JP2007229935A

JP2007229935A - Method of manufacturing compressed wood product

Info

Publication number: JP2007229935A
Application number: JP2006050576A
Authority: JP
Inventors: Tatsuya Suzuki; 達哉鈴木
Original assignee: Olympus Corp
Current assignee: Olympus Corp
Priority date: 2006-02-27
Filing date: 2006-02-27
Publication date: 2007-09-13

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method of manufacturing a compressed wood product enhanced in strength and easy to mold. <P>SOLUTION: A sheet member 21 based on a thermoplastic resin is arranged so as to cover at least a part of wood 1, and the sheet member 21 and the wood 1 are collectively compressed while softening the sheet member 21. At that time, the wood 1 and the sheet member 21 are collectively held using a pair of the molds 51 and 61 under a steam atmosphere whose temperature and pressure are higher than those of the atmosphere to apply compression force to the wood 1 and the sheet member 21. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

本発明は、圧縮成形した木材を備える圧縮木製品を製造する圧縮木製品の製造方法に関する。 The present invention relates to a compressed wood product manufacturing method for manufacturing a compressed wood product including compressed wood.

近年、自然素材である木材が注目されている。木材はさまざまな木目を有するため、原木から形取る箇所に応じて個体差が生じ、その個体差が製品ごとの個性となる。また、長期の使用によって生じる傷や色合いの変化自体も、独特の風合いとなって使用者に親しみを生じさせることがある。これらの理由により、合成樹脂や軽金属を用いた製品にはない、個性的で味わい深い製品を生み出すことのできる素材として木材が注目されており、その加工技術も飛躍的に進歩しつつある。 In recent years, natural wood has attracted attention. Since wood has various grain patterns, individual differences occur depending on the location of the raw wood, and the individual differences are the individuality of each product. In addition, scratches and changes in color caused by long-term use may also have a unique texture and may be familiar to the user. For these reasons, wood is attracting attention as a material that can produce unique and tasty products that are not found in products using synthetic resins and light metals, and its processing technology is also making dramatic progress.

従来、かかる木材の加工技術として、吸水軟化した１枚の木材を圧縮し、その木材を圧縮方向と略平行にスライスして板状の一次固定品を得た後、この一次固定品を加熱吸水させながら所定の３次元形状に成形する技術が知られている（例えば、特許文献１を参照）。また、軟化処理した状態で圧縮した１枚の木材を仮固定し、この木材を型に入れて回復させることによって型成形する技術も知られている（例えば、特許文献２を参照）。これらの技術では、木材の個体差や種類、加工後の木材の強度やその用途などを含むさまざまな点を考慮して、木材の肉厚や圧縮率が決められる。 Conventionally, as a processing technique of such wood, after compressing a piece of water softened and softened, and slicing the wood substantially parallel to the compression direction to obtain a plate-like primary fixed product, this primary fixed product is heated and absorbed by water. There is known a technique of forming a predetermined three-dimensional shape while performing the process (for example, see Patent Document 1). There is also known a technique in which a piece of wood compressed in a softened state is temporarily fixed, and this wood is put into a mold and recovered to mold (for example, see Patent Document 2). In these techniques, the thickness and compression rate of wood are determined in consideration of various points including individual differences and types of wood, strength of wood after processing, and its use.

特許第３０７８４５２号公報Japanese Patent No. 3078452 特開平１１−７７６１９号公報JP-A-11-77619

ところで、圧縮成形後の木材の強度を向上させるには、その木材の肉厚をある程度厚くする必要がある。しかしながら、木材の肉厚を厚くすると、圧縮による成形の困難度が増加してしまうという問題があり、結局のところ木材を圧縮成形する際に、強度の向上を図りながら成形を容易とすることは難しいと考えられていた。 By the way, in order to improve the strength of wood after compression molding, it is necessary to increase the thickness of the wood to some extent. However, when the thickness of the wood is increased, there is a problem that the difficulty of molding by compression increases, and as a result, when wood is compression molded, it is easy to mold while improving the strength. It was considered difficult.

本発明は、上記に鑑みてなされたものであって、強度の向上を図ることができ、成形が容易な圧縮木製品の製造方法を提供することを目的とする。 This invention is made | formed in view of the above, Comprising: It aims at providing the manufacturing method of the compression wooden product which can aim at the improvement of an intensity | strength and is easy to shape | mold.

上述した課題を解決し、目的を達成するために、請求項１記載の発明は、圧縮成形した木材を備える圧縮木製品を製造する圧縮木製品の製造方法であって、熱可塑性樹脂を主成分とするシート部材を前記木材の表面の少なくとも一部を被覆するようにして配置し、前記シート部材を軟化させながら前記シート部材と前記木材とを一括して圧縮する圧縮工程を有することを特徴とする。 In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the invention according to claim 1 is a method for manufacturing a compressed wood product including a compressed wood product, the main component of which is a thermoplastic resin. The sheet member is disposed so as to cover at least a part of the surface of the wood, and the sheet member and the wood are collectively compressed while the sheet member is softened.

請求項２記載の発明は、請求項１記載の発明において、前記圧縮工程は、前記シート部材を前記木材の表面の固着すべき箇所に配置し、一対の金型を用いて前記木材および前記シート部材を一括して挟持し、圧縮力を加えることを特徴とする。 According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, in the compression step, the sheet member is disposed at a position to be fixed on the surface of the wood, and the wood and the sheet are formed using a pair of molds. It is characterized by holding members together and applying a compressive force.

請求項３記載の発明は、請求項２記載の発明において、前記圧縮工程は、大気よりも高温高圧であって前記熱可塑性樹脂が軟化する軟化温度以上の温度を有する水蒸気雰囲気中で行うことを特徴とする。 According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect of the present invention, the compression step is performed in a steam atmosphere having a temperature higher than that of the atmosphere and a temperature equal to or higher than a softening temperature at which the thermoplastic resin is softened. Features.

請求項４記載の発明は、請求項２記載の発明において、前記圧縮工程は、前記一対の金型のうち前記シート部材に接触する金型の温度を、前記シート部材を構成する熱可塑性樹脂が軟化する温度以上とすることを特徴とする。 According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the invention of the second aspect, in the compression step, the temperature of the mold that contacts the sheet member of the pair of molds is determined by the thermoplastic resin that constitutes the sheet member. It is characterized by being above the softening temperature.

請求項５記載の発明は、請求項１〜４のいずれか一項記載の発明において、前記圧縮工程の前に、大気よりも高温高圧の水蒸気雰囲気中で前記木材を圧縮する初期圧縮工程を有することを特徴とする。 Invention of Claim 5 has the initial stage compression process which compresses the said wood in the steam atmosphere of high temperature and high pressure rather than air | atmosphere before the said compression process in invention of any one of Claims 1-4. It is characterized by that.

請求項６記載の発明は、請求項１〜５のいずれか一項記載の発明において、前記熱可塑性樹脂は汎用エンジニアリング樹脂であることを特徴とする。 The invention according to claim 6 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the thermoplastic resin is a general-purpose engineering resin.

本発明によれば、圧縮成形した木材を備える圧縮木製品を製造する際に、熱可塑性樹脂を主成分とするシート部材を前記木材の表面の少なくとも一部を被覆するようにして配置し、前記シート部材を軟化させながら前記シート部材と前記木材とを一括して圧縮することにより、強度の向上を図ることができ、成形が容易な圧縮木製品の製造方法を提供することができる。 According to the present invention, when producing a compressed wood product comprising compression-molded wood, a sheet member mainly composed of a thermoplastic resin is disposed so as to cover at least a part of the surface of the wood, and the sheet By compressing the sheet member and the wood together while softening the member, it is possible to improve the strength and provide a method for manufacturing a compressed wood product that can be easily molded.

以下、添付図面を参照して本発明を実施するための最良の形態（以後、「実施の形態」と称する）を説明する。本発明の一実施の形態に係る圧縮木製品の製造方法においては、まず、所定の形状をなす木材を原木から形取る（形取工程）。図１は、この形取工程の概要を模式的に示す図である。同図に示す木材１は、原木である無圧縮状態の無垢材１０（木目Ｇを有する）から切削等によって形取られ、略長方形状の表面をなす平板状の主板部１ａと、この主板部１ａ表面の長手方向に略平行な２辺の各々から主板部１ａ表面に対して所定の角度をなして延出する二つの側板部１ｂと、主板部１ａ表面の短手方向に略平行な２辺の各々から主板部１ａ表面に対して所定の角度をなして延出する二つの側板部１ｃとを備え、皿状（椀状、シェル状、箱状等の形状を含む）をなす。この木材１は、後述する工程によって減少する分の容積を予め加えた容積を有する。 The best mode for carrying out the present invention (hereinafter referred to as “embodiment”) will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the method for manufacturing a compressed wood product according to an embodiment of the present invention, first, a wood having a predetermined shape is formed from a raw wood (a shaping step). FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing an outline of this shaping process. A wood 1 shown in the figure is formed by cutting or the like from an uncompressed solid wood 10 (having a grain G) that is a raw wood, and has a flat main plate portion 1a having a substantially rectangular surface, and the main plate portion. Two side plate portions 1b extending from each of two sides substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the surface 1a at a predetermined angle with respect to the surface of the main plate portion 1a, and 2 substantially parallel to the short direction of the surface of the main plate portion 1a Two side plate portions 1c extending from each of the sides at a predetermined angle with respect to the surface of the main plate portion 1a are formed in a dish shape (including shapes such as a bowl shape, a shell shape, and a box shape). The wood 1 has a volume obtained by adding in advance a volume to be reduced by a process described later.

図１に示す場合、無垢材１０から形取る木材１の長手方向とその木材１の繊維方向Ｌとが略平行であって主板部１ａの表面が柾目面をなすように形取りを行っているが、これはあくまでも一例に過ぎない。他にも、木材１の長手方向がその木材１の繊維方向Ｌと略平行であり、主板部１ａの表面が板目面、追柾面をなすように形取ることもできる。また、木材１の長手方向がその木材１の繊維方向Ｌと略直交し、主板部１ａの表面が木口面をなすように形取ることもできる。このように、木材を原木からどのように形取るかは、その木材に対して要求する強度や美観等の条件に応じて定められる。そこで、以後の説明で参照する図面においては、木目を省略して記載する。 In the case shown in FIG. 1, the shaping is performed so that the longitudinal direction of the wood 1 formed from the solid material 10 and the fiber direction L of the wood 1 are substantially parallel and the surface of the main plate portion 1a forms a grid surface. But this is just an example. In addition, the longitudinal direction of the wood 1 can be shaped so that the longitudinal direction of the wood 1 is substantially parallel to the fiber direction L of the wood 1 and the surface of the main plate portion 1a forms a plate surface and a tracking surface. Moreover, it can also be shaped so that the longitudinal direction of the wood 1 is substantially perpendicular to the fiber direction L of the wood 1 and the surface of the main plate portion 1a forms a mouth end surface. In this way, how the wood is shaped from the raw wood is determined according to conditions such as strength and aesthetics required for the wood. Therefore, in the drawings to be referred to in the following description, the description is omitted.

なお、無垢材１０は、ヒノキ、ヒバ、桐、杉、松、桜、欅、黒檀、紫檀、竹、チーク、マホガニー、ローズウッドなどの中から、加工した木材の用途等に応じて最適なものを選択すればよい。また、木材を原木から形取る際には平板状に形取ってもよい。 In addition, the solid wood 10 is the most suitable for the use of processed wood from cypress, hiba, paulownia, cedar, pine, cherry, bamboo, ebony, rosewood, bamboo, teak, mahogany, rosewood, etc. Should be selected. In addition, when taking wood from raw wood, it may be shaped like a flat plate.

次に、形取った木材１を圧縮する（圧縮工程）。本実施の形態においては、木材を圧縮すると同時に、その内側面に熱可塑性樹脂を主成分とするシート部材を付着させる。図２は、この圧縮工程の概要を示す図であり、図３は図２のＡ−Ａ線断面図である。これらの図に示すように、木材１は、その内側面上にシート部材２１が載置され、一対の金型５１および６１によって挟持され、所定の圧縮力が加えられる。 Next, the shaped wood 1 is compressed (compression process). In the present embodiment, simultaneously with compressing the wood, a sheet member containing a thermoplastic resin as a main component is attached to the inner surface thereof. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an outline of this compression process, and FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. As shown in these drawings, a sheet member 21 is placed on the inner surface of the wood 1, and is sandwiched between a pair of molds 51 and 61, and a predetermined compression force is applied.

圧縮時に木材１およびシート部材２１の上方から圧縮力を加える金型５１は、木材１の主板部１ａから側板部１ｂおよび１ｃに各々立ち上がって湾曲する曲面の内側面に嵌合する形状をなす凸部５２を備えたコア金型である。木材１の内側面のうち、主板部１ａから側板部１ｂに立ち上がって湾曲する曲面１ａｂの内側面の曲率半径をＲＩとし、凸部５２のうち曲面１ａｂに当接する曲面の曲率半径をＲＡとすると、この二つの曲率半径は、ＲＩ＞ＲＡという関係を満たす。 A mold 51 that applies a compressive force from above the wood 1 and the sheet member 21 during compression is a convex that forms a shape that rises from the main plate portion 1a of the wood 1 to the side plate portions 1b and 1c and is curved and curved. This is a core mold provided with a portion 52. Of the inner surface of the wood 1, if the radius of curvature of the inner surface of the curved surface 1ab rising from the main plate portion 1a to the side plate portion 1b is curved is RI, and the radius of curvature of the curved surface of the convex portion 52 contacting the curved surface 1ab is RA. The two radii of curvature satisfy the relationship RI> RA.

これに対し、圧縮時に木材１の下方から圧縮力を加える金型６１は、木材１の主板部１ａから側板部１ｂおよび１ｃに各々立ち上がって湾曲する曲面の外側面を嵌入する凹部６２を備えたキャビティ金型である。木材１の主板部１ａから側板部１ｂに立ち上がって湾曲する曲面１ａｂ外側面の曲率半径をＲＯとし、凹部６２のうち曲面１ａｂの外側面に当接する曲面の曲率半径をＲＢとすると、この二つの曲率半径は、ＲＯ＞ＲＢという関係を満たす。 On the other hand, the mold 61 for applying a compressive force from below the wood 1 during compression includes a concave portion 62 for fitting the curved outer surface rising from the main plate portion 1a of the wood 1 to the side plate portions 1b and 1c. Cavity mold. If the curvature radius of the curved curved surface 1ab outer surface rising from the main plate portion 1a of the wood 1 to the side plate portion 1b is RO and the curved curvature radius of the concave portion 62 contacting the outer surface of the curved surface 1ab is RB, these two The radius of curvature satisfies the relationship RO> RB.

以上の構成を有する金型５１および６１を用いて木材１およびシート部材２１を圧縮する前に、木材１およびシート部材２１を大気よりも高温高圧の水蒸気雰囲気中で所定時間放置することにより軟化させる。ここでいう高温高圧とは、温度が１００〜２３０℃、より好ましくは１８０〜２３０℃、さらに好ましくは１８０〜２００℃程度であり、圧力が０.１〜３.０ＭＰａ（メガパスカル）、より好ましくは０.４５〜２.５ＭＰａ、さらに好ましくは１.０〜１.６ＭＰａ程度の状態を指す。 Before compressing the wood 1 and the sheet member 21 using the molds 51 and 61 having the above-described configuration, the wood 1 and the sheet member 21 are softened by being left in a steam atmosphere at a higher temperature and higher pressure than the atmosphere for a predetermined time. . The high temperature and high pressure here means a temperature of 100 to 230 ° C., more preferably 180 to 230 ° C., still more preferably about 180 to 200 ° C., and a pressure of 0.1 to 3.0 MPa (megapascal), more preferably. Indicates a state of about 0.45 to 2.5 MPa, more preferably about 1.0 to 1.6 MPa.

シート部材２１に適用される熱可塑性樹脂は、上記水蒸気雰囲気の温度の下で軟化しつつも溶融しないものでなければならない。かかる条件を満たし得る熱可塑性樹脂として、ポリアミド、ポリアセタール、またはポリエステル（ＰＥＴ、ＰＢＴを含む）等の汎用エンジニアリング樹脂（エンプラ）がある。また、それらの熱可塑性樹脂にガラス繊維等を加えて強化した強化樹脂を用いることも可能である。 The thermoplastic resin applied to the sheet member 21 must be softened under the temperature of the water vapor atmosphere but not melted. General-purpose engineering resins (engineering plastics) such as polyamide, polyacetal, or polyester (including PET and PBT) are available as thermoplastic resins that can satisfy such conditions. It is also possible to use a reinforced resin reinforced by adding glass fibers or the like to these thermoplastic resins.

この後、金型５１および６１の少なくとも一方を他方に対して移動することによって木材１およびシート部材２１を挟持し、所定の圧縮力を加えて木材１およびシート部材２１を徐々に所定の形状へと変形する。この際には、例えば適当な駆動手段を用いて金型５１および／または６１を電気的に移動させることにより、木材１に加わる圧縮力を調整する。なお、金型５１と金型６１とをねじで連結し、このねじを手動または自動で締めることによって金型５１を金型６１に対して上下動させるようにしてもよい。 Thereafter, the wood 1 and the sheet member 21 are clamped by moving at least one of the molds 51 and 61 with respect to the other, and a predetermined compressive force is applied to gradually bring the wood 1 and the sheet member 21 into a predetermined shape. And deformed. At this time, for example, the compression force applied to the wood 1 is adjusted by electrically moving the molds 51 and / or 61 using an appropriate driving means. Note that the mold 51 and the mold 61 may be coupled with a screw, and the mold 51 may be moved up and down with respect to the mold 61 by manually or automatically tightening the screw.

この後、上述した水蒸気雰囲気中で水分を過剰に吸収することによって十分に軟化した木材１を同じ水蒸気雰囲気中で圧縮する。より具体的には、金型５１および６１の少なくとも一方を他方に対して移動することによって木材１を挟持し、所定の圧縮力を加えて木材１を徐々に所定の形状へと変形する。 Thereafter, the wood 1 sufficiently softened by excessively absorbing moisture in the above-described steam atmosphere is compressed in the same steam atmosphere. More specifically, the wood 1 is sandwiched by moving at least one of the molds 51 and 61 with respect to the other, and a predetermined compressive force is applied to gradually deform the wood 1 into a predetermined shape.

図４は、金型５１と金型６１との間で木材１およびシート部材２１を挟持して圧縮力を加えている状態を示す図であり、木材１およびシート部材２１の圧縮による変形がほぼ完了した状態を示す図である。図４に示すように、木材１およびシート部材２１は、金型５１および６１から圧縮力を受けることにより、金型５１と金型６１との隙間に相当する３次元形状に変形する。この変形の過程で、シート部材２１は木材１に圧着されて木材１と一体化する。なお、シート部材２１と木材１との間に予め接着剤を塗布しておくことも可能である。 FIG. 4 is a view showing a state in which the wood 1 and the sheet member 21 are sandwiched between the mold 51 and the mold 61 and a compressive force is applied, and the deformation due to the compression of the wood 1 and the sheet member 21 is almost complete. It is a figure which shows the completed state. As shown in FIG. 4, the wood 1 and the sheet member 21 are deformed into a three-dimensional shape corresponding to a gap between the mold 51 and the mold 61 by receiving a compressive force from the molds 51 and 61. In the process of this deformation, the sheet member 21 is pressed against the wood 1 and integrated with the wood 1. Note that an adhesive may be applied in advance between the sheet member 21 and the wood 1.

図４に示す状態で木材１およびシート部材２１に所定時間（１〜数十分、より好ましくは５〜１０分程度）圧縮力を加えた後、上記水蒸気雰囲気を解いて木材１およびシート部材２１を乾燥させ、金型５１と金型６１を離間させて圧縮を解除することによって圧縮工程が終了する。 In the state shown in FIG. 4, after applying a compressive force for a predetermined time (1 to several tens of minutes, more preferably about 5 to 10 minutes) to the wood 1 and the sheet member 21, the water vapor atmosphere is released and the wood 1 and the sheet member 21. And the mold 51 and the mold 61 are separated from each other to release the compression, thereby completing the compression process.

図５は、圧縮工程によって形成された圧縮木製品の構成を示す斜視図である。同図に示す圧縮木製品２は、木材１と、この木材１の内側面に固着された補強部材としてのシート部材２１とを備える。圧縮木製品２の主板部２ａ、ならびに側板部２ｂおよび２ｃの形状は、木材１の主板部１ａ、ならび側板部１ｂおよび１ｃの形状とそれぞれ略同形である。この圧縮工程で木材１を圧縮した結果、木材１の肉厚は、圧縮前の３０〜５０％程度の肉厚となる。換言すると、この圧縮工程における木材１の圧縮率（圧縮による木材の肉厚の減少分ΔＲとその木材の圧縮前の肉厚Ｒの比の値ΔＲ／Ｒ）は、０.５０〜０.７０程度である。なお、図５のＢ−Ｂ線断面は、図４において金型５１および６１を除いた形状と略同形である。 FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the compressed wood product formed by the compression process. A compressed wood product 2 shown in the figure includes a wood 1 and a sheet member 21 as a reinforcing member fixed to the inner surface of the wood 1. The shapes of the main plate portion 2a and the side plate portions 2b and 2c of the compressed wood product 2 are substantially the same as the shapes of the main plate portion 1a and the side plate portions 1b and 1c of the wood 1, respectively. As a result of compressing the wood 1 in this compression step, the thickness of the wood 1 is about 30 to 50% before compression. In other words, the compression rate of the wood 1 in this compression step (the value ΔR / R of the ratio ΔR of the reduction in the thickness of the wood due to compression and the thickness R before the compression of the wood) is 0.50 to 0.70. Degree. 5 is substantially the same shape as the shape excluding the molds 51 and 61 in FIG.

図６は、圧縮木製品２の一適用例を示す図であり、より具体的には、圧縮木製品２から形成されるカバー部材によって外装されたデジタルカメラの外観構成を示す斜視図である。同図に示すデジタルカメラ１００は、撮像レンズを含む撮像部１０１、フラッシュ１０２、およびシャッターボタン１０３を備え、二つのカバー部材３および４によって外装されて成る。デジタルカメラ１００の内部には、撮像処理等に関する駆動制御を行う制御回路、ＣＣＤやＣＭＯＳ等の固体撮像素子、音声の入出力を行うマイクロフォンやスピーカ、および制御回路の制御のもと各機能部材を駆動する駆動回路を含み、デジタルカメラ１００の機能を実現する各種電子的部材および光学的部材が収納されている（図示せず）。 FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an application example of the compressed wood product 2, and more specifically, a perspective view showing an external configuration of a digital camera covered with a cover member formed from the compressed wood product 2. A digital camera 100 shown in FIG. 1 includes an imaging unit 101 including an imaging lens, a flash 102, and a shutter button 103, and is covered with two cover members 3 and 4. Inside the digital camera 100 are a control circuit that performs drive control related to imaging processing, a solid-state imaging device such as a CCD or CMOS, a microphone or speaker that inputs and outputs audio, and each functional member under the control of the control circuit. Various electronic members and optical members that implement a function of the digital camera 100 are housed (not shown).

図７は、デジタルカメラ１００の外装体をなすカバー部材３および４の概略構成を示す斜視図である。このうち、デジタルカメラ１００の背面側を外装するカバー部材３は、圧縮木製品２の主板部２ａ、ならびに側板部２ｂおよび２ｃにそれぞれ対応する主板部３ａ、ならびに側板部３ｂおよび３ｃを備える。このうち、主板部３ａには、画像情報や文字情報を表示するために液晶ディスプレイ、プラズマディスプレイ、または有機ＥＬディスプレイ等を用いて実現される表示部（図示せず）を表出する直方体形状の開口部３１が形成されている。また、カバー部材３の側板部３ｂには、半円筒形状をなす切り欠き３２が形成されている。 FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the cover members 3 and 4 constituting the exterior body of the digital camera 100. Among these, the cover member 3 that covers the back side of the digital camera 100 includes a main plate portion 2a of the compressed wood product 2, a main plate portion 3a corresponding to the side plate portions 2b and 2c, and side plate portions 3b and 3c, respectively. Among these, the main plate portion 3a has a rectangular parallelepiped shape that displays a display portion (not shown) realized by using a liquid crystal display, a plasma display, an organic EL display or the like to display image information and character information. An opening 31 is formed. Further, a cutout 32 having a semi-cylindrical shape is formed in the side plate portion 3b of the cover member 3.

他方、デジタルカメラ１００の前面側を外装するカバー部材４は、圧縮木製品２の主板部２ａ、ならびに側板部２ｂおよび２ｃにそれぞれ対応する主板部４ａ、ならびに側板部４ｂおよび４ｃを備える。このうち、主板部４ａには、撮像部１０１を表出する円筒形状の開口部４１およびフラッシュ１０２を表出する直方体形状の開口部４２が形成されている。また、このカバー部材４の側板部４ｂには、カバー部材３の切り欠き３２と組み合わさってシャッターボタン１０３を表出するための開口部３４１をなす半円筒形状の切り欠き４３が形成されている。 On the other hand, the cover member 4 that covers the front side of the digital camera 100 includes a main plate portion 2a of the compressed wood product 2, a main plate portion 4a corresponding to the side plate portions 2b and 2c, and side plate portions 4b and 4c, respectively. Among them, the main plate portion 4 a is formed with a cylindrical opening 41 that exposes the imaging unit 101 and a rectangular parallelepiped opening 42 that exposes the flash 102. Further, the side plate portion 4b of the cover member 4 is formed with a semi-cylindrical cutout 43 that forms an opening 341 for exposing the shutter button 103 in combination with the cutout 32 of the cover member 3. .

カバー部材３および４がそれぞれ有する開口部や切り欠きは、カバー部材３および４の原材料である木材１を無垢材１０から形取る際に一括して形成してもよいし、木材１の導電層形成工程を行った後に切削または穿孔等によって形成してもよい。また、ファインダを取り付けたり、操作指示入力ボタンを表出したりするための開口部や切り欠きを設けてもよいし、外部機器との接続用インタフェース（ＤＣ入力端子やＵＳＢ接続端子等を含む）を表出する開口部を設けてもよい。さらに、デジタルカメラ１００の内部に設けられるスピーカが発生する音声を外部に出力するために複数の小さい孔部から成る音声出力用孔部を設けてもよい。 The openings and cutouts of the cover members 3 and 4 may be formed collectively when the wood 1 as a raw material of the cover members 3 and 4 is formed from the solid material 10, or the conductive layer of the wood 1. It may be formed by cutting or drilling after performing the forming step. Also, an opening or notch for attaching a finder or exposing an operation instruction input button may be provided, or an interface for connection with an external device (including a DC input terminal, a USB connection terminal, etc.). An opening to be exposed may be provided. Furthermore, in order to output the sound generated by the speaker provided inside the digital camera 100 to the outside, a sound output hole portion including a plurality of small hole portions may be provided.

なお、圧縮木製品２が適用される電子機器としては、デジタルカメラ以外にも、例えば、携帯電話、ＰＨＳまたはＰＤＡ等の携帯型通信端末、携帯型オーディオ装置、ＩＣレコーダ、携帯型テレビ、携帯型ラジオ、各種家電製品のリモコン、デジタルビデオなどがある。これらの携帯用小型電子機器に適用する場合の圧縮後の木材１の肉厚は１.３〜１.５ｍｍ程度、シート部材２１の肉厚は０.３〜０.５ｍｍ程度が好適である。 In addition to digital cameras, electronic devices to which the compressed wood product 2 is applied include, for example, portable communication terminals such as mobile phones, PHS or PDAs, portable audio devices, IC recorders, portable televisions, portable radios. There are remote controls for various home appliances, digital video, etc. When applied to these portable small electronic devices, the thickness of the compressed wood 1 is preferably about 1.3 to 1.5 mm, and the thickness of the sheet member 21 is preferably about 0.3 to 0.5 mm.

以上説明した本発明の一実施の形態によれば、圧縮成形した木材を備える圧縮木製品を製造する際に、熱可塑性樹脂を主成分とするシート部材を前記木材の表面の少なくとも一部を被覆するようにして配置し、前記シート部材を軟化させながら前記シート部材と前記木材とを一括して圧縮することにより、強度の向上を図ることができ、成形が容易な圧縮木製品の製造方法を提供することができる。 According to the embodiment of the present invention described above, when manufacturing a compressed wood product including compression-molded wood, a sheet member mainly composed of a thermoplastic resin is coated on at least a part of the surface of the wood. Thus, by compressing the sheet member and the wood together while softening the sheet member, it is possible to improve the strength and to provide a method for manufacturing a compressed wood product that is easy to mold. be able to.

また、本実施の形態によれば、圧縮木製品を電子機器の外装材として適用した場合、シート部材を外部に露出させずに済むため、木材としての外観を維持しながら外装材の強度を向上させることができる。 In addition, according to the present embodiment, when the compressed wood product is applied as an exterior material of an electronic device, the sheet member does not have to be exposed to the outside, so that the strength of the exterior material is improved while maintaining the appearance as wood. be able to.

ここまで、本発明を実施するための最良の形態を詳述してきたが、本発明は上記一実施の形態によってのみ限定されるべきものではない。例えば、ポリイミドなどのスーパーエンジニアリング樹脂を用いてシート部材を構成してもよい。この場合、上述した水蒸気雰囲気程度の温度環境下ではシート部材が軟化しないので、圧縮工程でシート部材に当接する金型の温度をより高温にするための加熱手段（例えばヒータ等）を、シート部材を軟化させるための補助的な手段として金型に設けることによってシート部材が軟化しつつも溶融せずに変形可能となるようにする。 The best mode for carrying out the present invention has been described in detail so far, but the present invention should not be limited only by the above-described embodiment. For example, the sheet member may be configured using a super engineering resin such as polyimide. In this case, since the sheet member does not soften in the temperature environment of the above-described steam atmosphere, a heating means (for example, a heater) for increasing the temperature of the mold that contacts the sheet member in the compression process is used. By providing the mold as an auxiliary means for softening the sheet, the sheet member can be deformed without being melted while being softened.

また、形取工程で形取った木材を上記同様の水蒸気雰囲気中でほぼ最終形状まで変形する工程を初期圧縮工程として先に行った後、シート部材を圧着するために大気中で圧縮工程を行ってもよい。この場合、圧縮工程が大気中で行われるため、圧縮工程でシート部材に当接する金型の温度をより高温にするための加熱手段（例えばヒータ等）を、シート部材を軟化させるための主要な手段として金型に設けることによってシート部材が軟化しつつも溶融せずに変形可能となるようにする。かかる圧縮工程では、主としてシート部材の木材への固着と木材の形状を最終形状に完全一致させるための整形とを行うための微小な圧縮力を加えればよい。したがって、圧縮工程における木材の圧縮率は、初期圧縮工程における木材の圧縮率（０.５０〜０.７０程度）よりも顕著に小さい値となる。この意味で、初期圧縮工程で用いる一対の金型と、圧縮工程で用いる一対の金型とが異なることは勿論である。 In addition, after performing the process of deforming the wood shaped in the shaping process to the final shape in the same steam atmosphere as the initial compression process as the initial compression process, the compression process is performed in the air to crimp the sheet member. May be. In this case, since the compression process is performed in the atmosphere, a heating means (for example, a heater or the like) for increasing the temperature of the mold that comes into contact with the sheet member in the compression process is mainly used for softening the sheet member. By providing it as a means in the mold, the sheet member can be deformed without being melted while being softened. In such a compression step, it is only necessary to apply a minute compression force for mainly fixing the sheet member to the wood and shaping for completely matching the shape of the wood with the final shape. Therefore, the compression rate of the wood in the compression step is significantly smaller than the compression rate of the wood in the initial compression step (about 0.50 to 0.70). In this sense, it goes without saying that the pair of molds used in the initial compression process is different from the pair of molds used in the compression process.

このように、本発明は、ここでは記載していないさまざまな実施の形態等を含みうるものであり、特許請求の範囲によって特定される技術的思想を逸脱しない範囲内において種々の設計変更等を施すことが可能である。 Thus, the present invention can include various embodiments and the like not described herein, and various design changes and the like can be made without departing from the technical idea specified by the claims. It is possible to apply.

本発明の一実施の形態に係る圧縮木製品の製造方法における形取工程の概要を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the outline | summary of the shaping process in the manufacturing method of the compression wooden product which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. 本発明の一実施の形態に係る圧縮木製品の製造方法の圧縮工程の概要を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the outline | summary of the compression process of the manufacturing method of the compression wooden product which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. 図２のＡ−Ａ線断面図である。It is the sectional view on the AA line of FIG. 本発明の一実施の形態に係る圧縮木製品の製造方法の圧縮工程で木材に圧縮力を加えている状態（木材の変形がほぼ完了した状態）を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the state (state in which the deformation | transformation of wood was almost completed) which is applying compression force to wood at the compression process of the manufacturing method of the compressed wood product which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. 本発明の一実施の形態に係る圧縮木製品の製造方法によって形成された圧縮木製品の構成を示す斜視図である。It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the compression wood product formed by the manufacturing method of the compression wood product which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. 本発明の一実施の形態に係る圧縮木製品によって外装されたデジタルカメラの外観構成を示す斜視図である。It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance structure of the digital camera covered with the compression wooden product which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. 図６に示すデジタルカメラの外装材の構成を示す斜視図である。It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the exterior material of the digital camera shown in FIG.

符号の説明Explanation of symbols

１木材
１ａ、２ａ、３ａ、４ａ主板部
１ｂ、１ｃ、２ｂ、２ｃ、３ｂ、３ｃ、４ｂ、４ｃ側板部
１ａｂ曲面
２圧縮木製品
３、４カバー部材（圧縮木製品の適用例）
１０無垢材
２１シート部材
３１、４１、４２、３４１開口部
３２、４３切り欠き
５１、６１金型
５２凸部
６２凹部
１００デジタルカメラ
１０１撮像部
１０２フラッシュ
１０３シャッターボタン
Ｇ木目
Ｌ繊維方向 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Wood 1a, 2a, 3a, 4a Main board part 1b, 1c, 2b, 2c, 3b, 3c, 4b, 4c Side board part 1ab Curved surface 2 Compression wood product 3, 4 Cover member (Application example of compression wood product)
10 Solid Material 21 Sheet Member 31, 41, 42, 341 Opening 32, 43 Notch 51, 61 Mold 52 Convex 62 Concave 100 Digital Camera 101 Imaging Unit 102 Flash 103 Shutter Button G Wood L L Fiber Direction

Claims

圧縮成形した木材を備える圧縮木製品を製造する圧縮木製品の製造方法であって、
熱可塑性樹脂を主成分とするシート部材を前記木材の表面の少なくとも一部を被覆するようにして配置し、前記シート部材を軟化させながら前記シート部材と前記木材とを一括して圧縮する圧縮工程を有することを特徴とする圧縮木製品の製造方法。 A method for producing a compressed wood product, comprising producing a compressed wood product comprising compressed wood,
A compression step in which a sheet member mainly composed of a thermoplastic resin is disposed so as to cover at least a part of the surface of the wood, and the sheet member and the wood are compressed together while the sheet member is softened. A method for producing a compressed wood product, comprising:

前記圧縮工程は、一対の金型を用いて前記木材および前記シート部材を一括して挟持し、圧縮力を加えることを特徴とする請求項１記載の圧縮木製品の製造方法。 2. The method for manufacturing a compressed wood product according to claim 1, wherein the compression step sandwiches the wood and the sheet member together using a pair of molds and applies a compression force.

前記圧縮工程は、大気よりも高温高圧であって前記熱可塑性樹脂が軟化する温度以上であるとともに前記熱可塑性樹脂が溶融する温度よりも小さい温度を有する水蒸気雰囲気中で行うことを特徴とする請求項２記載の圧縮木製品の製造方法。 The compression step is performed in a steam atmosphere having a temperature higher than that of the atmosphere and higher than a temperature at which the thermoplastic resin is softened and lower than a temperature at which the thermoplastic resin melts. Item 3. A method for producing a compressed wood product according to Item 2.

前記圧縮工程は、前記一対の金型のうち前記シート部材に接触する金型の温度を、前記シート部材を構成する熱可塑性樹脂が軟化する温度以上であるとともに前記熱可塑性樹脂が溶融する温度よりも小さい温度とすることを特徴とする請求項２記載の圧縮木製品の製造方法。 In the compression step, the temperature of the mold contacting the sheet member of the pair of molds is equal to or higher than the temperature at which the thermoplastic resin constituting the sheet member softens and the temperature at which the thermoplastic resin melts. The method for producing a compressed wood product according to claim 2, wherein the temperature is set to a lower temperature.

前記圧縮工程の前に、大気よりも高温高圧の水蒸気雰囲気中で前記木材を圧縮する初期圧縮工程を有することを特徴とする請求項１〜４のいずれか一項記載の圧縮木製品の製造方法。 The method for producing a compressed wood product according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising an initial compression step of compressing the wood in a steam atmosphere at a temperature higher than that of the atmosphere before the compression step.

前記熱可塑性樹脂は汎用エンジニアリング樹脂であることを特徴とする請求項１〜５のいずれか一項記載の圧縮木製品の製造方法。 The method for producing a compressed wood product according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the thermoplastic resin is a general-purpose engineering resin.