TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a thickness direction thread insertion needle, and
a method for producing a three-dimensional fibrous structure. More specifically, the
present invention pertains to a thickness direction thread insertion needle used when
inserting a thickness direction thread into laminated fiber layers to connect the
laminated fiber layers, which are obtained by laminating fiber layers formed by arranging
a thread (fiber bundle) while repetitively folding back the thread. The present invention
further relates to a method for producing the three-dimensional fibrous structure
that uses such a thickness direction thread insertion needle.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] A reinforcement base material of a fiber reinforced composite material includes a
three-dimensional fibrous structure, that is, a three-dimensional fabric. A method
for producing the three-dimensional fibrous structure disclosed in Patent Document
1 includes forming a lamination (laminated fiber layers) that is at least biaxially
oriented by laminating thread layers (fiber layers), and connecting the laminated
fiber layers by thickness direction threads inserted so as to intersect the thread
layers. The thread layers are arranged on a frame, on which pins are disposed at a
predetermined pitch, so as to surround an area where the thickness direction threads
are inserted and to be folded back between the pins. The thread layers are laminated
to form the lamination. Thereafter, the thickness direction threads are inserted in
the lamination held by the frame using thickness direction thread insertion needles
arranged in a row.
[0003] The strength of the composite that includes the three-dimensional fibrous structure
as the frame material is largely influenced by the three-dimensional fibrous structure.
Thus, it is necessary to tighten the lamination by the thickness direction threads
to obtain the composite with great strength. As shown in Fig. 6 of this application,
thickness direction thread insertion needles 51 arranged in a row are thrust into
a lamination F together with thickness direction threads z. In this state, loops L
of the thickness direction threads z are formed on the side of the lamination F from
which the thickness direction thread insertion needles 51 project. More specifically,
the thickness direction thread insertion needles 51 penetrate the lamination F together
with the thickness direction threads z until needle's eyes of the thickness direction
thread insertion needles 51 reach the other side of the lamination F. After that,
the loops L are formed by pulling back the thickness direction thread insertion needles
51 by a predetermined amount. Then, a lock yarn P is inserted in the loops L using
a lock yarn insertion needle 52. Thereafter, the thickness direction threads z are
pulled back from the lamination F with the thickness direction thread insertion needles
51 so that the thickness direction threads z tighten the lamination F via the lock
yarn P. The lock yarn insertion needle 52 passes through the loops L, which are formed
by the thickness direction threads z connected to the thickness direction thread insertion
needles 51 that have penetrated the lamination F, without holding the lock yarn P
when advancing in the arrow direction of Fig. 6. The lock yarn insertion needle 52
holds the lock yarn P when moving back, and reciprocates to pass through many loops
L. A latch needle is used as the lock yarn insertion needle 52. Fig. 6 does not show
the latch.
[0004] In the three-dimensional fibrous structure, in which the lamination that is at least
biaxially oriented by laminating thread layers is connected by the thickness direction
threads, the following is necessary when inserting the lock yarn P in the loops L
of the thickness direction threads z, and connecting the lamination by pulling back
the thickness direction threads z. That is, the loops L formed by the thickness direction
thread insertion needles 51 arranged in a row need to be formed into a size greater
than or equal to a predetermined size. However, a sizing agent is applied to a carbon
fiber bundle used as the thickness direction threads z. Thus, when pulling back the
thickness direction thread insertion needles 51 from the lamination F to form the
loops L, the thickness direction threads z might adhere to the surface of the thickness
direction thread insertion needles 51. The size of the loops L might be reduced as
the thickness direction threads z return with the thickness direction thread insertion
needles 51. Even if the size of one of the loops L of one row of the thickness direction
threads z is reduced, the lock yarn insertion needle 52 cannot smoothly pass through
the row of the loops L. In this case, an operator needs to manually adjust the loop
L each time, which extends time to produce the three-dimensional fibrous structure.
Patent Document 1: Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 8-218249
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Accordingly, it is an objective of the present invention to provide a thickness direction
thread insertion needle that inhibits a thickness direction thread from adhering to
the surface of the thickness direction thread insertion needle when inserting the
thickness direction thread into laminated fiber layers, that is, a lamination. Furthermore,
it is an objective of the present invention to provide a method for producing a three-dimensional
fibrous structure that uses such a thickness direction thread insertion needle.
[0006] One aspect of the present invention provides a thickness direction thread insertion
needle used for producing a three-dimensional fibrous structure. The three dimensional
fibrous structure includes laminated fiber layers formed by laminating fiber layers
to be at least two biaxially oriented, and a thickness direction thread inserted in
a direction to intersect the fiber layers to connect the laminated fiber layers. The
thickness direction thread insertion needle includes a proximal end portion and an
insertion portion, which is formed to be thinner than the proximal end portion and
is selectively inserted in the laminated fiber layers. The insertion portion includes
a distal end and a needle's eye formed close to the distal end. A coating formed on
the insertion portion. The coating having a surface roughness of 0.1 µm or more and
0.7 µm or less in terms of the center line average roughness Ra, and the coating improves
the wear resistance of the insertion portion.
[0007] Another aspect of the present invention provides a thickness direction thread insertion
needle, which includes a proximal end portion and an insertion portion, which is formed
to be thinner than the proximal end portion and is selectively inserted in laminated
fiber layers. The insertion portion includes a distal end and a needle's eye formed
close to the distal end. The surface of the insertion portion includes grooves extending
in an axial direction of the insertion portion. The surface of the insertion portion
is coated with wear resistant plating.
[0008] Furthermore, another aspect of the present invention provides a method for producing
a three-dimensional fibrous structure. The three-dimensional fibrous structure includes
laminated fiber layers formed by laminating fiber layers to be at least biaxially
oriented, and a thickness direction thread inserted in the laminated fiber layers
to intersect the fiber layers thereby connecting the laminated fiber layers. The laminated
fiber layers includes an insertion area in which the thickness direction thread is
inserted. The production method includes arranging thickness direction thread insertion
needles in a row. Each thickness direction thread insertion needle includes a proximal
end portion, an insertion portion, and a coating. The insertion portion is formed
to be thinner than the proximal end portion and is selectively inserted in the laminated
fiber layers. The insertion portion includes a distal end and a needle's eye formed
close to the distal end. The coating is formed on the insertion portion. The coating
has a surface roughness of 0.1 µm or more and 0.7 µm or less in terms of the center
line average roughness Ra. The coating improves the wear resistance of the insertion
portion. Loops are formed by simultaneously thrusting thickness direction thread insertion
needles arranged in a row into the laminated fiber layers with the thickness direction
threads in a state where the laminated fiber layers are retained on a frame. The thickness
direction thread insertion needles are thrust into the laminated fiber layers until
the needle's eyes project outside of the laminated fiber layers. Loops are formed
by the thickness direction threads on the side of the laminated fiber layers from
which the thickness direction thread insertion needles project. A lock yarn is inserted
in the loops along an arrangement direction of the thickness direction thread insertion
needles. The laminated fiber layers are tightened by pulling back the thickness direction
thread insertion needles from the laminated fiber layers after inserting the lock
yarn in the loops. The thickness direction yarn is inserted in the insertion area
of the laminated fiber layers by repeating the forming of loops, the insertion of
the lock yarn, and the tightening of the laminated fiber layers. The laminated fiber
layers are then removed from the frame.
[0009] Furthermore, another aspect of the present invention provides a method for producing
a three-dimensional fibrous structure that uses different thickness direction thread
insertion needles. Each thickness direction thread insertion needle includes a proximal
end portion and an insertion portion, which is formed to be thinner than the proximal
end portion and is selectively inserted in the laminated fiber layers. The insertion
portion includes a distal end and a needle's eye formed close to the distal end. The
surface of the insertion portion includes grooves extending in an axial direction
of the insertion portion. The surface of the insertion portion is coated with wear
resistant plating.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010]
Fig. 1(a) is a front view illustrating a thickness direction thread insertion needle
according to one embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 1(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line 1b-1b of Fig. 1(a);
Fig. 1(c) is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line 1c-1c of Fig. 1(a);
Fig. 1(d) is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line 1d-1d of Fig. 1(a);
Fig. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a procedure for inserting
the thickness direction thread insertion needle of Fig. 1(a) to laminated fiber layers;
Fig. 3 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a three-dimensional fibrous structure
production apparatus including the thickness direction thread insertion needles of
Fig. 1(a);
Fig. 4(a) is a partially enlarged view of Fig. 2;
Fig. 4(b) is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a state where loops of
thickness direction threads are formed by penetrating the thickness direction thread
insertion needles of Fig. 4(a) in the laminated fiber layers;
Fig. 5(a) is a front view illustrating a thickness direction thread insertion needle
according to a modified embodiment;
Fig. 5(b) is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line 5b-5b of Fig. 5(a);
Fig. 5(c) illustrates a thickness direction thread insertion needle according to another
modified embodiment,
and is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state where the intervals of grooves
are changed from Fig. 5(b); and
Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a state where a lock yarn is inserted in
the loops of the thickness direction threads.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0011] Figs. 1 to 4 show one embodiment of the present invention.
[0012] First, the structure of a thickness direction thread insertion needle 11 will be
explained with reference to Figs. 1(a) to 1(d). As shown in Figs. 1(a) and 1(b), the
thickness direction thread insertion needle 11, which is formed of carbon steel or
alloy steel, includes a proximal end portion 12 and an insertion portion 13. The insertion
portion 13 is formed to be thinner than the proximal end portion 12, and is selectively
inserted in laminated fiber layers. A needle's eye 14 is formed close to the distal
end of the insertion portion 13. The needle's eye 14 penetrates the insertion portion
13 in a direction perpendicular to an axis CL of the insertion portion 13. In the
preferred embodiment, the axis CL of the insertion portion 13 represents the axis
of the thickness direction thread insertion needle 11, and the direction of the axis
CL of the insertion portion 13 represents the axial direction of the thickness direction
thread insertion needle 11.
[0013] As shown in Fig. 1(d), the cross-section of the proximal end portion 12 is D-shaped,
and part of the circumferential surface of a circular column is removed by a flat
portion 12a. As shown in Figs. 1(a) and 1(b), the insertion portion 13 includes a
large diameter portion 13a and a small diameter portion 13b. The thickness of the
thickness direction thread insertion needle 11 changes roughly by two steps along
the axis CL from the proximal end portion 12 to the large diameter portion 13a, and
from the large diameter portion 13a to the small diameter portion 13b. The thickness
direction thread insertion needle 11 includes a thread groove 15, which extends from
the distal end of the insertion portion 13 to the proximal end portion 12. As shown
in Fig. 1(b), the thread groove 15 is located on the opposite side of the insertion
portion 13 from the flat portion 12a with respect to the axis CL of the insertion
portion 13.
[0014] The thickness direction thread insertion needle 11 is subjected to heat treatment
such as quenching and tempering so as to have necessary hardness. As shown in Fig.
1(c), a matte plating layer 16 is formed on the surface of the insertion portion 13.
Figs. 1(a) and 1(b) do not show the matte plating layer 16. The matte plating layer
16 reduces or prevents, for example, adhesion of the thickness direction thread, on
which the sizing agent is applied, to the surface of the insertion portion 13. That
is, the matte plating layer 16 functions as a coating for providing the insertion
portion 13 with non-adhesiveness against, for example, the thickness direction thread.
The surface roughness of the matte plating layer 16 is formed such that the center
line average roughness Ra is 0.1 µm or more and 0.7 µm or less.
[0015] The matte plating layer 16 is formed by roughening the surface of the needle material
of the thickness direction thread insertion needle 11 by shot blasting, and then coating
the surface of the needle material with plating. The roughening degree of the surface
of the needle material by the shot blasting is set (adjusted) such that the surface
roughness after the plating process becomes equal to a target roughness. The matte
plating layer 16 of the preferred embodiment is formed by hard chrome plating such
that the plating thickness is 20 µm. Since the hard chrome plating has excellent wear
resistance, the matte plating layer 16 functions also as a coating to improve wear
resistance.
[0016] Next, a method for producing a three-dimensional fibrous structure using the thickness
direction thread insertion needles 11 formed as described above will now be explained.
A production apparatus of the three-dimensional fibrous structure used in the preferred
embodiment has basically the same structure as the production apparatus disclosed
in Patent Document 1 except the thickness direction thread insertion needles 11, and
produces the three-dimensional fibrous structure in the similar method. Thus, detailed
explanation of the structure and the production procedures of the production apparatus
is omitted as required.
[0017] As shown in Fig. 3, a production apparatus 20 of the three-dimensional fibrous structure
uses a frame 22 on which a number of pins 21 are detachably mounted at predetermined
pitch. The production apparatus 20 arranges laminated fiber layers 23 formed on the
frame 22 such that the thickness direction of the laminated fiber layers 23 extends
in the horizontal direction. An X-axis direction and a Y-axis direction of the laminated
fiber layers 23 define a two-dimensional plane of the laminated fiber layers 23, and
the X-axis direction extends in the horizontal direction while the Y-axis direction
extends in the vertical direction. A Z-axis direction extends in the thickness direction
of the laminated fiber layers 23. The production apparatus 20 simultaneously inserts
one row of thickness direction threads z at a time along the Y-axis direction of the
laminated fiber layers 23. That is, the laminated fiber layers 23 have an insertion
area in which the thickness direction threads z are inserted. The term "thread" in
the thickness direction threads z is not limited to twisted fibers, but may also include
continuous fibers, that is, filaments that are tied in a bundle without being twisted.
[0018] As shown in Fig. 3, the production apparatus 20 includes a table 24, which is movable
along a rail (not shown). A pair of support brackets (not shown) for supporting the
frame 22 project on the table 24. A bolt insertion hole 22a is formed in each of corners
of the frame 22, and the frame 22 is secured to the support brackets by bolts that
penetrate the bolt insertion holes 22a. The laminated fiber layers 23 are formed on
the frame 22 secured to the support brackets.
[0019] As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the production apparatus 20 includes a needle support
body 25, which supports the thickness direction thread insertion needles 11 secured
in one row. That is, the arrangement direction of the thickness direction thread insertion
needles 11 is the Y-axis direction in this embodiment. The thickness direction thread
insertion needles 11 insert the thickness direction threads z in the laminated fiber
layers 23 on the frame 22. A drive apparatus (not shown) moves the needle support
body 25 between a standby position and an operational position. As shown in Figs.
2, 3, and 4(a), when the needle support body 25 is at the standby position, the thickness
direction thread insertion needles 11 cannot engage with the laminated fiber layers
23 on the frame 22. As shown in Fig. 4(b), when the needle support body 25 is at the
operational position, the thickness direction thread insertion needles 11 penetrate
the laminated fiber layers 23, and the needle's eyes 14 reach the opposite side of
the laminated fiber layers 23 from the needle support body 25.
[0020] As shown in Fig. 3, the production apparatus 20 includes perforation needles 26 the
number of which is the same as that of the thickness direction thread insertion needles
11. The perforation needles 26 previously form bores 23a (shown in Fig. 4(b)) at predetermined
positions of the laminated fiber layers 23 before thrusting the thickness direction
thread insertion needles 11 into the laminated fiber layers 23. That is, the perforation
needles 26 form the bores 23a in the laminated fiber layers 23 so that the thickness
direction thread insertion needles 11 easily thrust the laminated fiber layers 23.
A perforation needle support body 27 holds the perforation needles 26 secured in a
row at the predetermined pitch corresponding to the thickness direction thread insertion
needles 11. The drive apparatus (not shown) moves the perforation needle support body
27 between the standby position and the operational position while keeping the row
of the perforation needles 26 to be parallel to the row of the thickness direction
thread insertion needles 11. As shown in Figs. 2, 3, 4(a), and 4(b), when the perforation
needle support body 27 is at the standby position, the perforation needles 26 cannot
engage with the laminated fiber layers 23 on the frame 22. When the perforation needle
support body 27 is at the operational position, the perforation needles 26 penetrate
the laminated fiber layers 23 and form the bores 23a.
[0021] As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the production apparatus 20 includes a press plate 28
for pressing the laminated fiber layers 23 on the frame 22. The press plate 28 presses
the laminated fiber layers 23 from the side from which the thickness direction thread
insertion needles 11 are inserted. The press plate 28 includes a support portion 28a,
and comb teeth 28b, which are formed integrally with the support portion 28a. The
support portion 28a extends in the direction in which the thickness direction thread
insertion needles 11 are arranged, that is, in the Y-axis direction. The cross-section
of the support portion 28a in the direction perpendicular to the Y-axis direction
is L-shaped.
[0022] The comb teeth 28b the number of which is the same as that of the thickness direction
thread insertion needles 11 are arranged in the Y-axis direction. The comb teeth 28b
each include a recess 28c, which includes a surface that guides the associated thickness
direction thread insertion needle 11 or the associated perforation needle 26. As shown
in Fig. 4(b), the press plate 28 presses the laminated fiber layers 23 in a state
where the thickness direction thread insertion needles 11 or the perforation needles
26 are sandwiched between the comb teeth 28b. The dimension of the press plate 28
in the Y-axis direction is formed slightly shorter than the interior width of the
frame 22, and the press plate 28 presses the laminated fiber layers 23 without being
engaged with the frame 22.
[0023] As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the production apparatus 20 includes a pair of press blocks
29, 30. The press blocks 29, 30 are located on the opposite side of the frame 22 from
the press plate 28. The cross-section of the press blocks 29, 30 in the direction
perpendicular to the Y-axis direction is L-shaped, and the dimension in the Y-axis
direction is the same as the press plate 28. The press blocks 29, 30 each include
a contact portion, which contacts the laminated fiber layers 23, and the distance
between the contact portions is greater than the pitch of the pins 21.
[0024] The press blocks 29, 30 are arranged to face the press plate 28. Furthermore, the
press blocks 29, 30 are arranged close to each other so as to generate a gap at the
position corresponding to the arrangement position of the recesses 28c. The gap of
the press blocks 29, 30 permits the thickness direction thread insertion needles 11
or the perforation needles 26 to enter. An air cylinder (not shown) moves the press
blocks 29, 30 between the standby position and the operational position. As shown
in Fig. 3, when the press blocks 29, 30 are at the standby position, the press blocks
29, 30 cannot engage with the laminated fiber layers 23. As shown in Figs. 2 and 4(a),
when the press blocks 29, 30 are at the operational position, the press blocks 29,
30 press the laminated fiber layers 23 in the retracting direction of the thickness
direction thread insertion needles 11 or the perforation needles 26. That is, the
press plate 28 and the press blocks 29, 30 sandwich and compress the laminated fiber
layers 23.
[0025] As shown in Fig. 3, the table 24 includes a hole 24a, and the hole 24a is arranged
to correspond to the lower end of the laminated fiber layers 23 on the frame 22 held
by the support brackets. The production apparatus 20 includes a lock yarn insertion
needle 31, which is movable in the direction in which the row of thickness direction
thread insertion needles 11 are arranged, that is, the Y-axis direction. The lock
yarn insertion needle 31 is arranged to correspond to the row of thickness direction
thread insertion needles 11 that has penetrated the laminated fiber layers 23. The
distal end of the lock yarn insertion needle 31 includes a latch (not shown). The
drive apparatus (not shown) reciprocates the lock yarn insertion needle 31 between
the operational position and the standby position. When the lock yarn insertion needle
31 is in the operational position, the lock yarn insertion needle 31 penetrates the
loops formed by the thickness direction threads z connected to the row of thickness
direction thread insertion needles 11. When the lock yarn insertion needle 31 is in
the standby position, the lock yarn insertion needle 31 retracts from the position
corresponding to the laminated fiber layers 23.
[0026] A method for producing the plate-like three-dimensional fibrous structure using the
production apparatus 20 configured as described above will now be described. First,
the laminated fiber layers 23 are formed using the rectangular frame 22 on which the
pins 21 are detachably arranged at predetermined pitch as shown in Fig. 3. A fiber
bundle, which is a carbon fiber bundle in this embodiment, is arranged in the longitudinal
direction of the frame 22, which is the X-axis direction, while being folded back
as the carbon fiber bundle is engaged with the pins 21. This forms a fiber layer,
which is an X-thread layer in this embodiment. Furthermore, another fiber layer, which
is a Y-thread layer in this embodiment, is formed by arranging the carbon fiber bundle
in the Y-axis direction, which is the width direction of the frame 22. The carbon
fiber bundle is arranged in a bias direction as required to further form another fiber
layer, which is a bias thread layer. The bias direction intersects the X-axis direction
and the Y-axis direction. When a predetermined number of the thread layers (fiber
layers) are laminated on the frame 22, the laminated fiber layers 23 are formed. The
term "fiber layer" may include one that is formed by arranging a fiber bundle that
is not twisted and one that is formed by arranging a thread (twisted fiber bundle).
[0027] Next, the thickness direction threads z are inserted in the laminated fiber layers
23 while the frame 22 that holds the laminated fiber layers 23 is secured to the support
brackets on the table 24 with bolts. Figs. 2 and 4(a) show the state where insertion
of the thickness direction threads z and a lock yarn P have been performed two cycles,
and insertion of the thickness direction threads z is being performed for the third
time. Fig. 4(a) is a partially enlarged view of Fig. 2. Fig. 4(a) shows the state
where the bores 23a have been formed by the perforation needles 26 at the position
on the laminated fiber layers 23 where the thickness direction threads z are to be
inserted, and the thickness direction thread insertion needles 11 are arranged at
the position corresponding to the bores 23a.
[0028] To form the bores 23a with the perforation needles 26, the press plate 28 and the
press blocks 29, 30 hold and compress the position of the laminated fiber layers 23
corresponding to the row of perforation needles 26. Advancing the perforation needles
26 from the standby position to the operational position in this holding state causes
the perforation needles 26 to penetrate the laminated fiber layers 23, and form the
bores 23a. Thereafter, the perforation needles 26 are retracted from the operational
position to the standby position. The perforation needles 26 are guided by the recesses
28c of the comb teeth 28b so as to be inserted perpendicular to the laminated fiber
layers 23. Since the laminated fiber layers 23 are arranged in close contact with
each other to some extent by the compression of the press plate 28 and the press blocks
29, 30, the bores 23a are formed after the perforation needles 26 are removed.
[0029] After the press block 29 is arranged at the standby position as shown in Fig. 4(b)
from the state shown in Figs. 2 and 4(a), the needle support body 25 is advanced to
the operational position so that the thickness direction thread insertion needles
11 simultaneously thrust the laminated fiber layers 23. That is, the thickness direction
thread insertion needles 11 arranged in a row in the Y-axis direction simultaneously
thrust the laminated fiber layers 23 together with the thickness direction threads
z. The thickness direction thread insertion needles 11 are inserted through the laminated
fiber layers 23 until the needle's eyes 14 project to the outside of the laminated
fiber layers 23. More specifically, the needle's eyes 14 are advanced until they project
from the surface of the laminated fiber layers 23, on which the press block 30 abuts
against, and come close to the press block 29.
[0030] After the thickness direction thread insertion needles 11 reach the advancing end,
the thickness direction thread insertion needles 11 are slightly retracted. As a result,
the thickness direction threads z form the loops L as shown in Fig. 4(b). That is,
a loop forming process is performed. The loops L are formed by part of the thickness
direction threads z that extend from the laminated fiber layers 23 to the needle's
eyes 14. The loops L permit the lock yarn insertion needle 31 to pass therethrough.
That is, the loops L are formed by the thickness direction threads z on the side of
the laminated fiber layers 23 from which the thickness direction thread insertion
needles 11 project. The side of the laminated fiber layers 23 from which the thickness
direction thread insertion needles 11 project refers to the side of the laminated
fiber layers 23 opposite from the needle support body 25, or to the side where the
press blocks 29, 30 are located with respect to the laminated fiber layers 23.
[0031] When the thickness direction thread insertion needles 11 are inserted through the
laminated fiber layers 23, the press block 29 is arranged at the standby position.
Thus, the force by which the production apparatus 20 presses the laminated fiber layers
23 is slightly reduced. However, since the thickness direction thread insertion needles
11 are inserted through the bores 23a, which are previously formed by the perforation
needles 26, the resistance caused when the thickness direction thread insertion needles
11 are inserted through the laminated fiber layers 23 is reduced. Thus, the arrangement
of the thread of the laminated fiber layers 23 is not disturbed.
[0032] Next, the lock yarn insertion needle 31 is actuated in the state of Fig. 4(b). The
lock yarn insertion needle 31 passes through a loop (not shown) of the lock yarn P
that is previously inserted, and advances in the arrangement direction of the thickness
direction thread insertion needles 11, that is, the Y-axis direction. That is, a lock
yarn insertion process is performed. When the distal end of the lock yarn insertion
needle 31 passes through the loops L of the thickness direction threads z held by
the thickness direction thread insertion needles 11 and reaches the edge of the laminated
fiber layers 23, the lock yarn insertion needle 31 is stopped. At this time, the lock
yarn P that extends from a lock yarn feed portion (not shown) is latched on the distal
end of the lock yarn insertion needle 31. When the latch at the distal end of the
lock yarn insertion needle 31 is closed, the lock yarn insertion needle 31 is moved
back so as not to pull in the loops L. As a result, the lock yarn P is inserted through
the loops L of the thickness direction threads z while being folded back. That is,
the loop of the lock yarn P that is latched on the lock yarn insertion needle 31 is
inserted through the loop of the lock yarn P that is previously inserted.
[0033] Thereafter, the thickness direction thread insertion needles 11 are retracted away
from the laminated fiber layers 23 from the state of Fig. 4(b), and are arranged at
the standby position. The press block 29 is arranged at the operational position again.
In this state, when a tension adjusting portion (not shown) pulls back the thickness
direction threads z from the laminated fiber layers 23, the thickness direction threads
z inserted in the laminated fiber layers 23 are tightened while being locked by the
lock yarn P. That is, a laminated fiber layer tightening process is performed. Then,
the row of perforation needles 26 and the row of thickness direction thread insertion
needles 11 are returned to the initial position (standby position). The press plate
28 and the press blocks 29, 30 are also arranged at the standby position. As described
above, one insertion cycle of the thickness direction threads z is completed.
[0034] Next, when the table 24 moves by an amount corresponding to the insertion pitch of
the thickness direction threads z, the perforation needles 26 face the next insertion
position of the thickness direction threads z into the laminated fiber layers 23.
Hereinafter, the insertion cycle of the thickness direction threads z is successively
executed in the same manner as described above, and the thickness direction threads
z are inserted in the predetermined insertion area of the laminated fiber layers 23.
That is, the loop forming process, the lock yarn insertion process, and the laminated
fiber layer tightening process are repeated so that the thickness direction threads
z are inserted in the insertion area of the laminated fiber layers 23. As a result,
the thread layers forming the laminated fiber layers 23 are connected by the thickness
direction threads z, and thus, the three-dimensional fibrous structure is produced.
After insertion of the thickness direction threads z in the entire thickness direction
thread insertion area of the laminated fiber layers 23 is finished, the pins 21 are
detached from the frame 22, and the three-dimensional fibrous structure is removed
from the frame 22. This completes the manufacture of the three-dimensional fibrous
structure.
[0035] The sizing agent is applied to the carbon fiber bundle, which is used as the thickness
direction threads z. Thus, conventionally, the thickness direction threads z undesirably
adhered to the surface of the thickness direction thread insertion needles when forming
the loops L by slightly pulling back the thickness direction thread insertion needles
that are inserted in the laminated fiber layers 23. As the thickness direction threads
z returns together with the thickness direction thread insertion needles, the size
of the loops L are reduced. Even if the size of the loop L of one of the thickness
direction threads z is reduced, the lock yarn insertion needle cannot smoothly pass
through the entire one row of loops L, and an operator needs to manually adjust the
loops L each time.
[0036] However, according to the preferred embodiment (the present invention), anti-adhesive
treatment is performed on the surface of the insertion portions 13 of the thickness
direction thread insertion needles 11 to prevent adhesion of the fiber bundle. More
specifically, the matte plating layer 16 having a surface roughness of 0.1 µm or more
and 0.7 µm or less in terms of the center line average roughness Ra is formed on the
surface of each insertion portion 13 by hard chrome plating. As a result, when forming
the loops L by slightly pulling back the thickness direction thread insertion needles
11, the fiber bundles are inhibited from adhering to the thickness direction thread
insertion needles 11. Thus, the loops L having a predetermined size or more are stably
formed. Therefore, the lock yarn P is smoothly inserted in the loops L using the lock
yarn insertion needle 31. Furthermore, the laminated fiber layers 23 are tightened
by the thickness direction threads z via the lock yarn P by pulling back the thickness
direction threads z from the laminated fiber layers 23 together with the thickness
direction thread insertion needles 11.
[0037] As an experiment, the surface roughness of the insertion portions 13 was changed,
and the rate of loop forming was measured. The diameter of the small diameter portions
13b of the thickness direction thread insertion needles 11 used for measuring the
loop forming rate was 1 mm, and the diameter of the thickness direction threads z
was 0.5 mm. The loop forming rate shows by percentage the rate of the number of times
the loops L that are successfully formed when insertion of the thickness direction
threads z is executed 100 cycles. When the greatest distance between the loop L and
the associated thickness direction thread insertion needle 11 is 3 mm or more, it
was determined that the loop was successfully formed. As a result of the experiment,
when the surface roughness was less than Ra 0.1 µm, that is, when the surface roughness
of the thickness direction thread insertion needles was not modified from the conventional
apparatus, the loop forming rate was 10% or less. However, when the surface roughness
of the thickness direction thread insertion needles was changed, and the center line
average roughness was set to Ra 0.5 µm, the loop forming rate was 100%. Also, even
when the center line average roughness was Ra 0.1 µm or Ra 0.7 µm, the loop forming
rate was 80% or more.
[0038] The preferred embodiment has the following advantages.
- (1) The coating, which is the matte plating layer 16 in this embodiment, is formed
on the insertion portions 13 of the thickness direction thread insertion needles 11
that are inserted in the laminated fiber layers 23. The surface roughness of the matte
plating layer 16 is formed such that the center line average roughness Ra is 0.1 µm
or more and 0.7 µm or less. Thus, when slightly pulling back the thickness direction
thread insertion needles 11 that are thrust in the laminated fiber layers 23 from
the laminated fiber layers 23, the thickness direction threads z are inhibited from
adhering to the surface of the insertion portions 13. Thus, the loops L of the thickness
direction threads z are stably formed to have a certain size or more for each row
of the thickness direction thread insertion needles 11. Thus, the three-dimensional
fibrous structure is smoothly produced.
- (2) The matte plating layer 16 is formed by forming irregularities of a desired roughness
on the surface of the needle material of the thickness direction thread insertion
needles 11 by shot blasting, and then coating the surface of the needle material with
plating. Thus, the matte plating layer 16 having the desired surface roughness is
formed by changing the condition of the shot blasting.
- (3) The matte plating layer 16 is formed by hard chrome plating having satisfactory
wear resistance. Thus, the wear resistance of the thickness direction thread insertion
needles 11 is improved.
- (4) The laminated fiber layers 23 and the thickness direction threads z are formed
by carbon fiber bundle. When forming the laminated fiber layers 23 and the thickness
direction threads z by the carbon fiber bundle, several hundreds to several tens of
thousands of thin fibers are put into a bundle to form one carbon fiber bundle. Thus,
for example, when the sizing agent is not applied to the carbon fiber bundle, the
arrangement of the fiber bundle and the insertion of the thickness direction threads
z into the laminated fiber layers 23 are not smoothly performed. When using the thickness
direction threads z to which the sizing agent is applied, the conventional thickness
direction thread insertion needles cannot form the loops L of the thickness direction
threads z stably to have a certain size or more. However, according to the thickness
direction thread insertion needles 11 of the preferred embodiment, even if the laminated
fiber layers 23 and the thickness direction threads z are formed by the carbon fiber
bundle, the loops L of the thickness direction threads z are stably formed to have
a certain size or more.
[0039] The preferred embodiment may be modified as follows.
[0040] The fiber that forms the laminated fiber layers 23 and the thickness direction threads
z is not limited to a carbon fiber, but may be, for example, an aramid fiber, a poly-p-phenylene
benzobisoxazole (PBO) fiber, an ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber, a
polyarylate fiber, a polyacetal fiber, or a high-strength polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)
fiber.
[0041] The surface treatment for forming the matte plating layer 16 is not limited to forming
desired irregularities on the surface of the needle material of the thickness direction
thread insertion needles 11 by shot blasting, but the surface of the needle material
may be subjected to honing.
[0042] Type of plating for forming the matte plating layer 16 is not limited to chrome plating
such as hard chrome plating, but may be other wet plating or dry plating. Other wet
plating includes nickel plating and electroless nickel plating. Dry plating includes
forming a titanium nitride film by ion plating.
[0043] The method for forming the matte plating layer 16 on the surface of the insertion
portions 13 is not limited to coating the surface of the needle material with plating
after performing surface treatment for roughening the surface of the needle material
by shot blasting or honing. The matte plating layer 16 may be formed by coating the
surface of the needle material with composite plating without performing the surface
treatment for roughening the surface of the needle material. The composite plating
is a plating method in which particles are drawn into the coating by plating the surface
of an object, that is, the insertion portion 13 in the preferred embodiment, in a
state where particles are suspended in the plating bath. The surface roughness of
the matte plating layer 16 is adjusted by adjusting the diameter of the particles
suspended in the bath. When forming the matte plating layer 16 by composite plating,
shot blasting and honing are not necessary, which reduces the number of processes.
The composite plating preferably sustains particles of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)
in electroless nickel plating.
[0044] Particles used in composite plating do not need to be PTFE particles, but may be
particles of aluminum oxide, silicon oxide, titanium oxide, zirconium oxide, silicon
carbide, boron carbide, or boron nitride.
[0045] The structure in which non-adhesiveness against the thickness direction threads z
is applied to the surface of the insertion portions 13 of the thickness direction
thread insertion needles 11 is not limited to the coating treatment that makes the
surface roughness of the insertion portions 13 to be 0.1 µm or more and 0.7 µm or
less in terms of the center line average roughness Ra. Figs. 5(a) and 5(b) show a
thickness direction thread insertion needle 11 of another embodiment. As shown in
Fig. 5(b), grooves 17, which extend in the axial direction (the direction of the axis
CL) of the thickness direction thread insertion needle 11, may be formed on the surface
of the insertion portion 13 to be parallel to each other. The grooves 17 provide the
surface of the insertion portion 13 with non-adhesiveness to the thickness direction
thread z. The grooves 17 are formed on the surface of the insertion portion 13 except
where the thread groove 15 is formed. The width of the grooves 17 is less than the
width of the thread groove 15, and the depth of the grooves 17 is less than the depth
of the thread groove 15. The width of the grooves 17 is set smaller than the diameter
of the thickness direction threads z, and is preferably 0.5 mm or less. The pitch
between the adjacent grooves 17 is substantially the same as the width of the grooves
17. Fig. 5(b) does not show the plating layer although plating is provided on the
surface of the thickness direction thread insertion needles 11. Fig. 5(a) does not
show the grooves 17.
[0046] The pitch between the adjacent grooves 17 may also be greater than the width of the
grooves 17 as shown in Fig. 5(c).
[0047] The grooves 17 shown in Figs. 5(b) and 5(c) do not need to extend parallel to the
axial direction of the thickness direction thread insertion needles 11, but may be
formed to extend slightly inclined with respect to the axial direction of the thickness
direction thread insertion needles 11.
[0048] The thread groove 15 provided on the insertion portion 13 may be omitted from the
thickness direction thread insertion needles 11 of Figs. 1(c), 5(b), and 5(c).
[0049] The three-dimensional fibrous structure produced using the thickness direction thread
insertion needles 11 may have shapes other than the plate-like shape. For example,
thickness direction thread insertion needles 11 may be used in a method for producing
the three-dimensional fibrous structure that has an angled shape, a rectangular cylinder
shape, a circular cylinder shape, or a curved plate shape.
[0050] When inserting the perforation needles 26 and the thickness direction thread insertion
needles 11 into the laminated fiber layers 23, the press plate 28 may be arranged
at the standby position, and only the press blocks 29, 30 may be arranged at the operational
position. In this case, since the perforation needles 26 and the thickness direction
thread insertion needles 11 are inserted in the laminated fiber layers 23 in a state
where the fiber layers are not compressed, the resistance when inserting the perforation
needles 26 and the thickness direction thread insertion needles 11 into the laminated
fiber layers 23 is reduced. This permits the perforation needles 26 and the thickness
direction thread insertion needles 11 to be smoothly inserted in the laminated fiber
layers 23.
[0051] The press blocks 29, 30 arranged on the side of the laminated fiber layers 23 from
which the thickness direction thread insertion needles 11 project do not need to be
a pair, but only either one of the press blocks 29, 30 may be provided.
[0052] The recesses 28c may be omitted by slightly increasing the size of the gaps between
the comb teeth 28b of the press plate 28 than the outer diameter of the thickness
direction thread insertion needles 11 and the perforation needles 26. The press plate
28 may be one that does not include the comb teeth 28b, and includes simply a straight
pressing section extending along the row of thickness direction thread insertion needles
11.
[0053] Holes do not need to be previously formed in the laminated fiber layers 23 with the
perforation needles 26, and the thickness direction thread insertion needles 11 may
be directly inserted in the laminated fiber layers 23 depending on the thickness of
the laminated fiber layers 23 and the type of the fiber.
[0054] The press plate 28 and the press blocks 29, 30 may be omitted, and the thickness
direction thread insertion needles 11 may be directly inserted in the laminated fiber
layers 23 depending on the thickness of the laminated fiber layers 23 and on the types
of the fiber.
[0055] The loop portion of the lock yarn P does not need to be locked by successively inserting
the loop portion of the lock yarn P into the loop portion of the previously inserted
lock yarn P. The lock yarn P may be locked by simply tightening the thickness direction
threads z.
[0056] The structure of the laminated fiber layers 23 shown in Fig. 3 may be changed as
long as it is at least biaxially oriented in a plane. For example, the fiber layers
23 may be made biaxially oriented in a plane by omitting the bias thread, or may be
made triaxially oriented in a plane by arranging the fiber bundles at an angle of
60° with respect to each other. The laminated fiber layers 23 may also be formed by
laminating woven fabrics.
1. A thickness direction thread insertion needle used for producing a three-dimensional
fibrous structure, the three-dimensional fibrous structure including laminated fiber
layers formed by laminating a plurality of fiber layers to be at least biaxially oriented,
and a thickness direction thread inserted in a direction to intersect the fiber layers
to connect the laminated fiber layers, the thickness direction thread insertion needle
being
characterized by:
a proximal end portion;
an insertion portion, which is formed to be thinner than the proximal end portion
and is selectively inserted in the laminated fiber layers, the insertion portion including
a distal end and a needle's eye formed close to the distal end; and
a coating formed on the insertion portion, the coating having a surface roughness
of 0.1 µm or more and 0.7 µm or less in terms of the center line average roughness
Ra, and the coating improves the wear resistance of the insertion portion.
2. The thickness direction thread insertion needle according to claim 1, characterized in that the laminated fiber layers and the thickness direction thread are each formed by
a carbon fiber bundle.
3. The thickness direction thread insertion needle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the coating is formed by roughening the surface of needle material of the thickness
direction thread insertion needle and then coating the surface with plating.
4. The thickness direction thread insertion needle according to claim 3, characterized in that treatment for roughening the surface of the needle material is performed by shot
blasting.
5. The thickness direction thread insertion needle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the coating is formed by composite plating.
6. A thickness direction thread insertion needle being
characterized by:
a proximal end portion; and
an insertion portion, which is formed to be thinner than the proximal end portion
and is selectively inserted in laminated fiber layers, the insertion portion including
a distal end and a needle's eye formed close to the distal end, the surface of the
insertion portion includes a plurality of grooves extending in an axial direction
of the insertion portion, and the surface of the insertion portion is coated with
wear resistant plating.
7. A method for producing a three-dimensional fibrous structure, the three-dimensional
fibrous structure including laminated fiber layers formed by laminating a plurality
of fiber layers to be at least biaxially oriented, and a thickness direction thread
inserted in the laminated fiber layers to intersect the fiber layers thereby connecting
the laminated fiber layers, the laminated fiber layers including an insertion area
in which the thickness direction thread is inserted, the production method being
characterized by:
arranging a plurality of thickness direction thread insertion needles in a row, each
thickness direction thread insertion needle including a proximal end portion, an insertion
portion, which is formed to be thinner than the proximal end portion and is selectively
inserted in the laminated fiber layers, the insertion portion including a distal end
and a needle's eye formed close to the distal end, and a coating formed on the insertion
portion, the coating having a surface roughness of 0.1 µm or more and 0.7 µm or less
in terms of the center line average roughness Ra, and the coating improves the wear
resistance of the insertion portion;
simultaneously thrusting a plurality of thickness direction thread insertion needles
arranged in a row into the laminated fiber layers with the thickness direction threads
in a state where the laminated fiber layers are retained on a frame, so as to cause
the needle's eyes of the thickness direction thread insertion needles to project outside
of the laminated fiber layers, such that loops are formed by the thickness direction
threads on the side of the laminated fiber layers from which the thickness direction
thread insertion needles project;
inserting a lock yarn in the loops along an arrangement direction of the thickness
direction thread insertion needles;
tightening the laminated fiber layers by pulling back the thickness direction thread
insertion needles from the laminated fiber layers after inserting the lock yarn in
the loops; and
inserting the thickness direction yarn in the insertion area of the laminated fiber
layers by repeating the forming of loops, the insertion of the lock yarn, and the
tightening of the laminated fiber layers, and then removing the laminated fiber layers
from the frame.
8. A method for producing a three-dimensional fibrous structure, the three-dimensional
fibrous structure including laminated fiber layers formed by laminating a plurality
of fiber layers to be at least biaxially oriented, and a thickness direction thread
inserted in the laminated fiber layers to intersect the fiber layers thereby connecting
the laminated fiber layers, the laminated fiber layers including an insertion area
in which the thickness direction thread is inserted, the production method being
characterized by:
arranging a plurality of thickness direction thread insertion needles in a row, each
thickness direction thread insertion needle including a proximal end portion and an
insertion portion, which is formed to be thinner than the proximal end portion and
is selectively inserted in the laminated fiber layers, the insertion portion including
a distal end and a needle's eye formed close to the distal end, the surface of the
insertion portion includes a plurality of grooves extending in an axial direction
of the insertion portion, and the surface of the insertion portion is coated with
wear resistant plating;
simultaneously thrusting a plurality of thickness direction thread insertion needles
arranged in a row into the laminated fiber layers with the thickness direction threads
in a state where the laminated fiber layers are retained on a frame, so as to cause
the needle's eyes of the thickness direction thread insertion needles to project outside
of the laminated fiber layers, such that loops are formed by the thickness direction
threads on the side of the laminated fiber layers from which the thickness direction
thread insertion needles project;
inserting a lock yarn in the loops along the arrangement direction of the thickness
direction thread insertion needles;
tightening the laminated fiber layers by pulling back the thickness direction thread
insertion needles from the laminated fiber layers after inserting the lock yarn in
the loops; and
inserting the thickness direction yarn in the insertion area of the laminated fiber
layers by repeating the forming of loops, the insertion of the lock yarn, and the
tightening of the laminated fiber layers, and then removing the laminated fiber layers
from the frame.