JP3829783B2

JP3829783B2 - Fiber bundle array support member

Info

Publication number: JP3829783B2
Application number: JP2002264331A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 藤夫堀; 隆太神谷; 義治安居
Original assignee: Toyota Industries Corp
Current assignee: Toyota Industries Corp
Priority date: 2002-09-10
Filing date: 2002-09-10
Publication date: 2006-10-04
Anticipated expiration: 2022-09-10
Also published as: JP2004100090A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、繊維束配列用支持部材に係り、詳しくは支持部材に所定ピッチで配置したピン間に繊維束を折り返し状に配列して形成した積層繊維群を厚さ方向糸で結合して三次元繊維構造体を製造する際に、繊維束の配列に使用される繊維束配列用支持部材に関するものである。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
繊維強化複合材は軽量の構造材料として広く使用されている。繊維強化複合材のうち、三次元織物（三次元繊維構造体）を強化材として使用したものは強度が非常に高く、航空機等の構造材に使用が考えられ、一部使用されている。このような繊維強化複合材に使用する三次元繊維構造体の製法として、糸（繊維束）が折り返し状に配列された複数の糸層を積層して少なくとも２軸配向となる積層糸群を形成し、その積層糸群を各糸層と直交する厚さ方向糸で結合する製造方法がある（例えば、特許文献１及び特許文献２参照。）。
【０００３】
また、前記特許文献１には、糸が折り返し状に配列された前記積層糸群を形成する際に使用する支持部材として、図７に示すように、長方形状に形成されるとともに、ピン５１ａ，５１ｂが周縁に沿って所定ピッチで配置された枠体５１が開示されている。各ピン５１ａ，５１ｂは枠体５１に取り外し可能に固定され、ピン５１ａは枠体５１の上方に向かって垂直に設けられ、ピン５１ｂは上側が枠体５１の外側に向かって傾斜するように設けられている。ピン５１ａは糸に張力が掛かった状態で配列される際の張力を担い、ピン５１ｂは糸の位置（配列ピッチ）を保持する役割を担う。
【０００４】
また、特許文献２には、支持部材に所定ピッチで配置したピン間に繊維束からなる糸を折り返し状に配列して積層糸群を形成する際に、繊維束を扁平な状態でかつ扁平な面が配列面に沿った状態で配列する繊維配列装置が提案されている。
【０００５】
【特許文献１】
特開平８−２１８２４９号公報（段落番号［００３３］〜［００５１］、図６〜図８，図１６）
【特許文献２】
特開２０００−１９９１５１号公報（段落番号［００１５］〜［００２９］、図１）
【０００６】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
三次元繊維構造体の物性を高めるには、繊維束を拡げた状態で積層するのがよい。また、太い繊維束を使用して１層の繊維束層を配列するのに必要な往復回数（折り返し回数）を少なくすることにより、生産性を高めることができる。ところが、従来の枠体を使用した場合は、繊維束を単にピンで折り返して配列するため、繊維束をピンに巻き掛けて折り返す際に繊維束の幅が狭められ、所望の幅を維持できない。また、特許文献２のように繊維束を扁平な状態で配列する繊維配列装置を使用した場合も、拡げられた状態の繊維束がピンで折り返す際に集束（収束）され、一度拡げられた繊維束の幅が狭まってしまう。
【０００７】
本発明は前記の問題に鑑みてなされたものであって、その目的は幅広の繊維束の幅を狭めることを極力抑制して配列することができる繊維束配列用支持部材を提供することにある。
【０００８】
【課題を解決するための手段】
前記の目的を達成するため請求項１に記載の発明は、繊維束を折り返し状に配列して少なくとも２軸配向となる積層繊維群を形成し、その積層繊維群を厚さ方向糸で結合して三次元繊維構造体を製造する際に使用される繊維束配列用支持部材である。繊維束配列用支持部材は、前記厚さ方向糸の挿入区域と対応する領域を形成する枠体と、前記領域を囲むように所定ピッチで配設された繊維束折り返し用規制部材と、前記繊維束折り返し用規制部材の内側に前記繊維束折り返し用規制部材の配設ピッチより狭いピッチで配設されるとともに配列された繊維束の幅を保持する幅保持用規制部材とを備えている。
【０００９】
この発明では、繊維束配列用支持部材上に配列される繊維束は、繊維束折り返し用規制部材と係合する状態で折り返され、繊維束折り返し用規制部材の内側に該繊維束折り返し用規制部材の配設ピッチより狭いピッチで配設された幅保持用規制部材に貫通された状態で配列される。従って、配列途中において幅保持用規制部材に貫通された状態で繊維束は繊維束折り返し用規制部材と係合して折り返すため、折り返す前に配列された繊維束の幅は、繊維束が繊維束折り返し用規制部材と係合して折り返す際に狭められるのが抑制される。
【００１０】
請求項２に記載の発明は、請求項１に記載の発明において、前記幅保持用規制部材はピン又はパイプで構成されている。従って、この発明では、繊維束がＸ方向及びＹ方向のように互いに直交する方向に配列される場合だけでなく、Ｘ方向及びＹ方向に対して傾斜した状態で配列される場合とで同じ幅保持用規制部材を使用できる。
【００１１】
請求項３に記載の発明は、請求項１又は請求項２に記載の発明において、前記幅保持用規制部材は先端が尖っている。この発明では、繊維束の配列を行う際、幅保持用規制部材が繊維束を貫通するのが容易になり、繊維束の配列が円滑に行われる。
【００１２】
請求項４に記載の発明は、請求項１〜請求項３のいずれか一項に記載の発明において、前記幅保持用規制部材は複数列に、かつ各列の幅保持用規制部材の位置が配列方向にずれた状態で配置されている。この発明では、繊維束は複数列の幅保持用規制部材に貫通された状態で配列されるため、幅保持用規制部材の各列における配列ピッチが広くても、繊維束を幅方向において多くの異なる位置で貫通し、幅保持機能が高まる。また、幅保持用規制部材を１列にして配列ピッチを狭くした場合に比較して、幅保持用規制部材が繊維束を貫通する際の抵抗が小さくなり、繊維束の配列が円滑に行われる。
【００１３】
請求項５に記載の発明は、請求項１〜請求項４のいずれか一項に記載の発明において、前記繊維束折り返し用規制部材と前記幅保持用規制部材との配設領域との間に、繊維束折り返し用規制部材で折り返した後の繊維束の幅を繊維束拡幅手段で拡げる処理を行うためのスペースが設けられている。この発明では、繊維束折り返し用規制部材で折り返した繊維束が、幅保持用規制部材と対応する位置まで案内される前に、繊維束拡幅手段により幅を拡げる処理が行われる。そして、折り返し時に狭まった幅が拡げられた状態で幅保持用規制部材と対応し、幅保持用規制部材が繊維束を貫通する。その結果、繊維束を所定の幅に保持した状態で配列することができる。
【００１４】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下、本発明を具体化した一実施の形態を図１〜図４（ａ），（ｂ）に従って説明する。図１は繊維束配列用支持部材の模式斜視図、図３（ａ）は繊維束の配列状態を示す模式斜視図である。
【００１５】
図１に示すように、繊維束配列用支持部材１１は、厚さ方向糸の挿入区域と対応する領域１２ａを形成する枠体１２と、繊維束折り返し用規制部材としての第１のピン１３と、配列された繊維束Ｒ（図２（ａ）、図３（ａ）等に図示）の幅を保持する幅保持用規制部材としての第２のピン１４とを備えている。第１のピン１３は領域１２ａを囲むように所定ピッチで配設され、第２のピン１４は第１のピン１３の内側に第１のピン１３の配設ピッチより狭いピッチで配設されている。
【００１６】
第１のピン１３は上側が枠体１２の外側に向かって傾斜するとともに取り外し可能に固定されている。傾斜角度は、例えば４５度である。第１のピン１３のピッチは、配列された後の繊維束Ｒの幅と等しく形成されている。従って、第２のピン１４は拡幅後の繊維束Ｒの幅より狭いピッチで配設されている。
【００１７】
第２のピン１４は枠体１２の上方に向かって垂直に設けられ、取り外し可能に固定されている。第２のピン１４は、第１のピン１３の配設ピッチの１／２のピッチで配設されている。この実施の形態では、例えば、第１のピン１３は直径が２ｍｍで隣接する第１のピン１３間の間隔が６ｍｍに設定され、第２のピン１４は直径が１ｍｍで隣接する第２のピン１４間の間隔が３ｍｍに設定されている。第２のピン１４は枠体１２からの突出長さが、繊維束Ｒが配列されて形成され、厚さ方向糸で結合される前の状態での後記する積層繊維群３１の厚さより長く形成されている。厚さ方向糸で結合される前の積層繊維群３１の厚さは、厚さ方向糸で結合された三次元繊維構造体の厚さの２倍程度あり、製品としての三次元繊維構造体の厚さが１０ｍｍ程度であれば、第２のピン１４の突出長さは例えば３０ｍｍ程度となる。
【００１８】
第２のピン１４は先端が尖った状態に形成されている。第１のピン１３と第２のピン１４とはＸ方向及びＹ方向において互いに重ならない状態に配列されている。この実施の形態では図２（ｂ）に示すように、隣接する２本の第１のピン１３の配置位置の中央を通り第１のピン１３の配列方向と直交する直線Ｌに対して対称位置に、２本の第２のピン１４が配置されている。
【００１９】
次に前記のように構成された枠体１２を使用して、枠体１２上に繊維束Ｒを折り返し状に配列して積層繊維群を形成する繊維束配列方法を説明する。
先ず繊維束配列装置の概要を図３（ａ），（ｂ）に従って説明する。図３（ａ）に示すように、繊維束配列装置２１は、枠体１２を固定するベースプレート２２と、繊維束供給ヘッド２３と、押圧板２４と、ロボットアーム２５とを備えている。繊維束供給ヘッド２３及び押圧板２４はロボットアーム２５に一組設けられている。ロボットアーム２５は繊維束供給ヘッド２３及び押圧板２４を、Ｘ，Ｙ，Ｚ方向へ移動させるとともに、枠体１２の端部でターンさせて往復移動可能に構成されている。
【００２０】
繊維束供給ヘッド２３は支持筒部２６と、その先端に取り付けられた繊維束案内管２７とから構成され、支持筒部２６の基端がロボットアーム２５に固定された中空の支持体２８の先端に固定されている。繊維束案内管２７は第１のピン１３より長く形成されている。
【００２１】
支持体２８にはブラケット２９を介してエアシリンダ３０がベースプレート２２と直交する方向に延びるように取り付けられ、エアシリンダ３０のピストンロッド３０ａに押圧板２４が固定されている。押圧板２４は繊維束Ｒが可及的に（できる限り）扁平になった状態の幅より広い幅で、かつ繊維束Ｒに沿って移動する際に繊維束Ｒを傷つけないように先端が円弧状に面取りされた状態に形成されている。エアシリンダ３０は押圧板２４を、繊維束供給ヘッド２３に連なる繊維束Ｒをベースプレート２２側に押圧する押圧位置と、繊維束供給ヘッド２３に連なる繊維束Ｒと係合不能な待機位置とに移動させる。エアシリンダ３０はピストンロッド３０ａの没入状態において押圧板２４の先端が第２のピン１４の先端と干渉しない位置に配置可能で、ピストンロッド３０ａの突出状態において押圧板２４の先端が枠体１２と当接可能な位置に配置可能な長さに形成されている。
【００２２】
なお、図３（ａ）において、枠体１２上にＸ方向又はＹ方向に配列された繊維束Ｒを分かりやすくするため、隣接する繊維束Ｒが隙間を有するように図示しているが、実際は隣接する繊維束Ｒの間に隙間は殆ど無い状態に配列される。
【００２３】
次に繊維束配列装置２１を使用して、枠体１２上に積層繊維群３１を形成する際の作用を図２〜図４（ａ），（ｂ）に従って説明する。なお、図４（ａ），（ｂ）では第１及び第２のピン１３，１４のうち枠体１２の長手方向の端部に配置されたもののみ図示し、他のピン１３，１４は図示を省略している。また、以下の説明において、便宜上図４（ａ），（ｂ）の左右方向をＸ方向、紙面と垂直方向をＹ方向、図４（ａ），（ｂ）の上下方向をＺ方向とする。繊維束Ｒは炭素繊維の無撚りのマルチフィラメントからなり、マルチフィラメントはフィラメント数が３０００〜２４０００本程度である。
【００２４】
ベースプレート２２上に枠体１２を支持した後、図示しないボビンから繰り出した繊維束Ｒを支持体２８、支持筒部２６及び繊維束案内管２７に挿通して、繊維束Ｒの端部を繊維束案内管２７の先端から引き出す。そして、ロボットアーム２５を駆動させて繊維束供給ヘッド２３を枠体１２の一隅の配列開始位置に配置し、繊維束Ｒの先端を枠体１２の外側の所定位置に固定する。繊維束Ｒの固定は例えば図示しない接着テープを使用して行う。
【００２５】
この状態で繊維束配列装置２１の作動が開始される。先ずロボットアーム２５がＺ方向に駆動され、繊維束案内管２７の先端が繊維束Ｒの配列に適した位置となるまで繊維束供給ヘッド２３が下降されて図４（ａ）に示す状態となる。次にロボットアーム２５が駆動され、繊維束案内管２７が配列面に対して垂直に保持された状態で繊維束供給ヘッド２３がＸ方向へ移動される。そして、ボビンから張力調整装置（図示せず）を介して供給される繊維束Ｒが繊維束案内管２７の先端部から所定の張力が付された状態で繰り出される。
【００２６】
繊維束Ｒが第１のピン１３に巻き掛けられた時点でロボットアーム２５のＸ方向への駆動が一時停止されるとともにＺ方向に駆動され、繊維束案内管２７の先端が第２のピン１４の先端より高い位置になるまで繊維束供給ヘッド２３が上昇される。そして、再びロボットアーム２５がＸ方向に駆動されて、繊維束案内管２７が第２のピン１４を越え、押圧板２４が第２のピン１４の内側まで移動された時点でロボットアーム２５のＸ方向へ駆動が一時停止される。次にロボットアーム２５のＺ方向への駆動により繊維束供給ヘッド２３が下降移動され、繊維束案内管２７の先端が所定の高さに配置される。次にエアシリンダ３０が駆動されて押圧板２４が繊維束Ｒを押圧可能な作用位置に配置され、図４（ｂ）に示す状態となる。次に再びロボットアーム２５がＸ方向へ駆動され、繊維束供給ヘッド２３が枠体１２の長手方向の第２端部（図４（ａ），（ｂ）における右端部）に向かって移動される。
【００２７】
繊維束案内管２７が第２端部側に配置された第２のピン１４に近づく位置まで繊維束供給ヘッド２３が移動した時点でロボットアーム２５のＸ方向への駆動が一時停止される。そして、前記と同様なロボットアーム２５のＺ方向及びＸ方向への駆動により、繊維束案内管２７が第２のピン１４を越えた後、押圧板２４が枠体１２の第２端部側に配置された第２のピン１４に当接する位置まで繊維束供給ヘッド２３が移動した時点でロボットアーム２５の駆動が停止される。そして、エアシリンダ３０が駆動されて押圧板２４が第２のピン１４の先端より高い退避位置まで上昇された後、ロボットアーム２５が駆動され、繊維束案内管２７及び押圧板２４が第１のピン１３の外側まで移動された時点でロボットアーム２５の駆動が停止される。以上で繊維束ＲのＸ方向への配列動作の往動が完了する。
【００２８】
次にロボットアーム２５が駆動され、繊維束案内管２７がターンして復動時の繊維束Ｒ配列位置へ移動される。そして、その状態からロボットアーム２５のＸ方向への駆動及びＺ方向への駆動が前記と同様に行われ、繊維束案内管２７が第２のピン１４を越え、押圧板２４が第２のピン１４の内側まで移動された時点でエアシリンダ３０が駆動されて押圧板２４が作用位置に配置される。次に再びロボットアーム２５が駆動され、繊維束供給ヘッド２３が枠体１２の長手方向の第１端部に向かって移動され、繊維束Ｒはその幅が拡大された状態で枠体１２上にＸ方向に配列される。
【００２９】
繊維束案内管２７が第１端部側に配置された第２のピン１４に近づく位置まで繊維束供給ヘッド２３が移動した時点から、繊維束案内管２７及び押圧板２４が枠体１２の第１端部側に配置された第２のピン１４を越えるための昇降動作が前記と同様に行われる。そして、繊維束案内管２７及び押圧板２４が第１のピン１３の外側まで移動された時点でロボットアーム２５の駆動が停止される。以上で繊維束ＲのＸ方向への配列動作の復動が完了する。
【００３０】
以下、前記と同様にして繊維束ＲのＸ方向への配列が順次行われ、繊維束供給ヘッド２３が所定回数往復動されて繊維束Ｒの１層分のＸ方向への配列が完了する。
【００３１】
次にロボットアーム２５が駆動され、繊維束案内管２７がＹ方向への繊維束Ｒの配列開始位置と対応する位置まで繊維束供給ヘッド２３が移動される。この時ロボットアーム２５は図３（ａ）に示すようにＹ方向に沿って延びる状態となる。以下、繊維束案内管２７の移動方向がＹ方向である点を除いて、Ｘ方向への配列時と同様にしてＹ方向への繊維束Ｒの配列が順次行われ、繊維束供給ヘッド２３が所定回数往復動されて繊維束Ｒの１層分のＹ方向への配列が完了する。
【００３２】
次に繊維束Ｒの斜め（バイアス）方向への配列が行われる。繊維束ＲはＸ方向及びＹ方向に対して４５度の角度を成すように配列される。繊維束ＲをＸ方向及びＹ方向に対して４５度の角度を成すように配列する場合は、ロボットアーム２５のＸ方向及びＹ方向の速度成分が同じになるように駆動される。その結果、繊維束供給ヘッド２３はＸ方向及びＹ方向に対して４５度の角度を成すように移動され、繊維束ＲがＸ方向及びＹ方向に対して４５度の角度を成すように配列される。この時ロボットアーム２５はＸ方向及びＹ方向に対して４５度の角度で延びる状態となる。
【００３３】
繊維束供給ヘッド２３が枠体１２の幅方向あるいは長手方向の端部において進行方向を９０度変更する点を除いて、前記Ｘ方向又はＹ方向への繊維束Ｒの配列と同様にして繊維束Ｒの配列が順次行われる。そして、Ｘ方向に対して＋４５度及び−４５度の角度を成す２層一組の繊維層が形成される。
【００３４】
以下、同様にして、Ｘ方向、Ｙ方向及び斜め方向へ繊維束Ｒが配列され、Ｘ方向配列繊維層、Ｙ方向配列繊維層及びバイアス方向配列繊維層が所定数積層されると、積層繊維群３１の形成が完了する。そして、積層繊維群３１が枠体１２ごとベースプレート２２から取り外され、公知の方法で厚さ方向糸が領域１２ａと対応する箇所に挿入されて三次元繊維構造体が形成される。
【００３５】
図２（ａ）に示すように、繊維束Ｒは第２のピン１４に貫通された状態で保持される。従って、押圧板２４に押圧されて幅が拡げられた繊維束Ｒは配列位置を変更するため、第１のピン１３に巻き掛けられた場合にも、繊維束Ｒの幅が狭まるのを抑制できる。また、図２（ａ）に示すように、第１のピン１３に巻き掛けられることにより幅が狭くなった繊維束Ｒも押圧板２４の作用により再び幅が拡げられる。積層繊維群３１が厚さ方向糸で結合されて三次元繊維構造体が形成され、樹脂が含浸されて最終製品の複合材が形成される際、第２のピン１４の内側の所定の幅の範囲は最終製品としては使用されない。従って、第２のピン１４の近くで多少、繊維束Ｒの幅が狭くなっても支障はない。
【００３６】
この実施の形態では以下の効果を有する。
（１）繊維束配列用支持部材１１は、枠体１２に所定ピッチで配設された繊維束折り返し用規制部材（第１のピン１３）と、第１のピン１３の内側に第１のピン１３の配設ピッチより狭いピッチで配設されるとともに配列された繊維束Ｒの幅を保持する幅保持用規制部材（第２のピン１４）とを備えている。従って、配列途中において第２のピン１４に貫通された状態で繊維束Ｒは第１のピン１３と係合して折り返すため、折り返す前に配列された繊維束Ｒの幅は、繊維束Ｒが第１のピン１３と係合して折り返す際に狭められるのが抑制される。その結果、太い繊維束Ｒを使用することができるので、積層繊維群３１の各繊維層を形成する際、１層の繊維層を形成するのに必要な繊維束Ｒの折り返し回数が少なくなり、生産性が向上する。また、繊維束Ｒの価格も太い繊維束Ｒの方が安価であるため、生産コストの低減にも寄与する。
【００３７】
（２）幅保持用規制部材（第２のピン１４）はピンで構成されている。従って、繊維束ＲがＸ方向及びＹ方向のように互いに直交する方向に配列される場合だけでなく、Ｘ方向及びＹ方向に対して傾斜した状態で配列される場合にも同じ第２のピン１４を使用できる。
【００３８】
（３）幅保持用規制部材（第２のピン１４）は先端が尖っている。従って、繊維束Ｒの配列を行う際、第２のピン１４が繊維束Ｒを貫通するのが容易になり、繊維束Ｒの配列が円滑に行われる。
【００３９】
（４）隣接する２本の第１のピン１３の配置位置の中央を通り第１のピン１３の配列方向と直交する直線Ｌに対して対称位置に、２本の第２のピン１４が配置されている。従って、第１のピン１３と第２のピン１４とがＸ方向又はＹ方向において一部が重なる状態に配置した場合に比較して、全ての第２のピン１４が繊維束Ｒを貫通し易くなる。
【００４０】
（５）第２のピン１４は拡幅後の繊維束Ｒの幅より狭いピッチで配設されている。従って、繊維束Ｒは配列方向の両端付近で少なくとも２本の第２のピン１４に貫通された状態で保持されるため、拡幅された後の繊維束Ｒの幅が狭くなるのを抑制する効果が高くなる。
【００４１】
なお、実施の形態は前記に限定されるものではなく、例えば、次のように具体化してもよい。
〇繊維束折り返し用規制部材（第１のピン１３）と幅保持用規制部材（第２のピン１４）との配設領域との間に、繊維束折り返し用規制部材で折り返した後の繊維束の幅を繊維束拡幅手段（押圧板２４）で拡げる処理を行うためのスペースを設けてもよい。図５に示すように、第１のピン１３と第２のピン１４との間隔を広くすれば、第１のピン１３に繊維束Ｒを巻き掛けて折り返した後、第２のピン１４と対応する位置まで移動する間に押圧板２４で繊維束Ｒを幅を拡げる処理を行うことができる。この場合、繊維束Ｒは折り返し時に狭まった幅が拡げられた状態で第２のピン１４と対応し、第２のピン１４が繊維束Ｒを貫通する。その結果、繊維束Ｒを所定の幅に保持した状態で配列することができる。
【００４２】
○ 第２のピン１４は先端が尖った形状に限らず、図６（ａ）に示すように、先端が半球状であってもよい。この場合、第２のピン１４が尖ったものに比較して枠体１２を取り扱う際に他のものに当たっても傷を与え難い。
【００４３】
○ 幅保持用規制部材としてピンに代えてパイプを使用したり、ピンやパイプのように棒状の物に限らず、図６（ｂ）に示すように、板状で先端の厚さが徐々に薄くなったものを使用してもよい。但し板状のものを使用する場合は、繊維束Ｒの配列方向がＸ方向及びＹ方向の２方向の積層繊維群３１を形成する際に使用される枠体１２となる。バイアス方向への繊維束Ｒの配列を行う場合は、ピン又はパイプが使用される。
【００４４】
○ 繊維束折り返し用規制部材もピンに限らずパイプを使用したり、板状のものを使用してもよい。
○ 第２のピン１４は１列に限らず、２列以上の複数列として各列で第２のピン１４の位置が第２のピン１４の配列方向にずれた構成としてもよい。例えば、図６（ｃ）に示すように、第２のピン１４を２列に、かつ各列の第２のピン１４の位置が１／２ピッチ分ずれた状態に配設する。この場合、繊維束Ｒは複数列の第２のピン１４に貫通された状態で配列されるため、第２のピン１４の各列における配列ピッチが広くても、繊維束Ｒを幅方向において多くの異なる位置で貫通し、幅保持機能が高まる。また、第２のピン１４を１列にして配列ピッチを狭くした場合に比較して、第２のピン１４が繊維束Ｒを貫通する際の抵抗が小さくなり、繊維束Ｒの配列が円滑に行われる。
【００４５】
○ 第１のピン１３の配列ピッチは必ずしも拡幅後の繊維束Ｒの幅と等しくなくてもよく、拡幅後の繊維束Ｒの幅より広くても、狭くてもよい。
○ 第１のピン１３の配列ピッチと無関係に第２のピン１４の配列ピッチを設定してもよい。
【００４６】
○ 第１のピン１３は枠体１２の外側に向かって斜めに傾斜して配設される構成に限らず、第２のピン１４と同様に垂直に配設したり、あるいは水平に配設してもよい。
【００４７】
○ 繊維束Ｒの配列の際に使用する繊維束拡幅手段は押圧板２４に限らず、ローラを使用してもよい。ローラの方が抵抗は少ないが、構造が複雑になる。
○ 繊維束Ｒの配列は１本ずつ行う方法に限らず、複数本同時に行うようにしてもよい。複数本同時に配列すれば、生産性が向上する。
【００４８】
○ 繊維束案内管２７の先端（下端）を湾曲させて繊維束Ｒが水平に引き出されるようにしてもよい。
○ 繊維束Ｒとして炭素繊維に限らず、ボロン繊維、炭化ケイ素繊維等の無機繊維を使用したり、ポリアラミド繊維、超高分子量ポリエチレン繊維などの高強度・高弾性率の有機繊維の無撚りマルチフィラメントを使用してもよい。
【００４９】
前記実施の形態から把握される発明（技術的思想）について以下に記載する。
（１）請求項１〜請求項５のいずれか一項に記載の発明において、前記幅保持用規制部材は拡幅後の繊維束Ｒの幅より狭いピッチで配設されている。
【００５０】
（２）請求項１〜請求項５及び前記技術的思想（１）のいずれか一項に記載の繊維束配列用支持部材を使用して、繊維束を前記繊維束折り返し用規制部材と係合する状態で折り返し、配列途中において繊維束を前記幅保持用規制部材に貫通された状態で前記繊維束配列用支持部材上に少なくとも２軸配向となる積層繊維群を配列する繊維束の配列方法。
【００５１】
【発明の効果】
以上、詳述したように、請求項１〜請求項５に記載の発明によれば、幅広の繊維束の幅を狭めることを極力抑制して配列することができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】枠体の模式斜視図。
【図２】（ａ）は繊維束が第２のピンに貫通された状態を示す模式斜視図、（ｂ）は第１のピン及び第２のピンの配置を示す模式図。
【図３】（ａ）は繊維束配列装置の模式斜視図、（ｂ）は押圧板の模式部分拡大図。
【図４】（ａ），（ｂ）は作用を説明する模式側面図。
【図５】別の実施の形態の模式側面図。
【図６】（ａ）は別の実施の形態の第２のピンの部分斜視図、（ｂ）は別の実施の形態の幅保持用規制部材の模式斜視図、（ｃ）は別の実施の形態の第２のピンの配列状態を示す模式部分平面図。
【図７】従来技術の枠体を示す模式斜視図。
【符号の説明】
Ｒ…繊維束、１１…繊維束配列用支持部材、１２…枠体、１２ａ…領域、１３…繊維束折り返し用規制部材としての第１のピン、１４…幅保持用規制部材としての第２のピン、３１…積層繊維群。[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a fiber bundle arrangement support member, and more specifically, a laminated fiber group formed by arranging fiber bundles in a folded manner between pins arranged at a predetermined pitch on the support member is joined with a thickness direction thread to form a tertiary. The present invention relates to a fiber bundle arrangement support member used for arrangement of fiber bundles when producing an original fiber structure.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Fiber reinforced composites are widely used as lightweight structural materials. Among fiber reinforced composite materials, those using a three-dimensional woven fabric (three-dimensional fiber structure) as a reinforcing material have very high strength and are considered to be used for structural materials such as aircraft, and are partially used. As a method for producing a three-dimensional fiber structure used for such a fiber reinforced composite material, a plurality of yarn layers in which yarns (fiber bundles) are arranged in a folded shape are laminated to form a laminated yarn group having at least biaxial orientation. There is a manufacturing method in which the laminated yarn group is bonded with a thread in the thickness direction orthogonal to each yarn layer (see, for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2).
[0003]
Moreover, in the said patent document 1, as shown in FIG. 7, as a supporting member used when forming the said laminated yarn group in which the thread | yarn was arranged in the shape of a return | turnback, while forming in rectangular shape, pin 51a, 51b A frame 51 is disclosed in which are arranged at a predetermined pitch along the periphery. The pins 51 a and 51 b are detachably fixed to the frame 51, the pins 51 a are provided vertically above the frame 51, and the pins 51 b are provided so that the upper side is inclined toward the outside of the frame 51. It has been. The pin 51a bears the tension when the yarn is arranged in a tensioned state, and the pin 51b plays a role of maintaining the yarn position (arrangement pitch).
[0004]
Further, in Patent Document 2, when forming a laminated yarn group by arranging yarns made of fiber bundles in a folded manner between pins arranged on a support member at a predetermined pitch, the fiber bundles are flat and have a flat surface. There has been proposed a fiber array device that aligns in a state along the array plane.
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-8-218249 (paragraph numbers [0033] to [0051], FIGS. 6 to 8 and FIG. 16)
[Patent Document 2]
JP 2000-199151 A (paragraph numbers [0015] to [0029], FIG. 1)
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In order to improve the physical properties of the three-dimensional fiber structure, it is preferable to laminate the fiber bundle in an expanded state. Further, productivity can be increased by reducing the number of reciprocations (number of folding times) necessary for arranging one fiber bundle layer using a thick fiber bundle. However, when a conventional frame is used, the fiber bundle is simply folded back with a pin and arranged, so that when the fiber bundle is wrapped around the pin and folded back, the width of the fiber bundle is reduced and the desired width cannot be maintained. In addition, when a fiber arrangement device that arranges fiber bundles in a flat state as in Patent Document 2 is used, the fiber bundles that have been expanded are converged (converged) when folded back with pins, and then once expanded. The width of the bundle is narrowed.
[0007]
The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a support member for arranging a fiber bundle that can be arranged while suppressing the narrowing of a wide fiber bundle as much as possible. .
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 is characterized in that a fiber bundle is arranged in a folded shape to form a laminated fiber group having at least biaxial orientation, and the laminated fiber group is bonded with a thickness direction thread. This is a support member for arranging fiber bundles used when producing a three-dimensional fiber structure. The fiber bundle arrangement support member includes a frame that forms a region corresponding to the insertion area of the thickness direction yarn, a fiber bundle folding regulating member disposed at a predetermined pitch so as to surround the region, and the fiber A width holding regulating member that is arranged at a pitch narrower than the arrangement pitch of the fiber bundle folding regulating members and holds the width of the arranged fiber bundles is provided inside the bundle folding regulating member.
[0009]
In this invention, the fiber bundles arranged on the fiber bundle arranging support member are folded back in a state of engaging with the fiber bundle folding back regulating member, and the fiber bundle folding regulating member is placed inside the fiber bundle folding regulating member. Are arranged in a state of being penetrated by the width holding regulating members arranged at a pitch narrower than the arrangement pitch. Accordingly, the fiber bundle engages with the fiber bundle folding-back regulating member and is folded while being penetrated by the width holding regulating member in the middle of the arrangement. Therefore, the width of the fiber bundle arranged before folding is such that the fiber bundle is the fiber bundle. It is suppressed that it is narrowed when it is engaged with the return regulating member and turned back.
[0010]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the width holding regulating member is constituted by a pin or a pipe. Therefore, in the present invention, not only when the fiber bundles are arranged in directions orthogonal to each other like the X direction and the Y direction, but also when the fiber bundles are arranged in an inclined state with respect to the X direction and the Y direction. A holding regulating member can be used.
[0011]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the present invention, the width holding regulating member has a sharp tip. In this invention, when arranging the fiber bundle, it becomes easy for the width holding regulating member to penetrate the fiber bundle, and the fiber bundle is arranged smoothly.
[0012]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the first to third aspects, the width holding regulating members are arranged in a plurality of rows, and the positions of the width holding regulating members in each row are set. In the direction of the array Arranged in a shifted state. In this invention, since the fiber bundle is arranged in a state of being penetrated by the plurality of rows of width holding regulating members, even if the arrangement pitch in each row of the width holding regulating members is wide, It penetrates at different positions and the width holding function is enhanced. Further, the resistance when the width holding regulating member penetrates the fiber bundle is reduced and the arrangement of the fiber bundle is smoothly performed as compared with the case where the arrangement pitch is narrowed by arranging the width holding regulating members in one row. .
[0013]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, between the fiber bundle folding back regulating member and the width holding regulating member. A space is provided for performing a process of expanding the width of the fiber bundle after being folded back by the fiber bundle folding back regulating member by the fiber bundle widening means. In this invention, before the fiber bundle folded back by the fiber bundle folding back regulating member is guided to the position corresponding to the width holding regulating member, the fiber bundle widening means performs the process of widening the width. Then, the width holding regulating member corresponds to the width holding regulating member in a state where the width narrowed at the time of folding is widened, and the width holding regulating member penetrates the fiber bundle. As a result, the fiber bundles can be arranged in a state where they are held at a predetermined width.
[0014]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment embodying the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4A and 4B. FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a fiber bundle arrangement support member, and FIG. 3A is a schematic perspective view showing an arrangement state of fiber bundles.
[0015]
As shown in FIG. 1, the fiber bundle arrangement support member 11 includes a frame body 12 that forms a region 12a corresponding to a thickness direction thread insertion area, and a first pin 13 that serves as a fiber bundle folding back regulating member. And a second pin 14 as a width holding regulating member for holding the width of the arrayed fiber bundle R (shown in FIG. 2A, FIG. 3A, etc.). The first pins 13 are arranged at a predetermined pitch so as to surround the region 12a, and the second pins 14 are arranged inside the first pins 13 at a pitch narrower than the arrangement pitch of the first pins 13. Yes.
[0016]
The upper side of the first pin 13 is inclined toward the outer side of the frame body 12 and is detachably fixed. The inclination angle is 45 degrees, for example. The pitch of the first pins 13 is formed to be equal to the width of the fiber bundle R after being arranged. Accordingly, the second pins 14 are arranged at a pitch narrower than the width of the fiber bundle R after being widened.
[0017]
The 2nd pin 14 is provided perpendicularly | vertically toward the upper direction of the frame 12, and is being fixed so that removal is possible. The second pins 14 are arranged at a pitch that is ½ of the arrangement pitch of the first pins 13. In this embodiment, for example, the first pin 13 has a diameter of 2 mm and the interval between the adjacent first pins 13 is set to 6 mm, and the second pin 14 has a diameter of 1 mm and is adjacent to the second pin. The interval between 14 is set to 3 mm. The second pin 14 is formed so that the protruding length from the frame 12 is longer than the thickness of the laminated fiber group 31 described later in a state before the fiber bundles R are arranged and joined by the thickness direction yarn. Has been. The thickness of the laminated fiber group 31 before being joined by the thickness direction yarn is about twice the thickness of the three-dimensional fiber structure joined by the thickness direction yarn. If the thickness is about 10 mm, the protruding length of the second pin 14 is, for example, about 30 mm.
[0018]
The second pin 14 is formed with a pointed tip. The first pin 13 and the second pin 14 are arranged so as not to overlap each other in the X direction and the Y direction. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2 (b), a symmetrical position with respect to a straight line L that passes through the center of the arrangement position of the two adjacent first pins 13 and is orthogonal to the arrangement direction of the first pins 13. In addition, two second pins 14 are arranged.
[0019]
Next, a fiber bundle arranging method for forming a laminated fiber group by arranging the fiber bundles R in a folded manner on the frame body 12 using the frame body 12 configured as described above will be described.
First, an outline of the fiber bundle arranging device will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 (a) and 3 (b). As shown in FIG. 3A, the fiber bundle arranging device 21 includes a base plate 22 that fixes the frame body 12, a fiber bundle supply head 23, a pressing plate 24, and a robot arm 25. A set of fiber bundle supply head 23 and pressing plate 24 is provided on a robot arm 25. The robot arm 25 is configured to move the fiber bundle supply head 23 and the pressing plate 24 in the X, Y, and Z directions and to turn back and forth at the end of the frame body 12.
[0020]
The fiber bundle supply head 23 includes a support tube portion 26 and a fiber bundle guide tube 27 attached to the tip of the support tube portion 26, and the distal end of a hollow support body 28 in which the base end of the support tube portion 26 is fixed to the robot arm 25. It is fixed to. The fiber bundle guide tube 27 is formed longer than the first pin 13.
[0021]
An air cylinder 30 is attached to the support 28 via a bracket 29 so as to extend in a direction orthogonal to the base plate 22, and a pressing plate 24 is fixed to a piston rod 30 a of the air cylinder 30. The pressing plate 24 is wider than the width of the fiber bundle R as flat as possible (as much as possible), and the tip is circular so as not to damage the fiber bundle R when moving along the fiber bundle R. It is formed in a chamfered state. The air cylinder 30 moves the pressing plate 24 to a pressing position where the fiber bundle R connected to the fiber bundle supply head 23 is pressed toward the base plate 22 and a standby position where the fiber bundle R connected to the fiber bundle supply head 23 cannot be engaged. Let The air cylinder 30 can be arranged at a position where the tip of the pressing plate 24 does not interfere with the tip of the second pin 14 when the piston rod 30a is immersed, and the tip of the pressing plate 24 is connected to the frame body 12 when the piston rod 30a is protruding. It is formed in a length that can be arranged at a position where it can abut.
[0022]
In FIG. 3A, the fiber bundles R arranged in the X direction or the Y direction on the frame body 12 are illustrated so that adjacent fiber bundles R have gaps in order to make it easy to understand. The adjacent fiber bundles R are arranged with almost no gap.
[0023]
Next, the effect | action at the time of forming the laminated fiber group 31 on the frame 12 using the fiber bundle arrangement | sequence apparatus 21 is demonstrated according to FIGS. 2-4 (a), (b). 4 (a) and 4 (b), only the first and second pins 13 and 14 arranged at the longitudinal ends of the frame 12 are shown, and the other pins 13 and 14 are shown. Is omitted. In the following description, for the sake of convenience, the horizontal direction in FIGS. 4A and 4B is defined as the X direction, the direction perpendicular to the paper surface is defined as the Y direction, and the vertical direction in FIGS. 4A and 4B is defined as the Z direction. The fiber bundle R is composed of carbon fiber non-twisted multifilaments, and the number of multifilaments is about 3000 to 24000 filaments.
[0024]
After supporting the frame body 12 on the base plate 22, the fiber bundle R fed out from a bobbin (not shown) is inserted into the support body 28, the support cylinder portion 26 and the fiber bundle guide tube 27, and the end portion of the fiber bundle R is connected to the fiber bundle. Pull out from the tip of the guide tube 27. Then, the robot arm 25 is driven to place the fiber bundle supply head 23 at the arrangement start position at one corner of the frame body 12, and the tip of the fiber bundle R is fixed to a predetermined position outside the frame body 12. The fiber bundle R is fixed using, for example, an adhesive tape (not shown).
[0025]
In this state, the operation of the fiber bundle arranging device 21 is started. First, the robot arm 25 is driven in the Z direction, and the fiber bundle supply head 23 is lowered until the tip of the fiber bundle guide tube 27 reaches a position suitable for the arrangement of the fiber bundle R, and the state shown in FIG. . Next, the robot arm 25 is driven, and the fiber bundle supply head 23 is moved in the X direction while the fiber bundle guide tube 27 is held perpendicular to the arrangement surface. Then, the fiber bundle R supplied from the bobbin via a tension adjusting device (not shown) is fed out in a state where a predetermined tension is applied from the distal end portion of the fiber bundle guide tube 27.
[0026]
When the fiber bundle R is wound around the first pin 13, the driving of the robot arm 25 in the X direction is temporarily stopped and driven in the Z direction, and the tip of the fiber bundle guide tube 27 is connected to the second pin 14. The fiber bundle supply head 23 is raised until the position becomes higher than the tip of the fiber bundle. When the robot arm 25 is driven again in the X direction, the fiber bundle guide tube 27 passes over the second pin 14, and the pressing plate 24 is moved to the inside of the second pin 14, the X of the robot arm 25 Driving is paused in the direction. Next, the fiber bundle supply head 23 is moved downward by driving the robot arm 25 in the Z direction, and the tip of the fiber bundle guide tube 27 is arranged at a predetermined height. Next, the air cylinder 30 is driven, and the pressing plate 24 is disposed at the operating position where the fiber bundle R can be pressed, and the state shown in FIG. Next, the robot arm 25 is again driven in the X direction, and the fiber bundle supply head 23 is moved toward the second end portion in the longitudinal direction of the frame body 12 (the right end portion in FIGS. 4A and 4B). .
[0027]
When the fiber bundle supply head 23 moves to a position where the fiber bundle guide tube 27 approaches the second pin 14 disposed on the second end side, the driving of the robot arm 25 in the X direction is temporarily stopped. Then, by driving the robot arm 25 in the Z direction and the X direction similar to the above, after the fiber bundle guide tube 27 exceeds the second pin 14, the pressing plate 24 is moved to the second end side of the frame body 12. The driving of the robot arm 25 is stopped when the fiber bundle supply head 23 moves to a position where it abuts against the arranged second pin 14. Then, after the air cylinder 30 is driven and the pressing plate 24 is raised to a retracted position higher than the tip of the second pin 14, the robot arm 25 is driven, and the fiber bundle guide tube 27 and the pressing plate 24 are moved to the first position. When the robot moves to the outside of the pin 13, the driving of the robot arm 25 is stopped. Thus, the forward movement of the arrangement operation of the fiber bundle R in the X direction is completed.
[0028]
Next, the robot arm 25 is driven, and the fiber bundle guide tube 27 is turned and moved to the fiber bundle R array position at the time of backward movement. Then, from this state, the robot arm 25 is driven in the X direction and in the Z direction in the same manner as described above, the fiber bundle guide tube 27 exceeds the second pin 14, and the pressing plate 24 is the second pin. When the air cylinder 30 is moved to the inside, the air cylinder 30 is driven and the pressing plate 24 is disposed at the operating position. Next, the robot arm 25 is driven again, the fiber bundle supply head 23 is moved toward the first end portion in the longitudinal direction of the frame body 12, and the fiber bundle R is expanded on the frame body 12 with its width expanded. Arranged in the X direction.
[0029]
From the point when the fiber bundle supply head 23 moves to a position where the fiber bundle guide tube 27 approaches the second pin 14 disposed on the first end side, the fiber bundle guide tube 27 and the pressing plate 24 are connected to the first frame 12. Ascending / descending operation for exceeding the second pin 14 arranged on the one end side is performed in the same manner as described above. The driving of the robot arm 25 is stopped when the fiber bundle guide tube 27 and the pressing plate 24 are moved to the outside of the first pin 13. Thus, the backward movement of the arrangement operation of the fiber bundle R in the X direction is completed.
[0030]
Thereafter, the fiber bundle R is sequentially arranged in the X direction in the same manner as described above, and the fiber bundle supply head 23 is reciprocated a predetermined number of times to complete the arrangement of one layer of the fiber bundle R in the X direction.
[0031]
Next, the robot arm 25 is driven, and the fiber bundle supply head 23 is moved to a position where the fiber bundle guide tube 27 corresponds to the arrangement start position of the fiber bundle R in the Y direction. At this time, the robot arm 25 is in a state extending along the Y direction as shown in FIG. Thereafter, the fiber bundle R is sequentially arranged in the Y direction in the same manner as in the X direction except that the movement direction of the fiber bundle guide tube 27 is the Y direction. By reciprocating a predetermined number of times, the arrangement of the fiber bundle R in the Y direction for one layer is completed.
[0032]
Next, the fiber bundle R is arranged in an oblique (bias) direction. The fiber bundles R are arranged so as to form an angle of 45 degrees with respect to the X direction and the Y direction. When the fiber bundles R are arranged so as to form an angle of 45 degrees with respect to the X direction and the Y direction, the robot arm 25 is driven so that the velocity components in the X direction and the Y direction are the same. As a result, the fiber bundle supply head 23 is moved so as to form an angle of 45 degrees with respect to the X direction and the Y direction, and the fiber bundle R is arranged so as to form an angle of 45 degrees with respect to the X direction and the Y direction. The At this time, the robot arm 25 extends at an angle of 45 degrees with respect to the X direction and the Y direction.
[0033]
The fiber bundle is the same as the arrangement of the fiber bundle R in the X direction or the Y direction except that the fiber bundle supply head 23 changes the traveling direction by 90 degrees at the width direction or longitudinal end of the frame body 12. The arrangement of R is performed sequentially. Then, a pair of fiber layers each having an angle of +45 degrees and −45 degrees with respect to the X direction is formed.
[0034]
Hereinafter, similarly, when the fiber bundle R is arranged in the X direction, the Y direction, and the oblique direction, and a predetermined number of X direction arranged fiber layers, Y direction arranged fiber layers, and bias direction arranged fiber layers are laminated, the laminated fiber group The formation of 31 is completed. Then, the laminated fiber group 31 is removed from the base plate 22 together with the frame body 12, and the thread in the thickness direction is inserted into a portion corresponding to the region 12a by a known method to form a three-dimensional fiber structure.
[0035]
As shown in FIG. 2A, the fiber bundle R is held in a state of being penetrated by the second pin 14. Accordingly, since the fiber bundle R that is pressed by the pressing plate 24 and has an expanded width changes the arrangement position, it is possible to suppress the narrowing of the width of the fiber bundle R even when the fiber bundle R is wound around the first pins 13. . In addition, as shown in FIG. 2A, the width of the fiber bundle R that has been narrowed by being wound around the first pin 13 is expanded again by the action of the pressing plate 24. When the laminated fiber group 31 is bonded with a thread in the thickness direction to form a three-dimensional fiber structure and impregnated with a resin to form a composite material of the final product, a predetermined width inside the second pin 14 is formed. The range is not used as a final product. Therefore, there is no problem even if the width of the fiber bundle R is somewhat narrow near the second pin 14.
[0036]
This embodiment has the following effects.
(1) The fiber bundle arrangement support member 11 includes a fiber bundle folding back regulating member (first pin 13) disposed on the frame body 12 at a predetermined pitch, and a first pin inside the first pin 13. And a width-holding regulating member (second pin 14) that is disposed at a pitch narrower than the disposed pitch 13 and holds the width of the arranged fiber bundles R. Accordingly, since the fiber bundle R is engaged with the first pin 13 and folded while being penetrated by the second pin 14 in the middle of the arrangement, the width of the fiber bundle R arranged before the folding is the same as that of the fiber bundle R. Narrowing when engaged and folded back with the first pin 13 is suppressed. As a result, since a thick fiber bundle R can be used, when forming each fiber layer of the laminated fiber group 31, the number of times of folding the fiber bundle R required to form one fiber layer is reduced. Productivity is improved. Moreover, since the fiber bundle R with a thick fiber bundle R is less expensive, it contributes to a reduction in production cost.
[0037]
(2) The width holding restricting member (second pin 14) is formed of a pin. Therefore, not only when the fiber bundles R are arranged in directions orthogonal to each other like the X direction and the Y direction, but also when the fiber bundles R are arranged in an inclined state with respect to the X direction and the Y direction, the same second pin 14 can be used.
[0038]
(3) The width holding regulating member (second pin 14) has a sharp tip. Therefore, when arranging the fiber bundle R, the second pins 14 can easily penetrate the fiber bundle R, and the fiber bundle R can be arranged smoothly.
[0039]
(4) Two second pins 14 are arranged at symmetrical positions with respect to a straight line L passing through the center of the arrangement positions of two adjacent first pins 13 and orthogonal to the arrangement direction of the first pins 13. Has been. Therefore, compared to the case where the first pins 13 and the second pins 14 are arranged so as to partially overlap in the X direction or the Y direction, all the second pins 14 can easily penetrate the fiber bundle R. Become.
[0040]
(5) The second pins 14 are arranged at a pitch narrower than the width of the fiber bundle R after widening. Therefore, since the fiber bundle R is held in a state of being penetrated by at least two second pins 14 in the vicinity of both ends in the arrangement direction, the effect of suppressing the width of the fiber bundle R after being widened from being narrowed. Becomes higher.
[0041]
The embodiment is not limited to the above, and may be embodied as follows, for example.
A fiber bundle after being folded back by the fiber bundle folding back regulating member between the arrangement region of the fiber bundle folding back regulating member (first pin 13) and the width holding regulating member (second pin 14). A space may be provided for performing a process of expanding the width of the fiber bundle with the fiber bundle widening means (pressing plate 24). As shown in FIG. 5, if the distance between the first pin 13 and the second pin 14 is widened, the fiber bundle R is wound around the first pin 13 and then turned back, and then corresponds to the second pin 14. While moving to the position where the fiber bundle R is moved, the pressing plate 24 can perform the process of expanding the width of the fiber bundle R. In this case, the fiber bundle R corresponds to the second pin 14 in a state where the width narrowed at the time of folding is widened, and the second pin 14 penetrates the fiber bundle R. As a result, the fiber bundles R can be arranged in a state where they are held at a predetermined width.
[0042]
The second pin 14 is not limited to a shape with a sharp tip, and the tip may be hemispherical as shown in FIG. In this case, it is hard to give a damage even if it hits another thing when handling the frame 12 compared with what the 2nd pin 14 sharpened.
[0043]
○ A pipe is used instead of a pin as a width-holding restricting member, or is not limited to a rod-like object such as a pin or pipe. As shown in FIG. You may use what became thin. However, when a plate-shaped one is used, the frame body 12 is used when forming the laminated fiber group 31 in which the arrangement direction of the fiber bundle R is two directions of the X direction and the Y direction. When arranging the fiber bundles R in the bias direction, pins or pipes are used.
[0044]
The fiber bundle folding back regulating member is not limited to a pin, and a pipe or a plate-like member may be used.
The second pins 14 are not limited to one row, and may be configured such that the positions of the second pins 14 are shifted in the arrangement direction of the second pins 14 in each row as two or more rows. For example, as shown in FIG. 6C, the second pins 14 are arranged in two rows, and the positions of the second pins 14 in each row are shifted by 1/2 pitch. In this case, since the fiber bundle R is arranged in a state penetrating through the plurality of rows of the second pins 14, even if the arrangement pitch of each row of the second pins 14 is wide, the fiber bundle R is increased in the width direction. Penetrating at different positions, the width holding function is enhanced. In addition, the resistance when the second pins 14 pass through the fiber bundle R is smaller than when the second pins 14 are arranged in a row and the arrangement pitch is narrowed, and the arrangement of the fiber bundles R is smooth. Done.
[0045]
The arrangement pitch of the first pins 13 is not necessarily equal to the width of the fiber bundle R after widening, and may be wider or narrower than the width of the fiber bundle R after widening.
O The arrangement pitch of the second pins 14 may be set regardless of the arrangement pitch of the first pins 13.
[0046]
○ The first pin 13 is not limited to the configuration in which the first pin 13 is inclined obliquely toward the outside of the frame body 12, and the first pin 13 may be disposed vertically or horizontally in the same manner as the second pin 14. May be.
[0047]
The fiber bundle widening means used when arranging the fiber bundle R is not limited to the pressing plate 24, and a roller may be used. The roller has less resistance, but the structure is complicated.
The arrangement of the fiber bundles R is not limited to the method of performing one by one, and a plurality of fiber bundles may be performed at the same time. If a plurality of lines are arranged at the same time, productivity is improved.
[0048]
The fiber bundle R may be pulled out horizontally by curving the tip (lower end) of the fiber bundle guide tube 27.
○ The fiber bundle R is not limited to carbon fiber, but can use inorganic fiber such as boron fiber and silicon carbide fiber, or non-twisted multifilament of high-strength and high-modulus organic fiber such as polyaramid fiber and ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene fiber May be used.
[0049]
The invention (technical idea) grasped from the embodiment will be described below.
(1) In the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the width-holding regulating members are arranged at a pitch narrower than the width of the fiber bundle R after being widened.
[0050]
(2) Using the fiber bundle arrangement support member according to any one of claims 1 to 5 and the technical idea (1), a fiber bundle is engaged with the fiber bundle folding back regulating member. The fiber bundle is arranged in such a manner that a laminated fiber group that is at least biaxially oriented is arranged on the fiber bundle arranging support member in a state where the fiber bundle is passed through the width holding regulating member in the middle of arrangement.
[0051]
【The invention's effect】
As described above in detail, according to the inventions described in claims 1 to 5, the narrowing of the width of the wide fiber bundle can be suppressed as much as possible.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a frame.
2A is a schematic perspective view showing a state in which a fiber bundle is penetrated by a second pin, and FIG. 2B is a schematic view showing the arrangement of the first pin and the second pin.
3A is a schematic perspective view of a fiber bundle arranging device, and FIG. 3B is a schematic partial enlarged view of a pressing plate.
FIGS. 4A and 4B are schematic side views for explaining the operation. FIGS.
FIG. 5 is a schematic side view of another embodiment.
6A is a partial perspective view of a second pin according to another embodiment, FIG. 6B is a schematic perspective view of a width holding regulating member according to another embodiment, and FIG. 6C is another embodiment. The typical fragmentary top view which shows the arrangement | sequence state of the 2nd pin of the form.
FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view showing a conventional frame.
[Explanation of symbols]
R ... fiber bundle, 11 ... fiber bundle arrangement support member, 12 ... frame, 12a ... region, 13 ... first pin as a fiber bundle folding back regulating member, 14 ... second pin as a width holding regulating member Pin, 31 ... laminated fiber group.

Claims

A fiber bundle used when producing a three-dimensional fiber structure by forming a laminated fiber group that is at least biaxially oriented by arranging the fiber bundle in a folded shape and bonding the laminated fiber group with a thread in the thickness direction An array support member,
A frame that forms a region corresponding to the insertion area of the thickness direction yarn, a fiber bundle folding restriction member disposed at a predetermined pitch so as to surround the region, and an inner side of the fiber bundle folding restriction member A support member for arranging a fiber bundle, comprising: a width-holding restricting member that is disposed at a pitch narrower than the disposing pitch of the fiber bundle turning-back restricting member and that holds the width of the arranged fiber bundles.

The fiber bundle arrangement support member according to claim 1, wherein the width holding regulating member is configured by a pin or a pipe.

The fiber bundle array support member according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the width holding regulating member has a sharp tip.

The fiber according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the width holding regulating members are arranged in a plurality of rows and in a state where the positions of the width holding regulating members in each row are shifted in the arrangement direction. Support member for bundle arrangement.

In order to perform a process of widening the width of the fiber bundle after being folded back by the fiber bundle folding back regulating member by the fiber bundle widening means between the fiber bundle folding back regulating member and the width holding regulating member. The support member for fiber bundle arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a space is provided.