JP3536588B2 - Thickness direction yarn feeding device to thickness direction yarn insertion device of three-dimensional fiber structure - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a thickness direction yarn feeding device for a thickness direction yarn insertion device of a three-dimensional fiber structure, and more particularly, to a structure in which a plurality of yarn layers in which yarns are arranged in a folded shape are laminated. To a thickness direction yarn insertion device for simultaneously inserting a large number of thickness direction yarns arranged in a direction orthogonal to each yarn layer and connecting the above-mentioned laminated yarn groups into the laminated yarn group, in the formed laminated yarn group having at least biaxial orientation. In the thickness direction yarn supply device.

[0002]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Fiber reinforced composites are widely used as lightweight structural materials. There is a three-dimensional fabric (three-dimensional fiber structure) as a reinforcing base material for a composite material. A composite material using the three-dimensional fabric as a skeleton material and a resin or an inorganic material as a matrix is expected to be widely used as a structural material for rockets, aircraft, automobiles, ships, and buildings.

As a method for producing a three-dimensional fiber structure, there has been proposed a method for producing a three-dimensional fiber structure using a base plate on which a number of pins (or pipes) are erected at a predetermined pitch (for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. Hei 5 (1993) -208). -272030, JP-A-7-26442, etc.). In this method, after forming a laminated yarn group having at least biaxial orientation by a yarn layer in which the yarns are arranged in a folded shape between pins, the pins are replaced with the thickness direction yarns one by one and the respective yarn layers are combined. Produce a three-dimensional fiber structure. By changing the shape of the base plate, a three-dimensional fiber structure having an irregular cross-sectional shape such as an L-shape or a U-shape can be obtained.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. Hei 8-218249 discloses that instead of erecting guide pins on the entire area where yarns are arranged, the pins are arranged at a predetermined pitch so as to surround an area corresponding to a thickness direction yarn insertion area. On the frame arranged in the above, after forming a laminated yarn group by laminating a plurality of yarn layers arranged in a folded manner between the pins, a plurality of yarn layers arranged in a row while holding the laminated yarn group in the frame. A method for inserting a thickness direction thread using a thickness direction thread insertion needle is disclosed.

The strength of a composite material having a three-dimensional fiber structure as a skeleton material is greatly affected by the three-dimensional fiber structure. To obtain a high-strength composite material, fibers (yarns) are arranged at a high density and orderly. It is necessary to use a three-dimensional fiber structure as a skeleton material. In order to produce a three-dimensional fiber structure in which fibers are arranged in a high-density and orderly manner, it is necessary to increase the bonding force of the laminated yarn group by the thickness direction yarns and make the fastening force by each thickness direction yarn uniform. is there.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 7-26442 discloses FIG.
As shown in FIG. 7, the thickness direction thread insertion needles 71 arranged in a line in the
After inserting the retaining thread P into the loop of the thickness direction thread z formed on the projecting side of the thickness direction thread insertion needle 71,
The thickness direction thread insertion needle 71 is pulled out of the laminated thread group 70, and in this state, the thickness direction thread z is pulled back by the action of the tension adjusting unit 73 including three rollers 72a to 72c, and tightened by the thickness direction thread z. Regulating force is disclosed. The tension adjusting unit 73 applies tension to the thickness direction yarn z by moving the roller 72b disposed between the two rollers 72a and 72c downward in FIG. Another conventional technique discloses a method of adjusting the tightening force by the thickness direction thread z by rewinding the thread at the thread supply unit.

[0007]

However, it was difficult to produce a high-quality three-dimensional fiber structure by the above-mentioned conventional tension adjusting method. This is because in the method of adjusting the tension by unwinding the yarn at the yarn supply unit, if the unwinding force is increased, the thickness direction yarn z wound on the bobbin is damaged, so that the unwinding force is excessively large. Can not. Further, it is difficult to finely adjust the yarn tension by the rewinding force. On the other hand, also when the tension adjusting unit 73 shown in FIG. 10 is used, if the tensile force by the roller 72b is increased, the thickness direction thread z wound on the bobbin of the thread supply unit is damaged.

[0008] Further, in the above-mentioned conventional tension adjusting method,
In any case, since all the thickness direction yarns z are configured to be pulled at a time to apply tension, excessive tension is applied to the slightly thicker thickness direction yarn z, and the loosened thickness direction yarn z is Since the tension is not increased and it is difficult to apply a uniform tension to all the thickness direction yarns z, there is a problem that a high quality three-dimensional fiber structure cannot be manufactured.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and has as its object to provide a high-quality three-dimensional fiber which can appropriately adjust the tension of the thickness direction yarn z when producing a three-dimensional fiber structure. It is an object of the present invention to provide a thickness direction yarn supplying device for a thickness direction yarn insertion device of a three-dimensional fiber structure capable of producing a structure.

[0010]

In order to achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, at least biaxial orientation formed by laminating a plurality of yarn layers in which yarns are arranged in a folded shape is provided. A thickness direction yarn supply device to a thickness direction yarn insertion device that simultaneously inserts a plurality of thickness direction yarns that are arranged in a direction intersecting with the yarn layer and that joins the layer formation yarn group. The support shaft supporting each bobbin on which the thickness direction yarn is wound is operably connected to the drive means so as to be capable of being driven in normal and reverse rotations,
And, between each bobbin and the support shaft or between the support shaft and the driving means, when the support shaft is rotated in the thickness direction yarn rewinding direction, the tension of the thickness direction yarn is set to a predetermined value. A thread provided with a transmission means for transmitting a rotational force to the bobbin in accordance with the driving of the driving means until the value becomes a value, and when the tension exceeds a predetermined value, slippage occurs and transmission of the rotational force to the bobbin is suppressed. A supply unit was provided.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the spindle is provided with a plurality of the bobbins, and the transmission means is a friction member provided between each bobbin and the spindle. It is a member.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the second aspect of the present invention is provided.
In the above invention, the friction member is provided on the inner peripheral surface of each bobbin.
It is provided in a fixed state. The departure according to claim 4
In the light, a laminated yarn group having at least biaxial orientation formed by laminating a plurality of yarn layers in which the yarns are arranged in a folded shape,
A thickness direction yarn supply device for a thickness direction yarn insertion device that simultaneously inserts a number of thickness direction yarns that are arranged in a direction intersecting with the yarn layer and that connects the laminated yarn groups, wherein the yarn supply portion and a tension A first tension applying means for applying a weak tension to the thickness direction yarn connected to the thickness direction yarn insertion device; and a strong tension to the thickness direction yarn. And a second tension applying means for applying a tension to the yarn supply section from the tension applying section of the second tension applying means, and actuating when applying tension by the second tension applying means. Brake means for gripping the directional thread are provided.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the fourth aspect of the present invention, the first tension applying means is capable of contacting the thickness direction yarn connected to the thickness direction yarn insertion device from the yarn supply section. A support arm provided with a flexible roller and rotatably provided in a vertical direction; and a balance weight provided so as to be rotatable integrally with the support arm.
The tension applying means comprises a roller which can contact the thickness direction thread connected to the thickness direction thread insertion device and is provided rotatably in the up and down direction. Adjustable actuator.

According to the invention described in claim 6 , in the invention described in claim 4 or claim 5 , in the invention described in claim 1 to claim 3,
A yarn supply unit according to any one of the preceding claims. Claim 1
In the invention described in the above, the yarns arranged in at least biaxial orientation formed by laminating a plurality of yarn layers in which the yarns are arranged in a folded shape, the laminated yarn group arranged in a direction intersecting the yarn layers, It is used for supplying a thickness direction yarn to a thickness direction yarn insertion device for simultaneously inserting a large number of thickness direction yarns to be connected. Each bobbin on which the thickness direction thread is wound is supported by a support shaft, and the support shaft is driven to rotate forward and reverse by a driving unit. When the spindle is rotated in the yarn rewinding direction by the driving means, the rotational force is transmitted to the bobbin via the spindle with the driving of the driving means until the tension in the thickness direction reaches a predetermined value. Then, the thickness direction yarn is rewound on the bobbin. When the tension of the thickness direction yarn exceeds a predetermined value, slippage occurs due to the action of the transmission means provided between each bobbin and the support shaft or between the support shaft and the driving means, and the transmission of the rotational force to the bobbin is performed. Is suppressed.
Therefore, when the support shaft is rotated by a predetermined amount or more in the direction of rewinding the thickness direction yarn by the driving means, the tension of the thickness direction yarn supplied from each bobbin and connected to the laminated yarn group is all maintained at the predetermined value. Will be done.

[0015] According to the second and third aspects of the present invention,
In the first aspect of the present invention, the plurality of bobbins are rotated forward and backward by a common support shaft. The rotation of the spindle is transmitted to the bobbin via a friction member provided between each bobbin and the spindle. Then, when the tension of the thickness direction yarn connected to the laminated yarn group from each bobbin is equal to or more than a predetermined value, slippage occurs between the friction member and the bobbin or the support shaft, and the rotational force of the support shaft is transmitted to the bobbin. Is suppressed. As a result, the tension of each thickness direction yarn is maintained at a predetermined value.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a laminated yarn group having at least biaxial orientation formed by laminating a plurality of yarn layers in which the yarns are arranged in a folded shape, arranged in a direction intersecting the yarn layers. Then, it is used for supplying the thickness direction yarn to a thickness direction yarn insertion device for simultaneously inserting a large number of the thickness direction yarns for connecting the laminated yarn groups. The thickness direction yarn z fed out from the yarn supply unit is supplied to the thickness direction yarn insertion device via a tension applying unit provided with first and second tension applying means. A weak tension is applied to the thickness direction yarn by the first tension applying means to prevent slack in the thickness direction yarn connected to the thickness direction yarn insertion device from the yarn supply unit. Further, a strong tension for adjusting the tightening force of the thickness direction yarn inserted into the laminated yarn group is applied to the thickness direction yarn by the second tension applying means. When tension is applied to the thickness direction yarn by the second tension applying means, the thickness direction yarn is gripped by the brake means, so that a large tension is not applied to the thickness direction yarn connected to the yarn supply unit side. Large tension is reliably applied only to the thickness direction yarns connected to the thickness direction yarn insertion device.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the fourth aspect of the present invention, the first tension applying means is provided with a support arm rotatably provided in a vertical direction and a roller mounted on the support arm. The moment force based on the own weight of
A tension is applied to the thickness direction yarn in contact with the roller.
The moment force is adjusted by adjusting the position of a balance weight provided so as to be able to rotate integrally with the support arm. The second tension applying means rotates the support arm provided rotatably in the up and down direction by an actuator to apply tension to the thickness direction thread in a state of contact with a roller provided on the support arm. . By adjusting the operating force of the actuator, the magnitude of the tension applied to the thickness direction yarn is adjusted.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the fourth or fifth aspect of the invention, the yarn supply section is the same as the yarn supply section of any one of the first to third aspects. It has a great effect.

[0019]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG. 1, a thickness direction yarn supply device 1 includes a yarn supply unit 2 and a tension applying unit 3.
It is composed of A plurality (three in this embodiment) of support shafts 5 are rotatably supported on the frame 4 of the thread supply unit 2 in a state of being parallel to each other. As shown in FIG. 2, each support shaft 5 is rotatably supported by the frame 4 via a bearing 6. Each support shaft 5 is rotatably connected in the same direction at the same speed via a toothed pulley 7 and a toothed belt 8 as rotation transmitting means, and is driven via a toothed pulley 9 and a toothed belt 10. Operatively connected to the motor 11 as a motor. As the motor 11, a motor that can rotate forward and backward is used, and each spindle 5 is rotated in the same direction by driving the motor 11. The support shaft 5 is rotated in the direction in which the thickness direction thread z is fed out when the motor 11 rotates forward, and is rotated in the direction in which the thickness direction thread z is rewound when the motor 11 rotates in the reverse direction.

A plurality of bobbins 12 around which a thickness direction thread z is wound are supported on each support shaft 5 at predetermined intervals. FIG.
As shown in FIG. 3, a friction member 13 is adhered to the inner peripheral surface of each bobbin 12, and each bobbin 12 is connected to the support shaft 5 via the friction member 13.
It is supported by. In this embodiment, a sponge is used as the friction member 13. The friction member 13 is a support shaft 5.
Is rotated in the unwinding direction of the thickness direction thread z until the tension of the thickness direction thread z reaches a predetermined value, so that there is no slippage between the support shaft 5 and the bobbin 12. The rotational force of the shaft 5 is transmitted to the bobbin 12, and when the tension exceeds a predetermined value, a slip occurs to function as a transmitting means for suppressing the transmission of the rotational force to the bobbin 12.

The frame 14 of the tension applying section 3 is provided with a yarn guide 15 on the yarn supply section 2 side. The yarn guide 15 has a large number of guide bars 16 arranged so as to extend in the vertical direction so as to play a role of preventing the thickness direction yarns z supplied from the yarn supply unit 2 from coming into contact with each other and becoming entangled. They are arranged at a predetermined pitch in the width direction of the frame 14 (perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. 1).

A pair of side plates 17 are provided on the upper portion of the frame 14 so as to extend in the front-rear direction (the left-right direction in FIG. 1) of the thickness direction thread supply device 1. Three yarn guide rollers 18 to 20 are rotatably supported between the side plates 17 at the rear side of the frame 14 via bearings (not shown). 2
The thread guide rollers 18 and 20 are formed thicker than the other thread guide roller 19 and are arranged at the same height. Electromagnetic brakes MB (shown in FIGS. 4 and 6) are provided at the ends of both yarn guide rollers 18 and 20.
The yarn guide roller 19 disposed between the two yarn guide rollers 18 and 20 is disposed at a position lower than the both yarn guide rollers 18 and 20. Thread guide rollers 21 and 22 are provided at bearings (not shown) at substantially the center and front side of the frame 14.
It is rotatably supported through. Both yarn guide rollers 21 and 22 are arranged at the same height as the yarn guide rollers 18 and 20.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4 to 6, between a pair of columns 23 on the rear side of the frame 14, a shaft 24 is rotatable in a horizontal state below a side plate 17 via a bearing 25. Supported. At both ends of the shaft 24, a pair of support arms 26 are supported so as to be integrally rotatable. A tension applying roller 27 is rotatably supported at the tip of the support arm 26. Further, a rod 28 is provided at the base end of the support arm 26 so as to be rotatable integrally, and a balance weight 29 is attached to the rod 28. An external thread (not shown) is formed on the rod 28, and the balance weight 29 is screwed to the rod 28 so that its mounting position (distance from the shaft 24) is adjustable. Support arm 26, tension applying roller 27, and balance weight 29
Thereby, a first tension applying means for applying a weak tension to the thickness direction yarn z connected to the thickness direction yarn insertion device (not shown) from the yarn supply unit 2 is configured. 4 and 6, the illustration of the rod 28 and the balance weight 29 is omitted.

The yarn guide 3 is provided between the two support arms 26.
0 is provided. The yarn guide 30 is shown in FIGS. 1 and 5 (a).
As shown in FIG. 6 (b), the supporting members 31a and 31b having a semicircular cross section and a quadrangular cross section fixed in parallel with a tension applying roller 27 interposed between the two supporting arms 26, and are substantially U-shaped. And a large number of bent wires 32. The wires 32 are arranged at a predetermined pitch in a state in which a curved portion abuts on a support member 31a having a semicircular cross section and a U-shaped tip is fixed to the support member 31b. FIG. 6 (b)
5 is a schematic view of the tip of the support arm 26 and the vicinity of the attachment portion of the thread guide 30 as viewed from above, perpendicular to the support arm 26.
4 and 6A, illustration of the yarn guide 30 is omitted.

A lever 33 is rotatably supported on the shaft 24 outside the support arm 26 with respect to the shaft 24. A pair of brackets 34 are fixed to the frame 14 above the side plate 17, and an air cylinder 35 as an actuator is rotatably supported at the base end of each bracket 34. The air cylinder 35 extends substantially vertically, and its piston rod 35
a is rotatably connected to the tip of the lever 33. A roller 36 as an engagement member is provided inside the side surface of each lever 33.
Is rotatably supported at a position where it can be engaged with the support arm 26. The support arm 26 can be pushed down via the roller 36 by the operation of the air cylinder 35. The air cylinder 35 has a sensor S that outputs an ON signal when the piston rod 35a projects to a predetermined position.
Is equipped. The sensor S is configured to detect when a piston (not shown) of the air cylinder 35 moves to a position facing the sensor S and output an ON signal.

The support arm 26, the tension applying roller 27, the lever 33, the air cylinder 35, and the roller 36 are strong against the thickness direction yarn z connected from the yarn supply unit 2 to the thickness direction yarn insertion device (not shown). Second tension applying means for applying tension is configured. The tension applying roller 27 also functions as a tension applying unit of the second tension applying unit. In this embodiment, the support arm 26 and the tension applying roller 27 are shared by the first and second tension applying means. And
The first and second tension applying means constitute a first tension applying device that applies tension to the entire thickness direction yarn z.

A support portion 17a is provided on the rear side of each side plate 17 so as to protrude upward, and an air cylinder 37 is supported on each support portion 17a. The air cylinder 37 is supported at its base end via a support shaft 38. A first end of a lever 39 is rotatably supported on the inner side of each side plate 17 by a shaft 39a. The lever 39 has a second end rotatably connected to a piston rod 37 a of the air cylinder 37. The support member 40 is provided on the lever 39 with the shaft 41.
And is rotatably supported via the. A brake bar 42 is fixed to the support member 40 at a position facing the yarn guide rollers 18 and 20. V is applied to each brake bar 42
A groove is formed, and an elastic material 43 such as rubber is attached to the V groove. The air cylinder 37, the lever 39, the support member 40, and the brake bar 42 constitute a brake means which operates when tension is applied by the second tension applying means and holds the thickness direction thread z together with the thread guide rollers 18 and 20. Have been.

Below the position corresponding to the intermediate portion between the yarn guide rollers 21 and 22, a support plate 44 is disposed so as to extend between a pair of support brackets 45 provided below the side plate 17. . A large number of air cylinders 46 corresponding to the number of thickness direction threads z to be used are arranged on the support plate 44 at predetermined intervals. The air cylinders 46 are arranged in two rows in a staggered manner such that the piston rods 46a are on the upper side. A guide roller 47 as a thread guide is supported at the tip of the piston rod 46a. As shown in FIG. 5B, the guide roller 47 is rotatably supported on a shaft 48 fixed to the piston rod 46a in a cantilever state. A second tension applying device 49 capable of adjusting the tension of each thickness direction thread z one by one by the air cylinder 46 and the guide roller 47 is configured.

Next, the operation of the thickness direction yarn supplying device 1 configured as described above will be described. Each bobbin 12 of the yarn supply unit 2
The thickness direction yarn z fed out of the yarn is separated by the yarn guide 15, and as shown in FIGS. 1 and 5A, the yarn guide rollers 18 to 20, the tension applying roller 27, the yarn guide roller 21, Guide roller 47 and yarn guide roller 2
2 in turn. And, as shown in FIG.
Thickness direction thread insertion device (not shown) of three-dimensional fabric production device
Supplied to

When the slack of the thickness direction yarn z in the path extending from the yarn supply unit 2 to the thickness direction yarn insertion device during the operation of the thickness direction yarn insertion device is eliminated, FIGS. As described above, the motor 11 is driven to rotate in the reverse direction with the brake bar 42 disposed at the release position, and the support shaft 5 is rotated in the direction of rewinding the thickness direction thread z. Until the thickness direction yarn z is rewound onto the bobbin 12 until the slack of the thickness direction yarn z is eliminated, almost no tension is applied to the thickness direction yarn z. Therefore, the bobbin 12 around which the slack thickness direction thread z is wound is rotated integrally with the support shaft 5 by the frictional force of the friction member 13 until the slack disappears. When the bobbin 12 is rotated together with the support shaft 5 in a state in which the slack has been eliminated, the thickness direction thread z
Is tensioned. When the tension of the thickness direction thread z reaches a predetermined value, the tension becomes larger than the frictional force of the friction member 13, a slip occurs between the support shaft 5 and the friction member 13, and the rotation of the bobbin 12 is suppressed. Only the support shaft 5 rotates.

Therefore, even if the support shaft 5 is rotated in the direction of rewinding the thickness direction yarn in a state where the slack has been eliminated, the tension applied to the thickness direction yarn z is maintained at a predetermined value. Therefore, when the motor 11 is driven to rotate in the reverse direction for a predetermined time, the slack of all the thickness direction yarns z is eliminated and a predetermined (constant) tension is applied. In this state, the position of the tension applying roller 27 is not the position at which the support arm 26 extends obliquely downward as shown in FIG. 1, but is substantially the same height as the thread guide roller 19 as shown in FIG. Placed in At this time, the support arm 26 is arranged at a position close to the roller 36.

When supplying a certain length of the thickness direction yarn z to the thickness direction yarn insertion device, air is supplied in a state shown in FIG. 7A where a constant tension is applied to all the thickness direction yarns z. Cylinder 35
Is activated. Then, the piston rod 35a is protruded, the lever 33 is moved downward, the roller 36 is engaged with the support arm 26, and the tension applying roller 27 is pushed down together with the support arm 26 (the state of FIG. 7B). When the tension applying roller 27 is pushed down to a predetermined position,
An ON signal is output from a sensor S provided in the air cylinder 35, and the air cylinder 37 is operated based on the ON signal. Then, the brake bar 42 is pushed down, and the thickness direction thread z is gripped by the brake bar 42 and the thread guide rollers 18, 20, and is fixed between the thread guide roller 20, the tension applying roller 27, and the thread guide roller 21. An amount of thickness direction thread z is reserved. (State of FIG. 7 (c)) Then, when the thickness direction yarn z is inserted into the laminated yarn group (not shown) by the thickness direction yarn insertion device, the operation of pushing down the lever 33 by the air cylinder 35 is performed. It is released. Therefore, when the thickness direction yarn z is inserted, the thickness direction yarn z is weak enough to prevent the thickness direction yarn z from being loosened to the extent that it does not hinder the handling of the thickness direction yarn z by the thickness direction yarn insertion device. The tension is maintained in a state applied by the first tension applying unit.

After one row of the thickness direction yarn z is inserted into the stacked yarn group by the thickness direction yarn insertion device and the retaining yarn is inserted into the loop at the tip of the layer, the thickness of the thickness direction yarn insertion device is changed. The directional thread insertion needle is withdrawn from the stacked thread group. In this state, the tightening operation of the laminated yarn group yarn layer by the thickness direction yarn z is performed. At this time, the air cylinder 35 is operated for a predetermined time, the piston rod 35a is protruded, and the lever 33
Is pushed down, and the tension applying roller 27 is pushed down together with the support arm 26 via the roller 36. When the thickness direction yarn z is reserved by a certain amount, as described above, the operation of the air cylinder 35 is stopped when the piston rod 35a moves halfway through the entire stroke, but the tightening operation of the thickness direction yarn z is stopped. At this time, the piston rod 35a is moved to a position where the retraction of the thickness direction thread z is completed. Then, the tension applying roller 27 is pushed downward as shown by the solid line in FIG. 7D, and a strong tension is applied to the thickness direction yarn z. The strength of the tension is set by the pressure of the compressed air supplied to the air cylinder 35. At this time, the thickness direction thread z is gripped by the brake lever 42 and the two thread guide rollers 18 and 20, and the tension by the tension applying roller 27 is applied to the thickness direction thread z connected to the thread supply unit 2 side by the tension applying means. There is no possibility that the thickness direction thread z wound around the bobbin 12 is damaged even if the tightening force is increased.

When a strong tension is applied by the air cylinder 35, the electromagnetic brake MB provided at the end of the yarn guide rollers 18, 20 is actuated, and both yarn guide rollers 1 and 20 are actuated.
8, 20 are held non-rotatably. Therefore, when the tension is applied to the thickness direction yarn z by the tension applying roller 27, the braking action on the thickness direction yarn z becomes more reliable, and a strong tension can be reliably applied.

The second tension applying device 49 is used for producing a three-dimensional fiber structure having regions having different thicknesses. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the thickness of the laminated yarn group F constituting the three-dimensional fiber structure varies along the arrangement direction of the thickness direction yarn insertion needles 50, and the thickness direction used in one insertion operation. Used when the amount of yarn z is different. The tension applying by the tension applying roller 27 is used to apply a constant tension to a number of the thickness direction yarns z at the same time. It is difficult to apply tension. However, the second tension applying device 49
Since the air cylinder 46 is provided for each thickness direction thread z, the tension of each thickness direction thread z is set to be the same.
In FIG. 8, reference numeral 51 denotes a regulating pin used when forming the laminated yarn group F, and reference numeral 52 denotes a retaining thread needle used for inserting the retaining thread P.

The thickness direction yarn supply device 1 of this embodiment has the following effects. (A) When each bobbin 12 around which the thickness direction thread z is wound is rotated in the direction in which the thickness direction thread z is rewound by the driving means (motor 11), the tension in the thickness direction z is equal to or more than a predetermined value. Then, the transmission means for transmitting the torque of the motor 11 to the bobbin 12 slips, and the transmission of the torque to the bobbin 12 is suppressed. As a result, a predetermined tension can be applied to all the thickness direction yarns z supplied from each bobbin 12 and connected to the laminated yarn group. Therefore, a high-quality three-dimensional fiber structure can be manufactured.

(B) Since the transmitting means is constituted by the friction member 13 provided between the bobbin 12 and the support shaft 5, the structure for maintaining the tension of the thickness direction thread z constant is simple. Become.

(C) Since the friction member 13 is bonded to the inner peripheral surface of the bobbin, a large number of bobbins 12
And the adjustment of the arrangement intervals of the bobbins 12 is also simplified.

(D) Since the tension applying section 3 includes first tension applying means for applying a weak tension to the thickness direction yarn z and second tension applying means for applying a strong tension, the thickness Optimum yarn tension can be adjusted during the insertion operation of the thickness direction yarn by the directional yarn insertion device and the tightening of the thickness direction yarn z after insertion, respectively, so that yarn breakage and yarn damage can be prevented.

(E) The application of a weak tension to the support arm 26
It is performed by the weight balance between the tension applying roller 27 and the balance weight 29, and the application of the strong tension is performed by adjusting the operating force (compressed air pressure) by the actuator (air cylinder 35). Can be easily adjusted to the value of Further, the adjustment of the weak tension can be easily changed by changing the position of the balance weight 29.

(F) When the tension is applied to the thickness direction yarn z on the yarn supply section 2 side when the strong tension is applied, the thickness direction yarn z wound around the bobbin 12 is prevented from being applied by the braking means. Damage can be prevented.

(G) As the brake means, the brake bars 42 having the V-grooves respectively contacting the plurality of yarn guide rollers 18 and 20 are provided.
In the case where a high tension is applied, the thickness direction yarn z can exhibit a reliable braking function without slipping on the yarn guide rollers 18 and 20. As a result, damage to the thickness direction yarn z can be prevented, a tension of a desired strength can be reliably applied, and a high-quality three-dimensional fiber structure can be manufactured.

(H) The support member 40 supporting the brake lever 42 is directly connected to the piston rod 3 of the air cylinder 37.
Instead of connecting to the support member 7a, the piston rod 37a is connected to the lever 39 on which the support member 40 is supported at a position farther from the center of rotation (the shaft 39a) than the support position of the support member 40. The same magnitude of braking force can be obtained with a smaller force than when directly connected.

(I) When the electromagnetic brake MB is provided on the yarn guide rollers 18 and 20 to apply a strong tension,
When the electromagnetic brake MB is operated, the yarn guide rollers 18, 2
Since the brake means is operated in a state in which the rotation of 0 is prevented, the movement of the thickness direction thread z is more reliably prevented.

(V) Since the support arm 26 and the tension applying roller 27 are shared by the first tension applying means and the second tension applying means, the structure is smaller than that provided for each tension applying means. It is simpler and requires less space for installation.

(G) Since the yarn guides 15 and 30 are provided, even if a number of the thickness-direction yarns z are arranged adjacent to each other at a narrow interval, the yarns are damaged by the thickness-direction yarns z being entangled, and the yarns are damaged. Cutting can be prevented.

(ヲ) Since the second tension applying device 49 is provided, the width direction (the thickness direction thread insertion needles are arranged).
In the case of producing a three-dimensional fiber structure in which regions having different thicknesses exist, the tension of each thickness direction yarn z can be easily adjusted to a desired value.

The embodiment is not limited to the above, and may be embodied as follows, for example. A mechanism for positively raising the support arm 26 is provided as tension applying release means for rotating the support arm 26 of the first tension applying means in the tension applying release direction. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, a lever 53 is fixed to the shaft 24 so as to be integrally rotatable, and an air cylinder 54 is disposed below the lever 53 in an upward direction. Then, a roller 55 capable of engaging with the lever 53 is attached to the tip of the piston rod 54a of the air cylinder 54. In this configuration, the piston rod 5
4a is protruded, the lever 53 is connected to the lever 53 via the roller 55.
Is raised, and the shaft 24 is rotated in a direction to raise the support arm 26. Therefore, after a certain length of the thickness direction thread z is reserved in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment, when the thickness direction thread z is inserted by the thickness direction thread insertion device, the support arm 26 is operated by the operation of the air cylinder 54. , It is possible to cause slack in the thickness direction yarn z. Therefore, the yarn operation becomes easy during the insertion operation of the thickness direction yarn z, and the risk of damaging the thickness direction yarn z is reduced.

In place of sponge, felt, cloth or the like may be used as the friction member 13. Further, the friction member 13 is bonded (fixed) to the support shaft 5 instead of the bobbin 12 side.
May be. Further, the friction member 13 is connected to the support shaft 5 and the bobbin 1.
It is also possible to simply interpose between the two without fixing to either side.

Instead of providing the friction member 13 between the support shaft 5 and the bobbin 12, the support shaft 5 is formed of a magnetic material such as steel, and the bobbin 12 is formed to be slidable with respect to the support shaft 5. At the same time, a permanent magnet is provided on the bobbin 12. In this configuration,
When the support shaft 5 is rotated in the unwinding direction of the thickness direction yarn z, a rotational force is transmitted to the bobbin 12 with the driving of the driving means until the tension of the thickness direction yarn z reaches a predetermined value, When the tension is equal to or more than a predetermined value, the permanent magnet constitutes a transmission unit that suppresses transmission of rotational force to the bobbin 12 due to slippage. When the magnetic force of the permanent magnet is increased by a predetermined value or more on the thickness direction yarn z, the bobbin 12
Is set to a value at which slippage occurs between the shaft and the support shaft 5. In this case, the same effects as those of the above embodiment can be obtained. In addition, when the friction member 13 is provided and used to some extent, the friction member 13 needs to be replaced.
3, the durability is improved.

When the driving means rotates the bobbin 12 in the direction of rewinding the thickness direction thread, the transmission of the rotational force to the bobbin 12 is suppressed when the tension of the thickness direction thread z exceeds a predetermined value. Instead of the configuration in which slippage occurs between the bobbin and the support shaft, a configuration in which slippage occurs between the driving means and the support shaft is adopted. In this configuration, the same number of support shafts as the bobbins 12 are provided, and an electromagnetic coupling (electromagnetic clutch) or an electromagnetic powder clutch is provided between each support shaft and the drive shaft that transmits the rotational force of the driving means to the support shaft. Further, the rotation of a motor as a driving means is transmitted to each drive shaft via a belt. Then, the torque transmission force is adjusted to a size that allows the support shaft to rotate in the unwinding direction of the thickness direction yarn z when the tension of the thickness direction yarn z is less than a predetermined value. In this case, it is easy to change the predetermined value of the tension by adjusting the magnitude of the torque that can be transmitted to the support shaft. In this configuration, the electromagnetic coupling and the electromagnetic powder clutch constitute the transmission unit. Further, the attraction force of the permanent magnet is used for transmitting torque between the support shaft and the drive shaft, and the rotation of the drive shaft slides on the support shaft until the load, that is, the tension of the thickness direction thread z reaches a predetermined value. May be transmitted without the occurrence of a torque, and at a predetermined value or more, a slip may occur to suppress the transmission of torque.

When supplying the thickness direction yarn z to a thickness direction yarn insertion device for producing a three-dimensional fiber structure in which regions having different thicknesses do not exist along the arrangement direction of the thickness direction yarn insertion needles, The second tension applying device 49 may be omitted. In this case, the yarn guide roller 22 is not required.

In place of the configuration in which the support arm 26 and the tension applying roller 27 are shared by the first and second tension applying means, both tension applying means may be provided independently. In this case, the first tension applying means for applying a weak tension to the thickness direction yarn z may be disposed closer to the yarn supply unit 2 than the brake means.

In place of the air cylinder 35, an actuator having a ball screw mechanism may be used as an actuator for driving the lever 33. The electromagnetic brake MB mounted on the yarn guide rollers 18 and 20 may be omitted.

The number of the brake levers 42 constituting the braking means may be one or three or more. 1
The book simplifies the structure. Also, brake lever 4
The side facing the yarn guide rollers 18 and 20 may be a flat surface or an arc surface without forming a V-groove in the second roller 2.

Instead of operating the support member 40 supporting the brake bar 42 with the air cylinder 37 via the lever 39, the support member 40 may be attached to the piston rod 37a of the air cylinder 37.

In place of the yarn guide 30, guide grooves are formed at a predetermined pitch on the outer peripheral surface of the tension applying roller 27,
The annular flanges may be provided at a predetermined pitch. ○ In order to prevent the thickness direction threads z from becoming entangled with each other, the location of the thread guide provided in the path of the thickness direction thread z may be changed, or the thread guide may be provided at another location in addition to the thread guides 15 and 30. May be provided.

The technical ideas (inventions) other than those described in the claims that can be grasped from the embodiment will be described below together with their effects .

[0059] (1) brake means comprises a yarn guide roller of the plurality of, and a brake bar having a V groove with is provided to pressure-separable relative to the rollers.
In this case, even when a high tension is applied to a large number of the thickness direction yarns, the thickness direction yarns can exert a reliable braking function without slipping by the yarn guide rollers, and damage to the thickness direction yarns can be prevented. Thus, it is possible to reliably apply the tension of a desired strength, and to produce a high-quality three-dimensional fiber structure.

[0060] (2) Before Kiito guide roller is equipped with an electromagnetic brake. In this case, by actuating the electromagnetic brake of the yarn guide roller when the brake means is operated, the rotation of the yarn guide roller is reliably restricted when high tension is applied to the thickness direction yarn, and a more reliable braking function is provided. Can be demonstrated.

( 3 ) The second tension applying means shares the support arm and the roller with the first tension applying means, is rotatably supported coaxially with the support arm, and is engageable with the support arm. A lever having a suitable engagement member, and the actuator operates the support arm via the lever. In this case, the configuration is simplified and the space required for installation is reduced.

[0062] (4) force applying portion Zhang has a tension adjustable tension device to the thickness direction each yarn fed from the thread supplying unit. In this case, even when producing a three-dimensional fiber structure in which regions having different thicknesses exist in the width direction (the direction of arrangement of the thickness direction yarn insertion needles), the tension of each thickness direction yarn can be easily adjusted to a desired value. It can be adjusted to produce a high quality three-dimensional fiber structure.

( 5 ) Tension releasing means for rotating the support arm of the first tension applying means in the tension releasing direction is provided. In this case, when the thickness direction yarn is inserted by the thickness direction yarn insertion device, the thickness direction yarn can be slackened by the operation of the tension applying release means. Therefore, the yarn operation becomes easy during the insertion operation of the thickness direction yarn, and the risk of damaging the thickness direction yarn z is reduced.

[0064]

As described in detail above, claims 1 to 6 are provided.
According to the invention described in (1), the tension of the thickness direction yarn z at the time of producing a three-dimensional fiber structure can be appropriately adjusted, and a high-quality three-dimensional fiber structure can be produced.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the driving means is rotated in the direction of rewinding the thickness direction yarn, so that a constant thickness is maintained for all the thickness direction yarns connected to the thickness direction yarn insertion device from the yarn supply section. Yarn tension can be applied.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to apply a constant yarn tension to all the thickness direction yarns connected to the thickness direction yarn insertion device from the yarn supply unit with a simple configuration. Claim 3
In the invention described in the above, the bobbin is replaced and the position of the bobbin is changed.
Change becomes easy. According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the thickness direction yarn z is provided with the first tension applying unit for applying a weak tension to the thickness direction yarn z and the second tension applying unit for applying the strong tension to the thickness direction yarn z. Optimum yarn tension can be adjusted for the thickness-direction yarn insertion operation by the insertion device and for the thickness-direction yarn z after the insertion, and yarn breakage and yarn damage can be prevented.

According to the fifth aspect of the invention, the application of the weak tension is performed by the weight balance between the support arm and the roller and the balance weight, and the application of the strong tension is performed by adjusting the operating force by the actuator. The adjustment of the tension can be easily adjusted to a desired value.

[0068] The invention according to claim 6, the effect of any one of claims 1 to 3, claim 4 or claim 5
Demonstrate the effect of.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic side sectional view of a thickness direction yarn supply device according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a schematic rear view of a yarn supply unit.

FIG. 3 is a partial sectional view showing a support state of the bobbin.

FIG. 4 is a partially omitted cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 1;

5A is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 1, and FIG. 5B is a partial side view of a second tension applying device.

6 (a) is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 4, and FIG. 6 (b) is a schematic view of the vicinity of a portion where a thread guide is attached to a support arm, as viewed from above, perpendicular to the support arm.

FIG. 7 is a schematic side view showing the operation.

FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view showing a three-dimensional fiber tissue and an insertion needle having different thicknesses.

FIG. 9 is a schematic side view showing a tension applying release unit.

FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view showing a conventional technique.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Thickness direction thread supply device, 2 ... Thread supply part, 3 ... Tension giving part, 5 ... Support shaft, 11 ... Motor as drive means, 12 ...
Bobbin, 13: friction member, 18: thread guide roller constituting brake means, 20: brake means, first and second
, A thread guide roller constituting the first and second thread tension applying means; 26, a supporting arm; 27, a tension applying roller; 29, a balance weight; ... an air cylinder as an actuator constituting the second thread tension applying means, 37 ... an air cylinder as a braking means, 42
... the brake bar, 49 ... second tension applying device, z
... Thickness direction yarn.

Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Junji Takeuchi 2-1-1 Toyota-cho, Kariya-shi, Aichi Pref. Inside Toyota Industries Corporation (72) Inventor Kouya Suzuki 2-1-1, Toyota-cho, Kariya-shi, Aichi Pref. (56) References JP-A-7-26442 (JP, A) JP-A-5-272030 (JP, A) JP-A-63-203849 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) D03D 41/00 B65H 59/14

Claims (6)

(57) [Claims] 1. A laminating yarn group having at least biaxial orientation formed by laminating a plurality of yarn layers in which the yarns are arranged in a folded shape, and bonding the laminating yarn group arranged in a direction intersecting with the yarn layers. A thickness direction yarn feeding device for a thickness direction yarn insertion device for simultaneously inserting a large number of thickness direction yarns, wherein a support shaft supporting each bobbin around which the thickness direction yarn is wound is fixed by a driving means. When the support shaft is rotated in the thickness direction yarn rewind direction between the bobbin and the support shaft or between the support shaft and the driving unit, the operation shaft is operably connected to be able to rotate in the reverse direction. Until the tension of the thickness direction yarn reaches a predetermined value, a rotational force is transmitted to the bobbin with the driving of the driving means, and when the tension exceeds a predetermined value, slippage occurs and transmission of the rotational force to the bobbin is performed. Thickness of three-dimensional fibrous structure with yarn supply with controlled transmission means The thickness direction thread feeder to the yarn insertion device. 2. The thickness of the three-dimensional fiber structure according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of bobbins are provided on the support shaft, and the transmission means is a friction member provided between each bobbin and the support shaft. Thickness direction yarn supply device to direction yarn insertion device. 3. The friction member is fixed to an inner peripheral surface of each bobbin.
The thickness direction yarn supply device for a thickness direction yarn insertion device for a three-dimensional fiber structure according to claim 2, wherein the thickness direction yarn supply device is provided in a state where it is provided . 4. A plurality of yarn layers in which yarns are arranged in a folded shape.
Yarn having at least biaxial orientation formed by laminating
A plurality of the laminated yarns arranged in a direction intersecting with the yarn layer;
Thickness direction to insert multiple threads in the thickness direction simultaneously to connect groups
A thickness direction yarn supply device for a yarn insertion device, comprising a yarn supply unit and a tension applying unit, wherein the tension applying unit is
Weak tension on the thickness direction thread connected to the thickness direction thread insertion device
A first tension applying means for applying a force, and
Second tension applying means for applying a strong tension to the
The yarn supply from the tension applying section of the second tension applying means.
The second tension applying means provided on the supply unit side.
Breaker that operates when tension is applied by
The thickness direction thread supplying device in the thickness direction thread insertion device of a three-dimensional fibrous structure that has a key means. 5. The yarn supply section according to claim 1, wherein
Contacts the thickness direction yarn connected to the thickness direction yarn insertion device from
Equipped with a roller that can rotate vertically.
Support arm and pivotable with the support arm
And a balance weight provided on the second tension member.
The force applying means is connected to the thickness direction yarn insertion device in the thickness direction.
Equipped with a roller capable of contacting the yarn and rotating vertically
A support arm provided so as to be capable of rotating the support arm
And an actuator whose operating force can be adjusted.
The thickness direction yarn supplying device for the thickness direction yarn insertion device of the three-dimensional fiber structure according to claim 4 , which is provided . 6. The method according to claim 1, wherein:
The thread supply section according to claim 4 or claim 5, further comprising:
Thread into Thick Thread Insertion Device of Three Dimensional Fiber Structure
Feeding device.