[Technical Field]
[0001] The present invention relates to a carbon fiber bundle capable of obtaining molded
products which has a good handling during high-order processing and which has carbon
fibers uniformly distributed, even when the carbon fiber bundle has a large total
fineness.
[Background Art]
[0003] Since carbon fibers are excellent in specific strength and specific elastic modulus,
carbon fibers are widely used from sports and leisure goods to aerospace applications.
In addition to sports applications such as golf club shafts and fishing rods and aircraft
applications, the development to so-called general industrial applications such as
windmill members for power generation, automobile members, CNG tanks, seismic reinforcement
of structures, and ship members is progressed, and a carbon fiber bundle having a
large mass per unit length (total fineness) is required.
[0004] When a carbon fiber bundle having a large total fineness is processed into a prepreg
by a drum winding method or when various composite materials are molded by a filament
winding method or the like, a resin is applied to the carbon fiber bundle by a touch
roll method. However, according to the conventional technique, the parts with a high
fiber content and the parts with a low fiber content are partially present in the
molded article, and the parts with the low fiber content may be the starting point
of early fracture.
[0005] One of the causes is considered to be thickness unevenness in the width direction
of the carbon fiber bundle having a large total fineness. The width of the carbon
fiber bundle having a large total fineness has to be regulated by a width regulating
guide or the like to prevents adjacent fiber bundles that is undergoing processing
from being in contact with each other and entangled or stuck to each other in a sintering
step, a sizing agent applying step, or the like during the production step of the
carbon fiber precursor fiber bundle. When passing through the width regulating guide,
the fiber bundle is in a state of being pressed from both sides, and thickness unevenness
is likely to occur.
[0006] In addition, when the carbon fiber bundle is wound, the width is narrowed by a concavely
curved guide, therefore thickness unevenness is likely to occur.
[0007] Patent Document 1 discloses a method for manufacturing a carbon fiber bundle having
a wide width and large total fineness in which the variation rate of the yarn width
is small and the yarn width is uniform during unwinding, when winding 60,000 carbon
fiber bundles, by twisting the fiber bundle 90 degrees at a traverse place, twisting
back again, and winding around with a concavely curved guide.
[0008] Patent Document 2 discloses a method for reducing the variation of yarn width by
a guide that stabilizes a yarn path when winding 36,000 carbon fiber bundles.
[0009] Patent Document 3 discloses a carbon fiber bundle obtained by impregnating 24,000
fiber bundles with a sizing agent after sintering and being in contact with a heat
roller having a surface temperature of 120°C to 140°C for 15 to 30 seconds such that
oblateness (ratio between width and thickness of carbon fiber bundle) of the cross
section of the fiber bundle is 40 to 90 and a drape value (softness of the carbon
fiber bundle) is 50 to 100 mm.
[Citation List]
[Patent Documents]
[Summary of Invention]
[Technical Problem]
[0011] However, in Patent Document 1, the variation rate of the thickness is large as shown
in Comparative Example of the present application.
[0012] In Patent Documents 2 and 3, the variation rate of the thickness of the carbon fiber
bundle is not described and is not controlled.
[0013] In the sizing agent applying step, the carbon fiber bundle is passed through the
comb guide, dried and wound while the variation rate of the thickness is kept large,
so that the variation rate of the thickness is still large.
[0014] The objective of the present invention is to provide a carbon fiber bundle capable
of solving the conventional issues and obtaining molded products which has a good
handling during high-order processing, which has carbon fibers uniformly distributed,
and which has uniform fiber content, even when the carbon fiber bundle has a large
total fineness.
[Solution to Problem]
[0015] The carbon fiber bundle according to the present invention has the following characteristics.
- [1] A carbon fiber bundle having a total fineness of 2 g/m or more and a variation
rate of a thickness of the fiber bundle in a width direction of the fiber bundle of
30% or less.
- [2] The carbon fiber bundle according to [1], wherein the number of single fibers
is 20,000 or more.
- [3] The carbon fiber bundle according to [1] or [2], wherein the fiber bundle has
an average thickness of 0.18 to 0.28 mm.
- [4] The carbon fiber bundle according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the fiber
bundle has a variation rate of a width in a length direction of the fiber bundle of
13% or less.
- [5] The carbon fiber bundle according to any of [1] to [4], wherein the fiber bundle
has a width of 13 to 18 mm.
- [6] The carbon fiber bundle according to any of [1] to [5], wherein the fiber bundle
has a flatness (width/average thickness) of 60 to 70.
- [7] The carbon fiber bundle according to any one of [1] to [6], wherein a cantilever
value is 210 to 250 mm and a stickability is 0.18 m or less.
- [8] The carbon fiber bundle according to any of [1] to [7], wherein an adhesion amount
of a sizing agent is 0% to 20% by mass.
- [9] The carbon fiber bundle according to any of [1] to [8], wherein a fiber-fiber
dynamic friction coefficient is 0.2 or less.
- [10] The carbon fiber bundle according to any of [1] to [9], wherein a fiber-metal
dynamic friction coefficient is 0.18 or less.
- [11] A manufacturing method of a carbon fiber bundle, comprising in an averaging member
having two or more parallel rods arranged between a sizing agent dryer and a winder
or a transfer device, passing a carbonized fiber bundle through the averaging member
such that each of a surface A of the carbonized fiber bundle and a surface B of the
carbonized fiber bundle opposite side to the surface A comes into contact with the
rods at least once or more.
- [12] The manufacturing method of a carbon fiber bundle according to [11], wherein
a distance between adjacent rods of the parallel rods is 15 to 50 mm.
- [13] The manufacturing method of a carbon fiber bundle according to [11] or [12],
wherein in the passing the carbonized fiber bundle, the carbonized fiber bundle is
passed such that the carbonized fiber bundle is brought into contact with the parallel
rods in a state where a surface direction of a carbon fiber bundle in contact with
a roller one before the parallel rods is twisted by 90°.
- [14] The manufacturing method of a carbon fiber bundle according to any of [11] to
[13], wherein in the passing the carbonized fiber bundle, the carbonized fiber bundle
is passed such that a maximum width of the carbonized fiber bundle in contact with
the parallel rods is 5% to 20% wide with respect to a width of a carbonized fiber
bundle in contact with a roller one before the parallel rods.
- [15] The manufacturing method according to [13] or [14], wherein the roller is located
upstream of the parallel rods in a traveling direction of the carbonized fiber bundle,
and a length direction of the roller and a length direction of the parallel rods are
substantially perpendicular to each other.
- [16] The manufacturing method according to any of [13] to [15], wherein a distance
from a center of the roller to a center of the parallel rods is preferably 200 to
1,500 mm and more preferably 500 to 1,000 mm at a position where the distance is shortest.
- [17] The manufacturing method of a carbon fiber bundle according to any of [11] to
[16], wherein in the passing the carbonized fiber bundle, the carbonized fiber bundle
is flat, and the carbonized fiber bundle is passed through the averaging member such
that one surface A of the carbonized fiber bundle is brought into contact with the
parallel rods located upstream in a traveling direction of the carbonized fiber bundle
and then the other surface B of the carbonized fiber bundle is brought into contact
with the parallel rods located downstream in the traveling direction of the carbonized
fiber bundle.
- [18] The manufacturing method of a carbon fiber bundle according to any of [11] to
[17], the manufacturing method comprising before the passing the carbonized fiber
bundle, changing a direction of a surface of the carbonized fiber bundle with a length
direction of the carbonized fiber bundle as an axis.
- [19] The manufacturing method according to [18], wherein in changing the direction
of the surface, the surface of the carbonized fiber bundle is preferably tilted in
a width direction within a range of 30° to 150° with the length direction of the carbonized
fiber bundle as the axis, the surface of the carbonized fiber bundle is more preferably
tilted in the width direction within a range of 45° to 135° with the length direction
of the carbonized fiber bundle as the axis, the surface of the carbonized fiber bundle
is even more preferably tilted in the width direction within a range of 60° to 120°
with the length direction of the carbonized fiber bundle as the axis, and the surface
of the carbonized fiber bundle is particularly preferably tilted in the width direction
by 90° with the length direction of the carbonized fiber bundle as the axis.
- [20] The manufacturing method according to [18] or [19], wherein the changing the
direction of the surface is performed between a roller located upstream of the two
or more parallel rods in the traveling direction of the carbonized fiber bundle, and
the parallel rods located most upstream among the two or more parallel rods.
- [21] The manufacturing method according to any of [11] to [20], which is a manufacturing
method of the carbon fiber bundle according to any of [1] to [10].
[0016] The carbon fiber bundle according to the present invention also has the following
characteristics.
[1a] A manufacturing method of carbon fiber bundle, comprising bringing one surface
A of the carbonized fiber bundle into contact with a first rod and bringing the other
surface B of the carbonized fiber bundle into contact with a second rod.
[2a] The manufacturing method according to [1a], comprising changing a direction of
a surface of the carbonized fiber bundle with a length direction of the carbonized
fiber bundle as an axis.
[3a] The manufacturing method according to [2a], wherein in changing the direction
of the surface, the surface of the carbonized fiber bundle is preferably tilted in
a width direction within a range of 30° to 150° with the length direction of the carbonized
fiber bundle as the axis, the surface of the carbonized fiber bundle is more preferably
tilted in the width direction within a range of 45° to 135° with the length direction
of the carbonized fiber bundle as the axis, the surface of the carbonized fiber bundle
is even more preferably tilted in the width direction within a range of 60° to 120°
with the length direction of the carbonized fiber bundle as the axis, and the surface
of the carbonized fiber bundle is particularly preferably tilted in the width direction
by 90° with the length direction of the carbonized fiber bundle as the axis.
[4a] The manufacturing method according to [2a] or [3a], wherein the changing the
direction of the surface, the bringing the surface A into contact with the first rod,
and the bringing the surface B into contact with the second rod are performed in this
order.
[5a] The manufacturing method according to any of [2a] to [4a], wherein by performing
the changing the direction of the surface, the bringing the surface A into contact
with the first rod, and the bringing the surface B into contact with the second rod,
in this order, a width of the carbon fiber bundle after performing these steps is
widened to be in a range of 105% to 120% with respect to 100% of a width of the carbon
fiber bundle before performing these steps.
[6a] The manufacturing method according to any of [1a] to [5a], which is a manufacturing
method of the carbon fiber bundle according to any of [1] to [10].
[Advantageous Effects of Invention]
[0017] The carbon fiber bundle of the present invention is capable of obtaining molded products
which has a good handling during high-order processing and which has carbon fibers
uniformly distributed, even when the carbon fiber bundle has a large total fineness.
[Brief Description of Drawings]
[0018]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a method of calculating a variation rate of a thickness
of a carbon fiber bundle.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an apparatus used for measuring a fiber-fiber
dynamic friction coefficient and a fiber-metal dynamic friction coefficient of a carbon
fiber bundle.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of an averaging member used for manufacturing
the carbon fiber bundle of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an example of a state in which the carbonized
fiber bundle of the present invention passes through parallel rods.
FIG. 5 is a top view showing an example of the state in which the carbonized fiber
bundle of the present invention passes through the parallel rods.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of an arrangement place of an averaging member
of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a winder of the present invention.
[Description of Embodiments]
[0019] The carbon fiber bundle of the present invention is a carbon fiber bundle having
a total fineness of 2 g/m or more and a variation rate of a thickness of the fiber
bundle in a width direction of the fiber bundle of 30% or less.
[0020] The carbon fiber bundle of the present invention is a carbon fiber bundle having
a total fineness of 2.0 g/m or more. Since the productivity of the carbon fiber bundle
depends on the total fineness of the carbon fiber bundle, the carbon fiber bundle
can be efficiently manufactured in a case where the mass per unit length of the carbon
fiber bundle is large. The total fineness is more preferably 2.5 g/m or more and most
preferably 3 g/m or more.
[0021] The total fineness of 2.0 g/m expressed as dtex is 20,000 dtex.
[0022] The variation rate of the thickness of the carbon fiber bundle in the width direction
of the fiber bundle of the present invention (hereinafter, "the variation rate of
the thickness of the carbon fiber bundle in the width direction of the fiber bundle"
may be simply referred to as "the variation rate of the thickness") can be measured
by the method described later.
[0023] In the carbon fiber bundle of the present invention, the variation rate of the thickness
of the carbon fiber bundle is preferably 30% or less. By setting the variation rate
of the thickness of the carbon fiber bundle to 30% or less, it is possible to produce
a molded product in which carbon fibers are uniformly distributed. The variation rate
of the thickness of the carbon fiber bundle is more preferably 20% or less and even
more preferably 15% or less.
[0024] In the carbon fiber bundle of the present invention, the number of single fibers
is preferably 20,000 or more.
[0025] As the number of single fibers increases, the productivity increases, which is preferable.
In addition, the variation rate of thickness increases as the number of single fibers
increases, and therefore the manufacturing method of a carbon fiber bundle of the
present invention can be easily applied. From these viewpoints, the number of single
fibers is more preferably 30,000 or more and even more preferably 40,000 or more.
[0026] In the carbon fiber bundle of the present invention, an average thickness of the
fiber bundle is preferably 0.18 to 0.28 mm.
[0027] In a case where the average thickness of the fiber bundle is 0.18 mm or more, the
width of the carbon fiber bundle having a large total fineness does not excessively
increase and handleability is likely to be improved. In a case where the average thickness
of the fiber bundle is 0.28 mm or less, the variation rate of the thickness is likely
to be reduced.
[0028] From these viewpoints, the average thickness of the fiber bundle is more preferably
0.20 to 0.27 mm and even more preferably 0.21 to 0.25 mm.
[0029] In the carbon fiber bundle of the present invention, the variation rate of the width
of the fiber bundle in the length direction of the fiber bundle is preferably 13%
or less. In a case where the variation rate of the width of the fiber bundle is 13%
or less, a molded product in which carbon fibers are uniformly distributed is likely
to be produced. The variation rate of the thickness of the carbon fiber bundle is
more preferably 12% or less and even more preferably 11% or less.
[0030] The variation rate of the width of the carbon fiber bundle in the length direction
of the fiber bundle of the present invention can be measured by a method described
later.
(Measurement method of average value of thicknesses of carbon fiber bundle, variation
rate of thickness and width of carbon fibers, variation rate of width)
[0031] The measurement is performed in an environment where the room temperature is 25°C
and the humidity is 50%. The carbon fiber bundle is brought into contact with a free
rotating roller having a diameter of 60 mm with a wrap angle of θ = π (rad) in a state
where a tension of 0.40 cN/tex is applied to the carbon fiber bundle, a two-dimensional
line laser displacement sensor is installed on the intermediate point of the wrap
angle of the rotating roller, and displacement data is acquired at a ratio of 10 m/min
simultaneously in a line at an equal interval of 0.1 mm in the width direction of
the carbon fiber bundle. Excluding the measurement points in a region where the displacement
is 5% or less of the maximum value at both ends of the line of displacement data among
the line of data, the average value and the standard deviation of the displacement
are calculated (FIG. 1) and the variation rate is calculated from the ratio of both
of them. The average value of the displacement is referred to as an average value
of the thicknesses. At this time, the width of the range for calculating the average
value and the standard deviation of the thicknesses is recorded as the width of the
fiber bundle. The average value of the variation rate of each point obtained by measuring
300 points at intervals of 2 cm in the longitudinal direction of the carbon fiber
bundle is referred to as "the variation rate of the thickness in the width direction
of the carbon fiber bundle" of the carbon fiber bundle to be measured. In addition,
an average value and a standard deviation of the 300 points of widths of the fiber
bundle which are simultaneously obtained are calculated, the ratio of both of them
is referred to as "the variation rate of the width in the length direction of the
carbon fiber bundle" of the carbon fiber bundle to be measured, the average value
of the widths of the fiber bundle is referred to as the width of the carbon fibers.
[0032] In the carbon fiber bundle of the present invention, a width of the carbon fiber
bundle is preferably 13 to 18 mm.
[0033] In a case where the width of the carbon fibers is 13 mm or more, the thickness of
the fiber bundle does not excessively increase and the variation rate of the thickness
is likely to be reduced. In a case where the width of the carbon fibers is 18 mm or
less, the fiber bundle is not broken and handling is likely to become easy.
[0034] From these viewpoints, the width of the carbon fiber bundle is more preferably 13.5
to 16.5 mm and even more preferably 14 to 17 mm.
[0035] In the carbon fiber bundle of the present invention, the flatness (width/average
thickness) of the carbon fiber bundle is preferably 60 to 70.
[0036] In a case where the flatness of the carbon fiber bundle is 60 or more, the thickness
of the carbon fiber bundle does not excessively increase. In a case where the flatness
of the carbon fiber bundle is 70 or less, the width does not excessively increase
and handleability is likely to be improved.
[0037] From these viewpoints, the flatness is more preferably 61 to 69 and even more preferably
62 to 68.
[0038] In the carbon fiber bundle of the present invention, a cantilever value is preferably
210 to 250 mm.
[0039] In a case where the cantilever value is 210 mm or more, it is possible to secure
the convergence of the carbon fiber bundle traveling on the yarn path during high-order
processing and to prevent the generation of fluff in the yarn path leading to the
resin impregnation step from the creel accommodating the carbon fiber bundle when
impregnating the carbon fiber bundle with the resin. In a case where the cantilever
value is 250 mm or less, favorable openability between the carbon fiber filaments
can be secured during high-order processing. The cantilever value is more preferably
220 mm or more and 240 mm or less.
[0040] The cantilever value of the carbon fiber bundle can be measured by a method described
later.
(Measurement method of cantilever value of carbon fiber bundle)
[0041] The measurement is performed in an environment where the room temperature is 25°C
and the humidity is 50%. About 1 m of the carbon fiber bundle is unwound from the
carbon fiber bundle package without applying tension and cut out. In order to remove
the influence of the curling of the cut out carbon fiber bundle, one end of the carbon
fiber bundle is fixed, a weight of 13 mg/tex is attached to the other end, the carbon
fiber bundle is held in a state of being suspended in the vertical direction for 30
minutes, then the weight is removed, and 30 cm of the carbon fiber bundle is cut out
such that the end portion is not included to obtain a carbon fiber bundle for test.
In a measuring table having a horizontal plane and a slope with a tilt angle of 45
degrees that is tilted downward from one end (a linear shape) of the horizontal plane,
the carbon fiber bundle for test is placed in a state where the carbon fiber bundle
for test is not twisted and is not disordered on the horizontal plane and an end portion
(a linear shape) of the carbon fiber bundle for test is aligned with a boundary line
between the slope and the horizontal plane. A metal pressing plate is placed on the
carbon fiber bundle for test, and an end portion (a linear shape) of the pressing
plate is aligned with the boundary line. Next, the pressing plate is moved in the
horizontal direction toward the slope at a speed of 0.5 cm/sec, the movement of the
pressing plate is stopped at the time when the end portion of the carbon fiber bundle
for test comes into contact with the slope, and the shortest distance between the
boundary line and the time point where the end portion of the carbon fiber bundle
comes into contact with the slope is measured. The measurement is performed once for
each of the five carbon fiber bundles for test, and a simple average value of the
obtained values is used as the cantilever value of the carbon fiber bundle.
[0042] In the carbon fiber bundle of the present invention, a stickability is preferably
0.18 m or less.
[0043] In a case where the stickability is 0.18 m or less, it is possible to secure the
convergence of the carbon fiber bundle traveling on the yarn path during high-order
processing and to prevent the generation of fluff in the yarn path leading to the
resin impregnation step from the creel accommodating the carbon fiber bundle when
impregnating the carbon fiber bundle with the matrix resin. The stickability is more
preferably 0.16 m or less.
[0044] The stickability of the carbon fiber bundle can be measured by a method described
later.
(Measurement method of stickability of carbon fiber bundle)
[0045] The measurement is performed in an environment where the room temperature is 25°C,
the humidity is 50%, and there is no wind. While a spool having a diameter of 20 to
25 cm in which the carbon fiber bundle is wound, is held such that the axial direction
thereof is horizontal, the carbon fiber bundle is unwound without applying tension,
and the carbon fiber bundle is cut at a position which is 10 cm lower than the height
of the center of the shaft of the spool. Next, the spool is vertically erected such
that from the contact start point between the fiber bundle unwound by the unwinding
of the carbon fiber bundle and the spool, the direction in which the carbon fiber
bundle is obliquely wound on the spool is a direction in which the spool is moved
vertically. The spool is held without applying vibration. After holding for 10 minutes,
the carbon fiber bundle is cut off at a position 10 cm from the contact start point
with the spool, and the length of the carbon fiber bundle peeled off from the spool
is measured. The measurement is carried out three times, and a simple average value
of the obtained values is used as a measured value of the stickability of the carbon
fiber bundle.
[0046] In the carbon fiber bundle of the present invention, an adhesion amount of the sizing
agent is preferably 0% to 20% by mass.
[0047] In a case where the adhesion amount of the sizing agent is 20% by mass or less, the
fiber bundles do not easily adhere to each other, and thus the variation rate of the
thickness can be easily reduced.
[0048] From this viewpoint, the adhesion amount of the sizing agent is more preferably 15%
by mass or less, even more preferably 10% by mass or less, and most preferably 5%
by mass or less.
[0049] The lower limit value is preferably 0% by mass from the viewpoint of thickness unevenness,
but from the viewpoint that the carbon fiber bundles are bundled to improve handleability,
the adhesion amount of the sizing agent is more preferably 0.5% by mass or more and
even more preferably 1% by mass or more.
[0050] In the carbon fiber bundle of the present invention, a fiber-fiber dynamic friction
coefficient is preferably 0.2 or less.
[0051] In a case where the fiber-fiber dynamic friction coefficient is 0.2 or less, the
frictional force between a single yarn is reduced. Therefore, the generation of fluff
due to abrasion between the carbon fiber filaments is suppressed, and a phenomenon
called a ringer in which fluff surrounds the bobbin to prevent the carbon fiber bundle
from being unwound. The fiber-fiber dynamic friction coefficient is more preferably
0.17 or less.
[0052] The fiber-fiber dynamic friction coefficient can be measured by a method described
later.
(Measurement method of fiber-fiber dynamic friction coefficient)
[0053] An example of the measuring apparatus is shown in FIG. 2. The carbon fiber bundle
2 to be measured is wound and fixed without a gap on a drive roller 1 having a heating
device and having a diameter of 30 mm with a lead angle in a range of 0.1 to 0.5 mm
in thickness such that the thickness is uniform. In a state where the drive roller
1 is stopped, the carbon fiber bundle 2 to be measured is disposed in a yarn path
shown in FIG. 2 such that a wrap angle θ = π (rad). The surface temperature of the
drive roller 1 is 30°C. A weight 4 (T1 = 0.53 g/tex) is attached to one end portion
of the carbon fiber bundle 2 disposed in the yarn path, and a spring scale 5 is attached
to the opposite end. The drive roller 1 is rotated at a rotation speed of 60 rpm,
and one minute later, the center value T2 (g) of the indicated value of the spring
scale 5 is read. The measurement is carried out twice, and the fiber-fiber dynamic
friction coefficient is calculated from the average value of the obtained T2.
Fiber-fiber dynamic friction coefficient = π-1ln((average value of T2)/(T1 × total fineness))
[0054] In the carbon fiber bundle of the present invention, a fiber-metal dynamic friction
coefficient is preferably 0.18 or less.
[0055] In a case where the fiber-metal dynamic friction coefficient is 0.18 or less, the
frictional force between the metal guide and the carbon fiber filament is reduced,
and thus the abrasion resistance is improved. The fiber-metal dynamic friction coefficient
is more preferably 0.16 or less.
[0056] The fiber-metal dynamic friction coefficient can be measured by a method described
later.
(Measurement method of fiber-metal dynamic friction coefficient)
[0057] An example of the measuring apparatus is shown in FIG. 2. In a state where the drive
roller 1 having a heating device and having a diameter of 30 mm is stopped, the carbon
fiber bundle 2 to be measured is disposed in a yarn path shown in FIG. 2 such that
a wrap angle θ = π (rad). Unlike the measurement method of the fiber-fiber dynamic
friction coefficient described above, in the measurement method of the fiber-metal
dynamic friction coefficient, the carbon fiber bundle 2 to be measured is only hung
on the drive roller 1 and the carbon fiber bundle 2 is not wound. The drive roller
1 is a metal roller (Material: S45C-H, satin finish processing of mesh 400), and the
surface temperature is 30°C. A weight 4 (T3 = 0.53 g/tex) is attached to one end portion
of the carbon fiber bundle 2 disposed in the yarn path, and a spring scale 5 is attached
to the opposite end. The drive roller 1 is rotated at a rotation speed of 60 rpm,
and five minutes later, the center value T4 (g) of the indicated value of the spring
scale 5 is read. The measurement is carried out twice, and the fiber-metal dynamic
friction coefficient is calculated from the average value of the obtained T4.
Fiber-metal dynamic friction coefficient = π-1ln((average value of T4)/(T3 × total fineness))
(Manufacturing method of carbon fiber bundle)
[0058] The manufacturing method of a carbon fiber bundle of the present invention is not
particularly limited, and for example, the carbon fiber bundle can be manufactured
by a method including the following steps (a) to (i).
- (a) A step of spinning and coagulating a spinning dope to obtain a coagulated yarn.
- (b) A step of washing and drawing the coagulated yarn to obtain a precursor yarn that
is undergoing processing.
- (c) A step of adhering an oil to the precursor yarn that is undergoing processing
and drying and densifying it to obtain a precursor fiber bundle.
- (d) A step of subjecting the precursor fiber bundle to flame-resistant treatment to
obtain a flame-resistant fiber bundle.
- (e) A step of subjecting the flame-resistant fiber bundle to carbonization treatment
to obtain a carbonized fiber bundle.
- (f) A step of subjecting the carbonized fiber bundle to surface oxidation treatment.
- (g) A step of applying a sizing agent to the carbonized fiber bundle after surface
oxidation treatment.
- (h) A step of homogenizing the carbonized fiber bundle after applying the sizing agent.
- (i) A winding step of winding the carbonized fiber bundle on a bobbin to obtain a
carbon fiber bundle.
[0059] FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 show a general process chart of a step transition of applying the
sizing agent for the carbonized fiber bundle, and the averaging member of the present
invention is arranged at the part of the broken line indicated by A in FIG. 6.
[0060] In the step (a), a spinning dope is spun and coagulated to obtain a coagulated yarn.
[0061] The spinning dope used in the step (a) is not particularly limited. From the viewpoint
of expressing mechanical properties such as the strength of the carbon fibers, an
organic solvent solution of the acrylonitrile copolymer is preferable. The acrylonitrile
copolymer is a copolymer having 90% by mass or more of a repeating unit derived from
acrylonitrile, and is preferably a copolymer having 95% by mass or more of a repeating
unit derived from acrylonitrile.
[0062] In the acrylonitrile copolymer, examples of a repeating unit (hereinafter, referred
to as "copolymerization component") derived from other than acrylonitrile include
acrylic acid derivatives such as acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, itaconic acid, and
methyl acrylate, methacrylic acid derivatives such as methyl methacrylate, acrylamide
derivatives such as acrylamide, methacrylamide, N-methylolacrylamide, N,N-dimethylacrylamide,
and vinyl monomers such as vinyl acetate. The copolymerization component may be one
kind or two or more kinds thereof. As the copolymerization component, a vinyl monomer
having one or more carboxy groups is preferable.
[0063] The polymerization method for manufacturing the acrylonitrile copolymer is not particularly
limited, and examples thereof include solution polymerization in an organic solvent
for dissolving the acrylonitrile copolymer, precipitation polymerization in water,
and the like.
[0064] Examples of the organic solvent used for the spinning dope include polar organic
solvents such as dimethylacetamide, dimethylsulfoxide, and dimethylformamide. Since
the spinning dope obtained by using these polar organic solvents does not contain
a metal element, the content of the metal element in the carbon fiber bundle to be
obtained can be reduced. The solid content concentration of the spinning dope is preferably
20% by mass or more.
[0065] The spinning method may be any of wet spinning and dry-wet spinning. For example,
in wet spinning, a large number of filaments formed by spinning the spinning dope
from a spinneret in which a large number of discharge holes are disposed into a coagulation
liquid at a temperature controlled and coagulating, are bundled and collected as a
coagulated yarn. As the coagulation liquid, a known coagulation liquid such as a mixed
solution of water and a polar organic solvent used for the spinning dope can be used.
[0066] In the step (b), the coagulated yarn obtained in the step (a) is washed and drawn
to obtain a precursor yarn that is undergoing processing. The method for washing may
be any method as long as the solvent can be removed from the coagulated yarn, and
a known method can be employed. A more dense fibril structure can also be formed by
drawing the fibers in the air or in a solvent aqueous solution at high temperature
which has a lower solvent concentration than the coagulation liquid before washing
the coagulated yarn. In addition, the alignment of the acrylonitrile copolymer in
the fibers can be further improved by drawing the fibers in hot water after washing
the coagulated yarn.
[0067] In the step (c), an oil is adhered to the precursor yarn that is undergoing processing
obtained in the step (b) and the precursor yarn is dried and densified to obtain a
precursor fiber bundle. As the oil, known oils can be used, and examples thereof include
an oil composed of a silicone-based compound such as silicone oil.
[0068] The method for drying and densifying is not particularly limited as long as the precursor
yarn that is undergoing processing to which the oil has been adhered is densified
by drying using a known drying method.
[0069] The fibers after drying and densifying, as necessary, may be drawn 1.8 to 6 times
in pressure steam at 130°C to 200°C, or between heating rollers or on a heating plate
to carry out further improvement of the alignment of the precursor fiber bundle and
densification thereof.
[0070] In the step (d), the precursor fiber bundle obtained in the step (c) is subjected
to flame-resistant treatment to obtain a flame-resistant fiber bundle.
[0071] Examples of the flame-resistant treatment include a method of allowing the precursor
fiber bundle to pass, for 30 to 100 minutes, through a hot air furnace set to increase
the temperature in a stepwise manner at 220°C to 260°C. The fibers may be elongated
during the flame-resistant treatment. By performing the appropriate elongation in
the flame-resistant treatment, the alignment of the fibril structure forming the fibers
can be maintained or improved, and a carbon fiber bundle having excellent mechanical
properties can be easily obtained. The density of the single fibers constituting the
flame-resistant fiber bundle is preferably 1.33 to 1.40 g/cm
3.
[0072] In the step (e), the flame-resistant fiber bundle obtained in the step (d) is subjected
to carbonization treatment to obtain a carbonized fiber bundle. Examples of the carbonization
treatment include a treatment including first carbonization treatment of performing
heating treatment in which a maximum temperature is set from 600°C to 800°C in an
inert atmosphere such as nitrogen or the like, and second carbonization treatment
of performing heating treatment in which a maximum temperature is set from 1,200°C
to 2,000°C in an inert atmosphere such as nitrogen or the like.
[0073] The treatment time for the first carbonization treatment is preferably 1 to 3 minutes.
In the first carbonization treatment, from the viewpoint of promoting regular alignment
of the carbon structure, an elongation operation of 1% to 5% is preferably performed.
[0074] The treatment time in the second carbonization treatment is preferably 1.3 to 5 minutes.
The strength and elastic modulus of the carbon fiber bundle can be controlled by the
temperature and the treatment time in the second carbonization treatment. In the second
carbonization treatment, large shrinkage occurs in the fibers, and thus an elongation
ratio is preferably -5% to -2%. After the second carbonization treatment, additional
third carbonization treatment may be carried out as necessary.
[0075] In the step (f), the carbonized fiber bundle obtained in the step (e) is subjected
to a surface oxidation treatment. A known method can be employed for the surface oxidation
treatment, and examples thereof include electrolytic oxidation, chemical oxidation,
and air oxidation. Among these, electrolytic oxidation is preferable.
[0076] In the step (g), a sizing agent is applied to the carbonized fiber bundle obtained
in the step (f). It is possible to apply the sizing agent to the carbonized fiber
bundle by applying a solution in which the sizing agent is dissolved in an organic
solvent or an emulsion dispersed in water with an emulsifier or the like to the carbonized
fiber bundle and then drying.
[0077] Before and after applying the sizing agent, it is preferable to separate the carbonized
fiber bundles adjacent to each other by a comb guide or the like such that the carbonized
fiber bundles do not adhere to each other.
[0078] As the sizing agent, an agent having a fiber-fiber dynamic friction coefficient of
0.20 or less and a fiber-metal dynamic friction coefficient of 0.18 or less, which
are measured by the method described in the specification, is selected. As long as
the sizing agent has a fiber-fiber dynamic friction coefficient of 0.20 or less and
a fiber-metal dynamic friction coefficient of 0.18 or less, there is no particular
limitation.
[0079] The adhesion amount of the sizing agent to the carbon fiber bundle can be adjusted
by adjusting the concentration of the sizing agent in the solution or emulsion or
adjusting the throttle amount after applying the solution or emulsion. The adhesion
amount of the sizing agent to the carbon fiber bundle is preferably 0.4% to 2.0% with
respect to the total mass of the carbon fiber bundle to which the sizing agent is
adhered. The drying method after applying the solution or emulsion is not particularly
limited, and the drying can be performed using, for example, hot air, a hot plate,
a heating roller, an infrared heater, or the like.
[0080] In the step (h), a width of the carbonized fiber bundle is widened to make the thickness
of the fiber bundle uniform by using an averaging member for the carbonized fiber
bundle until the carbonized fiber bundle obtained in the step (g) is wound.
[0081] It is preferable that the averaging member loosens the fiber bundle such that the
single fiber is likely to move, by applying an external force to the fiber bundle
to widen the width of the fiber bundle. As the means for applying an external force
to the single fiber, friction between the fiber and a metal member, an air flow, vibration,
or the like is used, and friction between the fiber and the metal member is preferable
because it can be realized with a simple device.
[0082] When manufacturing a large number of carbon fiber bundles, it is preferable to widen
the carbon fiber bundles in a direction avoiding contact with adjacent fiber bundles.
By the averaging member, a carbon fiber bundle having a favorable cantilever value
and favorable stickability is obtained by constantly applying a physical external
force to the single fibers constituting the traveling fiber bundle to change a position
of the single fiber in the fiber bundle.
[0083] The averaging member used for manufacturing the carbon fiber bundle of the present
invention may be any means as long as a physical external force is constantly applied
to the single fiber, and it is only necessary to make the distribution uniform by
changing the positions of the single fibers constituting the carbonized fiber bundle
with each other by a physical external force while avoiding contact between the carbonized
fiber bundles traveling adjacent to each other by the averaging member.
[0084] The shape of the averaging member, which applies an external force to the single
fiber by friction between the fiber and the metal member, is not particularly limited.
As the averaging member, a parallel rod guide, a comb guide, or the like can be used,
and it is preferable to use a parallel rod guide that can efficiently apply an external
force to the single fiber and can adjust the external force to be applied. FIG. 3
shows an example of the parallel rod guide. In the parallel rod guide, two straight
rods having a smooth surface are preferably held in parallel.
[0085] In the manufacturing method of a carbon fiber bundle of the present invention, in
an averaging member having two or more parallel rods arranged between a sizing agent
dryer and a traverse guide device or a transfer device, each of a surface A of a carbonized
fiber bundle and a surface B of the carbonized fiber bundle opposite side to the surface
A comes into contact with the rods at least once or more.
[0086] In this way, the fiber bundle is widened in the width direction, and the adhesion
between the single fibers is likely to be loosened.
[0087] The surfaces of the rods that come into contact with the carbonized fiber bundles
may be parallel to each other. In addition, the shape of the rod is not particularly
limited, such as a circular shape or a square shape. However, in a case where the
surface with which the carbonized fiber bundles come into contact has corners, fluffing
is likely to be generated, and thus the rod preferably is configured with a curved
plane such that the carbonized fiber bundle comes into contact with the plane.
[0088] Since the fiber bundle is loosened by contacting each of the surface A and the surface
B with the rod once, the variation rate of the thickness is likely to be reduced.
[0089] From the viewpoint that the fiber bundle is loosened, the rods preferably come into
contact with the surface A and the surface B in alternate order of the surface A,
the surface B, the surface A, and the surface B as the manner in which the first rod
A comes into contact with the surface A, and the second rod comes into contact with
the surface B.
[0090] In the manufacturing method of a carbon fiber bundle of the present invention, a
distance between adjacent rods of the parallel rods is preferably 15 to 50 mm.
[0091] In a case where the distance between the adjacent rods of the parallel rods is 15
mm or more, the carbonized fiber bundle can be easily passed through, and in a case
where the distance thereof is 50 mm or less, the effect of widening the width is likely
to be exhibited.
[0092] From these viewpoints, the distance between the adjacent rods of the parallel rods
is more preferably 17 to 45 mm and even more preferably 19 to 40 mm.
[0093] In the manufacturing method of a carbon fiber bundle of the present invention, the
carbonized fiber bundle is preferably passed such that the carbonized fiber bundle
is brought into contact with the parallel rods in a state where a surface direction
of a carbon fiber bundle in contact with a roller one before the parallel rods is
twisted by 90°.
[0094] By twisting the carbonized fiber bundle by 90°, an external force is applied to the
carbonized fiber bundle, and the width of the carbonized fiber bundle is likely to
be widen. In addition, when a plurality of carbonized fiber bundles are traveling
in parallel, it is preferable because the carbonized fiber bundle does not come into
contact with adjacent carbonized fiber bundles and does not take up space.
[0095] In the manufacturing method of a carbon fiber bundle of the present invention, the
maximum width of the carbonized fiber bundle in contact with the parallel rods is
preferably 5% to 20% wide with respect to the width of the carbonized fiber bundle
in contact with the roller one before the parallel rods.
[0096] In addition, the rod is preferably fixed, however in a case where the rod has a resistance
such that the surface speed of the rod becomes slower than the speed of the fiber
bundle and thus an external force is applied as a frictional force is generated to
the rod and the fiber bundle, the rod may rotate.
[0097] In the winding process of the step (i), the carbon fiber bundle is wound on the winding
core while being traversed to obtain a spool of the carbon fiber bundle. The method
for winding the carbon fiber bundle may be any method as long as the carbon fiber
bundle can be wound on the spool in a state where there is no twist or the like. The
fiber bundle is narrowed because of the free roll guide 11 having a dent in front
of the traverse, but thickness unevenness does not occur by using the averaging member
of the present invention.
[0098] In addition, the carbon fiber bundle may be transferred to a packaging box or the
like instead of being wound on the spool.
Examples
[0099] Hereinafter, the present invention will be specifically described with reference
to examples, but the following examples do not limit the scope of the present invention.
(Measurement method of amount of abrasion fluff)
[0100] The carbon fiber bundle is unwound from the bobbin at a unwinding tension of 0.40
cN/tex and a traveling speed of the carbon fiber bundle of 20 m/min, brought into
contact with a fixed metal rod having a diameter of 8 mm (Material: SUS304, chromium-plated-mirror
surface treatment) with a wrap angle of 15° via the roller, and abrased. After the
carbon fiber bundle has passed 500 m, the traveling thereof is stopped, and fluff
deposited on the stainless steel rod is collected and its mass is measured. The measurement
was carried out three times, and a simple average value of the obtained values was
used as the amount of abrasion fluff.
[Examples 1 to 10]
(Manufacture of carbon fiber bundle)
[0101] A precursor fiber bundle having a single fiber fineness of 1.33 dtex and the number
of a single fiber of 50,000 was subjected to flame-resistant treatment in a heated
air of 240°C to 260°C in a hot air circulation type flame-resistant furnace with an
elongation ratio of -3.9% for 66 minutes to obtain a flame-resistant fiber bundle,
then subjected to pre-carbonization treatment under a nitrogen atmosphere in a heat
treatment furnace having a maximum temperature of 700°C with an elongation ratio of
1.5% for about 1.5 minutes, and subsequently subjected to carbonization treatment
under a nitrogen atmosphere in a heat treatment furnace having a maximum temperature
of 1,350°C with an elongation ratio of -4.5% for about 1.5 minutes to obtain a carbonized
fiber bundle.
[0102] Next, a carbonized fiber bundle was allowed to travel in a 5% by mass aqueous solution
of ammonium bicarbonate, and the carbonized fiber bundle as a positive electrode was
subjected to energization treatment between with the counter electrode such that the
amount of electricity is 30 coulomb per 1 g of the carbonized fiber bundle, then washed
with warm water at 90°C, and dried. Subsequently, the carbon fiber bundle was immersed
in a water dispersion containing 6.0% of a sizing agent containing a bisphenol A type
epoxy resin as a main component. Next, the carbonized fiber strand was passed through
the nip roller, and then brought into contact with a roller heated to 150°C for 30
seconds to dry moisture, thereby obtaining a carbonized fiber bundle in which 1.6
wt% of a sizing agent was adhered to the carbon fiber bundle.
[0103] A step of averaging the carbonized fiber bundles to which the sizing agent was adhered,
was run. As the averaging member, the parallel rods having two cylinders with a diameter
of 5 mm and arranged in parallel with a distance between the centers of 30 mm were
used, and the parallel rods were disposed perpendicular to a surface of the fiber
bundle having a width direction. The setting angle of the parallel rods was adjusted
such that the gap between the cylinders was 0 mm when viewed in a traveling direction
of the carbonized fiber bundle. The carbonized fiber bundle was twisted 90° in the
axial direction by the parallel rods, passed such that the carbon fiber bundle was
brought into contact with the parallel rods in a state where the width direction of
the fiber bundle is the vertical direction, then twisted back 90° by a horizontal
roller, and wound on 10 spools.
[0104] Various evaluations of the carbon fiber bundle thus obtained were carried out. To
measure the thickness of the carbon fiber bundle, using a two-dimensional laser displacement
sensor (manufactured by KEYENCE CORPORATION, sensor head: LJ-V7080, controller: LJ-V7000),
thickness data is acquired simultaneously in a line in a width direction of the carbon
fiber bundle. The results are shown in Table 1.
[0105] In Examples, the variation rate of the thickness of the carbon fiber bundle was half
or less, which was a favorable result, as compared with Comparative Examples including
the conventional step in which there was no parallel rod as the averaging member.
[0106] In addition, the cantilever value and the stickability were lower than in Comparative
Examples, and it was found that the fiber bundles were loosened.
[0107] In the carbon fiber bundle obtained in these Examples, the variation rate of the
thickness of the fiber bundle in the width direction of the fiber bundle is small,
and thus a constant amount of resin can be applied to a unit amount of the carbon
fibers by a touch roll method. Therefore, the fiber content in the molded article
becomes uniform.
[Comparative Examples 1 to 4]
[0108] A carbon fiber bundle was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1 except that
the carbon fiber bundle was wound on four spools at the winding portion without running
the step of homogenizing the carbon fiber bundle after the sizing step. Table 1 shows
the results of various evaluations. The obtained carbon fiber bundle had a variation
rate of the thickness of the carbon fiber bundle of more than 35%, which was poor.
[Table 1]
|
Variation rate of width of fiber bundle of carbon fiber bundle |
Variation rate of thickness of fiber bundle of carbon fiber bundle in width direction
of fiber bundle |
Cantilever value |
Stickability |
Fiber-fiber dynamic friction coefficient |
Fiber-metal dynamic friction coefficient |
Amount of abrasion fluff |
Tow width |
Tow thickness |
Flatness |
[%] |
[%] |
[mm] |
[m] |
[-] |
[-] |
[g] |
[mm] |
[mm] |
Example 1 |
10.5 |
13.8 |
230 |
0.16 |
0.166 |
0.152 |
0.01 |
16.5 |
0.193 |
85.5 |
Example 2 |
11.5 |
14.8 |
250 |
0.15 |
0.17 |
0.154 |
0.01 |
14.8 |
0.24 |
61.7 |
Example 3 |
10.6 |
14.3 |
210 |
0.15 |
0.168 |
0.152 |
0.01 |
15.5 |
0.217 |
71.4 |
Example 4 |
10.8 |
14.6 |
220 |
0.14 |
0.162 |
0.15 |
0.01 |
15.1 |
0.217 |
69.6 |
Example 5 |
11.2 |
162 |
200 |
0.16 |
0.165 |
0.152 |
0.03 |
14.9 |
0.239 |
62.3 |
Example 6 |
11.7 |
17.4 |
200 |
0.17 |
0.174 |
0.162 |
0.03 |
14.6 |
0.241 |
60.6 |
Example 7 |
11.8 |
18.4 |
265 |
0.19 |
0.168 |
0.158 |
0.05 |
13.9 |
0.252 |
55.2 |
Example 8 |
11.6 |
17.8 |
260 |
0.19 |
0.172 |
0.158 |
0.04 |
14.7 |
0.246 |
59.8 |
Example 9 |
12.3 |
18.1 |
260 |
0.19 |
0.164 |
0.157 |
0.04 |
13.7 |
0.262 |
52.3 |
Example 10 |
12 |
19.1 |
270 |
0.2 |
0.166 |
0.156 |
0.05 |
13.8 |
0.253 |
54.5 |
Average value |
11.4 |
16.5 |
236.5 |
0.2 |
0.168 |
0.155 |
0.028 |
14.75 |
0.236 |
62.5 |
Comparative Example 1 |
142 |
37.4 |
270 |
0.21 |
0.172 |
0.165 |
0.11 |
14.8 |
0.231 |
64.1 |
Comparative Example 2 |
14.5 |
38.6 |
280 |
0.22 |
0.168 |
0.155 |
0.13 |
14.4 |
0.245 |
58.8 |
Comparative Example 3 |
156 |
39.8 |
270 |
0.22 |
0.175 |
0.163 |
0.15 |
13.6 |
0.257 |
52.9 |
Comparative Example 4 |
15.1 |
38.2 |
270 |
0.21 |
0.164 |
0.154 |
0.14 |
14.2 |
0.252 |
56.3 |
Average value |
14.9 |
38.5 |
272.5 |
0.215 |
0.170 |
0.159 |
0.133 |
14.25 |
0.246 |
57.9 |
[Industrial Applicability]
[0109] The carbon fiber bundle of the present invention is capable of obtaining molded products
which has a good handling during high-order processing and which has carbon fibers
uniformly distributed, even when the carbon fiber bundle has a large total fineness.
[Reference Signs List]
[0110]
1: Drive roller
2: Carbon fiber bundle
3: Free roller
4: Weight
5: Spring scale
6: Parallel rods (averaging member)
7: Carbonized fiber bundle
8: Sizing agent bath
9: Dryer
10: Winder
11: Free roll
A: Arrangement place of averaging member
1. A carbon fiber bundle having a total fineness of 2 g/m or more and a variation rate
of a thickness of the fiber bundle in a width direction of the fiber bundle of 30%
or less.
2. The carbon fiber bundle according to Claim 1,
wherein the number of single fibers is 20,000 or more.
3. The carbon fiber bundle according to Claim 1 or 2,
wherein the fiber has an average thickness of 0.18 to 0.28 mm.
4. The carbon fiber bundle according to any one of Claims 1 to 3,
wherein the fiber bundle has a variation rate of a width in a length direction of
the fiber bundle of 13% or less.
5. The carbon fiber bundle according to any one of Claims 1 to 4,
wherein the fiber bundle has a width of 13 to 18 mm.
6. The carbon fiber bundle according to any one of Claims 1 to 5,
wherein the fiber bundle has a flatness (width/average thickness) of 60 to 70.
7. The carbon fiber bundle according to any one of Claims 1 to 6,
wherein a cantilever value is 210 to 250 mm and a stickability is 0.18 m or less.
8. The carbon fiber bundle according to any one of Claims 1 to 7,
wherein an adhesion amount of a sizing agent is 0% to 20% by mass.
9. The carbon fiber bundle according to any one of Claims 1 to 8,
wherein a fiber-fiber dynamic friction coefficient is 0.2 or less.
10. The carbon fiber bundle according to any one of Claims 1 to 9,
wherein a fiber-metal dynamic friction coefficient is 0.18 or less.
11. A manufacturing method of a carbon fiber bundle, comprising:
in an averaging member having two or more parallel rods arranged between a sizing
agent dryer and a winder or a transfer device, passing a carbonized fiber bundle through
the averaging member such that each of a surface A of the carbonized fiber bundle
and a surface B of the carbonized fiber bundle opposite side to the surface A comes
into contact with the rods at least once or more.
12. The manufacturing method of a carbon fiber bundle according to Claim 11,
wherein a distance between adjacent rods of the parallel rods is 15 to 50 mm.
13. The manufacturing method of a carbon fiber bundle according to Claim 11 or 12,
wherein in the passing the carbonized fiber bundle, the carbonized fiber bundle is
passed such that the carbonized fiber bundle is brought into contact with the parallel
rods in a state where a surface direction of a carbon fiber bundle in contact with
a roller one before the parallel rods is twisted by 90°.
14. The manufacturing method of a carbon fiber bundle according to any one of Claims 11
to 13,
wherein in the passing the carbonized fiber bundle, the carbonized fiber bundle is
passed such that a maximum width of the carbonized fiber bundle in contact with the
parallel rods is 5% to 20% wide with respect to a width of a carbon fiber bundle in
contact with a roller one before the parallel rods.
15. The manufacturing method according to Claim 13 or 14,
wherein the roller is located upstream of the parallel rods in a traveling direction
of the carbonized fiber bundle, and
a length direction of the roller and a length direction of the parallel rods are substantially
perpendicular to each other.
16. The manufacturing method according to any one of Claims 13 to 15,
wherein a distance from a center of the roller to a center of the parallel rods is
preferably 200 to 1,500 mm and more preferably 500 to 1,000 mm at a position where
the distance is shortest.
17. The manufacturing method of a carbon fiber bundle according to any of Claims 11 to
16,
wherein in the passing the carbonized fiber bundle, the carbonized fiber bundle is
flat, and the carbonized fiber bundle is passed through the averaging member such
that one surface A of the carbonized fiber bundle is brought into contact with the
parallel rods located upstream in a traveling direction of the carbonized fiber bundle
and then the other surface B of the carbonized fiber bundle is brought into contact
with the parallel rods located downstream in the traveling direction of the carbonized
fiber bundle.
18. The manufacturing method of a carbon fiber bundle according to any of Claims 11 to
17, the manufacturing method comprising:
before the passing the carbonized fiber bundle, changing a direction of a surface
of the carbonized fiber bundle with a length direction of the carbonized fiber bundle
as an axis.
19. The manufacturing method according to Claim 18,
wherein in changing the direction of the surface, the surface of the carbonized fiber
bundle is preferably tilted in a width direction within a range of 30° to 150° with
the length direction of the carbonized fiber bundle as the axis, the surface of the
carbonized fiber bundle is more preferably tilted in the width direction within a
range of 45° to 135° with the length direction of the carbonized fiber bundle as the
axis, the surface of the carbonized fiber bundle is even more preferably tilted in
the width direction within a range of 60° to 120° with the length direction of the
carbonized fiber bundle as the axis, and the surface of the carbonized fiber bundle
is particularly preferably tilted in the width direction by 90° with the length direction
of the carbonized fiber bundle as the axis.
20. The manufacturing method according to Claim 18 or 19,
wherein the changing the direction of the surface is performed between a roller located
upstream of the two or more parallel rods in the traveling direction of the carbonized
fiber bundle, and the parallel rods located most upstream among the two or more parallel
rods.
21. The manufacturing method according to any of claims 11 to 20, which is a manufacturing
method of the carbon fiber bundle according to any of claims 1 to 10.