the casing 25. This allows the casing 25 to be used to fix the gear pump 20 and the support base 50 by the positioning member 60, thereby suppressing an increase in the number of parts of the extrusion molding device 1a. The positioning member 60 may be fixed to a member other than the casing 25.

[0027] As described above, when the positioning member 60 includes the rod 62, the positioning member 60 is fixed to the casing 25 with the other end 62b of the rod 62 in the axial direction in contact with the casing 25. This allows the support base 50 to be positioned with respect to the gear pump 20 with high accuracy. For example, the casing 25 has a screw hole into which the bolt 64b can be engaged. The positioning member 60 is fixed to the casing 25 by inserting the bolt 64b into this screw hole.

[0028] The positioning member 60 includes, for example, a plurality of rods 62. This allows the second axis A2 to be positioned with respect to the first axis A1 with higher accuracy. Each rod 62 has substantially the same length. As shown in Fig. 2A, the positioning member 60 includes four rods 62, and the power transmission member 40 is surrounded by the four rods 62. The number of rods 62 included in the positioning member 60 may be two, three, five or more.

[0029] 1, the support base 50 has, for example, a first plane P1. The first plane P1 comes into contact with one end 62a of the rod 62 when the support base 50 is fixed by the positioning member 60. The first plane P1 is a plane perpendicular to the second axis A2. With this configuration, it is easy to increase the accuracy of positioning the second axis A2 with respect to the first axis A1.

[0030] The support base 50 includes, for example, a first plane P1 and a side wall 54 having a through hole 55. A portion of the power transmission member 40 is disposed in the through hole 55, and the power transmission member 40 extends across the side wall 54. The diameter of the through hole 55 is larger than the outer diameter of the power transmission member 40. This allows the power transmission member 40 to be moved so as to be inserted into the through hole 55, thereby connecting the power transmission member 40 to the drive gear 21.

[0031] The support base 50 includes, for example, a bottom wall 56. The bottom wall 56 forms a bottom surface parallel to the second axis A2. A pair of guides 45 are disposed on the bottom wall 56. The pair of guides 45 extend in a direction parallel to the second axis A2. The guides 45 are, for example, linear motion (LM) guides. "LM Guide" is a registered trademark of THK Corporation.

[0032] The extrusion molding device 1a includes, for example, a reducer 35 between the motor 30 and a power transmission member 40. The power transmission member 40 is configured as, for example, a shaft capable of transmitting power. The speed of rotation of the shaft, which is the power transmission member 40, is adjusted to a desired range by the reducer 35.

[0033] The extrusion molding device 1a includes, for example, a frame 37. The frame 37 includes a side wall perpendicular to the second axis A2 and a bottom wall parallel to the second axis A2. The side wall of the frame 37 separates the motor 30 and the reducer 35 from the power transmission member 40, and the motor 30 and the reducer 35 are disposed on the bottom wall of the frame 37. The frame 37 is attached to a pair of guides 45. For example, after the support base 50 is fixed by the positioning member 60 at a distance L1 from the pump 20, the motor 30 and the power transmission member 40 are moved toward the drive gear 21 along the pair of guides 45. Thereafter, the protrusion 41 of the power transmission member 40 is inserted into the groove 21r of the drive gear 21, and the power transmission member 40 is connected to the drive gear 21.

[0034] The casing 25 has, for example, a second plane P2 perpendicular to the first axis A1. The second plane P2 comes into contact with the other end 62b of the rod 62 when the support base 50 is fixed by the positioning member 60. With this configuration, the accuracy of positioning the second axis A2 with respect to the first axis A1 is likely to be improved.

[0035] In the extrusion molding apparatus 1a, the angle θ1 between the side wall 54 and the bottom wall 56 is, for example, 89.5° or more and 90.5° or less. The angle θ2 between the side wall of the frame 37 and the bottom wall 56 of the support stand 50 is, for example, 89.5° or more and 90.5° or less. The angle θ3 between the first plane P1 and the side surface of the rod 62 is, for example, 89.5° or more and 90.5° or less. The angle θ4 between the second plane P2 and the side surface of the rod 62 is, for example, 89.5° or more and 90.5° or less.

[0036] The length L2 of the power transmission member 40 in the direction parallel to the second axis A2 is not limited to a specific value. The length L2 is, for example, 100 mm or more and 200 mm or less. In this case, the work of connecting the power transmission member 40 to the drive gear 21 is easy. The length L2 may be 120 mm or more or 130 mm or more, and may be 190 mm or less or 180 mm or less.

[0037] The configuration of the bearing 70 is not limited to a specific configuration as long as the support base 50 can move along the support surface 80. The bearing 70 includes, for example, a sphere that can be in rollable contact with the support surface 80. The sphere is made of, for example, metal. The bearing 70 may include a wheel that can freely change direction, such as a caster. The bearing 70 is attached to the support 50, for example. The bearing 70 includes, for example, a bolt. A screw hole that can be engaged with the bolt is formed in the bottom wall of the support base 50, and the bearing 70 is attached to the support 50 by engaging the bolt with the screw hole. The bearing 70 may include a suspension.

[0038] The molding material that can be used in the extrusion molding device 1a is not limited to a specific material. The molding material may be a thermoplastic resin, rubber, or other material that can be extruded. The molding material preferably includes a thermoplastic resin.

[0039] The shape of the molded product obtained by extrusion molding in the extrusion molding device 1a is not limited to a specific shape. The extrusion molding device 1a can mold the molding material into fiber, for example. In this case, the flow rate of the molding material supplied by the gear pump 20 often needs to be adjusted to be low, and the discharge amount of the gear pump 20 tends to be small. Even in such a case, the extrusion molding device 1a tends to reduce the dimensional variation of the molded product, which is fiber.

[0040] The molded article, the fiber, may be, for example, an optical fiber.

[0041] The shape of the molded product obtained by extrusion molding in the extrusion molding apparatus 1a may be a shape other than a fiber, such as a sheet shape, a rod shape, or a tube shape.

[0042] The extrusion molding apparatus 1a may include, for example, a heater (not shown). The type of heater and the installation location of the heater are not limited to a specific type and a specific location as long as the molding material can be molded. The heater can be disposed around the gear pump 20 and the die 10, for example.

[0043] The extrusion molding apparatus 1a further includes, for example, a controller (not shown). The controller is, for example, a digital signal processor (DSP) including an A / D conversion circuit, an input / output circuit, an arithmetic circuit, and a storage device. The controller stores a program for appropriately operating the extrusion molding apparatus 1a. In detail, the controller controls the operation of the motor 30. The controller may also control the heat generation of the heater.

[0044] In the extrusion molding device 1a, for example, the portion in contact with the molding material is made of a material that is corrosion-resistant to the molding material. In this specification, "corrosion resistance" means that the material is not substantially corroded even when it is heated in contact with the molding material. For example, when the material is heated at 300°C for 100 hours in a state in which it is in contact with the molding material, the corrosion resistance of the material is 1 cm. 2This means that the amount of the material dissolved into the molding material per unit weight is 1 μg / g or less. By making the part in contact with the molding material out of a material having corrosion resistance, it is possible to further suppress impurities such as metals from being mixed into the molding material. The material having corrosion resistance against the molding material includes, for example, at least one selected from the group consisting of Hastelloy and Stellite. Hastelloy is an alloy containing nickel as the main component and further containing molybdenum, chromium, etc. Stellite is an alloy containing cobalt as the main component and further containing chromium, tungsten, etc. The term "main component" refers to the component that is contained most in the alloy in the mentioned alloy by mass ratio.

[0045] In the extrusion molding apparatus 1a, examples of the parts that come into contact with the molding material are the part in contact with the first flow path 23, the part in contact with the second flow path 24, the inner surface of the casing 25 of the gear pump, the surface of the drive gear 21, and the surface of the driven gear 22. Desirably, the inner surface of the casing 25, the surface of the drive gear 21, and the surface of the driven gear 22 are made of a material that is corrosion-resistant to the molding material. For example, these surfaces are formed of a coating or a thin layer made of a material that is corrosion-resistant to the molding material.

[0046] The casing 25, the driving gear 21, and the driven gear 21 may each be entirely made of a material having corrosion resistance against the molding material. The content of Hastelloy or Stellite in these members is, for example, 50% by mass or more, desirably 80% by mass or more, and more desirably 90% by mass or more. These members may be substantially made of Hastelloy or Stellite only.

[0047] The extrusion molding apparatus 1a can be modified from various viewpoints. For example, the extrusion molding apparatus 1a may be modified to an extrusion molding apparatus 1b shown in FIG. 4, an extrusion molding apparatus 1c shown in FIG. 5, and an extrusion molding apparatus 1d shown in FIG. 6. The extrusion molding apparatuses 1b, 1c, and 1d are configured similarly to the extrusion molding apparatus 1a, except for the parts that are particularly described. The components of the extrusion molding apparatuses 1b, 1c, and 1d that are the same as or correspond to the components of the extrusion molding apparatus 1a are given the same reference numerals, and detailed description is omitted. The description of the extrusion molding apparatus 1a also applies to the extrusion molding apparatuses 1b, 1c, and 1d, unless there is a technical contradiction.

[0048] 4, in the extrusion molding apparatus 1b, the bearing 70 includes a base 72 in contact with a support surface 80, and a plurality of spheres 75 rollably attached to the base 72. The plurality of spheres 75 are attached over the entirety of one main surface of the base 72, and the plurality of spheres 75 contact the bottom wall 56 of the support table 50. The support table 50 is movable along the support surface 80 by the rolling of the plurality of spheres 75. The other main surface of the base 72 contacts the support surface 80.

[0049] 5, in the extrusion molding apparatus 1c, the power transmission member 40 connects the motor 30 and the drive gear 21 so that the inclination angle of the second axis A2 relative to the first axis A1 is variable. With this configuration, even if the position of the first axis A1 fluctuates due to thermal expansion of the gear pump 20 or parts around the gear pump 20, causing the inclination angle of the second axis A2 relative to the first axis A1 to fluctuate, the power transmission member 40 can transmit the rotational power of the motor 30 to the drive gear 21 in accordance with the inclination angle. Therefore, even if the inclination angle of the second axis A2 relative to the first axis A1 increases, the operation of the motor 30 is unlikely to be overloaded.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 6, in the extrusion molding device 1c, the power transmission member 40 includes, for example, a first shaft 43, a second shaft 44, and a coupler 45. The first shaft 43 is disposed on the first axis A1. The second shaft 44 is disposed on the second axis A2 or parallel to the second axis A2. The coupler 45 includes at least one ball bearing 46. With this configuration, even if the inclination angle of the second axis A2 with respect to the first axis A1 increases, the operation of the motor 30 is unlikely to be in an overload state. The ball bearing 46 is configured, for example, so that a plurality of metal balls arranged at equal intervals around the axis can roll in a predetermined space in a direction parallel to the axis. The space in which the plurality of metal balls can roll is defined, for example, by an inner ring, a cage, and an outer ring.

[0051] The coupler 45 includes, for example, a pair of ball bearings 46, one of which is disposed near the first shaft 43 and the other of which is disposed near the second shaft 44. The coupler 45 includes, for example, an intermediate shaft 47, and the pair of ball bearings 46 are disposed near both ends of the intermediate shaft 47. The coupler 45 may be configured to include only one ball bearing. The coupler 45 may be configured, for example, as a Rzeppa type constant velocity joint coupler.

[0052] The coupler 45 couples the first shaft 43 and the second shaft 44, for example, so that the first shaft 43 and the second shaft 44 rotate at a constant speed regardless of the inclination angle. With this configuration, even if the inclination angle of the second axis A2 relative to the first axis A1 increases, the motor 30 and the drive gear 21 rotate at a constant speed, so that the supply amount of molding material is easily kept constant and the dimensions of the molded product are less likely to vary. The coupler 45 is configured, for example, as a constant velocity ball joint coupler.

[0053] 6, the extrusion molding apparatus 1d can, for example, mold a molding material into a fiber 7. The fiber 7 has a cross section in which multiple layers are concentrically arranged. The cross section is perpendicular to the length of the fiber 7. The fiber 7 can be, for example, an optical fiber.

[0054] The extrusion molding apparatus 1d includes, for example, a first gear pump 20a, a second gear pump 20b, and a third gear pump 20c as the gear pumps 20. The extrusion molding apparatus 1d includes a motor 30, a power transmission member 40, a support stand 50, a positioning member 60, and a bearing 70 corresponding to the first gear pump 20a, the second gear pump 20b, and the third gear pump 20c, respectively.

[0055] The fiber 7 has multiple layers, for example, a core 7a, a clad 7b, and a coating layer 7c. The coating layer 7c forms the outermost layer of the fiber 7, and the clad 7b is disposed inside the coating layer 7c. The core 7a is disposed inside the clad 7b. The first gear pump 20a supplies a molding material 3a for the core 7a toward the die 10. The second gear pump 20b supplies a molding material 3b for the clad 7b toward the die 10. The third gear pump 20c supplies a molding material 3c for the coating layer 7c toward the die 10.

[0056] At least one of the layers in the fiber 7 contains, for example, a fluororesin, which allows the fiber 7 to exhibit desired optical performance and durability. For example, the core 7a contains a fluororesin.

[0057] The fluororesin includes, for example, a fluorine-containing polymer (polymer (P)). From the viewpoint of suppressing light absorption due to the stretching energy of C-H bonds, the polymer (P) preferably does not substantially contain hydrogen atoms. More preferably, in the polymer (P), all hydrogen atoms bonded to carbon atoms are substituted with fluorine atoms. In this specification, "polymer (P) does not substantially contain hydrogen atoms" means that the content of hydrogen atoms in the polymer (P) is 1 mol % or less.

[0058] The polymer (P) has, for example, a fluorine-containing alicyclic structure. The fluorine-containing alicyclic structure may be contained in the main chain of the polymer (P) or in the side chain of the polymer (P). The polymer (P) has, for example, a structural unit (A) represented by the following formula (1). [ka]

[0059] In formula (1), R ff 1 ~R ff 4 R each independently represents a fluorine atom, a perfluoroalkyl group having 1 to 7 carbon atoms, or a perfluoroalkyl ether group having 1 to 7 carbon atoms. ff 1 and R ff 2 may be linked to form a ring. "Perfluoro" means that all hydrogen atoms bonded to carbon atoms are substituted with fluorine atoms. In formula (1), the number of carbon atoms in the perfluoroalkyl group is preferably 1 to 5, more preferably 1 to 3, and even more preferably 1. The perfluoroalkyl group may be linear or branched. Examples of the perfluoroalkyl group include a trifluoromethyl group, a pentafluoroethyl group, and a heptafluoropropyl group.

[0060] In the formula (1), the number of carbon atoms in the perfluoroalkyl ether group is preferably 1 to 5, and more preferably 1 to 3. The perfluoroalkyl ether group may be linear or branched. Examples of the perfluoroalkyl ether group include a perfluoromethoxymethyl group.

[0061] R ff 1 and R ff 2When they are linked to form a ring, the ring may be a 5-membered ring or a 6-membered ring. Examples of the ring include a perfluorotetrahydrofuran ring, a perfluorocyclopentane ring, and a perfluorocyclohexane ring.

[0062] Specific examples of the structural unit (A) include structural units represented by the following formulas (A1) to (A8).

[0063] [ka]

[0064] Of the structural units represented by the above formulas (A1) to (A8), the structural unit (A) is preferably the structural unit (A2), that is, the structural unit represented by the following formula (2).

[0065] [ka]

[0066] The polymer (P) may contain one or more types of structural units (A). In the polymer (P), the content of the structural units (A) is preferably 20 mol% or more, more preferably 40 mol% or more, based on the total of all structural units. By containing 20 mol% or more of the structural units (A), the polymer (P) tends to have higher heat resistance. When the structural units (A) are contained in an amount of 40 mol% or more, the polymer (P) tends to have higher transparency and high mechanical strength in addition to high heat resistance. In the polymer (P), the content of the structural units (A) is preferably 95 mol% or less, more preferably 70 mol% or less, based on the total of all structural units.

[0067] The structural unit (A) is derived from a compound represented by the following formula (3), for example. ff 1 ~R ff 4is the same as formula (1). The compound represented by formula (3) can be obtained by a known production method, for example, the production method disclosed in JP-A-2007-504125.

[0068] [ka]

[0069] Specific examples of the compound represented by the above formula (3) include compounds represented by the following formulae (M1) to (M8).

[0070] [ka]

[0071] The polymer (P) may further contain other structural units in addition to the structural unit (A). Examples of the other structural units include the following structural units (B) to (D).

[0072] The structural unit (B) is represented by the following formula (4).

[0073] [ka]

[0074] In formula (4), R 1 ~R 3 Each independently represents a fluorine atom or a perfluoroalkyl group having 1 to 7 carbon atoms. 4 represents a perfluoroalkyl group having 1 to 7 carbon atoms. The perfluoroalkyl group may have a ring structure. Some of the fluorine atoms may be substituted with halogen atoms other than fluorine atoms. Some of the fluorine atoms in the perfluoroalkyl group may be substituted with halogen atoms other than fluorine atoms.

[0075] The polymer (P) may contain one or more types of structural units (B). In the polymer (P), the content of the structural units (B) is preferably 5 to 10 mol% based on the total of all structural units. The content of the structural units (B) may be 9 mol% or less, or may be 8 mol% or less.

[0076] The structural unit (B) is derived from a compound represented by the following formula (5), for example. 1 ~R 4 is the same as formula (4). The compound represented by formula (5) is a fluorine-containing vinyl ether such as perfluorovinyl ether.

[0077] [ka]

[0078] The structural unit (C) is represented by the following formula (6).

[0079] [ka]

[0080] In formula (6), R 5 ~R 8 each independently represents a fluorine atom or a perfluoroalkyl group having 1 to 7 carbon atoms. The perfluoroalkyl group may have a ring structure. Some of the fluorine atoms may be substituted with halogen atoms other than fluorine atoms. Some of the fluorine atoms in the perfluoroalkyl group may be substituted with halogen atoms other than fluorine atoms.

[0081] The polymer (P) may contain one or more types of structural units (C). In the polymer (P), the content of the structural units (C) is preferably 5 to 10 mol% based on the total of all structural units. The content of the structural units (C) may be 9 mol% or less, or may be 8 mol% or less.

[0082] The structural unit (C) is derived from a compound represented by the following formula (7), for example: 5 ~R 8 is the same as formula (6). The compound represented by formula (7) is a fluorine-containing olefin such as tetrafluoroethylene and chlorotrifluoroethylene.

[0083] [ka]

[0084] The structural unit (D) is represented by the following formula (8).

[0085] [ka]

[0086] In formula (8), Z is an oxygen atom, a single bond, or -OC(R 19 R 20 )O-, R 9 ~R 20 each independently represents a fluorine atom, a perfluoroalkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, or a perfluoroalkoxy group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms. Some of the fluorine atoms may be substituted with halogen atoms other than fluorine atoms. Some of the fluorine atoms in the perfluoroalkyl group may be substituted with halogen atoms other than fluorine atoms. Some of the fluorine atoms in the perfluoroalkoxy group may be substituted with halogen atoms other than fluorine atoms. s and t each independently represent an integer of 0 to 5, and s+t is an integer of 1 to 6 (with the proviso that Z is -OC(R 19 R 20 )O-, s+t may be 0.

[0087] The structural unit (D) is preferably represented by the following formula (9): The structural unit represented by the following formula (9) is the case where Z is an oxygen atom, s is 0, and t is 2 in the above formula (8).

[0088] [ka]

[0089] In formula (9), R 141 , R 142 , R 151 , and R 152 each independently represents a fluorine atom, a perfluoroalkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, or a perfluoroalkoxy group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms. Some of the fluorine atoms may be substituted with halogen atoms other than fluorine atoms. Some of the fluorine atoms in the perfluoroalkyl group may be substituted with halogen atoms other than fluorine atoms. Some of the fluorine atoms in the perfluoroalkoxy group may be substituted with halogen atoms other than fluorine atoms.

[0090] The polymer (P) may contain one or more types of structural unit (D). In the above, the content of the structural unit (D) is preferably 30 to 67 mol % relative to the total of all structural units. The content of the structural unit (D) is, for example, 35 mol % or more, and may be 60 mol % or less, or may be 55 mol % or less.

[0091] The structural unit (D) is derived from a compound represented by the following formula (10): 9 ~R 18 , s and t are the same as in equation (8). The compound is a fluorine-containing compound which has two or more polymerizable double bonds and is capable of cyclopolymerization.

[0092] [ka]

[0093] The structural unit (D) is preferably derived from a compound represented by the following formula (11): 141 , R 142 , R 151 , and R 152 is the same as equation (9).

[0094] [ka]

[0095] Specific examples of the compound represented by formula (10) or formula (11) include the following compounds. CF 2 =CFOCF 2 CF=CF 2 CF 2 =CFOCF(CF 3 )CF=CF 2 CF 2 =CFOCF 2 CF 2 CF=CF 2 CF 2 =CFOCF 2 CF(CF 3 )CF=CF 2 CF 2 =CFOCF(CF 3 )CF 2 CF=CF 2 CF 2 =CFOCFClCF 2 CF=CF 2 CF 2 =CFOCCl 2 CF 2 CF=CF 2 CF 2 =CFOCF 2 OCF=CF 2 CF 2 =CFOC(CF 3 ) 2 OCF=CF 2 CF 2 =CFOCF 2 CF(OCF 3 )CF=CF 2 CF 2 =CFCF 2 CF=CF 2 CF 2 =CFCF2 CF 2 CF=CF 2 CF 2 =CFCF 2 OCF 2 CF=CF 2 CF 2 =CFOCF 2 CFClCF=CF 2 CF 2 =CFOCF 2 CF 2 CCl=CF 2 CF 2 =CFOCF 2 CF 2 CF = CFCl CF 2 =CFOCF 2 CF(CF 3 )CCl=CF 2 CF 2 =CFOCF 2 OCF=CF 2 CF 2 =CFOCCl 2 OCF=CF 2 CF 2 =CClOCF 2 OCCl=CF 2

[0096] The polymer (P) may further contain other structural units than the structural units (A) to (D), but preferably does not substantially contain other structural units than the structural units (A) to (D). The phrase "the polymer (P) does not substantially contain other structural units than the structural units (A) to (D)" means that the total of the structural units (A) to (D) relative to the total of all structural units in the polymer (P) is 95 mol % or more, preferably 98 mol % or more.

[0097] The polymerization method for the polymer (P) is not particularly limited, and for example, a general polymerization method such as radical polymerization can be used. The polymerization initiator for polymerizing the polymer (P) may be a perfluorinated compound.

[0098] The glass transition temperature (Tg) of the polymer (P) is not particularly limited and is, for example, 100° C. to 140° C., and may be 105° C. or higher, or 120° C. or higher. In this specification, Tg refers to the midpoint glass transition temperature (T mg )

[0099] The molding material 3a may contain the polymer (P) as a main component, or may be substantially composed of only the polymer (P). The molding material 3a may further contain an additive such as a refractive index adjuster. The molding material 3a is, for example, solid at room temperature (25°C).

[0100] The refractive index of the clad 7b is, for example, lower than that of the core 7a. Examples of the molding material 3b for the clad 7b include fluorine-containing resin, acrylic resin such as methyl methacrylate, styrene resin, and carbonate resin. Examples of the molding material 3c for the coating layer 7c include polycarbonate, various engineering plastics, cycloolefin polymer, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), modified PTFE, and perfluoroalkoxyalkane (PFA).

[0101] The outer diameter of the fiber 7 and the outer diameter of the core 7a are not limited to a specific value. The outer diameter of the fiber 7 is, for example, 100 μm or more and 1000 μm or less, and preferably 150 μm or more and 600 μm or less. The outer diameter of the core 7a is, for example, 5 μm or more and 100 μm or less, and preferably 10 μm or more and 80 μm or less.

[0102] As shown in FIG. 6, the extrusion molding apparatus 1d includes, for example, a first tank 2a, a second tank 2b, and a hopper 2c. Each of the first tank 2a and the second tank 2b is, for example, cylindrical. With the molding material 3a and the molding material 3b accommodated inside the first tank 2a and the second tank 2b, respectively, the first tank 2a and the second tank 2b are closed by a lid 2m. A pipe 2p is connected to the lid 2m. Gas is supplied to the inside of the first tank 2a and the second tank 2b through the pipe 2p. The gas is, for example, an inert gas such as nitrogen gas. The pipe 2p is, for example, connected to a high-pressure gas cylinder (not shown), and the pressure inside the first tank 2a and the second tank 2b can be adjusted by operating a pressure reducing valve.

[0103] The first tank 2a and the second tank 2b contain, for example, molding materials 3a and 3b molded into a rod shape, respectively. The rod-shaped molding materials 3a and 3b are softened and made flowable by, for example, being heated. When gas passes through the pipe 2p and is introduced into the inside of the first tank 2a and the second tank 2b, the flowable molding materials 3a and 3b are pressurized by the gas and flow toward the first gear pump 20a and the second gear pump 20b, respectively. When the first gear pump 20a and the second gear pump 20b are operated, the molding materials 3a and 3b pass through the first gear pump 20a and the second gear pump 20b, respectively, and are supplied to the die 10. The temperature at which the molding materials 3a and 3b are heated is not limited to a specific temperature as long as the fiber 7 can be obtained. The temperature is, for example, 100°C or higher and 250°C or lower. The viscosity of the molding materials 3a and 3b discharged from the first gear pump 20a and the second gear pump 20b is not limited to a specific temperature as long as the fiber 7 can be obtained. The viscosity is, for example, 1 Pa·s or more and 7000 Pa·s or less, desirably 500 Pa·s or more and 7000 Pa·s or less, more desirably 5000 Pa·s or less, and even more desirably 3000 Pa·s or less.

[0104] The pellet-like molding material 3c is fed into a hopper 2c and guided into the cylinder 2s. A screw 2t is disposed inside the cylinder 2s. The molding material 3c is kneaded and softened by the screw 2t while being heated inside the cylinder 2s, and becomes flowable. The softened molding material 3c passes through the cylinder 2s by the screw 2t. The molding material 3c that has passed through the cylinder 2s is discharged toward the die 10 through the third pump 20c by the operation of the third pump 20c.

[0105] In the die 10, the molding material 3a is molded into a fiber shape. The molding material 3b is supplied toward the molding material 3a molded into a fiber shape, and the molding material 3a molded into a fiber shape is surrounded by the molding material 3b. Then, the molding material 3c is supplied toward the molding material 3b, and the molding material 3b is surrounded by the molding material 3c. In this manner, the molding material 3a, the molding material 3b, and the molding material 3c are discharged from the die 10 in a state in which the layer of the molding material 3a, the layer of the molding material 3b, and the layer of the molding material 3c are concentrically arranged. The extrusion molding device 1d is provided with, for example, a cooling tube 4 in contact with the discharge port of the die 10. The molding material 3a, the molding material 3b, and the molding material 3c discharged from the die 10 are cooled by passing through the inside of the cooling tube 4. As a result, the fiber 7 is obtained. The fiber 7 is then wound at a predetermined speed.

[0106] 6, the extrusion molding apparatus 1d further includes, for example, a measuring device 5. The measuring device 5 measures, for example, the outer diameter of the fiber 7. The measuring device 5 measures, for example, the outer diameter of the fiber 7 immediately before being wound. The measuring device 5 is, for example, an optical dimension measuring device.

[0107] In the extrusion molding apparatus 1d, a three-layered fiber 7 having a core 7a, a clad 7b, and a coating layer 7c can be produced. The manufacturing apparatus 1d may be configured to produce a two-layered fiber consisting of a core and a clad. EXAMPLES

[0108] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to examples, although the present invention is not limited to the following examples.

[0109] <Example 1> An extrusion molding apparatus according to the embodiment having the same configuration as the extrusion molding apparatus 1d shown in FIG. 6 was prepared. In the extrusion molding apparatus according to the embodiment, the gear pump SDS-9-0.1 manufactured by Kyowa Finetech Co., Ltd. was used as the first gear pump 20a and the second gear pump 20b, and the gear pump HDS-18-1.2 manufactured by the same company was used as the third gear pump 20c. In the first gear pump 20a and the second gear pump 20b, the discharge amount per rotation of the drive gear 21 was 0.1 mL. In the third gear pump 20c, the discharge amount per rotation of the drive gear 21 was 1.2 mL. The cooling pipe 4 was kept at 10° C. by cooling. In the extrusion molding apparatus according to the embodiment, a dimension measuring instrument LS-9006 manufactured by Keyence Corporation was used as the measuring instrument 5. In the extrusion molding apparatus according to the embodiment, the gear pump 20, the motor 30, the power transmission member 40, the support base 50, the positioning member 60, and the bearing 70 are configured as shown in Figures 1 and 2A, and the distance L1 is 30 mm and the length L2 is 145 mm. In the extrusion molding apparatus according to the embodiment, the inclination angle of the rotation axis A2 of the motor 30 with respect to the rotation axis A1 of the drive gear is 0.2°. This inclination angle was calculated using images of the gear pump 20 and the motor 30 taken from multiple fields of view.

[0110] As the molding material 3a, perfluoro-4-methyl-2-methylene-1,3-dioxolane, a fluororesin, was placed in the first tank 2a, and the inside of the first tank 2a was sealed with a lid 2m. The amount of the fluororesin placed in the first tank 2a was 300g. As the molding material 3b, a solid-state mixture of fluororesin AF1600 manufactured by Mitsui-Chemours Fluoroproducts and Fomblin (YR grade), a functionalized perfluoropolyether manufactured by SOLVAY, was placed in the second tank 2b, and the inside of the second tank 2b was sealed with a lid 2m. The amount of the mixture placed in the second tank 2b was 300g. The contents of the fluororesin AF1600 and Fomblin in the mixture were 70% by mass and 30% by mass, respectively. The extrusion molding apparatus according to the embodiment was heated for 12 hours, and each part was adjusted to a predetermined temperature. The first tank 2a and the first gear pump 20a were heated to 250°C by a heater. The second tank 2b and the second gear pump 20b were heated to 255°C by a heater. The cylinder 2s and the third gear pump 20c were heated to 240°C by a heater. The portion of the die 10 through which only the molding material 3a passes was heated to 250°C by a heater. The portion of the die 10 through which the molding material 3b is supplied was heated to 260°C by a heater. The portion of the die 10 through which the moldable material 3a surrounded by the molding material 3b passes was heated to 260°C by a heater. The portion of the die 10 through which the molding material 3c is supplied was heated to 250°C by a heater. The portion of the die 10 through which the molding materials 3a, 3b, and 3c are discharged was heated to 240°C by a heater.

[0111] Compressed air was sent into the first tank 2a and the second tank 2b to pressurize them, and the molding material 3a and the molding material 3b were supplied to the first gear pump 20a and the second gear pump 20b, respectively. The pressure of the compressed air was adjusted to 0.2 MPa. Next, Xylex 7200 manufactured by Sabic, which had been dried in advance for 5 hours in an environment of 100°C, was put into the hopper 2c, nitrogen was supplied to the hopper 2c in a steady state, and the screw 2t was rotated at 3 revolutions per minute (rpm). The amount of Xylex 7200 put in was 5 kg. Xylex 7200 is a polymer blend containing polycarbonate (PC) and amorphous polyester.

[0112] Next, the first gear pump 20a, the second gear pump 20b, and the third gear pump 20c were rotated at rotation speeds of 0.3 rpm, 0.5 rpm, and 1.4 rpm, respectively, to supply the molding materials 3a, 3b, and 3c to the die 10. The molding materials 3a, 3b, and 3c discharged from the die 10 were passed through a cooling tube 4 to obtain the fiber according to Example 1. Thereafter, the fiber according to Example 1 was wound up at a speed of 40 m / min. Just before winding, the outer diameter of the fiber according to Example 1 was measured by a measuring device 5 at predetermined time intervals. As a result, the average value of the outer diameter of the fiber according to Example 1 was 230 μm. In addition, the load of the motor 30 when the gear pump 20 was rotating was evaluated by recording the current value for 1 second obtained from the load signal of the motor 30.

[0113] Based on data obtained by measuring the outer diameter of the fiber according to Example 1 at 1 second intervals for 3 hours, 3σ / Ave. and the difference obtained by subtracting the minimum value from the maximum value were calculated. σ is the standard deviation of the measurement data of the outer diameter of the fiber, and Ave. is the arithmetic mean value of the outer diameter of the fiber. The average value and the difference obtained by subtracting the minimum value from the maximum value of the load of the motor 30 corresponding to each gear pump 20 were calculated. The results are shown in Table 1.

[0114] After the fiber according to Example 1 was produced, the extrusion molding apparatus according to the Example was cooled to room temperature, and all parts were disassembled. Then, the molding material adhering to those parts was removed, and those parts were cleaned. Then, those parts were reassembled to reproduce the extrusion molding apparatus according to the Example. As a result, the inclination angle of the rotation axis A2 of the motor 30 with respect to the rotation axis A1 of the drive gear was 0.2°.

[0115] <Comparative Example 1> An extrusion molding apparatus according to a comparative example was prepared, which was configured similarly to the extrusion molding apparatus according to the embodiment, except that the gear pump 20, the motor 30, the power transmission member 40, and the support base 50 were configured as shown in FIG. 2B. In the extrusion molding apparatus according to the comparative example, the inclination angle of the rotation axis A2 of the motor 30 relative to the rotation axis A1 of the drive gear was 0.5°. A fiber according to comparative example 1 was obtained in the same manner as in example 1, except that the extrusion molding apparatus according to the comparative example was used instead of the extrusion molding apparatus according to the embodiment. The outer diameter of the fiber according to comparative example 1 and the load of the motor were evaluated in the same manner as in example 1. The results are shown in Table 1.

[0116] <Comparative Example 2> After the fiber according to Comparative Example 1 was produced, the extrusion molding apparatus according to Comparative Example was cooled to room temperature, and all parts were disassembled. Then, the molding material adhering to those parts was removed, and those parts were cleaned. Then, those parts were reassembled, and an attempt was made to reproduce the extrusion molding apparatus according to Comparative Example. As a result, the inclination angle of the rotation axis A2 of the motor 30 with respect to the rotation axis A1 of the drive gear was 2.0°. Using the extrusion molding apparatus in this state, the fiber according to Comparative Example 2 was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1. The outer diameter of the fiber according to Comparative Example 2 and the load of the motor were evaluated in the same manner as in Example 1. The results are shown in Table 1.

[0117] As shown in Table 1, the 3σ / Ave. of the outer diameter of the fiber according to Example 1 and the difference obtained by subtracting the minimum value from the maximum value were smaller than the 3σ / Ave. of the outer diameter of the fiber according to Comparative Examples 1 and 2, respectively. Therefore, the variation in the outer diameter of the fiber according to Example 1 was smaller than the variation in the outer diameter of the fiber according to Comparative Examples 1 and 2. In the extrusion molding device according to the Example, the inclination angle of the motor axis with respect to the rotation axis of the drive gear was smaller than that of the extrusion molding device according to the Comparative Example, and the load of the motor for each gear pump was also smaller. Therefore, it was suggested that the extrusion molding device having a positioning member and a bearing is advantageous in terms of reducing the variation in the outer diameter of the fiber.

[0118] [Table 1]

[0119] The first aspect of the present invention is A die for molding the molding material; a gear pump including a drive gear and configured to supply molding material toward the die by rotation of the drive gear; A motor; a power transmission member that transmits the power of the motor to the drive gear; a support base for supporting the motor and the power transmission member; a positioning member that fixes the gear pump and the support base at a predetermined distance in a direction parallel to a first axis that is a rotation axis of the drive gear so that a second axis that is a rotation axis of the motor is positioned at a predetermined position with respect to the first axis; a bearing that contacts the support surface so as to move the support platform along the horizontal support surface on the support surface; An extrusion apparatus is provided.

[0120] A second aspect of the present invention is The gear pump has a discharge volume of 3.0 mL or less per rotation of the drive gear. According to a first aspect, an extrusion device is provided.

[0121] A third aspect of the present invention is The predetermined distance is 10 mm or more and 50 mm or less. An extrusion molding apparatus according to the first or second aspect is provided.

[0122] A fourth aspect of the present invention is The positioning member includes a rod for positioning, and one end of the rod in the axial direction is fixed to the support base in a state of contact with the support base. The present invention provides an extrusion molding device according to any one of the first to third aspects.

[0123] A fifth aspect of the present invention is The positioning member includes a plurality of the rods. According to a fourth aspect, an extrusion apparatus is provided.

[0124] A sixth aspect of the present invention is the support base has a first plane perpendicular to the second axis, the first plane contacting the one end of the rod when the support base is fixed by the positioning member; An extrusion molding apparatus according to a fourth or fifth aspect is provided.

[0125] A seventh aspect of the present invention is the support base includes a side wall having the first plane and a through hole; The power transmission member extends across the side wall through the through hole. According to a sixth aspect, there is provided an extrusion apparatus.

[0126] An eighth aspect of the present invention is The pump includes a casing that houses the drive gear; The positioning member is fixed to the casing. The present invention provides an extrusion molding device according to any one of the first to seventh aspects.

[0127] A ninth aspect of the present invention is The positioning member includes a rod for positioning, The positioning member is fixed to the support base with one end of the rod in the axial direction in contact with the support base, and the other end of the rod in the axial direction in contact with the casing, According to an eighth aspect, there is provided an extrusion apparatus.

[0128] A tenth aspect of the present invention is The casing has a second plane perpendicular to the first axis, the second plane contacting the other end of the rod when the support base is fixed by the positioning member. According to a ninth aspect, there is provided an extrusion molding apparatus.

[0129] An eleventh aspect of the present invention is The power transmission member connects the motor and the drive gear such that an inclination angle of the second axis with respect to the first axis is variable. The present invention provides an extrusion molding device according to any one of the first to tenth aspects.

[0130] A twelfth aspect of the present invention is the power transmission member includes a first shaft arranged on the first axis, a second shaft arranged on the second axis or parallel to the second axis, and a coupler connecting the first shaft and the second shaft, the coupling includes at least one ball bearing; According to an eleventh aspect, there is provided an extrusion molding apparatus.

[0131] A thirteenth aspect of the present invention is the power transmission member includes a first shaft arranged on the first axis, a second shaft arranged on the second axis or parallel to the second axis, and a coupler connecting the first shaft and the second shaft, The coupler couples the first shaft and the second shaft so that the first shaft and the second shaft rotate at a constant speed regardless of the inclination angle. According to an eleventh aspect, there is provided an extrusion molding apparatus.

[0132] A fourteenth aspect of the present invention is The molding material includes a thermoplastic resin. The present invention provides an extrusion molding device according to any one of the first to tenth aspects.

[0133] A fifteenth aspect of the present invention is The die is capable of forming the molding material into a fiber. The present invention provides an extrusion molding device according to any one of the first to fourteenth aspects.

[0134] A sixteenth aspect of the present invention is The fiber is an optical fiber. According to a fifteenth aspect, there is provided an extrusion molding apparatus.

[0135] A seventeenth aspect of the present invention is the fiber has a cross-section with multiple concentrically arranged layers; the cross section is perpendicular to the length of the fiber; According to a fifteenth aspect, there is provided an extrusion molding apparatus.

[0136] An eighteenth aspect of the present invention is At least one of the layers includes a fluororesin. According to a seventeenth aspect, there is provided an extrusion molding apparatus. [Explanation of symbols]

[0137] 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d Extrusion molding equipment 7 Fiber 10 Die 20 Gear Pump 21 Drive gear 25 Casing 30 Motor 40 Power transmission components 43 First Shaft 44 Second Shaft 45 Coupler 46 Ball Bearings 50 Support stand 54 Side wall 55 Through hole 60 Positioning member 62 Rod 62a one end 62b Other end 70 Bearing P1 first plane P2 second plane

Claims

1. A die for molding the molding material; a gear pump including a drive gear and configured to supply molding material toward the die by rotation of the drive gear; A motor; a power transmission member that transmits the power of the motor to the drive gear; a support base for supporting the motor and the power transmission member; a positioning member that fixes the gear pump and the support base at a predetermined distance in a direction parallel to a first axis that is a rotation axis of the drive gear so that a second axis that is a rotation axis of the motor is positioned at a predetermined position with respect to the first axis; a bearing that contacts the support surface so as to move the support platform along the horizontal support surface on the support surface; Extrusion molding equipment.

2. The gear pump has a discharge volume of 3.0 mL or less per rotation of the drive gear.

2. The extrusion molding apparatus of claim 1.

3. The predetermined distance is equal to or greater than 10 mm and equal to or less than 50 mm.

2. The extrusion molding apparatus of claim 1.

4. The positioning member includes a rod for positioning, and one end of the rod in the axial direction is fixed to the support base in a state of contact with the support base.

2. The extrusion molding apparatus of claim 1.

5. The positioning member includes a plurality of the rods.

5. The extrusion molding apparatus according to claim 4.

6. the support base has a first plane perpendicular to the second axis, the first plane contacting the one end of the rod when the support base is fixed by the positioning member; 5. The extrusion molding apparatus according to claim 4.

7. the support base includes a side wall having the first plane and a through hole; The power transmission member extends across the side wall through the through hole.

7. The extrusion molding apparatus according to claim 6.

8. The gear pump includes a casing that houses the drive gear. The positioning member is fixed to the casing.

2. The extrusion molding apparatus of claim 1.

9. The positioning member includes a rod for positioning, The positioning member is fixed to the support base with one end of the rod in the axial direction in contact with the support base, and the other end of the rod in the axial direction in contact with the casing, 9. The extrusion molding apparatus of claim 8.

10. The casing has a second plane perpendicular to the first axis, the second plane contacting the other end of the rod when the support base is fixed by the positioning member.

10. The extrusion molding apparatus of claim 9.

11. The power transmission member connects the motor and the drive gear such that an inclination angle of the second axis with respect to the first axis is variable.

2. The extrusion molding apparatus according to claim 1.

12. the power transmission member includes a first shaft arranged on the first axis, a second shaft arranged on the second axis or parallel to the second axis, and a coupler connecting the first shaft and the second shaft, the coupling includes at least one ball bearing; 12. The extrusion apparatus of claim 11.

13. the power transmission member includes a first shaft arranged on the first axis, a second shaft arranged on the second axis or parallel to the second axis, and a coupler connecting the first shaft and the second shaft, The coupler couples the first shaft and the second shaft so that the first shaft and the second shaft rotate at a uniform speed regardless of the inclination angle.

12. The extrusion apparatus of claim 11.

14. The molding material includes a thermoplastic resin. An extrusion molding apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. the die is capable of forming the molding material into a fiber; 15. The extrusion apparatus of claim 14.

16. The fiber is an optical fiber.

16. The extrusion apparatus of claim 15.

17. the fiber has a cross-section with multiple concentrically arranged layers; the cross section is perpendicular to the length of the fiber; 16. The extrusion apparatus of claim 15.

18. At least one of the layers contains a fluororesin.

18. The extrusion apparatus of claim 17.

Images