JP5977204B2 - Tank manufacturing method and fiber winding apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to the manufacture of tanks.

  In the fuel cell system, a high-pressure gas tank that stores fuel gas is used. A high-pressure gas tank is generally manufactured by a filament winding method. In the filament winding method, a fiber impregnated with a thermosetting resin is wound around the surface of a tank container-like mandrel. The fiber wound around the surface of the mandrel is cut between the mandrel and a device for winding the fiber around the mandrel (hereinafter referred to as “fiber winding device”), and the mandrel is removed from the fiber winding device (patent) References 1 to 3).

JP 2013-887 A JP 2012-152911 A JP 2009-78495 A

  However, when the fiber is cut between the mandrel and the fiber winding device, the end of the fiber that has been wound around the mandrel is widened, and it is entangled with the equipment located in the vicinity or the fiber already wound around the mandrel. There was a problem of causing a failure of the tank and deterioration of the quality of the tank. In addition, after cutting, the fiber wound around the mandrel is loosened, and a gap is generated between the surface of the mandrel and the wound fiber, resulting in a problem that the tank strength is lowered. Such a problem is not limited to a high-pressure gas tank for a fuel cell system, but is common to a tank used for an arbitrary use and a tank for storing an arbitrary fluid. In addition, in the conventional tank manufacturing method, it has been desired to improve the manufacturing efficiency of the tank, to reduce the cost, to save power, to facilitate the manufacturing, and to improve the operability of the manufacturing apparatus.

SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is to solve at least a part of the problems described above, and the invention can be implemented as the following forms.
[Mode 1] According to an aspect of the present invention, a method for manufacturing a tank is provided. The tank manufacturing method includes: (a) a step of placing a fiber pressing device in contact with a tank container-shaped mandrel; and (b) using a fiber winding device, the surface of the fiber pressing device on the mandrel. A step of winding a fiber around at least a part of the surface including a contacting portion and the mandrel; (c) the fiber wound around the surface of the fiber pressing device in a direction toward the surface of the fiber pressing device; Suctioning from the inside of the fiber pressing device; and (d) cutting the fiber between a portion wound around the surface of the fiber pressing device and the fiber winding device; The fiber pressing device includes a fluid channel formed therein, a communication hole that communicates the channel and the surface of the fiber pressing device, and a fluid supply that supplies the fluid to the channel. The step (c) causes the fluid to flow through the flow path, thereby generating a negative pressure in the communication hole, and the fiber wound around the fiber pressing device, This is a step of sucking in the direction toward the surface of the fiber pressing device. According to the manufacturing method of the tank of this embodiment, the fibers wound around the surface of the fiber pressing device are sucked from the inside of the fiber pressing device in the direction toward the surface of the fiber pressing device, so that the fiber is cut and cut Later, the fibers wound around the surface of the fiber pressing device can be prevented from loosening and spreading away from the surface of the fiber pressing device. For this reason, it can suppress that the edge part of a fiber gets entangled with the installation located in the circumference | surroundings of a mandrel, and the fiber wound around the mandrel, and can suppress the failure of an installation and the quality deterioration of a tank. In addition, by causing a fluid to flow through the flow path, a so-called Bernoulli effect can be generated and the fibers can be sucked in a direction toward the surface of the fiber pressing device. For this reason, it is not necessary to increase the air tightness of the fiber pressing device as compared with the configuration in which the inside of the flow path is sucked by a pump or the like to generate a negative pressure, and thus the manufacturing cost of the fiber pressing device can be suppressed.
[Mode 2] According to one mode of the present invention, a method for manufacturing a tank is provided. The tank manufacturing method includes: (a) a step of placing a fiber pressing device in contact with a tank container-shaped mandrel; and (b) using a fiber winding device, the surface of the fiber pressing device on the mandrel. A step of winding a fiber around at least a part of the surface including a contacting portion and the mandrel; (c) the fiber wound around the surface of the fiber pressing device in a direction toward the surface of the fiber pressing device; Suctioning from the inside of the fiber pressing device; and (d) cutting the fiber between a portion wound around the surface of the fiber pressing device and the fiber winding device; The fiber pressing device has a cylindrical outer shape; the step (d) is performed on the base end side of the fiber pressing device opposite to the distal end side in contact with the mandrel. A step of fixing the fiber between a portion wound around the surface of the fiber pressing device and the fiber winding device by a chuck device arranged so as to surround the fiber pressing device along a circumferential direction. including. According to the manufacturing method of the tank of this embodiment, the fibers wound around the surface of the fiber pressing device are sucked from the inside of the fiber pressing device in the direction toward the surface of the fiber pressing device, so that the fiber is cut and cut Later, the fibers wound around the surface of the fiber pressing device can be prevented from loosening and spreading away from the surface of the fiber pressing device. For this reason, it can suppress that the edge part of a fiber gets entangled with the installation located in the circumference | surroundings of a mandrel, and the fiber wound around the mandrel, and can suppress the failure of an installation and the quality deterioration of a tank. In addition, since the chuck device is disposed so as to surround the fiber pressing device along the circumferential direction, all the fibers positioned between the fiber pressing device and the fiber winding device can be reliably fixed.

(1) According to one form of this invention, the manufacturing method of a tank is provided. The tank manufacturing method includes: (a) a step of placing a fiber pressing device in contact with a tank container-shaped mandrel; and (b) using a fiber winding device, on the mandrel of the surface of the fiber pressing device. A step of winding a fiber around at least a part of the surface including a contacting portion and the mandrel; and (c) the fiber wound around the surface of the fiber pressing device in a direction toward the surface of the fiber pressing device. A step of sucking from the inside of the fiber pressing device, and (d) a step of cutting the fiber between the portion wound around the surface of the fiber pressing device and the fiber winding device. According to the manufacturing method of the tank of this embodiment, the fibers wound around the surface of the fiber pressing device are sucked from the inside of the fiber pressing device in the direction toward the surface of the fiber pressing device, so that the fiber is cut and cut Later, the fibers wound around the surface of the fiber pressing device can be prevented from loosening and spreading away from the surface of the fiber pressing device. For this reason, it can suppress that the edge part of a fiber gets entangled with the installation located in the circumference | surroundings of a mandrel, and the fiber wound around the mandrel, and can suppress the failure of an installation and the quality deterioration of a tank.

(2) In the tank manufacturing method, the mandrel is disposed at a cylindrical body part, a dome part positioned at one end of the body part, having a dome-like appearance, and a circular top part of the dome part. The step (a) may be a step of placing the fiber pressing device in contact with the base portion. According to the tank manufacturing method of this aspect, the fiber pressing device can be disposed adjacent to the mandrel along the central axis of the mandrel. For this reason, when a fiber is wound around at least a part of the surface of the fiber pressing device including a portion in contact with the mandrel and the mandrel, the fiber can be continuously wound around these portions. Therefore, the manufacturing time of the tank can be shortened.

(3) In the tank manufacturing method, the fiber pressing device includes a fluid channel formed therein, a communication hole that communicates the channel and the surface of the fiber pressing device, and the channel in the channel. A fluid supply section that supplies fluid, and the step (c) generates a negative pressure in the communication hole by circulating the fluid through the flow path, and is wound around the fiber pressing device. It may be a step of sucking the fibers in the direction toward the surface of the fiber pressing device. According to the tank manufacturing method of this embodiment, a so-called Bernoulli effect can be produced by flowing a fluid through the flow path, and the fibers can be sucked in the direction toward the surface of the fiber pressing device. For this reason, it is not necessary to increase the air tightness of the fiber pressing device as compared with the configuration in which the inside of the flow path is sucked by a pump or the like to generate a negative pressure, and thus the manufacturing cost of the fiber pressing device can be suppressed.

(4) In the tank manufacturing method, the fiber pressing device communicates an end portion of the flow path and a surface of the fiber pressing device, and directs the fluid flowing through the flow path toward the dome portion of the mandrel. A discharge hole may be provided. According to the tank manufacturing method of this embodiment, the fluid that has passed through the inside of the fiber pressing device in order to generate a negative pressure in the communication hole can be sprayed on the dome portion of the mandrel, so that it is wound around the surface of the dome portion. It can suppress that the fiber which has loosened and it floats from the surface of a dome part. For this reason, it can suppress that a space | gap produces between the surface of a dome part, and the fiber currently wound, and can suppress the strength deterioration of a mandrel.

(5) In the tank manufacturing method, the fiber pressing device has a cylindrical outer shape, and the step (d) is a base opposite to a tip side in contact with the mandrel in the fiber pressing device. At the end side, the chuck is arranged so as to surround the fiber pressing device along the circumferential direction, and the fiber is placed between the portion wound around the surface of the fiber pressing device and the fiber winding device. A fixing step may be included. According to the tank manufacturing method of this embodiment, since the chuck device is disposed so as to surround the fiber pressing device along the circumferential direction, all the fibers located between the fiber pressing device and the fiber winding device are arranged. Can be fixed securely.

(6) According to the other form of this invention, the fiber winding apparatus for winding a fiber around a tank container-like mandrel is provided. The fiber winding device includes: a fiber pressing portion disposed in contact with the mandrel; and at least a part of a surface of the surface of the fiber pressing device including a portion in contact with the mandrel; and the mandrel. A fiber winding section to be wound; and a suction section that sucks the fibers wound around the surface of the fiber pressing device from the inside of the fiber pressing device in a direction toward the surface of the fiber pressing device. According to the fiber winding device of this embodiment, the fiber wound around the surface of the fiber pressing device is sucked from the inside of the fiber pressing device in the direction toward the surface of the fiber pressing device, so that the fiber is cut and cut Later, the fibers wound around the surface of the fiber pressing device can be prevented from loosening and spreading away from the surface of the fiber pressing device. For this reason, it can suppress that the edge part of a fiber gets entangled with the installation located in the circumference | surroundings of a mandrel, and the fiber wound around the mandrel, and can suppress the failure of an installation and the quality deterioration of a tank.

(7) The fiber winding device may further include a cutting unit that cuts the fiber between a portion of the fiber pressing device wound around the surface of the fiber pressing device and the fiber winding device. According to the fiber winding device of this embodiment, since the cutting device is provided, it is possible to continuously perform fiber suction and fiber cutting. For this reason, the manufacturing time of a tank can be shortened. In addition, since it is not necessary to prepare a cutting device as a device separate from the fiber pressing device for cutting fibers, the entire tank manufacturing facility can be downsized.

  In addition, this invention can be implement | achieved in various aspects, for example, can be implement | achieved with forms, such as the method of winding a fiber around a tank, and a tank manufacturing apparatus.

It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance structure of the fiber winding apparatus as one Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the detailed structure of the fiber processing unit 400 shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the manufacturing method of the tank as one Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows typically the one part process of the manufacturing method of the tank in embodiment. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the flow of the air in the fiber pressing part 410 vicinity when step S130 is performed. It is explanatory drawing which shows the actual condition of the mandrel 20 immediately after performing step S140 (cutting of a fiber). It is explanatory drawing which shows the actual condition of the mandrel 20 immediately after a fiber is cut | disconnected in a comparative example.

A. Embodiment:
A1. Device configuration:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of a fiber winding device as one embodiment of the present invention. The fiber winding device 10 is a device for winding fibers around the mandrel 20 by a filament winding method. In this embodiment, the fiber wound around the mandrel 20 is a carbon fiber (so-called prepreg) in which a large number (for example, 20,000) of single fibers having a diameter of about several micrometers are bundled and impregnated with a thermosetting resin. is there. In this embodiment, an epoxy resin is used as the thermosetting resin. In the present embodiment, polyacrylonitrile (PAN) carbon fiber is used as the carbon fiber. Note that any other prepreg such as rayon carbon fiber or pitch carbon fiber may be used instead of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) carbon fiber.

  In the present embodiment, the mandrel 20 is formed of a resin molded product. Instead of the resin molded product, a metal material such as a high-strength aluminum material or stainless material may be used. The mandrel 20 has a capsule-like appearance. Specifically, the mandrel 20 includes a body part formed in the center part of the mandrel 20 in the axis AX direction, and a dome part having a dome-like external shape formed continuously from both ends of the body part. Have. Of the two dome portions located at both ends of the mandrel 20, a cap portion (not shown) is formed at a circular top portion of at least one of the dome portions. In this embodiment, a high-pressure gas tank is manufactured using a mandrel around which carbon fibers (hereinafter simply referred to as “fibers”) are wound. This high-pressure gas tank is used, for example, as a storage tank for hydrogen gas, which is fuel gas, in fuel cell vehicles. The aforementioned base part is used for storing hydrogen gas in a tank and discharging hydrogen gas from the tank. In FIG. 1, the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis are clearly shown. The X axis is parallel to the axis AX direction of the mandrel 20. The Y axis is parallel to the vertical direction. The -Y direction corresponds to the vertically downward direction. The Z axis is parallel to the horizontal direction.

  The fiber winding device 10 includes a creel device 210, a base 300, a hoop winding device 100, a helical winding device 200, and a fiber processing unit 400.

  The creel device 210 includes a large number of bobbins 211 wound with fibers and a yarn supply guide 212, and supplies the fibers from each bobbin 211 to the helical winding device 200 via the yarn supply guide 212. As shown in FIG. 1, the creel device 210 is arranged in parallel with the base 300.

  The base 300 extends along the X axis, and includes a first rail 302, a second rail 304, a first support base 310, and a second support base 311. Each of the first rail 302 and the second rail 304 is a pair of grooves formed so as to be parallel to each other on the upper surface of the base 300, and the longitudinal direction of the base 300 (direction along the X axis). It is extended to. The second rail 304 is disposed so as to sandwich the first rail 302.

  The first support base 310 supports the fiber processing unit 400 and supports the mandrel 20 together with the second support base 311. The first support base 310 is disposed on the + X direction side with respect to the helical winding device 200 on the upper surface of the base 300. The first support base 310 is driven by a drive mechanism (not shown) and can reciprocate on the first rail 302. The first support base 310 includes a base 312 and support arms 314. The base 312 is a plate-like member and is slidably disposed with respect to the first rail 302. The support arm 314 has a quadrangular prism-like appearance with the Y-axis direction as the longitudinal direction, one end connected to the base 312 and the other end connected to the fiber processing unit 400.

  The second support base 311 supports the attachment jig 315 and supports the mandrel 20 together with the first support base 310. The second support base 311 is arranged in the −X direction side with respect to the hoop winding device 100 and the first support stand 311 supports the attachment jig 315 in place of the fiber processing unit 400. Unlike the support base 310, the other configurations are the same as those of the first support base 310, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted. The attachment jig 315 is a rod-shaped member and is disposed in parallel with the X axis. The central axis of the mounting jig 315 coincides with the axis AX of the mandrel 20. One end of the mounting jig 315 is fixed to the support arm 314 (FIG. 2) of the second support base 311, and the other end supports the mandrel 20. The attachment jig 315 is rotated around an axis by a drive mechanism (not shown). For this reason, the mandrel 20 supported by the attachment jig 315 also rotates around the axis AX together with the attachment jig 315.

  The hoop winding device 100 is disposed on the upper surface of the base 300 and winds the fiber around the mandrel 20. The hoop winding device 100 includes a frame 102, a winding table 104, five holders 106, and five bobbins 107. The frame 102 is a housing that houses each member of the hoop winding device 100. The frame 102 is driven by a drive mechanism (not shown) and can reciprocate on the second rail 304.

  The winding table 104 has a disk-like appearance, and is fixed to the frame 102 so that the thickness direction is parallel to the X axis. A central hole 105 that penetrates in the thickness direction is formed at the center of the winding table 104. The center of the central hole 105 is located on the axis AX, and an attachment jig 315 is passed through the central hole 105. The winding table 104 is provided with a first guide yarn supplying portion 108 and a second guide yarn supplying portion 109 in the vicinity of the central hole 105. The first guide yarn supplying unit 108 and the second guide yarn supplying unit 109 are disposed so as to protrude from the winding table 104 in the + X direction. The first guide yarn supplying unit 108 is located above (+ Y direction) with respect to the mandrel 20. The second guide yarn supplying unit 109 is located below (−Y direction) with respect to the mandrel 20. The first guide yarn supplying unit 108 and the second guide yarn supplying unit 109 feed out the fibers toward the mandrel 20.

  The five holders 106 are arranged in a ring on the winding table 104 so as to surround the central hole 105. Each holder 106 accommodates one bobbin 107. As with the bobbin 211, fibers are wound around the bobbin 107 in advance. Each holder 106 is rotationally driven by a driving mechanism (not shown), and feeds the fiber from the bobbin 107 to the first guide yarn supplying unit 108 and the second guide yarn supplying unit 109.

  The helical winding device 200 is disposed on the upper surface of the base 300 and helically winds the fiber around the mandrel 20. The helical winding device 200 includes a frame 202 and a yarn feeding ring 204. The frame 202 is a housing that houses the yarn feeding ring 204. The mandrel 20 is driven by a drive mechanism (not shown) and can reciprocate in the yarn supplying ring 204.

  The yarn feeding ring 204 feeds the fiber supplied from the creel device 210 toward the mandrel 20. The yarn feeding ring 204 has a substantially cylindrical appearance whose thickness direction is parallel to the X axis. The axis of the yarn feeding ring 204 coincides with the axis AX of the mandrel 20. In the center of the yarn feeding ring 204, a central hole 206 that penetrates in the thickness direction is formed. In the center hole 206, the front end side (the side opposite to the side connected to the support arm 314) of the mandrel 20 or the fiber processing unit 400 may be disposed. A large number of fiber supply ports (not shown) for discharging fibers are provided on the inner wall of the yarn feeding ring 204 forming the central hole 206, and a large number of fibers (fiber bundles) from the fiber supply port toward the mandrel 20. Is paid out.

  The helical winding device 200 winds the fiber around the mandrel 20 rotating about the axis AX while crossing the fiber at a low angle with respect to the axis AX. In addition, the helical winding device 200 repeatedly winds the fiber in a spiral shape so as to hang the fibers around the dome portions at both ends of the mandrel 20.

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a detailed configuration of the fiber processing unit 400 shown in FIG. The fiber processing unit 400 has a substantially cylindrical appearance having an axis that coincides with the axis AX. The fiber processing unit 400 includes a fiber pressing unit 410 and a fiber fixing unit 480.

  The fiber pressing part 410 is positioned most in the −X direction in the fiber processing unit 400. The fiber pressing portion 410 includes a body portion 411, a taper portion 412, and a tip portion 413. The body portion 411 has a cylindrical external shape, one end is connected to the taper portion 412, and the other end is connected to a fiber fixing portion 480 (a base portion 471 described later). On the surface of the body portion 411, two rows of suction holes 421 are formed side by side along the X-axis direction. The suction holes 421 are arranged at predetermined intervals along the circumferential direction of the body portion 411. Each suction hole 421 communicates with a fluid channel formed inside the fiber pressing portion 410. The fluid flow path will be described later.

  The tapered portion 412 is disposed between the body portion 411 and the tip portion 413 and has a substantially conical appearance having an axis that coincides with the axis AX. Specifically, the tapered portion 412 has an appearance shape that becomes thinner as it goes in the −X direction. A row of injection holes 423 arranged at a predetermined interval along the circumferential direction of the tapered portion 412 is formed on the surface of the tapered portion 412. The ejection hole 423 communicates with a fluid flow path formed inside the fiber pressing portion 410.

  The tip portion 413 is located in the −X direction most in the fiber pressing portion 410. The tip 413 is a columnar (bar-shaped) member having an axis that coincides with the axis AX. One end of the tip portion 413 is connected to the tapered portion 412, and the other end holds the mandrel 20.

  The fiber fixing portion 480 has a substantially cylindrical appearance having an axis that coincides with the axis AX, and is positioned in the + X direction with respect to the fiber pressing portion 410 in FIG. The fiber fixing unit 480 includes a chuck unit 430, a fiber winding unit 450, a support unit 460, and a drive unit 470.

  The chuck portion 430 can be fixed by gripping the fiber and can release the fixed fiber. The chuck portion 430 includes an inner chuck pin row 431 composed of a large number of chuck pins arranged in an annular shape, and an outer chuck pin row 432 composed of a large number of chuck pins arranged in an annular shape. The inner chuck pin row 431 is located inside the outer chuck pin row 432. In other words, the diameter of the inner chuck pin row 431 is smaller than the diameter of the outer chuck pin row 432. The chuck portion 430 is disposed so as to surround a part of the body portion 411 of the fiber pressing portion 410. When the fibers are fixed by the chuck portion 430, the fibers are arranged between two adjacent chuck pins in the inner chuck pin row 431 and between the two adjacent chuck pins in the outer chuck pin row 432. Is done. The inner chuck pin row 431 is slightly rotated (shifted) along the circumferential direction, so that the fibers are fixed. Instead of the inner chuck pin row 431, the outer chuck pin row 432 may be rotated along the circumferential direction to fix the fibers. Further, the fibers may be fixed by rotating the inner chuck pin row 431 and the outer chuck pin row 432 in the opposite directions along the circumferential direction. Although not shown, a cutting portion that is rotatable in the circumferential direction is disposed further inside the inner chuck pin row 431.

  The fiber winding unit 450 winds the fiber after the fiber is cut. The support portion 460 includes a large number of columnar members extending along the X-axis direction and a ring-shaped member that supports these columnar members, and supports the chuck portion 430 and the drive portion 470.

  The drive unit 470 drives some constituent members among the constituent members of the fiber processing unit 400. For example, the drive unit 470 moves the inner chuck pin row 431 along the circumferential direction. The drive unit 470 moves the chuck unit 430 and the support unit 460 along the X-axis direction. Therefore, the area of the portion covered by the chuck portion 430 on the surface of the body portion 411 differs depending on the positions where the chuck portion 430 and the support portion 460 are arranged.

  When a method for manufacturing a tank, which will be described later, is executed using the fiber winding device 10 having the above-described configuration, loosening of the fibers wound around the mandrel 20 when the fibers are cut after the fibers are wound around the mandrel 20 Can be suppressed, and the spread of the end of the wound fiber can be suppressed.

  The fiber pressing portion 410 described above corresponds to the fiber pressing device and the fiber pressing portion in the claims. The helical winding device 200 corresponds to the fiber winding device in the claims.

A2. Tank manufacturing:
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of a tank manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  The mandrel 20 is attached to the fiber winding device 10 (step S105). In the process of step S105, the mandrel 20 is supported by the fiber processing unit 400 (tip portion 413) and the attachment jig 315. At this time, the tip portion 413 of the fiber processing unit 400 is inserted into the base portion of the mandrel 20.

  The fiber is wound around the mandrel 20 and the fiber pressing portion 410 by the hoop winding device 100 and the helical winding device 200 (step S110). In the present embodiment, first, the fiber is hoop-wound around the mandrel 20 by the hoop winding device 100, and then the fiber is helically wound by the helical winding device 200 on the fiber hoop-wound around the mandrel 20, and then the helical winding. The device 200 winds the fiber around the fiber pressing portion 410. Here, the winding of the fiber around the mandrel 20 by the helical winding device 200 and the winding of the fiber around the fiber pressing portion 410 are continuously performed.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory view schematically showing a part of the processing of the tank manufacturing method in the embodiment. In FIG. 4, the uppermost row schematically shows the process of step S110. In FIG. 4, the second step from the top is the processing of steps S115 and S120 described later, the third step from the top is the processing of steps S125 and S130 described later, and the bottom is the processing of steps S135 and S140 described later. This is shown schematically. In FIG. 4, for convenience of illustration, only one dome portion 22 is clearly shown out of the two dome portions of the mandrel 20, and the other dome portion is omitted.

  As shown in the uppermost stage of FIG. 4, after step S <b> 110 is executed, fibers are wound around the mandrel 20 and the fiber pressing portion 410. The above-mentioned “part of the fiber pressing portion 410” means the tip portion 413, the taper portion 412 and a portion of the body portion 411 on the tip side (−X direction side). As shown in the uppermost stage in FIG. 4, after the execution of step S <b> 110, the chuck portion 430 of the fiber processing unit 400 is positioned in the + X direction with respect to the helical winding device 200.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the chuck portion 430 moves (advances) in the −X direction (step S115). At this time, each fiber fed from the helical winding device 200 enters between two adjacent chuck pins in the inner chuck pin row 431 and enters between two adjacent chuck pins in the outer chuck pin row 432.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the inner chuck pin row 431 is rotated and moved by a predetermined angle by the driving unit 470, and the fiber is wound around the body portion 411 by the inner chuck pin row 431 and the outer chuck pin row 432. And the apparatus 200 (step S120). As shown in the second stage from the top in FIG. 4, when the above-described steps S115 and S120 are executed, the chuck portion 430 moves in the −X direction compared to the uppermost stage, and the fiber processing unit 400 causes the fibers to move. Is fixed. Note that, along with the movement of the chuck portion 430, the fiber winding portion 450 and the support portion 460 are also moved in the −X direction.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the fiber is wound around the fiber fixing portion 480 by the helical winding device 200 (step S125). As shown in the third stage from the top in FIG. 4, the helical winding device 200 moves in the + X direction from the uppermost stage and the second stage from the top in FIG. 4, and moves to the fiber processing unit 400 (support 460). The fiber is wound. In FIG. 4, in the third stage from the top, the amount of the fiber wound around the fiber processing unit 400 (supporting part 460) is approximately 7 laps, but may be 2 to 3 laps.

  As shown in FIG. 3, air is supplied to the inside of the fiber pressing portion 410 (step S130). FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the air flow in the vicinity of the fiber pressing portion 410 when step S130 is executed. As shown in FIG. 5, a plurality of fluid flow paths 424 through which a fluid flows are formed inside the fiber pressing portion 410. In this embodiment, the fluid is air. The plurality of fluid flow paths 424 all extend in parallel to the X axis inside the fiber pressing portion 410 and are arranged side by side at a predetermined interval along the circumferential direction. In FIG. 5, only two fluid channels 424 among the plurality of fluid channels 424 are shown. Each fluid flow path 424 communicates with two suction holes 421 and one injection hole 423.

  A base end portion (end portion on the + X direction side) of the fiber pressing portion 410 is connected to the base portion 471. The base portion 471 includes a distribution flow path 472, a pressing drive portion 494, a support portion 492, and a pressing portion 490. The distribution channel 472 is a fluid (air) channel provided in the base portion 471. One end of the distribution channel 472 is connected to the air compressor 474 via the valve 473, and the other end is connected to each fluid channel 424. The distribution channel 472 distributes the compressed air supplied from the air compressor 474 to each fluid channel 424. The opening degree of the valve 473 and the amount of air supplied to the air compressor 474 are controlled by a control unit (not shown).

  The pressing drive unit 494 moves the support unit 492 along the X axis. The support portion 492 has one end connected to the pressing drive portion 494 and the other end connected to the pressing portion 490. The pressing unit 490 is a ring-shaped member that covers the surface of the fiber pressing unit 410, and moves along the X axis in accordance with the movement of the support unit 492. The base portion 471, the valve 473, and the air compressor 474 correspond to a part of the drive unit 470 described above.

  In step S130 described above, the valve 473 is opened, and the compressed air supplied from the air compressor 474 flows into the distribution flow path 472. The air flowing into the distribution flow path 472 is distributed to each fluid flow path 424. Since the injection hole 423 is provided at the end of the fluid channel 424 in the −X direction, the air flowing in the −X direction through the fluid channel 424 is ejected from the injection hole 423 in the −X direction. In addition, although the fiber is wound also on the injection hole 423, air can be ejected from the space | gap between fibers.

  Here, since the dome portion 22 is disposed on the extension of the fluid flow path 424, the air ejected from the ejection holes 423 is blown onto the fibers wound around the surface of the dome portion 22. For this reason, the fiber wound around the surface of the dome portion 22 is pressed toward the surface of the dome portion 22. Therefore, the fiber wound around the surface of the dome portion 22 is prevented from loosening and floating from the surface of the dome portion 22 (mandrel 20).

  On the other hand, the suction hole 421 is formed perpendicular to the fluid flow path 424. For this reason, the air flowing through the fluid flow path 424 is hardly ejected from the suction hole 421. When air flows in the fluid flow path 424 at a high speed, a negative pressure is generated in the suction hole 421 by a so-called Bernoulli effect. For this reason, the fiber wound around the fiber pressing part 410 is sucked toward the surface of the fiber pressing part 410.

  The suction hole 421 described above corresponds to the communication hole in the claims. Further, the fluid flow path 424 and the distribution flow path 472 are the flow paths in the claims, the valve 473 and the air compressor 474 are the fluid supply section in the claims, the fluid flow paths 424, the distribution flow paths 472, the valves 473, and the air compressor 474. Corresponds to the suction part in the claims.

  As shown in FIG. 3, after step S130 is executed, the fiber wound around the fiber pressing portion 410 (body portion 411) is pressed by the pressing portion 490 (step S135). In step S135, the pressing unit 490 shown in FIG. 5 moves in the −X direction. Then, the fibers wound around the fiber pressing portion 410 (body portion 411) and sucked toward the surface of the fiber pressing portion 410 are moved toward the surface of the fiber pressing portion 410 (body portion 411) by the pressing portion 490. Pressed.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the fiber is cut by a cutting portion (not shown) between the fiber pressing portion 410 (body portion 411) and the chuck portion 430 (step S140). As described above, the fiber wound around the fiber pressing portion 410 (the trunk portion 411) is sucked toward the surface of the fiber pressing portion 410 and is pressed toward the surface of the fiber pressing portion 410 by the pressing portion 490. . Therefore, after the fibers are cut in step S140, the end portions of the fibers wound around the mandrel 20 and the fiber pressing portion 410 are suppressed from spreading.

  As shown in FIG. 3, after the fibers are cut (after step S140), the valve 473 is closed, and the supply of air into the fiber pressing portion 410 is stopped (step S145). The pressing unit 490 is returned in the direction away from the mandrel 20 (+ X direction), and the mandrel 20 is removed from the fiber winding device 10 (step S150). The inner chuck pin row 431 is driven to rotate, and the fibers fixed by the chuck portion 430 are released (step S155). The fiber winding unit 450 winds the fiber wound between the chuck unit 430 and the helical winding device 200 (step S160).

  The mandrel 20 removed from the fiber winding device 10 is heated (step S165). By this heating, the thermosetting resin impregnated in the fiber is cured, and the tank is completed. In addition, you may cut | disconnect the excess fiber which exists ahead of the nozzle | cap | die part 21 (+ X direction) between step S155 and step S165.

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an actual state of the mandrel 20 immediately after executing the above-described step S140 (fiber cutting). As shown in FIG. 6, the fiber W1 wound around the fiber pressing portion 410 (body portion 411) is sucked toward the surface of the fiber pressing portion 410 (body portion 411), and ends of the fibers. W2 has not spread. For this reason, it can suppress that the edge part W2 of a fiber is entangled with the installation | existence which exists in the periphery, the dome part 22 of the mandrel 20, etc.

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an actual state of the mandrel 20 immediately after the fibers are cut in the comparative example. In the comparative example, steps S130 and S135 are omitted from the processes shown in FIG. Accordingly, in the comparative example, step S140 (fiber cutting) is executed after step S125 (fiber winding around the fiber pressing portion 410) is executed. FIG. 7 shows an actual state of the mandrel 20 immediately after step S140 is executed in the comparative example.

  As shown in FIG. 7, in the comparative example, the fiber wound around the fiber pressing portion 410 (body portion 411) is separated from the fiber pressing portion 410 (body portion 411), and the end W3 of the fiber is in the radial direction (fiber holding portion). (Direction perpendicular to the axis of the portion 410). Therefore, there exists a possibility that the edge part W3 of a fiber may get entangled with the installation which exists in the periphery, and the dome part 22 of the mandrel 20. FIG.

  As described above, according to the tank manufacturing method of the embodiment, a negative pressure is generated in the suction hole 421 of the fiber pressing portion 410, and the fibers wound around the trunk portion 411 are caused to adhere to the surface of the fiber pressing portion 410 (trunk portion 411). Since the fiber wound around the fiber pressing portion 410 (body portion 411) is separated from the fiber pressing portion 410 and the fiber ends are prevented from spreading. Therefore, since it can suppress that the edge part of a fiber gets entangled with the surrounding equipment and the fiber wound around the mandrel 20 (dome part 22 grade | etc.,), The failure of an equipment and the deterioration of the mandrel 20 can be suppressed.

  In addition, since the air that has circulated through the inside of the fiber pressing portion 410 is blown toward the dome portion 22 of the mandrel 20, the fibers wound around the dome portion 22 can be pressed toward the surface of the dome portion 22. . For this reason, it is possible to suppress the fibers wound around the surface of the dome portion 22 from being loosened and floating from the surface of the dome portion 22. Therefore, since it can suppress that a space | gap arises between the surface of the dome part 22 and the wound fiber, the strength deterioration of the mandrel 20 can be suppressed. Further, in order to generate a negative pressure in the suction hole 421, air is supplied to the inside of the fiber pressing unit 410. For example, the inside of the fiber pressing unit 410 is sucked by a pump or the like to generate a negative pressure. In comparison, it is not necessary to increase the air tightness of the fiber pressing portion 410. For this reason, the manufacturing cost of the fiber pressing part 410 can be held down.

  Further, when the mandrel 20 is attached to the fiber winding device 10, the mandrel 20 is arranged so that the tip portion 413 of the fiber processing unit 400 is inserted into the base portion 21 of the mandrel 20. For this reason, since the fiber holding | suppressing part 410 is arrange | positioned adjacent to the mandrel 20 along the axis AX direction, when winding a fiber around the mandrel 20 and the fiber holding | suppressing part 410 (body part 411), these parts The fiber can be wound continuously. Therefore, the manufacturing time of the tank can be shortened.

  Moreover, since the chuck | zipper part 430 is arrange | positioned so that the fiber pressing part 410 may be enclosed along the circumferential direction, all the fibers currently wound around the fiber pressing part 410 (body | body part 411) can be fixed reliably.

  In addition, since the fiber processing unit 400 includes a cutting unit, a process of pressing the fiber wound around the fiber pressing unit 410 (the body unit 411) (steps S130 and S135) and a process of cutting the fiber (step S140). ) Can be executed continuously. For this reason, the manufacturing time of a tank can be shortened. In addition, since it is not necessary to prepare a cutting device as a separate device from the fiber processing unit 400 in order to cut the fibers, the entire tank manufacturing facility can be reduced in size.

B. Variations:
B1. Modification 1:
In the embodiment described above, the resin impregnated in the fiber is an epoxy resin, but it is not limited to an epoxy resin, and any resin may be adopted. For example, a phenol resin, a urea resin, a melamine resin, an unsaturated polyester resin, or the like may be used. In the above-described embodiment, the fiber wound around the mandrel 20 is a carbon fiber impregnated with a thermosetting resin, but instead of or in addition to the carbon fiber, glass fiber or aramid. Arbitrary fibers such as fibers may be used. Even in such a configuration, after the fiber wound around the mandrel 20 is cut, the spread of the end of the fiber can be suppressed, and the looseness of the fiber wound around the mandrel 20 can be suppressed.

B2. Modification 2:
In the embodiment described above, the fluid flowing through the inside of the fiber pressing portion 410 (fluid flow path 424) is air, but any fluid such as nitrogen gas or carbon dioxide gas may be used instead of air. In the above-described embodiment, the negative pressure is generated in the suction hole 421 by causing air to flow through the fluid flow path 424. However, the negative pressure may be generated by any other method. For example, a negative pressure may be generated in the suction hole 421 by arranging a pump instead of the air compressor 474 and sucking the air in the distribution flow path 472 by such a pump. Also with this configuration, the fibers wound around the body part 411 and the tip part 413 can be pressed against the surface of the body part 411 and the surface of the tip part 413.

B3. Modification 3:
In the above-described embodiment, the fiber is cut by the cutting unit included in the fiber winding device 10 (fiber processing unit 400) in step S140. However, even if the fiber is cut by a cutting means different from the cutting unit, Good. Specifically, for example, by using a cutting device (cutter) prepared as a separate body from the fiber winding device 10, a configuration in which fibers are cut between the fiber pressing unit 410 and the chuck unit 430 is adopted. Also good. According to this configuration, the fiber winding apparatus 10 (fiber processing unit 400) may not include a cutting unit.

B4. Modification 4:
In the embodiment described above, the chuck portion 430 is configured by the inner chuck pin row 431 and the outer chuck pin row 432. However, instead of such a configuration, any configuration capable of fixing the fibers may be employed. .

B5. Modification 5:
In the embodiment described above, the distal end portion 413 of the fiber processing unit 400 is inserted into the base portion 21 of the mandrel 20, but instead of being inserted into the base portion 21, it is disposed in contact with the end portion of the base portion 21. May be. Moreover, it may replace with the nozzle | cap | die part 21 and you may arrange | position in contact with the arbitrary positions of the mandrel 20. FIG. For example, the tip 413 may be disposed in contact with the top of the dome on the side opposite to the dome where the base 21 is provided. In this configuration, the attachment jig 315 is disposed in contact with the base portion 21. That is, generally, a step of arranging the fiber pressing portion 410 in contact with the base portion 21 may be employed in the present invention.

B6. Modification 6:
In the above-described embodiment, the high-pressure gas tank used in the fuel cell system is manufactured. However, instead of the high-pressure gas tank, a high-pressure gas tank used for any other application may be manufactured. Moreover, you may manufacture the tank which can store other arbitrary fluids, such as a liquid, not only a high pressure gas tank.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, examples, and modifications, and can be realized with various configurations without departing from the spirit thereof. For example, the technical features in the embodiments and the modifications corresponding to the technical features in each embodiment described in the summary section of the invention are to solve some or all of the above-described problems, or In order to achieve part or all of the effects, replacement or combination can be performed as appropriate. Further, if the technical feature is not described as essential in the present specification, it can be deleted as appropriate.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Fiber winding apparatus 20 ... Mandrel 21 ... Base part 22 ... Dome part 100 ... Hoop winding apparatus 102 ... Frame 104 ... Winding table 105 ... Center hole 106 ... Holder 107 ... Bobbin 108 ... First guide yarn feeding part 109 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 2nd guide yarn supplying part 200 ... Helical winding device 202 ... Frame 204 ... Yarn supplying ring 206 ... Center hole 210 ... Creel device 211 ... Bobbin 300 ... Base 302 ... 1st rail 304 ... 2nd rail 310 ... 1st support stand 311 ... 2nd support stand 312 ... Base 314 ... Support arm 315 ... Mounting jig 400 ... Fiber processing unit 410 ... Fiber pressing part 411 ... Body part 412 ... Tapered part 413 ... Tip part 421 ... Suction hole 423 ... Injection hole 424 ... Fluid flow path 430 ... Chuck part 431 ... Inner chuck pin row 432 Outer chuck pin row 450 ... Fiber winding part 460 ... Support part 470 ... Drive part 471 ... Base part 472 ... Distribution flow path 473 ... Valve 474 ... Air compressor 480 ... Fiber fixing part 490 ... Pushing part 492 ... Support part 494 ... Pushing drive part AX ... Shaft W1 ... Fiber W2, W3 ... Fiber end

Claims (7)

A tank manufacturing method comprising:
(A) a step of placing the fiber pressing device in contact with a tank container-like mandrel;
(B) winding a fiber around at least a part of the surface of the fiber pressing device including a portion in contact with the mandrel using the fiber winding device; and the mandrel;
(C) sucking the fiber wound around the surface of the fiber pressing device from the inside of the fiber pressing device in a direction toward the surface of the fiber pressing device;
(D) cutting the fiber between a portion wound around the surface of the fiber pressing device and the fiber winding device;
Equipped with a,
The fiber pressing device includes a fluid flow path formed therein, a communication hole that communicates the flow path and the surface of the fiber pressing device, and a fluid supply unit that supplies the fluid to the flow path. Have
In the step (c), by causing the fluid to flow through the flow path, a negative pressure is generated in the communication hole, and the fibers wound around the fiber pressing device are placed on the surface of the fiber pressing device. A method for manufacturing a tank, which is a step of sucking in a direction toward the head . In the manufacturing method of the tank according to claim 1 ,
The mandrel has a cylindrical body part, and a dome part located at one end of the body part and having a dome-like appearance shape,
The fiber holding device, communicates the surface of the end portion of the channel the fibers hold-down device comprises a discharge hole for discharging toward the fluid flowing through the flow path to said dome portion of said mandrel, tank Manufacturing method. A tank manufacturing method comprising:
  (A) a step of placing the fiber pressing device in contact with a tank container-like mandrel;
  (B) winding a fiber around at least a part of the surface of the fiber pressing device including a portion in contact with the mandrel using the fiber winding device; and the mandrel;
  (C) sucking the fiber wound around the surface of the fiber pressing device from the inside of the fiber pressing device in a direction toward the surface of the fiber pressing device;
  (D) cutting the fiber between a portion wound around the surface of the fiber pressing device and the fiber winding device;
  With
  The fiber pressing device has a cylindrical outer shape,
  The step (d) includes a chuck device disposed so as to surround the fiber pressing device in a circumferential direction on a base end side opposite to a distal end side in contact with the mandrel in the fiber pressing device. The tank manufacturing method including the process of fixing the said fiber between the part currently wound around the surface of the said fiber holding | suppressing apparatus, and the said fiber winding apparatus. In the manufacturing method of the tank according to any one of claims 1 to 3 ,
The mandrel has a cylindrical body part, a dome part located at one end of the body part and having a dome-like appearance, and a base part arranged at the top of the dome part,
The said process (a) is a manufacturing method of a tank which is the process of arrange | positioning the said fiber pressing apparatus in contact with the said nozzle | cap | die part. A fiber winding device for winding a fiber around a tank container-like mandrel,
A fiber pressing portion disposed in contact with the mandrel;
Of the surface of the fiber pressing part , at least a part of the surface including a part in contact with the mandrel, and a fiber winding part for winding the fiber around the mandrel,
Said fibers are wound around the surface of the fiber holding portion, in a direction toward the surface of the fiber holding portion, a suction portion for sucking from the interior of the fiber hold-down device,
Equipped with a,
The fiber pressing part includes a fluid flow path formed therein, a communication hole that communicates the flow path and the surface of the fiber pressing device, and a fluid supply part that supplies the fluid to the flow path. Have
The suction portion causes the fluid to flow through the flow path, thereby generating a negative pressure in the communication hole, and causing the fibers wound around the fiber pressing portion to move toward the surface of the fiber pressing portion. Fiber winding device that sucks in A fiber winding device for winding a fiber around a tank container-like mandrel,
  A fiber pressing portion disposed in contact with the mandrel;
  Of the surface of the fiber pressing part, at least a part of the surface including a part in contact with the mandrel, and a fiber winding part for winding the fiber around the mandrel,
  A suction unit that sucks the fibers wound around the surface of the fiber pressing unit in a direction toward the surface of the fiber pressing unit from the inside of the fiber pressing unit;
  A chuck device;
  With
  The fiber pressing portion has a cylindrical outer shape,
  The chuck device is disposed so as to surround the fiber pressing portion along a circumferential direction on a base end side opposite to a distal end side in contact with the mandrel in the fiber pressing portion, and A fiber winding device for fixing between a portion wound around the surface of the pressing portion and the fiber winding portion. The fiber winding device according to claim 5 or 6, further comprising:
A fiber winding apparatus provided with the cutting part which cut | disconnects the said fiber between the part currently wound around the surface of the said fiber holding | suppressing part , and the said fiber winding part .