Fiber winding device

Abstract

A fiber winding device is provided with: a rotating device that rotates a workpiece; and a guide unit capable of moving in the axial direction parallel to the rotation axis of the workpiece and guiding the fiber bundle supplied to the workpiece on the rotation device. The guide unit includes: a first roller that guides the fiber bundle; and a first adjusting mechanism capable of adjusting the distance between the first roller and the workpiece. The fiber winding device is provided with a control unit for controlling the operation of the first adjustment mechanism. The control unit separates the first roller from the surface of the workpiece in a predetermined first step of the series of winding processes, and brings the first roller into contact with the surface of the workpiece via the fiber bundle in a predetermined second step of the series of winding processes.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a fiber winding device. BACKGROUND

[0002] A fiber winding device capable of performing winding processing is described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-139581. In the winding processing, a fiber bundle is wound around a workpiece while the fiber bundle is made to adhere to the periphery of the workpiece in a state in which the fiber bundle is given tension.

[0003] In a series of winding processing, there are cases in which a convex portion is formed in which the fiber bundle does not sufficiently adhere to the surface of the workpiece. For example, in a case in which the kind of winding is changed between spiral winding, circumferential winding, and the like, there are cases in which the tension generated in the fiber bundle weakens and a convex portion is formed. Also, for example, in a case in which the kind of winding is changed, fiber intersections are generated due to an irregular winding method that is not symmetrical, so there are cases in which a convex portion is formed. The convex portion becomes an important factor of undulation (buckling) when the fiber bundle is overlapped on the previous layer in the next step. There is concern that the strength of the fiber decreases and the fatigue performance decreases at the buckling portion. SUMMARY

[0004] The fiber winding device disclosed in this specification is provided with a rotating device that rotates the workpiece.

[0005] The fiber winding device is provided with a guide unit that is capable of moving in the axial direction parallel to the rotation axis of the workpiece and guiding the fiber bundle supplied to the workpiece on the rotating device.

[0006] The guide unit is provided with a first roller that guides the fiber bundle, and a first adjustment mechanism configured to be able to adjust the distance of the first roller from the workpiece.

[0007] The fiber winding device is provided with a control section that controls the operation of the first adjustment mechanism.

[0008] The control section separates the first roller from the surface of the workpiece in a prescribed first process in a series of winding processing, and causes the first roller to come into contact with the surface of the workpiece via the fiber bundle in a prescribed second process in the series of winding processing.

[0009] According to the above structure, in the prescribed first process, the first roller can be separated from the surface of the workpiece. Due to this, various resistances generated due to the first roller can be reduced, so the winding speed can be improved. Also, in the prescribed second process, the fiber bundle can be pressed against the surface of the workpiece by the first roller. Due to this, the fiber bundle can be made to sufficiently adhere to the surface of the workpiece, so the step difference of the convex portion can be minimized. It is possible to maintain the productivity of the winding processing while preventing a decrease in the fatigue performance.

[0010] Features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the present application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals in different drawings denote the same element. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 is a side view of the FW device 1 in a state where the first roller 11 is located at the contact position.

[0012] Figure 2 is a plan view of the FW device 1 in a state where the first roller 11 is located at the contact position.

[0013] Figure 3 is a side view of the FW device 1 in a state where the first roller 11 is located at the separation position.

[0014] Figure 4 is a side view of the FW device 1 in a state where the second roller 12 and the third roller 13 are fixed.

[0015] Figure 5A is a diagram for explaining the kind of winding processing.

[0016] Figure 5B is a diagram for explaining the kind of winding processing.

[0017] Figure 5C is a diagram for explaining the kind of winding processing.

[0018] Figure 6 is a flowchart for explaining the content of the action of the FW device 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Hereinafter, additional features of the fiber winding device disclosed in the present specification will be listed.

[0020] It can also be configured that, in one embodiment of the present technology, the first process has a process of performing spiral winding and a process of performing hoop winding.

[0021] The second process has a process of performing switching between spiral winding and hoop winding.

[0022] According to the above structure, in the first process, the processing speed of spiral winding and hoop winding can be improved. In addition, in the second process, the fiber bundle can be pressed against the surface of the workpiece by the first roller. The step difference of the convex portion generated in the case of performing switching of the winding method can be minimized.

[0023] It can also be configured that, in one embodiment of the present technology, the guide unit further has a second roller and a third roller, which are disposed farther from the workpiece than the first roller, are disposed opposite each other, and allow the fiber bundle to pass between the rollers.

[0024] The guide unit further has a second adjustment mechanism configured to be able to adjust the distance between the second roller and the third roller.

[0025] The guide unit further has a cutting mechanism disposed on the supply path of the fiber bundle from the second roller and the third roller to the first roller.

[0026] The second adjustment mechanism is able to change the state between a fixed state in which the second roller and the third roller contact each other via the fiber bundle, and an unfixed state in which the second roller and the third roller are separated from each other.

[0027] The control section causes the second roller and the third roller to be in the unfixed state in a series of winding processes.

[0028] The control section causes the rotation of the work to stop, causes the second roller and the third roller to be in the fixed state, and cuts the fiber bundle by the cutting mechanism in an end process for ending the series of winding processes.

[0029] According to the above structure, it is possible to cut the fiber bundle while sandwiching it by the second roller and the third roller to make it in the fixed state. It is possible to perform the cutting in a state in which the fiber bundle is added with tension, so it is possible to reliably perform the cutting.

[0030] It can also be configured such that, in one embodiment of the present technology, the control section causes the first roller to contact the surface of the work via the fiber bundle before the fiber bundle is cut in the end process.

[0031] In the end process, the control section causes the work to rotate to make the first roller pass through the cut end portion of the fiber bundle in a state in which the first roller contacts the fiber bundle after the fiber bundle is cut.

[0032] According to the above structure, it is possible to press the cut end portion of the fiber bundle against the surface of the work by the first roller. It is possible to minimize the step difference of the convex portion site generated at the cut end portion of the fiber bundle.

[0033] It can also be configured such that, in one embodiment of the present technology, the first adjustment mechanism is configured to be able to change the relative position of the first roller with respect to the housing of the guide unit.

[0034] Example 1

[0035] Outline structure of the fiber winding device 1

[0036] Figures 1 to 3 An outline structure of the fiber winding device 1 (there is a case where it is simply referred to as FW device 1) of the present embodiment is shown in FIG. 1. Figure 1 is a side view in a state in which the first roller 11 is located at the contact position.

[0037] Figure 2 is Figure 1Top view. Figure 3 This is a side view of the first roller 11 in the separated position. Furthermore, in Figure 2 For ease of observation, descriptions of the upper part of the housing 15, the first adjustment mechanism 20, the second adjustment mechanism 30, the third roller 13, etc., are omitted. The FW device 1 is a device that applies tension to a resin-impregnated fiber bundle 70 and winds it around the workpiece 60. The fiber bundle 70 is, for example, formed by impregnating a fiber bundle blank with a thermosetting epoxy resin.

[0038] FW device 1 mainly includes a guide unit 10, a control unit 50, and a rotating device 61. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the rotating device 61 is a device that fixes the workpiece 60 so that it can rotate. The workpiece 60 is a cylindrical hollow container. The workpiece 60 has gas barrier properties and is filled with a high-pressure gas such as hydrogen. The workpiece 60 has a cylindrical body portion 60b and a pair of rounded tops 60d. The pair of rounded tops 60d are connected to both ends of the cylindrical body portion 60b. The workpiece 60 has a rotation axis RA. The rotating device 61 causes the workpiece 60 to rotate about the rotation axis RA.

[0039] The guide unit 10 is a mechanism for guiding the fiber bundle 70 supplied to the workpiece 60. The guide unit 10 is also referred to as a fiber bundle guide or a conveying hole. The guide unit 10 can move along an axis (y-axis direction) parallel to the rotation axis RA of the workpiece 60, and can also move along a front-rear axis (x-axis direction).

[0040] The guiding unit 10 mainly includes a first roller 11, a second roller 12, a third roller 13, a fourth roller 14, a housing 15, a first adjustment mechanism 20, a second adjustment mechanism 30, and a cutting mechanism 40. The first roller 11 to the fourth roller 14 are rollers that guide the fiber bundle 70. The first roller 11 to the fourth roller 14 are rotatably supported on a support shaft (not shown) and arranged parallel to each other. The first roller 11 is located at the front end of the guiding unit 10. The second roller 12 and the third roller 13 are arranged further away from the workpiece 60 than the first roller 11. The second roller 12 and the third roller 13 are arranged opposite each other and allow the fiber bundle 70 to pass between the rollers. In this embodiment, the fiber bundle 70 enters from the fourth roller 14 side and is supplied to the workpiece 60 in contact with the lower outer periphery of the fourth roller 14, the upper outer periphery of the second roller 12, and the lower outer periphery of the first roller 11, respectively.

[0041] The first adjustment mechanism 20 includes an actuator 21, a rack 22, a pinion 23, and a roller support 24. In this embodiment, the actuator 21 is a cylinder. The cylinder can be pneumatic, hydraulic, or electric. The actuator 21 moves the pinion 23 in the direction of movement D1. The pinion 23 moves linearly on the rack 22. One end of the roller support 24 is fixed to the pinion 23. The other end of the roller support 24 rotatably supports the first roller 11.

[0042] The first adjustment mechanism 20 is a mechanism capable of adjusting the distance between the first roller 11 and the workpiece 60. In other words, the first adjustment mechanism 20 can change the relative position of the first roller 11 with respect to the housing 15. Specifically, the first adjustment mechanism 20 can position the first roller 11 at the contact position (…). Figure 1 ) and separation position ( Figure 3 The variation between ) Figure 1 The contact position is the position where the first roller 11 contacts the surface of the workpiece 60 via the fiber bundle 70. Figure 3 The separation position is the position where the first roller 11 separates from the surface of the workpiece 60.

[0043] The second adjustment mechanism 30 is an actuator. In this embodiment, the second adjustment mechanism 30 is a cylinder. The second adjustment mechanism 30 moves the third roller 13 in the moving direction D2. The second adjustment mechanism 30 is a mechanism capable of adjusting the distance between the second roller 12 and the third roller 13. That is, the second adjustment mechanism can make the second roller 12 and the third roller 13 in a non-fixed state ( Figure 1 and Figure 3 ) and fixed state ( Figure 4 Changes between ) . Non-fixed state ( Figure 1 and Figure 3 This is the state where the second roller 12 and the third roller 13 are separated. Fixed state ( Figure 4 The fixed state is the state in which the second roller 12 and the third roller 13 are in contact with each other via the fiber bundle 70. In other words, the fixed state is the state in which the fiber bundle 70 is clamped and fixed by the second roller 12 and the third roller 13.

[0044] The cutting mechanism 40 is positioned on the fiber bundle 70 supply path between the second roller 12 and the third roller 13 and the first roller 11. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the cutting mechanism 40 includes a cutter 41 and a guide rail 42. The guide rail 42 is positioned in a direction perpendicular to the supply direction (x-direction) of the fiber bundle 70 (y-direction). The cutter 41 is configured to move on the guide rail 42 via an actuator (not shown) (refer to arrow Y1). The cutter 41... Figure 2 The retraction position is away from the supply path of the fiber bundle 70. Moreover, the cutter 41 can cut the fiber bundle 70 by moving along the guide rail 42 in the direction of arrow Y1.

[0045] The control unit 50 controls the operation of the first adjustment mechanism 20, the second adjustment mechanism 30, the cutting mechanism 40, the rotating device 61, etc. The control unit 50 can also be configured as a computer equipped with a CPU and memory. Furthermore, the CPU can execute control programs stored in the memory to control the various mechanisms.

[0046] Contents of each step in the winding process

[0047] A series of winding processes are performed by continuously winding fiber bundles 70 around a workpiece 60. This series of winding processes includes a first step and a second step. The first step involves performing helical winding and circumferential winding. For example... Figure 5A As shown, helical winding is a method of spirally winding a fiber bundle 70 along the rotation axis RA. In other words, helical winding is a winding method with a relatively low angle relative to the rotation axis RA, and it is a winding method applied to a pair of rounded tops 60d. Figure 5C As shown, circumferential winding is a method of winding the fiber bundle 70 around the cylindrical portion 60b. In other words, circumferential winding is a winding method with a relatively high angle relative to the rotation axis RA, and it is a winding method that does not apply to the pair of rounded tops 60d. Furthermore, the circumferential winding in this specification also includes so-called high-angle helical winding.

[0048] The second step is the switching between helical winding and circumferential winding. In this embodiment, the second step involves performing... Figure 5B The diagram shows a combined winding method. Combined winding is a winding method used to increase the angle relative to the rotation axis RA from a low angle state (helical winding) to a high angle state (circumferential winding). Combined winding has a through-wire path that sequentially passes through positions P1 to P6. Position P1 is the end position of helical winding. Position P6 is the start position of circumferential winding. Combined winding is an asymmetrical and irregular winding method, thus creating multiple protrusions on the surface of workpiece 60.

[0049] Action content of FW device 1

[0050] use Figure 6 The flowchart illustrates the operation of FW device 1. FW device 1 performs the start process (S5), a series of winding processing processes (S10-S50), and the end process (S60-S130).

[0051] Before the start process (S5) is executed, the leading end of the fiber bundle 70 is already set on the first roller 11. Furthermore, the details regarding the setting of the leading end of the fiber bundle 70 are described in S130.

[0052] In S5, the first adjustment mechanism 20 moves the position of the first roller 11 toward the contact position ( Figure 1 The fiber bundle 70 is moved. As a result, the front end of the fiber bundle 70 can be pressed against the surface of the workpiece 60 by the first roller 11.

[0053] Next, the winding process (S10-S50) will be described. During the winding process, the second roller 12 and the third roller 13 are kept in a non-fixed state.

[0054] In S10, the first adjustment mechanism 20 moves the position of the first roller 11 toward the separation position.Figure 3 ) moves. Thereby, the first roller 11 becomes a state of being separated from the surface of the workpiece 60. In S15, the control section 50 executes the first process (spiral winding) (refer to Figure 5A ). The first process is performed in a state where the position of the first roller 11 becomes the separation position (P5) Figure 3 ). If the spiral layering is completed, S20 is entered.

[0055] In S20, the first adjustment mechanism 20 moves the position of the first roller 11 to the contact position (P4) Figure 1 ). Thereby, the first roller 11 becomes a state of contacting the surface of the workpiece 60 via the fiber bundle 70. Further, it is possible to move the first roller 11 while rotating the workpiece 60, or it is possible to move the first roller 11 after stopping the rotation of the workpiece 60.

[0056] In S30, the control section 50 executes the second process (combined winding) (refer to Figure 5B ). The combined winding process is performed in a state where the position of the first roller 11 becomes the contact position (P4) Figure 1 ). If the fiber bundle 70 is wound to the position P6, S40 is entered. Figure 5B

[0057] In S40, the first adjustment mechanism 20 moves the position of the first roller 11 to the separation position (P5) Figure 3 ). In S50, the control section 50 executes the first process (ring winding) (refer to Figure 5C ). The first process is performed in a state where the position of the first roller 11 becomes the separation position (P5) Figure 3 ). Further, if all of the layering is completed, S60 is entered.

[0058] The end process (S60-S130) is described. In S60, the control section 50 stops the rotation of the workpiece 60. In S70, the first adjustment mechanism 20 moves the position of the first roller 11 to the contact position (P4) Figure 1 ).

[0059] In S80, the second adjustment mechanism 30 moves the third roller 13 toward the second roller 12. Thereby, it is possible to become a fixed state where the fiber bundle 70 is sandwiched by the second roller 12 and the third roller 13 (refer to Figure 4 , the region Al).

[0060] In S90, the cutting mechanism 40 cuts the fiber bundle 70 by moving the cutter 41 in a manner of cutting the fiber bundle 70 transversely (refer to Figure 2 , the arrow Y1). At this time, the fiber bundle 70 on the front end side (-x direction side) of the cutter 41 is pressed against the workpiece 60 by the first roller 11 and is fixed (refer to Figure 4 ​, the region A2). In addition, the fiber bundle 70 on the root side (+x direction side) of the cutter 41 is clamped and fixed by the second roller 12 and the third roller 13 (refer to the region Al). Therefore, the fiber bundle 70 can be cut off in a state where a tension is applied to the fiber bundle 70. Escape of the cutter 41 can be prevented, so that cutting can be reliably performed.

[0061] Figure 4 The state after cutting of the fiber bundle 70 is shown in FIG. 8. The fiber bundle 70 after cutting forms a cut end portion 70e and a leading end portion 70t. The cut end portion 70e is located on the workpiece 60 side. In addition, the leading end portion 70t is clamped and fixed by the second roller 12 and the third roller 13.

[0062] In S100, the control section 50 performs a process of pressing the cut end portion 70e against the surface of the workpiece 60. Specifically, the workpiece 60 is rotated in the rotation direction Rl from the state shown in FIG. 8. Thereby, the first roller 11 can be made to pass over the upper surface of the cut end portion 70e while being in contact with the fiber bundle 70. The cut end portion 70e can be pressed by the first roller 11, so that curling of the cut end portion 70e can be prevented. Figure 4

[0063] In S110, the first adjustment mechanism 20 moves the position of the first roller 11 to the separation position (P2) from the cutting position (P1). In S120, the control section 50 blows hot air to the cut end portion 70e by a hot air blower not shown. Thereby, the cut end portion 70e can be reliably fixed to the surface of the workpiece 60. Note that this step can also be skipped. Figure 3

[0064] In S130, a process of setting the leading end portion 70t to the first roller 11 is performed. Specifically, the control section 50 rotates the second roller 12 and the third roller 13 in a state of clamping the fiber bundle 70. Thereby, the leading end portion 70t of the fiber bundle 70 can be fed out to the first roller 11. Therefore, a state where the start process (S5) of the next winding process can be performed is reached. Since the winding process can be continuously performed, automation of the winding process can be achieved. Improvement of productivity and reduction of manufacturing cost can be achieved.

[0065] Effects

[0066] ​​The problem will be described. In a series of winding processes, there is a case where the fiber bundle 70 cannot be sufficiently attached to the surface of the workpiece 60 to form a convex portion. For example, in a case where the winding type is changed between spiral winding, circumferential winding, and the like, there is a case where the tension generated in the fiber bundle 70 becomes weak, and a convex portion is formed. In addition, for example, in a case where the winding type is changed, a fiber intersection portion is generated due to an asymmetric irregular winding method (combination winding), so there is a case where a convex portion is formed. The convex portion becomes an important factor of the undulation (buckling) when the fiber bundle is overlapped on the previous layer in the next step. There is a concern that the strength of the fiber is reduced at the buckling portion, and the fatigue performance is reduced.

[0067] Therefore, in the technology of the present specification, in a prescribed first process (spiral winding and circumferential winding), the first roller 11 can be separated from the surface of the workpiece 60. Thereby, various resistances generated due to the first roller 11 can be reduced, so the winding speed can be improved. In addition, in a prescribed second process (combination winding), the fiber bundle 70 can be wound while being pressed against the surface of the workpiece 60 by the first roller 11. Thereby, the fiber bundle 70 can be sufficiently attached to the surface of the workpiece 60, so the step difference of the convex portion can be minimized. The reduction in the fatigue performance can be prevented while maintaining the productivity of the winding process.

[0068] Example 2

[0069] Example 2 is different from Example 1 in that the second process (combination winding) can be omitted. Furthermore, only the differences from Example 1 will be described below.

[0070] In the flowchart of Figure 6 , if the first process (spiral winding) of S15 is completed, an end process is performed. The content of the end process has been described in S60-S130 of Example 1.

[0071] Next, the guide unit 10 is moved to the start position of the circumferential winding (refer to Figure 5B , position P6). Then, a start process is performed. The content of the start process has been described in S5 of Example 1. Then, the first process (circumferential winding) of S50 is performed. The subsequent processes are the same as those of Example 1, so the description is omitted.

[0072] In the technology of Example 2, the second process (combination winding) for switching between spiral winding and circumferential winding can be omitted. The layer wound asymmetrically and irregularly can be eliminated, so the formation of a convex portion can be prevented. The fatigue performance can be further improved.

[0073] The embodiments have been described in detail above, but these are merely illustrative and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes embodiments obtained by various modifications and alterations to the specific examples described above. The technical elements described in this specification or drawings exert their technical utility individually or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of application. In addition, the technology illustrated in this specification or drawings achieves multiple objectives simultaneously, and achieving one of these objectives itself has technical utility.

[0074] Variations

[0075] When the first roller 11 is in the contact position ( Figure 1 The process of winding the fiber bundle 70 in a certain state is not limited to the second process (combined winding). It can be applied to any process that requires suppressing fiber undulation and improving the quality of fiber lamination. For example, the first roller 11 can also be brought into contact at the beginning of the initial winding of the fiber bundle 70 (also known as the 3rd turn).

[0076] The mechanism for moving the first roller 11 to the contact position is not limited to the first adjustment mechanism 20 and can be of various types. For example, the guide unit 10 can also move itself.

[0077] The actuators of the first adjustment mechanism 20 and the second adjustment mechanism 30 can be various mechanisms. For example, they can be direct-acting systems, ball screws, etc.

[0078] The cutting mechanism 40 can be any kind of mechanism. For example, it can also be a mechanism that moves the cutter 41 in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the fiber bundle 70 (z direction).

Claims

1. A fiber winding device, wherein, have: A rotating device that causes the workpiece to rotate; The guiding unit is capable of moving along an axial direction parallel to the rotation axis of the workpiece to guide a fiber bundle supplied to the workpiece on the rotating device. The guiding unit includes a first roller for guiding the fiber bundle and a first adjustment mechanism configured to adjust the distance between the first roller and the workpiece. as well as The control unit controls the operation of the first adjustment mechanism. In a predetermined first step of a series of winding processes, the control unit separates the first roller from the surface of the workpiece, and in a predetermined second step of the series of winding processes, brings the first roller into contact with the surface of the workpiece via the fiber bundle.

2. The fiber winding device according to claim 1, wherein, The first process includes a process of performing spiral winding and a process of performing circumferential winding. The second step includes the step of switching between the spiral winding and the circumferential winding.

3. The fiber winding device according to claim 2, wherein, The guiding unit further comprises: The second and third rollers are configured to be farther away from the workpiece than the first roller, and are arranged opposite to each other, allowing the fiber bundle to pass between the rollers; The second adjustment mechanism is configured to adjust the distance between the second roller and the third roller; as well as A cutting mechanism is configured on the supply path of the fiber bundle from the second roller and the third roller to the first roller. The second adjustment mechanism is capable of changing the state between a fixed state in which the second roller and the third roller are in contact with each other via the fiber bundle, and a non-fixed state in which the second roller and the third roller are separated from each other. During the series of winding processes, the control unit causes the second roller and the third roller to be in a non-fixed state. In the final step of the series of winding processes, the rotation of the workpiece is stopped, the second and third rollers are brought to the fixed state, and the fiber bundle is cut by the cutting mechanism.

4. The fiber winding device according to claim 3, wherein, In the final step, before the fiber bundle is cut, the control unit causes the first roller to contact the surface of the workpiece via the fiber bundle. After the fiber bundle is cut, while the first roller is in contact with the fiber bundle, the workpiece is rotated so that the first roller passes through the cut end of the fiber bundle.

5. The fiber winding device according to claim 1, wherein, The first adjustment mechanism is configured to change the relative position of the first roller with respect to the housing of the guide unit.

Images