WO2016203458A1

WO2016203458A1 - A machine and a method for winding continuous filaments

Info

Publication number: WO2016203458A1
Application number: PCT/IB2016/053648
Authority: WO
Inventors: Matteo Hee Seung ILLESI
Original assignee: I.H.P. Composite S.R.L.
Priority date: 2015-06-19
Filing date: 2016-06-20
Publication date: 2016-12-22

Abstract

The present invention regards a machine for coating an object, such as a tank (2) or a tubular component (20) comprising: - means for supporting and driving (3) in rotation intended to support an object (2, 20) in a treatment zone (TZ) and to drive it in rotation around a first rotation axis (x- x), and - means for conveying and transferring (5a, 5a1, 5a2, 5a3, 5b, 5b1, 5b2, 5b3) filaments (F1, F11, F12, F13, F2, F21, F22, F23) towards the treatment zone (TZ) and around the object (2, 20).

Description

Description of an Industrial Invention Patent having as title:

A MACHINE AND A METHOD FOR WINDING CONTINUOUS FILAMENTS

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention regards a machine for coating an object, such as a tank, for example for containing a gas at high or very high pressure, or a tubular component or tube, as well as a method for coating.

STATE OF THE PRIOR ART

Many machines or plants for coating tanks or tubes with filaments, for example with resin-impregnated glass, Kevlar or carbon, have been proposed; such technology is usually provided for making the high-resistance external coating of cylindrical tanks intended to contain fluids at high pressure, in particular gases such as methane.

By cylindrical tanks it is intended tanks with a length much greater than the diameter, usually termed bombs, or tanks with length comparable to the diameter, commonly termed kegs.

The machines proposed up to now usually comprise a base on which the tank is rotatably mounted, a spool of filaments and a guide eye intended to transfer the filaments between the spool and the tank. In order to obtain the coating, the tank is rotated and simultaneously the guide eye is longitudinally moved in order to coat the entire external surface of the tank.

Machines have also been proposed - see for example the patent application published as number EP2316636A1 - for rotatably mounting the tank around a horizontal axis on a support oscillating around a vertical axis, such that during coating the eye is maintained fixed, while a continuous rotation is imparted to the tank around the horizontal axis and an oscillation is imparted around the vertical axis first in one direction and then in the opposite direction.

Such solution, if on one hand it clearly provides an improvement with respect to the previously-proposed machines, it does not allow obtaining a sufficiently resistant coating in quick times.

US3773583A and US3963185A teach solutions according to the state of the prior art.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

One object of the present invention is to provide a new machine for coating an object, such as a tank or a tubular component.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a machine which is capable of applying a very resistant coating to an object, such as a tank or a tubular component.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a machine as stated above, which is capable of applying a very resistant coating in quick times to an object, such as a tank or a tubular component.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a machine as stated above which is simple and easy to make.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new method for coating a tank or a tubular component.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new tank and a new tubular component.

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a machine is provided according to claim 1 or 8.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a method according to claim 14 is provided.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a tank or a tubular component is provided according to claim 24.

The dependent claims refer to preferred and advantageous embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will be more evident from the description of embodiments of a machine and of a tank or tubular component, illustrated by way of a non-limiting example in the set of drawings, in which:

- figures 1 and 2 are slightly top perspective views of a machine according to the present invention;

- figures 3 and 4 respectively are side and plan views of a machine according to the present invention;

- figures 5 to 9 illustrate respective steps of a method according to the present invention, for example implemented with a machine like the aforesaid;

- figures 10 and 11 show an object, such as a tank or a tubular component according to the present invention during respective coating steps; and

- figure 12 is a slightly top perspective view of another embodiment of a machine in accordance with the present invention.

Modifications and variants of the invention are possible within the protective scope defined by the claims.

EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

With reference to figures 1 to 11, a machine 1 is shown for coating an object, such as a tank 2 or a tubular component 20, which comprises means for supporting and driving in rotation 3 intended to support an object, such as a tank 2 or a tubular component 20 in a treatment zone TZ and to drive it in rotation around a first rotation axis x-x, if desired horizontal, and, for such purpose, the means for supporting and driving in rotation 3 preferably will be provided with a first motor or first motors (not illustrated in the figures), e.g. electric, pneumatic, hydraulic or of other types. The machine 1 is in particular a machine for winding continuous filaments or filament winding.

The machine can then comprise advantageously means 4a, 4b for feeding or supplying coating filaments, for example spools 4a, 4b (see for example figures 3 and 4) or the like from which filaments can be unwound. Such filaments can for example be made of glass fiber, Kevlar or carbon, if desired they can be impregnated with a suitable fluid, such as resin, capable of hardening or solidifying on an external surface of the object, such as a tank 2 or a tubular component 20, clearly after the filaments have been applied thereon. The fiber of the filaments can be impregnated in any one suitable manner, in particular by means of a fluid or resin which ensures, following polymerization or hardening or solidification, the adhesion of the filaments to the external surface of the object, such as a tank or a tubular component, and the compactness as well as uniformity of the coating so as to provide the necessary resistance for the final coated object, such as a tank or a tubular component.

The filaments are preferably applied with so-called "filament winding" or winding of continuous filaments.

In the machine, means are then provided for conveying and transferring 5a, 5b 5 filaments towards the treatment zone TZ and around the object, such as a tank 2 or a tubular component 20; such means for conveying and transferring can for example comprise eyes, rollers or the like.

More particularly, the means for conveying and transferring comprise at least one first directing component 5a, such as an eye, as well as at least one second directing l o component 5b, such as an eye, angularly offset, with reference to the treatment zone TZ, with respect to the first directing component 5 a, such that each directing component 5 a, 5b is designed to convey one or more respective filaments Fl, F2 towards a respective portion of the treatment zone TZ and towards or around an object to be coated supported therein, and more particularly between the means for feeding or supplying 4a, 15 4b and a respective portion of the treatment zone TZ. Advantageously, the first directing component 5a is placed in symmetric position with respect to the second directing component 5b with reference to the treatment zone TZ.

Preferably, if two directing components are provided for, the same are angularly offset by an angle between 90° and 180°, while if multiple directing components are 20 provided for, the same will be arranged at substantially uniform or constant distance from each other around the treatment zone TZ and the first rotation axis x-x.

Preferably, the directing components are fixed or maintained fixed in position, for example by means of locking means at least during the operations of winding or coating of an object.

25 The machine 1 is then provided with means of displacement, e.g. a second motor

(not illustrated in the figures), e.g. electric, pneumatic, hydraulic or of another type; such means are intended to relatively move (i.e. with respect to each other) the means for supporting and driving 3 with respect to the directing components, in particular with respect to the first 5 a and second 5b directing component, so as to obtain a coating 6 of

30 an object, such as a tank 2 or a tubular component 20, with the filament or the filaments Fl conveyed by the first or by a first directing component 5a interwoven with the filament or filaments F2 conveyed by the second directing component 5 b or by the other directing components. If desired, moreover, the filament or the filaments Fl conveyed by the first or by a first directing component 5 a is/are partly superimposed and partly underlying the filament or filaments F2 conveyed by the second directing component 5b or by the other directing components.

The coating 6 preferably covers or affects the entire external surface or surfaces of the object, e.g. of a tank or tubular component.

Preferably, the means of displacement are intended to relatively move the means for supporting and driving with respect to the at least one first 5 a and to the at least one second 5b directing component so as to wind the first filament or first filaments Fl conveyed by a first directing component 5 a in accordance with a first substantially helical unwinding EDI as well as the second filament or second filaments F2 conveyed by a second directing component 5b or by another directing component in accordance with a second or another substantially helical unwinding ED2 with rotation direction inverted with respect to the first substantially helical unwinding EDI of the first filament or first filaments Fl. For such purpose, the first substantially helical unwinding EDI and the second substantially helical unwinding ED2 have rotation directions opposite each other if both are considered in the passage from one end of the object, such as a tank, to the other end of the tank, e.g. by considering them both in the passage from a first 2b to a second 2c end or from the second end 2c to the first end 2b.

For such purpose, advantageously, the machine comprises means of displacement intended to relatively move the means for supporting and driving 3 with respect to the first 5 a and to the second 5 b directing component, so as to obtain a coating of an object, such as a tank or a tubular component with

at least one first part Fla of the filament or filaments Fl conveyed by the first directing component 5a interwoven with and underlying at least one second portion F2b of the filament or filaments F2 conveyed by the second directing component 5a and at least one second part Fib of the filament or filaments Fl conveyed by the first directing component 5a applied after the first part Fla and which is interwoven with and superimposed at least one first portion F2a of the filament or filaments F2 conveyed by the second directing component 5b applied before the second portion F2b.

That indicated above can be obtained in particular by constraining (at the start of the coating), if desired by means of a glue or adhesive means, the first filament or first 5 filaments Fl at or proximal to a first end or face 2b of the tank 2 or tubular component 20 and distal from the second end or face 2c, while the second filament F2 (at the start of the coating) is constrained, if desired by means of a glue or adhesive means, proximal to the second end 2c of the tank 2 or tubular component 20 and distal from the first end 2b. Still more advantageously, the first or a first filament Fl is constrained at a portion i o of the tank or tubular component that is angularly spaced, e.g. by an angle between 90° and 180°, from the constraining portion of the or of a second filament F2.

More particularly, the filament/filaments conveyed by a directing means 5 a is/are interwoven with the filament/filaments conveyed by all the other directing means 5b of the machine.

15 Preferably, the filaments Fl, F2 conveyed by two different directing means have respective interwoven portions angled with respect to each other by an angle between 10° and 120°, still more preferably between 10° and 60° for coating a tubular component and between 60° and 120° for coating a tank.

With the expression "superimposed", it is intended that a portion of a filament

20 (e.g. Fl) is applied above (superimposed on) a portion of another filament (e.g. F2) previously applied to the object, such as a tank or tubular component, and hence one of such portions is closer to the rotation axis x-x than the other (that superimposed). With the expression "underlying" it is instead intended that a portion of a filament (e.g. Fl) is applied before (underlying) another portion to the tank or tubular component with

25 respect to another filament (e.g. F2) and hence one of such portions (that underlying) is closer to the rotation axis x-x than the other.

Preferably, the means of displacement (second motor) are designed to angularly move the means for supporting and driving 3 around a second axis y-y, if desired vertical, such second axis y-y being transverse or orthogonal with respect to the first

30 rotation axis x-x. In substance, preferably, the first axis x-x is horizontal and, clearly, always remains horizontal, even if such axis oscillates around the second axis, while the second axis y-y is vertical and clearly always remains vertical.

Still more preferably, the means of displacement are intended to move the means for supporting and driving 3 so as to impart an oscillatory movement thereto around the second axis y-y, i.e. in an alternating manner with a first Rl and a second R2 (see figure 1) rotation direction around the second axis y-y, so as to alternately impart to the means for supporting and driving 3 first a movement by an angle, e.g. between 10° and 180°, in a first rotation direction Rl and then a movement by an angle, e.g. between 10° and 180°, in a second rotation direction R2 opposite the first direction Rl. Preferably, the movement angle is between 10° and 20° or between 40° and 50° for a machine with an oscillating platform (better described hereinbelow) or between 80° and 130° if the machine comprises directing means movable during winding parallel to the axis x-x. Such angle intervals are clearly variable also as a function of the rotation and oscillation speeds of the machine components.

In accordance with the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the machine comprises at least one base 7, while the means for supporting and driving 3 are rotatably mounted on the base 7 around the axis y-y.

For such purpose, the means for supporting and driving 3 can include a platform or base plate 3a as well as at least two uprights 3b protruding from respective sections of the platform 3 a and delimiting the treatment zone TZ therebetween. The means for supporting and driving can then be provided with gripping or engagement elements 3dl, 3d2 for gripping/engaging a respective end 2b, 2c of an object, such as a tank 2 or tubular component 20 being extended from the uprights 3b, 3c, e.g. in the direction of the first rotation axis x-x.

The gripping elements can comprise one or a pair of tightening sleeves or bushes or mandrels 3dl, 3d2, each 3dl, 3d2 intended to engage and press towards the other 3d2, 3dl a respective end 2b, 2c of an object, such as a tank 2 or tubular component 20.

In addition, the means for supporting and driving 3 can also have a shaft or two semi-shafts 3e, on which the tank 2 or the tubular component 20 is fit and made integral in rotation. Such shaft or semi-shafts 3e is/are rotatably mounted around the axis x-x, for example by the first motor(s). For such purpose, the gripping elements (if desired tightening sleeves or bushes) 3dl, 3d2 can be fit and locked on the shaft or semi-shafts 3e, during use, on opposite sides from each other with respect to the tank 2 or tubular component 20. If desired, the gripping elements or the uprights can be adjustably moved (e.g. by means of a screwing engagement), so as to allow a moving closer-apart of the gripping elements and hence a tightening/release of the object, if desired a tank 2 or a tubular component 20, in the treatment zone TZ.

Advantageously, the machine comprises means for moving and locking in position the first 5a and/or second 5b directing component, so as to change the position of the directing components 5a, 5b and hence the inclination of the filaments Fl, F2 conveyed by them with respect to the treatment zone TZ and then, during use, with respect to the object, such as a tank 2 or a tubular component 20. More particularly, the means for moving and locking in position allow changing and then fixing the height of the directing components 5a, 5b and/or their distance from the treatment zone.

In addition, the directing components 5a, 5b can be mounted on respective support structures 9a, 9b, each projecting upward, e.g. from the floor P, and placed on opposite sides from each other with respect to the means for supporting and driving in rotation 3. The directing components 5a, 5b can be raised/lowered or moved closer to/further away from the treatment zone, by means of mechanical components or actuators for moving and constraining in position.

With reference instead to the means for feeding or supplying 4a, 4b coating filaments, e.g. spools 4a, 4b (see for example figures 3 and 4), these can be mounted on a framework 10a, 10b, in particular a fixed framework, if desired with multiple spools 4a that are supported, for example at different heights from each other, by a first framework 10a and designed to feed filaments Fl or fibers for obtaining filaments Fl towards a respective first directing component 5a, and, if desired, multiple spools 4b can also be provided that are supported, for example at different heights from each other, by a second framework 10b and designed to feed filaments F2 towards a respective second directing component 5b. The directing means, e.g. a guide eye, can also perform the task of collecting or grouping together multiple fibers or filaments which will then be conveyed or directed towards the tank 2 or the tubular component 20, all together or collected in a bundle.

A machine according to the present invention can then comprise at least two 5 trays (not illustrated in the figure) for containing hardenable fluid, e.g. resin, which are placed on opposite sides from each other with respect to the treatment zone TZ: one tray is intended to coat, with fluid or resin, the filament or filaments immersed in the fluid contained therein in the passage between the means for feeding or supplying 4a and the first directing component 5a, and the other tray is intended to coat, with resin, the l o filament or filaments immersed in the fluid contained therein in the passage between the means for feeding or supplying 4b and the second directing component 5b.

The machine is then advantageously provided with a control unit (not illustrated in the figures) capable of managing and synchronizing the movement of the components, if desired the rotary motion of the tank 2 or tubular component 20 around 15 the first axis x-x as well as the possible oscillatory movement of the support means 3 around the axis y-y.

In accordance with the present invention, a method is also provided for coating an object, such as a tank 2 or a tubular component 20 comprising the following steps:

- arranging an object, such as a tank 2 or a tubular component 20, in a treatment 20 zone TZ defined by means for supporting and driving 3, so as to rotatably support, around a first rotation axis x-x, the object 2, 20 by means of the means for supporting and driving 3,

- arranging means for feeding or supplying 4a, 4b coating filaments,

- arranging means for conveying and transferring 5a, 5b filaments Fl, F2 25 towards the treatment zone TZ and around the object, such as a tank 2 or a tubular component 20, such means for conveying and transferring comprising at least one first directing component 5a as well as at least one second directing component 5b angularly offset, with reference to the treatment zone TZ, with respect to the first directing component 5a, such that each directing component 5a, 5b is designed to convey one or 30 more respective filaments Fl, F2 between the means for feeding or supplying 4a, 4b and a respective portion of the treatment zone TZ;

- constraining, if desired by means of a glue or adhesive means, a first end length Fla of a first coating filament Fl to a first portion of the tank 2 or tubular component 20 as well as a second end length F2a of a second coating filament F2 to a second portion of the tank 2 or tubular component 20, with the first filament Fl being conveyed by a respective directing component 5a different from that 5b conveying the second filament F2, such that the second end length F2a is angularly offset, with reference to the treatment zone TZ, with respect to the first end length Fla,

- controlling the rotation of the object, such as a tank 2 or a tubular component 20, around a first rotation axis x-x and at the same time relatively moving the means for supporting and driving 3 and hence the object 2, 20 with respect to the first 5a and to the second 5b directing component, so as to obtain a coating of an object, such as a tank 2 or a tubular component 20, with the filament or the filaments Fl conveyed by the first directing component 5 a interwoven with as well as, if desired, partly superimposed and partly underlying the filament or the filaments F2 conveyed by the second directing component 5b.

Subsequently, the hardenable fluid (resin) is hardened or left to harden on the filaments, so as to firmly connect or fix the filaments to the object, such as a tank 2 or a tubular component 20.

Preferably, the first filament or first filaments Fl are wound around the tank 2 or tubular component 20 in accordance with a first substantially helical unwinding EDI, while the second filament or second filaments F2 are wound in accordance with a second substantially helical unwinding ED2 with rotation direction inverted with respect to the first substantially helical unwinding ED of the first filament or first filaments. For such purpose, as indicated above, the first substantially helical unwinding EDI and the second substantially helical unwinding ED2 have rotation directions opposite each other, if both are considered in the passage from one same end of the tank to the same other end of the tank, e.g. by considering them both in the passage from the first 2b to the second 2c end or from the second end 2c to the first end 2b.

Preferably, a method according to the present invention allows obtaining a coating of an object, such as a tank 2 or a tubular component 20, with at least one first part Fla of the filament or filaments Fl conveyed by the first directing component 5a interwoven with and underlying at least one second portion F2b of the filament or filaments F2 conveyed by the second directing component, and at least one second part Fib of the filament or filaments Fl conveyed by the first directing component 5a interwoven with and underlying at least one first portion F2a of the filament or filaments F2 conveyed by the second directing component.

Advantageously, the step that provides for relatively moving the means for supporting and driving 3 with respect to the first 5a and second 5b directing component comprises angularly moving the means for supporting and driving 3 around a second axis y-y transverse or orthogonal to the first rotation axis x-x.

If desired, the step of relative movement of the means for supporting and driving 3 with respect to the directing components comprises a step of moving the means for supporting and driving 3 so as to impart an oscillatory movement thereto around a second axis y-y transverse or orthogonal to the first axis x-x, i.e. in an alternating manner with a first Rl and a second R2 rotation direction around the second axis y-y. In such case, the directing means are preferably fixed or locked in position before the step that provides for controlling the rotation of the object and the relative movement of the means for supporting and driving and at least for the entire duration of such step.

A method according to the present invention is in particular adapted for coating a tank 2 or a tubular component 20 comprising a substantially cylindrical lateral wall 2a as well as a first 2b and a second end 2c connected by means of the substantially cylindrical lateral wall 2a.

In such case, advantageously, the first end length Fla of the first filament Fl is constrained at or proximal to the first end 2b of the tank 2 or tubular component 20 and is distal from the second end 2c, while the second end length F2a of the second filament F2 is constrained at or proximal to the second end 2c of the tank 2 or tubular component 20e distal from the first end 2b. This - particularly if an oscillatory movement is imparted to the tank 2 or tubular component 20 around a second axis y-y - causes a winding of the first filament Fl in the direction opposite the second filament F2, i.e. the first filament Fl is wound in the direction from the first end 2b to the second end 2c, while the second filament F2 is wound in the direction from the second end 2c to the first end 2b. If it is then desired to obtain a coating with multiple layers of each filament, then one will continue to oscillate the support means 3 and hence the tank 2 or tubular component 20, obtaining an actual backward movement of the free ends of the filaments, i.e. the first filament Fl would be wound in the direction from the second end 2c to the first end 2b, while the second filament F2 would be wound in the direction from the first end 2b to the second end 2c and so forth.

Still more advantageously, the first end length Fla of the first filament Fl is constrained in a portion of the tank 2 or tubular component 20 that is angularly spaced, e.g. by an angle between 90° and 180°, from the constraining portion of the second end length F2a of the second filament F2.

A method in accordance with the present invention is preferably implemented by means of a machine 1 as described above.

In accordance with the present invention, a tank 2 or tubular component 20 is then provided comprising a substantially cylindrical lateral wall 2a as well as a first 2b and a second 2c end or flat or slightly curved faces, such ends or faces being connected by means of the substantially cylindrical lateral wall 2a as well as an external coating 6 at least of the lateral wall 2a or better yet of the entire lateral wall 2a; such external coating 6 comprises at least one first filament Fl as well as at least one second filament F2 wound on the lateral wall 2a, with the first filament interwoven with as well as partly superimposed and partly underlying the second filament F2. The coating 6 preferably covers or affects the entire lateral wall 2a and, if desired, the ends or faces 2b, 2c in a substantially continuous and uniform manner and thus comprises windings interwoven and partly superimposed and partly underlying the filaments.

Preferably, a first filament or first filaments Fl is/are wound in accordance with a first substantially helical unwinding EDI, while the second filament or second filaments F2 is/are wound in accordance with a second substantially helical unwinding ED2 with rotation direction inverted (on the basis of the abovementioned considerations) with respect to the first substantially helical unwinding EDI of the first filament or first filaments Fl .

Advantageously, at least one first part Fla of the first filament Fl is interwoven with and underlying at least one second portion F2b of the second filament F2, while at least one second part Fib of the first filament Fl, applied after the first part Fla, is interwoven with and superimposed at least one first portion F2a of the second filament applied before the second portion F2b. Preferably, the filaments Fl, F2 have respective interwoven portions that are angled with respect to each other by an angle between 10° and 120°, still more preferably between 10° and 60° for coating a tubular component 20 and between 60° and 120° for coating a tank 2.

In a tank or tubular component, clearly, the filaments Fl, F2 are firmly connected or fixed, i.e. removably constrained, to the lateral wall 2a.

In substance, a machine and a method according to the present invention allow/provide for placing an object, such as a tank 2 or tubular component 20, on the means for supporting and driving 3 and imparting a continuous rotary motion in an established direction around the first rotation axis x-x or an alternating rotary motion (in particular with reference to the embodiment of figure 12 described hereinbelow) first in one direction and then in an opposite direction around the first rotation axis x-x. Simultaneously or substantially simultaneously, the means for supporting and driving 3 are relatively moved with respect to the directing components 5a, 5b, for example a pendular oscillatory motion is imparted to the tank 2 or to the tubular component 20 around the second axis y-y.

The directing means, such as eyes for guiding and converging filaments unwound from one or more filament-carrier spools, are provided at a distance from the means for supporting and driving 3, preferably in fixed position.

The machine is then provided with a control unit (not illustrated in the figures) capable of managing the movement of the components and synchronizing the rotary motion of the tank 2 or tubular component 20, as well as the possible oscillatory movement of the support means 3 around the axis y-y.

The synchronization and the controlled movement of the components, in particular of continuous or alternated rotary movements, if desired pendular oscillatory movements, of the tank 2 or tubular component 20 allows applying the coating 6 over the entire external surface of the lateral wall of the tank 2 or of the tubular component 20 - as well as in particular if one must coat a tank 2, of the ends 2b and 2c thereof.

With reference to the variant illustrated in figure 12, the means for conveying and transferring filaments comprise a plurality, e.g. three, four, six or eight directing components 5al, 5a2, 5a3, 5bl, 5b2, 5b3 placed around the rotation axis x-x, if desired angularly spaced and each intended to convey a respective filament F11, F12, F13, F21, F22, F23 towards the treatment zone TZ.

For such purpose, the first directing components can include a first directing main component 5a into which a band of filaments Fl 1, F12 and F13 is fed or made to pass, which are then sent towards a respective first auxiliary directing component 5a 1, 5a2, 5a3 and then towards the object, e.g. a tank 2 or a tubular component 20, while the second directing means can comprise a second main directing component 5b into which a band of filaments F21, F22 and F23 is fed or made to pass, which are then sent towards a respective second auxiliary directing component 5b 1, 5b2, 5b3 and then towards the tank 2 or tubular component 20.

Such machine is in particular adapted for coating a tank for containing a fluid under pressure, such as a gas, e.g. methane, which comprises a shell component 2 delimiting the housing zone for the fluid of the tank, such shell component 2 preferably being made of a single piece and made of a fluid-tight material, if desired of a plastic or composite material. Such tank also delimits multiple slits 2d that are transverse or intercepting the fluid housing zone delimited by the shell component 2, such slits 2d being fluid-tight with respect to the fluid housing zone. In such case, the coating 6 is applied around the shell component 2 and within the slits 2d so as to also constitute a reinforcement layer of the tank. In such case, multiple slits 2d are provided that angularly spaced from each other and, if desired in a number equal to the sum of the first 5al, 5a2, 5a3 and second 5bl, 5b2, 5b3 auxiliary directing components.

More particularly, the slits 2d are angularly spaced by an angle substantially equal to that between the auxiliary directing components 5al, 5a2, 5a3, 5b 1, 5b2, 5b3. In such case, each slit 2d is filled with the filaments Fl, F2 interwoven with each other and more particularly with the filaments conveyed by each directing component interwoven with each other.

As will be understood, a machine and a method according to the present invention allow obtaining a very resistant coating, since the filaments are interwoven with each other and between each other for the entire extension thereof and in quick times - also doubled with respect to the solutions according to the state of the art, considering that while a layer of a first filament is applied, a layer of a second filament or other filaments is also applied, and at the end of the procedure such filaments will be interwoven with each other.

This is in particular obtainable due to the presence of multiple angularly offset directing means which convey respective wires at a respective part of the treatment zone as well as due to the fact that the first end length Fla of the first filament Fl is constrained or constrainable at or proximal to a first end 2b of the tank 2 or tubular component 20 and distal from the second end 2c, while the second end length F2a of the second filament F2 is constrained at or proximal to the second end 2c of the tank 2 or tubular component 20e distal from the first end 2b.

Analogous considerations can be made with reference to a tank or tubular component according to the present invention which is stronger than the tanks proposed up to now.

US3773583A and US3963185A teach a machine and a method for obtaining a

T-configured product, or a product with another configuration, which is made of a reinforcement material impregnated with synthetic resin. More particularly, such machine comprises a mandrel rotatable around a longitudinal axis, which can also be angularly moved with respect to the axis of a rotatable carousel. Two guides are then provided for filaments to be conveyed towards the mandrel, such guides being mounted on the rotatable carousel around the mandrel and can also be lifted and lowered.

With one such machine, filaments are fed conveyed in the guides towards the mandrel, while the mandrel is rotated and angularly moved with respect to the carousel, simultaneously moving upward and downward the guides and making them rotate around the mandrel. At the end of the procedure, the piece obtained by means of the winding of filaments is disassembled from the mandrel, obtaining a T-shaped connector or a component with another shape.

Therefore, as can be verified, US3773583A and US3963185A are not at all relative to machines or methods for coating an object, such as a tank, but rather to machines and methods for producing an object by means of filaments; the final product obtainable according to such solutions in accordance with the state of the art is not a coated object, but rather it is a piece constituted only by means of filaments.

It will also be observed that the thread guides of the machines of US3773583A and US3963185A are continuously moved and rotated during the method, while in a machine and in a method according to the present invention, the directing components are fixed or maintained fixed in position, at least during the operations of coating or winding.

It must also be considered that a machine in accordance with the present invention is provided with means for supporting and driving in rotation that are different from the machines of US3773583A and US3963185A, in particular where the means for supporting and driving include a base plate and two uprights projecting upward from respective sections of the base plate. On the contrary, the mandrel of US3773583A and US3963185A is supported and can only be supported at one end thereof, which involves lesser stability and safety than a machine according to the present invention.

It will then be observed that the mandrel of the machines of US3773583A and US3963185A is never moved in an alternating manner with a first and a second rotation direction around a second axis, since such mandrel is guided along a path, but not rotated with respect to a rotation axis.

With regard to the embodiment in accordance with the present invention according to which the machine comprises means of displacement designed to move, substantially simultaneously, the first and the second directing component so as to move them closer-apart, it will be observed that the directing components of US3773583A and US3963185A are always at the same distance from each other and cannot at all be moved apart or closer to each other. With reference then to a method in accordance with the present invention, a first filament or first filaments is constrained at or proximal to a first end or face of the tank or tubular component and distal from a second end or face of the tank, while the second filament (at the start of the coating) is constrained, if desired by means of an adhesive or glue means, proximal to the second end of the tank or tubular component and distal from the first end.

Such expedient is neither taught nor suggested by US3773583A and US3963185A, since according to such documents, the filaments are placed at the same point at the start of the respective method.

This, apart from the intrinsic difference between the coating method (according to the present invention) and the method for obtaining an object by means of filaments (according to US3773583A and US3963185A), involves a winding entirely different from that obtainable with the methods in accordance with the state of the art.

Hence, for example, the first and the second directing component might not be fixed in position, but movable, simultaneously or substantially simultaneously, in particular during the coating at least partly along a direction parallel to the first rotation axis x-x, so as to move them closer-further apart from each other. For such purpose, preferably independently from each other or with different movement means, the first and the second directing component could be moved parallel to the first rotation axis x- x, but in opposite directions, and ensuring that at the start of the coating the first directing component is in proximity to a first end 2b of the tank or tubular component 20 and distal from the second end 2c, while the second directing component is in proximity to second end 2c of the tank or tubular component 20 and distal from the first end 2b, before then moving, during winding, the first directing component towards the or closer to the second end 2c of the tank or tubular component 20 and at the same time the second directing component towards the or closer to the first end 2b. In such case, the control unit would be able to manage and synchronize the movement of the components, if desired the rotary motion of the tank 2 or tubular component 20 around the first axis x-x as well as the possible simultaneous movement of the first and of the second directing component along a direction at least partly parallel to the axis x-x. Such variant could be used in combination or as an alternative to the above-described embodiment, in which the means of displacement are designed to angularly move the means for supporting and driving around a second axis transverse or orthogonal to the first rotation axis.

Claims

1. A machine for coating an object, such as a tank (2) or a tubular component (20) comprising:

- means for supporting and driving (3) in rotation intended to support an object (2, 20) in a treatment zone (TZ) and to drive it in rotation around a first rotation axis (x- x),

- means for conveying and transferring (5a, 5al, 5a2, 5a3, 5b, 5bl, 5b2, 5b3) said filaments (Fl, Fl l, F12, F13, F2, F21, F22, F23) towards said treatment zone (TZ) and around said object (2, 20),

wherein said means for conveying and transferring comprise at least one first directing component (5a, 5al, 5a2, 5a3) as well as at least one second directing component (5b, 5b 1, 5b2, 5b3) angularly offset with respect to said at least one first directing component (5a, 5al, 5a2, 5a3) with reference to said treatment zone (TZ), so that each directing component (5a, 5al, 5a2, 5a3, 5b, 5bl, 5b2, 5b3) is designed to convey one or more respective filaments (Fl, Fl l, F12, F13, F2, F21, F22, F23) towards a respective portion of said treatment zone (TZ) and towards an object (2, 20) to be coated supported therein, and

wherein said machine comprises means of displacement designed to angularly move said means for supporting and driving (3) around a second axis (y-y) transversal or orthogonal to said first rotation axis (x-x), so as to relatively move said means for supporting and driving (3) with respect to said at least one first (5a, 5al, 5a2, 5a3) and said at least one second (5b, 5b 1, 5b2, 5b3) directing component, thereby obtaining a coating (6) of an object (2, 20) with the filament or filaments (Fl, Fl l, F12, F13) conveyed by said at least one first directing component (5a, 5al, 5a2, 5a3) interwoven with the filament or filaments (F2, F21, F22, F23) conveyed by said at least one second directing component (5b, 5bl, 5b2, 5b3),

said at least one first (5 a) and/or said at least one second (5b) directing component being fixed in position or said machine comprises means of locking in position said at least one first (5a) and/or said at least one second (5b) directing component.

2. A machine according to claim 1, wherein said at least one first (5 a) and/or said at least one second (5b) directing component are fixed or maintained fixed in position at least during the operations of coating of an object.

3. A machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said means of displacement are intended to move said means for supporting and driving so as to provide them with an oscillatory movement around said second axis (y-y), namely in an alternating manner with a first (Rl) and a second (R2) direction of rotation around said second axis (y-y).

4. A machine according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one base (7) while said means for supporting and driving (3) are rotatably mounted on said at least one base (7) around said second axis (y-y).

5. A machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said means for supporting and driving (3) include a base plate (3a) and at least two uprights (3b) protruding from respective sections of said base plate (3 a) and delimiting between them said treatment zone (TZ), said means for supporting and driving further comprising gripping or engagement elements (3dl, 3d2) of a respective end (2b, 2c) of an object (2, 20), said gripping or engagement elements (3dl, 3d2) extending from said uprights (3b, 3c).

6. A machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said means of displacement are designed to angularly move said means for supporting and driving (3) around a second vertical axis (y-y).

7. A machine according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising means for moving and locking in position said at least one first (5a) and/or said at least one second (5b) directing component, so as to change the position of said directing components (5a, 5b) and therefore the inclination of the filaments (Fl, F2) conveyed by them with respect to said treatment zone (TZ), and then, in use, with respect to said object (2, 20).

8. A machine for coating an object, such as a tank (2) or a tubular component (20) comprising:

- means for supporting and driving (3) in rotation intended to support an object (2, 20) in a treatment zone (TZ) and to drive it in rotation around a first rotation axis (x- X), - means for conveying and transferring (5a, 5al, 5a2, 5a3, 5b, 5bl, 5b2, 5b3) filaments (Fl, Fl 1, F12, F13, F2, F21, F22, F23) towards said treatment zone (TZ) and around said object (2, 20),

wherein said means for conveying and transferring comprise at least one first directing component (5a, 5al, 5a2, 5a3) as well as at least one second directing component (5b, 5b 1, 5b2, 5b3) angularly offset with respect to said at least one first directing component (5a, 5al, 5a2, 5a3) with reference to said treatment zone (TZ), so that each directing component (5a, 5al, 5a2, 5a3, 5b, 5b 1, 5b2, 5b3) is designed to convey one or more respective filaments (Fl, Fl 1, F12, F13, F2, F21, F22, F23) towards a respective portion of said treatment zone (TZ) and towards an object (2, 20) to be coated supported in it, and

wherein said machine comprises means of displacement designed to substantially simultaneously move said at least one first (5a, 5al, 5a2, 5a3) and said at least one second (5b, 5b 1, 5b2, 5b3) directing component at least partly along a direction parallel to said first rotation axis (x-x) so as to move them closer-further apart, thereby obtaining a coating (6) of an object (2, 20) with the filament or filaments (Fl, Fl 1, F12, F13) conveyed by said at least one first directing component (5a, 5al, 5a2, 5a3) interwoven with the filament or filaments (F2, F21, F22, F23) conveyed by said at least one second directing component (5b, 5bl, 5b2, 5b3).

9. A machine according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising means for feeding or supplying (4a, 4b) coating filaments (Fl, F2, Fl 1, F12, F13, F21, F22, F23), and wherein each directing component (5a, 5al, 5a2, 5a3, 5b, 5bl, 5b2, 5b3) is designed to convey one or more respective filaments (Fl, Fl 1, F12, F13, F2, F21, F22, F23) between said means for feeding or supplying (4a, 4b) and a respective portion of said treatment zone (TZ).

10. A machine according to claim 9, comprising at least two trays for containing hardenable fluid placed on opposite sides from each other with respect to said treatment zone (TZ) and one intended to coat with a hardenable fluid the filament or filaments (Fl) between said means for feeding or supplying (4a) and said at least one first directing component (5a) and the other intended to coat with hardenable fluid the filament or filaments (F2) between said means for feeding or supplying (4b) and said at least one second directing component (5b).

11. A machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said means for conveying and transferring filaments comprise a plurality of directing components (5al, 5a2, 5a3, 5b 1, 5b2, 5b3) placed around said rotation axis (x-x) and angularly spaced apart with each other and each designed to convey a respective filament (F11, F12, F13, F21, F22, F23) towards said treatment zone (TZ).

12. A machine according to claim 11, wherein said at least one first directing component includes a first main directing component (5a), as well as a plurality of first auxiliary directing components (5al, 5a2, 5a3), said first auxiliary directing components (5al, 5a2, 5a3) being placed around said rotation axis (x-x) and each intended to convey a respective filament (Fl 1, F12, F13) between said first main directing component (5a) and a respective portion of said treatment zone (TZ), while said at least one second directing means includes a second main directing component (5b) and a plurality of second auxiliary directing components (5b 1, 5b2, 5b3), said second auxiliary directing components (5b 1, 5b2, 5b3) being placed around said rotation axis (x-x) and each intended to convey a respective filament (F21, F22, F23) between said second main directing component (5b) and a respective portion of said treatment zone (TZ).

13. A machine according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising support structures (9a, 9b), each projecting from the floor (P), and placed on opposite sides from each other with respect to said means for supporting and driving in rotation (3), and wherein said at least one first directing component (5a, 5al, 5a2, 5a3) and said at least one second directing component(5b, 5bl, 5b2, 5b3) are each mounted on a respective support structure (9a, 9b).

14. A method for coating an object, such as a tank (2) or a tubular component (20) comprising the following steps:

- arranging an object (2, 20) in a treatment zone (TZ) defined by means for supporting and driving (3), so as to rotatably support said object (2, 20) around a first rotation axis (x-x) by means of said means for supporting and driving (3),

- arranging means for feeding or supplying (4a, 4b) coating filaments (Fl, F2), - arranging means for conveying and transferring (5a, 5b) said filaments (Fl, F2) towards said treatment zone (TZ) and around said object (2, 20), said means for conveying and transferring comprising at least one first directing component (5a) and at least one second directing component (5b) angularly offset with respect to said at least one first directing component (5a) with reference to said treatment zone (TZ), so that each directing component (5a, 5b) is designed to convey one or more respective filaments (Fl, F2) between said means for feeding or supplying (4a, 4b) and a respective portion of said treatment zone (TZ) and towards said object (2, 20) to be coated supported in it,

- constraining a first end length (Fla) of at least one first coating filament (Fl) to a first end or face (2b) of said object (2, 20) and distal from a second end or face (2c) of said object (2, 20) and a second end length (F2a) of at least one second coating filament (F2) to said second end or face (2c) of said object (2, 20) and distal from said first end or face (2b), said at least one first filament (Fl) being conveyed by a respective directing component (5 a) different from the directing component (5b) of said at least one second filament (F2), so that said second end length (F2a) is angularly offset, with reference to said treatment zone (TZ), with respect to said first end length (Fla),

- controlling the rotation of said object (2, 20) around said first rotation axis (x- x) and at the same time relatively moving said means for supporting and driving (3) and hence said object (2, 20) with respect to said at least one first (5a) and said at least one second (5b) directing component, so as to obtain a coating (6) of said object (2, 20) with the filament or filaments (Fl) conveyed by said at least one first directing component (5 a) interwoven with as well as partly superimposed and partly underlying the filament or filaments (F2) conveyed by said at least one second directing component (5b).

15. A method according to claim 14, wherein said at least one first filament (Fl) is wound in accordance with a first substantially helical unwinding (EDI) and said at least one second filament (F2) is wound in accordance with a second substantially helical unwinding (ED2) with a direction of rotation inverted with respect to said first substantially helical unwinding (EDI) of said at least one first filament (Fl), said first substantially helical unwinding (EDI) and said second substantially helical unwinding (ED2) having directions of rotation opposite each other, when both are considered in the passage from one end (2b, 2c) of said object to the other end (2c, 2b) of said object.

16. A method according to claim 14 or 15, wherein a coating of an object is achieved with at least one first part (Fla) of the filament or filaments (Fl) conveyed by

5 said at least one first directing component (5a) interwoven with and underlying at least one second portion (F2b) of the filament or filaments (F2) conveyed by said at least one second directing component (5b) and at least one second part (Fib) of the filament or filaments conveyed by said at least one first directing component (5 a) interwoven with and superimposed to at least one first portion (F2a) of the filament or filaments (F2) l o conveyed by said at least one second directing component (5b).

17. A method according to claim 14, 15 or 16, wherein said step of relatively moving said means for supporting and driving (3) with respect to said at least one first (5a) and said at least one second (5b) component comprises angularly moving said means for supporting and driving (3) around a second axis (y-y) transversal or

15 orthogonal to said first rotation axis (x-x).

18. A method according to claim 17, wherein said step of relatively moving said means for supporting and driving (3) with respect to said at least one first (5a) and said at least one second (5b) directing component comprises a step of displacement of said means for supporting and driving (3) so as to provide thereto an oscillatory movement

20 around said second axis (y-y), namely in an alternating manner with a first (Rl) and a second (R2) direction of rotation around said second axis.

19. A method according to any one of claims 14 to 18, wherein said object (2, 20) comprises a substantially cylindrical lateral wall (2a) as well as a first end or face (2b) and a second end or face (2c) connected to one another by means of said substantially

25 cylindrical lateral wall (2a) and wherein said first end length (Fla) of said first filament (Fl) is secured at or proximally to said first end (2b) of said object (2, 20) and distally from said second end (2c), while said second terminal length (F2a) of said second filament (F2) is secured to or proximally to said second end (2c) of said object (2, 20) and distally from said first end (2b).

30 20. A method according to any one of claims 14 to 19, comprising a method for winding continuous filaments.

21. A method according to any one of claims 14 to 20, wherein said at least one first directing component (5a) and said at least one second directing component (5b) are maintained fixed in position during the displacement of said means for supporting and driving (3) with respect to said directing components.

22. A method according to any one of claims 14 to 21, carried out by means of a machine according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

23. A method according to any one of claims 14 to 22, wherein after having controlled the rotation of said object (2, 20), the hardenable fluid is hardened or left to harden on the filaments, so as to firmly connect or fix the filaments (Fl, F2) to said object (2, 20).

24. A tank or tubular component comprising a substantially cylindrical lateral wall (2a) as well as a first end or face (2b) and a second end or face (2c) connected to one another by means of said substantially cylindrical lateral wall (2a) and an outer coating (6) of said lateral wall (2a), said outer coating comprising at least one first filament (Fl) and at least one second filament (F2) wound on and around said substantially cylindrical lateral wall (2a), said at least one first filament (Fl) being interwoven with as well as in part superimposed to and in part underlying said at least one second filament (F2), and wherein said at least one first filament (Fl) is wound in accordance with a first substantially helical unwinding (EDI), while said at least one second filament (F2) is wound in accordance with a second substantially helical unwinding (ED2) with a direction of rotation inverted with respect to said first substantially helical unwinding (EDI) of said at least one first filament (Fl), said first substantially helical unwinding (EDI) and said second substantially helical unwinding (ED2) having directions of rotation opposite to one another considered in the direction from one end (2b, 2c) to the other end (2c, 2b) of said tank (2) or tubular component (20).

25. A tank or tubular component according to claim 24, wherein

at least one first part (Fla) of said at least one first filament (Fl) is interwoven with and underlying at least one second portion (F2b) of said at least one second filament (F2) and at least one second part (Fib) of said at least one first filament (Fl) applied after said at least one first part (Fla) is interwoven with and superimposed to at least one first portion (F2a) of said at least one second filament (F2) applied before said at least one second portion (F2b).

26. A tank or tubular component according to claim 24 or 25, wherein said at least one first filament (Fl) has parts interwoven with and angled with respect to portions of said at least one second filament (F2) by an angle between 10° and 60° or between 60° and 120°.

27. A tank or tubular component according to claim 24, 25 or 26, wherein said filaments (Fl, F2) are firmly connected or fixed to said lateral wall (2a).