Method of producing molded article of fiber-reinforced composite material and the molded article

A method of producing a molded article of a fiber-reinforced composite material by simultaneously molding a plurality of sheets of prepreg cut out in a predetermined shape, the plurality of sheets of prepreg having a large number of continuous reinforcing fibers impregnated with a matrix resin,

• the method comprising steps of:
• forming a continuous plurality of notches or cutouts from a center portion to outer circumference in respective prepregs so as to form at least one set of a partially separated flap and a residual portion in a same position corresponding to each prepreg;
• arranging the respective prepregs to be laminated at predetermined positioning portions of a first press die using partially separated flaps of the prepregs as positioning pieces;
• forming a first desired three-dimensional shape by pressing the partially separated flaps of the respective prepregs except residual portions of the respective prepregs with a second press die fitted to the first press die and the first press die;
• and
• forming a second desired three-dimensional shape as a whole by arranging the residual portion adjacent to the partially separated flap to be laminated at a predetermined part of a third press die that is a different press die from the first press die, overlapping end edge parts of residual portions on the partially separated flaps at the predetermined part of the third press die that is a different press die from the first press die, and pressing the residual portions of the respective prepregs with a fourth press die fitted to the third press die and the third press die.