JP4758070B2 - Method and apparatus for measuring spread width of fiber bundle - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for measuring the spread width of a fiber bundle formed by flattening a large number of thin fibers such as carbon fibers.

  Conventionally, carbon fiber bundles are used in a fiber reinforced composite material called FRP (Fiber Reinforced Plastic) in a flat shape (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Organic fibers such as carbon fibers and inorganic fibers such as glass fibers are used as reinforcing fibers having high tensile strength in the longitudinal direction even if they are lightweight. Therefore, if the reinforcing fibers are embedded in a matrix such as a synthetic resin, the strength in the longitudinal direction of the fibers can be enhanced. Many thin fibers are produced simultaneously in the production process of carbon fibers. Therefore, for example, several thousand to several tens of thousands of single yarns having a diameter of about several μm to several tens of μm are sold. The converged carbon fiber is not twisted and has a flat band shape with a yarn width of several mm.

  When carbon fiber or the like is used for reinforcement in the surface direction, fibers in different directions must be crossed in a cloth shape. Even if the fiber bundle is a flat belt-like shape, if the fiber bundle is thick, the fiber bends at the intersecting portion, which may reduce the strength. For this reason, the fiber-opening process which further expands the flat state of a fiber bundle is performed (for example, refer patent document 2 and patent document 3). As a result of the opening process, the bundle of bundles of fibers spreads several times in width, and the thickness decreases correspondingly.

  When a fiber bundle is opened to produce a woven fabric or the like, if the width varies depending on the opened state, the characteristics of the woven fabric will be greatly changed. Therefore, it is necessary to sufficiently manage the spread state by width. FIG. 1 of Patent Document 1 describes a hook drop value FD measuring device representing the degree of convergence of a reinforced fiber multifilament yarn. The multifilament yarn is collected with a length of 1000 mm, and at least the upper end is fixed with a clamp, and the hook drop value FD is measured using a metal hook having a predetermined shape and weight. A weight is added to the metal hook so that the whole becomes, for example, 15 g.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-300739 Japanese Patent No. 3049225 Japanese Patent No. 3064019

  The hook drop value as in Patent Document 1 cannot be measured continuously. Further, the width of the opened state is not directly measured. The opened state is a state in which a bundle of thin fibers is spread in a flat form. Therefore, when the measuring instrument is brought into direct contact, the contact portion is deformed, and accurate measurement cannot be performed. As a non-contact measuring method, it is conceivable to measure optically, for example, as a width of a portion that blocks light. However, in the fiber bundle in the opened state, a sparse part and a dense part are formed in the width direction, or irregular voids are formed. Cannot be measured accurately.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a fiber bundle spread width measuring method and apparatus capable of accurately measuring the width of a fiber bundle.

The present invention, a bunch of textiles after opening process to broaden the Bian flat form, transported and wound by the winding mechanism, while pulling by adding tension predetermined adjusted by tension adjusting mechanism, imaging A method for measuring the spread width of a bundle of fibers based on an image of a bundle of fibers imaged by a means ,
The tensile force adjusting mechanism is provided on the upstream side in the transport direction of the fiber bundle from the winding mechanism, and on the downstream side in the transport direction of the fiber bundle from the imaging means,
Based on the image picked up by the image pickup means , both ends in the width direction are detected from the outside of the fiber bundle,
An opening width measurement method for a fiber bundle, wherein the opening width is measured as a distance between both ends to be detected.

According to the present invention, an image of the fiber bundle is taken while applying a predetermined tension adjusted by the tensile force adjusting mechanism to the bundle of fibers to be measured. The state image can be taken without contact. Since both ends in the width direction are detected from the outside of the fiber bundle based on the image picked up by the image pickup means, there are sparse or dense parts or voids inside the fiber bundle. Both ends can be detected from the outside. Since the spread width is measured as the distance between both ends to be detected, the width of the fiber bundle in the opened state can be accurately measured. Further, the tension adjusting mechanism is provided on the upstream side in the transport direction of the fiber bundle with respect to the winding mechanism, and on the downstream side in the transport direction of the fiber bundle with respect to the imaging means.

Furthermore, the present invention is an apparatus for measuring the width after the fiber spreading process for spreading a bundle of fibers into a flat form,
A winding mechanism for winding and conveying a bundle of fibers;
Holding means for applying a predetermined tension to the bundle of fibers, the holding means including a tensile force adjusting mechanism for adjusting the tension applied to the bundle of fibers ;
Imaging means for capturing an image of a bundle of fibers held by the holding means;
In the processing of an image captured by the imaging means, the outer from the both widthwise ends of the bundle of fibers respectively detected as the distance between the two ends, seen including a processing means for calculating an open 繊幅,
The opening width of the fiber bundle, wherein the tension adjusting mechanism is provided on the upstream side in the transport direction of the fiber bundle with respect to the winding mechanism and on the downstream side in the transport direction of the fiber bundle with respect to the imaging means. It is a measuring device.

According to the present invention, an apparatus for measuring a width after a fiber opening process that spreads a bundle of fibers into a flat form includes a winding mechanism, a holding unit, an imaging unit, and a processing unit. Holding means comprising a tension adjusting mechanism for adjusting the tension to be added to the bundle of fibers, while pulling by adding pre-determined tension to the fiber bundle to be measured, since an image of the bundle of fibers with the imaging means The image in the opened state under a constant tension can be taken without contact. Since the processing means detects both ends in the width direction from the outside of the fiber bundle based on the image picked up by the image pickup means, a sparse part or a dense part exists inside the fiber bundle, Even if exists, both ends can be detected from the outside. Since the processing means measures the spread width as the distance between both ends to be detected, the width of the fiber bundle in the spread state can be accurately measured. The tensile force adjusting mechanism is provided on the upstream side in the transport direction of the fiber bundle with respect to the winding mechanism and on the downstream side in the transport direction of the fiber bundle with respect to the imaging unit.

In the present invention, the holding means holds the fiber bundle while continuously running in the longitudinal direction,
The imaging means continuously captures images of the traveling fiber bundle,
The processing means performs the calculation of the spread width at a predetermined cycle,
It further includes recording means for recording the result of calculation of the spread width by the processing means.

  According to the present invention, the holding means holds the fiber bundle while continuously running in the longitudinal direction, the imaging means continuously takes images of the running fiber bundle, and the processing means takes the spread width. Is calculated at a predetermined cycle, and the calculation result of the processing means is recorded in the recording means. Therefore, the measurement of the spread width for a long fiber bundle can be continuously performed and the measurement result can be recorded.

  According to the present invention, the spread width is measured in a non-contact manner based on the image of the fiber bundle under a constant tension, so that the width of the fiber bundle in the spread state can be accurately measured.

  Furthermore, according to the present invention, while applying a predetermined tension to the fiber bundle by the holding means and pulling, an image of the fiber bundle is taken by the imaging means, and both ends in the width direction are taken from the outside of the fiber bundle by the processing means. Since each is detected and the spread width as a distance between both ends is measured, the width of the fiber bundle in the spread state can be accurately measured without contact.

  Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to measure the spread width at a predetermined cycle while continuously running a bundle of fibers in the longitudinal direction and record the result on a recording means.

  FIG. 1A shows a schematic configuration of a spread width measuring apparatus 1 as an embodiment of the present invention. The spread width measuring apparatus 1 supports a camera 3 with a frame 2. The camera 3 has a field of view directed downward. In the field of view, the spread yarn 4 is conveyed in a flat state spreading along a plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the camera 3. A front roll 5 and a rear roll 6 are provided on the upstream side and the downstream side in the transport direction, respectively. The tension of the spread yarn 4 to be conveyed is adjusted by a tensile force adjusting mechanism 7 provided on the downstream side of the rear roll 6 and pulled with a predetermined tension. A winding mechanism 8 is provided on the downstream side of the tensile force adjusting mechanism 7 and winds the spread yarn 4. A relay roll 9 is provided on the upstream side of the front roll 5, and the spread yarn 4 is supplied from a spreader or the like. An image of the spread yarn 4 captured by the camera 3 is input to the processing device 10, and the spread width is measured by image processing.

  FIG. 1B shows an image of the spread yarn 4 captured by the camera 3. The spread yarn image is formed by irregularly arranging a plurality of single yarn images 11, 12, 13,. The processing device 10 detects the single yarn 11 and the single yarn 1n at both ends in the width direction. The single yarn images 11 and 1n are the outermost single yarn images detected first when approaching the single yarn images 11, 12, 13,..., 1n from the outside along the width direction of the image. For example, if the reference width is imaged by the camera 3 and the corresponding width on the screen is obtained, the distance on the image between the single yarn images 11 and 1n can be converted into the width of the spread yarn 4. it can.

  In other words, the spread width measuring apparatus 1 executes a method for measuring the width after the spread process for expanding a bundle of fibers into a flat shape. In the spread width measuring method, an image of a bundle of fibers is captured while applying a predetermined tension to the spread yarn 4 that is a bundle of fibers to be measured, and the fiber is measured based on the captured image. Both ends in the width direction are detected from the outside of the bundle, and the spread width is measured as the distance between the detected ends. Since an image of the bundle of fibers is taken while applying a predetermined tension to the bundle of fibers to be measured, an image of the opened state under a constant tension can be taken without contact. Since both ends in the width direction are detected from the outside of the fiber bundle based on the captured image, both ends are present even if there are sparse or dense parts or voids inside the fiber bundle. Can be detected from the outside. Since the spread width is measured as the distance between both ends to be detected, the width of the fiber bundle in the opened state can be accurately measured.

  FIG. 2 shows an electrical configuration relating to the processing apparatus 10 of FIG. The processing device 10 has a CPU 20 and operates according to a program preset in the ROM 21. When the CPU 20 operates according to a program, the RAM 22 is used as a work area or the like. An image captured by the camera 3 is converted from an analog signal to a digital signal by the A / D converter 23 and stored in the image memory 24. The CPU 20 processes the image of the spread yarn 4 stored in the image memory 24 at a certain period activated by the timer 25, and the single yarn images 11 at both ends in the width direction as shown in FIG. The spread width is calculated as the distance between 1n. The calculation result is input to the recorder 27 via the interface 26 and recorded. The recorder 27 continuously records input data on a recording sheet as a graph, for example. Data can be recorded on a data logger or the like. The CPU 20 also controls the motor 28 that drives the winding mechanism 8 shown in FIG.

  FIG. 3 shows a schematic procedure for continuously measuring the spread width of the spread yarn 4 with the spread width measuring apparatus 1 of FIG. The procedure is started from step s0, and in step s1, the spread yarn 4 is prepared. For the preparation of the spread yarn 4, the tip of the spread yarn 4 is sequentially attached to the relay roll 9, the front roll 5, the rear roll 6, the tensile force adjusting mechanism 7 and the take-up roll 8 of the spread width measuring device 1. To do.

  After step s2, the control procedure is performed by the CPU 20. In step s2, the motor 28 is driven and winding of the spread yarn 4 is started. In step s 3, the camera 3 captures an image of the conveyed spread yarn 4. In step s4, the position of one end is detected from the outside in the width direction on the image of the spread fiber 4 being imaged. In step s5, the position of the other end is detected from the outside in the width direction of the image of the opened yarn 4 being imaged. In step s6, the distance between one end and the other end is obtained, and the spread width is calculated in accordance with the conversion relationship obtained in advance. In step s7, the calculation result is recorded in the recorder 27. In step s8, it is determined whether or not the measurement is finished. The measurement ends when the measurement for a certain length ends or when no new spread yarn 4 is supplied. When it is determined in step s8 that the measurement is not finished, the process returns to step s3. Hereinafter, at each cycle defined by the timer 24, the imaging in step s3 is performed and the spread width is measured. When it is determined in step s9 that the measurement is finished, the processing procedure by the CPU 20 is finished in step s10.

  FIG. 4 shows the position at which the spread width is continuously measured with respect to the spread yarn 4. Based on the time set in the timer 25 and the conveying speed of the opened yarn 4 by the motor 28 with respect to the image 30 of the opened yarn, virtual scanning lines 31, 32, 33,. Is set. The processing apparatus 10 moves from the outside on one end side in the width direction along each scanning line 31, 32, 33,... Judged as the side position. Next, it moves along the scanning lines 31, 32, 33,... From the outside on the other end side in the width direction, and positions 31b, 32b, 33b,. Judge as position. The distance between the one end side positions 31a, 32a, 33a,... And the other end side positions 31b, 32b, 33b,.

  That is, the spread width measuring apparatus 1 includes a front roll 5, a rear roll 6, a tensile force adjusting mechanism 7, and a relay roll 9 as holding means for holding a spread yarn that is a bundle of fibers by applying a predetermined tension. . A camera 3 is provided as an imaging unit that captures an image of a bundle of fibers held by such a holding unit. As processing means for detecting both ends in the width direction from the outside of the bundle of fibers and calculating the spread width as the distance between both ends in the processing of the image picked up by the camera 3 as the image pickup means, the processing apparatus 10 Is provided.

  Furthermore, the spread width measuring apparatus 1 for measuring the width after the spread process for expanding the fiber bundle into a flat form is a spread fiber that is a bundle of fibers whose holding means such as the tension adjusting mechanism 7 is a measurement target. Since an image of the spread yarn 4 is captured by the camera 3 while applying a predetermined tension to 4 and pulling, an image of the opened state under a constant tension can be captured in a non-contact manner. Since the processing device 10 detects both ends in the width direction from the outside of the spread yarn 4 based on the image captured by the camera 3, there are sparse and dense portions inside the spread yarn 4. Even if there is a gap, both ends can be detected from the outside. Since the processing apparatus 10 measures the spread width as the distance between both ends to be detected, the width of the fiber bundle in the opened state can be accurately measured.

  The fiber opening state measuring device 1 holds the fiber bundle while continuously running in the longitudinal direction, the camera 3 continuously takes images of the running fiber bundle, and the processing device 10 opens the fiber bundle. Since the calculation of the fiber width is performed at a predetermined cycle, the calculation result of the fiber opening width by the processing apparatus 10 can be recorded on the recorder 27 or the like. However, if such continuous measurement and recording are not required, the processing and configuration can be simplified.

  Moreover, although the case where the carbon fiber is made into object as the spread yarn 4 is shown, the spread width can be similarly measured with other organic fibers and inorganic fibers.

It is the simplified front view which shows the schematic structure of the spread width measuring apparatus 1 which is one Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic electrical configuration of the processing apparatus 10 of FIG. 1. It is a flowchart which shows the schematic procedure which measures the width | variety of the spread yarn 4 with the spread width measuring apparatus 1 of FIG. It is a figure which shows the position where a spread width is continuously measured with the spread width measuring apparatus 1 of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Opening width measuring device 3 Camera 4 Opening yarn 5 Front roll 6 Back roll 7 Pulling force adjustment mechanism 8 Winding mechanism 9 Relay roll 10 Processing device 11, 12, 13, ..., 1n Single yarn image 20 CPU
24 Image memory 25 Timer 27 Recorder 30 Opened yarn image 31, 32, 33,... Scanning line

Claims (3)

A bundle of textiles after opening process to broaden the Bian flat form, transported and wound by the winding mechanism, while pulling by adding tension predetermined adjusted by tension adjusting mechanism, by the image pickup means A method for measuring the spread width of a bundle of fibers based on the image of the bundle of fibers ,
The tensile force adjusting mechanism is provided on the upstream side in the transport direction of the fiber bundle from the winding mechanism, and on the downstream side in the transport direction of the fiber bundle from the imaging means,
Based on the image picked up by the image pickup means , both ends in the width direction are detected from the outside of the fiber bundle,
A method for measuring the spread width of a fiber bundle, wherein the spread width is measured as a distance between both ends to be detected. An apparatus for measuring the width after the fiber spreading process to spread a bundle of fibers into a flat form,
A winding mechanism for winding and conveying a bundle of fibers;
Holding means for applying a predetermined tension to the bundle of fibers, the holding means including a tensile force adjusting mechanism for adjusting the tension applied to the bundle of fibers ;
Imaging means for capturing an image of a bundle of fibers held by the holding means;
In the processing of an image captured by the imaging means, the outer from the both widthwise ends of the bundle of fibers respectively detected as the distance between the two ends, seen including a processing means for calculating an open 繊幅,
The opening width of the fiber bundle, wherein the tension adjusting mechanism is provided on the upstream side in the transport direction of the fiber bundle with respect to the winding mechanism and on the downstream side in the transport direction of the fiber bundle with respect to the imaging means. measuring device. The holding means holds the bundle of fibers while continuously running in the longitudinal direction,
The imaging means continuously captures images of the traveling fiber bundle,
The processing means performs the calculation of the spread width at a predetermined cycle,
The apparatus for measuring a spread width of a fiber bundle according to claim 2, further comprising recording means for recording a calculation result of the spread width by the processing means.

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