Patent Publication Number: US-11046029-B2

Title: Method for producing composite material component and device for producing composite material component

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to a composite material component manufacturing method and a composite material component manufacturing device. 
     Composite material components composed of fibers and resin are used in various products such as aircraft and automobiles. 
     When an elongated composite material component is molded, a pultrusion molding method, an advanced pultrusion molding method (hereinafter referred to as an “ADP molding method”) or the like is used. In pultrusion molding methods and ADP molding methods, a prepreg sheet in which a thermosetting resin is impregnated in a continuous fiber such as a unidirectional fiber, a woven fabric, or the like is generally used. 
     As a related technique, Patent Document 1 describes a molding method of a plastic-based composite material. In the molding method of the plastic-based composite material described in Patent Document 1, when a plastic material that has been reinforced with fibers is heated and pressed for molding, the plastic material is intermittently heated and pressed, and the plastic material is transferred when the pressurization is released. 
     In addition, Patent Document 2 describes a continuous molding device for H-shaped members made of FRP. The continuous molding device for the FRP H-shaped members described in Patent Document 2 includes a pressing device for applying heat and pressure to a prepreg material, and a device for pulling and fixing the prepreg material. Furthermore, Patent Document 3 describes a continuous molding method of composite material profiles having different cross-sections. In the molding method described in Patent Document 3, a composite mold material whose cross section differs according to the position along the longitudinal direction (for example, a composite mold material whose thickness dimension differs according to the position along the longitudinal direction) is molded by using a moving die whose outer surface dimension differs according to the position along the longitudinal direction. 
     CITATION LIST 
     Patent Literature 
     [Patent Document 1] Japanese Examined Patent Application Publication No. 6-18730 
     [Patent Document 2] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2001-191418 
     [Patent Document 3] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2010-115822 
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     Technical Problem 
     In the conventional molding methods (pultrusion molding methods, ADP molding methods, or the like), when a composite material component is formed using N prepreg sheets, bending processing was performed with respect to a prepreg sheet laminate body in which N prepreg sheets are layered. Accordingly, when a prepreg sheet laminate body having a large thickness is bent, wrinkles easily occurred in the prepreg sheet laminate body. In addition, in cases in which the prepreg sheet is a thermoplastic resin, in a state where the resin is not softened by heat at room temperature or the like, the pressure required for the bending process increases, and the frictional force between the pressing roller used to perform the bending process and the prepreg sheet laminate body tends to increase. In addition, if the prepreg sheet laminate body is bent in a non-softened state, there is a possibility that the prepreg sheet laminate body will be broken and damaged, and even if the prepreg sheet laminate body is not damaged, wrinkles tend to occur in the prepreg sheet laminate body. Further, in cases in which a protective film (a release film) is disposed on the surface of the prepreg sheet laminate body, if a large frictional force acts on the prepreg sheet laminate body, the protective film is damaged. 
     Further, if the frictional force increases in the bending process, the prepreg sheet laminate body may move erratically with respect to the molding line when the prepreg sheet laminate body is transferred, and stable molding of the prepreg sheet laminate body may become difficult. 
     It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a composite material component manufacturing method and a composite material component manufacturing device capable of suppressing the occurrence of wrinkles and breakage in prepreg sheet laminate bodies and stably performing continuous molding. 
     Solution to Problem 
     In order to achieve the above object, the composite material component manufacturing method according to the present invention includes a first thermoforming step for creating a first three-dimensional prepreg sheet by thermoforming a thermoplastic first prepreg sheet into a three dimensional shape, a laminate body creating step for creating a prepreg sheet laminate body by layering the first three-dimensional prepreg sheet and a second prepreg sheet, and a laminate body molding step for molding the prepreg sheet laminate body by applying heat and a pressing force to the prepreg sheet laminate body with a pressing device. 
     In addition, the composite material component manufacturing device according to the present invention includes a molding device configured to process a thermoplastic prepreg sheet into a first three-dimensional prepreg sheet, and a pressing device configured to apply heat and a pressing force to a prepreg sheet laminate body, which is a laminate body of the first three-dimensional prepreg sheet and a second prepreg sheet. 
     Effect of the Invention 
     According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a composite material component manufacturing method and a composite material component manufacturing device capable of suppressing the occurrence of wrinkles and breakage in prepreg sheet laminate bodies and stably performing continuous molding. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a flowchart illustrating an example of a composite material component manufacturing method according to a first embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  is a diagram schematically illustrating a state in which a prepreg sheet is cut out from a prepreg having a continuous band shape. 
         FIG. 3  is a diagram schematically illustrating a state of molding the cut prepreg sheet. 
         FIG. 4  is a diagram schematically illustrating a state of molding the cut prepreg sheet. 
         FIG. 5  is a diagram schematically illustrating a composite material component manufacturing device according to a first embodiment. 
         FIG. 6A  is a schematic side view of a transfer device. 
         FIG. 6B  is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A of  FIG. 6A . 
         FIG. 6C  is a schematic side view of the transfer device. 
         FIG. 6D  is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B of  FIG. 6C . 
         FIG. 7A  is a schematic perspective view of the transfer device. 
         FIG. 7B  is a schematic front view of the transfer device. 
         FIG. 7C  is a schematic side view of the transfer device. 
         FIG. 8  is a diagram schematically illustrating a composite material component manufacturing device according to a second embodiment. 
         FIG. 9  is a diagram schematically illustrating the arrangement of a composite material component manufacturing device according to a third embodiment. 
         FIG. 10A  is a schematic plan view illustrating one step of a composite material component manufacturing method according to a fourth embodiment. 
         FIG. 10B  is a schematic plan view illustrating one step of a composite material component manufacturing method according to the fourth embodiment. 
         FIG. 11A  is a schematic perspective view of the transfer device. 
         FIG. 11B  is a schematic front view of the transfer device. 
         FIG. 11C  is a schematic side view of the transfer device. 
         FIG. 12  is a diagram schematically illustrating a state of molding a cut prepreg sheet. 
         FIG. 13  is a diagram schematically illustrating a state of molding a cut prepreg sheet. 
         FIG. 14  is a diagram schematically illustrating a composite material component manufacturing device according to a fifth embodiment. 
         FIG. 15  is a diagram schematically illustrating a composite material component manufacturing device according to a sixth embodiment. 
         FIG. 16  is a partially exploded perspective view schematically illustrating a composite material component manufacturing device according to a seventh embodiment. 
         FIG. 17  is a diagram schematically illustrating a composite material component manufacturing device according to the seventh embodiment. 
         FIG. 18  is a partially enlarged view of the composite material component manufacturing device according to the seventh embodiment. 
         FIG. 19  is a schematic perspective view schematically illustrating an example of a composite material component formed by the composite material component manufacturing method according to the seventh embodiment. 
         FIG. 20  is a partially exploded perspective view schematically illustrating a composite material component manufacturing device according to the eighth embodiment. 
         FIG. 21  is a partially enlarged view of the composite material component manufacturing device according to the eighth embodiment. 
         FIG. 22  is a schematic perspective view schematically illustrating an example of a composite material component formed by the composite material component manufacturing method according to the eighth embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT(S) 
     Hereinafter, a composite material component manufacturing method and a composite material component manufacturing device  1  according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that in the following description of the embodiments, parts and members having the same functions are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions of parts and members denoted by the same reference numerals are omitted. 
     First Embodiment 
     Referring to  FIG. 1  to  FIG. 5 , a composite material component manufacturing method and a composite material component manufacturing device  1 B according to the first embodiment will be described.  FIG. 1  is a flowchart illustrating an example of a composite material component manufacturing method according to a first embodiment.  FIG. 2  is a diagram schematically illustrating a state in which a prepreg sheet P 2  is cut out from a prepreg P 1  having a continuous band shape.  FIG. 3  is a diagram schematically illustrating a state of molding the cut prepreg sheet P 2 .  FIG. 4  is a diagram schematically illustrating a state of molding the cut prepreg sheet P 2 .  FIG. 5  is a diagram schematically illustrating a composite material component manufacturing device  1 B according to a first embodiment. It should be noted that, in  FIG. 5 , in order to avoid complication of the drawing, the configuration of the composite material component manufacturing device  1 B is illustrated in a simplified manner. 
     (Composite Material Component Manufacturing Method) 
     A composite material component manufacturing method according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to  FIG. 1  to  FIG. 5 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 , in Step ST 101 , the prepreg sheet P 2  is cut out from a prepreg P 1  having a continuous-band shape. The cutting of the prepreg P 1  can be performed using a known cutting device. It should be noted that, in the case that a small prepreg sheet P 2  (for example, a strip-shaped prepreg sheet P 2 ) has been prepared, Step ST 101  can be omitted. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , in Step ST 102 , one of the prepreg sheets P 2 , that is, the first prepreg sheet P 2 - 1 , is thermoformed into a three-dimensional shape. It should be noted that, in the present specification, a three-dimensional shape refers to a shape other than a two-dimensional planar shape. The three-dimensional shape is, for example, a shape having at least one bent portion. In this case, Step ST 102  includes a bending process. The first prepreg sheet P 2 - 1  is thermoplastic (put differently, the material of the first prepreg sheet P 2 - 1  is thermoplastic). In the example illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the first three-dimensional prepreg sheet P 3  is produced from the two-dimensional prepreg sheet P 2  (a planar-shaped prepreg sheet) by executing Step ST 102 . 
     In the example illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the prepreg sheet P 2  is thermoformed into a three-dimensional shape by using a molding device  60  (a hot press device  60 - 1 ). More specifically, first, the prepreg sheet P 2  is placed on a support member  61 . Next, the prepreg sheet P 2  is pressed by the hot press device  60 - 1 ; more specifically, the prepreg sheet P 2  is sandwiched between the hot press device  60 - 1  and the support member  61 , thereby bending the prepreg sheet P 2 . As a result, a prepreg sheet P 3  thermoformed into a three-dimensional shape (a prepreg sheet P 3  that has undergone bend processing) is obtained. 
     In the example illustrated in  FIG. 3 , Step ST 102  is performed using the hot press device  60 - 1 . The hot press device  60 - 1  may be a mold member illustrated in  FIG. 3 . Alternatively, the thermoforming device for performing Step ST 102  may be a device configured to press the prepreg sheet P 2  along the surface of the support member  61  using a film or the like while heating the prepreg sheet P 2  with heaters or the like. Further, alternatively, as illustrated in  FIG. 4 , Step ST 102  may be performed using other thermoforming devices  60 - 2 , such as soldering irons, ultrasonic heating devices (ultrasonic welding devices), heat rolls, or the like. In this case, the prepreg sheet P 2  placed on the support member  61  is softened and deformed by being heated by the thermoforming apparatus  60 - 2 . In this way, the prepreg sheet P 2  is bent. As a result, a prepreg sheet P 3  thermoformed into a three-dimensional shape (a prepreg sheet P 3  that has undergone bend processing) is obtained. 
     It should be noted that Step ST 102  may be performed manually or automatically mechanically. When performing automation, for example, the hot press device  60 - 1  may be driven by a driving device  63  such as an actuator. Alternatively, when performing automation, a thermoforming device  60 - 2 , such as a soldering iron or an ultrasonic heating device, may be mounted on the tip of a robot arm  64  to drive the robot arm. 
     In Step ST 103 , the molded three-dimensional prepreg sheet P 3  and another thermoplastic prepreg sheet P 3 ′ (a second prepreg sheet) are layered. Similar to the three-dimensional prepreg sheet P 3 , the another prepreg sheet P 3 ′ may be a three-dimensional prepreg sheet produced using the above-described molding step (Step ST 102 ). In the example illustrated in  FIG. 5 , each of the three-dimensional prepreg sheet P 3  and the another prepreg sheet P 3 ′ is a three-dimensional prepreg sheet having a bent portion Q (three-dimensional prepreg sheets that have undergone bending processing). In the example illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the bent portion Q is a bent portion Q formed along the longitudinal direction of each prepreg sheet. The bent portion Q extends from one end to the other end of each prepreg sheet. 
     It should be noted that, in cases in which the first three-dimensional prepreg sheet P 3  and the second three-dimensional prepreg sheet P 3 ′ are layered in Step ST 103 , the first thermoforming step of creating the first three-dimensional prepreg sheet P 3  by thermoforming the first prepreg sheet P 2 - 1  into a three dimensional shape and the second thermoforming step of creating the second three-dimensional prepreg sheet P 3 ′ by thermoforming the second prepreg sheet P 2 - 2  into a three-dimensional shape may be performed prior to Step ST 103 . It should be noted that the molding device  60  for executing the first thermoforming step and the molding device for executing the second thermoforming step may be the same device or different devices. 
     Similarly, in cases in which the first three-dimensional prepreg sheet P 3 , the second three-dimensional prepreg sheet P 3 ′, and the third three-dimensional prepreg sheet are layered in Step ST 103 , the above described first thermoforming step, the above-described second thermoforming step, and a third thermoforming step of creating a third three-dimensional prepreg sheet by thermoforming the third prepreg sheet P 2 - 3  into a three-dimensional state may be executed prior to Step ST 103 . 
     In the example illustrated in  FIG. 5 , another prepreg sheet P 3 ′ is placed on the three-dimensional prepreg sheet P 3  to form a prepreg sheet laminate body P 4 . It should be noted that it is preferable that the three-dimensional prepreg sheet P 3  and the another prepreg sheet P 3 ′ (that is, the prepreg sheet laminate body P 4 ) be temporarily fixed (for example, partially welded) by an arbitrary welding device  70  such as a soldering iron or an ultrasonic heating device (an ultrasonic welding device). In the example illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the prepreg sheet laminate body P 4  immediately after the laminate body producing step of layering the three-dimensional prepreg sheet P 3  and the another prepreg sheet P 3 ′ includes a bent portion Q 1  formed along the longitudinal direction of the prepreg sheet laminate body P 4 . The bent portion Q 1  extends from one end to the other end of the prepreg sheet laminate body P 4 . In other words, the length of the bent portion Q 1  formed in the prepreg sheet laminate P 4  is equal to the length of the prepreg sheet laminate body P 4 . In the example illustrated in  FIG. 5 , at the time when the prepreg sheet laminate body P 4  is produced, the bent portion Q 1  is already formed. Accordingly, it is unnecessary to perform bending processing on the entire prepreg sheet laminate body P 4  after the preparation of the prepreg sheet laminate body P 4  is completed. Accordingly, the occurrence of wrinkles or breakage in the prepreg sheet laminate body P 4  is suppressed, and the laminate body P 4  does not move erratically at the time of transfer, such that it is possible to stably perform continuous molding. 
     It should be noted that, in Step ST 104 , a plurality of prepreg sheet laminate bodies P 4  are connected along the prepreg transport direction. In the example illustrated in  FIG. 5 , a plurality of prepreg sheet laminate bodies P 4  are arranged along the prepreg transfer direction, and adjacent prepreg sheet laminate bodies P 4  are connected to each other by an arbitrary welding device  70  such as a soldering iron, an ultrasonic heating device (ultrasonic welding device), or the like. By connecting the plurality of prepreg sheet laminate bodies P 4 , a continuous, elongated prepreg PP is produced. In the example illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the upstream end P 4 - a  of the prepreg sheet laminate body P 4 - 1  in the transfer direction is connected (welded) to the downstream end P 4 - b  of another prepreg sheet laminate body P 4 - 2  in the transfer direction. 
     It should be noted that Step ST 104  may be executed separately from Step ST 103 , or may be executed simultaneously with Step ST 103 . In addition, when one prepreg sheet laminate P 4  is sufficiently long, Step ST 104  (the step of connecting a plurality of prepreg sheet laminate bodies) may be omitted. 
     Steps ST 103  and ST 104  may be performed manually or automatically mechanically. When performing automation, for example, a welding device  70  such as a soldering iron or an ultrasonic heating device may be mounted on a welding device moving device  72  (for example, a robot arm). In other words, the composite material component manufacturing device  1 B may include a welding device  70  and a welding device moving device  72  that connect neighboring prepreg sheet laminate bodies P 4 . The composite material component manufacturing device  1 B may include a rail member  74 , which will be described later. 
     Alternatively, or additionally, the composite material component manufacturing device  1 B may include a transfer apparatus  73  (for example, a robotic arm) for transferring the first three-dimensional prepreg sheet P 3  onto the rail member  74 . The transfer device  73  places the second prepreg sheet P 3 ′ (the second three-dimensional prepreg sheet) on the first three-dimensional prepreg sheet P 3 . 
     In Step ST 105 , the prepreg sheet laminate body P 4  is transferred along the transfer direction. In the example illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the prepreg sheet laminate body P 4  is fed toward the pressing device  20  by the transfer device  2 , and the prepreg sheet laminate body P 4  thermoformed by the pressing device  20  is fed further downstream from the pressing device  20 . In the example illustrated in  FIG. 5 , since the prepreg sheet laminate body P 4  does not need to be subjected to bending processing when transferring the prepreg sheet laminate body P 4 , the prepreg sheet laminate body P 4  does not move erratically during transfer of the prepreg sheet laminate body P 4 . Further, since it is not necessary to perform bending processing on the prepreg sheet laminate body P 4  when transferring the prepreg sheet laminate body P 4 , the prepreg sheet laminate body P 4  can be fed to the pressing device  20  in a state in which the dimensional balance of the prepreg sheet laminate body P 4  in the horizontal direction and the dimensional balance in the vertical direction are maintained. Details of the transfer device  2  and the pressing device  20  will be described later. 
     In Step ST 106 , a laminate body molding step is performed. The laminate body molding step is a step of applying heat and a pressing force to the prepreg sheet laminate body P 4  by the pressing device  20  to mold the prepreg sheet laminate body. The thermoplastic prepreg sheet laminate body P 4  is softened and molded by the laminate body molding step. It should be noted that the shape of the prepreg sheet laminate body after undergoing molding in the laminate body molding step is preferably the same shape or approximately the same shape as the shape of the prepreg sheet laminate body P 4  prior to undergoing molding in the laminate body molding step. In addition, in the laminate body molding step, the prepreg sheet laminate body P 4  is preferably heated to a temperature greater than or equal to its melting point. 
     It should be noted that Step ST 105  (the transfer step) may be performed after Step ST 103  and Step ST 104 , or may be performed in parallel with Step ST 103  and Step ST 104 . 
     In the first embodiment, a three-dimensional prepreg sheet P 3  molded into a three-dimensional shape and another prepreg sheet P 3 ′ are layered to prepare a prepreg PP to be supplied to the pressing device  20 . When bending processing is performed in a state in which a plurality of prepreg sheets are stacked, wrinkles tend to occur in each prepreg sheet. In contrast, in the first embodiment, bending processing is performed on the prepreg sheet P 2  in Step ST 102 , and thereafter, the three-dimensional prepreg sheet P 3  that was subjected to the bending processing is layered on the another prepreg sheet P 3 ′. Accordingly, wrinkles are less likely to occur in the three-dimensional prepreg sheet P 3 . 
     It should be noted that in Step ST 102 , it is preferable that the bending process is performed for each individual prepreg sheet. However, when some amount of wrinkles can be tolerated, the bending processing may be performed in a state in which a plurality of prepreg sheets (for example, 2 to 40 sheets) are stacked. In this case, the three-dimensional prepreg sheet P 3  is a laminate type prepreg sheet composed of a plurality of prepreg sheets. Similarly, the another prepreg sheet P 3 ′ may be a single layer type prepreg sheet composed of one prepreg sheet, or may be a laminated type prepreg sheet composed of a plurality of prepreg sheets (for example, 2 to 40 sheets). 
     In the example illustrated in  FIG. 5 , Step ST 103  (a step of layering the three-dimensional prepreg sheet P 3  and the another prepreg sheet P 3 ′) is performed on the rail member  74 . That is, the molded three-dimensional prepreg sheet P 3  is placed on the rail member  74 , and the another prepreg sheet P 3 ′ is placed on the three-dimensional prepreg sheet P 3 . Alternatively, the pre-laminated prepreg sheet laminate P 4  may be placed on the rail member  74 . It should be noted that the transport of the three-dimensional prepreg sheet P 3  or the prepreg sheet laminate body P 4  to the rail member  74  may be performed manually or may be performed by the transport device  73 . 
     In the example illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the prepreg sheet laminate body P 4  is composed of two prepreg sheets (P 3  and P 3 ′). Alternatively, the prepreg sheet laminate body P 4  may be composed of three or more prepreg sheets (P 3 , P 3 ′ . . . ). 
     In the example illustrated in  FIG. 5 , Step ST 104  (a step of connecting a plurality of prepreg sheet laminate bodies) is performed on the rail member  74 . That is, in a state in which the plurality of prepreg sheet laminate bodies are placed on the rail member  74 , a step of connecting the plurality of prepreg sheet laminate bodies P 4  by the welding device  70  is performed. 
     In the example illustrated in  FIG. 5 , when Step ST 105  (a step of transferring the prepreg PP) is performed, the prepreg PP, that is, the connected prepreg sheet laminate bodies P 4 , slides on the rail member  74 . That is, the rail member  74  functions as a guide member that defines the moving direction of the connected prepreg sheet laminate bodies P 4 . The rail member  74  may be formed of metal or plastic. Since the prepreg sheet laminate body P 4  has been subjected to bending processing in advance, it is easy to transfer the prepreg sheet laminate body P 4  along the rail member (the guide member). For example, if the prepreg sheet laminate body P 4  is transferred in a state in which the bent portion of the prepreg sheet laminate body P 4  is aligned with the corner portion of the rail member  74 , the prepreg sheet laminate body P 4  can be stably transferred. 
     It should be noted that the composite material component manufactured by the composite material component manufacturing method according to the first embodiment may be an aircraft component, an automobile component, or any other component for consumer equipment. The composite material component may, for example, be a structural material of an aircraft fuselage (fuselage skin, etc.), a wing (wing skin, wing spar, etc.), a door panel, a floor spar, or the like. 
     Variation of the First Embodiment 
     In the first embodiment, an example has been described in which a three-dimensional prepreg sheet P 3  that has been molded into a three-dimensional shape and another prepreg sheet P 3 ′ that has been molded into a three-dimensional shape are layered to produce a prepreg sheet laminate body P 4 . Alternatively, the prepreg sheet laminate body P 4  may be manufactured by layering a three-dimensional prepreg sheet P 3  that has been molded into a three-dimensional shape and a prepreg sheet having a two-dimensional shape (planar shape). In other words, the prepreg sheet P 3 ′ according to the first embodiment may be replaced with a prepreg sheet having a two-dimensional shape (a planar shape). 
     (Outline of Transfer Device  2 ) 
     An overview of the transfer device  2  that constitutes a portion of the composite material component manufacturing device  1 B according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to  FIG. 6A  to  FIG. 6D .  FIG. 6A  is a schematic side view of the transfer device  2 .  FIG. 6B  is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A of  FIG. 6A .  FIG. 6C  is a schematic side view of the transfer device  2 .  FIG. 6D  is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B of  FIG. 6C . 
     In the examples illustrated in  FIG. 6A  to  FIG. 6D , the transfer device  2  is a device for transferring the prepreg PP (the prepreg sheet laminate body P 4 ) and transfers the prepreg PP via the pressing device  20 . Then, the transfer device  2  moves the prepreg PP together with the pressing device  20  in a state in which a pressing force is applied to the prepreg PP by the pressing device  20 . Alternatively, the transfer device  2  may be a transfer device in which a pulling device  28  arranged downstream of the pressing device  20  transfers the prepreg PP by pulling the prepreg PP (see  FIG. 9 . for example). 
     In the example illustrated in  FIG. 6A , the arrow AM indicates the direction of action of the pressing force from a first pressing member  21 - 1  that constitutes a portion of the pressing device  20  on the prepreg PP, the arrow AR 2  indicates the direction of action of the pressing force from a second pressing member  21 - 2  that constitutes a part of the pressing device  20  on the prepreg PP, and the arrow AR indicates the direction of transfer of the prepreg PP. The prepreg PP is transported together with the pressing device  20  (the first pressing member  21 - 1  and the second pressing member  21 - 2 ) in the direction indicated by the arrow AR in a state in which a pressing force is applied by the pressing device  20  (the first pressing member  21 - 1  and the second pressing member  21 - 2 ). [ 0043 ] 
     In  FIG. 6A , a first pressing member  21 - 1  and a second pressing member  21 - 2 , which constitute parts of the pressing device  20 , are illustrated. The first pressing member  21 - 1  and the second pressing member  21 - 2  are disposed opposite to each other with the prepreg PP interposed therebetween, and can sandwich the prepreg PP. 
     When the direction in which the first pressing member  21 - 1  applies the pressing force to the prepreg PP is defined as the “first direction,” the direction in which the second pressing member  21 - 2  applies the pressing force to the prepreg PP is opposite to the “first direction.” In the example illustrated in  FIG. 6A , when the pressing force is applied to the prepreg PP, the first pressing member  21 - 1  moves in the first direction, and the second pressing member  21 - 2  moves in a direction opposed to the first direction. Alternatively, when the pressing force is applied to the prepreg PP, only one of the first pressing member  21 - 1  or the second pressing member  21 - 2  may move, and the other of the first pressing member  21 - 1  or the second pressing member  21 - 2  may not move. 
     In  FIG. 6B , in addition to the first pressing member  21 - 1  and the second pressing member  21 - 2 , a third pressing member  21 - 3  and a fourth pressing member  21 - 4 , which form parts of the pressing device  20 , are illustrated. When a pressing force is applied to the prepreg PP, the third pressing member  21 - 3  moves in a direction perpendicular to the first direction, and the fourth pressing member  21 - 4  moves in a direction opposite to the movement direction of the third pressing member. 
     In  FIG. 6B , the pressing device  20  includes four pressing members (the first pressing member  21 - 1 , the second pressing member  21 - 2 , the third pressing member  21 - 3 , and the fourth pressing member  21 - 4 ), but the number of the pressing members  21  included in the pressing device  20  is not limited to four, and may be any number. The number of the pressing members may be two (the first pressing member  21 - 1  and the second pressing member  21 - 2 ), or may be three, five, six, or the like. The direction of action of the pressing force may be appropriately changed in accordance with the shape or the number of the pressing members. For example, in the example illustrated in  FIG. 6B , the direction of action of the pressing force of the third pressing member  21 - 3  is perpendicular to the direction of action of the pressing force of the first pressing member  21 - 1 , but the direction of action of the pressing force of the third pressing member  21 - 3  need not be perpendicular to the direction of action of the pressing force of the first pressing member  21 - 1 . 
     The pressing device  20  includes a heat generating means such as a heater H. Therefore, when the pressing device  20  is pressing the prepreg PP, heat is applied to the prepreg PP, and the prepreg PP is suitably molded. The heat generating means (the heater H) may be provided in each of the plurality of pressing members ( 21 - 1 ,  21 - 2 ,  21 - 3 ,  21 - 4 ), or may be provided in only some of the plurality of pressing members. [ 0048 ] 
     Referring to  FIG. 6A , the prepreg PP moves in the second direction (the direction indicated by the arrow AR) together with the pressing device  20  (more specifically, the first pressing member  21 - 1 ) while the pressing force is applied in the first direction by the pressing device  20  (more specifically, the first pressing member  21 - 1 ). In the example illustrated in  FIG. 6A , the second direction is a direction perpendicular to the first direction. 
     In  FIG. 6A , the prepreg PP moves together with the first pressing member  21 - 1  and the second pressing member  21 - 2  while the prepreg PP is sandwiched by the first pressing member  21 - 1  and the second pressing member  21 - 2 . At this time, a portion D 1  that has been softened by the heating does not move relative to the first pressing member  21 - 1  and the second pressing member  21 - 2 . Accordingly, tension does not act on the portion D 1  that has been softened by the heating. When the prepreg PP is transferred, the heater H included in the pressing device  20  may be turned on or off. The heater H may be constantly turned on during the operation of the composite material component manufacturing device. 
     In  FIG. 6B , the prepreg PP moves together with the first to fourth pressing members  21 - 1  to  21 - 4  while the prepreg PP is sandwiched by the first pressing member  21 - 1  and the second pressing member  21 - 2 , and also sandwiched by the third pressing member  21 - 3  and the fourth pressing member  21 - 4 . In this case, the transfer of the prepreg PP is carried out more reliably. In the example illustrated in  FIG. 6B , when the prepreg PP is transferred, the entire circumference of the prepreg PP (that is, the entire circumference of a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the prepreg PP), contacts the pressing device  20 . For this reason, the shape of the prepreg PP does not collapse when the prepreg PP is transferred. 
     After the prepreg PP has moved a predetermined distance in the second direction, the pressing force applied to the prepreg PP is released. In  FIG. 6C , the first pressing member  21 - 1  moves in a direction away from the prepreg PP, and the second pressing member  21 - 2  moves in a direction away from the prepreg PP. It should be noted that, as illustrated in  FIG. 6D , the first pressing member  21 - 1  may not move, and may remain in contact with the prepreg PP. 
     In the example illustrated in  FIG. 6D , the second pressing member  21 - 2  moves in a direction away from the prepreg PP, the third pressing member  21 - 3  moves in a direction away from the prepreg PP, and the fourth pressing member  21 - 4  moves in a direction away from the prepreg PP. It should be noted that, in the example illustrated in  FIG. 6D , the first pressing member  21 - 1  may also move away from the prepreg PP. 
     Next, the pressing device  20  moves in a direction opposite to the transfer direction of the prepreg PP (in the direction indicated by the arrow AR′ in  FIG. 6C ). That is, the first pressing member  21 - 1  and the second pressing member  21 - 2  (or the first to fourth pressing members  21 - 1  to  21 - 4 ) move in the direction indicated by the arrow AR′. Then, the pressing device  20  returns to its original position (the home position). In this way, a composite material component is produced. It should be noted that, thereafter, the composite material component may be subjected to further processing, such as cutting. 
     The transfer of the prepreg PP by the transfer device  2  and the thermoforming of the prepreg PP by the pressing device  20  are repeatedly performed. As a result, composite material components are continuously manufactured (formed). 
     In the examples illustrated in  FIG. 6A  to  FIG. 6D , the prepreg PP moves together with the pressing device  20  in a state in which a pressing force is applied by the pressing device  20 . Accordingly, the prepreg PP can be transferred without applying a load (tension) to the portion D 1  softened by the heat from the pressing device  20 . Referring now to  FIG. 6A , it should be noted that when the prepreg PP is transferred, tension acts on a portion D 2  of the prepreg PP that is upstream of the pressing device  20 . However, since the portion D 2  is not softened by the pressing device  20 , there is no particular problem even if tension acts on the portion D 2 . It should be noted that the portion between the portion D 1  and the portion D 2  is a portion having a lower temperature than the portion D 1  due to the influence of the outside air or the like, and is a portion having a relatively small influence of softening of the prepreg PP. 
     In addition, in the examples illustrated in  FIG. 6A  to  FIG. 6D , tension is not applied to the portion D 1  softened by heat from the pressing device  20 . Accordingly, it is possible to use a prepreg composed of a resin and a discontinuous fiber, such as a long fiber or a short fiber, as the prepreg PP. Alternatively, when a prepreg composed of a resin and a continuous fiber, such as a unidirectional fiber or a textile material, is used as the prepreg PP, it is also possible to use a pulling type molding method (pultrusion molding methods, ADP molding methods, or the like). However, in the pulling type molding methods, tension is applied to the portion softened by the heat from the pressing device  20 , so that a residual stress is generated in the composite material component after molding. Specifically, since tension is applied to the fiber direction of each layer, residual stress is generated between adjacent layers having different fiber directions, and a twist or the like may be generated in the molded product. In contrast, in the examples illustrated in  FIG. 6A  to  FIG. 6D , residual stress is not generated in the composite material component after molding, or the residual stress is reduced. 
     As measures for not applying tension to the portion softened by the heat from the pressing device  20 , a measure for disposing the entire prepreg in an autoclave and molding it, or a measure of forming the prepreg using a large press machine can be considered. However, in cases in which these measures are used to manufacture elongated composite material components, large equipment becomes necessary. On the other hand, in the composite material component manufacturing method according to the first embodiment, it is possible to manufacture elongated composite material components with small-sized equipment without applying tension to the portion softened by heat from the pressing device  20 . In addition, in the examples illustrated in  FIG. 6A  to  FIG. 6D , since the composite material components are formed continuously, a component of an arbitrary length (a composite material component of an arbitrary length) can be manufactured by adding a cutting step. 
     It should be noted that in the examples described in  FIG. 6A  to  FIG. 6D  (or the examples described in  FIG. 7A  to  FIG. 7C , which will be described later), the cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the molded composite material component does not change along the longitudinal direction. Alternatively, by performing molding using a moving mold or the like illustrated in Patent Document 3, a composite material component may be formed in which the cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the composite material component (for example, a plate thickness of the composite material component) changes in accordance with the position in a direction along the longitudinal direction. 
     (Details of Transfer Device  2 ) 
     Next, the transfer device  2  will be described in more detail with reference to  FIG. 7A  to  FIG. 7C .  FIG. 7A  is a schematic perspective view of the transfer device  2 .  FIG. 7B  is a schematic front view of the transfer device  2 .  FIG. 7C  is a schematic side view of the transfer device  2 . 
     In the example illustrated in  FIG. 7A , the transfer device  2  includes a pressing device  20 , and the pressing device  20  includes a pressing member  21  and a pressing actuator  22 . The pressing device  20  may include a frame  24 . 
     In the example illustrated in  FIG. 7B , the pressing device  20  includes a first pressing member  21 - 1 , a second pressing member  21 - 2 , a third pressing member  21 - 3 , a fourth pressing member  21 - 4 , a first actuator  22 - 1 , a second actuator  22 - 2 , a third actuator  22 - 3 , and a fourth actuator  22 - 4 . It should be noted that in the first embodiment, the number of the pressing members  21  is not limited to four and may be any number, and the number of the pressing actuators  22  is not limited to four and may be any number. 
     In the example illustrated in  FIG. 7B , the first pressing member  21 - 1  is a member that presses the prepreg PP from below the prepreg PP, and the second pressing member  21 - 2  is a member that presses the prepreg PP from above the prepreg PP. The prepreg PP is sandwiched by the first pressing member  21 - 1  and the second pressing member  21 - 2 . In addition, the third pressing member  21 - 3  and the fourth pressing member  21 - 4  are members for pressing the prepreg PP from the side. The prepreg PP is sandwiched between the third pressing member  21 - 3  and the first pressing member  21 - 1 , and is sandwiched between the fourth pressing member  21 - 4  and the first pressing member  21 - 1 . 
     In the example illustrated in  FIG. 7B , the pressing member  21  is moved in a direction toward the prepreg PP or a direction away from the prepreg PP by the pressing actuator  22 . More specifically, the first pressing member  21 - 1  is moved by the first actuator  22 - 1 , the second pressing member  21 - 2  is moved by the second actuator  22 - 2 , the third pressing member  21 - 3  is moved by the third actuator  22 - 3 , and the fourth pressing member  21 - 4  is moved by the fourth actuator  22 - 4 . Alternatively, at least one of the plurality of pressing actuators may be omitted. For example, the first actuator  22 - 1  may be omitted, and the first pressing member  21 - 1  may not be movable in the vertical direction. 
     In the example illustrated in  FIG. 7B , the main body portion  22   a  of the pressing actuator  22  is connected to a frame  24 , and the main body portion  22   a  of the pressing actuator  22  is supported by the frame  24 . In addition, the telescopic portion  22   b  of the pressing actuator  22  is movable with respect to the frame  24 , and the pressing member  21  is connected to the distal end of the telescopic portion  22   b.    
     The transfer device  2  transfers the prepreg PP via the pressing member  21 . In other words, the transfer device  2  transfers the prepreg PP by moving the pressing device  20 . Accordingly, in the first embodiment, the transfer device  2  includes the pressing device  20 . 
     In the examples illustrated in  FIG. 7A  and  FIG. 7C , the transfer device  2  includes a pressing device  20  and a transfer actuator  26  for moving the pressing device  20  along the transfer direction of the prepreg PP. The transfer actuator  26  is directly or indirectly connected to the pressing device  20 . In the examples illustrated in  FIG. 7A  and  FIG. 7C , the transfer actuator  26  is connected to the pressing member  21  via the frame  24  and the pressing actuator  22 . More specifically, the telescopic portion  26   b  of the transfer actuator  26  is connected to the frame  24 , the frame  24  and the pressing actuator  22  (the main body portion  22   a ) are connected, and the pressing actuator  22  (the telescopic portion  22   b ) and the pressing member  21  are connected to each other. 
     In the example illustrated in  FIG. 7C , the main body portion  26   a  of the transfer actuator  26  is connected to the base  40 . Then, the frame  24  moves relative to the base  40  as a result of the movement of the telescopic portion  26   b  relative to the main body portion  26   a . It should be noted that bearings  42 , such as ball bearings, are preferably disposed between the base  40  and the frame  24 . In the example illustrated in  FIG. 7C , the frame  24  is supported by the base  40  via a plurality of bearings  42 . It should be noted that instead of the bearings  42 , a linear rail member and a sliding member that slides on the linear rail member may be disposed between the base  40  and the frame  24 . 
     In the example illustrated in  FIG. 7C , the transfer device  2  moves the pressing device  20  along the transfer direction of the prepreg PP. The transfer direction of the prepreg PP is a direction that is perpendicular to the direction in which the pressing device  20  (for example, the first pressing member  21 - 1 ) presses the prepreg PP. 
     The composite material component manufacturing device  1 B illustrated in  FIG. 5  may include a control device  30 . When the pressing device  20  is pressing the prepreg PP, the control device  30  sends a movement command for the pressing device  20  to the transfer device  2  (more specifically, to the transfer actuator  26 ). Based on this movement command, the pressing device  20  and the prepreg PP move by a predetermined distance set in advance. After the movement of the prepreg PP, the control device  30  sends a press release command to the pressing device  20 . Based on this press release command, the pressing device  20  separates from the prepreg PP. After the pressing device  20  is separated from the prepreg PP, the control device  30  sends a return command to the transfer device  2 . In response to this return command, the pressing device  20  returns to its original position (the home position). 
     It should be noted that, in the examples illustrated in  FIG. 7A , the pressing members  21  have an elongated block shape. More specifically, the first pressing member  21 - 1  has an elongated block shape that has an upper surface that can contact the prepreg PP and two side surfaces that can contact the prepreg PP. In addition, the second pressing member  21 - 2  includes a concave portion formed continuously along the longitudinal direction, and the concave portion has a bottom surface that can contact the prepreg PP and two inner side surfaces that can contact the prepreg PP. Each of the third pressing member  21 - 3  and the fourth pressing member  21 - 4  also has a side surface facing a portion of the side surface of the first pressing member  21 - 1 . However, the shapes of the pressing members  21  are not limited to the examples illustrated in  FIG. 7A , and may be arbitrarily selected. 
     In the examples illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the composite material component manufacturing device  1 B is a device for manufacturing a composite material component having a C-shaped cross section (or a U-shaped cross section), but the cross-sectional shape of the composite material component manufactured by the composite material component manufacturing device  1 B is not limited to a C-shaped cross section. 
     Second Embodiment 
     A composite material component manufacturing method and a composite material component manufacturing device  1 C according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to  FIG. 8 .  FIG. 8  is a diagram schematically illustrating a composite material component manufacturing device  1 C according to the second embodiment. 
     The composite material component manufacturing method and the composite material component manufacturing device  1 C according to the second embodiment differ from the composite material component manufacturing method and the composite material component manufacturing apparatus  1 B according to the first embodiment in that the composite material component is manufactured using a prepreg sheet laminate body P 4  formed from a prepreg sheet PC which is continuously fed out and a three-dimensional prepreg sheet P 3  which is formed into a three-dimensional shape. Otherwise, the second embodiment is the same as the first embodiment. Accordingly, the description will focus on those points that differ from the first embodiment, and redundant descriptions of the features already described in the first embodiment will be omitted. It should be noted that, in  FIG. 8 , in order to avoid complication of the drawings, the configuration of the composite material component manufacturing device  1 C is illustrated in a simplified manner. 
     The prepreg sheet PC is wound around a bobbin  78 . The prepreg sheet PC may be a single layer prepreg sheet or a multilayer prepreg sheet. In the example illustrated in  FIG. 9 , there are three prepreg sheets PC that constitute the top portion of the composite material component, and each prepreg sheet PC is wound around a corresponding bobbin  78 . However, the number of prepreg sheets PC constituting the top portion of the composite material component may be one, two, or four or more. In the example illustrated in  FIG. 8 , there are two prepreg sheets PC that constitute the left side portion of the composite material component, and each prepreg sheet PC is wound around a corresponding bobbin  78 . However, the number of prepreg sheets PC constituting the left side portion of the composite material component may be one or three or more. Further, in the example illustrated in  FIG. 8 , there are two prepreg sheets PC constituting the right side portion of the composite material component, and each prepreg sheet PC is wound around a corresponding bobbin  78 . However, the number of prepreg sheets PC constituting the right side portion of the composite material component may be one or three or more. 
     In the example illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the prepreg sheet PC fed out from the bobbin  78  is layered with the three-dimensional prepreg sheet P 3  that has been molded into a three-dimensional shape. It is preferable that the prepreg sheet PC and the three-dimensional prepreg sheet P 3  fed out from the bobbin  78  are temporarily fixed to each other (for example, partially welded) by an arbitrary welding device  70 , such as a soldering iron or an ultrasonic heating device (an ultrasonic welding device). The welding device  70  may be mounted on a welding device moving device  72  (for example, a robot arm), similarly to the example described in  FIG. 5 . 
     In the example illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the three-dimensional prepreg sheet P 3  molded into a three-dimensional shape may be manufactured by using the above-described Step ST 102 . In this case, since the prepreg sheet is thermoformed a plurality of times by the molding apparatus  60  (see  FIG. 3 ) and the pressing apparatus  20  (see  FIG. 8 ), the resin of the prepreg in the second embodiment is also a thermoplastic resin, similarly to the resin of the prepreg in the first embodiment. 
     Third Embodiment 
     A composite material component manufacturing device  1 A according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to  FIG. 9 .  FIG. 9  is a diagram schematically illustrating an arrangement of the composite material component manufacturing device  1 A in the third embodiment. 
     In the third embodiment, each device arranged upstream of the pressing device  20  is the same as each device arranged upstream of the pressing device  20  in the first embodiment or each device arranged upstream of the pressing device  20  in the first embodiment. For this reason, a redundant description of each device disposed on the upstream side of the pressing device  20  will be omitted. In addition, the third embodiment is different from the first embodiment and the second embodiment in that the pressing device  20  is provided independently of the transfer device  2 . In other words, in the third embodiment, the pressing device  20  does not have a function for transferring the prepreg PP, and the transfer of the prepreg PP is performed by a pulling device  28  that is disposed on the downstream side of the pressing device  20  that pulls the prepreg PP (prepreg sheet laminate body P 4 ). Accordingly, in the third embodiment, the pulling device  28  functions as the transfer device  2  for transferring the prepreg PP. 
     A known pulling device commonly used in Advanced Pultrusion (ADP) devices may be utilized as the pulling device  28 . For example, the indexing device described in Patent Document 2 is an example of the pulling device  28  in the present embodiment. 
     A known pressing device used for thermoforming prepregs may be utilized as the pressing device  20 . For example, the hot press device described in Patent Document 2 is an example of the pressing device  20  in the present embodiment. 
     In the example illustrated in  FIG. 9 , a cutting device  29  is arranged downstream of the pulling device  28 . The cutting device  29  is a device for cutting the manufactured composite material components into predetermined dimensions. 
     It should be noted that the pulling device  28  and/or the cutting device  29  in the third embodiment may be utilized in other embodiments. 
     Fourth Embodiment: Manufacturing Method 
     A composite material component manufacturing method according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to  FIG. 10A  and  FIG. 10B .  FIG. 10A  is a schematic plan view illustrating one step of a composite material component manufacturing method according to the fourth embodiment.  FIG. 10B  is a schematic plan view illustrating one step of the composite material component manufacturing method according to the fourth embodiment. 
     The composite material component manufacturing method according to the fourth embodiment differs from the composite material component manufacturing method according to the first embodiment in that the prepreg PP (the prepreg sheet laminate body P 4 ) is moved along a curved trajectory. Otherwise, the fourth embodiment is similar to the first embodiment. Accordingly, in the fourth embodiment, the description will focus on those points that differ from the first embodiment, and a redundant description of the features already described in the first embodiment will be omitted. 
     In the composite material component manufacturing method according to the fourth embodiment, in the step of transferring the prepreg PP (a prepreg sheet laminate body P 4 ), the prepreg PP moves together with the pressing device  20  in a state in which a pressing force is applied by the pressing device  20 . More specifically, the prepreg PP is transferred together with the pressing device  20  (the first pressing member  21 - 1  and the second pressing member  21 - 2 ) in the direction indicated by the arrow AR in a state in which the pressing force is applied by the pressing device  20  (the first pressing member  21 - 1  and the second pressing member  21 - 2 ). It should be noted that the trajectory indicated by the arrow AR is a curved trajectory. 
     The pressing surface  200  of the pressing device  20  includes a curved surface. In addition, the pressing device  20  moves along a curved trajectory. The pressing surface  200  is, for example, an arc surface. The radius of curvature of the arc surface is, for example, greater than or equal to 1,000 mm and less than or equal to 200,000 mm or less.  FIG. 10A  illustrates the center axis AX of the arc surface. Then, the pressing device  20  swings about the center axis AX as a swing center. 
     More specifically, the first pressing surface  200 - 1  of the first pressing member  21 - 1  is a curved surface (for example, an arc surface), and the second pressing surface  200 - 2  of the second pressing member  21 - 2  is a curved surface (for example, an arc surface). The center axis of the first pressing surface  200 - 1  (arc surface) and the center axis of the second pressing surface  200 - 2  (arc surface) are both center axes AX. The first pressing member  21 - 1  and the second pressing member  21 - 2  move along a curved trajectory indicated by an arrow AR about the center axis AX. 
     In the first step (the laminate body molding step), heat and pressure is applied to the prepreg PP (the prepreg sheet laminate body P 4 ) by the pressing device  20 . As a result, the prepreg PP (the prepreg sheet laminate body P 4 ) is molded. The arrow AR 1  indicates the direction of action of the pressing force from the first pressing member  21 - 1  on the prepreg PP, and the arrow AR 2  indicates the direction of action of the pressing force from the second pressing member  21 - 2  on the prepreg PP. In the example illustrated in  FIG. 10A , when the first pressing member  21 - 1  approaches the second pressing member  21 - 2  relatively, the prepreg PP is sandwiched between the first pressing member  21 - 1  and the second pressing member  21 - 2 . 
     In the second step (the transfer step), the prepreg PP is transferred. In the example illustrated in  FIG. 10A , the prepreg PP moves along the curved trajectory indicated by the arrow AR together with the first pressing member  21 - 1  and the second pressing member  21 - 2  in a state in which the prepreg PP is sandwiched by the first pressing member  21 - 1  and the second pressing member  21 - 2 . 
     In the third step (the press release step), the pressing force applied to the prepreg PP is released. In the example illustrated in  FIG. 10B , in the third step, the first pressing member  21 - 1  moves in a direction away from the prepreg PP, and the second pressing member  21 - 2  moves in a direction away from the prepreg PP. 
     In the fourth step (the pressing device return step), the pressing device  20  moves in a direction opposite to the transfer direction of the prepreg PP (in the direction indicated by the arrow AR′ in  FIG. 10B ). That is, the first pressing member  21 - 1  and the second pressing member  21 - 2  move in the direction indicated by the arrow AR′. In this way, the pressing device  20  returns to its original position prior to beginning the first step (home position). It should be noted that, thereafter, the composite material component may be subjected to further processing, such as cutting. In the fourth embodiment, the first step to the fourth step constitute one cycle. 
     The first to fourth steps are repeatedly executed. As a result, composite material components are continuously manufactured (formed). It should be noted that, in the above-described second step, the moving distance when the pressing device  20  moves together with the prepreg PP is shorter than the pressing surface length of the pressing surface of the pressing device  20 . For example, the above-mentioned moving distance (transfer distance) is ½ or less of the length of the pressing surface (for example, the length of the pressing surface of the first pressing member  21 - 1 ). In addition, the swinging angle α of the pressing device  20  is, for example, greater than 0 degrees and less than or equal to 90 degrees. 
     It should be noted that the first step (the laminate body molding step) according to the fourth embodiment corresponds to Step ST 106  in the first embodiment, and the second step (the transfer step) according to the third embodiment corresponds to Step ST 105  in the first embodiment. 
     The composite material component manufacturing method according to the fourth embodiment has the same effect as the composite material component manufacturing method according to the first embodiment. In addition, in the composite material component manufacturing method according to the fourth embodiment, the pressing surface  200  of the pressing device  20  includes a curved surface, and the pressing device  20  and the prepreg PP move along a curved trajectory. Accordingly, a composite material component having a curved shape can be suitably manufactured. In pulling type molding methods, tension is applied to a portion softened by the heat from a pressing device. Accordingly, even if the prepreg is formed into a curved shape, the softened portion is straightened when the prepreg is pulled and transferred. In contrast, in the fourth embodiment, the prepreg PP is transported in a state in which the softened portion is maintained by the pressing device  20 . Accordingly, the softened portion is not straightened. As a result, it is possible to continuously mold composite material components having the same curvature as the curvature of the pressing surface  200  of the pressing device  20 . 
     Fourth Embodiment: The Transfer Device  2  in the Manufacturing Device 
     Next, the transfer device  2  used in the composite material component manufacturing device  1 D according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to  FIG. 11A  to  FIG. 11C .  FIG. 11A  is a schematic perspective view of the transfer device  2 .  FIG. 11B  is a schematic front view of the transfer device  2 .  FIG. 11C  is a schematic side view of the transfer device  2 . 
     The transfer device  2  of the composite material component manufacturing device according to the fourth embodiment differs from the transfer device  2  of the composite material component manufacturing device  1 A according to the first embodiment in that the prepreg PP is moved along a curved trajectory. Otherwise, the transfer device  2  according to the fourth embodiment is similar to the transfer device  2  according to the first embodiment. Accordingly, in the fourth embodiment, the description will focus on those points that differ from the first embodiment, and redundant descriptions of the features already described in the first embodiment will be omitted. 
     In the examples illustrated in  FIG. 11A  to  FIG. 11C , the pressing device  20  is supported by the base  40  via a curved rail member  44  and a sliding member  46 . More specifically, the curved rail member  44  is attached to the base  40  and the sliding member  46  is attached to the frame  24  of the pressing device  20 . The curved rail member  44  and the sliding member  46  are engaged with each other so as to be slidable relative to each other. 
     In addition, in the example illustrated in  FIG. 11C , the transfer actuator  26  and the pressing device  20 , (more specifically, the frame  24  of the pressing device) are connected via a universal joint  27 . 
     In the example illustrated in  FIG. 11A  to  FIG. 11C , driving of the transfer actuator  26  causes the sliding member  46  to move relative to the curved rail member  44 . As a result, the pressing device  20  moves along a curved trajectory defined by the curved rail member  44 . 
     The composite material component manufacturing method according to the fourth embodiment may be carried out using the above-mentioned transfer device  2 . 
     It should be noted that, in the examples illustrated in  FIG. 11A  to  FIG. 11C , each pressing member  21  has an elongated block shape having a curved surface. More specifically, the first pressing member  21 - 1  has an elongated block shape that has an upper surface (an upper surface in the shape of an arc belt) that can contact the prepreg PP and two side surfaces (arc surfaces) that can contact the prepreg PP. In addition, the second pressing member  21 - 2  includes a concave portion formed continuously along the curve, and the concave portion has a bottom surface that can contact the prepreg PP and two inner side surfaces that can contact the prepreg PP. Each of the third pressing member  21 - 3  and the fourth pressing member  21 - 4  has a side surface (an arc surface) facing a portion of the side surface of the first pressing member  21 - 1 . However, the shape of each pressing member  21  is not limited to the examples illustrated in  FIG. 11A  to  FIG. 11C , and may be arbitrarily selected. 
     Fifth Embodiment 
     A composite material component and a composite material component manufacturing device  1 E according to the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to  FIG. 12  to  FIG. 14 .  FIG. 12  is a diagram schematically illustrating a state of molding a cut prepreg sheet P 2 .  FIG. 13  is a diagram schematically illustrating a state of molding the cut prepreg sheet P 2 .  FIG. 14  is a diagram schematically illustrating a composite material component manufacturing device  1 E according to the fifth embodiment. In  FIG. 14 , in order to avoid complication of the drawings, the configuration of the composite material component manufacturing device  1 E is described in a simplified manner. 
     The composite material component manufacturing method and the composite material component manufacturing device  1 E according to the fifth embodiment are combinations of a portion of the composite material component manufacturing method and the composite material component manufacturing device  1 B according to the first embodiment and the transfer device  2  according to the fourth embodiment. Accordingly, in the fifth embodiment, the description will focus on those points that differ from the first embodiment and the fourth embodiment, and redundant descriptions of the features already described in the first embodiment and the fourth embodiment will be omitted. 
     (Composite Material Component Manufacturing Method 
     A composite material component manufacturing method according to the fifth embodiment will be described with respect to  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 12  to  FIG. 14 . 
     Since Step ST 101  is the same as Step ST 101  in the first embodiment, the explanation thereof will be omitted. 
     In Step ST 102 , one of the prepreg sheets P 2 , that is, the first prepreg sheet P 2 - 1 , is thermoformed into a three-dimensional shape. The three-dimensional shape is, for example, a shape having at least one bent portion. In this case, Step ST 102  includes a bending process. 
     In the example illustrated in  FIG. 12 , the prepreg sheet P 2  is thermoformed into a three-dimensional shape by using a molding device  60  (a hot press device  60 - 1 ). More specifically, the prepreg sheet P 2  is placed on a support member  61 . Next, the prepreg sheet P 2  is pressed by the hot press device  60 - 1 ; more specifically, the prepreg sheet P 2  is sandwiched between the hot press device  60 - 1  and the support member  61 , thereby bending the prepreg sheet P 2 . As a result, a three-dimensional prepreg sheet P 3  thermoformed into a three-dimensional shape (a three-dimensional prepreg sheet P 3  that has undergone bend processing) is obtained. 
     In the example illustrated in  FIG. 12 , the three-dimensional prepreg sheet P 3  has a curved surface BS (for example, a circular arc surface). More specifically, the three-dimensional prepreg sheet P 3  has two curved surfaces BS facing each other. 
     In the example illustrated in  FIG. 12 , Step ST 102  is performed using the hot press device  60 - 1 . The hot press device  60 - 1  may be a mold member as illustrated in  FIG. 12 . Alternatively, the thermoforming device for performing Step ST 102  may be a device for pressing the prepreg sheet P 2  along the surfaces of the support members  61  using a film or the like while heating the prepreg sheet P 2  with heaters or the like. Still alternatively, as illustrated in  FIG. 13 , Step ST 102  may be performed using other thermoforming devices  60 - 2 , such as soldering irons, ultrasonic heating devices (ultrasonic welding devices), heat rolls, or the like. 
     In Step ST 103 , the molded three-dimensional thermoplastic prepreg sheet P 3  and another thermoplastic prepreg sheet P 3 ′ (the second prepreg sheet) are laminated. In the example illustrated in  FIG. 14 , the another prepreg sheet P 3 ′ is also a three-dimensional prepreg sheet produced by using the above-described molding process (Step ST 102 ), similarly to the three-dimensional prepreg sheet P 3 . In the example illustrated in  FIG. 14 , each of the three-dimensional prepreg sheet P 3  and the another prepreg sheet P 3 ′ is a three-dimensional prepreg sheet (a three-dimensional prepreg sheet that has undergone bending processing) having a bent portion Q. 
     It should be noted that, when the first three-dimensional prepreg sheet P 3  and the second three-dimensional prepreg sheet P 3 ′ are layered in Step ST 103 , the first thermoforming step of creating the first three-dimensional prepreg sheet P 3  by thermoforming the first prepreg sheet P 2 - 1  into a three dimensional shape and the second thermoforming step of creating the second three-dimensional prepreg sheet P 3 ′ by thermoforming the second prepreg sheet P 2 - 2  into a three-dimensional shape may be performed prior to Step ST 103 . 
     The molding device  60  for performing the first thermoforming step and the molding device for performing the second thermoforming step may be the same device or different devices. 
     In the example illustrated in  FIG. 14 , the another prepreg sheet P 3 ′ is placed on the three-dimensional prepreg sheet P 3 , thereby forming the prepreg sheet laminate body P 4 . It should be noted that the three-dimensional prepreg sheet P 3  and the another prepreg sheet P 3 ′ (that is, the prepreg sheet laminate body P 4 ) are preferably temporarily fixed (for example, partially welded) by an arbitrary welding device  70  such as a soldering iron or an ultrasonic heating device (ultrasonic welding device). 
     In Step ST 104 , a plurality of prepreg sheet laminate bodies P 4  are connected along the prepreg transfer direction. In the example illustrated in  FIG. 14 , a plurality of prepreg sheet laminate bodies P 4  are arranged along the prepreg transform direction, and adjacent prepreg sheet laminate bodies P 4  are connected to each other by an arbitrary welding device  70  such as a soldering iron, an ultrasonic heating device (ultrasonic welding device), or the like. By connecting the plurality of prepreg sheet laminate bodies P 4 , a continuous, elongated prepreg PP is produced. 
     It should be noted that Step ST 104  may be executed separately from Step ST 103 , or may be executed simultaneously with the step ST 103 . In addition, in cases in which one prepreg sheet laminate body P 4  is sufficiently long, Step ST 104  (the step of connecting the plurality of prepreg sheet laminate bodies) may be omitted. 
     Steps ST 103  and ST 104  may be performed manually or automatically mechanically. When performing automation, for example, a welding apparatus  70  such as a soldering iron or an ultrasonic heating device may be mounted on a welding device moving device  72  (for example, a robot arm). In other words, the composite material component manufacturing device  1 B may include a welding device  70  and a welding device moving device  72  that connect neighboring prepreg sheet laminate bodies P 4 . 
     Alternatively, or additionally, the composite material component manufacturing device  1 E may include a transport device  73  (for example, a robotic arm) for transporting the first three-dimensional prepreg sheet P 3  onto the rail member  74 . This transport device  73  may place the second prepreg sheet P 3 ′ (the second three-dimensional prepreg sheet) on the first three-dimensional prepreg sheet P 3 . 
     In the fifth embodiment, the steps after Step ST 104  may be the same as those of the fourth embodiment. That is, after Step ST 104 , the first step (the laminate body molding step) to the fourth step (the pressing device returning step) in the fourth embodiment may be performed. Alternatively, Step ST 103  and Step ST 104  and the second step (the transfer step) may be performed in parallel. 
     The first to fourth steps in the fifth embodiment may be performed using the transfer device  2  according to the fourth embodiment. In other words, the pressing device  20  and the transfer device  2  according to the fifth embodiment may be the same as the pressing device  20  and the transfer device  2  according to the fourth embodiment. 
     The fifth embodiment has the same effects as the first embodiment and the fourth embodiment. 
     It should be noted that in the example illustrated in  FIG. 14 , Step ST 104  (a step of connecting a plurality of prepreg sheet laminate bodies) is performed on the rail member  74 . That is, in a state in which the plurality of prepreg sheet laminate bodies P 4  are mounted on the rail member  74 , the step of connecting the plurality of prepreg sheet laminate bodies by the welding device  70  is performed. 
     In addition, in the example shown in  FIG. 14 , when the second step ST 2  (the step of transferring the prepreg PP) is performed, the prepreg PP, that is, the connected prepreg sheet laminate bodies P 4 , slides on the rail member  74 . That is, the rail member  74  has a curved shape and functions as a guide member that defines the moving direction of the connected prepreg sheet laminate bodies P 4 . The rail member  74  has a curved surface  74 S corresponding to the curved surface BS of the three-dimensional prepreg sheet P 3 . The rail member  74  may be made of metal or plastic. 
     It should be noted that, in the fifth embodiment, since the prepreg sheet is thermoformed a plurality of times by the molding device  60  (see  FIG. 12 ) and the pressing device  20  (see  FIG. 14 ), the resin of the prepreg in the fifth embodiment is a thermoplastic resin. 
     Modification of the Fifth Embodiment 
     In the fifth embodiment, an example has been described in which a three-dimensional prepreg sheet P 3  that has been molded into a three-dimensional shape and another prepreg sheet P 3 ′ that has been molded into a three-dimensional shape are layered to produce the prepreg sheet laminate body P 4 . Alternatively, the prepreg sheet laminate body P 4  may be manufactured by layering a three-dimensional prepreg sheet P 3  that has been molded into a three-dimensional shape and a prepreg sheet having a two-dimensional shape (planar shape). In other words, the prepreg sheet P 3 ′ in the fifth embodiment may be replaced with a prepreg sheet having a two-dimensional shape (a planar shape). 
     Sixth Embodiment 
     A composite material component manufacturing method and a composite material component manufacturing device  1 F according to the sixth embodiment will be described with reference to  FIG. 15 .  FIG. 15  is a diagram schematically illustrating a composite material component manufacturing device according to the sixth embodiment. 
     The composite material component manufacturing method and the composite material component manufacturing device  1 F according to the sixth embodiment differ from the composite material component manufacturing method and the composite material component manufacturing device  1 E according to the fifth embodiment in that the composite material component is manufactured using a laminate body P 4  formed from a three-dimensional prepreg sheet PC that is continuously fed out and a prepreg sheet P 3  which is molded into a three-dimensional shape. Otherwise, the sixth embodiment is similar to the fifth embodiment. 
     Seventh Embodiment 
     The composite material component manufacturing method and the composite material component manufacturing device  1 G according to the seventh embodiment will be described with reference to  FIG. 16  to  FIG. 19 .  FIG. 16  is a partially exploded perspective view schematically illustrating a composite material component manufacturing device  1 G according to the seventh embodiment.  FIG. 17  is a diagram schematically illustrating a composite material component manufacturing device  1 G according to the seventh embodiment.  FIG. 18  is a partially enlarged view of the composite material component manufacturing device  1 G according to the seventh embodiment.  FIG. 19  is a schematic perspective view schematically illustrating an example of a composite material component formed by the composite material component manufacturing method according to the seventh embodiment. It should be noted that, in  FIGS. 16 to 18 , in order to avoid complication of the drawings, the configuration of the composite material component manufacturing device  1 G is described in a simplified manner. 
     In the composite material component manufacturing method according to the seventh embodiment, the composite material component manufacturing method according to the first embodiment or the second embodiment is combined with the molding performed by the second pressing device  80 . Accordingly, in the seventh embodiment, the description will focus on those points that differ from the first embodiment and the second embodiment, and redundant descriptions of the features described in the first embodiment and the second embodiment will be omitted. 
     In the seventh embodiment, heat and a pressing force are applied to the prepreg PP by the pressing device  20 , and a first molded portion PA (see  FIG. 19 ) is manufactured. In addition, heat and a pressing force are applied to the prepreg PP by the second pressing device  80 , whereby a second molded portion PB (see  FIG. 19 ) is manufactured. 
     In the seventh embodiment, the pressing device  20  and the transfer device  2  that moves the pressing device  20  together with the prepreg PP are the same as the pressing device  20  and the transfer device  2  in the first embodiment. The prepreg PP softened by the pressing device  20  is linearly transported in a state in which pressing force is applied by the pressing device  20 . 
     The second pressing device  80  is, for example, the same pressing device as the pressing device  20  according to the fourth embodiment (for example, the pressing device  20  illustrated in  FIG. 10A  or  FIG. 11A ). In addition, the transfer of the material softened by the second pressing device  80  (the prepreg PP) is performed, for example, by the same transfer device as the transfer device  2  (for example, the transfer device  2  illustrated in  FIG. 11A ) in the fourth embodiment. It should be noted that, in  FIG. 16 , the second transfer device  8  corresponds to the transfer device  2  illustrated in  FIG. 11A . In addition, the first pressing member  81 - 1  and the second pressing member  81 - 2  correspond to the first pressing member  21 - 1  and the second pressing member  21 - 2  illustrated in  FIG. 11B , respectively. In addition, the third pressing member  81 - 3  and the fourth pressing member  81 - 4  correspond to the third pressing member  21 - 3  and the fourth pressing member  21 - 4  illustrated in  FIG. 11B , respectively. 
     In the seventh embodiment, the portion (the prepreg PP) softened by the second pressing device  80  is transported along a curve in a state in which a pressing force is applied by the second pressing device  80 . 
     In other words, in the seventh embodiment, in the step of transferring the prepreg PP, the first portion (the first molded portion PA) of the prepreg PP moves together with the pressing device  20  in a state in which a pressing force is applied by the pressing device  20 , and the second portion (the second molded portion PB) of the prepreg PP moves together with the second pressing device  80  in a state in which a pressing force is applied by the second pressing device  80 . The transfer of the prepreg PP using the transfer device  2  and the transfer of the prepreg PP using the second transfer device  8  may be performed simultaneously or at different timings. 
     It should be noted that, in the seventh embodiment, the curvature (a curvature of zero) of the movement trajectory of the pressing device  20  in the transfer process and the curvature of the movement trajectory of the second pressing device  80  in the transfer process are different from each other. Accordingly, there is a possibility that a prepreg PP that has passed through the pressing device  20  is not smoothly introduced into the second pressing device  80 . Therefore, in the examples illustrated in  FIG. 16  and  FIG. 17 , a preheating device  85  is disposed between the pressing device  20  and the second pressing device  80 . 
     The preheating device  85  is a device (a softening device) that heats the prepreg PP to a temperature less than or equal to its melting point and preheats a prepreg PP located on the downstream side of the pressing device  20  and the upstream side of the second pressing device  80 . The preheating device  85  includes a heater H 1 . As the prepreg PP is softened by heating, the softened prepreg PP is smoothly introduced into the second pressing device  80 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 19 , the second molded portion PB has an inner surface B 1  having a relatively small radius of curvature and an outer surface B 2  having a relatively large radius of curvature. Accordingly, wrinkles may occur on the inner surface B 1  at the time of molding. Therefore, in the example illustrated in  FIG. 18 , an uneven portion  855  is formed on the surface of the feed roller  850  of the preheating device  85 . That is, at least one of the plurality of feed rollers  850  is an uneven roller  850   a . The uneven roller  850   a  imparts unevenness to the inner surface of the prepreg PP, so that the fibers in the prepreg PP have a zigzag shape. As a result, since the apparent length of the fiber is shortened, wrinkles are less likely to occur on the inner surface of the prepreg PP when the prepreg PP is molded by the second pressing device  80 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 19 , wrinkles may also occur in the inner region of the top surface B 3  of the second molded portion PB. Accordingly, in the example illustrated in  FIG. 18 , a tapered uneven portion  853  is formed on the surface of the feed roller  850  of the preheating device  85 . That is, at least one of the plurality of feed rollers  850  is a tapered uneven roller  850   b . In the example illustrated in  FIG. 18 , the depth of the uneven portion  854   b  becomes gradually shallower from one end surface  851   b  of the roller  850   b  toward the other end surface  852   b  of the roller  850   b . By using a tapered uneven roller  850   b , it is possible to impart unevenness to one side of the top surface of the prepreg PP. In this way, since the apparent length of the fiber is shortened in the inner region of the top surface of the prepreg PP, wrinkles are less likely to occur in the inner region of the top surface of the prepreg PP when the prepreg PP is molded by the second pressing device  80 . 
     The seventh embodiment has the same effects as the first embodiment and the fourth embodiment. In addition, in the seventh embodiment, it is possible to manufacture a composite material component having a straight first molded portion PA and a curved second molded portion PB. 
     In the seventh embodiment, the first portion of the prepreg (the portion which is sandwiched by the pressing device  20 ) moves together with the pressing device  20  while a pressing force is applied by the pressing device  20 . In addition, the second portion of the prepreg, (the portion which is sandwiched by the second pressing device  80 ) moves together with the second pressing device  80  in a state in which a pressing force is applied by the second pressing device  80 . Accordingly, when the prepreg PP is transferred, tension does not act on the portion softened by the pressing device  20  or the second pressing device  80 . 
     It should be noted that in the seventh embodiment, since the prepreg sheet is thermoformed a plurality of times, it is preferable that the resin of the prepreg in the seventh embodiment is a thermoplastic resin. 
     Eighth Embodiment 
     The composite material component manufacturing method and the composite material component manufacturing device  1 J according to the eighth embodiment will be described with reference to  FIG. 20  to  FIG. 22 .  FIG. 20  is a partially exploded perspective view schematically illustrating a composite material component manufacturing device  1 J according to the eighth embodiment.  FIG. 21  is a partially enlarged view of the composite material component manufacturing device  1 J according to the eighth embodiment.  FIG. 22  is a schematic perspective view schematically illustrating an example of a composite material component formed by the composite material component manufacturing method according to the eighth embodiment. 
     In the composite material component manufacturing device  1 J according to the eighth embodiment, the pressing device  20  and the transfer device  2  according to the seventh embodiment are replaced by a pressing device  90  and a transfer device  9 . In the eighth embodiment, the rail member  74 ′ on the upstream side of the pressing device  90  is a deformable rail member. Otherwise, the composite material component manufacturing device  1 J according to the eighth embodiment is the same as the composite material component manufacturing device  1 G according to the seventh embodiment. Accordingly, in the eighth embodiment, the description will focus on the points that differ from the seventh embodiment, and redundant descriptions for the features already described in the seventh embodiment will be omitted. 
     In the eighth embodiment, heat and a pressing force are applied to the prepreg PP by the pressing device  90 , and the first molded portion PD (see  FIG. 22 ) is manufactured. In addition, heat and a pressing force are applied to the prepreg PP by the second pressing device  80 , whereby the second molded portion PB (see  FIG. 22 ) is manufactured. 
     In the eighth embodiment, the pressing device  90  is, for example, the same pressing device as the pressing device  20  according to the fourth embodiment (for example, the pressing device  20  illustrated in  FIG. 11A ). In addition, the transfer of the portion (the prepreg PP) softened by the pressing device  90  is performed by, for example, a transfer device similar to the transfer device  2  (for example, the transfer device  2  illustrated in  FIG. 11A ) according to the fourth embodiment. It should be noted that in  FIG. 20 , the transfer device  9  corresponds to the transfer device  2  illustrated in  FIG. 11A . In addition, the first pressing member  91 - 1  and the second pressing member  91 - 2  correspond to the first pressing member  21 - 1  and the second pressing member  21 - 2  illustrated in  FIG. 11B , respectively. The third pressing member  91 - 3  and the fourth pressing member  91 - 4  correspond to the third pressing member  21 - 3  and the fourth pressing member  21 - 4  illustrated in  FIG. 11B , respectively. 
     The portion (the prepreg PP) softened by the pressing device  90  is transferred along a curve in a state where a pressing force is applied by the pressing device  90 . 
     The second pressing device  80  and the second transfer device  8  according to the eighth embodiment are the same as the second pressing device  80  and the second transfer device  8  according to the seventh embodiment. It should be noted that, in the eighth embodiment, the curvature of the pressing surface of the third pressing member  81 - 3  that constitutes a portion of the second pressing device  80  is different from the curvature of the pressing surface of the third pressing member  91 - 3  that constitutes a portion of the pressing device  90 . Similarly, the curvature of the pressing surface of the fourth pressing member  81 - 4  is different from the curvature of the pressing surface of the fourth pressing member  91 - 4 . 
     In the eighth embodiment, the portion (the prepreg PP) softened by the second pressing device  80  is transferred along a curve while a pressing force is applied by the second pressing device  80 . 
     In other words, in the eighth embodiment, in the step of transferring the prepreg PP, the first portion (the first molding portion PD) of the prepreg PP moves together with the pressing device  90  in a state in which a pressing force is applied by the pressing device  90 , and the second portion (the second molding portion PB) of the prepreg PP moves together with the second pressing device  80  in a state in which a pressing force is applied by the second pressing device  80 . The transfer of the prepreg PP using the transfer device  9  and the transfer of the prepreg PP using the second transfer device  8  may be performed simultaneously or at different timings. 
     In the eighth embodiment, the curvature of the movement trajectory of the pressing device  90  in the transfer process and the curvature of the movement trajectory of the second pressing device  80  in the transfer process are different from each other. Accordingly, there is a possibility that a prepreg PP that has passed through the pressing device  90  is not smoothly introduced into the second pressing device  80 . Accordingly, in the eighth embodiment as well, similar to the seventh embodiment, a preheating device may be disposed between the pressing device  90  and the second pressing device  80 . The configuration of the preheating device may be the same as that of the preheating device  85  according to the seventh embodiment. 
     The eighth embodiment achieves the same effects as those of the seventh embodiment. In addition, in the eighth embodiment, it is possible to manufacture a composite material component having a curved first molded portion PD and a curved second molded portion PB that has a curvature different from that of the first molded portion PD. For example, in the example illustrated in  FIG. 22 , the radius of curvature R 1  of the first molded portion PD is larger than the radius of curvature R 2  of the second molded portion PB. The radius of curvature R 1  is, for example, greater than or equal to 1,000 mm and less than or equal to 200,000 mm. The radius of curvature R 2  is, for example, greater than or equal to 1,000 mm and less than or equal to 200,000 mm. 
     In the eighth embodiment, the first portion of the prepreg (the portion which is sandwiched by the pressing device  90 ) moves together with the pressing device  90  while a pressing force is applied by the pressing device  90 . In addition, the second portion of the prepreg (the portion which is sandwiched by the second pressing device  80 ) moves together with the second pressing device  80  in a state in which a pressing force is applied by the second pressing device  80 . Accordingly, when the prepreg PP is transferred, tension does not act on the portion softened by the pressing device  90  or the second pressing device  80 . 
     It should be noted that, as illustrated in  FIG. 20  and  FIG. 21 , the rail member  74 ′ on the upstream side of the pressing device  90  may be a deformable rail member. For example, the rail member  74 ′ may be deformed using a plurality of actuators  95 . When a prepreg sheet corresponding to the first molded portion PD molded by the pressing device  90  is supplied, the curvature of the rail member  74 ′ is set to the curvature of the first molded portion PD. When a prepreg sheet corresponding to the second molded portion PB molded by the second pressing device  80  is supplied, the curvature of the rail member  74 ′ is set to the curvature of the second molded portion PB. 
     It should be noted that, in the eighth embodiment, since the prepreg sheet is thermoformed a plurality of times, it is preferable that the resin of the prepreg in the eighth embodiment is a thermoplastic resin. 
     (1) In embodiments, at least one prepreg sheet is processed into a three-dimensional shape prior to forming a prepreg laminate body. Then, the three-dimensional prepreg sheets P 3  that have been processed into three-dimensional shapes are layered with the other prepreg sheets. Accordingly, as compared with cases in which the entire prepreg sheet laminate body is simultaneously subjected to bending processing, the occurrence of wrinkles and breakage is suppressed, and erratic movement does not occur during transfer, such that it is possible to stably and continuously form prepreg sheet laminate bodies. In addition, when a hard prepreg such as a prepreg containing a thermoplastic resin is used, a large load is applied to the roller when the prepreg sheet laminate body is pre-molded (preformed) by a roller or the like, and the prepreg sheet laminate body tends to move erratically. On the other hand, in cases in which at least one prepreg sheet is processed into a three-dimensional shape before the prepreg sheet laminate body is formed, the pre-molding by the roller can be omitted (or partially omitted), and the erratic movement of the prepreg sheet laminate body is less likely to occur. Further, in pulling type molding methods, in cases in which a release film is disposed on the surface of the prepreg, the occurrence of wrinkles and damage to the release film are apt to occur due to a large frictional force between the pre-mold roller and the release film. On the other hand, in embodiments, since it is not necessary to pre-mold the entire prepreg sheet laminate body at the same time, the frictional force between the pre-mold roller and the release film can be reduced. As a result, the occurrence of wrinkles and damage to the release film are unlikely to occur. 
     (2) In some embodiments, the prepreg sheet laminate body moves along a curved trajectory. For this reason, continuous molding of composite material components with curvature is possible. 
     Composite material components manufactured according to embodiments include, for example, elongated components for structural members of an aircraft. The cross-sectional shape of the elongated components may be an L-shape, an H-shape, a T-shape, or an S 2  (omega) shape in addition to the C-shape described in the above embodiments. The composite material components manufactured according to embodiments may be aircraft interior components formed of a thermoplastic resin. In addition, it is also possible to manufacture small components by cutting the elongated components. Accordingly, the composite material components produced according to embodiments may be small components or components used in devices other than aircraft. 
     It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Within the scope of the present invention, it is possible to freely combine the above-described embodiments, to modify any component of each embodiment, or to omit any component in each embodiment. 
     REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 
     
         
           1 ,  1 A,  1 B,  1 C,  1 E,  1 F,  1 G,  1 J . . . Composite material component manufacturing device,  2  . . . Transfer device,  8  . . . Second transfer device,  9  . . . Transfer device,  20  . . . . Pressing device,  21 - 1  . . . First pressing device,  21 - 2  . . . Second pressing device,  21 - 3  . . . Third pressing device,  21 - 4  . . . Fourth pressing device,  22  . . . Pressing actuator,  22 - 1  . . . First actuator,  22 - 2  . . . Second actuator,  22 - 3  . . . Third actuator,  22 - 4  . . . Fourth actuator,  22   a  . . . Main body portion,  22   b  . . . Telescopic portion,  24  . . . Frame,  26  . . . Transfer actuator,  26   a  . . . Main body portion,  26   b  . . . Telescopic portion,  27  . . . Universal joint,  28  . . . Pulling device,  29  . . . Cutting device,  30  . . . Control device,  40  . . . Base,  42  . . . Bearings,  44  . . . Curved rail member,  46  . . . Sliding member,  60  . . . Molding device,  60 - 1  . . . Hot press devices,  60 - 2  . . . Thermoforming device,  61  . . . Support member,  63  . . . Driving device,  64  . . . Robot arm,  70  . . . Welding device,  72  . . . Welding device moving device,  73  . . . Transport device,  74  . . . Rail member,  74 ′ . . . Rail member,  74 S . . . Curved surface,  78  . . . Bobbin,  80  . . . Second pressing device,  81 - 1  . . . First pressing member,  81 - 2  . . . Second pressing member,  81 - 3  . . . Third pressing member,  81 - 4  . . . Fourth pressing member,  85  . . . Preheating device,  90  . . . Pressing device,  91 - 1  . . . First pressing member,  91 - 2  . . . Second pressing member,  91 - 3  . . . Third pressing member,  91 - 4  . . . Fourth pressing member,  95  . . . Actuator,  200  . . . Pressing surface,  200 - 1  . . . First pressing surface,  200 - 2  . . . Second pressing surface,  850  . . . Feed roller,  850   a  . . . Uneven roller,  850   b  . . . Tapered uneven roller,  851   b  . . . One end surface,  852   b  . . . Other end surface,  853  . . . Uneven portion,  854   b  . . . Concave portion,  855  . . . Uneven portion, B 1  . . . Inner surface, B 2  . . . Outer surface, B 3  . . . Top surface, BS . . . Curved surface, H . . . Heater, H 1  . . . Heater, P  1  . . . Prepreg, P 2  . . . Prepreg sheet, P 3  . . . Three-dimensional prepreg Sheet, P 3 ′ . . . Prepreg Sheet, P 4  . . . Prepreg sheet laminate body, P 4 - a  . . . Transfer direction upstream end portion, P 4 - b  . . . Transfer direction downstream end portion, PA . . . First molded portion, PB . . . Second molded portion, PD . . . First molded portion, PP . . . Prepreg, Q . . . Bent portion, Q 1  . . . Bent portion