JP2024003434A - filament winding device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable as many supply bobbins as possible to be attached to each helical winding unit while suppressing an enlargement of each helical winding unit.

SOLUTION: A filament winding device 1 includes a plurality of helical winding units 4 that helically wind a plurality of fiber bundles F around a mandrel M, respectively. Each of the plurality of helical winding units 4 has a disk member 42 that is configured to be able to support a plurality of supply bobbins 43 each containing a plurality of fiber bundles F arranged side by side in at least one of a circumferential direction of the mandrel M and a radial direction of the mandrel M. An axial direction of each of the plurality of supply bobbins 43 supported by the disk member 42 has a component in a mandrel axial direction and is inclined with respect to the mandrel axial direction. Among the plurality of supply bobbins 43, two supply bobbins 43 that are adjacent to each other in at least one of the circumferential direction of the mandrel M and the radial direction of the mandrel M are arranged so as to partially overlap when viewed from the mandrel axial direction.

SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

COPYRIGHT: (C)2024,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to a filament winding device for winding a fiber bundle around a mandrel.

The filament winding device described in Patent Document 1 includes a helical winding unit that helically winds a fiber bundle around the outer peripheral surface of a core material (mandrel). The helical winding unit has a base annular plate (base member) arranged substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the mandrel. In the circumferential direction of the base member, a plurality of bobbins (supply bobbins) for respectively supplying fiber bundles are arranged and mounted on the base member. The axial direction of each of the plurality of supply bobbins is substantially parallel to the axial direction of the mandrel.

JP2020-82375A

In recent years, in order to improve the efficiency of helical winding, consideration has been given to arranging a plurality of helical winding units side by side in the axial direction of the mandrel and simultaneously supplying many fiber bundles to the mandrel. On the other hand, in such a configuration, in order to suppress the increase in size of the filament winding device, it is required that as many supply bobbins as possible can be attached to each helical winding unit. Here, in a configuration where the axial direction of the plurality of supply bobbins is substantially parallel to the axial direction of the mandrel as described above, it is necessary to take one of the following measures to avoid interference between the supply bobbins. That is, it is necessary to (1) arrange the supply bobbin further outside in the radial direction of the mandrel, or (2) reduce the diameter of the supply bobbin around which the fiber bundle is wound. However, with the above measure (1), there is a possibility that the helical winding unit becomes larger in the radial direction of the mandrel. Furthermore, in the measure (2) above, in order to avoid a decrease in the amount of fiber bundles that can be supplied from one supply bobbin, it is necessary to increase the size of each supply bobbin in the axial direction of the supply bobbin. Then, there is a possibility that the helical winding unit becomes larger in the axial direction of the mandrel.

An object of the present invention is to enable as many supply bobbins as possible to be attached to each helical winding unit while suppressing the increase in size of each helical winding unit.

A filament winding device according to a first aspect of the present invention is a filament winding device comprising a plurality of helical winding units, each of the plurality of helical winding units configured to helically wind a plurality of fiber bundles around a mandrel, the filament winding device comprising: Each of the plurality of helical winding units includes a supply bobbin support portion configured to be able to support a plurality of supply bobbins each containing the plurality of fiber bundles in a line arranged in at least one of the circumferential direction of the mandrel and the radial direction of the mandrel. and the bobbin axial direction of each of the plurality of supply bobbins supported by the supply bobbin support part has a component in the mandrel axial direction that is the axial direction of the mandrel, and and two supply bobbins adjacent to each other in at least one of the circumferential direction and the radial direction among the plurality of supply bobbins are arranged so as to partially overlap when viewed from the mandrel axial direction. It is characterized by

In the present invention, two supply bobbins that are adjacent to each other in at least one of the circumferential direction of the mandrel and the radial direction of the mandrel have an overlapping portion (hereinafter referred to as an overlapping portion) when viewed from the axial direction of the mandrel. Even if there are many such overlapping parts, the plurality of supply bobbins do not interfere with each other. Therefore, even if the number of supply bobbins that can be supported by the supply bobbin support section is increased, the helical winding unit becomes larger in the radial and axial directions of the mandrel by making the area of the overlapping part as large as possible. can be suppressed. Therefore, as many supply bobbins as possible can be attached to each helical winding unit while suppressing the increase in size of each helical winding unit.

In the filament winding device of a second invention, in the first invention, each of the plurality of helical winding units is arranged inside the plurality of supply bobbins supported by the supply bobbin support part in the radial direction of the mandrel. a plurality of fiber bundle guides configured to guide the plurality of fiber bundles to the mandrel, and the supply bobbin support section and the plurality of fiber bundle guides are arranged along the axis of the mandrel. It is characterized by being configured so that it can rotate integrally around the device.

In the present invention, the supply bobbin support part and the plurality of fiber bundle guides can be rotated in each of the plurality of helical winding units. Thereby, the rotational speeds (including the direction of rotation) of the plurality of fiber bundle guides can be made different between the plurality of helical winding units. Therefore, the winding angles (and winding positions) of the plurality of fiber bundles wound around the mandrel can be made different between the plurality of helical winding units. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently helically wind a plurality of fiber bundles around a mandrel while flexibly changing the winding angle (and winding position) as necessary.

A filament winding device according to a third invention is characterized in that, in the first or second invention, each of the plurality of fiber bundles is wound in a record on each of the plurality of supply bobbins.

Record winding refers to a method in which the fiber bundles are wound in an overlapping manner at substantially the same position in the axial direction of the bobbin without traversing the fiber bundles when forming the supply bobbin. As a result, twisting of the fiber bundle on the supply bobbin can be effectively suppressed compared to a case where the supply bobbin is formed while traversing the fiber bundle. Therefore, when unwinding the fiber bundle from the supply bobbin, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of problems such as poor unwinding.

It is a perspective view of the filament winding device concerning this embodiment. (a) is a side view of the filament winding device, and (b) is a side view of the mandrel. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a filament winding device. It is a perspective view of a helical winding unit. (a) is a front view of a helical winding unit, and (b) is an enlarged view of one supply bobbin and its peripheral configuration. (a) is a rear view of the helical winding unit, and (b) is a side view of the helical winding unit. (a) to (c) are explanatory diagrams showing attachment/detachment or movement of the mandrel. (a) to (c) are explanatory diagrams showing attachment/detachment or movement of the mandrel. (a) to (c) are explanatory diagrams showing attachment/detachment or movement of the mandrel. (a) to (c) are explanatory diagrams showing attachment/detachment or movement of the mandrel.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described. For convenience of explanation, the directions shown in FIG. 1 are defined as the front-back direction, the left-right direction, and the up-down direction. The front-back direction and the left-right direction are parallel to the horizontal direction. The front-rear direction and the left-right direction are orthogonal to each other. The vertical direction is a direction perpendicular to the horizontal direction, and is a direction in which gravity acts (vertical direction). The front-rear direction is also called the feeding direction (described later). The front side is also called the upstream side in the feeding direction. The rear side is also called the downstream side in the feeding direction.

(filament winding device)
A schematic configuration of a filament winding device 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a filament winding device 1. FIG. FIG. 2(a) is a side view of the filament winding device 1. FIG. FIG. 2(b) is a side view of a core material (mandrel M) around which a plurality of fiber bundles are wound. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the filament winding device 1. As shown in FIG.

The filament winding device 1 is configured to wind a plurality of fiber bundles around each of a plurality of mandrels M (see FIGS. 2(a) and 2(b)). The plurality of fiber bundles are not shown in FIGS. 1 to 3. Each of the plurality of fiber bundles is made of, for example, a fiber material such as carbon fiber impregnated with a thermosetting or thermoplastic synthetic resin material. The mandrel M is, for example, a cylindrical or rod-shaped core material that extends in a predetermined mandrel axial direction. The mandrel M is made of a high-strength material such as metal. After the plurality of fiber bundles are wound around the mandrel M, the resin impregnated into the plurality of fiber bundles is cured by going through a heat curing process such as firing or a cooling process. The product is completed by pulling out the mandrel M from the fiber bundle containing body containing a plurality of fiber bundles and hardened resin. Alternatively, a product in which the fiber bundle containing body and the mandrel M are integrated may be handled as a finished product.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the filament winding device 1 includes a pair of feeding units 2, a hoop winding unit 3, a plurality of (five in this embodiment) helical winding units 4, and a control device 5. Equipped with. As will be described later, the filament winding device 1 uses a pair of feeding units 2 to move a plurality of mandrels M connected in the front-back direction from the front side to the rear side (from the upstream side to the downstream side in the feeding direction). It is configured. The filament winding device 1 also winds the plurality of fiber bundles supplied from the hoop winding unit 3 and the plurality of helical winding units 4 around each of the plurality of mandrels M being moved by the pair of feeding units 2. It is composed of

Before explaining each component of the filament winding device 1 in more detail, a more specific structure of the mandrel M will be explained with reference to FIG. 2(b). The mandrel M extends long in a predetermined mandrel axial direction (left-right direction in the paper of FIG. 2(b)). The following description will proceed assuming that the mandrel M has a generally cylindrical or cylindrical shape. The radial direction of the mandrel M is called the mandrel radial direction. The left side of the paper in FIG. 2(b) is defined as one side in the axial direction of the mandrel. The right side of the paper in FIG. 2(b) is the other side in the axial direction of the mandrel. The mandrel M has, for example, a small diameter part Ma, a large diameter part Mb, and a small diameter part Mc. In the mandrel axial direction, the small diameter portion Ma, the large diameter portion Mb, and the small diameter portion Mc are arranged in this order. Note that the shape of the mandrel M is not limited to a cylindrical shape or a cylindrical shape. For example, the cross section of the mandrel M perpendicular to the mandrel axial direction may be polygonal. Moreover, the mandrel M does not need to have the small diameter part Ma, the large diameter part Mb, and the small diameter part Mc. For example, the diameter of the mandrel M may be substantially constant throughout in the axial direction of the mandrel. For example, the mandrel M may have only the large diameter portion Mb.

The small diameter portion Ma is a portion formed at one end of the mandrel M in the mandrel axial direction. The small diameter portion Ma has, for example, a substantially cylindrical shape or a substantially cylindrical shape. The shape of the small diameter portion Ma is not limited to this. The small diameter portion Ma includes, for example, a chuck portion Md and a connecting portion Me. The chuck portion Md is a portion of the small diameter portion Ma that is recessed inward in the radial direction of the mandrel. The chuck portion Md is configured to be held by a chuck mechanism 25A, which will be described later. The connecting portion Me is configured to be able to be connected to the small diameter portion Mc of another mandrel M. The connecting portion Me includes, for example, a recess Me1 into which a convex portion Mg1 described later can be inserted, and a plurality of positioning holes into which a plurality of positioning pins Mg2, which will be described later, can be inserted. Me2.

The large diameter portion Mb is arranged on the other side of the small diameter portion Ma and on one side of the small diameter portion Mc in the mandrel axial direction. In other words, the large diameter portion Mb is arranged between the small diameter portion Ma and the small diameter portion Mc in the mandrel axial direction. The large diameter portion Mb has, for example, a substantially cylindrical shape or a substantially cylindrical shape. The shape of the large diameter portion Mb is not limited to this. The outer diameter of the large diameter portion Mb is larger than the outer diameter of the small diameter portion Ma and the outer diameter of the small diameter portion Mc. The large diameter portion Mb extends over most of the mandrel M in the mandrel axial direction. The large diameter portion Mb has, for example, a pair of end portions Mb1 and a center portion Mb2. The pair of end portions Mb1 are arranged at both ends of the large diameter portion Mb in the mandrel axial direction. The center portion Mb2 is arranged between the pair of end portions Mb1 in the mandrel axial direction. The central portion Mb2 occupies most of the large diameter portion Mb in the mandrel axial direction. Among the fiber bundles wound around the large diameter portion Mb, a fiber bundle containing body including the fiber bundle wound around the central portion Mb2 is handled as a product.

The small diameter portion Mc is a portion formed at the other end of the mandrel M in the mandrel axial direction. The small diameter portion Mc has, for example, a substantially cylindrical shape or a substantially cylindrical shape. The shape of the small diameter portion Mc is not limited to this. The outer diameter of the small diameter portion Mc is approximately equal to the outer diameter of the small diameter portion Ma. The small diameter portion Mc has a chuck portion Mf and a connecting portion Mg. The connecting portion Mg is configured to be connectable to the small diameter portion Ma of another mandrel M. The connecting portion Mg includes, for example, a convex portion Mg1 that protrudes to one side in the mandrel axial direction (the opposite side to the large diameter portion Mb), and a plurality of positioning pins Mg2 that similarly protrudes to one side in the mandrel axial direction. The protrusion Mg1 can be inserted into the recess Me1 of another mandrel M. Each of the plurality of positioning pins Mg2 can be inserted into any one of the plurality of positioning holes Me2.

A plurality of mandrels M having the above structure can be arranged in the mandrel axial direction and connected to each other non-rotatably (that is, relatively non-rotatably). That is, the two mandrels M are connected through the connecting portion Me of one mandrel M and the connecting portion Mg of another mandrel M such that they cannot rotate relative to each other. In this way, two or more mandrels M can be connected in the mandrel axial direction and arranged so as to extend long along the mandrel axial direction.

Taking into account the above structure of the mandrel M, the structure of the pair of feeding units 2 will be explained. The pair of feeding units 2 are configured such that one or more mandrels M are non-rotatably mounted thereon. The pair of feeding units 2 are configured to be able to move one or more mandrels M from the front side (upstream side in the feeding direction) to the rear side (downstream side in the feeding direction). The feeding direction is approximately parallel to the mandrel axis direction of one or more mandrels M being moved by the pair of feeding units 2.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the pair of feeding units 2 includes an upstream feeding unit 2A and a downstream feeding unit 2B. The upstream feeding unit 2A is arranged at the frontmost side of the filament winding device 1. The downstream feeding unit 2B is arranged at the rearmost side of the filament winding device 1. In other words, the pair of feeding units 2 are arranged so as to sandwich the hoop winding unit 3 and the helical winding unit 4 in the front-rear direction (that is, the feeding direction).

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2(a), the upstream feeding unit 2A includes a base portion 21A and a moving portion 22A. The base portion 21A is immovably installed on a floor surface 20 of a building (not shown). The base portion 21A includes a frame 23A, a rail 24A, and a chuck mechanism 25A. The frame 23A extends long in the front-rear direction. The rail 24A is configured to guide the moving section 22A in the front-back direction. The rail 24A is arranged on the upper surface of the frame 23A and extends long in the front-rear direction. The chuck mechanism 25A is arranged at the rear end of the frame 23A. The chuck mechanism 25A is configured to, for example, grip one chuck portion Mf of a plurality of mandrels M, thereby holding the mandrel M so as to be immovable and unrotatable in the mandrel axial direction. The chuck mechanism 25A includes, for example, an air cylinder 26A (see FIG. 3) that is driven by supplying and discharging compressed air, and an upstream gripping member (not shown) that is driven by the air cylinder 26A. The supply and discharge of compressed air to and from the air cylinder 26A are controlled, for example, by the control device 5 opening and closing a solenoid valve (not shown) disposed in a compressed air flow path. The upstream gripping member is configured to be movable by the air cylinder 26A between a gripping position where it grips the chuck part Mf and a release position where it releases gripping of the chuck part Mf. Note that the upstream gripping member may be driven by a motor (not shown) or the like instead of the air cylinder 26A.

The moving part 22A is configured to be movable in the front and rear directions with respect to the base part 21A. The moving section 22A includes a main body 27A and a traverse motor 28A. The main body 27A is connected to the mandrel M through one connecting portion Me of the plurality of mandrels M, and is configured to support the mandrel M in a non-rotatable manner. The main body 27A is configured to be guided in the front-back direction by the rails 24A. The main body 27A is driven to move back and forth by a traverse motor 28A. The traverse motor 28A is electrically connected to and controlled by the control device 5. The traverse motor 28A is configured to be able to move the main body 27A both forward and backward.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2(a), the downstream feeding unit 2B includes a base portion 21B and a moving portion 22B. The downstream feeding unit 2B is configured to be approximately plane symmetrical to the upstream feeding unit 2A, with a predetermined virtual plane (not shown) orthogonal to the front-rear direction serving as a plane of symmetry. That is, the base portion 21B includes a frame 23B, a rail 24B, and a chuck mechanism 25B. The rail 24B extends long in the front-rear direction. The chuck mechanism 25B is arranged at the front end of the frame 23B. The chuck mechanism 25B is configured to, for example, hold one chuck portion Md of a plurality of mandrels M so as to hold the mandrel M so as to be immovable and unrotatable in the mandrel axial direction. The chuck mechanism 25B includes, for example, an air cylinder 26B (see FIG. 3) and a downstream gripping member (not shown) driven by the air cylinder 26B. The supply and discharge of compressed air to the air cylinder 26B are controlled by the control device 5 in the same way as the supply and discharge of compressed air to the air cylinder 26A. The downstream gripping member is configured to be movable by the air cylinder 26B between a gripping position where it grips the chuck part Md and a release position where it releases gripping of the chuck part Md. Note that the downstream gripping member may be driven by a motor (not shown) or the like instead of the air cylinder 26B. The moving section 22B includes a main body 27B and a traverse motor 28B. The main body 27B is connected to the mandrel M through one connecting portion Mg of the plurality of mandrels M, and is configured to support the mandrel M in a non-rotatable manner. The main body 27B is configured to be guided in the front-back direction by the rails 24B. The main body 27B is driven to move in the front-back direction by a traverse motor 28B. The traverse motor 28B is electrically connected to and controlled by the control device 5. The traverse motor 28B is configured to be able to move the main body 27B both forward and backward.

The hoop winding unit 3 is configured to perform hoop winding on the outer peripheral surface of the mandrel M. Hoop winding is a winding method in which the fiber bundle is wound in a direction generally perpendicular to the axial direction of the mandrel. As shown in FIG. 1, the hoop winding unit 3 is arranged, for example, immediately upstream of the downstream feeding unit 2B in the mandrel axial direction. The hoop winding unit 3 includes a main body 31 , a rotating member 32 , and a plurality of supply bobbins 33 . The main body portion 31 is fixed in position with respect to the floor surface 20. The main body portion 31 is configured to support the rotating member 32 rotatably around the axial center of the mandrel M. The rotating member 32 is, for example, a substantially disk-shaped member. A substantially circular passage hole 34 through which the mandrel M can pass is formed in the center of the rotating member 32. The rotating member 32 rotatably supports a plurality of supply bobbins 33 arranged outside the passage hole in the radial direction of the mandrel. A fiber bundle (not shown) is wound around each supply bobbin 33.

The hoop winding unit 3 includes a rotary motor 35 (see FIG. 3) that is configured to drive the rotary member 32 in rotation. The rotary motor 35 is electrically connected to the control device 5 and is controlled by the control device 5. When performing hoop winding, the control device 5 controls the feed unit 2 to move the mandrel M downstream in the feed direction, and controls the rotary motor 35 to rotate the rotating member 32. As a result, fiber bundles are pulled out from each supply bobbin 33 rotating around the mandrel M, and the plurality of fiber bundles are hoop-wound around the outer peripheral surface of the mandrel M.

Each of the plurality of helical winding units 4 is configured to helically wind the outer peripheral surface of the mandrel M. Helical winding is a winding method in which the fiber bundle is wound in a direction that has a component in the mandrel axis direction, as compared to hoop winding. A winding method in which the inclination of the fiber bundle with respect to the mandrel axis direction is 45 degrees or less may be called helical winding. The plurality of helical winding units 4 are arranged, for example, between the upstream feeding unit 2A and the hoop winding unit 3 in the feeding direction. The plurality of helical winding units 4 are arranged side by side in the front-back direction.

A more specific configuration of each helical winding unit 4 will be explained with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6(b). FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the helical winding unit 4. FIG. 5(a) is a front view of the helical winding unit 4. FIG. FIG. 5(b) is an enlarged view of one supply bobbin and its peripheral configuration. FIG. 6(a) is a rear view of the helical winding unit 4. FIG. 6(b) is a side view of the helical winding unit 4.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5(a), each helical winding unit 4 includes a base portion 41, a disk member 42 (supply bobbin support portion of the present invention), a plurality of supply bobbins 43, and a plurality of fiber bundles. It has a guide 44 and a mandrel support part 45. The position of the base portion 41 is fixed with respect to the floor surface 20 (see FIG. 2(a)). The base portion 41 is configured to support the disk member 42 rotatably around the axial center of the mandrel M. The disk member 42 is a substantially disk-shaped member configured to be rotatable with respect to the base portion 41 . The rotation axis direction of the disc member 42 is approximately parallel to the front-rear direction (that is, approximately parallel to the mandrel axial direction). In the radial direction of the mandrel, a substantially circular passage hole 46 (see FIGS. 1 and 5(a)) through which the mandrel M can pass is formed in the center of the disk member 42. The disk member 42 is configured to support a plurality of supply bobbins 43 and a plurality of fiber bundle guides 44 that are arranged outside the passage hole 46 in the radial direction of the mandrel. The disk member 42 is rotationally driven around the axial center of the mandrel M by a disk rotation motor 47 (see FIGS. 3 and 6(b)) and a power transmission mechanism (not shown). A disc rotation motor 47 is provided in each helical winding unit 4. The disc rotation motor 47 is electrically connected to the control device 5 (see FIG. 3) and is controlled by the control device 5.

The plurality of supply bobbins 43 are arranged, for example, at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the mandrel M (hereinafter referred to as the mandrel circumferential direction). A fiber bundle F (see FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b)) is wound around each supply bobbin 43. Each of the plurality of supply bobbins 43 is rotatably (rotatably) supported by, for example, a plate-shaped support member 48 (see FIGS. 5(b) and 6(b)). The support member 48 is fixed to the disk member 42. That is, the plurality of supply bobbins 43 are supported by the disk member 42 via the plurality of support members 48. Note that instead of the disk member 42 and the plurality of support members 48, one support member (not shown) that supports the plurality of supply bobbins 43 so as to be rotatable may be provided.

The plurality of fiber bundle guides 44 are provided corresponding to the plurality of supply bobbins 43, respectively. Each of the plurality of fiber bundle guides 44 is attached to the disk member 42. The plurality of fiber bundle guides 44 are arranged inside the plurality of supply bobbins 43 in the mandrel radial direction. The plurality of fiber bundle guides 44 are arranged side by side in the circumferential direction of the mandrel. Each of the plurality of fiber bundle guides 44 is arranged so as to extend in a predetermined direction parallel to the radial direction of the mandrel. Each of the plurality of fiber bundle guides 44 is configured to guide the fiber bundle unwound from the supply bobbin 43 inward in the radial direction of the mandrel. Each of the plurality of fiber bundle guides 44 is controlled, for example, by a guide turning motor 49 (see FIGS. 3 and 6(a)), which is a common driving source for the plurality of fiber bundle guides 44. It is configured to be driven to rotate with the direction of the rotation axis being the direction of the rotation axis. A guide rotation motor 49 is provided in each helical winding unit 4. The guide turning motor 49 is electrically connected to the control device 5 (see FIG. 3) and is controlled by the control device 5.

Further, as shown in FIG. 5A, a plurality of tension applying sections 50 are provided between the plurality of supply bobbins 43 and the plurality of fiber bundle guides 44 in the radial direction of the mandrel. The plurality of tension applying units 50 are configured to apply tension to each of the plurality of fiber bundles F (see FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b)). The plurality of tension applying sections 50 are provided corresponding to the plurality of supply bobbins 43 and the plurality of fiber bundle guides 44, respectively. Each of the plurality of tension applying sections 50 includes, for example, a first guide roller 51, a slack removing roller 52, and a second guide roller 53 (see FIG. 5(b)). The fiber bundle F pulled out from each supply bobbin 43 is wound around a first guide roller 51, a slack removing roller 52, and a second guide roller 53 provided in the corresponding tension applying section 50 in this order. Further, the fiber bundle F is guided inward in the mandrel radial direction by a corresponding fiber bundle guide 44.

The mandrel support section 45 is configured to support the mandrel M being moved by the pair of feeding units 2. The mandrel support portion 45 is arranged, for example, on the rear side of the disc member 42 (see FIGS. 2(a) and 6(b)). As shown in FIG. 6(b), the mandrel support section 45 includes, for example, a support member 54 and a plurality of support rollers 55 to 58. The support member 54 is attached to, for example, the base portion 41 so as to be movable up and down. The support member 54 is driven to move in the vertical direction by a support vertical motor 54M (see FIGS. 3 and 6(a)) and a power transmission mechanism (not shown). The plurality of support rollers 55 to 58 are supported by the support member 54 so as to be rotatable and movable in the radial direction of the mandrel. Support rollers 55 and 56 are arranged below the path of mandrel M. Support rollers 55 and 56 are arranged adjacent to each other in the left-right direction. The support roller 57 is arranged, for example, on the diagonally upper left side of the passage of the mandrel M. The support roller 58 is arranged, for example, on the diagonally upper right side of the path of the mandrel M. The support rollers 55 to 58 are driven to move simultaneously in the mandrel radial direction by a support part opening/closing motor 59 (see FIGS. 3 and 6(a)) and a power transmission mechanism (for example, a plurality of publicly known rack and pinion mechanisms 60). (i.e., driven to open and close). Thereby, the support rollers 55 to 58 can be arranged at appropriate positions in the radial direction of the mandrel M in response to the increase in winding of the mandrel M due to the stacking of a plurality of fiber bundles F on the mandrel M. The support part opening/closing motor 59 is provided in each helical winding unit 4. The support part opening/closing motor 59 is electrically connected to the control device 5 (see FIG. 3) and is controlled by the control device 5.

Further, by driving the support member 54 to move in the vertical direction by the support portion vertical motor 54M, the support rollers 55 to 58 can be moved up and down simultaneously. This can prevent the following problems from occurring. That is, since the fiber bundle F wound around the mandrel M is soft, the fiber bundle F sandwiched between the mandrel M and the support rollers 55 and 56 is affected by the gravity acting on the mandrel M and the support rollers 55 and 56. There is a risk that it will be deformed (crushed) due to the reaction it receives. This may cause the mandrel M to bend under its own weight. Even if the fiber bundle F is deformed as described above, the support rollers 55 to 58 can be moved slightly upward by the support vertical motor 54M, so that the fiber bundle F and the mandrel M can be kept at an appropriate height by the support rollers 55 and 56. I can support you. Therefore, deflection of the mandrel M can be suppressed.

When performing helical winding, the control device 5 controls the pair of feeding units 2 to move the mandrel M downstream in the feeding direction, and controls the disk rotating motor 47 to rotate the disk member 42. As a result, the fiber bundles F are drawn out from each supply bobbin 43 rotating around the mandrel M, and the plurality of fiber bundles F are helically wound around the outer peripheral surface of the mandrel M. Further, the control device 5 controls the guide turning motor 49 as necessary (according to the winding angle of the plurality of fiber bundles F around the mandrel M) to turn the plurality of fiber bundle guides 44. More details of the helical winding unit 4 will be described later.

The control device 5 is, for example, a general computer device. The control device 5 includes an input section (not shown) that receives a predetermined input, an output section (not shown) that performs a predetermined output, and a storage section (not shown) that stores various information. The control device 5 is electrically connected to each component of the filament winding device 1. The control device 5 is configured to control each component of the filament winding device 1 according to a predetermined program.

(Procedure for moving the mandrel)
Next, the procedure for moving the plurality of mandrels M by the pair of feeding units 2 will be explained with reference to FIGS. 7(a) to 10(c). Here, as an example, a procedure for repeatedly feeding three mandrels M (mandrels M1, M2, and M3) from the upstream side to the downstream side in the feeding direction will be described. Note that while the mandrel M is being sent from the upstream side to the downstream side in the feeding direction, the plurality of fiber bundles supplied from the hoop winding unit 3 or the helical winding unit 4 may be wrapped with tape (preferably a curing tape) as necessary. ), etc., for example, to the rear end of the mandrel M (threading). Threading is performed, for example, by an operator on the mandrel M that is not moving. A detailed explanation of the threading procedure will be omitted.

In the initial state, the mandrel M is not attached to the pair of feeding units 2. Furthermore, the moving section 22A of the upstream feeding unit 2A is located at, for example, the front end within the movable range in the front-rear direction. The moving part 22B of the downstream feeding unit 2B may be located, for example, at the front end within the movable range in the front-rear direction. When the pair of feeding units 2 are in such a state, for example, an operator attaches the mandrel M1, which is the first mandrel M, to the moving part 22A (see FIG. 7(a)). Thereby, the front end portion of the mandrel M1 is supported non-rotatably by the moving portion 22A. At this time, the mandrel M1 is located at the upstream end in the feeding direction. The mandrel axial direction of the mandrel M1 attached to the moving part 22A is substantially parallel to the front-rear direction.

Next, when the operator performs a predetermined input operation on the control device 5, the control device 5 controls the traverse motor 28A to move the moving section 22A backward. As a result, the mandrel M1 moves rearward (that is, downstream in the feeding direction). The moving distance of the moving portion 22A and the mandrel M1 in the front-rear direction at this time is, for example, approximately the same distance as the length of the mandrel M1 in the mandrel axial direction (see FIG. 7(b)). A portion of the mandrel M1 sent rearward in the mandrel axial direction is supported by one or more mandrel support parts 45. The control device 5 may temporarily stop the operation of the pair of feeding units 2 while the mandrel M1 is being fed backward. When the operation of the pair of feeding units 2 is stopped, the operator can carry out work such as threading the mandrel M1, for example. Further, when the operation of the pair of feed units 2 is stopped, when the operator performs a predetermined input operation on the control device 5, the control device 5 restarts the operation of the pair of feed units 2. Below, for the sake of brevity, a description of the input operation will be omitted.

Next, the control device 5 controls the air cylinder 26A to cause the chuck mechanism 25A to grip the mandrel M1. Thereby, the mandrel M1 is held unrotatably by the chuck mechanism 25A. Next, the control device 5 controls the traverse motor 28A to move the moving section 22A forward (see FIG. 7(c)). Thereby, the moving section 22A is separated from the mandrel M1.

Next, the operator connects the rear end of the mandrel M2, which is the second mandrel M, to the mandrel M1 in a relatively non-rotatable manner, and also attaches the front end of the mandrel M2 in a non-rotatable manner to the moving part 22A (FIG. 8 (see (a)). Next, the control device 5 controls the air cylinder 26A to release the grip of the mandrel M1 by the chuck mechanism 25A. Next, the control device 5 controls the traverse motor 28A to move the moving section 22A backward (see FIG. 8(b)). Thereby, mandrels M1 and M2 are sent downstream in the feeding direction. Moreover, as a result, the rear end portion of the mandrel M1 is non-rotatably attached to the moving portion 22B which is arranged at an appropriate position in the front-rear direction. Alternatively, the control device 5 may move the moving section 22B to the appropriate position after the rearward movement of the mandrel M1 is completed. Next, the control device 5 causes the chuck mechanism 25A to grip the mandrel M2, and moves the moving section 22A forward (see FIG. 8(c)). As a result, the moving section 22A is separated from the mandrel M2.

Next, the operator connects the rear end of the mandrel M3, which is the third mandrel M, to the mandrel M2 in a relatively unrotatable manner, and attaches the front end of the mandrel M3 to the moving part 22A in a non-rotatable manner (FIG. 9 (see (a)). Next, the control device 5 releases the grip of the mandrel M1 by the chuck mechanism 25A, and moves the moving parts 22A and 22B backward (see FIG. 9(b)). Thereby, mandrels M1, M2, and M3 are sent downstream in the feeding direction. At this time, the mandrel M1 reaches the downstream end in the feeding direction. Further, the rear end portion of the mandrel M2 is arranged at a position where it can be gripped by the chuck mechanism 25B.

Next, the control device 5 controls the air cylinder 26B to cause the chuck mechanism 25B to grip the mandrel M2. Thereby, the mandrel M2 is held unrotatably by the chuck mechanism 25B. In this state, the operator separates the mandrel M1 from the moving part 22B and the mandrel M2 (see FIG. 9(c)). The operator carries the mandrel M1 and returns it to the front. Further, the control device 5 causes the chuck mechanism 25A to grip the mandrel M3.

Next, the control device 5 moves the moving parts 22A and 22B forward (see FIG. 10(a)). Thereby, the moving part 22A is separated from the mandrel M3. Further, the mandrel M2 is attached to the moving section 22B. In this state, the operator connects the rear end of the mandrel M1 returned to the front to the mandrel M3, and attaches the front end of the mandrel M1 to the moving part 22A (see FIG. 10(b)). Next, the control device 5 releases the grip of the mandrel M3 by the chuck mechanism 25A, and releases the grip of the mandrel M2 by the chuck mechanism 25B. Next, the control device 5 moves the moving parts 22A and 22B backward (see FIG. 10(c)). As a result, the mandrels M1 to M3 are sent downstream in the feeding direction. Mandrel M2 reaches the downstream end in the feeding direction.

By the operator's work and the operation of the pair of feeding units 2 as described above, the mandrels M1 to M3 are sequentially fed downstream in the feeding direction. Each of the mandrels M1 to M3 is separated from the pair of feeding units 2 and then carried forward by an operator, thereby returning to the upstream end in the feeding direction. By repeating this, the mandrels M1 to M3 can be sent from the upstream end to the downstream side many times in the feeding direction. That is, the mandrels M1 to M3 can be carried toward the hoop winding unit 3 and the plurality of helical winding units 4 many times. By adjusting the moving speeds of the moving parts 22A and 22B, the loading speed can be adjusted. Although the procedure for moving the mandrels M1 to M3 has been described here, it is also possible to sequentially move four or more mandrels M in the feeding direction using the same procedure.

In this way, a plurality of fiber bundles can be appropriately supplied from at least one of the hoop winding unit 3 and the plurality of helical winding units 4 while sending the plurality of mandrels M downstream in the feeding direction. Thereby, a plurality of fiber bundles can be wound around a plurality of mandrels M at a desired winding angle. By repeating this process, multiple layers of fiber bundles can be laminated onto each mandrel M. Further, by supplying the plurality of fiber bundles without interruption from the at least one unit, the plurality of fiber bundles can be continuously wound around the plurality of mandrels M. Note that when removing the mandrel M from the downstream feeding unit 2B, the operator cuts the fiber bundles wound around the small diameter portions Ma and Mc using, for example, a cutter not shown. That is, of the fiber bundles wound around the mandrel M, only the portions wound around the large diameter portion Mb are laminated.

Here, in the above configuration in which a plurality of helical winding units 4 are arranged side by side in the mandrel axial direction, as many supply bobbins 43 as possible are attached to each helical winding unit 4 while suppressing the increase in size of each helical winding unit 4. It is required to make it wearable. Therefore, the helical winding unit 4 of this embodiment is configured as follows.

(Detailed configuration of helical winding unit)
The detailed configuration of the helical winding unit 4 will be explained with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6(b). As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6(b), the helical winding unit 4 includes a plurality of supply bobbins 43, for example, 12 supply bobbins 43 arranged side by side in the circumferential direction of the mandrel. Each of the plurality of supply bobbins 43 includes, for example, an open-type reel-shaped member. That is, each supply bobbin 43 has a pair of flanges 61 that face each other in the axial direction of the supply bobbin 43 (hereinafter referred to as the bobbin axial direction). The fiber bundle F is wound around a space formed between a pair of flanges 61. In other words, unlike so-called traverse winding, the fiber bundle F is not traversed but is wound overlappingly at substantially the same position in the bobbin axial direction. The pair of flanges 61 are rotatably supported by the support member 48 . The pair of flanges 61 are held down by, for example, a disk-shaped holding plate 62 so as not to fall off from the support member 48 .

The bobbin axial direction of each of the plurality of supply bobbins 43 has a component in the front-rear direction (mandrel axial direction). As shown in FIG. 6(b), the axial direction of each of the plurality of supply bobbins 43 is inclined with respect to the axial direction of the mandrel. The inclination angle of the bobbin axial direction with respect to the mandrel axial direction is, for example, about 10 degrees. As a result, the space in which one of the two supply bobbins 43 adjacent to each other in the mandrel circumferential direction among the plurality of supply bobbins 43 is arranged is shifted from the space in which the other one is arranged. As shown in FIG. 5A, two supply bobbins 43 that are adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction of the mandrel partially overlap when viewed from the axial direction of the mandrel without interfering with each other. By doing this, even when the number of the plurality of supply bobbins 43 is large, there is no need to shift the arrangement space of the plurality of supply bobbins 43 outward in the mandrel radial direction, and each supply bobbin 43 can be arranged in the mandrel axial direction. There is no need to make it long. That is, many supply bobbins 43 can be arranged side by side in the circumferential direction while suppressing the increase in size of the helical winding unit 4 in the mandrel radial direction and mandrel axial direction. Note that the inclination angle of the bobbin axial direction with respect to the mandrel axial direction is not limited to about 10 degrees.

As described above, the two supply bobbins 43 that are adjacent to each other in the mandrel circumferential direction have an overlapping portion (overlapping portion) when viewed from the mandrel axial direction. Even if there are many such overlapping parts, the plurality of supply bobbins 43 do not interfere with each other. Therefore, even if the number of supply bobbins 43 that can be supported by the disk member 42 is increased, the helical winding unit 4 becomes larger in the mandrel radial direction and the mandrel axial direction by increasing the area of the overlapping portion as much as possible. can be suppressed. Therefore, as many supply bobbins 43 as possible can be attached to each helical winding unit 4 while suppressing the increase in size of each helical winding unit 4.

Moreover, the disk member 42 and the plurality of fiber bundle guides 44 can be rotated around the axis of the mandrel M in each of the plurality of helical winding units 4. Thereby, the rotational speed (including the direction of rotation) of the plurality of fiber bundle guides 44 can be made different between the plurality of helical winding units 4. Therefore, the winding angles (and winding positions) of the plurality of fiber bundles F wound around the mandrel M can be made different between the plurality of helical winding units 4. Therefore, a plurality of fiber bundles F can be efficiently helically wound around the mandrel M while flexibly changing the winding angle (and winding position) as necessary.

Further, each of the plurality of fiber bundles F is wound in a record manner on each of the plurality of supply bobbins 43. Thereby, twisting of the fiber bundle F on the supply bobbin 43 can be effectively suppressed compared to the case where the supply bobbin 43 is formed while traversing the fiber bundle F. Therefore, when unwinding the fiber bundle from the supply bobbin 43, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of problems such as poor unwinding.

Next, a modification of the above embodiment will be described. However, components having the same configuration as those in the embodiment described above will be designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

(1) In the embodiment, the plurality of supply bobbins 43 are arranged side by side in the circumferential direction of the mandrel. However, it is not limited to this. Some of the plurality of supply bobbins 43 may be arranged side by side in the radial direction of the mandrel. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the plurality of supply bobbins 43 may be arranged side by side in any direction orthogonal to the mandrel axial direction (that is, at least one of the mandrel circumferential direction and the mandrel radial direction). In other words, the plurality of supply bobbins 43 are arranged so as to intersect with a predetermined plane P (see FIG. 6(b)) that is orthogonal to the mandrel axial direction. Further, some of the plurality of supply bobbins 43 may be arranged so as to intersect with a plane (not shown) different from the plane P, which is orthogonal to the mandrel axial direction. In other words, some of the supply bobbins 43 among the plurality of supply bobbins 43 may be arranged at a position slightly shifted in the mandrel axial direction with respect to another supply bobbin 43 from the part of the supply bobbins 43. .

(2) In the embodiments described above, it is assumed that the fiber bundle F is wound around the supply bobbin 43. However, it is not limited to this. The fiber bundle F may be traverse-wound, for example, on a supply bobbin (not shown) that extends in the axial direction of the bobbin.

(3) In the embodiments described above, the disk member 42 and the fiber bundle guide 44 are configured to be integrally rotatable around the mandrel axis. However, it is not limited to this. The disk member 42 and the fiber bundle guide 44 do not need to be configured to be rotatable around the mandrel axis. In this case, the pair of feeding units 2 may be configured to move the plurality of mandrels M in the feeding direction while rotating them around the mandrel axis.

(4) In the embodiments described above, the filament winding device 1 includes five helical winding units 4. However, the number of helical winding units 4 is not limited to this. The filament winding device 1 may include a plurality of helical winding units 4, less than five or more than five. Further, the filament winding device 1 may include a plurality of hoop winding units 3.

(5) The positional relationship between the hoop winding unit 3 and the plurality of helical winding units 4 in the mandrel axial direction is not limited to that described above. For example, the hoop winding unit 3 may be arranged in front of the plurality of helical winding units 4.

(6) In the embodiments described above, the plurality of mandrels M are sequentially sent downstream in the feeding direction by the pair of feeding units 2. However, it is not limited to this. A method of winding the fiber bundle F around the plurality of mandrels M while reciprocating the plurality of mandrels M in the mandrel axial direction by a pair of feeding units 2 may be applied.

(7) In the embodiments described above, the fiber bundle before being wound around the mandrel M is impregnated with resin. However, it is not limited to this. For example, after a fiber bundle not impregnated with resin is wound around the mandrel M, the fiber bundle wound around the mandrel M may be impregnated with a resin.

1 Filament winding device 4 Helical winding unit 42 Disc member (supply bobbin support part)
43 Supply bobbin 44 Fiber bundle guide F Fiber bundle M Mandrel

Claims (3)

A filament winding device comprising a plurality of helical winding units, each of the plurality of helical winding units configured to helically wind a plurality of fiber bundles around a mandrel,
Each of the plurality of helical winding units is
a supply bobbin support portion configured to be able to support a plurality of supply bobbins, each including the plurality of fiber bundles, arranged side by side in at least one of the circumferential direction of the mandrel and the radial direction of the mandrel;
The bobbin axial direction of each of the plurality of supply bobbins supported by the supply bobbin support part has a component in the mandrel axial direction, which is the axial direction of the mandrel, and is inclined with respect to the mandrel axial direction. ,
Two supply bobbins adjacent to each other in at least one of the circumferential direction and the radial direction among the plurality of supply bobbins are arranged so as to partially overlap when viewed from the mandrel axial direction. Characteristic filament winding device. Each of the plurality of helical winding units is
A plurality of fiber bundles arranged inside the plurality of supply bobbins supported by the supply bobbin supporting part in the radial direction of the mandrel, and configured to guide each of the plurality of fiber bundles to the mandrel. has a guide,
The filament winding device according to claim 1, wherein the supply bobbin support portion and the plurality of fiber bundle guides are configured to be integrally rotatable around the axis of the mandrel. 3. The filament winding device according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of fiber bundles is wound in a record manner on each of the plurality of supply bobbins.

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