Fiber winding device and fiber winding method

Abstract

The present invention provides a fiber winding device and a fiber winding method. In the fiber winding device (10) and the fiber winding method, a straight roller (110) is selected when a workpiece (14) is wound with a tape bundle (12) by hoop winding, and the selected straight roller (110) is brought into contact with the tape bundle (12). In addition, a convex roller (112) is selected when the workpiece (14) is wound with the tape bundle (12) by spiral winding, and the selected convex roller (112) is brought into contact with the tape bundle (12). Accordingly, it is possible to improve the mechanical strength of a workpiece, i.e., a product, wound with the tape bundle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a filament winding apparatus and a filament winding method. Background Technology

[0002] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2007-276193 discloses a fiber winding device (FW device) for winding a fiber bundle containing multiple fibers together onto a workpiece. In the FW device, multiple fiber bundles are arranged in a row along the width direction of the fiber bundle to form a strip-shaped fiber bundle (strip bundle). The strip bundle is then wound onto the workpiece. Summary of the Invention

[0003] When a strip bundle is wound onto a workpiece in a helical manner, a difference in path length occurs between the center and both ends of the strip bundle in its width direction. Specifically, the path length at the center of the strip bundle becomes longer, while the path length at both ends becomes shorter. Consequently, the tension applied to the fiber bundles located at the ends of the strip bundle is less than the tension applied to the fiber bundle located at the center. As a result, the mechanical strength of the workpiece, i.e., the product, wound with the strip bundle may sometimes decrease.

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to solve the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0005] A first aspect of the present invention is a fiber winding device that supplies a strip bundle of multiple fibers together to a workpiece. The workpiece has a cylindrical portion and rounded tops at both ends of the cylindrical portion. The fiber winding device is used to wind the strip bundle around the workpiece. The fiber winding device has multiple rollers and a roller changing mechanism. The multiple rollers are able to feed the strip bundle to the workpiece by rotating while in contact with the strip bundle. The roller changing mechanism is able to select any one of the multiple rollers and make the selected roller contact the strip bundle. The multiple rollers have straight rollers and crown rollers. The roller changing mechanism performs the following processing: when winding the strip bundle around the workpiece by circumferential winding, the straight roller is selected and the selected straight roller is made to contact the strip bundle; when winding the strip bundle around the workpiece by helical winding, the crown roller is selected and the selected crown roller is made to contact the strip bundle.

[0006] A second aspect of the present invention provides a fiber winding method, wherein a strip bundle of multiple fibers is supplied to a workpiece, the workpiece having a cylindrical portion and rounded tops at both ends of the cylindrical portion, the fiber winding method being used to wind the strip bundle around the workpiece, the fiber winding method comprising a first step and a second step, wherein in the first step, when winding the strip bundle around the workpiece by circumferential winding, a straight roller is selected and brought into contact with the strip bundle; on the other hand, when winding the strip bundle around the workpiece by helical winding, a convex roller is selected and brought into contact with the strip bundle; in the second step, the strip bundle is fed onto the workpiece by rotating the straight roller or the convex roller in contact with the strip bundle, and the strip bundle is wound around the workpiece.

[0007] According to the present invention, a straight roller is selected for circumferential winding, and a convex roller is selected for helical winding. Accordingly, when the strip bundle is wound onto a workpiece, the difference in path length between the center and both ends in the width direction of the strip bundle can be absorbed, and appropriate tension can be applied to each fiber bundle of the strip bundle. As a result, the mechanical strength of the workpiece, i.e., the product, formed by winding the strip bundle can be improved.

[0008] The above-described objectives, features, and advantages should be readily understood through the description of the following embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of the FW device.

[0010] Figure 2 This is the front view of the workpiece.

[0011] Figure 3 This is the front view of the straight roller.

[0012] Figure 4 This is the front view of the convex roller.

[0013] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the FW device. Detailed Implementation

[0014] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of the fiber winding apparatus 10 according to this embodiment. In the following description, the fiber winding apparatus 10 will sometimes be referred to as the FW apparatus 10.

[0015] The FW device 10 manufactures products such as pressure cans (not shown) by winding a strip bundle 12, in which multiple fibers (not shown) are bundled together, onto a workpiece 14. The strip bundle 12 consists of a fiber bundle 16, in which multiple fibers are bundled together, along the width direction of the strip bundle 12. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The arrows (in the direction of C) are arranged in a row to form the structure.

[0016] Fiber bundle 16 is formed by bundling multiple fibers. The fibers forming fiber bundle 16 are, for example, carbon fiber or glass fiber. Resin is pre-impregnated in fiber bundle 16. The resin impregnating fiber bundle 16 is, for example, epoxy resin, a thermosetting resin. Therefore, fiber bundle 16 is a so-called tow-prepreg.

[0017] like Figure 2 As shown, workpiece 14 is an inner liner 18 made of resin or metal. A fiber-reinforced resin layer (not shown) is formed on the surface of the inner liner 18 by winding a strip bundle 12 around it.

[0018] Specifically, the inner liner 18 has a cylindrical part 20 and dome parts 22 located at both ends of the cylindrical part 20. Cylindrical interfaces 28 are mounted coaxially with the axis 24 (central axis) of the inner liner 18 at each of the two dome parts 22. Furthermore, the direction of the axis 24 of the inner liner 18 is in the direction of arrow A.

[0019] The FW device 10 spirally winds a ribbon bundle 12 across the surface of the cylindrical portion 20, thereby forming a spiral layer on the surface of the workpiece 14. Additionally, the FW device 10 forms a circumferential layer by circumferentially winding the ribbon bundle 12 around the surface of the portion of the cylindrical portion 20 within the spiral layer. Thus, a fiber-reinforced resin layer is formed on the surface of the workpiece 14 by winding the ribbon bundle 12 around the surface of the workpiece 14.

[0020] like Figure 1 As shown, the FW device 10 includes a fiber bundle delivery section 30, a delivery head 32, and an inner support section 34. In the FW device 10, the fiber bundle delivery section 30 and the delivery head 32 are arranged sequentially along the direction of arrow B towards the workpiece 14. Arrow B is also the conveying direction of the plurality of fiber bundles 16 and strip bundles 12.

[0021] The fiber bundle delivery unit 30 discharges a plurality of fiber bundles 16 and feeds them toward the transfer head 32. Specifically, the fiber bundle delivery unit 30 has a plurality of spools 36, a plurality of spool drive units (not shown), and a plurality of guide rollers 38. The plurality of spools 36 each have the same structure. The plurality of spool drive units each have the same structure. The plurality of guide rollers 38 each have the same structure.

[0022] Multiple spools 36 are pre-wound with fiber bundles 16 as yarn bundles. Each spool 36 is connected to a spool drive unit, such as a motor. The multiple spool drive units release the fiber bundles 16 from the spools 36 by rotating and driving the spools 36.

[0023] Multiple guide rollers 38 are rotatably arranged. Each guide roller 38 conveys the fiber bundles 16 emitted from each spool 36 to the transfer head 32 while reversing their direction. Therefore, multiple conveying paths 40 for conveying the multiple fiber bundles 16 emitted from the multiple spools 36 are formed in the fiber bundle delivery section 30 and the transfer head 32.

[0024] exist Figure 1 In this example, the fiber bundle delivery section 30 is provided with six spools 36, six spool drive sections, and two guide rollers 38. The two guide rollers 38 respectively convey three fiber bundles 16 emitted from the three spools 36 to the transfer head 32. Therefore, the multiple conveying paths 40 have a first conveying path 42 and a second conveying path 44. Multiple fiber bundles 16 are supplied to the transfer head 32 via the first conveying path 42 and the second conveying path 44, respectively.

[0025] In the following description, the fiber bundle 16 conveyed via the first conveying path 42 is referred to as the first fiber bundle 46. The fiber bundle 16 conveyed via the second conveying path 44 is referred to as the second fiber bundle 48. In addition, the fiber bundle 16 wound on each spool 36 and the fiber bundle 16 released from each spool 36, if multiple fibers are bundled together, are referred to as fiber bundle 16.

[0026] The transfer head 32 combines a plurality of first fiber bundles 46 supplied via the first transport path 42 and a plurality of second fiber bundles 48 supplied via the second transport path 44 to form a strip bundle 12 as a single strip of fiber bundles (belts). The transfer head 32 supplies the formed strip bundle 12 to the inner liner 18.

[0027] The transfer head 32 has multiple roller rows 50. Each roller row 50 includes multiple arranging rollers 52, two converging rollers 54 and 55, and multiple top rollers 56. The arranging rollers 52 are positioned upstream of the transfer head 32 in the direction of arrow B. The two converging rollers 54 and 55 are positioned downstream of the arranging rollers 52 in the direction of arrow B. The multiple top rollers 56 are positioned between the two converging rollers 54 and 55 and the workpiece 14.

[0028] The plurality of arrangement rollers 52 have a plurality of first arrangement rollers 58 and a plurality of second arrangement rollers 60. The plurality of first arrangement rollers 58 are arranged in a first conveying path 42. The plurality of second arrangement rollers 60 are arranged in a second conveying path 44.

[0029] Multiple first-row rollers 58 are sequentially arranged in the first conveying path 42. Multiple first fiber bundles 46 are mounted on the multiple first-row rollers 58. Multiple second-row rollers 60 are sequentially arranged in the second conveying path 44. Multiple second fiber bundles 48 are mounted on the multiple second-row rollers 60.

[0030] The first conveying path 42 and the second conveying path 44 merge at two collecting rollers 54 and 55. The two collecting rollers 54 and 55 rotate while contacting the plurality of first fiber bundles 46 conveyed via the first conveying path 42 and the plurality of second fiber bundles 48 conveyed via the second conveying path 44, thereby forming the plurality of fiber bundles 16 into a ribbon bundle 12. The two collecting rollers 54 and 55 feed the formed ribbon bundle 12 out in the direction of arrow B.

[0031] The top roller 56 delivers the strip bundle 12 from the two collecting rollers 54 and 55 to the inner liner 18 supported by the inner liner support 34.

[0032] The inner liner support 34 supports the inner liner 18, which serves as workpiece 14. The inner liner support 34 has a base 70, a first support column 72, a second support column 74, a first support shaft 76, and a second support shaft 78. The base 70 is a plate-shaped component. The first support column 72 and the second support column 74 are spaced apart on the base 70 in the direction of arrow A. The first support shaft 76 extends from the first support column 72 to the second support column 74. The first support shaft 76 is inserted into one of the interfaces 28 of the inner liner 18 (see reference). Figure 2 The second support shaft 78 extends coaxially from the second support column 74 to the first support column 72, along with the first support shaft 76. The second support shaft 78 is inserted into the other interface 28 of the inner liner 18. Therefore, the first support shaft 76 and the second support shaft 78 are coaxially configured with the axis 24 of the inner liner 18.

[0033] A rotary drive unit 80, such as a motor, is connected to the first support shaft 76. The rotary drive unit 80 rotates the workpiece 14 about the axis 24 of the inner liner 18 by rotating the first support shaft 76. As the workpiece 14 rotates, the transfer head 32 moves upstream and downstream in the directions of arrow A and arrow B, respectively, and a strip bundle 12 is released via the top roller 56, thereby allowing the strip bundle 12 to be wound around the surface of the inner liner 18.

[0034] A roller changing mechanism 90 is provided in the transfer head 32. The roller changing mechanism 90 selects any one of a plurality of top rollers 56 and brings the selected top roller 56 into contact with the belt bundle 12. Specifically, the roller changing mechanism 90 has a drive source 92 such as a motor and a plurality of arms 96 connected to a shaft 94 of the drive source 92. Any one of the top rollers 56 is connected to the top of each of the plurality of arms 96. The drive source 92 causes any one arm 96 to rotate about the shaft 94, thereby bringing the top roller 56 connected to that arm 96 into contact with the belt bundle 12. The remaining unselected top rollers 56 leave the belt bundle 12.

[0035] exist Figure 1 In the transmission head 32, three top rollers 56 and three arm sections 96 are provided. In the following description, the three top rollers 56 are sometimes referred to as the first top roller 100, the second top roller 102 and the third top roller 104.

[0036] like Figure 1 As shown, the contact points of the first top roller 100, the second top roller 102, and the third top roller 104 with the belt bundle 12 are different from each other. Specifically, the first top roller 100 can contact the upstream side of the belt bundle 12 between the two collecting rollers 54, 55 and the workpiece 14 in the direction of arrow B. The second top roller 102 can contact the belt bundle 12 downstream of the contact point of the first top roller 100 in the direction of arrow B. The third top roller 104 can contact the belt bundle 12 downstream of the contact point of the second top roller 102 in the direction of arrow B. Figure 1 The middle figure shows the first top roller 100 in contact with the belt bundle 12.

[0037] Multiple top rollers 56 have straight rollers 110 (see reference) Figure 3 ) and convex roller 112 (refer to Figure 4 ).

[0038] like Figure 3 As shown, the straight roller 110 extends along the direction of arrow C, which serves as the axis of the top roller 56, and is a cylindrical roller with an outer diameter of Φ. Figure 1 In the middle, the third top roller 104 is a straight roller 110.

[0039] like Figure 4 As shown, the convex roller 112 is a cylindrical roller extending in the direction of arrow C, with its outer diameter decreasing towards both ends from the center in that direction. The outer diameter at the center of the convex roller 112 is Φ1. Furthermore, the outer diameters at both ends of the convex roller 112 are Φ2 (Φ1 > Φ2). Figure 1 In the middle, the first top roller 100 and the second top roller 102 are convex rollers 112.

[0040] When the roll changing mechanism 90 winds the strip bundle 12 onto the workpiece 14 via circumferential winding, it selects the third top roller 104, which is a straight roller 110, and brings the selected third top roller 104 into contact with the strip bundle 12. Alternatively, when the roll changing mechanism 90 winds the strip bundle 12 onto the workpiece 14 via helical winding, it selects either the first top roller 100 or the second top roller 102, which is a convex roller 112, and brings the selected top roller 56 into contact with the strip bundle 12.

[0041] like Figure 2 As shown, the curvature of the surface of the dome 22 varies radially along the axis 24 of the dome 22, which is orthogonal to the axis 24 of the inner liner 18. Specifically, the curvature of the surface of the dome 22 becomes smaller as it approaches the axis 24. Conversely, the curvature of the surface of the dome 22 becomes larger as it moves away from the axis 24 and closer to the cylindrical portion 20.

[0042] The curvature of the convex roller 112 is set according to the winding angle WA of the strip bundle 12 wound around the inner liner 18 relative to the axis 24 of the inner liner 18. Furthermore, the winding angle WA is the angle formed between the strip bundle 12 wound around the inner liner 18 and the axis 24 of the inner liner 18. The winding angle WA becomes smaller the closer it is to the axis 24. Conversely, the winding angle WA becomes larger the further it is from the axis 24 and the closer it is to the cylindrical portion 20. As described above, the curvature of the surface of the dome 22 varies radially along the dome 22. Therefore, the winding angle WA of the strip bundle 12 wound around the dome 22 is a winding angle corresponding to the curvature of the surface of the dome 22.

[0043] The first top roller 100 and the second top roller 102 are convex rollers 112 with different curvatures. Specifically, the curvature of the surface of the first top roller 100 is smaller than the curvature of the surface of the second top roller 102.

[0044] When spirally winding the portion of the axis 24 near the surface of the dome 22 with relatively small curvature, the strip bundle 12 is wound at a small winding angle WA. In this case, the roller changing mechanism 90 selects the first top roller 100 with small surface curvature and brings the selected first top roller 100 into contact with the strip bundle 12.

[0045] When spirally winding the portion of the surface with relatively large curvature in the dome 22, the strip bundle 12 is wound at a large winding angle WA. In this case, the roller changing mechanism 90 selects the second top roller 102 with large surface curvature and brings the selected second top roller 102 into contact with the strip bundle 12.

[0046] When the control unit 130, described later, determines the winding of the strip bundle 12 onto the inner liner 18 according to the plan included in the prescribed procedure, it can select any winding angle WA as a threshold. Accordingly, if the winding angle WA is above the threshold, the roller changing mechanism 90 can select the second top roller 102 with a large surface curvature and bring the selected second top roller 102 into contact with the strip bundle 12. Alternatively, if the winding angle WA is less than the threshold, the roller changing mechanism 90 can select the first top roller 100 with a small surface curvature and bring the selected first top roller 100 into contact with the strip bundle 12. In this way, the first top roller 100 or the second top roller 102 can be pre-selected based on the threshold. Alternatively, a camera or sensor (not shown) can be used to detect the winding angle WA, and the first top roller 100 or the second top roller 102 can be selected based on the detected winding angle WA.

[0047] In addition, the roller changing mechanism 90 selects the third top roller 104 when winding the strip bundle 12 around the cylindrical portion 20 by circumferential winding, and makes the selected third top roller 104 contact the strip bundle 12.

[0048] The FW device 10 also includes a computer 129. The computer 129 has a control unit 130 that functions as a processor. The control unit 130 can be configured as a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). That is, the control unit 130 can be configured as a processing circuitry.

[0049] The control unit 130 has a memory 132. The control unit 130 reads and executes programs stored in the memory 132 to perform various functions for controlling the various parts of the FW device 10.

[0050] Alternatively, at least a portion of the functions of the control unit 130 can also be implemented by integrated circuits such as ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits) and FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays). Alternatively, at least a portion of the functions of the control unit 130 can also be implemented by electronic circuits including discrete components.

[0051] The memory 132 can be composed of volatile memory (not shown) and non-volatile memory (not shown). Examples of volatile memory include RAM (Random Access Memory). This volatile memory is used as the processor's working memory, temporarily storing data required for processing or computation. Examples of non-volatile memory include ROM (Read Only Memory) and flash memory. This non-volatile memory is used as storage memory, storing programs, tables, maps, etc. At least a portion of the memory 132 can also be disposed in the aforementioned processor, integrated circuit, etc.

[0052] The control unit 130 rotates the workpiece 14 by controlling the rotary drive unit 80. The control unit 130 rotates multiple spools 36 by controlling multiple spool drive units. The control unit 130 controls the roller changing mechanism 90 to bring any one of the top rollers 56 from the first top roller 100 to the third top roller 104 into contact with the belt bundle 12.

[0053] The control unit 130 controls the rotary drive unit 80 according to a predetermined program to rotate the workpiece 14 while winding the strip bundle 12 around it. Therefore, the control unit 130 can predict in advance when to perform circumferential winding and helical winding.

[0054] Specifically, by winding the strip bundle 12 onto the workpiece 14, a fiber-reinforced resin layer of the strip bundle 12 is formed on the surface of the workpiece 14. Therefore, when the control unit 130 controls each part according to the plan included in the prescribed procedure, the control roller changing mechanism 90 selects the third top roller 104 when the workpiece 14 is wound circumferentially. Furthermore, when the control unit 130 controls each part according to the plan included in the prescribed procedure, the control roller changing mechanism 90 selects either the first top roller 100 or the second top roller 102 when the workpiece 14 is wound helically.

[0055] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation (fiber winding method) of the FW device 10.

[0056] When the strip bundle 12 is wound onto the workpiece 14, firstly, as Figure 1As shown, the inner liner 18 is supported on the inner liner support 34, and a fiber bundle feeder 30 and a transfer head 32 are arranged upstream of the workpiece 14 in the direction of arrow B. Next, multiple fiber bundles 16 are drawn from multiple spools 36 and mounted on multiple arranging rollers 52 and two collecting rollers 54 and 55. In this case, the multiple fiber bundles 16 are arranged in a row in the direction of arrow A on the two collecting rollers 54 and 55, thereby forming a strip bundle 12. Then, the starting end of the strip bundle 12 is fixed to the surface of the workpiece 14.

[0057] After that, Figure 5 In step S1 (first step), the control unit 130 determines whether to perform circumferential winding on the workpiece 14 (whether to form a circumferential layer on the surface of the workpiece 14).

[0058] When a circumferential layer is formed on the surface of workpiece 14 (step S1: Yes), control unit 130 proceeds to step S2 (step 1). In step S2, control unit 130 determines that straight roller 110 is to be used. Next, control unit 130 instructs roller changing mechanism 90 to select straight roller 110. The drive source 92 of roller changing mechanism 90 selects the third top roller 104 as straight roller 110 according to the instruction from control unit 130. Next, drive source 92 rotates arm 96 to bring the third top roller 104 into contact with the belt bundle 12.

[0059] In step S1, if a spiral layer is formed on the surface of workpiece 14 (step S1: No), control unit 130 proceeds to step S3 (step 1). In step S3, control unit 130 determines to use convex roller 112. Next, control unit 130 determines whether to spirally wind the portion of the surface with low curvature on the surface of dome 22. That is, control unit 130 determines whether to form a spiral layer with relatively low curvature (a low spiral layer with a small winding angle WA) on the portion of the surface of dome 22 near axis 24.

[0060] When a low-spiral layer is formed on the surface of workpiece 14 (step S3: Yes), control unit 130 proceeds to step S4 (step 1). In step S4, control unit 130 determines that the top roller 56 for the low-spiral layer, i.e., the first top roller 100, is to be used. Next, control unit 130 instructs roller changing mechanism 90 to select the first top roller 100. The drive source 92 of roller changing mechanism 90 selects the first top roller 100 according to the instruction from control unit 130. Next, drive source 92 rotates arm 96 to bring the first top roller 100 into contact with the ribbon bundle 12.

[0061] In step S3, if a low spiral layer is not formed on the surface of workpiece 14 (step S3: No), control unit 130 proceeds to step S5 (step 1). In step S5, control unit 130 determines that a spiral layer will be formed on the portion of the surface of the dome 22 away from the axis 24. That is, control unit 130 determines a spiral layer (medium or high spiral layer with a large winding angle WA) on the surface of the dome 22. Based on this determination, control unit 130 determines to use the top roller 56, i.e., the second top roller 102, for medium or high spiral layers. Next, control unit 130 instructs roller changing mechanism 90 to select the second top roller 102. The drive source 92 of roller changing mechanism 90 selects the second top roller 102 according to the instruction from control unit 130. Next, drive source 92 rotates arm 96 to bring the second top roller 102 into contact with the ribbon bundle 12.

[0062] Additionally, in steps S2, S4, and S5, if other top rollers 56 are already in contact with the belt bundle 12, the drive source 92 causes the other top rollers 56 to leave the belt bundle 12 and causes the selected top roller 56 to come into contact with the belt bundle 12.

[0063] After the processing in step S2, step S4, or step S5, in step S6 (step 2), the control unit 130 drives the rotation drive unit 80 to rotate the workpiece 14. Additionally, the control unit 130 drives multiple spool drive units, thereby rotating multiple spools 36 and conveying multiple fiber bundles 16 to the transfer head 32. Accordingly, the ribbon bundle 12 is wound onto the surface of the workpiece 14.

[0064] In this case, when the strip bundle 12 is wound onto the workpiece 14 by circumferential winding, the third top roller 104, which is a straight roller 110, feeds the strip bundle 12 toward the workpiece 14. Alternatively, when the strip bundle 12 is wound onto the workpiece 14 by helical winding, the first top roller 100 or the second top roller 102, which is a convex roller 112, feeds the strip bundle 12 toward the workpiece 14.

[0065] In the next step S7, the control unit 130 determines whether to end the winding of the strip bundle 12 onto the workpiece 14.

[0066] If the ribbon bundle 12 continues to be wound onto the workpiece 14 (step S7: No), the control unit 130 returns to step S1 and executes the process of steps S1 to S6 again. By repeatedly executing the process of steps S1 to S6, the ribbon bundle 12 is wound onto the workpiece 14, and a fiber-reinforced resin layer including a spiral layer and a circumferential layer is formed on the surface of the workpiece 14.

[0067] Upon completion of winding the strip bundle 12 onto the workpiece 14 (step S7: Yes), the control unit 130 stops the drive of the rotary drive unit 80 and the plurality of spool drive units. By removing the workpiece 14 from the inner support unit 34, the desired product can be obtained.

[0068] In the above description, the FW device 10 was described as having one straight roller 110 and two convex rollers 112. In this embodiment, the number of convex rollers 112 can also be varied depending on the shape of the dome 22 and the number of fiber bundles 16 used (the width of the ribbon bundle 12).

[0069] In this embodiment, the curvature of the surface of the dome 22 can also decrease as it moves radially away from the axis 24 of the inner liner 18. In this case, the roller changing mechanism 90 can select the second top roller 102 and bring the selected second top roller 102 into contact with the ribbon bundle 12 when spirally winding the portion of the dome 22 near the axis 24 where the surface curvature is relatively large. Alternatively, when spirally winding the portion of the cylindrical portion 20 near the surface curvature of the dome 22, the first top roller 100 can be selected and brought into contact with the ribbon bundle 12.

[0070] Furthermore, in the following description, the radial midpoint of the surface of the dome 22 is referred to as the radial midpoint of the surface of the dome 22. In this case, the curvature of the surface of the dome 22 may also be such that it increases as it approaches the axis 24 or the cylindrical portion 20 from the radial midpoint of the surface of the dome 22. Alternatively, the curvature of the surface of the dome 22 may also be such that it decreases as it approaches the axis 24 or the cylindrical portion 20 from the radial midpoint of the surface of the dome 22. In this case, the roller changing mechanism 90 may also select any one of the plurality of convex rollers 112 according to the winding angle WA of the strip bundle 12 winding into the inner liner 18.

[0071] Regarding the aforementioned publicly disclosed information, the following notes are also disclosed.

[0072] (Postscript 1) A fiber winding device (10) supplies a strip bundle (12) of multiple fibers bundled together to a workpiece (14). The workpiece has a cylindrical portion (20) and rounded tops (22) at both ends of the cylindrical portion. The fiber winding device (10) is used to wind the strip bundle around the workpiece. The fiber winding device has a plurality of rollers (56) and a roller changing mechanism (90). The plurality of rollers (56) can feed the strip bundle to the workpiece by rotating while in contact with the strip bundle. The roller changing mechanism (90) is capable of selecting any one of the plurality of rollers and bringing the selected roller into contact with the strip bundle. The plurality of rollers include a straight roller (110) and a convex roller (112). The roller changing mechanism performs the following processes: when winding the strip bundle around the workpiece by circumferential winding, the straight roller is selected and brought into contact with the strip bundle; when winding the strip bundle around the workpiece by helical winding, the convex roller is selected and brought into contact with the strip bundle.

[0073] According to the present invention, a straight roller is selected for circumferential winding, and a convex roller is selected for helical winding. Accordingly, when the strip bundle is wound onto a workpiece, the difference in path length between the center and both ends in the width direction of the strip bundle can be absorbed, and appropriate tension can be applied to each fiber bundle of the strip bundle. As a result, the mechanical strength of the workpiece, i.e., the product, formed by winding the strip bundle can be improved.

[0074] (Postscript 2) According to the fiber winding device described in Appendix 1, the curvature of the convex roller may also be set according to the winding angle (WA) of the strip winding toward the workpiece relative to the central axis (24) of the workpiece.

[0075] Since the curvature of the convex roller is set according to the winding angle of the strip bundle relative to the workpiece, tension can be appropriately applied to each fiber bundle of the strip bundle when the strip bundle is wound around the workpiece by spiral winding.

[0076] (Note 3) According to the fiber winding device described in Appendix 2, the curvature of each surface of the two domes may vary along the radial direction of the domes orthogonal to the central axis. The convex rollers have multiple convex rollers with different curvatures. The roller changing mechanism selects any one of the multiple convex rollers according to the winding angle of the ribbon bundle wound around the workpiece, and makes the selected convex roller contact the ribbon bundle.

[0077] Because the curvature of the dome surface corresponds to the winding angle, when winding a strip bundle around a workpiece by spiral winding, the tension of each fiber bundle of the strip bundle can be applied more appropriately by switching the convex roller according to the winding angle.

[0078] (Postscript 4) According to the fiber winding device described in Appendix 3, the plurality of convex rollers may also be a first convex roller and a second convex roller with a curvature greater than that of the first convex roller. The curvature of each surface of the two domes increases as it moves further away from the central axis in the radial direction. The roller changing mechanism performs the following processing: when spiral winding is performed on the portion of the two domes near the central axis with a relatively small curvature of the surface, the first convex roller is selected and the selected first convex roller is brought into contact with the ribbon bundle; when spiral winding is performed on the portion of the two domes near the cylindrical portion with a relatively large curvature of the surface, the second convex roller is selected and the selected second convex roller is brought into contact with the ribbon bundle.

[0079] When the ribbon bundle is wound in a spiral around the dome, the tension of each fiber bundle in the ribbon bundle can be applied more appropriately by switching to a suitable convex roller that corresponds to the winding angle.

[0080] (Note 5) According to the fiber winding device described in Appendix 3, the plurality of convex rollers may also be a first convex roller and a second convex roller with a curvature greater than that of the first convex roller. The curvature of each surface of the two domes becomes smaller as it moves further away from the central axis in the radial direction. The roller changing mechanism performs the following processing: when spiral winding is performed on the portion of the two domes near the central axis with a relatively large surface curvature, the second convex roller is selected and the selected second convex roller is brought into contact with the ribbon bundle; when spiral winding is performed on the portion of the two domes near the cylindrical portion with a relatively small surface curvature, the first convex roller is selected and the selected first convex roller is brought into contact with the ribbon bundle.

[0081] In this structure, when the ribbon bundle is wound around the dome in a spiral, the tension of each fiber bundle of the ribbon bundle can be applied more appropriately by switching to a suitable convex roller that corresponds to the winding angle.

[0082] (Note 6) According to the fiber winding device described in Appendix 3, the curvature of each surface of the two domes may be larger or smaller relative to the radial midpoint of the surface as it approaches the central axis or the cylindrical portion. The roller changing mechanism selects any one of the plurality of convex rollers based on the winding angle of the ribbon winding onto the workpiece.

[0083] In this structure, when the ribbon bundle is wound around the top of the circle by spiral winding, the tension of each fiber bundle of the ribbon bundle can be applied more appropriately by switching to a suitable convex roller corresponding to the winding angle.

[0084] (Note 7) A fiber winding method involves supplying a strip bundle of multiple fibers together to a workpiece. The workpiece has a cylindrical portion and rounded tops at both ends of the cylindrical portion. The fiber winding method is used to wind the strip bundle around the workpiece and includes a first step (S1-S5) and a second step (S6). In the first step (S1-S5), when winding the strip bundle around the workpiece by circumferential winding, a straight roller is selected and brought into contact with the strip bundle. Conversely, when winding the strip bundle around the workpiece by helical winding, a convex roller is selected and brought into contact with the strip bundle. In the second step (S6), the strip bundle is fed onto the workpiece by rotating the straight roller or the convex roller that is in contact with the strip bundle, and the strip bundle is wound around the workpiece.

[0085] According to the present invention, a straight roller is selected for circumferential winding, and a convex roller is selected for helical winding. Accordingly, when the strip bundle is wound onto a workpiece, the difference in path length between the center and both ends in the width direction of the strip bundle can be absorbed, and appropriate tension can be applied to each fiber bundle of the strip bundle. As a result, the mechanical strength of the workpiece, i.e., the product, formed by winding the strip bundle can be improved.

[0086] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above disclosure, and various structures can be adopted without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. A fiber winding device (10) for supplying a strip bundle (12) of multiple fibers bundled together to a workpiece (14), the workpiece having a cylindrical portion (20) and rounded tops (22) disposed at both ends of the cylindrical portion, the fiber winding device (10) for winding the strip bundle around the workpiece. Its features are, It has multiple rollers (56) and a roller changing mechanism (90), wherein, The multiple rollers (56) can feed the strip bundle to the workpiece by rotating while in contact with the strip bundle; The roller changing mechanism (90) is capable of selecting any one of the plurality of rollers and bringing the selected roller into contact with the belt bundle. The plurality of rollers include straight rollers (110) and convex rollers (112). When the workpiece is wound with the strip bundle via circumferential winding, the roller changing mechanism selects the straight roller and brings the selected straight roller into contact with the strip bundle. When the workpiece is wound with the strip bundle by spiral winding, the roller changing mechanism selects the convex roller and brings the selected convex roller into contact with the strip bundle.

2. The fiber winding device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The curvature of the convex roller is set according to the winding angle (WA) of the strip winding toward the workpiece relative to the central axis (24) of the workpiece.

3. The fiber winding device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The curvature of each surface of the two domes varies along the radial direction of the dome, which is orthogonal to the central axis. The convex roller has multiple convex rollers with different curvatures. The roller changing mechanism selects any one of the plurality of convex rollers according to the winding angle of the strip bundle winding onto the workpiece, and makes the selected convex roller contact the strip bundle.

4. The fiber winding device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The plurality of convex rollers are a first convex roller and a second convex roller with a curvature greater than that of the first convex roller. The curvature of each surface of the two domes increases as they move further radially away from the central axis. When the spiral winding is performed on the portion of the central axis near the surface where the curvature of each of the two domes is relatively small, the roller changing mechanism selects the first convex roller and brings the selected first convex roller into contact with the ribbon bundle. When the helical winding is performed on the portion of the cylindrical section with a relatively large curvature near the surface of each of the two domes, the roller changing mechanism selects the second convex roller and brings the selected second convex roller into contact with the ribbon bundle.

5. The fiber winding device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The plurality of convex rollers are a first convex roller and a second convex roller with a curvature greater than that of the first convex roller. The curvature of each surface of the two domes decreases as they move further radially away from the central axis. When the spiral winding is performed on the portion of the central axis near the surface where the curvature of each of the two domes is relatively large, the roller changing mechanism selects the second convex roller and brings the selected second convex roller into contact with the ribbon bundle. When the helical winding is performed on the portion of the cylindrical portion near the surface with relatively small curvature of each of the two domes, the roller changing mechanism selects the first convex roller and brings the selected first convex roller into contact with the ribbon bundle.

6. The fiber winding device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The curvature of each surface of the two domes, relative to the radial midpoint of the surface, becomes either larger or smaller as it approaches the central axis or the cylindrical portion. The roller changing mechanism selects any one of the plurality of convex rollers based on the winding angle of the strip bundle as it is wound around the workpiece.

7. A fiber winding method, comprising feeding a workpiece a strip bundle of multiple fibers bound together, the workpiece having a cylindrical portion and rounded tops disposed at both ends of the cylindrical portion, the fiber winding method being used to wind the strip bundle around the workpiece. Its features are, It has steps 1 (S1-S5) and 2 (S6). In the first step (S1 to S5), when the workpiece is wound with the strip bundle by circumferential winding, a straight roller is selected and the selected straight roller is brought into contact with the strip bundle. On the other hand, when the workpiece is wound with the strip bundle by helical winding, a convex roller is selected and the selected convex roller is brought into contact with the strip bundle. In the second step (S6), the strip bundle is fed to the workpiece by rotating the straight roller or the convex roller that is in contact with the strip bundle, and the strip bundle is wound around the workpiece.

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