Fiber placement device

Abstract

The invention is provided with a configuration surface for configuring and stacking reinforcing fiber yarns, a yarn configuration mechanism for pressing the reinforcing fiber yarns to be configured on the configuration surface, and a heating mechanism for heating the configuration surface. In one configuration cycle, the yarn configuration mechanism presses the reinforcing fiber yarn group toward the configuration surface preheated by the heating mechanism, moves a predetermined length in the first axis direction, adheres and fixes the reinforcing fiber yarn group to the configuration surface, and the configuration surface moves in the second axis direction which is approximately orthogonal to the first axis direction. The configuration cycle is repeated to arrange the reinforcing fiber yarns in a desired shape on the configuration surface. The heating mechanism is capable of relative movement in the second axis direction relative to the configuration surface. The heating mechanism preheats the area where the reinforcing fiber yarns are configured in the nth configuration cycle at the time point of the n-1th configuration cycle, wherein n is a natural number greater than 2.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority based on patent application No. 2020-059393 filed on March 30, 2020, and all the contents of this patent application are incorporated into this specification by reference.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a fiber placement device (laying device) used in the manufacture of fiber-reinforced plastic products. Background Art

[0003] As a method for manufacturing a preform (English: preform) having a three-dimensional shape and composed of reinforcing fibers such as glass fiber and carbon fiber used in the manufacture of reinforced fiber plastic products, the following technology is known. In this technology, first, a cutting pattern having a two-dimensional shape corresponding to the shape of the intended preform is cut out from a strip-shaped fabric substrate composed of reinforcing fibers. The cutting pattern is punched to form a preform having a three-dimensional shape. However, in this method, the fabric substrate remaining after the cutting pattern is cut out from the strip-shaped fabric substrate is discarded. Therefore, this method has the problems of poor yield of reinforcing fibers and high manufacturing costs.

[0004] As one method for solving this problem, a fiber placement method is known. In the fiber placement method, a plurality of reinforcing fiber yarns are arranged only at necessary places on a workbench and bonded to each other so as to form a two-dimensional shape corresponding to the shape of the intended preform. By punching the reinforcing fiber yarns arranged two-dimensionally in this way, a preform having a three-dimensional shape is manufactured.

[0005] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a fiber placement device that can arrange reinforcing fiber yarns on a workbench at high speed using this method. The device includes a yarn pressing mechanism that can press the reinforcing fiber yarns toward the workbench, a yarn supply mechanism that can supply the reinforcing fiber yarns to the workbench, and a cutter that is positioned independently of the yarn supply mechanism and presses the reinforcing fiber yarns toward the tip of the knife using the yarn pressing mechanism to cut the reinforcing fiber yarns. If this device is used, the reinforcing fiber yarns can be arranged on the workbench in a manner that becomes a desired two-dimensional shape. Therefore, the yield rate of the reinforcing fibers is improved. Moreover, according to this device, the reinforcing fiber yarns can be cut in a manner that does not slow down the operation of the yarn supply mechanism. Therefore, the arrangement of the reinforcing fiber yarns is accelerated.

[0006] On the other hand, regarding the technology of further stacking reinforcing fiber yarns on the arranged reinforcing fiber yarns, the following device is disclosed, for example, in Patent Document 2. This device presses the reinforcing fiber base material to which the adhesive is attached to the reinforcing fiber base material layer stacked on the preform forming jig or the preform forming jig using a heating and pressing roller. While the reinforcing fiber base material is pressed by the heating and pressing roller, the adhesive melts and the reinforcing fiber base material is bonded.

[0007] As a technology for ensuring the heating time of the adhesive contained in the reinforcing fiber substrate being arranged, for example, the following device is disclosed in Patent Document 3. The device has a pressure roller for pressing the reinforcing fiber yarn to the stacking fixture. In addition to preheating the reinforcing fiber yarn on the upstream side relative to the pressure roller, the device also preheats a portion of the area in the traveling direction of the pressure roller in the stacking fixture. By using this device, the area where the reinforcing fiber yarn is arranged can be preheated. As a result, by arranging the reinforcing fiber yarn in the preheated area, the adhesive can be softened or melted by heating for a relatively short time, and the cycle time required for the manufacture of the preform can be shortened.

[0008] Prior art literature

[0009] Patent Literature

[0010] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2016 / 047141

[0011] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-57767

[0012] Patent Document 3: International Publication No. 2016 / 146902 Summary of the invention

[0013] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0014] In the device described in Patent Document 1, an adsorption workbench is used as a means for fixing the reinforcing fiber yarn on the workbench. Therefore, the reinforcing fiber yarn in direct contact with the adsorption workbench is fixed on the adsorption workbench. However, when the reinforcing fiber yarn is further arranged again in the area on the adsorption workbench where the reinforcing fiber yarn is already arranged, the reinforcing fiber yarn cannot be fixed on the adsorption workbench. Therefore, in order to obtain a preform obtained by stacking a plurality of reinforcing fiber yarns using the above-mentioned device, the following processing is required. That is, after a group of reinforcing fiber yarns with one layer is arranged in a two-dimensional shape corresponding to the generated preform, the group of reinforcing fiber yarns is transferred to another stacking workbench. And, the group of reinforcing fiber yarns is further stacked on the multiple layers of reinforcing fiber yarn groups that have already been stacked on the stacking workbench. Due to such processing, in the technology of Patent Document 1, there are problems such as a longer cycle time involved in the manufacture of the preform and an increased manufacturing cost.

[0015] In addition, in order to bond the reinforcing fiber substrate using the apparatus described in Patent Document 2, the binder particles in the reinforcing fiber substrate need to be heated to the melting point while the heating and pressing roller is in contact with the reinforcing fiber substrate guided by the heating and pressing roller. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure sufficient contact time between the heating and pressing roller and the reinforcing fiber substrate. Therefore, the arrangement speed of the reinforcing fiber substrate is limited, and the tact time involved in the production of the preform is prolonged.

[0016] In the device described in Patent Document 3, the heating mechanism for preheating the laminating jig is mounted on the placement head including the pressure roller. Furthermore, the area preheated by the heating mechanism is limited to the area in the travel direction of the pressure roller. Therefore, in order to sufficiently heat the area in the travel direction of the pressure roller, the placement speed of the reinforcing fiber yarn cannot be set high. As a result, the effect of reducing the tact time involved in the production of the preform is a limited effect.

[0017] An object of the present disclosure is to reduce the heating waiting time for melting or softening of an adhesive, thereby arranging reinforcing fiber yarns at a high speed and shortening the time required for manufacturing a preform.

[0018] Means for solving problems

[0019] The present disclosure has been made to address at least a part of the above-mentioned problems and can be implemented as the following aspects.

[0020] (1) According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a fiber placement device is provided. The fiber placement device includes: a placement table having a placement surface for placing and stacking reinforcing fiber yarns; a yarn placement mechanism capable of releasing the reinforcing fiber yarns while pressing the reinforcing fiber yarns toward the placement surface, and placing the reinforcing fiber yarns on the placement surface along a first direction; a heating mechanism capable of heating a portion of the placement surface; and a control unit that controls the fiber placement device. The placement table and the yarn placement mechanism are configured to be relatively movable in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The placement table and the heating mechanism are configured to be relatively movable in the second direction. The control unit is capable of repeatedly performing a placement cycle. The placement cycle includes: a first process, which is a process of placing the reinforcing fiber yarns on the placement surface along the first direction with a predetermined length by using the yarn placement mechanism; and a second process, which is a process of moving the placement table relative to the yarn placement mechanism in the second direction. The control unit controls the heating mechanism to heat at least a portion of a region where the reinforcing fiber yarn is arranged in the n-th arrangement cycle before the (n-1)th (n is a natural number greater than or equal to 2) arrangement cycle is completed.

[0021] (2) In the fiber placement device of the above aspect, the control unit may control the heating mechanism to heat all regions where the reinforcing fiber yarns are placed in the nth placement cycle before the (n-1)th placement cycle is completed.

[0022] (3) In the fiber placement device of the above aspect, it can be configured as follows: the control unit may control the heating mechanism to heat at least a portion of a region where the reinforcing fiber yarn is placed in the nth placement cycle during execution of the (n-1)th placement cycle.

[0023] (4) In the fiber placement device of the above-mentioned manner, it can be set as follows: the heating mechanism has a plurality of heating devices arranged along the first direction and capable of being independently controlled, and the control unit sets the temperature of a heating device among the plurality of heating devices that heats the area where the reinforcing fiber yarn is last arranged in the nth arrangement cycle to be higher than the temperature of a heating device among the plurality of heating devices that heats the area where the reinforcing fiber yarn is first arranged in the nth arrangement cycle.

[0024] The fiber placement device according to the present disclosure for solving the above-mentioned problems has the following structures (1) to (4).

[0025] (1) A fiber placement device comprising at least: a placement surface for placing and stacking reinforcing fiber yarns, a yarn placement mechanism for pressing the reinforcing fiber yarns toward the placement surface, and a heating mechanism for locally heating the placement surface, characterized in that:

[0026] The following arrangement cycle can be repeatedly implemented: after the yarn arrangement mechanism is moved to a predetermined position and the reinforcing fiber yarn is pressed from the yarn arrangement mechanism toward the arrangement surface preheated by the heating mechanism, the yarn arrangement mechanism is moved by a predetermined length in a first axial direction to adhere and fix the reinforcing fiber yarn to the arrangement surface, and then the arrangement surface is moved in a second axial direction orthogonal to the first axial direction.

[0027] The heating mechanism is configured to be movable relative to the configuration surface along the second axis direction, and before the (n-1)th (n is a natural number greater than 2) configuration cycle is completed, the heating mechanism is moved above the area where the reinforcing fiber yarns are configured in the nth configuration cycle to preheat the area.

[0028] (2) The fiber placement device according to (1) is characterized in that the heating mechanism moved to the area where the reinforcing fiber yarns are arranged in the n-th arrangement cycle is used to preheat the entire area where the reinforcing fiber yarns are arranged in the n-th arrangement cycle.

[0029] (3) The fiber placement device according to (1) or (2) is characterized in that the heating mechanism is moved to the area where the reinforcing fiber yarns are arranged in the nth configuration cycle, and the area where the reinforcing fiber yarns are arranged in the nth configuration cycle is preheated during the implementation of the (n-1)th configuration cycle.

[0030] (4) A fiber placement device according to any one of (1) to (3), characterized in that the heating mechanism is composed of a group of heating devices divided into a plurality of areas along the first axis direction, and the group of heating devices is configured to be able to independently adjust the heating state.

[0031] The present disclosure can also be implemented in various forms other than the fiber placement device, for example, in the form of a method for manufacturing a fiber placement device, a method for controlling a fiber placement device, a computer program for implementing the control method, a non-transitory recording medium recording the computer program, and the like.

[0032] Effects of the Invention

[0033] If the fiber placement device of the present disclosure is used, the heating process involving the melting or softening of the binder contained in the reinforcing fiber yarn and the arrangement operation of the yarn arrangement mechanism can be implemented separately. Thus, the reinforcing fiber yarn can be arranged and stacked on the arrangement surface at a high speed regardless of the heating waiting time of the binder. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] Figure 1 1 is a perspective view of the entire fiber placement device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 2 It is a view in the Y-axis direction for explaining the operation of the heating mechanism 50 of the fiber placement device 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 3 It is a perspective view of the entire fiber placement device 100a according to a modified example of the first embodiment.

[0037] Figure 4 It is a perspective view of the entire fiber placement device 100b according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 5 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the heating mechanism 50b included in the fiber placement device 100c is viewed along the Y-axis direction.

[0039] Figure 6 It is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of the heating mechanism 50c of the fiber placement device 100c according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 7 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the heating mechanism 50c included in the fiber placement device 100c is viewed along the Y-axis direction.

[0041] Fig. 8A It is an explanatory diagram for explaining the positional relationship between the arrangement cycle of the yarn arrangement mechanism and the heating area of ​​the heating mechanism in one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] Figure 8B It is an explanatory diagram for explaining the positional relationship between the arrangement cycle of the yarn arrangement mechanism and the heating area of ​​the heating mechanism in one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] Figure 8C It is an explanatory diagram for explaining the positional relationship between the arrangement cycle of the yarn arrangement mechanism and the heating area of ​​the heating mechanism in one embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] A. First Implementation Method:

[0045] A. Configuration and function of the first embodiment:

[0046] Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, the following description is for easy understanding of the present disclosure and does not limit the present disclosure in any way. However, as is easy to understand for those skilled in the art, the reference to the preferred schemes and variations in each embodiment can be simultaneously interpreted as a description of the fiber placement device as a general concept of the present disclosure.

[0047] The fiber placement device disclosed in the present invention at least comprises a placement surface for placing and stacking reinforcing fiber yarns, a yarn placement mechanism for pressing the reinforcing fiber yarns on the placement surface, and a heating mechanism for locally heating the placement surface, and is characterized in that the following placement cycle can be repeatedly implemented: after the yarn placement mechanism is moved to a predetermined position and the reinforcing fiber yarns are pressed from the yarn placement mechanism toward the placement surface preheated by the heating mechanism, the yarn placement mechanism is moved by a predetermined length in a first axial direction so that the reinforcing fiber yarns are bonded and fixed to the placement surface, and then the placement surface is moved in a second axial direction orthogonal to the first axial direction, and the heating mechanism is configured to be relatively movable along the second axial direction relative to the placement surface, and before the (n-1)th (n is a natural number greater than 2)th placement cycle is completed, the heating mechanism is moved above the area where the reinforcing fiber yarns are placed in the nth placement cycle to preheat the area.

[0048] Figure 1 1 is an overall perspective view of a fiber placement device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 Shown in Figure 1 The state of the heating mechanism 50 and the yarn arrangement mechanism 20 is observed from the positive (positive) side of the Y axis. Figure 2 In Figure 1 The positional relationship between the heating mechanism 50 and the yarn arrangement mechanism 20 of the fiber placement device 100 is shown. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The embodiment of the fiber placement device 100 shown is an example, and in the present disclosure, the structure of the fiber placement device is not limited by the embodiments.

[0049] In the present embodiment, the fiber placement device 100 comprises: a configuration table 10, the configuration table 10 having a configuration surface 10s for configuring and stacking the reinforcing fiber yarn 1; a yarn configuration mechanism 20, the yarn configuration mechanism 20 being capable of pressing and configuring the reinforcing fiber yarn 1 on the configuration surface 10s; a yarn cutting mechanism 40, the yarn cutting mechanism 40 being independently positioned from the yarn configuration mechanism 20, and cutting the reinforcing fiber yarn 1 by pressing the reinforcing fiber yarn 1 against a knife tip by a yarn pressing mechanism 21 provided inside the yarn configuration mechanism 20; a heating mechanism 50, the heating mechanism 50 being independently positioned from the yarn configuration mechanism 20 and the yarn cutting mechanism 40, and being capable of heating the configuration surface 10s; and a control unit 60, the control unit 60 monitoring the states of the above-mentioned mechanisms, and controlling the actions of the various devices in accordance with a program given by a user so that the reinforcing fiber yarn 1 is configured and stacked on the configuration surface 10s in a desired shape.

[0050] In the present disclosure, the fiber placement device 100 repeatedly implements the placement cycle described below. First, the fiber placement device 100 moves the yarn placement mechanism 20 to a predetermined position. Specifically, the yarn placement mechanism 20 moves to the placement surface 10s preheated by the heating mechanism 50. After the fiber placement device 100 presses the reinforcing fiber yarn 1 released from the yarn placement mechanism 20 onto the placement surface 10s, the yarn placement mechanism 20 moves in the first axial direction ( Figure 1 After the reinforcing fiber yarn 1 is fixed by being bonded to the arrangement surface 10s, the fiber placement device 100 moves the arrangement table 10 in the second axis direction ( Figure 1 The fiber placement device 100 repeatedly implements the configuration cycle described above. The specific structure and operation of the fiber placement device 100 are described below.

[0051] The reinforcing fiber yarn 1 is a unidirectional fiber substrate containing at least reinforcing fibers and a resin component that exhibits adhesiveness by heating. The material and form of the reinforcing fiber yarn 1 can be selected in various ways to match the operability during operation and the required characteristics after forming. For example, as the material of the reinforcing fiber, carbon fiber, glass fiber, aromatic polyamide, Kevlar fiber, natural fiber, etc. can be used. As the material of the resin component, thermosetting epoxy resin, phenolic resin, thermoplastic polyamide, polyetheretherketone, polyetherketoneketone, and polyethersulfone can be used. In addition, there is no particular limitation on the mixing state of the resin component relative to the reinforcing fiber. The liquid resin component can be impregnated inside the reinforcing fiber bundle. Alternatively, the resin component can be applied to the surface of the bundle in a thin film. Alternatively, the powdered resin component can be attached to the surface of the bundle.

[0052] The placement table 10 has a placement surface 10s on which the reinforcing fiber yarn 1 is placed and stacked. The placement table 10 is configured to be relatively movable in the X-axis direction with respect to the yarn placement mechanism 20.

[0053] Specifically, the arrangement table 10 includes an arrangement surface 10s for aligning the reinforcing fiber yarn 1 with the desired peripheral shape. The arrangement table 10 includes an arrangement surface moving mechanism 13. The arrangement surface moving mechanism 13 moves the arrangement table 10 relative to the yarn arrangement mechanism in the X-axis direction after the reinforcing fiber yarn 1 is arranged on the arrangement surface 10s by the yarn arrangement mechanism 20 in the aforementioned arrangement cycle. In addition, when the reinforcing fiber yarn 1 is further arranged again and stacked on the second layer or later after the reinforcing fiber yarn 1 is arranged in the desired peripheral shape, the arrangement cycle of the second layer or later is also performed with the reinforcing fiber yarn 1 of the first layer being regarded as the arrangement surface 10s.

[0054] Furthermore, in the configuration cycle, the configuration table 10, the yarn configuration mechanism 20, and the heating mechanism 50 can be configured to be relatively movable in the X-axis direction. Therefore, the configuration surface moving mechanism 13 does not necessarily have to be provided on the configuration table 10. For example, the configuration table 10 may be fixed and the yarn configuration mechanism 20, the yarn cutting mechanism 40, and the heating mechanism 50 may be respectively movable in the X-axis direction.

[0055] The yarn placement mechanism 20 can release the reinforcing fiber yarn 1 while pressing it toward the placement surface 10s, and can place the reinforcing fiber yarn 1 on the placement surface 10s along the Y-axis direction. The yarn placement mechanism 20 is configured to be relatively movable in the X-axis direction with respect to the placement table 10.

[0056] Specifically, the yarn arrangement mechanism 20 is mounted on a slide mechanism 22 (see Figure 1 The sliding mechanism 22 moves in the negative direction of the Y axis, whereby the yarn configuration mechanism 20 moves in the Y axis direction to above the desired yarn configuration start position. At this time, the reinforcing fiber yarn 1 is gripped by the clamping portion 102 also provided in the yarn configuration mechanism 20 via the clamping roller 101 provided in the yarn configuration mechanism 20. The top end of the reinforcing fiber yarn 1 is guided to the lower part of the yarn pressing mechanism 21 by the final guide 23 provided in the yarn configuration mechanism 20. Therefore, as the yarn configuration mechanism 20 moves in the negative direction of the Y axis, the reinforcing fiber yarn 1 required for configuration in the configuration cycle is pulled out from the upstream yarn release portion not shown.

[0057] Then, the yarn pressing mechanism 21 is lowered in the negative direction of the Z axis and approaches the arrangement surface 10s, whereby the end of the reinforcing fiber yarn 1 is pressed toward the yarn arrangement start position on the arrangement surface 10s (see Figure 1At this time, the yarn arrangement start position on the arrangement surface 10s and the arrangement planned area 11 in the arrangement cycle are preheated by the heating mechanism 50. Therefore, the resin component contained in the reinforcing fiber yarn 1 pressed on the yarn arrangement start position and the arrangement planned area 11 on the arrangement surface 10s is heated and softened, so that the adhesiveness is manifested. As a result, the reinforcing fiber yarn 1 pressed on the arrangement surface 10s is bonded and fixed to the arrangement surface 10s due to the adhesiveness.

[0058] By moving the yarn arrangement mechanism 20 in the + (positive) direction of the Y axis by a predetermined distance using the sliding mechanism 22, the reinforcing fiber yarns 1 drawn out from the yarn delivery section are pressed against the arrangement surface 10s in sequence and are bonded and fixed to the arrangement surface 10s (see Figure 1 At this time, the predetermined arrangement area 11 where the reinforcing fiber yarn 1 is arranged has been heated by the heating mechanism 50 as described above. Therefore, it is not necessary to heat the predetermined arrangement area 11 immediately before the reinforcing fiber yarn 1 is arranged in order to adhere the reinforcing fiber yarn 1. Therefore, even if the yarn arrangement mechanism 20 is moved at a high speed, the reinforcing fiber yarn 1 can be reliably adhered and fixed to the arrangement surface 10s.

[0059] The yarn cutting mechanism 40 includes a cutter 42 for cutting the reinforcing fiber yarn 1. The yarn cutting mechanism 40 is configured to be movable in the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction (see Figure 1 Arrows Ap13, Ap14).

[0060] After the reinforcing fiber yarn 1 is arranged along the Y-axis direction and fixed on the arrangement surface 10s (see Figure 1 The reinforcing fiber yarn 1 is cut by the cutter 42 of the yarn cutting mechanism 40 mounted on the slide mechanism 41. The slide mechanism 41 is configured to be movable in the Y-axis direction independently of the slide mechanism 22 (see Figure 1 The yarn pressing mechanism 21 and the yarn cutting mechanism 40 rise in the positive direction of the Z axis and retreat from the arrangement surface 10s (see arrow Ap13). Figure 1 Then, the configuration table 10 moves along the configuration surface moving mechanism 13 in the + (positive) direction of the X axis (see arrows Ap12, Ap14). Figure 1 . ...

[0061] The above-described operation is referred to as a series of “placement cycles.” By repeating the placement cycles, the fiber placement device 100 can place the reinforcing fiber yarn 1 in a desired two-dimensional shape on the placement surface 10s.

[0062] The heating mechanism 50 can heat a portion of the configuration surface 10s. The heating mechanism 50 is configured to be relatively movable in the X-axis direction relative to the configuration table 10. Specifically, the heating mechanism 50 is configured to be relatively movable in the X-axis direction relative to the configuration surface 10s of the configuration table 10. Figure 1 The heating mechanism 50 includes a moving mechanism 51, a temperature measuring unit 52, a heater 53, and a heater housing 54.

[0063] The heating method of the heater 53 of the heating mechanism 50 can be freely selected as long as it is a method that can heat the heating object without contact, such as a convection heating method performed by hot air, a radiation heating method performed by infrared rays, lamps, lasers, etc. In the present embodiment, the heating method of the heater 53 of the heating mechanism 50 is set to radiation heating performed by infrared rays from the aspects of the heating output per unit area of ​​the object (hereinafter referred to as output density), the device cost, and the ease of output control.

[0064] The higher the output density of the heating mechanism 50, the faster the placement cycle will be. On the other hand, a high output density heater will also increase the manufacturing cost of the fiber placement device 100. Therefore, the output density of the heater 53 of the heating mechanism 50 is preferably 1 W / mm 2 Below. Output density is 1W / mm 2 The following heaters 53 are easy to obtain.

[0065] The heater housing 54 holding the heater 53 is preferably configured to reflect infrared rays emitted from the heating mechanism 50 and to emit them only in a single direction. By adopting such a configuration, the output density of the heating mechanism 50 can be increased. For example, as a cross-sectional shape of the heater housing 54, there is an arch shape that heats only the area directly below.

[0066] The moving mechanism 51 holds the heating mechanism 50 and moves it to a desired position on the arrangement surface 10s. The moving mechanism 51 can move the heating mechanism 50 in the X-axis direction relative to the arrangement surface 10s independently of the yarn arrangement mechanism 20. Therefore, the area to be heated can be finely adjusted in the X-axis direction.

[0067] The form of the moving mechanism 51 can be freely selected from a robot arm, a gantry crane, a lateral double swing arm (English: parallel link), etc. The moving mechanism 51 can be, for example, a sliding mechanism extending from the sliding mechanism 22 for moving the yarn arrangement mechanism 20. In addition, the moving mechanism 51 preferably has sufficient support rigidity in consideration of the weight and inertia of the heating mechanism 50. By setting it to such a form, the heater 53 can be reliably arranged in the arrangement predetermined area in the next arrangement cycle on the arrangement surface 10s.

[0068] The temperature measuring unit 52 measures the temperature of the arrangement surface 10s heated by the heater 53. Figure 2 In the figure, an arrow As is shown in the direction from the temperature measuring unit 52 toward the configuration surface 10s where the temperature is measured by the temperature measuring unit 52. The temperature measuring unit 52 is preferably capable of performing non-contact temperature measurement relative to the configuration surface 10s. As such a method, radiation temperature measurement by infrared rays, thermal imaging technology, optical measurement, etc. can be cited. The temperature measuring unit 52 is preferably capable of measuring about a temperature range of 0°C to 500°C based on the temperature range that can be heated. In addition, in order to properly manage the temperature of the configuration surface 10s even when the output density of the heater 53 is high, it is preferable that the response speed involved in the temperature measurement is high. Specifically, the response speed is preferably 0.0001 seconds to 1 second.

[0069] The control unit 60 controls the fiber placement device 100. The control unit 60 is a computer having a CPU as a processor, a RAM, and a ROM. The RAM includes a main memory and an auxiliary storage device. The CPU of the control unit 60 downloads a computer program stored in the auxiliary storage device to the main memory and executes it, thereby operating the fiber placement device 100.

[0070] The control unit 60 can repeatedly implement the above arrangement cycle. The arrangement cycle includes a first process and a second process. The first process is a process in which the yarn arrangement mechanism 20 arranges the reinforcing fiber yarn 1 on the arrangement surface 10s with a predetermined length along the Y-axis direction (see Figure 1 The second process is to move the arrangement table 10 relative to the yarn arrangement mechanism 20 in the X-axis direction (see arrow Ap11). Figure 1 The control unit 60 controls the heating mechanism 50 to heat the planned arrangement region 12 where the reinforcing fiber yarn 1 is arranged in the n-th arrangement cycle before the (n-1)-th arrangement cycle is completed.

[0071] Specifically, the control unit 60 moves the heating mechanism 50 to above the region where the reinforcing fiber yarn 1 is arranged in the n-th arrangement cycle to heat the region facing the heating mechanism 50 before the (n-1)th (n is a natural number greater than or equal to 2) arrangement cycle is completed.

[0072] Specifically, the following processing is performed. The moving mechanism 51 of the heating mechanism 50 can move in the X-axis direction independently of the sliding mechanisms 22 and 41. As a result, the heating mechanism 50 can move relative to the yarn arrangement mechanism 20 in the X-axis direction. The heating mechanism 50 is controlled to be located on the - (negative) side of the X-axis direction relative to the yarn pressing mechanism 21 provided in the yarn arrangement mechanism 20. The temperature measuring unit 52 measures the temperature of the area on the arrangement surface 10s heated by the heating mechanism 50.

[0073] During or before the implementation of the arrangement cycle for the yarn arrangement mechanism 20 to arrange the reinforcing fiber yarn 1 in the predetermined arrangement area 11, the heating mechanism 50 moves to the upper side of the predetermined arrangement area 12 where the reinforcing fiber yarn 1 is arranged next to the predetermined arrangement area 11, and preheats the predetermined arrangement area 12. When the arrangement cycle for the predetermined arrangement area 11 is completed and the arrangement cycle for the predetermined arrangement area 12 is started, the predetermined arrangement area 12 is heated to a predetermined temperature. Therefore, the arrangement cycle for the predetermined arrangement area 12 can be started without waiting for the temperature of the predetermined arrangement area 12 to rise.

[0074] Thereafter, the above arrangement cycle is repeated until the reinforcing fiber yarns are arranged so as to form a two-dimensional shape having a desired outer peripheral shape input to the control unit 60. As a result, a prototype of a reinforcing fiber sheet in which a plurality of reinforcing fiber yarns 1 extending in the Y-axis direction are arranged in the X-axis direction is formed.

[0075] In the conventional fiber placement device, the heating mechanism is mounted on the yarn configuration mechanism. The heating mechanism is composed of a heating yarn pressing mechanism, a reinforcing fiber yarn guided by the yarn pressing mechanism, and a part of the configuration surface in the traveling direction of the yarn configuration mechanism. In such a manner, the heating for attaching the reinforcing fiber yarn to the configuration surface is performed in the configuration cycle to the area. Therefore, at the beginning of the configuration action, an initial heating waiting time is required for heating the configuration surface in a manner that the end of the reinforcing fiber yarn is attached to the configuration surface. In addition, in the configuration action, a continuous heating waiting time is required for heating the configuration surface before the configuration of the reinforcing fiber yarn. Therefore, when the reinforcing fiber yarn is configured, the sliding mechanism that moves the yarn configuration mechanism can only move at a low speed in order to cope with the continuous heating waiting time. In addition, in the early stage of the configuration of the reinforcing fiber yarn, the sliding mechanism needs to start moving at an extremely low speed in order to cope with the initial heating waiting time. As a result, the tact time required for the configuration cycle increases.

[0076] On the other hand, in the fiber placement device 100 of the present disclosure, the placement area of ​​the reinforcing fiber yarn in the placement cycle is preheated in the immediately previous placement cycle. Therefore, the reinforcing fiber yarn can be placed without the aforementioned initial heating waiting time and continuous heating waiting time, and the placement cycle can be accelerated.

[0077] In order to further speed up the arrangement cycle, it is preferable that the heating mechanism 50 moved to the area where the reinforcing fiber yarn is arranged in the nth arrangement cycle preheats the entire area where the reinforcing fiber yarn is arranged in the nth arrangement cycle.

[0078] Specifically, it is preferred that the area of ​​the arrangement surface 10s that the heating mechanism 50 can heat simultaneously can include an area defined by the width and length of the reinforcing fiber yarn that the yarn arrangement mechanism 20 can arrange on the arrangement surface 10s in one arrangement cycle. In this specification, the maximum width of the reinforcing fiber yarn that the yarn arrangement mechanism 20 can arrange on the arrangement surface 10s in one arrangement cycle is referred to as the "maximum arrangement width". The maximum length of the reinforcing fiber yarn that the yarn arrangement mechanism 20 can arrange on the arrangement surface 10s in one arrangement cycle is referred to as the "maximum arrangement length". The area of ​​the arrangement surface 10s that the heating mechanism 50 can heat simultaneously is referred to as the "heatable area".

[0079] It is more preferred that the Y-axis dimension of the heatable area is consistent with the maximum configuration length. It is preferred that the X-axis dimension of the heatable area is about 1 to 10 times the maximum configuration width. If it is set to such a form, in addition to being able to heat the configuration predetermined area in the next configuration cycle of the currently executed configuration cycle, it is also possible to heat the configuration predetermined area of ​​the subsequent configuration cycle. However, increasing the heatable area will become a factor in increasing the cost of the fiber placement device. In addition, the layout of the components other than the heating mechanism in the fiber placement device becomes difficult. Therefore, the X-axis dimension of the heatable area is more preferably less than 5 times the maximum configuration width.

[0080] Furthermore, it is preferred that the heating mechanism 50 preheats the area where the reinforcing fiber yarn 1 is arranged in the n-th arrangement cycle during the implementation of the (n-1)-th arrangement cycle. Specifically, it is preferred that the heating mechanism 50 heats the next arrangement scheduled area 12 at least during the period when the yarn arrangement mechanism 20 implements the arrangement cycle with respect to the arrangement scheduled area 11. By setting it in this way, the time from heating to the arrangement of the reinforcing fiber yarn 1 can be shortened. Therefore, the utilization efficiency of energy can be improved. As a result, the cost required for the arrangement of the reinforcing fiber yarn can be reduced.

[0081] In a scheme in which the heating of the predetermined configuration area 12 is completed before the configuration cycle to the predetermined configuration area 11 is implemented, and the heating of the predetermined configuration area 12 is not performed during the configuration cycle to the predetermined configuration area 11, the following problems will arise. The heat given to the predetermined configuration area 12 is dissipated by heat conduction into the configuration surface 10s, convection and radiation to the surrounding environment. Although the amount of heat dissipation varies depending on the temperature difference with the surroundings, the heat capacity and thermal conductivity of the configuration surface 10s, in any scheme, a part of the energy required for heating is lost through heat dissipation. In order to reduce the cost required for the configuration of the reinforcing fiber yarns, it is preferred to use the energy required for heating efficiently for melting the adhesive. Therefore, it is preferred that the heating of the predetermined configuration area 12 is performed until the configuration cycle to the predetermined configuration area 11 is implemented immediately before.

[0082] A2. Modification of the first embodiment:

[0083] Figure 3 1 is a perspective view of the entire fiber placement device 100a of a modified example of the first embodiment. The fiber placement device 100a of this modified example includes a heating mechanism 50a instead of the heating mechanism 50 included in the fiber placement device 100 of the first embodiment. The other aspects of the hardware configuration of the fiber placement device 100a are the same as those of the fiber placement device 100.

[0084] The heating mechanism 50a includes eight heating devices 501 to 508 arranged along the Y-axis direction. The heating devices 501 to 508 each include a heater 53. The heating devices 501 to 508 each include a temperature measuring unit 52, which can perform feedback control on the temperature of the heating object. The heating devices 501 to 508 can be controlled independently. Specifically, the heating devices 501 to 508 can be controlled to turn on / off and output independently.

[0085] The control unit 60 sets the temperature of the heating device among the heating devices 501 to 508 that heats the area where the reinforcing fiber yarn 1 is last arranged in the nth arrangement cycle to be higher than the temperature of the heating device among the heating devices 501 to 508 that heats the area where the reinforcing fiber yarn 1 is first arranged in the nth arrangement cycle. More specifically, the set temperature of the heating device that heats the area where the reinforcing fiber yarn 1 is first arranged is set to be the lowest among the heating devices 501 to 508. The set temperature of the heating device that heats the area where the reinforcing fiber yarn 1 is last arranged is set to be the lowest among the heating devices 501 to 508. The set temperature of each heating device located between these two heating devices is set to be higher the closer to the heating device that heats the area where the reinforcing fiber yarn 1 is last arranged. Figure 3In the example, the heating device for heating the region where the reinforcing fiber yarn 1 is initially arranged is the heating device 503, and the heating device for heating the region where the reinforcing fiber yarn 1 is finally arranged is the heating device 508.

[0086] The shape of the reinforcing fiber sheet formed by the fiber placement device is close to the final shape of the product. Therefore, in each arrangement cycle, the length of the arranged reinforcing fiber yarn is often different. Hereinafter, the length of the arranged reinforcing fiber yarn in the Y-axis direction is referred to as the "arrangement length". Preferably, in the Y-axis direction, the portion where the reinforcing fiber yarn is not arranged is not heated, and the portion where the reinforcing fiber yarn is arranged is heated. According to this modified example, such heating can be achieved.

[0087] In this modification, the heating mechanism 50a includes eight heating devices 501 to 508. However, the number of heating devices included in the heating mechanism may be other numbers. However, the number of heating devices included in the heating mechanism is preferably 2 to 10.

[0088] In the present modification, as described above, the control unit 60 performs heating so that the output density of each heating device becomes higher in sequence along the direction from - to + of the Y axis.

[0089] The closer the area is to the + side end of the two ends in the Y-axis direction of the predetermined configuration area 12, the longer the time from the heating mechanism 50a to the end of the heating to the configuration of the reinforcing fiber yarn. Therefore, the closer the area is to the + side end of the Y-axis direction, the more heat is dissipated, and the temperature when the reinforcing fiber yarn is configured is significantly lower than the temperature after heating. By setting the output density of multiple heating devices as described above, the predetermined configuration area can be given a temperature gradient that takes heat dissipation into account. As a result, the reinforcing fiber yarn can be configured in a state where each predetermined configuration area is at an optimal temperature. In addition, in the area close to the - side end of the two ends in the Y-axis direction of the predetermined configuration area 12, no excessive heating is performed, so useless energy consumption can be avoided.

[0090] In this embodiment, the Y-axis direction is also referred to as a “first direction.” The X-axis direction is also referred to as a “second direction.”

[0091] B. Second Implementation Method:

[0092] Figure 4 , a perspective view of a fiber placement device 100b is shown as another embodiment of the fiber placement device 100 in addition to the first embodiment. Figure 5 4 shows a state where the heating mechanism 50b of the fiber placement device 100b is viewed along the Y-axis direction.

[0093] The fiber placement device 100b includes a sliver arrangement mechanism 20b instead of the sliver arrangement mechanism 20 included in the fiber placement device 100 of the first embodiment. The fiber placement device 100b includes a heating mechanism 50b instead of the heating mechanism 50 included in the fiber placement device 100. The other aspects of the fiber placement device 100b are the same as those of the fiber placement device 100 of the first embodiment.

[0094] The configuration of the yarn arranging mechanism 20b is the same as that of the yarn arranging mechanism 20 of the first embodiment except that a heating mechanism 50b is provided.

[0095] The heating mechanism 50b is provided on the yarn configuration mechanism 20b. When the yarn configuration mechanism 20b is moved along the Y-axis direction by the sliding mechanism 22, the heating mechanism 50b moves along the Y-axis direction together with the yarn configuration mechanism 20b. In the present embodiment, the size of the heating mechanism 50b is configured to be smaller in the Y-axis direction than the heating mechanism 50 of the first embodiment in a manner that does not hinder the movement of the yarn configuration mechanism 20b. Therefore, the size in the Y-axis direction of the area on the configuration surface 10s that the heating mechanism 50b can heat is shorter than the maximum configuration length. The heating mechanism 50b is configured to heat a portion of the configuration surface 10s located on the + side of the Y-axis direction and a portion of the configuration surface 10s located on the - side of the X-axis direction when viewed from the yarn pressing mechanism 21.

[0096] The heating mechanism 50b heats the arrangement surface 10s located directly below the heating mechanism 50b during the movement of the yarn arrangement mechanism 20 in the Y-axis direction in the aforementioned arrangement cycle. The arrangement surface 10s located directly below the heating mechanism 50b is a predetermined arrangement area located on the - side in the X-axis direction relative to the currently arranged reinforcing fiber yarn 1, and is a predetermined arrangement area in the next arrangement cycle.

[0097] In this embodiment, the heating mechanism 50b is miniaturized, which can reduce the device cost and running cost. In addition, even if the configuration surface 10s is a three-dimensional shape, the next configuration predetermined area can be heated. Therefore, it is suitable as a device for manufacturing small parts of complex shapes.

[0098] C. 3rd Implementation Method:

[0099] Figure 6 A perspective view of a fiber placement device 100c as another embodiment is shown in FIG. Figure 7 4 shows a state where the heating mechanism 50c of the fiber placement device 100c is viewed along the Y-axis direction.

[0100] The fiber placement device 100c includes a heating mechanism 50c instead of the heating mechanism 50 included in the fiber placement device 100 of the first embodiment. The other aspects of the fiber placement device 100c are the same as those of the fiber placement device 100 of the first embodiment.

[0101] The heating mechanism 50c is provided over the entire length of the configuration surface 10s in the Y-axis direction. The heating mechanism 50c is mounted on the sliding mechanism 22. The distance between the heating mechanism 50c and the yarn configuration mechanism 20 in the X-axis direction is constant. Therefore, in the fiber placement device 100c, the heating mechanism 50c heats the area where the reinforcing fiber yarn is configured after a certain period (for example, 1 to 5 cycles) relative to the area where the yarn configuration mechanism 20 is configured in a certain configuration cycle. The fiber placement device 100c does not include the moving mechanism 51 of the fiber placement device 100. Therefore, the cost of the fiber placement device 100c is low.

[0102] As long as the heating mechanism 50c can move independently with respect to the placement surface 10s, the object to which the heating mechanism 50c is fixed is not limited to the slide mechanism 22. The heating mechanism 50c may be fixed to a frame member supporting the slide mechanism 22 or other member via a bracket, for example.

[0103] D.Configure the relationship between the predetermined area and the heating area:

[0104] Figure 8A to Figure 8C is an explanatory diagram showing the heating area. Figure 8A to Figure 8C In any of the examples shown, the reinforcing fiber yarns 1 are arranged on the arrangement surface 10s, and the arrangement cycle is repeated for stacking. Figure 8A to Figure 8C The lower part of the diagram shows numbers 1 to (n+3) indicating the order of the arrangement cycle for arranging the reinforcing fiber yarns forming the first layer. Figure 8A to Figure 8C In any of them, it indicates a state in the middle of performing the (n-1)th (n is an arbitrary integer greater than or equal to 2) arrangement cycle.

[0105] exist Figure 8A to Figure 8C In FIG. 1 , the area 14 surrounded by the thick dotted line is a predetermined area where the reinforcing fiber yarn 1 is arranged. Figure 8A to Figure 8C In FIG. 1 , the area marked with oblique lines is the area where the reinforcing fiber yarn 1 has been arranged. Figure 8A to Figure 8C In FIG. 1 , the region 15 surrounded by the thin dotted line is the region where the reinforcing fiber yarn 1 is arranged in the nth and subsequent arrangement cycles. Figure 8A to Figure 8C In FIG. 1 , the regions marked with a checkered pattern are the heating regions 16 , 17 , and 18 that are heated when the (n−1)th (n is an arbitrary integer greater than or equal to 2) placement cycle is performed.

[0106] At any time point before the completion of the (n - 1)-th placement cycle, at least a part of the predetermined placement area 15 of the reinforcing fiber yarn in the placement cycles after the n-th is heated.

[0107] In the present disclosure, in the (n - k)-th (k is a natural number satisfying k < n) placement cycle, it is sufficient to heat a part of the predetermined placement area 15 of the placement cycles after the n-th. In Fig. 8A the example of, the heating area 16 in the (n - 1)-th placement cycle is configured to straddle a part of the predetermined placement areas from the (n + 1)-th to the (n + 3)-th.

[0108] In order to make the placement cycle faster, it is preferable to preheat the entire predetermined placement area. In Figure 8B the example of, the heating area 17 in the (n - 1)-th placement cycle is the entire predetermined placement areas from the (n + 1)-th to the (n + 3)-th.

[0109] In order to reduce the energy loss of heat dissipation from the preheated area, it is preferable to heat the predetermined placement area of the reinforcing fiber yarn in the next placement cycle. In Figure 8C the example of, the heating area 18 in the (n - 1)-th placement cycle is the entire predetermined placement areas from the n-th to the (n + 2)-th.

[0110] E. Other embodiments:

[0111] E1. Other embodiment 1:

[0112] In the first embodiment, the entire predetermined placement area 12 of the reinforcing fiber yarn 1 in the n-th placement cycle is heated simultaneously by the heating mechanism 50. However, the area where the reinforcing fiber yarn is placed in the n-th placement cycle may also be heated by multiple heating processes.

[0113] E2. Other embodiment 2:

[0114] In the above first embodiment and third embodiment, the control unit 60 causes the heating mechanism 50 to heat all the areas where the reinforcing fiber yarn 1 is placed in the n-th placement cycle (also refer to Figure 8B and Figure 8C ) before the completion of the (n - 1)-th placement cycle. However, as shown in the example of Fig. 8A , it is also possible to adopt the following scheme: before the completion of the (n - 1)-th placement cycle, the heating mechanism 50 heats a part of the area where the reinforcing fiber yarn 1 is placed in the n-th placement cycle.

[0115] Preferably, the region where the reinforcing fiber yarn 1 is initially arranged in the n-th arrangement cycle is heated before the (n-1)-th arrangement cycle is completed. That is, preferably, the region where the reinforcing fiber yarn 1 is initially arranged in the n-th arrangement cycle is heated to the target temperature before the n-th arrangement cycle is started.

[0116] E3. Other implementation methods 3:

[0117] exist Figure 8C In the example shown, the control unit 60 causes the heating mechanism 50 to heat the region where the reinforcing fiber yarn 1 is arranged in the n-th arrangement cycle during the execution of the (n-1)-th arrangement cycle. However, the control unit 60 may cause the heating mechanism 50 to heat the region where the reinforcing fiber yarn 1 is arranged in the arrangement cycles after the n-th arrangement cycle during the execution of the (n-1)-th arrangement cycle.

[0118] E4. Other implementation methods 4:

[0119] In the modification of the first embodiment, the heating mechanism 50a includes a plurality of heating devices 501 to 508 arranged along the Y-axis direction, and the plurality of heating devices 501 to 508 can be controlled independently. Furthermore, the control unit 60 sets the temperature of the heating device 508 that heats the region where the reinforcing fiber yarn 1 is arranged last in the n-th arrangement cycle to be higher than the temperature of the heating device 503 that heats the region where the reinforcing fiber yarn 1 is arranged first. However, all the regions where the reinforcing fiber yarn 1 is arranged in the n-th arrangement cycle may be set and heated to the same target temperature.

[0120] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and can be implemented in various configurations without departing from its main purpose. For example, the technical features of the embodiments corresponding to the technical features in the various modes described in the invention content column can be appropriately replaced or combined in order to solve part or all of the above-mentioned problems or to achieve part or all of the above-mentioned effects. In addition, if the technical features are not described as necessary configurations in this specification, they can be appropriately deleted.

[0121] Description of Reference Numerals

[0122] 1…Reinforced fiber yarn

[0123] 2…Reinforced Fiber

[0124] 3…Resin composition

[0125] 10…Configuration station

[0126] 10s…Configuration page

[0127] 11 ... the arrangement predetermined area of ​​the reinforcing fiber yarn in the arrangement cycle

[0128] 12…the area where the reinforcing fiber yarns are to be arranged in the next arrangement cycle

[0129] 13…Configuration surface moving mechanism

[0130] 14…Regions with desired 2D shapes

[0131] 15 ... the planned arrangement area of ​​the reinforcing fiber yarn in the nth arrangement cycle

[0132] 16…Heating area

[0133] 17…Heating area

[0134] 18…Heating area

[0135] 20… Yarn configuration mechanism

[0136] 20b… Yarn configuration mechanism

[0137] 21… Yarn pressing mechanism

[0138] 22…Sliding mechanism

[0139] 23… Final guide

[0140] 40… Yarn cutting mechanism

[0141] 41…Sliding mechanism

[0142] 42…Cutter

[0143] 50…Heating mechanism

[0144] 50a...Heating mechanism

[0145] 50b…Heating mechanism

[0146] 50c...Heating mechanism

[0147] 51…Mobile mechanism

[0148] 52…Thermometer

[0149] 53…Heater

[0150] 54…Heater housing

[0151] 60…Control Department

[0152] 100…Fiber placement device

[0153] 100a…Fiber placement device

[0154] 100b…Fiber placement device

[0155] 100c...Fiber placement device

[0156] 101…Clamping roller

[0157] 102…Clamping part

[0158] 501~508…Heating device

[0159] Ap11: an arrow indicating the operating direction of the yarn arrangement mechanism 20 in the first process

[0160] Ap22: Arrow indicating the movement direction of the placement table 10 in the second process

Claims

1. A fiber placement device, comprising: A configuration table, the configuration table having a configuration surface for configuring and stacking the reinforcing fiber yarns; a yarn arrangement mechanism capable of releasing the reinforcing fiber yarn while pressing the reinforcing fiber yarn toward the arrangement surface, and arranging the reinforcing fiber yarn on the arrangement surface along a first direction; a heating mechanism capable of heating a portion of the configuration surface; and a control unit, wherein the control unit controls the fiber placement device, The arrangement table and the yarn arrangement mechanism are configured to be relatively movable in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The arrangement table and the heating mechanism are configured to be relatively movable in the second direction. The control unit is capable of repeatedly performing configuration cycles, The configuration cycle includes: a first process, wherein the first process is a process of arranging the reinforcing fiber yarn along the first direction with a predetermined length on the arrangement surface by using the yarn arrangement mechanism; and a second process, wherein the second process is a process of moving the arrangement table relative to the yarn arrangement mechanism in the second direction; The control unit controls the heating mechanism to heat at least a portion of a region where the reinforcing fiber yarn is arranged in the n-1th arrangement cycle before the n-1th arrangement cycle is completed, wherein n is a natural number greater than or equal to 2. The heating mechanism is movable relative to the sliver arrangement table independently of the sliver arrangement mechanism.

2. The fiber placement device according to claim 1, The control unit controls the heating mechanism to heat all regions where the reinforcing fiber yarns are arranged in the n-1th arrangement cycle before the n-1th arrangement cycle is completed.

3. The fiber placement device according to claim 1, The control unit controls the heating mechanism to heat at least a portion of a region where the reinforcing fiber yarn is arranged in the n-1th arrangement cycle, while the n-1th arrangement cycle is being executed.

4. The fiber placement device according to claim 2, The control unit controls the heating mechanism to heat at least a portion of a region where the reinforcing fiber yarn is arranged in the n-1th arrangement cycle, while the n-1th arrangement cycle is being executed.

5. The fiber placement device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The heating mechanism includes a plurality of heating devices arranged along the first direction and capable of being independently controlled. The control unit sets the temperature of a heating device among the plurality of heating devices that heats a region where the reinforcing fiber yarn is last arranged in an n-th arrangement cycle to be higher than the temperature of a heating device among the plurality of heating devices that heats a region where the reinforcing fiber yarn is first arranged in the n-th arrangement cycle.

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