Program, method, information processor, and system

Abstract

To provide a technology to obtain a prepreg laminate exhibiting expected performance without substantially increasing the number of process steps.SOLUTION: Provided is a program for operating a computer used in a system that forms a molding by thermally treating prepreg tapes while laminating the tapes in accordance with molding conditions. The program causes a storage part to store a prediction model for predicting a degree of crystallization in each layer based on changes in temperature in the interface between laminated layers. The program causes a processor in the computer to execute the following steps: acquiring molding conditions including thermal treatment conditions; and referring to the prediction model to output the degree of crystallization predicted for each layer under the molding conditions.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 15

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a program, a method, an information processing device, and a system. [Background technology]

[0002] Prepreg, made by impregnating reinforcing fibers such as carbon fiber and glass fiber with resin, is used, cut to a specified shape, laminated, and cured by heating and pressure. For example, to obtain ideal mechanical properties, tape-shaped prepreg is stacked while changing the fiber reinforcement direction.

[0003] This process is known as automated tape placement (ATP). A computer-controlled head places the tape in precise locations and then uses heat and pressure to build up the layers. ATP technology is used, for example, in the aerospace, automotive, and other industries to manufacture lightweight, high-strength components. For example, aircraft wings and fuselage components are built using ATP technology because they require high structural strength while remaining lightweight.

[0004] Patent Document 1 describes that "a model of a cylinder made of a prepreg laminate is created by automatic calculation, and this model is used to perform an analytical simulation by FEM."

[0005] According to Patent Document 1, the effect of the present invention is that "by eliminating the process of creating a model that was previously done by manual input using the design simulation method of the present invention, it is possible to significantly reduce the time required to create a model compared to conventional analytical simulations, leading to more efficient development of fiber-reinforced plastic cylinders made of prepreg laminates." [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-211804 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] When attempting to obtain a prepreg laminate by molding, it is often impossible to know whether the prepreg laminate has the expected performance unless the heat treatment conditions and other factors are actually set and the prepreg laminate is actually cured. In order to obtain a prepreg laminate with the expected performance, it is necessary to conduct multiple trials by changing the conditions, which increases the number of steps.

[0008] Therefore, there is a need for a technology that minimizes the overlap of the steps required to obtain a prepreg laminate having the expected performance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a program for operating a computer used in a system for obtaining a molded body by stacking prepreg tapes and performing heat treatment in accordance with molding conditions while the tapes are being molded by heat treatment, the program having a memory unit that stores a prediction model that predicts the degree of crystallization in layers based on temperature changes at the interface between the stacked layers, and the program causes a processor of the computer to execute the steps of acquiring molding conditions including heat treatment conditions, and referring to the prediction model, and outputting the predicted degree of crystallization for each layer with respect to the molding conditions. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to minimize the overlap of steps required to obtain a prepreg laminate having the expected performance. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the system 1. [Figure 2]FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the server 20. As shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the terminal 10. As shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of the molding device 30. As shown in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the data structure of the user database 211. As shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the data structure of the product database 212. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the data structure of the molding process history database 213. As shown in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the data structure of the purchase history database 214. As shown in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the flow of processing for accepting the specification of the molding processing conditions, predicting the crystallinity, and starting the molding processing. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing details of the process for predicting the crystallinity. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the flow of processing for accepting the specification of desired performance, searching for molding conditions that satisfy the desired crystallinity, presenting them to the user, and starting molding processing. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of the process of predicting the amount of energy absorption by tracing the laser beam. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a process for predicting the amount of energy absorption in the tape by setting the temperature of the surface of the tape irradiated with the laser and predicting the heat conduction into the tape. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of a prediction model that outputs the crystallinity. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a screen that accepts the specification of the molding processing conditions, displays the predicted results of the crystallinity, and accepts an operation to start the molding processing. [Figure 16]FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a screen that accepts the specification of the conditions for the molding process and accepts an operation to start the molding process depending on whether the conditions for starting the molding process are met. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a screen that accepts the specification of the performance of the molded body, displays the molding conditions, and accepts an operation to start the molding process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals. The names and functions of the components are also the same. Therefore, detailed descriptions thereof will not be repeated.

[0013] <Outline of embodiment> Below, we will explain a technology that supports the design of carbon fiber composite material (CFRP: Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastics) products, which are obtained by irradiating and heating carbon fiber prepreg with a laser. When using thermoplastic resin, the strength of the product is largely determined by the degree of crystallinity. Therefore, when using ATP (Automated Tape Placement) technology to laminate prepreg, understanding the degree of crystallinity between the layers to be laminated is important in product design.

[0014] For example, a matrix resin containing carbon fibers is heated to a melting point or higher to form a molten state, and a crystalline phase is formed during the cooling process.

[0015] On the other hand, methods for measuring crystallinity include using X-ray diffractometers, differential scanning calorimeters, and Fourier transform infrared spectrometers, but these require additional measurement work, which increases the process time. Furthermore, when attempting to measure interlayer crystallinity, contact sensors can be used, but this is time-consuming and difficult. Thus, when measuring the crystallinity of the entire product, various trial and error processes are required to optimize the molding conditions. The larger the product, the worse the efficiency becomes. It is also difficult to grasp the crystallinity trend from the laser conditions used in heat treatment, making it difficult to consider molding conditions.

[0016] Therefore, in the following explanation, we will explain an example of providing predicted crystallinity results as a molding processing support service, and a technology for predicting the crystallinity of prepregs. This allows for consistent use of physical models from molding conditions to prediction of the crystallinity, which can improve the efficiency of product design.

[0017] <1.1 Overall system configuration> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the system 1.

[0018] 1 includes a molding processing support service server 20, a terminal 10 of a user of the molding system, a terminal 10B of a user of the product manufacturer, a terminal 10C of a client of the molding system, and a molding device 30. These devices are connected to each other via a network 80 for communication.

[0019] The forming system 3 includes a terminal 10 and a forming device 30 .

[0020] The molding system 3 is a system that obtains a molded body such as a prepreg laminate by driving a molding device 30 to perform molding processing in accordance with molding conditions including heat treatment conditions.

[0021] The molding system 3 accepts designation of molding conditions from a user of the terminal 10, that is, a user of a business that performs molding processing by operating the molding device 30. The molding system 3 may also accept a molding request from a user of a business that does not have the molding device 30 (a user of the terminal 10C) and perform the molding processing.

[0022] In the illustrated example, one terminal 10 is shown as the terminal used by users of the service provided by the server 20, and each user operates their own terminal.

[0023] In this embodiment, each device (terminal device, server, etc.) can also be considered as an information processing device. That is, a collection of devices can be considered as one "information processing device," and system 1 can be formed as a collection of multiple devices. The way in which multiple functions required to realize system 1 according to this embodiment are allocated to one or multiple pieces of hardware can be determined appropriately in consideration of the processing capacity of each piece of hardware and / or the specifications required for system 1.

[0024] The terminal 10 is a device operated by a user. The terminals 10, 10B, and 10C have the same hardware configuration, and the terminal 10 is realized, for example, as follows. Desktop PCs (Personal Computers), laptop PCs · Handheld devices such as smartphones and tablets Wearable devices worn by users (wristwatches, glasses, etc.) The terminal 10 includes a communication IF (Interface) 12 , an input device 13 , an output device 14 , a memory 15 , a storage 16 , and a processor 19 .

[0025] The communication IF 12 is an interface for inputting and outputting signals so that the terminal 10 can communicate with an external device.

[0026] The input device 13 is a device for receiving input operations from a user (for example, a touch panel, a touch pad, a pointing device such as a mouse, a keyboard, etc.).

[0027] The output device 14 is a device (such as a display or speaker) for presenting information to the user.

[0028] The memory 15 is for temporarily storing programs and data to be processed by the programs, and is a volatile memory such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory).

[0029] The storage 16 is for storing data, and is, for example, a flash memory or a hard disk drive (HDD).

[0030] The processor 19 is hardware for executing an instruction set written in a program, and is composed of an arithmetic unit, a register, a peripheral circuit, and the like.

[0031] The server 20 is a device for providing users with services that support the molding process.

[0032] The server 20 includes a communication IF 22 , an input / output IF 23 , a memory 25 , a storage 26 , and a processor 29 .

[0033] The communication IF 22 is an interface for inputting and outputting signals so that the server 20 can communicate with external devices.

[0034] The input / output IF 23 functions as an interface with an input device for receiving input operations from the user and an output device for presenting information to the user.

[0035] The memory 25 is for temporarily storing programs and data to be processed by the programs, and is a volatile memory such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory).

[0036] The storage 26 is for storing data, and is, for example, a flash memory or a hard disk drive (HDD).

[0037] The processor 29 is hardware for executing an instruction set written in a program, and is composed of an arithmetic unit, registers, peripheral circuits, and the like.

[0038] <1.2 Functional configuration of server 20> 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the server 20. As shown in FIG. 2, the server 20 functions as a communication unit 201, a storage unit 202, and a control unit 203.

[0039] The communication unit 201 performs processing for the server 20 to communicate with external devices.

[0040] The storage unit 202 stores various databases such as a user database 211, a product database 212, a molding process history database 213, and a purchase history database 214.

[0041] The storage unit 202 also stores a crystallinity prediction model 215 .

[0042] The user database 211 is a database for managing users.

[0043] The user database 211 manages information such as the user's name, and includes information for using the services provided by the server 20. Details will be described later.

[0044] The product database 212 is a database for managing prepreg products used in molding processes.

[0045] The product database 212 manages information such as performance indicators of prepregs, as will be described in detail later.

[0046] The molding process history database 213 is a database for managing the history of molding processes.

[0047] The molding process history database 213 manages information such as molding process conditions and the results of prediction of the crystallinity predicted by the server 20. Details will be described later.

[0048] The purchase history database 214 is a database for managing the history of purchase transactions of prepreg products for molding processing.

[0049] The purchase history database 214 manages identification information of purchased products, etc. Details will be described later.

[0050] The crystallinity prediction model 215 is a prediction model that outputs a prediction result of the crystallinity based on a relational expression between the amount of energy absorption and the crystallinity. Specifically, when a prepreg tape is laminated and heat-treated according to molding conditions, the crystallinity prediction model 215 predicts the crystallinity of the layer based on the temperature change at the interface between the laminated layers. Details will be described later.

[0051] The control unit 203 is realized by the processor 29 reading a program stored in the storage unit 202 and executing instructions included in the program. By operating in accordance with the program, the control unit 203 exhibits functions shown as a reception control module 2041, a transmission control module 2042, a user management module 2043, a molding support module 2044, an energy absorption amount prediction module 2045, a heat transfer analysis module 2046, a crystallinity prediction module 2047, and a purchase processing module 2048.

[0052] The reception control module 2041 controls the process by which the server 20 receives signals from external devices in accordance with a communication protocol.

[0053] The transmission control module 2042 controls the process in which the server 20 transmits signals to external devices in accordance with a communication protocol.

[0054] The user management module 2043 is a module for managing information about each user who uses the system 1. Specifically, the user management module 2043 accepts registration of information about each user and updates the user database 211.

[0055] The molding support module 2044 is a module that presents a screen to the user to support the molding process by accepting the specification of molding conditions and displaying the predicted results of the crystallinity.

[0056] The energy absorption amount prediction module 2045 is a module that predicts the amount of energy absorption in the tape by tracing the laser beam irradiated onto the prepreg tape.

[0057] The heat transfer analysis module 2046 is a module that determines the amount of energy absorption in the tape by setting the temperature of the surface of the tape that is irradiated with the laser and predicting the heat conduction into the inside of the tape based on the set surface temperature.

[0058] The heat transfer analysis module 2046 identifies the amount of energy absorption in each layer of tape by predicting the heat conduction into the tape for each layer of tape to be laminated.

[0059] The crystallinity prediction module 2047 is a module that estimates the crystallinity of each layer of the tape based on the crystallinity prediction model 215, which is a relational expression between the amount of energy absorption and the crystallinity, and outputs the estimated crystallinity.

[0060] The crystallinity prediction module 2047 determines the probability that a solid will change from one phase to another based on a set temperature, thereby generating points of origin for crystal growth in the resin, and uses a prediction model that models the manner in which the generated points grow as crystals.

[0061] The purchase processing module 2048 is a module that performs processing to update the purchase history database 214 by carrying out purchase processing of prepreg products between users.

[0062] <1.3 Configuration of Terminal 10> FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the terminal 10. As shown in FIG.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 3, the terminal 10 includes multiple antennas (antenna 111, antenna 112), communication units (first communication unit 120, second communication unit 121) corresponding to the respective antennas, an input device 130 (including a touch-sensitive device 131), a display 132, an audio processing unit 140, a microphone 141, a speaker 142, a position information sensor 150, a camera 160, a motion sensor 170, a memory unit 180, and a control unit 190. The terminal 10 also has functions and configurations (e.g., a battery for storing power, a power supply circuit for controlling the supply of power from the battery to each circuit, etc.) that are not specifically shown in FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 3, the blocks included in the terminal 10 are electrically connected by a bus or the like.

[0064] The antenna 111 emits a signal emitted by the terminal 10 as a radio wave. The antenna 111 also receives a radio wave from space and provides the received signal to the first communication unit 120.

[0065] The antenna 112 emits a signal emitted by the terminal 10 as a radio wave. The antenna 112 also receives a radio wave from space and provides the received signal to the second communication unit 121.

[0066] The first communication unit 120 performs modulation / demodulation processing and the like for transmitting and receiving signals via the antenna 111 so that the terminal 10 can communicate with other wireless devices. The second communication unit 121 performs modulation / demodulation processing and the like for transmitting and receiving signals via the antenna 112 so that the terminal 10 can communicate with other wireless devices. The first communication unit 120 and the second communication unit 121 are communication modules including a tuner, a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) calculation circuit, a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) calculation circuit, a high-frequency circuit, and the like. The first communication unit 120 and the second communication unit 121 perform modulation / demodulation, frequency conversion, and the like for wireless signals transmitted and received by the terminal 10, and provide the received signals to the control unit 190.

[0067] Input device 130 has a mechanism for accepting input operations by a user. Specifically, input device 130 is configured as a touch screen and includes touch-sensitive device 131. Touch-sensitive device 131 accepts input operations by a user of terminal 10. Touch-sensitive device 131 detects the user's touch position on the touch panel, for example, by using a capacitive touch panel. Touch-sensitive device 131 outputs a signal indicating the user's touch position detected by the touch panel to control unit 190 as an input operation.

[0068] The display 132 displays data such as images, videos, and text under the control of the control unit 190. The display 132 is realized by, for example, an LCD, an organic EL display, or the like.

[0069] The audio processing unit 140 modulates and demodulates audio signals. The audio processing unit 140 modulates a signal provided from the microphone 141 and provides the modulated signal to the control unit 190. The audio processing unit 140 also provides the audio signal to the speaker 142. The audio processing unit 140 is realized, for example, by a processor for audio processing. The microphone 141 accepts audio input and provides an audio signal corresponding to the audio input to the audio processing unit 140. The speaker 142 converts the audio signal provided from the audio processing unit 140 into audio and outputs the audio to the outside of the terminal 10.

[0070] The location information sensor 150 is a sensor that detects the location of the terminal 10, and is, for example, a GPS (Global Positioning System) module. The GPS module is a receiving device used in a satellite positioning system. The satellite positioning system receives signals from at least three or four satellites, and detects the current location of the terminal 10 equipped with the GPS module based on the received signals.

[0071] The camera 160 is a device that receives light with a light receiving element and outputs the received light as a captured image. The camera 160 is, for example, a depth camera that can detect the distance from the camera 160 to a subject being photographed.

[0072] The motion sensor 170 includes an acceleration sensor, an angular velocity sensor, etc., and detects the movement of the terminal 10 .

[0073] The storage unit 180 is configured with, for example, a flash memory, and stores data and programs used by the terminal 10. The various types of information stored in the storage unit 180 will be described later.

[0074] The control unit 190 controls the operation of the terminal 10 by reading a program stored in the storage unit 180 and executing instructions included in the program. The control unit 190 is, for example, an application processor. By operating in accordance with the program, the control unit 190 fulfills the functions of an operation reception unit 191, a transmission / reception unit 192, a data processing unit 193, a notification control unit 194, and a storage control unit 195.

[0075] Operation acceptance unit 191 performs processing to accept a user's input operation to an input device such as touch-sensitive device 131. Operation acceptance unit 191 determines the type of operation, such as whether the user's operation is a flick operation, a tap operation, or a drag (swipe) operation, based on information about the coordinates where the user has touched touch-sensitive device 131 with a finger or the like.

[0076] The transmitting / receiving unit 192 performs processing for the terminal 10 to transmit and receive data to and from an external device such as the server 20 in accordance with a communication protocol.

[0077] The data processing unit 193 performs calculations on data that the terminal 10 has received as input in accordance with a program, and outputs the calculation results to a memory or the like.

[0078] The notification control unit 194 performs processing for displaying a display image on the display 132, processing for outputting sound from the speaker 142, and processing for generating vibrations.

[0079] The storage control unit 195 controls the storage of data in the storage unit 180 .

[0080] A description will be given of various types of information stored in storage unit 180. In one aspect, storage unit 180 stores various types of information such as user information 181, molding condition information 182, and purchase history information 183.

[0081] The user information 181 is information about a user who uses the services of the server 20. The user information 181 includes, for example, information such as the user's account and name.

[0082] The molding condition information 182 is information indicating the conditions of the molding process.

[0083] The purchase history information 183 is information indicating the history of purchasing processes for prepreg products.

[0084] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of the molding device 30. As shown in FIG.

[0085] The molding device 30 includes a communication IF 32 , an input device 33 , an output device 34 , a memory 35 , a storage 36 , a control device 39 , a tape supply mechanism 41 , a heating processing unit 42 , a roller 43 , and a drive mechanism 44 .

[0086] The communication IF 32 is an interface for inputting and outputting signals so that the molding device 30 can communicate with external devices.

[0087] The input device 33 is a device for receiving input operations from a user (for example, a touch panel, a touch pad, a pointing device such as a mouse, a keyboard, etc.).

[0088] The output device 34 is a device (such as a display or speaker) for presenting information to the user.

[0089] The memory 35 is for temporarily storing programs and data to be processed by the programs, and is a volatile memory such as a DRAM.

[0090] The storage 36 is for storing data, and is, for example, a flash memory or a HDD.

[0091] The control device 39 is hardware for executing an instruction set written in a program, and is composed of an arithmetic unit, registers, peripheral circuits, and the like.

[0092] The tape supply mechanism 41 is a system for continuously supplying tape.

[0093] Specifically, the tape supply mechanism 41 has a mechanism for pulling out the tape from the reel and guiding it to the substrate through a guide roller. This mechanism ensures that the tape is supplied evenly and moves the tape to be subjected to heat treatment by the heat treatment unit 42.

[0094] The heating unit 42 is a device for heating the tape to a predetermined temperature to melt the resin and fix it to the substrate.

[0095] Specifically, the heating processing unit 42 can perform heating processing using a laser irradiation device, and appropriately heats the tape before it reaches the roller 43 .

[0096] Roller 43 is also called a compacting roller, and is a roller for pressing the heated tape onto the substrate.

[0097] The roller 43 is driven while applying a constant pressure to the tape so that the tape is evenly pressed onto the substrate.

[0098] The driving mechanism 44 is a mechanism that drives the substrate (stage) in order to position the tape at an accurate position.

[0099] The driving mechanism 44 drives the substrate to laminate the tapes by controlling three axes, namely, the X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis, and is realized by, for example, a robot arm or a gantry system.

[0100] <2 Data Structure> 5 is a diagram showing the data structure of the user database 211. The user database 211 includes the items "user ID", "business ID", "name", "email address", "department", and "job title".

[0101] The item "user ID" is information that identifies each user.

[0102] The item "business operator ID" is information that identifies each business operator.

[0103] Specifically, the item "business ID" includes information for identifying each business such as the following: - Businesses that have molding equipment and perform molding processes Manufacturers of prepreg products Businesses that request molding processing from molding systems The item "Name" is information about the user's name.

[0104] The item "email address" is information that serves as the user's contact information.

[0105] The item "department" is information about the user's department.

[0106] The item "position" is information about the position of the user.

[0107] 6 is a diagram showing the data structure of the product database 212. The product database 212 includes an item "product ID," an item "business operator ID," an item "product name," an item "contact information," an item "performance index," an item "procurement availability," an item "related products," and an item "main use tag."

[0108] The item "product ID" is information that identifies each product, which is a prepreg tape.

[0109] The item "business operator ID" is information that identifies each business operator.

[0110] Specifically, the item "business ID" includes information for identifying the manufacturer that provides the prepreg product.

[0111] The item "product name" is information about the name of the product.

[0112] The item "contact information" is information about the contact information for product procurement.

[0113] Specifically, the item "contact information" includes the following as contact information for the person in charge at the manufacturer that provides the product. ·email address Information that identifies your account The item "Performance index" is information indicating the performance of the prepreg tape.

[0114] Specifically, the item "Performance Index" includes the following information as the performance of the prepreg tape: Shape information: Tape width, tape thickness Fiber volume fraction (Vf: Fiber volume), which is the ratio of the volume of fiber to the volume of prepreg Materials: Sheets made of thermoplastic resin impregnated with carbon fiber. Crystalline engineering plastics are particularly preferred. Thermoplastic resins include polyamide, PPS (Poly Phenylene Sulfide), PEEK (Poly Ether Ether Ketone), PEKK (Poly Ether Ketone Ketone), PP (Polypropylene), PET (Poly Ethylene Terephthalate), and PBT (Poly Butylene Terephthalate). The item "Procurement Availability" is information indicating whether or not the product can be procured from the business that provides the product.

[0115] The item "related product" is information that identifies other related products.

[0116] Specifically, the item "related products" includes the following information about other related products: - Information set in advance by the business operator as related products The item "main use tag" is information indicating the use of the prepreg.

[0117] Specifically, the item "Main Use Tag" includes the following as uses of prepreg: Industrial sector: aerospace industry, automotive industry, etc. Prepreg applicable product areas: aircraft panels for the aerospace industry, reinforced parts for the automotive industry, parts for the energy industry (oil drilling pipes, wind turbine blades), etc. 7 is a diagram showing the data structure of the molding process history database 213. The molding process history database 213 includes an item "molding process ID," an item "user ID," an item "business operator ID," an item "molding process date and time," an item "laser output conditions," an item "prepreg used," an item "temperature conditions," an item "molding conditions," an item "evaluation position," an item "predicted crystallinity," and an item "user evaluation of process."

[0118] The item "molding process ID" is information that identifies each molding process performed by a business that performs the molding process.

[0119] The item "user ID" is information that identifies each user.

[0120] The item "business operator ID" is information that identifies each business operator.

[0121] The item "molding processing date and time" is information indicating the timing when the molding processing was performed.

[0122] Specifically, the item "molding processing date and time" includes the following information on the timing of the molding processing. - Date and time of simulation (prediction of crystallinity, etc.) of molding process The date and time when the molding device 30 was operated and molding processing was performed according to the molding conditions. The item "laser output conditions" is information indicating the conditions of heat treatment for performing the forming process.

[0123] Specifically, the item "laser output conditions" includes the following as conditions for the laser irradiated to perform the heat treatment. Output power (W) Output width (mm x mm) Distance between prepregs (mm) Laser angle (°) Laser speed (mm / s) The item "Used Prepreg" is information indicating the prepreg used in the molding process.

[0124] Specifically, the item "Prepreg used" includes the following information indicating the prepreg used in the molding process. Resin / carbon fiber combination and compounding ratio Selection of prepreg grades with different tape widths, etc. Depending on the grade, the tension and roll pressure of the prepreg may be determined, and this information may be included. The item "temperature conditions" is information indicating the temperature conditions of the molding environment.

[0125] Specifically, the item "temperature conditions" includes the following as temperature conditions. Table temperature ·Indoor temperature The item "molding conditions" is information indicating the conditions under which prepregs are laminated and molded.

[0126] Specifically, the item "molding conditions" includes the following molding conditions: How to stack prepregs Number of layers and prepreg overlap The number of layers of the prepreg may be calculated based on the operation profile of the heat treatment unit 42. The item "evaluation position" is information indicating the position at which the performance of the molded body is evaluated.

[0127] Specifically, the item "evaluation position" includes the following information as the location where performance is evaluated. Which layer of prepreg to laminate should be used to predict the crystallinity? The item "predicted crystallinity" is information indicating the predicted crystallinity at the location to be evaluated as a performance of the molded article.

[0128] Specifically, the item "predicted crystallinity" includes the results of the crystallinity prediction module 2047 predicting the crystallinity between layers of laminated prepregs.

[0129] The item "user evaluation of process" is information indicating the user's evaluation of the molding process.

[0130] Specifically, the item "user evaluation of process" includes a user's evaluation of the molded body obtained by the molding process.

[0131] 8 is a diagram showing the data structure of the purchase history database 214. The purchase history database 214 includes the following items: "Purchase ID," "Business Operator ID," "Product ID," "Purchase Date and Time," "Delivery Date and Time," "Quantity," and "Molding Process ID."

[0132] The item "Purchase ID" is information that identifies each transaction made between businesses regarding prepreg products.

[0133] The item "business operator ID" is information that identifies each business operator.

[0134] The item "product ID" is information that identifies each product, which is a prepreg tape, that is the subject of the transaction.

[0135] The item "Purchase Date and Time" is information indicating the timing at which the purchase process was carried out.

[0136] The item "Delivery date and time" is information indicating the timing of delivery of the purchased product.

[0137] Specifically, the item "Delivery date and time" includes the following as the timing of delivery. - Estimated delivery date of the product The date and time when the user accepts that the product has actually been delivered The item "quantity" is information indicating the quantity of the product purchased.

[0138] The item "molding process ID" is information for identifying each molding process when molding is performed using a product procured through purchase.

[0139] <3 operations> FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the flow of processing for accepting the specification of the molding processing conditions, predicting the crystallinity, and starting the molding processing.

[0140] In step S921, the molding support module 2044 of the server 20 presents the user with an operation screen for inputting molding conditions.

[0141] In step S911, the terminal 10 displays an operation screen and receives input of molding conditions including heat treatment conditions from the user. The terminal 10 receives, as input of molding conditions, each piece of information managed in the molding processing history database 213, such as the following information, from the user: Laser output conditions -Specify the prepreg to be used for molding -Specifying tape lamination conditions Temperature conditions Molding conditions - Specify the layer for which the crystallinity of the laminated tape is to be predicted The terminal 10 receives information on molding conditions, including heat treatment conditions, from the user and transmits it to the server 20.

[0142] In step S923, the molding support module 2044 of the server 20 acquires the molding conditions and updates the molding process history database 213 based on the acquired molding conditions. Every time molding conditions are input, the server 20 performs processing using the energy absorption prediction module 2045, the heat transfer analysis module 2046, and the crystallinity prediction module 2047, and refers to the crystallinity prediction model 215 to output the crystallinity predicted for the molding conditions for each layer of the tape to be laminated, thereby updating the molding process history database 213.

[0143] The details of each process will be described later using Figure 10 etc., but the outline is as follows. The server 20 evaluates (predicts the crystallinity of) a molded body obtained by laminating a tape onto a prepreg tape to be molded by heat treatment and performing heat treatment according to molding conditions. Here, the tape contains a material that absorbs energy (carbon fiber, filler, etc.).

[0144] The energy absorption prediction module 2045 of the server 20 predicts the amount of energy imparted to the tape by the heat treatment. Based on the predicted amount of energy, the energy absorption prediction module 2045 identifies the amount of energy absorbed inside the tape. Processing is performed by the heat transfer analysis module 2046 and the crystallinity prediction module 2047, and the crystallinity of each layer of the tape is estimated based on the relational expression between the energy absorption amount and the crystallinity (crystallinity prediction model 215), and the estimated crystallinity is output.

[0145] The molding support module 2044 of the server 20 defines molding conditions such as roll pressure on the tape according to the prepreg designated by the user. The crystallinity prediction module 2047 predicts the crystallinity according to the defined molding conditions.

[0146] The molding support module 2044 of the server 20 receives molding conditions from the user, including specified lamination conditions (number of layers, overlap of prepregs, etc.). The crystallinity prediction module 2047 predicts the crystallinity based on these molding conditions. The crystallinity prediction module 2047 outputs the predicted crystallinity of the specified layer and presents it to the user.

[0147] The molding device 30 performs heat treatment by irradiating a laser onto the laminated tapes. The heat transfer analysis module 2046 of the server 20 calculates the heat transfer of the temperature given to the inside of the tape by irradiating the tape with the laser. The crystallinity prediction module 2047 outputs the crystallinity based on the heat transfer calculation result and the crystallinity prediction model 215.

[0148] In step S913, the terminal 10 presents the molding conditions to the user, displays the predicted crystallinity in the server 20, and accepts an operation to start molding from the user. In response to accepting an operation to start molding from the user, the terminal 10 drives the molding device 30 in accordance with the molding conditions. That is, the terminal 10 sets the information specified by the user in the molding conditions in the molding device 30, and causes the molding process to be performed in accordance with the molding conditions.

[0149] The server 20 may be configured to receive specifications regarding the performance of the molded body from the user via the terminal 10. In this case, the server 20 may be configured to receive an operation to start molding on the terminal 10 when the predicted crystallinity reaches the performance of the designated molded body, and not receive an operation to start molding when the performance is not reached.

[0150] In step S927, when the terminal 10 starts molding by the molding device 30, the server 20 detects the operation to start the molding and stores the molding conditions for the molding in the molding process history database 213.

[0151] 10 is a diagram showing details of the process for predicting the crystallinity, which corresponds to the process in step S923 in FIG.

[0152] In step S1021, the molding support module 2044 of the server 20 receives from the user of the terminal 10 the specification of each molding condition, including the laser output conditions, the selection of the prepreg to be used, the temperature conditions, the conditions for molding by lamination, and the specification of the evaluation position for the crystallinity of the prepreg.

[0153] In step S1023, the energy absorption amount prediction module 2045 of the server 20 predicts the amount of energy absorption in the tape by tracing the light beam of the laser irradiated onto the tape.

[0154] The details of this prediction process will be described later using Figure 12 etc., but the outline is as follows. In the molding device 30, a heat treatment is performed on the tape by driving a heat treatment unit 42, which is a laser device, and irradiating a laser onto the tape to be laminated. In the molding device 30, a laser is irradiated between the layers of the tape placed on the table and the tape pressed by a roll and laminated on the tape placed on the table to perform the heat treatment.

[0155] The server 20, in the energy absorption amount prediction module 2045, predicts the energy absorption amount based on both the energy absorption amount predicted for the table side and the energy absorption amount predicted for the roll side.

[0156] In step S1025, the energy absorption amount prediction module 2045 of the server 20 identifies the amount of energy absorption in each layer of the tape. Details of this process will be described later with reference to Fig. 13 etc., but the outline is as follows: The energy absorption amount prediction module 2045 sets the temperature of the surface of the tape to be irradiated with the laser, and predicts the conduction of heat into the tape based on the set surface temperature using the heat transfer analysis module 2046, thereby identifying the amount of energy absorption in the tape.

[0157] The energy absorption prediction module 2045 identifies the energy absorption amount of each layer of tape by predicting the heat conduction into the tape for each layer to be laminated using the heat transfer analysis module 2046. The crystallinity prediction module 2047 outputs the crystallinity of the tape for each layer based on the identified energy absorption amount of each layer.

[0158] In step S1027, the server 20 references the crystallinity prediction model 215 and outputs the crystallinity based on the amount of energy absorption. Details will be described later with reference to Fig. 14 etc. The crystallinity prediction model 215 is a prediction model that generates starting points for growing as crystals in the resin by defining the probability that a solid will change from one phase to another based on a set temperature, and models the manner in which the generated starting points grow as crystals.

[0159] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the flow of processing for accepting the specification of desired performance, searching for molding conditions that satisfy the desired crystallinity, presenting them to the user, and starting molding processing.

[0160] In step S1121, the molding support module 2044 of the server 20 presents the user with an operation screen for receiving designations regarding the performance of the molded body.

[0161] In step S1111, the terminal 10 receives a specification regarding the performance of the molded body from the user. The terminal 10 receives a specification of the crystallinity as the performance of the molded body from the user. The terminal 10 transmits the information received from the user to the server 20.

[0162] In step S1123, the server 20 searches for molding conditions that satisfy the crystallinity according to the performance of the specified molded body, thereby identifying molding conditions that satisfy the crystallinity. Specifically, the server 20 arbitrarily sets molding conditions and repeats the process of predicting the crystallinity using the crystallinity prediction module 2047, thereby searching for molding conditions that satisfy the crystallinity according to the user's specification. The server 20 presents the identified molding conditions to the user.

[0163] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the process for predicting the amount of energy absorption by tracing the laser beam. This corresponds to the process in step S1023 in Figure 10. The amount of energy actually absorbed by the prepreg is predicted based on the laser output conditions. Because energy absorption is performed by the carbon fibers, the amount of energy absorbed is predicted based on the laser beam trail as it passes through the matrix resin and reaches the carbon fibers. Because the laser is irradiated between the prepreg and the roll, the amount of energy absorbed by the prepreg can be predicted from the laser intensity, irradiation angle, and roller speed (which affects the laser irradiation time). In the prepreg, the laser beam is reflected internally depending on the proportion of carbon fiber, and energy is absorbed by the carbon fibers.

[0164] 12A shows that a heat treatment is being performed by a heat treatment unit 42, which is a laser device, on the contact point (also called a nip) between the prepreg tape already on the stage and the tape being laminated by roller 43. In the example shown, a drive mechanism 44 moves the head at a set speed, causing roller 43 to rotate, and further tape is laminated on the tape on the stage.

[0165] The laser device settings are as follows: The angle at which the laser is fired (for example, define the angle parameter as an angle relative to the stage) -Width of the sample irradiated by the beam Beam size In the illustrated example, the ends of the beam irradiated from heat processing unit 42 onto stage 43 and roller 43 in accordance with the beam size setting are shown as light traces 1201A and 1201C, respectively. The center of the beam irradiated as described above (the axis of the beam according to the irradiation angle) is shown as light trace 1201B. As described above, heat processing unit 42 irradiates laser with the sizes of light traces 1201A to 1201C.

[0166] The illustrated example also shows the light trail of the laser reflected when it is irradiated onto the tape on the stage or the tape on the roller 43 side. When the laser is reflected, a certain percentage of its energy is absorbed by the tape, while the remaining energy is reflected, and the percentage of energy absorbed by the tape is defined according to the angle at which the laser is incident on the tape. For example, it may be possible to lower the percentage of energy absorption (increase the percentage of reflected energy) when the laser is incident on the tape at a shallow angle.

[0167] As a result, for the tape on the front side that is laminated by pressure bonding of the roller 43 at the Nip, the tape on the stage and the tape on the roller 43 side each absorb energy from the laser irradiation.

[0168] FIG. 12B is a graph showing the amount of energy absorbed in the tape when the heating unit 42 irradiates the tape with a laser.

[0169] In the illustrated example, the horizontal axis represents the position on the stage, and the vertical axis represents the amount of energy absorption. The horizontal axis is defined as having an origin at an arbitrary position before the Nip (before stacking).

[0170] In the illustrated example, the amount of energy absorbed by the tape on the stage and the amount of energy absorbed by the tape on the roller 43 side are shown by different bar graphs.

[0171] In the illustrated example, bar graph 1202A, which is drawn to be the foreground of the two bar graphs, indicates the amount of energy absorbed by the tape on the roller 43 side. Similarly, bar graph 1202B, which is drawn to be the background of the two bar graphs, indicates the amount of energy absorbed by the tape on the stage.

[0172] 12C shows that energy is absorbed by the carbon fibers in the tape. Because the matrix resin is almost transparent to the laser, energy is absorbed by the carbon fibers in the tape.

[0173] In the illustrated example, a carbon fiber object 1203 represents a cross section of a carbon fiber. Fiber volume (Vf) is defined as an index of the performance of a prepreg tape. The server 20 generates and places the carbon fiber object 1203 in accordance with the fiber volume content Vf. For example, each time a carbon fiber object 1203 is placed in an area corresponding to the cross section of the tape, the server 20 calculates the fiber volume content Vf, and randomly places the carbon fiber object 1203 until the fiber volume content Vf defined for the tape is reached.

[0174] Here, there are various methods for generating the carbon fiber object 1203, such as defining the shape of the object based on a mathematical formula, making it spherical, etc. For example, as shown in the diagram, a sphere (when k=0) may be generated by referring to an aspheric lens formula.

[0175] In the illustrated example, a laser 1201 is incident on the matrix resin and is reflected by the surface of a carbon fiber object 1203. The server 20 calculates the rate at which energy is absorbed (or reflected) depending on the angle of incidence on the carbon fiber object 1203, and calculates whether the energy of the reflected light beam is further absorbed or reflected by another carbon fiber object 1203. For example, if the angle of incidence on the carbon fiber object 1203 is shallow, the rate at which the light is reflected may be increased (for example, 7 out of 10 fibers are reflected).

[0176] In the illustrated example, the cross section of the tape is shown in two dimensions, but it is also possible to place a carbon fiber object 1203 in a three-dimensional space corresponding to the prepreg tape, and track the laser beam to determine the amount of energy absorption.

[0177] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of the process for predicting the amount of energy absorption in the tape by setting the temperature of the tape surface irradiated with the laser and predicting the heat conduction into the tape. This corresponds to the process in step S1025 in Figure 10. The heat transfer of the prepreg is evaluated from the amount of energy absorbed by the carbon fiber, and the temperature transition between layers is predicted. Multiple layers are laminated, and the upper layer irradiated with the laser is heated, and the heat is absorbed by the metal stage (table) below, resulting in heat transfer between the layers. The cooling speed also varies depending on the temperature of the table (150 degrees in the example shown), room temperature, the thickness of each layer, and the adhesion between the tape and the table.

[0178] FIG. 13A is a diagram showing the configuration of a molding device 30. As shown in FIG.

[0179] FIG. 13B is a diagram showing a temperature map obtained by simulating the temperature of the surface of the tape irradiated with the laser as it is transferred to the stage through each layer.

[0180] In the illustrated example, the horizontal axis indicates the position on the stage, and the vertical axis indicates the position of each layer being stacked. The position indicated by dotted line 1301 corresponds to the Nip. The area to the left of dotted line 1301 represents the area before the Nip (before stacking), which is heated by absorbing energy from the laser irradiation.

[0181] In the illustrated example, the lower side of the vertical axis represents the temperature near the stage, and the upper side represents the temperature near the layer irradiated by the laser. The temperature on the stage side is approximately 150°C, and the temperature set on the tape surface based on the estimated amount of energy absorption is transmitted to the stage side. In the illustrated example, the target temperature is set to 350°C in order to heat the resin above its melting point and melt it, and a temperature higher than the target temperature is set on the tape surface.

[0182] The example shown in the figure shows a stack of five layers. Heat transfer can be calculated assuming an ideal stack and smooth heat transfer, or heat transfer from layer to layer, from the surface of the tape to the stage side, can be calculated assuming a certain rate of heat loss when heat is transferred between layers (for example, assuming there is a gap between layers and there is energy loss).

[0183] 13C shows the simulation results of the tape surface temperature for stacking state 1302 when a fourth layer is stacked and stacking state 1303 when a fifth layer is stacked. The horizontal axis represents the position on the stage, and the vertical axis represents the temperature. In the illustrated example, the target temperature 1304 is indicated by a dotted line. The temperature peaks near the nip and exceeds the target temperature.

[0184] As the number of layers increases, the thickness of the laminate increases and the heat capacity increases, so the output of the heat processing unit 42 is increased so that the target temperature is exceeded.

[0185] Fig. 14 is a schematic diagram of a prediction model that outputs the degree of crystallinity. This corresponds to the processing of step S1027 in Fig. 10. Evaluation data evaluating the cooling speed and the temperature reached at the evaluation position is stored in advance in server 20, and the degree of crystallinity is evaluated using the heat transfer evaluation results and crystallinity prediction model 215.

[0186] FIG. 14A shows a relational expression (crystallization prediction model 215) for predicting the crystallinity of a matrix resin based on the temperature change at the lamination interface due to heat conduction between the layers of laminated prepregs. Weight fraction crystallinity of i-step crystallization: This indicates the weight fraction of the crystalline portion of the material in the i-step crystallization process. It is an index of the degree of crystallization. Overall crystallinity: The percentage of the crystalline mass relative to the total mass. This is an index of the degree of crystallinity of the entire material. Infinite overall crystallinity for i-step crystallization: The theoretical maximum crystallinity assuming complete crystallization. Temperature: Indicates the temperature of the material or environment during the crystallization process. Avrami index: indicates how the rate of crystallization changes over time Figure 14B shows how a solid changes from one phase to another at a constant temperature. This is also known as the Avrami equation (Johnson-Mehl-Avrami-Kolmogorov (JMAK) equation), and specifically describes the phenomenon in which nuclei are randomly formed within the original phase (parent phase) as a substance changes from one state (phase) to another, and the change progresses as these nuclei grow.

[0187] In the illustrated example, dots 1402 (shown as black dots in the figure) that become seeds of crystallization are generated randomly, and among these multiple dots 1402, those that have grown into crystals are shown as crystals 1401. Crystallization progresses from the left side of Fig. 14B, and as shown in the right side, some of the crystals merge with nearby crystals 1401.

[0188] 14C is a diagram comparing the crystallinity predicted by the crystallinity prediction model 215 shown in FIG. 14A with the results of experimentally measuring the crystallinity. In the figure, the thick line is the experimental value 1412 indicating the crystallinity measured by the experiment, and the thin line is the predicted value 1411 predicted by the crystallinity prediction model 215. In this way, the experimentally measured value and the predicted value by the crystallinity prediction model 215 match well.

[0189] In the figure, the vertical axis represents the degree of crystallinity and the horizontal axis represents time, showing that crystallization progresses with the passage of time.

[0190] <4 Screen example> FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a screen that accepts the specification of the molding processing conditions, displays the predicted results of the crystallinity, and accepts an operation to start the molding processing.

[0191] Screen 1500 is a screen that supports the specification of molding conditions and the start of molding.

[0192] The account display area 1510 is an area for displaying information about the account of a user who has logged in to a service provided by the server 20.

[0193] The condition specification area 1520 is an area where molding conditions are input by the user.

[0194] The condition specification receiving section 1521 is an area for receiving the specification of specific conditions such as laser output conditions as molding conditions.

[0195] As shown in the figure, the condition specification receiving unit 1521 receives the specification of each of the following conditions in accordance with the information managed in the molding processing history database 213. This corresponds to the processing of step S911 in FIG. Laser output conditions Selection of the prepreg to be used (depending on the prepreg, the tension and roll pressure of the prepreg may be defined in the product database 212, in which case they are set as molding conditions. The user may also separately set the roll pressure etc. according to the prepreg) ·Temperature conditions Molding conditions such as the number of layers to be laminated and the overlap of prepregs The position where the crystallinity is evaluated, such as between which layers the crystallinity is evaluated The purchase operation button 1522 is an operation member for accepting an operation to procure prepregs to be used in molding.

[0196] The purchase operation button 1522 accepts a user operation and displays a list of prepregs provided by the product manufacturer, a search box, etc., and displays a screen for accepting an operation to purchase prepregs as a pop-up, etc. The server 20 may refer to the conditions specified in the condition specification receiving unit 1521, the product database 212, the molding process history database 213, and the purchase history database 214, to determine the priority order of the prepregs to be presented to the user as follows, and display the prepregs according to the priority order. The prepreg selected as a molding condition specified by the user in the condition specification receiving section 1521, and prepregs related to the selected prepreg (product database 212) Prepregs suitable for the conditions specified by the user in the condition specification receiving unit 1521, such as laser output conditions, temperature conditions, and molding conditions (for example, lowering the priority of prepregs that cannot be used under the specified conditions and raising the priority of prepregs that can be used). Prepregs according to the usage history of prepregs used by the user in the molding process history (for example, giving priority to prepregs that are used frequently) Prepregs according to the user's purchasing history (for example, giving priority to prepregs purchased frequently) The server 20 manages the inventory status of prepregs owned by the user, and if the user does not own the prepreg specified in the condition specification receiving section 1521, the server 20 may notify the user by highlighting the purchase operation button 1522 to encourage the user to purchase it.

[0197] The predicted result display area 1530 is an area that displays the results of predicting the degree of crystallinity as the performance predicted based on the conditions specified in the condition specification area 1520 .

[0198] The crystallinity display area 1531 is an area that displays the predicted crystallinity.

[0199] As shown in the figure, the crystallinity display area 1531 displays the position (between which layers) where the crystallinity is to be evaluated and the crystallinity predicted at that position in association with each other.

[0200] The prediction operation button 1532 is an operation member for receiving an operation from the user to predict the degree of crystallinity under the conditions specified in the condition specification receiving section 1521 .

[0201] The drive operation reception area 1540 is an area for receiving an operation to drive the molding device 30 from the user.

[0202] The drive operation button 1542 is an operating member for receiving an operation from the user to set the conditions specified in the condition specification receiving section 1521 to the molding device 30 and cause the molding device 30 to perform molding processing under the set conditions.

[0203] The drive operation button 1542 communicates with the molding device 30 in response to a user operation, and causes the conditions specified by the user to be set in the molding device 30. For example, information such as an address for communication between the molding device 30 and the terminal 10 is registered in advance in a service provided by the server 20.

[0204] In this way, the server 20 presents the user with the molding conditions and the predicted crystallinity for the molding conditions (condition specification area 1520, predicted result display area 1530), and accepts an operation to start molding via the drive operation button 1542. In response to accepting an operation to start molding from the user via the drive operation button 1542, the server 20 drives the device for molding (molding device 30) in accordance with the molding conditions.

[0205] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a screen that accepts the specification of the conditions for the molding process and accepts an operation to start the molding process depending on whether the conditions for starting the molding process are met.

[0206] The molding feasibility display area 1541 is an area that displays whether the predicted crystallinity reaches the set crystallinity when the user has set information such as expected performance and crystallinity in advance.

[0207] In the example shown, the molding feasibility display area 1541 displays that molding cannot be started because the predicted crystallinity does not reach the crystallinity specified by the user.

[0208] In this case, the server 20 may invalidate the user's operation on the drive operation button 1542 and may not start the molding process by the molding device 30. In the example shown, in comparison with the display mode of Fig. 15, the fact that the operation on the drive operation button 1542 is invalid is displayed, and the reason why the molding process cannot be started (in the example shown, the reason is that the crystallinity is insufficient) is also displayed.

[0209] In this way, the server 20 accepts specifications from the user regarding the performance of the molded body in the condition specification acceptance section 1521, and if the predicted crystallinity (prediction result display area 1530) reaches the performance of the specified molded body, it accepts an operation to start molding, and if the performance is not reached, it may not accept an operation to start molding.

[0210] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a screen that accepts the specification of the performance of the molded body, displays the molding conditions, and accepts an operation to start the molding process.

[0211] The search result display area 1720 is an area that displays the results of the server 20 searching for molding conditions that satisfy the crystallinity specified by the user as the performance specified by the user.

[0212] The condition specification receiving section 1721 is an area that displays details of each condition that the server 20 has searched for to realize the degree of crystallinity specified by the user.

[0213] In the illustrated example, the condition specification receiving unit 1721 further receives an operation by the user to edit each condition.

[0214] The performance specification area 1730 is an area for receiving specifications regarding the performance of the molded body from the user.

[0215] The crystallinity designation area 1731 is an area for receiving designation of the crystallinity as a performance of the molded body from the user.

[0216] As shown in the figure, the crystallinity designation area 1731 accepts designation from the user of the position (between which layers) for evaluating the crystallinity and the crystallinity at that position. This corresponds to step S1111 in FIG. 11.

[0217] In addition to accepting the specification of the crystallinity for each evaluation position in this manner, the server 20 may also accept specifications from the user regarding performance such as the strength of the molded body, identify the required interlayer crystallinity, and display the crystallinity corresponding to the performance specified by the user in the crystallinity specification area 1731.

[0218] As described above, the server 20 accepts specifications regarding the performance of the molded body from the user (performance specification area 1730), identifies molding conditions that satisfy the crystallinity degree corresponding to the performance of the specified molded body, and presents the identified molding conditions to the user (search result display area 1720).

[0219] The search operation button 1732 is an operation member that accepts an operation from the user to search for molding conditions that satisfy the performance specified by the user.

[0220] The search operation button 1732 corresponds to steps S1111 and S1123 in FIG.

[0221] <Modification> In addition to the aspects described in the above embodiment, the following may be adopted.

[0222] (1) Methods for predicting heat transfer In the above embodiment, the temperature of the surface of the tape on the front side of the roller 43 (the side irradiated with the laser) is set and heat transfer to the stage side is evaluated.

[0223] Alternatively, the temperatures of the prepreg before and after the roller 43 may be measured, and the difference between the temperatures may be taken into consideration to evaluate the heat transfer of the prepreg.

[0224] For example, as a measurement method, the temperature of the surface of the prepreg before the roller 43 and the temperature of the surface of the prepreg after passing through the roller 43 are measured using an infrared sensor, an infrared camera, or the like.

[0225] The tape in front of the roller 43 is heated by being irradiated with a laser, but only a small amount of heat is transferred to the air side (above the prepreg, on the opposite side from the stage side).

[0226] On the other hand, when the material passes through the roller 43, heat is transferred to the roller 43 (due to the rotation speed of the roller 43, the pressure of the roller 43, and the material).

[0227] In this way, the temperature of the surface of the prepreg before and after passing through the roller 43 is measured, and the heat transfer to the roller 43 can be taken into consideration from the difference between these temperatures.

[0228] The heat transfer to the roller 43 may be taken into consideration when evaluating the heat transfer of the laminated prepregs.

[0229] Although several embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, these embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and modifications are intended to be included in the scope of the inventions and their equivalents as defined in the claims, as well as in the scope and spirit of the inventions.

[0230] The functions performed by the components described herein may be implemented in circuitry or processing circuitry, including general-purpose processors, application-specific processors, integrated circuits, ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), a CPU (a Central Processing Unit), conventional circuits, and / or combinations thereof, programmed to perform the described functions. A processor includes transistors and other circuits and is considered to be circuitry or processing circuitry. A processor may also be a programmed processor that executes programs stored in memory.

[0231] In this specification, a circuitry, unit, or means is hardware that is programmed to realize or performs the described functions, which may be any hardware disclosed herein or any hardware known to be programmed to realize or perform the described functions.

[0232] If the hardware is a processor considered to be a type of circuitry, the circuitry, means, or unit is a combination of the hardware and software used to configure the hardware and / or processor.

[0233] <First Addendum> The matters explained in the above embodiment will be supplemented below.

[0234] (Appendix 1) A program for operating a computer used in a system for obtaining a molded body by stacking prepreg tapes and performing heat treatment in accordance with molding conditions while the tapes are being molded by heat treatment, the program having a memory unit that stores a prediction model that predicts the degree of crystallization in layers based on temperature changes at the interface between the stacked layers, and the program causes the computer processor to execute the steps of acquiring molding conditions including heat treatment conditions, and referring to the prediction model, and outputting the predicted degree of crystallinity for each layer with respect to the molding conditions.

[0235] (Appendix 2) A program as described in Appendix 1, which executes the steps of presenting the molding conditions and the predicted crystallinity for the molding conditions to a user and accepting an operation to start molding, and operating an apparatus for molding in accordance with the molding conditions in response to accepting the operation to start molding.

[0236] (Appendix 3) A program as described in Appendix 2, which accepts specifications regarding the performance of a molded body from a user, and accepts an operation to start molding if the predicted crystallinity meets the performance of the specified molded body, and does not accept an operation to start molding if the performance is not met.

[0237] (Appendix 4) A program described in any of Appendices 2 to 3, which accepts specifications regarding the performance of a molded body from a user, identifies molding conditions that satisfy the crystallinity degree corresponding to the performance of the specified molded body, and presents the identified molding conditions to the user.

[0238] (Appendix 5) 5. The program according to any one of appendices 1 to 4, wherein the program receives a specification of a prepreg to be used in molding as the prepreg, specifies molding conditions such as roll pressure on the tape according to the specified prepreg, and outputs the specified molding conditions.

[0239] (Appendix 6) A program described in any one of appendices 1 to 5, which, in a step of accepting and outputting the specification of conditions for laminating tape as molding conditions, predicts the degree of crystallinity based on molding conditions including the specified lamination conditions.

[0240] (Appendix 7) A program described in any of Appendices 1 to 6, which, in a step of receiving from a user the specification of a layer for which crystallinity is to be predicted for a laminated tape and outputting the result of predicting the crystallinity of the specified layer.

[0241] (Appendix 8) A program described in any of Appendices 1 to 7, wherein the prepreg tape contains an energy absorbing material, and the laminated tape is irradiated with a laser to perform heat treatment, and in the output step, the heat transfer of the temperature given to the inside of the tape by irradiating the tape with the laser is calculated, and the crystallinity is output based on the heat transfer calculation results and a prediction model.

[0242] (Appendix 9) A method for operating a computer used in a system for obtaining a molded body by stacking prepreg tapes and performing heat treatment in accordance with molding conditions while the tapes are being molded by heat treatment, wherein a prediction model for predicting the degree of crystallization in layers based on temperature changes at the interface between the stacked layers is stored in a memory unit, and the method includes the steps of having the computer processor acquire molding conditions including heat treatment conditions, and referencing the prediction model to output the predicted degree of crystallization for each layer with respect to the molding conditions.

[0243] (Appendix 10) An information processing device used in a system for obtaining a molded body by stacking prepreg tape to be molded by heat treatment and performing heat treatment in accordance with molding conditions, wherein a memory unit stores a prediction model that predicts the degree of crystallization in layers based on temperature changes at the interface between the stacked layers, and a control unit of the information processing device executes the steps of acquiring molding conditions including heat treatment conditions, and referring to the prediction model, and outputting the predicted degree of crystallization for each layer with respect to the molding conditions.

[0244] (Appendix 11) This is a system for obtaining a molded body by stacking prepreg tapes to be molded by heat treatment while performing heat treatment in accordance with molding conditions, and the system has a memory unit that stores a prediction model that predicts the degree of crystallization in layers based on temperature changes at the interface between the stacked layers.The control unit of the information processing device executes the following steps: acquiring molding conditions including heat treatment conditions; referring to the prediction model, outputting the predicted crystallinity for each layer against the molding conditions; and setting the molding conditions in a molding device, and the molding device performs heat treatment to obtain a molded body in accordance with the set molding conditions.

[0245] <Second Note> The matters explained in the above embodiment will be supplemented below.

[0246] (Appendix 1) A program for operating a computer having a processor, the computer evaluating a molded body obtained by laminating tape onto a prepreg tape to be molded by heat treatment while performing heat treatment according to molding conditions, the tape including an energy absorbing component, the program causing the processor to execute the steps of: predicting the amount of energy imparted to the tape by heat treatment; identifying the amount of energy absorbed inside the tape based on the predicted amount of energy; and estimating the degree of crystallinity of each layer of the tape based on an equation relating the amount of energy absorption and the degree of crystallinity, and outputting the estimated degree of crystallinity.

[0247] (Appendix 2) The program described in Appendix 1, in which the heat treatment is performed by irradiating a laser onto the laminated tape, and in the prediction step, the amount of energy absorption in the tape is predicted by tracking the laser light irradiated onto the tape.

[0248] (Appendix 3) The program described in Appendix 2, in which a laser is irradiated between layers of a tape placed on a table and a tape pressed by a roll and laminated on the tape placed on the table to perform heat treatment, and in the prediction step, the energy absorption amount is predicted based on both the energy absorption amount predicted for the table side and the energy absorption amount predicted for the roll side.

[0249] (Appendix 4) The program of claim 3, wherein in the identifying step, the temperature of the surface of the tape irradiated with the laser is set, and the amount of energy absorption in the tape is identified by predicting heat conduction into the interior of the tape based on the set surface temperature.

[0250] (Appendix 5) A program as described in Appendix 4, wherein in the identifying step, the amount of energy absorption in each layer of tape is identified by predicting the conduction of heat into the tape for each layer to be stacked, and in the output step, the crystallinity of the tape for each layer is output based on the amount of energy absorption of each layer.

[0251] (Appendix 6) The program according to any one of Appendices 1 to 5, wherein the relational equation is a prediction model that generates starting points for crystal growth in the resin by defining the probability that a solid will change from one phase to another based on a set temperature, and models the manner in which the generated starting points grow as crystals; and in the output step, the program refers to the prediction model and outputs the crystallinity based on the amount of energy absorption.

[0252] (Appendix 7) A method for operating a computer having a processor, wherein the computer evaluates a molded body obtained by laminating a tape onto a prepreg tape to be molded by heat treatment while performing heat treatment according to molding conditions, the tape including an energy absorbing component, and the method includes the steps of: predicting the amount of energy imparted to the tape by heat treatment; determining the amount of energy absorption absorbed inside the tape based on the predicted amount of energy; and estimating the crystallinity of each layer of the tape based on an equation relating the amount of energy absorption and the degree of crystallinity, and outputting the estimated degree of crystallinity.

[0253] (Appendix 8) An information processing device having a control unit, which evaluates a molded body obtained by laminating tape onto a prepreg tape to be molded by heat treatment while performing heat treatment according to molding conditions, wherein the tape includes a member that absorbs energy, and the control unit executes the steps of: predicting the amount of energy imparted to the tape by heat treatment; determining the amount of energy absorption absorbed inside the tape based on the predicted amount of energy; and estimating the crystallinity of each layer of the tape based on an equation relating the amount of energy absorption and the degree of crystallinity, and outputting the estimated degree of crystallinity.

Claims

1. A program for operating a computer used in a system for obtaining a molded body by laminating a prepreg tape to be molded by heat treatment under molding conditions while performing heat treatment, a memory unit stores a prediction model for predicting the degree of crystallization in a layer based on a temperature change at an interface between the layers to be stacked; The program causes the processor of the computer to: obtaining molding conditions including heat treatment conditions; and referencing the prediction model and outputting the crystallinity predicted for each layer under the molding conditions.

2. a step of presenting the molding conditions and the crystallinity predicted for the molding conditions to a user and accepting an operation to start molding; The program according to claim 1 , further comprising a step of driving a molding device in accordance with molding conditions in response to receiving an operation to start the molding.

3. We accept specifications from users regarding the performance of the molded product. If the predicted crystallinity reaches the performance of the molded body specified, an operation to start the molding is accepted; The program according to claim 2 , wherein an operation to start the molding is not accepted if the performance has not been achieved.

4. We accept specifications from users regarding the performance of the molded product. The program according to claim 2 , further comprising: specifying molding conditions that satisfy a degree of crystallinity corresponding to the performance of the specified molded body; and presenting the specified molding conditions to the user.

5. Accepting designation of the prepreg to be used for molding as the prepreg, The molding conditions such as the roll pressure on the tape are specified according to the specified prepreg, The program according to claim 1 , wherein the output step predicts the degree of crystallinity based on the specified molding conditions.

6. Accepting designation of conditions for laminating the tape as the molding conditions, The program according to claim 1 , wherein the output step predicts the degree of crystallinity based on the molding conditions including specified lamination conditions.

7. Accepting from a user the designation of a layer for which the crystallinity of the laminated tape is to be predicted, The program according to claim 1 , wherein the output step outputs a result of predicting the crystallinity of a specified layer.

8. The prepreg tape includes an energy absorbing member, The heat treatment is performed by irradiating the laminated tapes with a laser, 2. The program according to claim 1, wherein in the outputting step, the heat transfer of the temperature imparted to the inside of the tape by irradiating the tape with the laser is calculated, and the crystallinity is output based on the heat transfer calculation result and the prediction model.

9. A method for operating a computer used in a system for obtaining a molded body by laminating a prepreg tape to be molded by heat treatment under molding conditions, the method comprising: a memory unit stores a prediction model for predicting the degree of crystallization in a layer based on a temperature change at an interface between the layers to be stacked; The method further comprises: obtaining molding conditions including heat treatment conditions; and referencing the prediction model and outputting, for each layer, a predicted crystallinity for the molding conditions.

10. An information processing device used in a system for obtaining a molded body by laminating a prepreg tape to be molded by heat treatment and performing heat treatment according to molding conditions, a memory unit stores a prediction model for predicting the degree of crystallization in a layer based on a temperature change at an interface between the layers to be stacked; a control unit of the information processing device, obtaining molding conditions including heat treatment conditions; and outputting, for each layer, a crystallinity predicted for the molding conditions by referring to the prediction model.

11. A system for obtaining a molded body by laminating a prepreg tape to be molded by heat treatment and performing heat treatment according to molding conditions, a memory unit stores a prediction model for predicting the degree of crystallization in a layer based on a temperature change at an interface between the layers to be stacked; A control unit of the information processing device obtaining molding conditions including heat treatment conditions; a step of referring to the prediction model and outputting a predicted crystallinity for each layer under the molding conditions; and setting the molding conditions in a molding device; The molding device comprises: A system that performs heat treatment to obtain the molded body according to the set molding conditions.

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