Apparatus for opening fiber bundles and method for manufacturing opened fiber bundles

Abstract

To expand opening width of a fiber bundle.SOLUTION: A fiber opening device has support parts that are disposed at intervals in a conveyance direction of a fiber bundle and support the fiber bundle, and a fluid spraying part to spray fluid to the fiber bundle to be conveyed from opposite side of the support parts.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present disclosure relates to a fiber bundle splitting device and a method for manufacturing a split fiber bundle.

Background Art

[0002] In a fiber reinforced resin composed of reinforcing fiber bundles such as carbon fiber and glass fiber, in order to highly exhibit the fiber reinforcement effect by the reinforcing fibers, it is required to increase the contact area between the matrix resin and the reinforcing fiber bundle. Although the individual filaments constituting the reinforcing fiber bundle are in contact with each other, it is necessary to increase the contact area by making the split state in which the interval between the filaments is widened by splitting and making it easy for the matrix resin to impregnate between the filaments.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique in which an air flow is applied to a fiber bundle using a suction wind tunnel, and the fiber bundle is bent in the downwind direction to widen the width of the fiber bundle.

[0004] Patent Document 2 discloses a technique in which a support member is installed along the conveyance direction of the fiber bundle, and an air flow is applied to the fiber bundle using a suction wind tunnel to widen the width of the fiber bundle while preventing the fiber bundle from being bent in the downwind direction.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0008] A fiber bundle opening device according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a support section, which is spaced apart in the direction of conveying the fiber bundle and supports the fiber bundle, and a fluid spraying section, which sprays a fluid onto the conveyed fiber bundle from the opposite side of the support section.

[0009] In the fiber-opening device described above, fluid is sprayed onto the fiber bundle from the side opposite the support section, causing the sprayed fluid to pass between the fibers of the fiber bundle and open it. The fluid that has passed between the fibers then passes through the gaps between adjacent support sections and exits downstream. In the above fiber-opening device, since the fluid is sprayed onto the fiber bundle from the side opposite the support, compared to a configuration in which the fluid is sucked onto the fiber bundle from the side opposite the support, for example, the fluid can also be applied to the portion of the fiber bundle that is supported by the support. In other words, since the fluid can pass through the spaces between the fibers in the portion of the fiber bundle that is supported by the support, the opening width of the fiber bundle can be increased. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to this disclosure, the fiber opening width of the fiber bundle can be increased. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of a fiber bundle opening device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a plan view of the fiber opening device. [Figure 3] Figure 2 is a 3X-3X cross-sectional view. [Figure 4] Figure 1 is a plan view of an example of the opening of the fluid spraying section of the fiber opening device. [Figure 5] This is a plan view of another example of the opening of the fluid spraying section of the fiber opening device shown in Figure 1. [Figure 6]It is a plan view of another example of the mouth part of the fluid spraying part of the fiber opening device shown in Fig. 1. [Figure 7] It is a plan view of another example of the mouth part of the fluid spraying part of the fiber opening device shown in Fig. 1. [Figure 8] It is a plan view of another example of the mouth part of the fluid spraying part of the fiber opening device shown in Fig. 1. [Figure 9] It is a cross-sectional view showing the flow of the fluid in the part indicated by the arrow 9X in Fig. 3. [Figure 10] It is a plan view of the mouth part of the fluid spraying part of a modified example.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, a fiber bundle opening device and a method for manufacturing an opened fiber bundle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0013] The fiber bundle opening device 20 of the present embodiment is a device for opening a fiber bundle FB in which a plurality of fibers are bundled, as shown in Fig.

[0014] The fiber opening device 20 includes a fiber opening part 26 and a feeding part 28.

[0015] The fiber opening part 26 is a part for opening the fiber bundle FB. The detailed configuration of the fiber opening part 26 will be described later.

[0016] The feeding part 28 is a mechanism for conveying the fiber bundle FB. The feeding part 28 is configured, for example, by one roller, a pair of rollers, or a combination of two or more of these. In order to convey the fiber bundle FB, it is preferable to install one set of a pair of rollers or two or more non-paired rollers.

[0017] The fiber bundle FB may be paid out from a roll shape with a tube or the like as a core toward the fiber opening part 26, or may be paid out from a folded state toward the fiber opening part 26. Further, the fiber bundle FB obtained in the previous process may be directly used and paid out to the fiber opening part 26.

[0018] Furthermore, the fiber bundles FB opened in the fiber opening section 26 may be wound up and recovered around a tube or the like as a core, or they may be recovered in a folded state. Alternatively, the opened fiber bundles FB may be used continuously in a subsequent process. This subsequent process may be set up between the fiber opening section 26 and the delivery section 28, or after the delivery section 28, but it is preferable to set it up after the delivery section 28 so that the opened state of the fiber bundles FB can be maintained while being transported to the subsequent process.

[0019] Note that the arrow TD in Figure 1 indicates the direction of transport of the fiber bundle FB.

[0020] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, one fiber opening section 26 is installed, but it is not limited to this. Two or more fiber opening sections 26 may be arranged in a row, or two or more sets of the support section 40 and spray nozzle 50 combination described later may be arranged in a row within the fiber opening section 26. The fiber opening ratio can be increased by arranging two or more fiber opening sections 26 in a row or by arranging two or more sets of the support section 40 and spray nozzle 50 combination in a row.

[0021] Next, the fiber-opening portion 26 of this embodiment will be described.

[0022] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the fiber-opening section 26 includes a support section 40 and a spray nozzle 50 as an example of a fluid spraying section.

[0023] (Support part) The support portion 40 is the part that supports the fiber bundle FB being conveyed in the conveying direction. The support portions 40 are arranged at intervals in the conveying direction of the fiber bundle FB. In this embodiment, the support portions 40 are arranged at regular intervals, but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0024] Furthermore, the support portion 40 in this embodiment is a rod-shaped member that extends in a direction intersecting the conveying direction when viewed from the fluid spraying direction (the direction in which the fluid F is sprayed onto the fiber bundle FB). Here, the direction intersecting the conveying direction refers to all directions other than the conveying direction. That is, the direction intersecting the conveying direction includes directions perpendicular to the conveying direction and directions inclined with respect to the conveying direction. As an example, the support portion 40 in this embodiment extends in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction.

[0025] Furthermore, the support portion 40 in this embodiment is a rod-shaped member with a circular cross-sectional shape. Therefore, when the fiber bundle FB to which the fluid has been sprayed is supported by the support portion 40, stress concentration is less likely to occur in the fiber bundle FB, and damage to the fiber bundle FB can be prevented. However, this disclosure is not limited to the above configuration, and any shape is acceptable as long as the part of the support portion 40 that contacts the fiber bundle FB does not cause stress concentration. For example, even if the part of the support portion 40 that contacts the fiber bundle FB is curved in an arc shape in cross-sectional view, the effect of preventing damage to the fiber bundle FB can be expected.

[0026] The width (diameter in this embodiment) of the support portion 40 is preferably 1 mm to 5 mm, more preferably 1 mm to 4 mm, and particularly preferably 1 mm to 2 mm.

[0027] Furthermore, the spacing between adjacent support parts 40 is preferably 1 mm to 7 mm, more preferably 1.5 mm to 6 mm, even more preferably 2 mm to 5 mm, and particularly preferably 2 mm to 4 mm. Here, if the spacing between adjacent support parts 40 exceeds 7 mm, the fiber bundle FB may get stuck in the gap and bend. On the other hand, if the spacing between adjacent support parts 40 is less than 1 mm, it becomes difficult for air to escape downstream in the direction of fluid blowing onto the fiber bundle, which can cause turbulence in the airflow and lead to fiber movement, increasing the likelihood of reduced fiber opening efficiency.

[0028] In this embodiment, the support portion 40 is supported at both ends in the longitudinal direction by a pair of frames 42. The support portion 40 may be rotatably supported by the pair of frames 42 or may be non-rotatably supported. When the support portion 40 is rotatably supported by the pair of frames 42, the contact resistance between the fiber bundle FB and the support portion 40 is reduced.

[0029] In this embodiment, the width (diameter) of all support parts 40 is set to the same width, but the configuration is not limited to this. The widths (diameters) of all support parts 40 may be different, or the widths of adjacent support parts 40 may be different from each other. The configuration in which the widths of adjacent support parts 40 are different from each other includes, for example, cases in which support parts 40 of two different widths are arranged alternately, or cases in which support parts 40 of three or more different widths are arranged in rotation.

[0030] (Fluid spraying section) The spray nozzle 50 is the part that sprays fluid F onto the conveyed fiber bundle FB. Specifically, the spray nozzle 50 sprays fluid F onto the conveyed fiber bundle FB from the side opposite the support part 40. That is, the spray nozzle 50 is positioned on the side opposite the support part 40, with the fiber bundle FB in between. In this embodiment, as an example, the support part 40 is positioned below the fiber bundle FB, and the spray nozzle 50 is positioned above the fiber bundle FB. In other words, the spray nozzle 50 is positioned above the support part 40.

[0031] The outlet 52 (an example of a nozzle) from which the fluid F of the spray nozzle 50 is discharged faces the surface (upper surface) of the conveyed fiber bundle FB. For example, in this embodiment, the outlet 52 faces downward.

[0032] The shape of the outlet 52 is not particularly limited as long as it can blow fluid F onto the conveyed fiber bundle FB. For example, the outlet 52 may be composed of a single continuous opening 52A, as shown in Figure 4, or it may be composed of a plurality of small openings 52B, as shown in Figures 5 to 7. The outlet 52 shown in Figure 5 is composed of a plurality of vertically elongated slit-shaped small openings 52B arranged in a row. The outlet 52 shown in Figure 6 is composed of a plurality of horizontally elongated slit-shaped small openings 52B arranged in a row. The outlet 52 shown in Figure 7 is composed of a plurality of circular small openings 52B arranged in a row (arranged in two rows in Figure 7). The outlet 52 shown in Figure 8 is composed of circular small openings 52B arranged in a staggered pattern. When the outlet 52 is composed of a plurality of small openings 52B, the outlet 52 refers to the region surrounding all the small openings 52B (the region enclosed by the dashed line in the figure). In Figures 4 to 7, the symbols SA, indicated by the dashed lines, represent the regions where the fluid F blown out from the outlet 52 can act on the fiber bundle FB.

[0033] The outlet 52 extends in a direction that intersects the conveying direction, at least in part, when viewed from the direction of fluid spraying. In other words, at least a portion of the center line CL passing through the center of the opening width of the outlet 52 extends in a direction that intersects the conveying direction. In this embodiment, as an example, the entire outlet 52 extends in a direction that intersects the conveying direction when viewed from the fluid spraying direction.

[0034] Furthermore, in this embodiment, it is preferable to set the inclination of the portion of the nozzle 52 that extends in a direction intersecting the conveying direction when viewed from the fluid spraying direction (hereinafter referred to as the nozzle angle θ) with respect to the conveying direction to 5° or more and 90° or less.

[0035] Furthermore, within the fluid spraying area SA of the spray nozzle 50, multiple support parts 40 are arranged at intervals in the conveying direction.

[0036] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the area occupied by the support portion 40 within the fluid spraying area SA is preferably 10% to 90%, more preferably 15% to 70%, even more preferably 18% to 60%, and particularly preferably 20% to 50%. Furthermore, within the region corresponding to the air outlet 52, the area occupied by the support portion 40 is preferably 10% to 90%, more preferably 15% to 70%, even more preferably 18% to 60%, and particularly preferably 20% to 50%.

[0037] Furthermore, it is preferable that the fiber opening section 26 is equipped with a guide section 60. The guide section 60 is the part that guides the conveyed fiber bundle FB into the spraying area SA of the spraying nozzle 50. Specifically, the guide section 60 guides the fiber bundle FB so that it enters the spraying area SA when viewed from the conveying direction. This guide section 60 is positioned upstream of the spraying nozzle 50 in the conveying direction. In this embodiment, the guide section 60 is, as an example, composed of a pair of guide rolls. The fiber bundle FB enters the spraying area SA by passing between the pair of guide rolls. However, the configuration of the guide section 60 is not limited to the above configuration. Any method that can guide the conveyed fiber bundle FB into the spraying area SA may be a guide plate or the like, or a method of passing through the grooves of a roller having grooves. Also, as an example, it is preferable to arrange the guide rolls so that the distance between the pair of guide rolls is 1.1 times or more and 2 times or less the width of the fiber bundle FB before opening. By setting the distance between the pair of guide rolls to be between 1.1 and 2 times the width of the fiber bundle FB before opening, the fiber bundle FB can be reliably guided into the spraying area SA.

[0038] The fluid F used in this embodiment may be a gas or a liquid. In this embodiment, air is used as the fluid F. That is, air is blown from the spray nozzle 50 toward the fiber bundle FB.

[0039] Furthermore, there are no particular restrictions on the type of fibers that make up the fiber bundle FB opened in this embodiment; any of them may be organic fibers, carbon fibers, inorganic fibers, metal fibers, etc.

[0040] Examples of organic fibers include acrylic fibers such as polyacrylonitrile fibers and polyacrylamide fibers, as well as pitch fibers, phenolic resin fibers, polyvinyl alcohol fibers, polyolefin fibers, diene polymer fibers, regenerated cellulose fibers, lignin fibers, polyamide fibers, aromatic polyamide fibers, and flame-retardant acrylic fibers such as the aforementioned polyacrylonitrile fibers and polyacrylamide fibers, and nonfusible pitch fibers. Here, polyacrylonitrile fibers can include homopolymers of acrylonitrile as well as copolymers with at least one other vinyl monomer, and polyacrylamide fibers can include homopolymers of acrylamide as well as copolymers with at least one other vinyl monomer.

[0041] Examples of carbon fibers include not only ordinary carbon fibers, but also pre-carbonized fibers and graphitized fibers. In the present invention, flame-resistant fibers are obtained, for example, by heat-treating the acrylic fiber at a predetermined temperature of 150°C to 500°C in an oxidizing atmosphere; infusible fibers are obtained, for example, by heat-treating the pitch fiber at a temperature of 150°C to 400°C in an oxidizing atmosphere; pre-carbonized fibers are obtained, for example, by heat-treating at a temperature of 300°C to 1000°C in an inert atmosphere; and graphitized fibers are obtained, for example, by heat-treating at a temperature of 2000°C to 3000°C in an inert atmosphere.

[0042] There are no particular restrictions on the inorganic fibers used, but examples include glass fibers, boron nitride fibers, silica nitride fibers, alumina fibers, titania fibers, zirconia fibers, mullite fibers, and silicon carbide fibers. Potassium titanate fibers are one example, and there are no particular restrictions on the metal fibers, but examples include aluminum fibers, stainless steel fibers, iron fibers, copper fibers, nickel fibers, tungsten fibers, molybdenum fibers, beryllium fibers, etc.

[0043] Next, a method for manufacturing opened fiber bundles using the fiber opening device 20 will be described.

[0044] As shown in Figure 1, the fiber bundle FB, fed from upstream, is transported to the fiber opening section 26 where it is opened. Specifically, the fiber bundle FB being transported in the fiber opening section 26 is guided by the guide section 60 into the spraying area SA of the spraying nozzle 50. Within the spraying area SA, fluid F is sprayed onto the fiber bundle FB from the side opposite the support section 40. The fluid F sprayed from the outlet 52 passes between the fibers that make up the fiber bundle FB, widening the spacing between the fibers. In other words, the width of the fiber bundle FB is increased by opening the fibers.

[0045] The fiber bundles FB opened in the fiber opening section 26 are sent downstream via the delivery section 28. In this way, the production of opened fiber bundles proceeds.

[0046] Furthermore, the open fiber bundles produced in this embodiment can be suitably used as is or as composite materials with resins, etc., in applications where mechanical properties, lightness, heat resistance, long-term stability, etc., are required. For example, they are particularly useful as automotive components, train components, aerospace components, industrial machinery components, wall construction components, civil engineering components, home appliance materials, sports and leisure materials, pressure vessels, protective equipment materials, etc.

[0047] The operation and effects of this embodiment will now be described. In the fiber-opening device 20 of this embodiment, fluid F is sprayed onto the fiber bundle FB from the side opposite the support portion 40, so the sprayed fluid F passes between the fibers of the fiber bundle FB and opens the fiber bundle FB. Then, the fluid F that has passed between the fibers passes through the gap between adjacent support portions 40 and exits downstream. In the fiber opening device 20, the fluid F is blown onto the fiber bundle FB from the side opposite to the support part 40. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the fluid is sucked onto the fiber bundle from the side opposite to the support part, for example, the fluid F can also be applied to the portion of the fiber bundle FB that is supported by the support part 40 (see Figure 9). In other words, the fluid can be passed between the fibers in the portion of the fiber bundle FB that is supported by the support part 40, so the opening width of the fiber bundle FB can be increased.

[0048] In the fiber opening device 20 of this embodiment, the outlet 52 of the spray nozzle 50 extends in a direction that intersects the conveying direction at least in part when viewed from the fluid spraying direction. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the outlet 52 extends linearly in the conveying direction, for example, the concentration of fiber opening on only a part of the fiber bundle FB is suppressed, and the opening width of the fiber bundle FB is expanded. In particular, in this embodiment, the outlet 52 of the spray nozzle 50 extends in a direction inclined with respect to the conveying direction (in other words, the outlet 52 is inclined with respect to the conveying direction), so as shown in Figure 2, in the fiber bundle FB, there are parts that are opened first by the fluid F and parts that are opened later. In this way, the fiber bundle FB is opened with a time difference in the width direction, which increases the opening width of the fiber bundle FB compared to, for example, a fiber bundle FB that is opened simultaneously in the width direction.

[0049] In the fiber opening device 20 of this embodiment, the entire outlet 52 of the spray nozzle 50 extends in a direction intersecting the conveying direction, which simplifies the nozzle shape.

[0050] In the fiber opening device 20 of this embodiment, multiple support parts 40 are arranged at intervals in the conveying direction within the fluid spraying area SA of the spraying nozzle 50. Compared to a configuration in which only one support part 40 is arranged within the spraying area SA, for example, excessive bending of the fiber bundle FB due to the spraying of fluid F can be suppressed. This suppresses damage to the fibers constituting the fiber bundle FB.

[0051] In the fiber opening device 20 of this embodiment, the area occupied by the support parts 40 within the fluid spraying area SA is 20% to 50%, so that the fluid F can pass between adjacent support parts 40 while the fiber bundle FB is supported by the support parts 40. This makes it possible to increase the opening width of the fiber bundle FB while preventing damage to the fibers constituting the fiber bundle FB.

[0052] In the fiber opening device 20 of this embodiment, the support portion 40 is a rod-shaped member that extends in a direction intersecting the conveying direction when viewed from the fluid spraying direction, making it easy to secure a gap between adjacent support portions 40.

[0053] In the fiber opening device 20 of this embodiment, the support portion 40 extends in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction when viewed from the fluid spraying direction. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which, for example, the support portion 40 extends in the conveying direction, the fiber bundle FB can be opened uniformly in the width direction.

[0054] In the fiber opening device 20 of this embodiment, the fiber bundle FB is guided into the spraying area SA by the guide section 60, so that the fiber bundle FB can be reliably opened.

[0055] In the above-described embodiment, the entire outlet 52 of the spray nozzle 50 extends in a straight line in a direction intersecting the conveying direction when viewed from the fluid spraying direction, but the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration. For example, only a part of the spray nozzle 50 may extend in a direction intersecting the conveying direction, or it may have a V-shaped outlet 56 as shown in Figure 10 of the spray nozzle 54, or a W-shaped outlet, or a stepped outlet. Note that the V-shaped, W-shaped, or stepped outlet may be made up of multiple small openings.

[0056] In the embodiment described above, the support portion 40 is a rod-shaped member, but this disclosure is not limited to this configuration. For example, a flat plate-shaped member may have multiple through holes spaced apart in the conveying direction, and the space between adjacent through holes in the conveying direction may be used as a support portion for the fiber bundle FB. Alternatively, a grid-shaped member may be used, and the linear members forming the grid portion may be used as a support portion for the fiber bundle FB. In this case, it is preferable to make the diameter of the linear members large enough so that no load is placed on the fibers constituting the fiber bundle FB.

[0057] (Example test) To demonstrate the effectiveness of the technology disclosed herein, the following tests were conducted. For the test, seven fiber opening devices according to one aspect of the present disclosure (Examples 1 to 7) were prepared, and four conventional fiber opening devices (Comparative Examples 1 to 4) were prepared.

[0058] -Test Conditions- The fiber bundle transport speed was set to 30 mm / min. The fiber bundles used were acrylic fibers (3000 fiber bundles, 4.5 mm wide).

[0059] -Examples- Examples 1 to 7 are fiber opening devices in the form shown in Figures 1 to 3, and all of them used air as the fluid. The nozzle (an example of a fluid spraying part) measures 9mm x 42mm. The nozzle was positioned 30 mm above the fiber bundle, and air was blown into a 20 mm x 44 mm area (an example of a spraying area). Note that Examples 1 to 7 differ in the nozzle angle θ of the spray nozzle, but the other configurations are the same (see Table 1).

[0060] -Comparative Example- Comparative Example 1 is a conventional fiber opening device that opens fiber bundles using air suction. Comparative Example 2 is a fiber-opening device that opens fiber bundles by applying vibration to a rod-shaped member that supports the conveyed fiber bundles. Comparative Example 3 is a fiber opening device that applies static electricity to a fiber bundle being transported to open the fiber bundle. Comparative Example 4 is a fiber opening device that opens fibers by pressing them against a roller.

[0061] -test- The fiber opening devices of Examples 1 to 7 and Comparative Examples 1 to 4 were operated to open the fiber bundles. Table 1 shows the fiber opening ratio of the fiber bundles for each test fiber opening device. Also in Table 1, the results of inspecting the fiber bundles after opening to check for fiber breakage are recorded. Furthermore, Table 1 shows the overall evaluation, which is a comprehensive assessment of the fiber opening ratio and fiber breakage. In the overall evaluation, "A" is a better result than "B", and "B" is a better result than "C".

[0062] Furthermore, the fiber opening apparatus in Examples 1 to 7 was tested under three conditions: when the diameter of the rod-shaped members was 1 mm and the spacing between them was 2 mm (33% of the support area); when the diameter of the rod-shaped members was 1 mm and the spacing between them was 3 mm (25% of the support area); and when the diameter of the rod-shaped members was 2 mm and the spacing between them was 3 mm (40% of the support area). Similar results were obtained in all cases. Therefore, Table 1 shows the results when the diameter of the rod-shaped members was 1 mm and the spacing between them was 2 mm.

[0063] [Table 1]

[0064] Table 1 shows that in Examples 1 to 7, where air is blown onto the fiber bundle to open it, the fiber opening ratio of the fiber bundle is increased compared to Comparative Examples 1 to 4, which use different fiber opening methods. In other words, Examples 1 to 7 of the fiber opening apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure can increase the fiber opening width of the fiber bundle compared to the fiber opening apparatus of Comparative Examples 1 to 4.

[0065] Furthermore, as shown in Examples 1 to 6, when the nozzle angle θ for air blowing was set to 15° or more and 90° or less, the fiber opening ratio became 3 times or more, as can be seen from Table 1. Moreover, as shown in Examples 2 to 5, when the nozzle angle θ for air blowing was set to 30° or more and 75° or less, the fiber opening ratio became 3.6 times or more. The reason why the fiber opening ratio increased when there was a nozzle angle θ is thought to be that not only does the air pass between the fibers, but the air blown from the nozzle can also apply a force to the fibers on the support part that widens the gap between the fibers, thus increasing the fiber opening ratio. In addition, since the support part to which the air is blown is a rod-shaped member, and air can pass through it, the air can easily escape directly below the fibers, and by suppressing the rebound of the air by the support part, the random movement of the fibers due to air turbulence can be reduced, and as a result, the fiber opening efficiency is thought to have improved.

[0066] Furthermore, as in Example 7, when the nozzle angle θ for air blowing was set to 0°, the fiber opening ratio remained at 2.9 times. When the nozzle angle is 0°, if the spacing between fibers widens at a specific point in the fiber bundle, fiber opening tends to proceed intensively only at that point (i.e., the spacing between fibers widens), resulting in a lower fiber opening ratio compared to the other nozzle angles in Examples 1 to 6.

[0067] Comparative Example 1 is a conventional device that opens fibers using air suction, but the fiber opening ratio was only 2.5 times that of Examples 1 to 7.

[0068] In Comparative Example 2, vibration was applied to a rod-shaped member supporting the conveyed fiber bundle, but it was difficult to apply vibration to the entire fiber bundle, and sufficient fiber opening could not be achieved.

[0069] In Comparative Example 3, static electricity was applied to the conveyed fiber bundle, but it was difficult to charge the entire fiber bundle, and sufficient weaving could not be achieved.

[0070] Comparative Example 4 is a device that presses a fiber bundle against a roller to open the fibers, but it not only fails to open the fibers sufficiently, but also damages the fibers that make up the fiber bundle, making it unusable.

[0071] Although one embodiment of the technology disclosed in this application has been described above, the technology disclosed in this application is not limited to the above, and it is of course possible to implement it in various modified forms without departing from its spirit. [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] 20 Opening device 40 Support part 50 Spray nozzle (fluid spraying part) 52 Air outlet (mouth) 54. Spray nozzle (fluid spraying part) 56 Air outlet (mouth) 60 Information Department F fluid FB fiber bundle SA spraying area (fluid spraying area)

Claims

1. Support parts are arranged at intervals in the direction of transport of the fiber bundle and support the fiber bundle, A fluid spraying unit that sprays fluid onto the fiber bundle being transported from the opposite side of the support unit, Equipped with, A fiber bundle opening device wherein the opening of the fluid spraying section extends in a straight line in a direction that is inclined with respect to the conveying direction when viewed from the fluid spraying direction.

2. The fiber bundle opening device according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of support units are arranged at intervals in the conveying direction within the fluid spraying area of ​​the fluid spraying unit.

3. The fiber bundle opening device according to claim 2, wherein the area occupied by the support portion within the fluid spraying area is 10% or more and 90% or less.

4. The fiber bundle opening device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the support portion is a rod-shaped member extending in a direction intersecting the conveying direction.

5. The fiber bundle opening device according to claim 4, wherein the rod-shaped member extends in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction when viewed from the fluid spraying direction.

6. A fiber bundle opening device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a guide unit is arranged upstream of the fluid spraying unit in the conveying direction for guiding the conveyed fiber bundle into the fluid spraying area of ​​the fluid spraying unit.

7. A method for manufacturing an opened fiber bundle using a fiber bundle opening device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, Transporting fiber bundles, A method for manufacturing an open fiber bundle, comprising spraying a fluid onto the fiber bundle being transported from the opposite side of the support portion to open the fibers.

8. The method for producing an open fiber bundle according to claim 7, wherein the fiber bundle is an organic fiber bundle.

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