Molding assist device, molding apparatus, and molding method

Abstract

To provide a molding auxiliary device that favorably flows heating gas on an inner peripheral surface side of a tubular heating target having a bottom when the heating target is heated by an autoclave.SOLUTION: A molding auxiliary device comprises a cylinder body having a first end opening, a second end opening and an internal flow path communicating between the first end opening and the second end opening. The cylinder body includes a first cylindrical part that is disposed in an internal space of the heating target, and a second cylindrical part that is disposed protruding from an opening of the heating target to an outside of the heating target and has an outer shape that expands toward the second end opening.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a molding assisting device, a molding device, and a molding method.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which a heating target including a cylindrical molding jig and a prepreg disposed on the outer periphery of the molding jig is placed in an autoclave, and a composite material is molded by a heating gas circulating in the autoclave. A diffusion net is disposed in the inner space of the heating target. The diffusion net diffuses the heating gas toward the low-temperature region of the molding jig by partially inhibiting the flow of the heating gas directed in the axial direction of the molding jig.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, when heating a bottomed cylindrical heating target in the autoclave, due to the shape of the heating target, stagnation of the heating gas occurs in the internal space of the heating target, and it is difficult to sufficiently allow the heating gas to flow on the inner peripheral surface side of the heating target. Therefore, it becomes difficult to raise and lower the temperature of the heating target at a predetermined rate, and uniform heating of the heating target may also become difficult.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to allow the heating gas to flow well on the inner peripheral surface side of a bottomed cylindrical heating target when heating the heating target by an autoclave.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A molding assisting apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a molding assisting apparatus for molding a bottomed cylindrical heating object, which includes a molding object and has an opening, by heating the heating channel using an autoclave equipped with a heating channel having an inlet for heating gas to flow in and an outlet for heating gas to flow out, the apparatus comprising a cylindrical body having a first end opening, a second end opening located on the opposite side of the first end opening, and an internal channel connecting the first end opening and the second end opening. The cylindrical body includes a first cylindrical portion having the first end opening and being located in the internal space of the heating object, and a second cylindrical portion having a second end opening and being located so as to protrude from the opening of the heating object to the outside of the heating object, and having an outer shape that expands toward the second end opening.

[0007] A molding apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a molding auxiliary device and an autoclave including a heating channel having an inlet for heated gas to flow in and an outlet for heated gas to flow out.

[0008] A molding method according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises: preparing an autoclave having a heating channel having an inlet for heated gas to flow in and an outlet for heated gas to flow out; arranging a bottomed cylindrical heating object, which includes a molding object and has an opening, in the heating channel; preparing a cylindrical body including a first cylindrical portion having a first end opening, a second cylindrical portion having a second end opening located on the opposite side of the first end opening and having an outer shape that expands toward the second end opening, and an internal channel connecting the first end opening and the second end opening; arranging the cylindrical body in the heating channel such that the first cylindrical portion of the cylindrical body is located in the internal space of the heating object, and the second cylindrical portion of the cylindrical body is located so as to protrude from the opening of the heating object toward the outside of the heating object; and generating a flow of heated gas in the heating channel from the inlet toward the outlet. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the internal space of a bottomed cylindrical heating object is divided into an internal flow path of the cylinder, an annular flow path between the outer circumferential surface of the first cylindrical portion of the cylinder and the inner circumferential surface of the heating object, and a folded flow path between the bottom of the heating object and the cylinder. As a result, a unidirectional flow path is formed in the internal space of the heating object, consisting of the internal flow path, the folded flow path, and the annular flow path. Furthermore, since the second cylindrical portion of the cylinder has an outer shape that expands toward the second end opening, a difference is created between the ease with which the heated gas flowing through the heating flow path flows into the annular flow path and the ease with which it flows into the internal flow path of the cylinder. Thus, a unidirectional flow path consisting of the internal flow path, the folded flow path, and the annular flow path is generated, making it less likely for the heated gas to stagnate in the internal space of the heating object. As a result, the heated gas can be passed through smoothly on the inner circumferential surface side of the heating object. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of the autoclave and the object to be heated according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of the cylindrical portion to be heated in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a molding assist apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a modified example of the cylindrical body shown in Figure 3. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the molding assist device shown in Figure 3 placed in the heating channel of the autoclave shown in Figure 1. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating the molding procedure for the object to be molded. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a cylindrical body and the like according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a cylindrical body and the like according to the third embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a cylindrical body and the like according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a cylindrical body and the like according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a cylindrical body and the like according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a cylindrical body and the like according to the seventh embodiment. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a cylindrical body and the like according to the eighth embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0012] (First Embodiment) Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of the autoclave 2 and the object to be heated 5 according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the autoclave 2 comprises an outer shell 11 and an inner shell 12 disposed inside the outer shell 11. The outer shell 11 includes a cylindrical wall portion 11a, an end wall portion 11b, and an end wall portion 11c. The cylindrical wall portion 11a has a cylindrical shape. The end wall portion 11b is a fixed plate that closes the opening at one end of the cylindrical wall portion 11a in the axial direction and has a dome shape that bulges toward one side in the axial direction of the cylindrical wall portion 11a. The end wall portion 11c is a movable wall that closes the opening at the other end of the cylindrical wall portion 11a in the axial direction and has a dome shape that bulges toward the other side in the axial direction of the cylindrical wall portion 11a. That is, by opening and closing the end wall portion 11c, the opening at the other end of the cylindrical wall portion 11a can be opened and closed.

[0013] The inner shell 12 has a gap with the outer shell 11. The inner shell 12 has a heating flow path S and a heater chamber T. The heating flow path S is a flow path that allows the incoming heating gas to flow from the upstream side to the downstream side as will be described later. The inner shell 12 includes a cylindrical plate portion 12a, at least one flow rectifying plate portion 12b, and an end plate portion 12d. The cylindrical plate portion 12a has a cylindrical shape and defines the heating flow path S. The central axis of the cylindrical wall portion 11a of the outer shell 11 coincides with the central axis of the cylindrical plate portion 12a of the inner shell 12, and the direction of the central axis is the axial direction X of the autoclave 2. The flow rectifying plate portion 12b closes the opening on the side of the cylindrical plate portion 12a that is close to the end wall portion 11c. In this embodiment, the flow rectifying plate portions 12b are two spaced apart in the axial direction X from each other, but it may be one or three or more. The flow rectifying plate portion 12b is a plate in which a plurality of flow rectifying holes are distributed as a whole. The flow rectifying plate portion 12b facing the heating flow path S is located at the most upstream side of the air flow in the heating flow path S. The flow rectification of the flow rectifying plate portion 12b facing the heating flow path S The hole is the inlet H1 of the heating flow path S where the heating gas flows into the heating flow path S. The flow rectifying plate portion 12b is a movable plate that closes the opening of the cylindrical plate portion 12a facing the end wall portion 11c which is a movable wall.

[0014] The end plate portion 12d closes the opening on the side of the cylindrical plate portion 12a that is close to the end wall portion 11b. The end plate portion 12d defines the heating flow path S from the downstream side. A heater chamber T is provided on the side of the end plate portion 12d close to the end wall portion 11b. The end plate portion 12d has an outlet H2 that allows the heating gas in the heating flow path S to flow out into the heater chamber T. That is, the end plate portion 12d is located at the most downstream side of the air flow in the heating flow path S. In the heater chamber T, a heater 13 for heating the gas in the heater chamber T and a fan 14 for circulating the heated gas are arranged. The heater chamber T is provided with a jet outlet Ta for jetting the heating gas toward the end wall portion 11b by the fan 14. <0~000093> The heated gas heated by the heater 13 and ejected toward the end wall portion 11b by the fan 14 is reversed at the end wall portion 11b and flows through the space between the cylindrical wall portion 11a of the outer shell 11 and the cylindrical plate portion 12a of the inner shell 12 toward the end wall portion 11c. Then, the heated gas is reversed at the end wall portion 11c, rectified through the rectifying plate portions 12b and 12c, passes through the heating flow path S, and returns to the heater chamber T. In the heating flow path S, the heated gas mainly flows along the axial direction X of the autoclave 2 from the inlet H1 toward the outlet H2. The axial direction X of the autoclave 2 is also the axial direction X of the heating flow path S. Note that the direction orthogonal to the axial direction X of the heating flow path S is referred to as the radial direction Y of the heating flow path S.

[0016] A bottomed cylindrical heating object 5 is disposed in the heating flow path S. The heating object 5 includes a cylindrical portion 5a, a bottom portion 5b, and an opening 5c. The cylindrical portion 5a defines an internal space W. The cylindrical portion 5a has, for example, a streamlined shape that tapers toward the outlet H2. The bottom portion 5b closes one of the axial directions of the cylindrical portion 5a. In the present embodiment, the bottom portion 5b closes the tapered tip side of the cylindrical portion 5a. The bottom portion 5b may completely close or partially close the tapered tip side of the cylindrical portion 5a. That is, the bottom portion 5b may have one or a plurality of openings. Similarly, the cylindrical portion 5a may also have one or a plurality of openings. The opening 5c opens the internal space W of the heating object 5 toward the inlet H1. The opening 5c is disposed on the inlet H1 side of the heating flow path S, and the bottom portion 5b is disposed on the outlet H2 side of the heating flow path S.

[0017] The heating object 5 includes a molding jig 6 and a molding target 7 attached to the molding jig 6. The molding jig 6 includes a cylindrical jig 61, a tip support 62, and an opening support 63. The cylindrical jig 61 is a jig having a cylindrical shape that supports the cylindrical molding target 7. The cylindrical jig 61 has, for example, a streamlined shape that tapers toward the outlet H2. The tip support 62 supports one end portion of the cylindrical jig 61 by completely or partially closing the opening on the side of the cylindrical jig 61 close to the outlet H2 in a state where the tip support 62 is installed on the inner shell 12. The opening support 63 supports the other end portion of the cylindrical jig 61 in a state where the opening on the side of the cylindrical jig 61 close to the inlet H1 is opened in a state where the opening support 63 is installed on the inner shell 12.

[0018] The object to be molded 7 is placed in the cylindrical jig 61 of the molding jig 6. The object to be molded 7 is, for example, a laminate of prepregs for molding the front fuselage (nose section) of an airplane as a composite material (e.g., fiber-reinforced resin), but the material of the object to be molded 7 is not limited to this. In the autoclave 2, the inside is placed in a nitrogen gas atmosphere and the object to be heated 5 is heated for a predetermined time under pressure, thereby molding the object to be molded 7 as a composite material.

[0019] Figure 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of the cylindrical portion 5a of the heating object 5 in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 2, the cylindrical jig 61 of the molding jig 6 has, for example, a mold 61a, a faceplate 61b, and a cowl plate 61c. In this embodiment, the mold 61a is a cylindrical structure, and its inner circumferential surface faces the internal space W. The faceplate 61b is installed on the outer circumferential surface of the mold 61a. The object to be molded 7 is placed on the outer circumferential surface of the faceplate 61b. The cowl plate 61c is installed on the outer circumferential surface of the object to be molded 7. The outer circumferential surface of the cowl plate 61c faces the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical plate portion 12a of the inner shell 12 shown in Figure 1. That is, the heat input from the inner circumferential surface of the mold 61a and the heat input from the outer circumferential surface of the cowl plate 61c raise the temperature of the object to be molded 7 at a predetermined rate.

[0020] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the molding assist device 3 according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 3, the molding assist device 3 comprises a cylindrical body 20 and a support 21. The support 21 is for supporting the cylindrical body 20 by connecting it to an autoclave 2 or a heating object 5 shown in Figure 1. The cylindrical body 20 comprises a first end opening P1, a second end opening P2, and an internal flow path P. The first end opening P1 is one end opening of the cylindrical body 20 in the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical body 20. The second end opening P2 is the other end opening of the cylindrical body 20 in the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical body 20 and is located on the opposite side from the first end opening P1. The internal flow path P is a space defined on the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical body 20 and connects the first end opening P1 to the second end opening P2. The cylindrical body 20 has an axis C which is the center line of the internal flow path P, and the direction perpendicular to the axis C is called the radial direction D of the cylindrical body 20.

[0021] The cylindrical body 20 has a cylindrical shape, but the cross-sectional shape of the cylindrical body 20 may be a shape other than a circle. The cylindrical body 20 includes a first cylindrical portion 31 having a first end opening P1 and a second cylindrical portion 32 having a second end opening P2. The first cylindrical portion 31 in this embodiment has a cylindrical shape with a constant diameter, but is not limited thereto, and may, for example, have a shape that follows the inner circumferential surface of the object to be heated 5. The length of the first cylindrical portion 31 is not particularly limited and may be set as needed. The second cylindrical portion 32 has an outer shape that expands radially D toward the second end opening P2. The outer circumferential surface of the second cylindrical portion 32 expands radially D toward the second end opening P2. The second end opening P2 in this embodiment is larger than the first end opening P1. The inner circumferential surface of the second cylindrical portion 32 expands radially D toward the second end opening P2.

[0022] The second cylindrical portion 32 has a funnel shape that expands continuously toward the second end opening P2, exhibiting a concave shape that is recessed toward the internal flow path P when viewed in cross-section along the axis C of the cylindrical body 20. In other words, the second cylindrical portion 32 has a trumpet-like curved shape. To put it another way, the arc cross-section of the second cylindrical portion 32 along the axis C has a shape that is recessed inward in the radial direction D such that the center O of the arc is located outside the cylindrical body 20. Note that the curvature of the curved cross-sectional shape of the second cylindrical portion 32 does not have to be constant.

[0023] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a modified example of the cylindrical body 20 in Figure 3. As shown in Figure 4, the second cylindrical portion 32 of the cylindrical body 20 may have a curved and enlarged portion 32a adjacent to the first cylindrical portion 31, which has a concave shape that is recessed toward the internal flow path P, and a straight and enlarged portion 32b that expands linearly from the curved and enlarged portion 32a toward the second end opening P2. That is, the second cylindrical portion 32 of the cylindrical body 20 may have a linearly enlarged funnel shape rather than an overall curved funnel shape.

[0024] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the molding assist device 3 of Figure 3 placed in the heating channel S of the autoclave 2 of Figure 1. As shown in Figure 5, the cylindrical body 20 is positioned such that the first cylindrical portion 31 is inserted into the internal space W of the object to be heated 5. The cylindrical body 20 is spaced apart from the object to be heated 5. The cylindrical body 20 is positioned such that its axis C extends along the axial direction X of the heating channel S. That is, the cylindrical body 20 is positioned such that its radial direction D is oriented in the radial direction Y of the heating channel S.

[0025] Specifically, the first cylindrical portion 31 is positioned with its first end opening P1 facing the bottom 5b of the heating object 5 and oriented in one direction X along the axial direction of the heating channel S. The second cylindrical portion 32 of the cylindrical body 20 is positioned to protrude outward from the opening 5c ​​of the heating object 5. The opening 5c ​​of the heating object 5 includes an annular opening 5ca defined between the heating object 5 and the cylindrical body 20. Viewed from the inlet H1 side in the axial direction X, the annular opening 5ca is covered by the second cylindrical portion 32 of the cylindrical body 20. The maximum diameter portion of the second cylindrical portion 32 of the cylindrical body 20 may be larger in diameter than the diameter of the end of the heating object 5 on the inlet H1 side.

[0026] The support 21 is fixed to the second cylindrical portion 32 and supports the cylindrical body 20 by connecting the second cylindrical portion 32 to the autoclave 2. The cylindrical body 20 is cantilevered by the support 21. Instead of or in addition to the support 21, the molding assist device 3 may also include a support fixed to the first cylindrical portion 31. That is, the support fixed to the first cylindrical portion 31 may be connected to the autoclave 2 or the molding jig 6 to support the first cylindrical portion 31 of the cylindrical body 20. As described later, the support 21 may connect the cylindrical body 20 to the autoclave 2 or to the object to be heated 5, as long as it does not obstruct the airflow in a unidirectional flow path. Furthermore, the structure of the support 21 is not particularly limited, as long as it can fix the cylindrical body 20 to the autoclave 2 or the object to be heated 5. The autoclave 2 and the molding assist device 3 described above constitute the molding device 1.

[0027] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating the molding procedure for the object to be molded 7 by the manufacturer. The manufacturer is a concept that includes either or both automated work equipment such as robots and / or human workers. The procedure will now be explained following the flow shown in Figure 6, with reference to Figure 5 and other figures. First, the manufacturer prepares the autoclave 2, the object to be heated 5, and the molding auxiliary device 3 (Step S1). Next, with the end wall portion 11c and the rectifier plate portion 12b of the autoclave 2 open, the manufacturer places the object to be heated 5, which is a bottomed cylindrical object to be heated 5, in the heating channel S of the autoclave 2 so that the opening 5c ​​of the object to be heated 5 faces the inlet H1 (Step S2).

[0028] Next, the manufacturer places the molding assist device 3 in the heating channel S of the autoclave 2 (step S3). At this time, the manufacturer inserts the first cylindrical portion 31 of the cylindrical body 20 into the internal space W of the object to be heated 5, and causes the second cylindrical portion 32 of the cylindrical body 20 to protrude from the opening 5c ​​to the outside of the object to be heated 5, thereby supporting the cylindrical body 20 on the support 21. As a result, the first end opening P1 of the cylindrical body 20 faces the bottom 5b of the object to be heated 5, and the second end opening P2 of the cylindrical body 20 faces the inlet H1.

[0029] The manufacturer closes the end wall portion 11c and the rectifier plate portion 12b and starts the autoclave 2 (step S4). That is, the heater 13 and fan 14 operate according to predetermined settings. As a result, circulation of heated gas is generated within the autoclave 2, and a flow of heated gas is created in the heating channel S from the inlet H1 to the outlet H2.

[0030] Specifically, the internal space W of the bottomed cylindrical heating object 5 is divided into an internal flow path P of the cylindrical body 20, an annular flow path R between the outer circumferential surface of the first cylindrical portion 31 and the inner circumferential surface of the heating object 5, and a folded flow path Q between the bottom 5b of the heating object 5 and the first cylindrical portion 31. Therefore, as shown by the dashed arrow in Figure 5, a unidirectional flow path is formed in the internal space W of the heating object 5, consisting of the internal flow path P, the folded flow path Q, and the annular flow path R. Since the second cylindrical portion 32 of the cylindrical body 20 has an outer shape that expands toward the second end opening P, for the heated gas flowing through the heating flow path S, the annular flow path R A difference arises between the ease of flow into the main body and the ease of flow into the internal flow path P of the cylindrical body 20.

[0031] In this embodiment, when viewed from the inlet H1 side in the axial direction X, the annular flow path R is hidden by the second cylindrical portion 32. Therefore, the heated gas flowing into the heating flow path S from the inlet H1 is more likely to flow into the internal flow path P from the second end opening P2 of the cylindrical body 20 than to flow directly into the annular opening 5ca. As a result, a unidirectional flow is generated in which the heated air flows in the order of internal flow path P, return flow path Q, and annular flow path R, making it less likely for heated gas to accumulate in the internal space W of the heating object 5. The heated gas flowing out from the annular flow path R through the annular opening 5ca is guided by the curved outer surface of the second cylindrical portion 32, reverses direction, flows along the axial direction X outside the heating object 5, and flows out from the outlet H2.

[0032] Autoclave 2 continues to operate until a predetermined termination condition is met (step S5:N). The predetermined termination condition may be, for example, the elapsed time, or the completion of each process of heating, maintaining a constant temperature, and cooling at predetermined rates and holding times. When the termination condition is met (step S5:Y), autoclave 2 stops operating (step S6).

[0033] According to the configuration described above, the use of the molding assist device 3 generates a unidirectional flow consisting of an internal flow path P, a return flow path Q, and an annular flow path R, making it less likely for heated gas to stagnate in the internal space W of the heating target 5. Therefore, heated gas can be circulated well on the inner circumferential surface side of the heating target 5. As a result, the heating target 5 can be heated and cooled at a predetermined rate, and the heating target 5 can be heated uniformly.

[0034] Since the second end opening P2 in the cylindrical body 20 is larger than the first end opening P1, the flow of heated gas moving between the heating channel S of the autoclave 2 and the internal channel P of the cylindrical body 20 can be made smoother through the second end opening P2.

[0035] The outer shape of the second cylindrical portion 32 has a curved cross-sectional shape that widens toward the second end opening P2, exhibiting a concave shape toward the internal flow path P. Specifically, it has a trumpet-like curved shape, which allows for smooth flow of heated gas between the annular flow path R on the outer surface side of the first cylindrical portion 31 and the flow path on the outer surface side of the object to be heated 5.

[0036] Since the cylindrical body 20 is connected to the autoclave 2 or the object to be heated 5 by the support 21, the cylindrical body 20, which is positioned in the internal space W of the object to be heated 5, can be easily kept separated from the object to be heated 5.

[0037] (Second Embodiment) Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the cylindrical body 120 and the like according to the second embodiment. Components common to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted. As shown in Figure 7, the first cylindrical portion 131 of the cylindrical body 120 has one or more protrusions 131a on its outer circumferential surface. In this embodiment, on the outer circumferential surface of the first cylindrical portion 131, a plurality of protrusions 131a are arranged along the axis C of the first cylindrical portion 131. The protrusions 131a include annular protrusions that extend continuously in the circumferential direction.

[0038] Specifically, the outer shape of the first cylindrical portion 131 has a bellows shape. This allows the heated gas flowing along the outer surface of the first cylindrical portion 131 to partially diffuse radially D by the protrusions 131a, thereby promoting the heating of the inner surface of the object to be heated 5. The protrusions may also be fins that project outward from the outer surface of the first cylindrical portion of a constant diameter. The fins may be made of plate material, and the plate material may have openings. Alternatively, a metal mesh or fence may be placed on top to form fins. Multiple protrusions may be arranged discontinuously in the circumferential direction on the outer surface of the first cylindrical portion. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, the outer and inner surfaces of the first cylindrical portion 131 have a bellows shape, but the plate thickness of the first cylindrical portion may be changed so that the inner surface of the first cylindrical portion has a cylindrical shape with a uniform diameter. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment described above, so their explanation is omitted.

[0039] (Third embodiment) Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the cylindrical body 220 and the like according to the third embodiment. Components common to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted. As shown in Figure 8, the first cylindrical portion 231 of the cylindrical body 220 has a plurality of holes 231a that open in the radial direction D. In this embodiment, on the outer circumferential surface of the first cylindrical portion 231, the plurality of holes 231a are arranged in the circumferential direction of the first cylindrical portion 231 and are also arranged along the axis C of the first cylindrical portion 231. With this, a portion of the heated gas that flows into the internal flow path P from the second end opening P2 bypasses the return flow path Q and flows outward in the radial direction D from the plurality of holes 231a into the annular flow path R, thereby promoting the heating of the inner circumferential surface of the object to be heated 5. Other components are the same as those in the first embodiment described above and are therefore omitted from the description.

[0040] (Fourth Embodiment) Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the cylindrical body 320 and other components according to the fourth embodiment. Components common to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted. As shown in Figure 9, the cylindrical body 320 comprises a first cylindrical portion 331 whose first end opening P1 is oriented at an angle to the axial direction X, and a second cylindrical portion 332 whose second end opening P2 faces the inlet H1. In this embodiment, the axis C of the first cylindrical portion 331 is inclined with respect to the axial direction X. For example, the first cylindrical portion 331 is positioned so that its first end opening P1 faces the cylindrical portion 5a to be heated. This allows the heated gas flowing out from the first end opening P1 of the cylindrical body 320 to concentrate the heating of a specific location on the inner surface of the object to be heated 5. Other components are the same as those in the first embodiment described above and are therefore omitted from description.

[0041] (Fifth embodiment) Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the cylindrical body 420 and the like according to the fifth embodiment. Components common to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted. As shown in Figure 10, the first cylindrical portion 431 of the cylindrical body 420 has a flared portion 431a at the end on the side of the first end opening P1 that expands toward the first end opening P1. The flared portion 431a has, for example, a trumpet-shaped curve. This makes it easier for heated gas flowing out from the first end opening P1 of the cylindrical body 420 to spread outward in the radial direction D of the first cylindrical portion 431, thereby promoting the flow of heated gas. Other components are the same as those of the first embodiment described above and are therefore omitted from the description.

[0042] (Sixth Embodiment) Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the cylindrical body 520 and the like according to the sixth embodiment. Components common to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted. As shown in Figure 11, the bottomed cylindrical heating target 505 is positioned so that its opening 505c faces in a direction intersecting the axial direction X of the heating channel S (for example, the radial direction Y). That is, the heating target 505 is positioned so that the axis of its cylindrical portion 505a faces the radial direction Y of the heating channel S. The cylindrical body 520 includes a first cylindrical portion 531 inserted into the heating target 505 from the opening 505c, and a second cylindrical portion 532 protruding from the opening 505c to the outside of the heating target 505, with a second end opening P2 facing the inlet H1.

[0043] The first cylindrical portion 531 extends in a curved shape, for example, L-shape. The first end opening P1 of the first cylindrical portion 531 faces the bottom 505b of the object to be heated 505. The orientation of the first end opening P1 and the orientation of the second end opening P2 are, for example, 90° apart. This arrangement allows the heated gas to flow smoothly through the inner circumferential surface of the object to be heated 505, even if the object to be heated 505 is positioned so that the opening 505c faces in a direction intersecting the axial direction X of the heating flow path S. Note that the other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment described above, so their description is omitted.

[0044] (Seventh Embodiment) Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view showing the cylindrical body 620, etc., according to the seventh embodiment. Components common to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted. As shown in Figure 12, the bottomed cylindrical heating target 605 has a shape that forms part of a hollow sphere. The heating target 605 has an opening 605c that opens its internal space W. The part of the heating target 605 opposite the opening 605c is the bottom 605b, and the part of the heating target 605 between the bottom 605b and the opening 605c is the cylindrical portion 605a. The cross-section of the cylindrical portion 605a, viewed from the radial direction D of the cylindrical body 620, has an arc shape, and the cross-section of the bottom 605b also has an arc shape.

[0045] The cylindrical body 620 comprises a first cylindrical portion 631 inserted into the heating object 605 through the opening 605c, and a second cylindrical portion 632 protruding from the opening 605c on the outside of the heating object 605 with a second end opening P2 facing the inlet H1. The second cylindrical portion 632 has an outer shape that expands toward the second end opening P2, while the first cylindrical portion 631 has a shape that conforms to the inner surface of the heating object 605. Specifically, as shown in Figure 12, for example, corresponding to the inner surface of the heating object 605 being spherical, the first cylindrical portion 631 has a shape that forms part of the spherical surface. With this, even if the heating object 605 is shaped as part of a hollow sphere, an annular flow path R can be obtained in which the cross-sectional shape along the direction of airflow changes smoothly, so that heated gas can be passed through well on the inner circumferential surface side of the heating object 605. Note that the other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment described above, so their description is omitted.

[0046] (Eighth embodiment) Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view showing the cylindrical body 20 and other components according to the eighth embodiment. Components common to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted. As shown in Figure 13, the heating object 5 and cylindrical body 20 in this embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment, but are arranged in the opposite direction in the axial direction X compared to the first embodiment.

[0047] Specifically, the heating object 5 is positioned such that its bottom portion 5b is located on the inlet H1 side of the heating channel S and its opening 5c ​​is located on the outlet H2 side of the heating channel S. The cylindrical portion 5a has a streamlined shape that tapers towards the inlet H1. The opening 5c ​​opens the internal space W of the heating object 5 toward the outlet H2.

[0048] The first cylindrical portion 31 of the cylindrical body 20 is inserted into the internal space W of the heating object 5. The second cylindrical portion 32 of the cylindrical body 20 protrudes to the outside of the heating object 5 from the opening 5c. That is, the relative positional relationship between the heating object 5 and the cylindrical body 20 in this embodiment is the same as the relative positional relationship between the heating object 5 and the cylindrical body 20 in the first embodiment. The opening 5c ​​of the heating object 5 includes an annular opening 5ca defined between the heating object 5 and the cylindrical body 20. Viewed from the outlet H2 side in the axial direction X, the annular opening 5ca is covered by the second cylindrical portion 32 of the cylindrical body 20. Preferably, the maximum diameter portion of the second cylindrical portion 32 of the cylindrical body 20 is larger in diameter than the end of the heating object 5 on the outlet H2 side.

[0049] The heated gas flowing into the heating channel S from the inlet H1 flows along the axial direction X outside the object to be heated 5, is guided by the outer surface of the second cylindrical portion 32 of the cylindrical body 20, and flows into the annular channel R. As a result, a unidirectional flow is generated in which the heated air flows in the order of the annular channel R, the return channel Q, and the internal channel P, and the heated gas that flows out from the internal channel P of the cylindrical body 20 through the second end opening P2 flows out from the outlet H2. Therefore, it is less likely for heated gas to accumulate in the internal space W of the object to be heated 5, and heated gas can be circulated well on the inner surface side of the object to be heated 5. Note that the other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment described above, so their explanation is omitted.

[0050] As described above, the embodiments have been explained as examples of the technology disclosed in this application. However, the technology in this disclosure is not limited thereto and can be applied to embodiments that have been modified, replaced, added, or omitted as appropriate. Furthermore, it is possible to combine the components described in the embodiments to create new embodiments. For example, some components or methods in one embodiment may be applied to other embodiments, and some components in an embodiment can be separated from other components in that embodiment and extracted as appropriate. In addition, the components described in the attached drawings and detailed description include not only components that are essential for solving the problem, but also components that are not essential for solving the problem, in order to illustrate the technology. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0051] 1 Molding equipment 2 Autoclave 3 Molding auxiliary equipment 5,505,605 Heating targets 5c,505c,605c opening 6. Molding Jig 7. Molding targets 20,120,220,320,420,520,620 Cylindrical body 21 Support 31,131,231,331,431,531,631 First cylinder part 32,332,532,632 Second cylinder part 131a protrusion 231a hole C axis H1 entrance H2 exit P Internal flow path P1 1st end opening P2 2nd end opening Q Folding channel R annular channel S Heating channel W Interior space X-axis direction

Claims

1. A molding assist device for molding a cylindrical object with a bottom and an opening, which includes a molding object and has an inlet for heating gas to flow in and an outlet for heating gas to flow out, using an autoclave equipped with a heating channel, wherein the heating channel is heated to form the molding object, The device comprises a cylindrical body having a first end opening, a second end opening located on the opposite side of the first end opening, and an internal flow path connecting the first end opening and the second end opening. The aforementioned cylindrical body is A first cylindrical portion having the first end opening and positioned in the internal space of the object to be heated, It includes a second cylindrical portion having the second end opening, positioned so as to protrude from the opening of the object to be heated to the outside of the object to be heated, and having an outer shape that widens toward the second end opening, The largest diameter portion of the second cylindrical body is larger in diameter than the diameter of the end on the inlet side of the object to be heated. The opening to be heated is It includes an annular opening defined between the object to be heated and the cylindrical body, In the axial direction of the heating channel from the inlet to the outlet A composite material molding assisting apparatus, wherein, when viewed from the inlet side, the annular opening is covered by the second cylindrical portion.

2. The composite material molding assist apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second end opening is larger than the first end opening.

3. The composite material molding assist apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, in a cross-sectional view along the axis of the second cylindrical portion, the outer shape of the second cylindrical portion has a funnel shape that expands toward the second end opening.

4. The outer circumferential surface of the first cylindrical portion has a projection, wherein the composite material molding assist apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The composite material molding assist apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first cylindrical portion has at least one hole opening in the radial direction thereof.

6. The composite material molding assist apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a support for connecting and supporting the cylindrical body to the autoclave or the object to be heated.

7. The object to be heated includes a cylindrical portion, a bottom portion that closes one end of the cylindrical portion in the axial direction, and an opening on the other end of the cylindrical portion in the axial direction. The composite material molding assist apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the cylindrical body is arranged such that the first end opening of the first cylindrical portion faces the bottom of the object to be heated.

8. The object to be heated includes a cylindrical portion, a bottom portion that closes one end of the cylindrical portion in the axial direction, and an opening on the other end of the cylindrical portion in the axial direction. The composite material molding assist apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the cylindrical body is arranged such that the first end opening of the first cylindrical portion faces the cylindrical portion to be heated.

9. The molding assist apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, A molding apparatus comprising an autoclave including a heating channel having an inlet for heated gas to flow in and an outlet for heated gas to flow out.

10. Prepare an autoclave equipped with a heating channel having an inlet for heated gas to flow in and an outlet for heated gas to flow out, A bottomed cylindrical heating object, which includes the object to be molded and has an opening, is placed in the heating channel. A cylindrical body is prepared, comprising: a first cylindrical portion having a first end opening; a second cylindrical portion having a second end opening located on the opposite side of the first end opening and having an outer shape that expands toward the second end opening; and an internal flow path connecting the first end opening and the second end opening. The cylindrical body is positioned in the heating channel such that the first cylindrical portion of the cylindrical body is positioned in the internal space of the object to be heated, and the second cylindrical portion of the cylindrical body is positioned so as to protrude from the opening of the object to be heated to the outside of the object to be heated. The opening of the heating target includes an annular opening defined between the heating target and the cylindrical body, and when viewed from the inlet side in the axial direction from the inlet to the outlet of the heating flow path, the annular opening is covered by the second cylindrical portion. A method for molding a composite material, comprising generating a flow of heated gas from the inlet to the outlet in the heating channel.

11. The molding method according to claim 10, wherein the arrangement of the cylindrical body includes arranging the cylindrical body such that the second end opening faces the inlet of the heating channel.

Images