FILAMENT WINDING DEVICE

Abstract

One object of the present invention is to sufficiently optimize a coil change. A circumferential winding unit 40 comprises: a cassette 70 that can accommodate spools 45 and includes a fiber bundle guide 75 configured to guide fiber bundles F drawn from the spools 45 to a circumferential surface of a mold; and a main body section 41 that removably supports the cassette 70 and supports the attached cassette 70 so that it is rotatable about a shaft of the mold.The cassette 70 comprises: a first section 71, which is provided with (i) a first opening 71a, which forms a through-opening 44, and (ii) coil holders 43, which rotatably support the coils 45 provided around the first opening 71a; a second section 74, which is spaced apart from and aligned with the first section 71 along the axial direction of the shape, which is provided with a second opening 74a, which forms the through-opening 44, and on which the fiber bundle guide 75 is provided; and a connecting element, which connects the first section 71 to the second section 74.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a filament winding device. [Background]

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a filament winding device configured to produce a pressure vessel, etc., by winding a fiber bundle impregnated with thermally curing resin onto a mold (liner). Such a filament winding device comprises: a circumferential winding unit configured to perform a circumferential winding on a circumferential surface of the mold; and a spiral winding unit configured to perform a spiral winding on the circumferential surface of the mold. The circumferential winding unit is movable relative to the mold in an axial direction. The circumferential winding unit comprises: a disk-shaped rotating element provided with a through-opening through which the mold can be passed; and fiber spools (coils) provided at regular intervals in a circumferential direction of the rotating element.When the rotating element rotates while the circumferential winding unit moves relative to the mold, the fiber bundle spools rotate around the mold, so that fiber bundles pulled out of the fiber bundle spools are simultaneously wound onto the circumferential surface of the mold in a circumferential winding. [Citation list][Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2018-144407 [Summary of the invention][Technical problem]

[0004] With the filament winding device described above, a spool change is required when the spools of the peripheral winding unit become empty. During the spool change, the empty spools are removed from the peripheral winding unit, new spools are attached to the peripheral winding unit, and the fiber bundles are pulled out of the respective spools and secured to a guide, etc. The winding of the fiber bundles onto the die is interrupted during the spool change. Therefore, it is desirable to optimize the spool change process.

[0005] To optimize spool changes, it is conceivable to use a cassette, which can be attached to and removed from a main body section of the circumferential winding unit, as the rotating element on which the spools are held. When the spools become empty, for example, (i) the cassette is removed from the main body section and (ii) another cassette, to which new spools have been attached, is attached to the main body section. Furthermore, if a fiber bundle guide is provided on the cassette to guide the fiber bundles pulled from the respective spools to the circumferential surface of the mold, the cassette in which the fiber bundles have been threaded into the fiber bundle guide is attached to the main body section. This sufficiently optimizes spool changes. However, it is difficult to incorporate the fiber bundle guide while simultaneously ensuring space for holding a large number of spools in the cassette.

[0006] One object of the present invention is to provide a filament winding device with which the spool change can be sufficiently optimized. [Solution to the problem]

[0007] According to a first aspect of the invention, a filament winding device is configured to wind at least one fiber bundle onto a circumferential surface of a cylindrical mold and comprises a circumferential winding unit configured to wind the at least one fiber bundle onto the circumferential surface of the mold in a circumferential winding while moving back and forth along an axial direction of the mold relative to the mold, wherein the circumferential winding unit comprises: a cassette having a through-opening through which the mold can be passed in the axial direction of the mold, which is capable of holding spools, and which includes a fiber bundle guide configured to guide fiber bundles to the circumferential surface of the mold, with the fiber bundles being drawn out of the spools;and a main body section that removably supports the cassette and supports the attached cassette so that it is rotatable about a shaft of the mold, the cassette further comprising: a first section provided with (i) a first opening forming the through-hole, and (ii) spool holders rotatably supporting the respective spools provided around the first opening; a second section spaced apart from the first section and aligned with it along the axial direction of the mold, which is provided with a second opening forming the through-hole and on which the fiber bundle guide is provided; and a connecting element connecting the first section to the second section.

[0008] According to this design, the reels can be stored, and the cassette containing the fiber bundle guide can be attached to and removed from the main body section. When the reels are empty, (i) the cassette is removed from the main body section, and (ii) another cassette, to which new reels have been attached and in which the fiber bundles pulled from the respective reels have been threaded into the fiber bundle guide, is attached to the main body section. In this way, the reel change process can be sufficiently optimized. The reel holders, which store the respective reels, are located in the first section of the cassette, and the fiber bundle guide is located in the second section. Therefore, it is possible to incorporate the fiber bundle guide while simultaneously ensuring sufficient space for a large number of reels.

[0009] According to a second aspect of the invention, the filament winding device of the first aspect is arranged such that, when the cassette is attached to the main body section, the first section is positioned between the main body section and the second section in the axial direction of the mold.

[0010] According to this aspect, the second section, where the fiber bundle guide is located and designed to direct the fiber bundles to the circumferential surface of the mold, is positioned opposite the main body section in the axial direction of the mold, above the first section. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a component forming the cassette from interfering with the flow of fiber bundles from the fiber bundle guide to the circumferential surface of the mold.

[0011] According to a third aspect of the invention, the filament winding device of the second aspect further comprises: a first connecting element supported by the main body section; and a second connecting element supported by the first section and connectable to the first connecting element; and the cassette further comprises a motor, which is a drive source for driving the fiber bundle guide to move at least either along a radial direction of the mold or to rotate about an axis of rotation extending along the radial direction of the mold. When the cassette is attached to the main body section, the first connecting element is connected to the second connecting element, so that current can be supplied to the motor from the main body section via the first connecting element and the second connecting element.

[0012] According to this design, the electrical energy supplied to the motor is transmitted from the main body section via the first and second connecting elements. Therefore, a battery or similar power source is not required on the cassette to supply the motor with electrical energy. This avoids increasing the cassette's weight and allows it to rotate at high speed.

[0013] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, the filament winding device of the second aspect further comprises a rotating base section attached to the main body section so that it is rotatable about the shaft of the mold, at least two projections provided on one element of the rotating base section and the first section of the cassette, and at least two insertion holes into which the at least two projections provided on the other element of the rotating base section and the first section of the cassette can be inserted. When the cassette is attached to the main body section, the at least two projections are each inserted into the at least two insertion holes.

[0014] According to this design, when the cassette is attached to the main body section, the at least two protrusions are inserted into the at least two insertion holes, thus positioning the cassette relative to the main body section. Furthermore, when the rotating base section rotates, the cassette also rotates along with it. This design reduces cassette rattling.

[0015] According to a fifth aspect of the invention, the filament winding device of the fourth aspect is arranged such that the first section comprises: a disk-shaped disk section comprising a first surface facing the second section and in which the spool holders are provided on the first surface; and a projecting plane section projecting from a second surface of the disk section opposite the first surface, wherein the at least two insertion holes are provided on the projecting plane section of the first section.

[0016] In accordance with this aspect, at least two insertion holes are provided on the section of the projection plane that differs from the disc section where the coil holders supporting the coils are located. This prevents the coils from being damaged by the at least two projections inserted into the at least two insertion holes.

[0017] According to a sixth aspect of the invention, the filament winding device according to one of the second to fifth aspects is arranged such that the cassette further comprises a flange which is attached to an outer circumference of the first section and which is rotatable about the shaft of the mold relative to the first section, and the main body section comprises gripping sections which are able to grip the flange of the cassette.

[0018] Since, according to this aspect, the flange of the cassette is gripped by the gripping sections, the cassette is gripped without disturbing the rotation of the first section and that of the second section, which is connected to the first section by the connecting element. [Brief description of the drawings] Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a filament winding device of the present embodiment. Fig. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the filament winding device. Fig. 3(a) and Fig. 3(b) are front views of a spiral winding unit. Fig. Figure 4 is a perspective view of a circumferential winding unit. Fig. Figure 5 is a top view of the filament winding device with a workbench and a changing device. Fig. Figure 6 shows front views of the circumferential winding unit. Fig. 6(a) shows the circumferential winding unit without cassette and Fig. Figure 6(b) shows the circumferential winding unit with the cassette. Fig. 7 are cross-sections of the circumferential winding unit. Fig. Figure 7(a) shows a situation in which the cassette is detached from a holder, and Fig. Figure 7(b) shows a situation in which the cassette is grabbed. Fig. Figure 8 shows perspective views of a section of the grip. Fig. 8(a) shows a pressure element in a cancellation position and Fig. Figure 8(b) shows the printing element in a printing position. Fig. Figure 9 is a perspective view showing the relationship between a projection on a rotating base section and an insertion opening on the cassette. Fig. Figure 10 is a perspective view showing the relationship between a connecting element supported by the rotating base section and a connecting element supported by the cassette. Fig. 11(a) and Fig. 11(b) illustrates the steps of a coil change. Fig. 12(a) and Fig. 12(b) illustrates the steps of changing the coil. [Preferred embodiment of the invention](filament winding device)

[0019] The following describes an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view of a filament winding device 1, relating to the present embodiment. Fig. Figure 2 is a block diagram of the electrical configuration of the filament winding device 1. For ease of explanation, the following are shown in Figure 2: Fig. The directions shown in Figure 1 (a forward-backward direction and a left-right direction) are defined below. The forward-backward direction and the left-right direction run parallel to a horizontal direction. The forward-backward direction and the left-right direction are orthogonal to each other. Furthermore, a direction that is orthogonal to both the forward-backward direction and the left-right direction is defined as the up-down direction. The up-down direction is a vertical direction in which gravity acts.

[0020] The filament winding device 1 is of the multi-filament feed type and is configured to simultaneously wind several fiber bundles (in Fig. (1 not shown) winds onto a form L. The filament winding device 1 comprises a winding device 2, creel stands 3, and pretreatment units 4. Overall, the filament winding device 1 is essentially symmetrical in the left-right direction. The winding device 2 is configured to wind the fiber bundles onto the cylindrical form L. Each fiber bundle is obtained, for example, by impregnating a thermosetting or thermoplastic resin material into a fiber material such as carbon fiber. The shape of the form L can vary depending on the end product. For example, if the end product is a pressure vessel, the form L is used with domed sections at both ends of its cylindrical section, as shown in Fig. Figure 1 shows the materials used in Form L, including high-strength aluminum, metal, and resin / synthetic resin. After the fiber bundles are wound onto Form L, a thermal curing process, such as baking or cooling, is performed. The result is the final product, such as a high-strength pressure vessel.

[0021] For example, the gate stands 3 are provided on both sides of the winding device 2 in the left-right direction. The gate stands 3 are provided, for example, near a rear end section of the winding device 2 in the front-back direction. Each gate stand 3 comprises, for example, a substantially cuboid frame 11 extending in the front-back direction. The frame 11 is equipped, for example, with one or more spool holder groups 12. For example, the spool holder groups 12 are provided corresponding to the respective nozzle units 53 of a spiral winding unit 50 described later. Each spool holder group 12 comprises several (in the present embodiment, five) spool holders 13, which are aligned, for example, in the front-back direction. Each spool holder 13 comprises, for example, an axis extending in the left-right direction.Each spool holder 13 rotatably supports a spool 14 onto which a fiber bundle is wound. In the present embodiment, for example, nine spool holder groups 12 are provided, and five spools 14 are attached to each spool holder group 12. (Therefore, a total of 45 spools 14 are provided.) Five fiber bundles are supplied jointly by the five spools 14 belonging to each spool holder group 12. The fiber bundles fed by each creel stand 3 are wound onto the form L by the spiral winding unit 50. Fig. Figure 1 shows two gate stands 3. However, the number of gate stands 3 is not limited to this. To avoid complex representations, the figure shows Fig. 1 only one of the coil holder groups 12.

[0022] The pretreatment units 4 are configured to perform a predetermined pretreatment (e.g., applying tension) on the fiber bundles. Each pretreatment unit 4 is positioned, for example, between a corresponding creel stand 3 and the spiral winding unit 50 (described later) in one direction of travel of the fiber bundles. (Windler)

[0023] The winding device 2 is described in more detail below. The winding device 2 comprises a base 20, mounting units 30 (a first mounting unit 31 and a second mounting unit 32), a circumferential winding unit 40 and the spiral winding unit 50.

[0024] The base 20 supports the mounting units 30, the circumferential winding unit 40, and the spiral winding unit 50. Rails 21 extending in the front-back direction are provided on one upper surface of the base 20. The mounting units 30 and the circumferential winding unit 40 are movable along the rails 21 in the front-back direction. The position of the spiral winding unit 50, however, is fixed, for example, with respect to the base 20. The first mounting unit 31, the circumferential winding unit 40, the spiral winding unit 50, and the second mounting unit 32 are arranged from front to back in that order.

[0025] The support units 30 comprise the first support unit 31 and the second support unit 32. The first support unit 31 is positioned in front of the circumferential winding unit 40. The second support unit 32 is located behind the spiral winding unit 50. The support units 30 support the form L via a support shaft 33 extending axially (i.e., in the forward-backward direction) so that it is rotatable about this shaft. The support units 30 include a motion motor 34 and a rotary motor 35 (see Fig. 2) The motion motor 34 is configured to move the support units 30 (the first support unit 31 and the second support unit 32) in the forward-backward direction along the rails 21. The rotary motor 35 is configured to rotate the support shaft 33 so that the L-shape rotates around this shaft. The operation of the motion motor 34 and the rotary motor 35 is controlled by the controller 5.

[0026] The circumferential winding unit 40 is configured to perform circumferential winding on a circumferential surface of shape L. Circumferential winding is a method in which the fiber bundles are wound onto the shape L in a direction that is substantially orthogonal to the axial direction of the shape L. The circumferential winding unit 40 comprises, for example, a main body section 41, a rotating element 42, and several (in the present embodiment, five) spool holders 43. The main body section 41 is movable in the forward-backward direction along the rails 21. The rotating element 42 is an annular element with a through-opening 44 through which the shape L can be passed. The rotating element 42 is held by the main body section 41 so that it is rotatable about the axis of the shape L. The spool holders 43 are attached to the rotating element 42 at regular intervals along its circumference.Each spool holder 43 includes a pivot axis extending in the forward-backward direction and rotatably supports a spool (not shown) onto which a fiber bundle is wound.

[0027] The circumferential winding unit 40 comprises a motion motor 46, a rotary motor 47 and a guide motor 76 (see Fig. 2) The motion motor 46 is configured to move the main body section 41 back and forth along the rails 21. The rotation motor 47 is configured to rotate the rotating element 42 around the shaft of the mold L. The operation of the motion motor 46 and the rotation motor 47 is controlled by the control unit 5. When circumferential winding is performed, the control unit 5 rotates the rotating element 42 while moving the main body section 41 back and forth along the rails 21. This pulls fiber bundles from the respective spools rotating around the mold L and simultaneously winds them in a circumferential winding onto the circumferential surface of the mold L. The guide motor 76 will be described in more detail later.

[0028] The spiral winding unit 50 is configured to perform a spiral winding on the circumferential surface of the mold L. Spiral winding is a method of winding the fiber bundles onto the mold L in a direction that is substantially parallel to the axial direction of the mold L. The spiral winding unit 50 comprises, for example, a main body section 51, a frame element 52, and several (in the present embodiment, nine) nozzle units 53. The main body section 51 is, for example, attached to the base 20. The frame element 52 is an annular element with a through-bore 54 through which the mold L can pass. The frame element 52 is supported by the main body section 51. The nozzle units 53 are arranged radially around the shaft of the mold L. Each nozzle unit 53 is attached to the frame element 52.

[0029] Fig. 3(a) and Fig. Figure 3(b) shows front views of the spiral winding unit 50. More precisely, it shows Fig. 3(a) a situation in which fiber bundles F are wound onto the cylindrical section of the shape L. Fig. Figure 3(b) shows a situation in which the fiber bundles F are wound onto a curved section of the die L. Each die unit 53 includes a guide element 55 configured to guide a fiber bundle F to the die L. The guide element 55 extends in a radial direction along the die L (hereinafter referred to simply as the radial direction), is movable in the radial direction, and is rotatable about an axis of rotation extending in the radial direction. A guide roller 56 is provided radially outside each die unit 53. Five fiber bundles F, drawn from each spool holder group 12 of each yarn stand 3, are fed into a guide element 55 via the guide roller 56 and then fed from a front end of this guide element 55 out of the die L.

[0030] The spiral winding unit 50 comprises a guide motion motor 57 and a guide rotary motor 58 (see Fig. 2) The guide motion motor 57 is configured to move guide elements 55 simultaneously in the radial directions. The guide rotary motor 58 is configured to rotate the guide elements 55 simultaneously about these axes of rotation. The operation of the guide motion motor 57 and the guide rotary motor 58 is controlled by the controller 5. When the helical winding is performed, the controller 5 causes the shape L to pass through the through-hole 54 while slowly rotating about its axis. At the same time, the controller 5 appropriately causes the guide element 55 of each nozzle unit 53 to rotate about a corresponding axis of rotation while appropriately moving the guide element 55 of each nozzle unit 53 in the radial direction.This ensures that the five fiber bundles F are properly drawn out of the front end of the guide element 55 of each nozzle unit 53, and the total of 45 fiber bundles F are simultaneously wound in a spiral winding onto the circumferential surface of the shape L. (Other arrangements)

[0031] The following describes the filament winding device 1 with reference to the Fig. 4 to Fig. 12 described in more detail. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, in the present embodiment the rotating element 42 of the circumferential winding unit 40 is a cassette that can be attached to and detached from the main body section 41. Hereinafter, the rotating element 42 is referred to as the cassette 70. As will be described in detail later, the cassette 70 can hold several spools 45. In the following description of the cassette 70, it is assumed that the cassette 70 is attached to the main body section 41.

[0032] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the filament winding device 1 further comprises a workbench 85 and a changeover device 90. The workbench 85 is designed for changing the spools of the cassette 70. The changeover device 90 is designed for changing the cassette 70, which is attached to the main body section 41 of the circumferential winding unit 40. When the spools 45 of the circumferential winding unit 40 run out, the changeover device 90 releases the cassette 70 from the main body section 41 and attaches it to the workbench 85. Furthermore, the changeover device 90 releases the cassette 70, which has undergone a spool change on the workbench 85, from the workbench 85 and attaches it to the main body section 41 of the circumferential winding unit 40.

[0033] The circumferential winding unit 40 is described in more detail below. As in Fig. 6(a), Fig. 7(a) and Fig. As shown in Figure 7(b), a fastening section 62 and a rotation base section 63 are attached to the main body section 41. The fastening section 62 and the rotation base section 63 are essentially ring-shaped. The fastening section 62 and the rotation base section 63 are arranged such that their centers lie on a first virtual straight line L1 (see Figure 7(b)). Fig. 6(a)) which extends along the shaft of shape L. The mounting section 62 is attached radially to the outside of the rotary base section 63. The mounting section 62 is attached to the main body section 41. The rotary base section 63 is attached to the main body section 41 such that it is rotatable about the shaft of shape L. A drive source for the rotation of the rotary base section 63 is the rotary drive motor 47 (see Fig. 2).

[0034] As in Fig. 6(a), Fig. 7(a), Fig. 7(b), Fig. 8(a) and Fig. As shown in Figure 8(b), the main body section 41 is provided with gripping sections 64 which can grip the cassette 70 attached to the main body section 41. A pair of gripping sections 64 is provided at each of the four positions around the attachment section 62. These four positions are provided at regular intervals. That is, a total of eight gripping sections 64 are provided. The arrangement and number of gripping sections 64 are not limited thereto. The gripping sections 64 need not be provided in pairs. Each gripping section 64 includes a pressure element 64a. The pressure element 64a is pivotable about an axis that extends in a direction orthogonal to the forward-backward direction. The pressure element 64a is located between a release position (see Figure 8(b)). Fig. 8(a)), in which it is not facing the fastening section 62 in the forward-backward direction, and a pressure position (see Fig. 8(b)), in which it is facing the fastening section 62 in the forward-backward direction, switchable.

[0035] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 7(b), a flange 78 of the cassette 70, described later, is clamped between the mounting section 62 and each pressure element 64a in the pressure position. For this reason, the cassette 70 is gripped by the gripping sections 64. As shown in Figure 7(b), a flange 78 of the cassette 70, described later, is clamped between the mounting section 62 and each pressure element 64a in the pressure position. Fig. As shown in Figure 7(a), the cassette 70 is released from the handle of each gripping section 64 when each pressure element 64a is provided in the release position.

[0036] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 6(a), three projecting sections 63a, 63b, and 63c are provided, projecting radially inward from an inner circumferential edge of the base section 63. A virtual line orthogonal to the first virtual line L1 and passing through the projecting section 63a is a second virtual line L2. In this respect, the projecting sections 63a and 63b are positioned on the second virtual line L2. The projecting sections 63a and 63b are opposite each other above the first virtual line L1. The projecting section 63c is located at a midpoint between the projecting sections 63a and 63b.

[0037] As in Fig. 7(a) and Fig. As shown in Figure 7(b), the foregoing sections 63a and 63b are provided with rearwardly projecting projections 81a. These two projections 81a, which are provided on the projections 63a and 63b, can be inserted into two insertion holes 81b (see Figure 7(b)). Fig. 9) are introduced, which are provided on cassette 70, as will be described later.

[0038] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 6(a), the preceding section 63c carries a connecting element 82a. That is, the connecting element 82a is carried by the main body section 41 via the pivot base section 63. The connecting element 82a can be connected to a connecting element 82b (see Figure 6(a)). Fig. 10) are connected, which is carried by the cassette 70, as will be described later. The connecting element 82a corresponds to a first connecting element of the present invention. The connecting element 82b corresponds to a second connecting element of the present invention.

[0039] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the cassette 70 is annular and provided with the through-opening 44 through which the form L can be guided in the axial direction of the form L (in the forward-backward direction). As described above, the cassette 70 can carry the spools 45. The cassette 70 includes a fiber bundle guide 75 and the guide motor 76, which is configured to drive the fiber bundle guide 75. The fiber bundle guide 75 is configured to guide the fiber bundles F pulled out of the spools 45 to the circumferential surface of the form L. As shown in Figure 4, the form L is designed to be guided to the spools 45. Fig. As shown in Figure 6(b), the cassette 70 is provided with several rollers 79 configured to guide the fiber bundles F drawn from the reels 45 to the fiber bundle guide 75. Furthermore, the cassette 70 is provided with a tension application mechanism (not shown), etc., configured to apply tension to the fiber bundles F.

[0040] The fiber bundle guide 75 extends in the radial direction of the shape L. The fiber bundle guide 75 is movable along the radial direction of the shape L. The fiber bundle guide 75 is rotatable about an axis of rotation (in Fig. 6(b) (represented by a two-dot dashed line) rotatable, extending along the radial direction of the shape L. The guide motor 76 is a drive source for driving the fiber bundle guide 75 to move it along the radial direction of the shape L and to rotate it about a rotary axis extending along the radial direction of the shape L. The operation of the guide motor 76 is controlled by the controller 5 (see Figure 6(b)). Fig. 2).

[0041] As in Fig. 7(a) and Fig. As shown in Figure 7(b), the cassette 70 comprises a first section 71, a second section 74, each connecting element 77, and the flange 78. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the first section 71 and the second section 74 are essentially ring-shaped. The second section 74 is spaced from and aligned with the first section 71 along the axial direction of shape L (the front-back direction). When the cassette 70 is attached to the main body section 41, the first section 71 is located between the main body section 41 and the second section 74 in the axial direction of shape L (the front-back direction). As shown in Fig. 7(a) and Fig. As shown in Figure 7(b), the connecting element 77 connects the first section 71 to the second section 74. The flange 78 is configured to rotate around the shaft of form L relative to the first section 71.

[0042] A central section of the first section 71 is provided with a first opening 71a, which forms the through-opening 44. The (in the present embodiment five) coil holders 43 are arranged around the first opening 71a of the first section 71. As in Fig. 7(a) and Fig. As shown in Figure 7(b), the first section 71 comprises a disk section 72 and a projecting plane section 73. The disk section 72 is disk-shaped and includes a first surface 72a facing the second section 74. The coil holders 43 are provided on the first surface 72a of the disk section 72. The projecting plane section 73 projects from a second surface 72b, which belongs to the disk section 72 and is opposite the first surface 72a.

[0043] The protrusion plane section 73 is provided with the two insertion holes 81b. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 9, when the cassette 70 is attached to the main body section 41, each projection 81a provided on the rotating base section 63 faces a corresponding insertion hole 81b provided on the cassette 70. When the cassette 70 is attached to the main body section 41, the two projections 81a provided on the rotating base section 63 are each inserted into the two insertion holes 81b provided on the cassette 70. Once the two projections 81a are inserted into the two insertion holes 81b, the cassette 70 is supported by the main body section 41 via the rotating base section 63. In this respect, the cassette 70 is positioned relative to the main body section 41. Furthermore, when the rotating base section 63 rotates, the cassette 70 also rotates along with the rotating base section 63.

[0044] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 10, the connecting element 82b is held by the projecting plane section 73 of the rotating base section 63. When the cassette 70 is attached to the main body section 41, the connecting element 82a held by the rotating base section 63 faces the connecting element 82b held by the cassette 70. When the cassette 70 is attached to the main body section 41, the connecting element 82b is connected to the connecting element 82a supported by the rotating base section 63. In this respect, electrical energy can be supplied to the guide motor 76 from the main body section 41 via the connecting elements 82a and 82b. Furthermore, a trigger signal to rotate the guide motor 76 is sent from the main body section 41 to the guide motor 76 via the connecting elements 82a and 82b.

[0045] Referring to Fig. Section 4 is a central section of the second section 74, provided with a second opening 74a, which forms the through-opening 44. The fiber bundle guide 75 and the guide motor 76 are provided on the second section 74. The fiber bundle guide 75 and the guide motor 76 are provided on a surface belonging to the second section 74 and opposite the first section 71 in the axial direction of shape L (the forward-backward direction).

[0046] As in Fig. 7(a) and Fig. As shown in Figure 7(b), each connecting element 77 is provided between the first section 71 and the second section 74 in the axial direction of the shape L (forward-backward direction). Several connecting elements 77 are provided along the circumferential direction of the cassette 70.

[0047] As in Fig. 7(a) and Fig. As shown in Figure 7(b), the flange 78 is attached to an outer circumference of the first section 71. As described above, the flange 78 is rotatable about the shaft of form L relative to the first section 71. The cassette 70 is attached to the main body section 41 such that the flange 78 faces the mounting section 62 attached to the main body section 41. In this arrangement, when the cassette 70 is attached to the main body section 41, the flange 78 of the cassette 70 is clamped between the mounting section 62 and each pressure element 64a, as shown in Figure 7(b). Fig. 7(b) shown when the pressure element 64a of each gripping section 64 is brought into the pressure position. In this state, when the rotating base section 63 rotates, (i) the flange 78 does not rotate and (ii) the first section 71 and the second section 74, which is connected to the first section 71 by each connecting element 77, rotate together with the rotating base section 63.

[0048] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the workbench 85 is located to the left of the base 20 of the winding device 2. The workbench 85 is positioned near a front end section of the winding device 2 in the forward-backward direction. The workbench 85 is located at the boundary between a work area A1, where an operator performs the spool change for each cassette 70, and an operating area A2 of the filament winding device 1. The work area A1 is located in front of the workbench 85, and the operating area A2 is located behind the workbench 85. The workbench 85 can accommodate cassettes 70 on both sides of the workbench 85 in the forward-backward direction. The workbench 85 is freely rotatable about an axis extending in the vertical direction.

[0049] The exchange device 90 is located in operating area A2. The exchange device 90 mainly comprises a rail 91, a telescopic section 92, and a holding unit 93. The rail 91 is located behind the workbench 85. The rail 91 extends in a forward-backward direction. The telescopic section 92 is movable along the rail 91 in a forward-backward direction. The telescopic section 92 can extend toward the base 20 (to the right). The holding unit 93 can hold each cassette 70. The holding unit 93 is attached to the front of the telescopic section 92. When the telescopic section 92 extends and retracts in the left-right direction, the holding unit 93 can be switched between the following positions: a position in which it faces the main body section 41 of the circumferential winding unit 40 in the forward-backward direction, and a position in which it faces the workbench 85 in the forward-backward direction. (Coil change)

[0050] The following describes one step of the coil change process with reference to Fig. 11(a), Fig. 11(a), Fig. 12(a) and Fig. 12(b) described. Fig. 11 and Fig. Figure 12 shows a cassette 70 that has not undergone a reel change (carrying the empty reels 45), in white, and a cassette 70 that has undergone a reel change, in black.

[0051] First, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 11(a), the telescopic section 92 of the exchange device 90 extends when the spools 45 of the circumferential winding unit 40 become empty. This directs the holding unit 93 towards the main body section 41 of the circumferential winding unit 40. The holding unit 93 holds a cassette 70 attached to the main body section 41 and releases this cassette 70 from the main body section 41.

[0052] Then, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 11(b), the telescopic section 92 of the exchange device 90 collapses and moves forward. The holding unit 93 then secures the holding cassette 70 to the workbench 85. This supports the cassette 70 not undergoing coil exchange on a surface of the workbench 85 located on the side of the operating area A2. Similarly, another cassette 70, undergoing coil exchange, is supported on a surface of the workbench 85 located on the side of the working area A1.

[0053] The workbench then rotates 85 as in Fig. 12(a) shown. This positions the cassette 70 that has not undergone a coil change on the side of work area A1, and the cassette 70 that has undergone a coil change is positioned on the side of operating area A2. In this respect, these cassettes 70 are supported by workbench 85. The operator performs the coil change for the cassette 70 that is positioned on the side of work area A1.

[0054] Meanwhile, the exchange device 90, using the holding unit 93, supports the cassette 70, which has undergone the coil exchange and is supported by the workbench 85, and releases this cassette 70 from the workbench 85. Then the telescopic section 92 extends and moves backward, as shown in Fig. 12(b) shown. Subsequently, the holding unit 93 attaches the holding cassette 70 to the main body section 41 of the circumferential winding unit 40, which faces the holding unit 93. (Characteristics of the embodiment)

[0055] As described above, the filament winding device 1 of the present embodiment comprises the circumferential winding unit 40, which is configured to wind the fiber bundles F onto the circumferential surface of the cylindrical liner L in a circumferential winding while moving back and forth along the rails 21 (along the axial direction of the die L). The circumferential winding unit 40 comprises: the cassette 70, which is provided with the through-hole 44 through which the die L can pass in the axial direction, which can support the spools 45, and which includes the fiber bundle guide 75, configured to guide the fiber bundles F drawn from the spools 45 to the circumferential surface of the die L; and the main body section 41, which removably supports the cassette 70 and mounts the attached cassette 70 so that it is rotatable about the shaft of the die L.The cassette 70 comprises: the first section 71, which is provided with (i) the first opening 71a, which forms the through-opening 44, and (ii) the coil holders 43, which rotatably support the coils 45 provided around the first opening 71a; the second section 74, which is spaced apart from and aligned with the first section 71 along the axial direction of the shape L, which is provided with the second opening 74a, which forms the through-opening 44, and on which the fiber bundle guide 75 is provided; and the connecting elements 77, which connect the first section 71 to the second section 74.

[0056] This arrangement allows the spools 45 to be held, and the cassette 70 with the fiber bundle guide 75 can be attached to and detached from the main body section 41. Therefore, when the spools 45 are empty, (i) the cassette 70 is removed from the main body section 41, and (ii) another cassette 70, to which new spools 45 are attached and in which the fiber bundles F, pulled from the respective spools 45, are threaded into the fiber bundle guide 75, is attached to the main body section 41. In this way, the spool change can be sufficiently optimized. Within the cassette 70, the spool holders 43, which support the respective spools 45, are provided on the first section 71, and the fiber bundle guide 75 is provided on the second section 74. In this way, the fiber bundle guide 75 can be provided while simultaneously ensuring space for a large number of spools 45.

[0057] In the filament winding device 1 of the above embodiment, when the cassette 70 is attached to the main body section 41, the first section 71 is positioned between the main body section 41 and the second section 74 in the axial direction of the mold L. That is, the second section 74, on which the fiber bundle guide 75 is provided, which serves to guide the fiber strands F to the circumferential surface of the mold L, is located opposite the main body section 41 and above the first section 71 in the axial direction of the mold L. This prevents a component forming the cassette 70 from interfering with the feed of fiber bundles F from the fiber bundle guide 75 to the circumferential surface of the mold L.

[0058] The filament winding device 1 of the above embodiment further comprises the connecting element 82a, which is supported by the main body section 41, and the connecting element 82b, which is supported by the first section 71 and is connectable to the connecting element 82a. The cassette 70 further comprises the guide motor 76, which is a drive source for driving the fiber bundle guide 75 to move along the radial direction of the shape L and to rotate about an axis of rotation extending along the radial direction of the shape L. Since the cassette 70 is attached to the main body section 41, the connecting element 82a is connected to the connecting element 82b, so that the guide motor 76 can be powered from the main body section 41 via the connecting elements 82a and 82b. Accordingly, the electrical energy supplied to the guide motor 76 is sent from the main body section 41 via the connecting elements 82a and 82b. Therefore, a battery, etc.No additional electrical energy is required for the supply of power to the guide motor 76 on the cassette 70. This prevents an increase in the weight of the cassette 70 and allows the cassette 70 to rotate at high speed.

[0059] The filament winding device 1 of the above embodiment further comprises the rotating base section 63, which is attached to the main body section 41 to be rotatable about the shaft of shape L. The two projections 81a are provided on the rotating base section 63, and the two insertion holes 81b, into which these two projections can each be inserted, are provided on the first section 71 of the cassette 70. When the cassette 70 is attached to the main body section 41, the two projections 81a are each inserted into the two insertion holes 81b. Thus, when the cassette 70 is attached to the main body section 41, the two projections 81a are each inserted into the two insertion holes 81b, positioning the cassette 70 relative to the main body section 41. When the rotating base section 63 rotates, the cassette 70 also rotates together with the rotating base section 63.The arrangement described above makes it possible to reduce the rattling of cassette 70 at this time.

[0060] In the filament winding device 1 of the above embodiment, the first section 71 further comprises: the disk section 72, which includes the first surface 72a facing the second section 74 and in which the spool holders 43 are provided on the first surface 72a; and the projection plane section 73, which projects from the second surface 72b belonging to the disk section 72 and opposite the first surface 72a. The two insertion holes 81b are provided on the projection plane section 73 of the first section 71. Thus, the insertion holes 81b are provided on the projection plane section 73, which is distinct from the disk section 72 in which the spool holders 43, which support the spools 45, are provided. This prevents the projections 81a inserted into the insertion holes 81b from interfering with the spools 45.

[0061] In the filament winding device 1 of the above embodiment, the cassette 70 further comprises the flange 78, which is attached to the outer circumference of the first section 71 and which is rotatable about the shaft of form L relative to the first section 71, and the main body section 41 comprises the gripping sections 64, which can grip the flange 78 of the cassette 70. Since, by this arrangement, the flange 78 of the cassette 70 is gripped by the gripping sections 64, the cassette is gripped without disturbing the rotation of the first section 71 and that of the second section 74, which is connected to the first section 71 by the connecting elements 77.

[0062] Thus, the embodiment of the present invention has been described above. However, the specific structure of the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to the embodiment described above. The scope of the present invention is not defined by the embodiment described above, but by the claims listed below, and includes the equivalents as defined in the claims and any modification within the scope of the claims.

[0063] In the embodiment described above, when the cassette 70 is attached to the main body section 41, the first section 71, which is provided with the spool holders 43, is positioned in the axial direction of the shape L between the main body section 41 and the second section 74, in which the fiber bundle guide 75 is provided. However, the disclosure is not limited to this. That is to say, the first section 71 can be arranged opposite the main body section 41 above the second section 74 in the axial direction of the shape L.

[0064] In the embodiment described above, the fiber bundle guide 75 is movable along the radial direction of the shape L and rotatable about an axis of rotation extending along the radial direction of the shape L. However, the disclosure is not limited to this. The fiber bundle guide 75 can either be movable along the radial direction of the shape L or rotatable about the axis of rotation extending along the radial direction of the shape L. Alternatively, the fiber bundle guide 75 can also be incapable of moving and rotating as described above.

[0065] In the embodiment described above, the guide motor 76 is a drive source for driving the fiber bundle guide 75 so that it moves along the radial direction of the shape L and rotates about an axis of rotation extending along the radial direction of the shape L. However, the disclosure is not limited to this. For example, a motor serving as a drive source for driving the fiber bundle guide 75 to move along the radial direction of the shape L can be independent of a motor serving as a drive source for driving the fiber bundle guide 75 to rotate about the axis of rotation extending along the radial direction of the shape L. Therefore, if the cassette 70 is equipped with multiple motors, the electrical energy transmitted from the main body section 41 via the connecting elements 82a and 82b can be supplied to at least one of these motors.

[0066] In the embodiment described above, electrical energy is supplied from the main body section 41 to the guide motor 76 via the connecting elements 82a and 82b. However, the disclosure is not limited to this embodiment. That is to say, a battery, etc., for supplying electrical energy to the guide motor 76 can be provided on the cassette 70.

[0067] In the embodiment described above, the rotating base section 63, which is turned by the rotary motor 47, is attached to the main body section 41. The cassette 70 is supported by the main body section 41 via the rotating base section 63. When the rotating base section 63 turns, the cassette 70 also turns together with the rotating base section 63. However, the cassette 70 can also be attached to the main body section 41 without the rotating base section 63 and turned by the rotary motor 47.

[0068] In the embodiment described above, the two projections 81a provided on the rotating base section 63 are inserted into the two insertion holes 81b provided on the cassette 70. However, the disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the projections 81a can be provided on the cassette 70 and inserted into the insertion holes 81b provided on the rotating base section 63. Furthermore, the number of projections 81a and insertion holes 81b is not limited to two. To position the cassette 70 relative to the main body section 41 and to suppress rattling of the rotating cassette 70, it is advantageous if the number of projections 81a and insertion holes 81b is equal to or greater than two. However, the number of projections 81a and insertion holes 81b can also be one each. Such projections 81a and insertion holes 81b need not be present.

[0069] In the embodiment above, the first section 71 of the cassette 70 comprises the projecting-plane section 73, which projects from the second surface 72b of the disk section 72, and the projecting-plane section 73 is provided with the insertion holes 81b. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the first section 71 may not include the projecting-plane section 73, and the disk section 72 may be provided with the insertion holes 81b.

[0070] In the embodiment described above, the main body section 41 comprises the gripping sections 64, which can grip the flange 78 of the cassette 70. However, the disclosure is not limited to this. The gripping sections 64 can be configured to grip a different part of the cassette 70 than the flange 78. Alternatively, the gripping sections 64 may not be provided.

[0071] In the embodiment described above, the circumferential winding is performed while the main body section 41 moves back and forth along the rails 21 (along the axial direction of the form L). However, the disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the circumferential winding can be performed while the form L moves back and forth along its axial direction. That is to say, the winding can be performed in different ways, as long as it is carried out while the form L and the main body section 41 move back and forth relative to each other along the axial direction of the form L.

[0072] In the embodiment described above, the cassette 70 comprises the single fiber bundle guide 75 and the guide motor 76, which is configured to drive the fiber bundle guide 75. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto. The cassette 70 can comprise multiple fiber bundle guides 75.

[0073] The filament winding device 1 of the above embodiment is configured to wind the fiber bundles F onto the shape L using the circumferential winding unit 40 and the spiral winding unit 50. However, the present invention is applicable to a filament winding device configured to wind the fiber bundles F onto the shape L using only the circumferential winding unit 40. [List of reference symbols] 1 Filament winding device 40 Circumferential winding unit 41 Main body section 43 spool holders 44 Passage opening 45 coil 63 Rotating base section 64 Gripping section 70 cassette 71 first section 71a first opening 72 disc section 72a first surface 72b second surface 73 Lead Level Section 74 second section 74a second opening 75 Fiber bundle guidance 76 Guide motor (motor) 77 Connecting element 78 flange 81a advantage 81b Introduction opening 82a Connecting element (first connecting element) 82b Connecting element (second connecting element) L shape QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP 2018-144407

[0003]

Claims

[1] A filament winding device configured to wind at least one fiber bundle onto a circumferential surface of a cylindrical shape, comprising a circumferential winding unit configured to wind the at least one fiber bundle onto the circumferential surface of the shape in a circumferential winding while moving back and forth along an axial direction of the shape relative to the shape, wherein the circumferential winding unit comprises: a cassette which is provided with a through-opening which allows the mold to be guided through it in the axial direction of the mold, which is capable of holding spools, and which includes a fiber bundle guide configured to guide fiber bundles to the circumferential surface of the mold, whereby the fiber bundles are drawn out of the spools; and a main body section that removably supports the cassette and supports the attached cassette in such a way that it is rotatable about a shaft of the shape, and wherein the cassette further comprises: a first section which is provided with (i) a first opening which forms the through-hole, and (ii) coil holders which hold the respective coils, which are designed to rotate around the first opening; a second section, spaced apart from the first section and aligned with it along the axial direction of the shape, which is provided with a second opening which forms the through-hole, and on which the fiber bundle guide is provided; and a connecting element that connects the first section to the second section. [2] The filament winding device according to claim 1, wherein when the cassette is attached to the main body section, the first section is positioned between the main body section and the second section in the axial direction of the mold. [3] The filament winding device according to claim 2, further comprising: a first connecting element which is supported by the main body section; and a second connecting element, which is supported by the first section and is connectable to the first connecting element, wherein the cassette further comprises a motor which is a drive source for driving the fiber bundle guide in order to move it at least either along a radial direction of the shape or to rotate it about an axis of rotation extending along the radial direction of the shape, and when the cassette is attached to the main body section, the first connecting element is connected to the second connecting element, so that electrical energy can be supplied from the main body section to the motor via the first connecting element and the second connecting element. [4] The filament winding device according to claim 2, further comprising a rotating base section attached to the main body section to be rotatable about the shaft of the mold, wherein at least two projections on an element of the rotating base section and are provided for in the first section of the cassette, at least two insertion holes, into which the at least two projections can each be inserted, are provided on the other element consisting of the rotating base section and the first section of the cassette, and when the cassette is attached to the main body section, the at least two projections are each inserted into the at least two insertion holes. [5] The filament winding device according to claim 4, wherein the first section comprises: a disc section which is disc-shaped, which has a first surface facing the second section, and in which the coil holders are provided on the first surface; and a projecting plane section that protrudes from a second surface belonging to the disk section and opposite the first surface, and which provide at least two insertion holes on the protrusion plane section of the first section. [6] The filament winding device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the cassette further comprises a flange attached to an outer circumference of the first section and rotatable about the shaft of the mold relative to the first section, and the main body section comprises gripping sections capable of gripping the flange of the cassette.

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