Filament winding apparatus

Abstract

To provide a filament winding apparatus.SOLUTION: The filament winding apparatus includes a rotation device that rotates the workpiece. The filament winding apparatus includes a guide unit that is movable along an axial direction parallel to a rotation axis of the workpiece and guides the fiber bundle supplied to the workpiece on the rotating device. The guide unit includes a first roller adapted to guide the fiber bundle, and a first adjusting mechanism adapted to adjust a distance between the first roller and the workpiece. The filament winding apparatus includes a controller that controls an operation of the first adjustment mechanism. The control unit separates the first roller from the surface of the workpiece in a predetermined first process in 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 process in the series of winding processes.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a filament winding device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a filament winding device capable of performing winding processing, in which the fiber bundle is wound tightly around a workpiece while tension is generated in the fiber bundle. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-139581 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] During the winding process, the fiber bundle may not be sufficiently adhered to the workpiece surface, resulting in the formation of convex portions. For example, when changing the winding type between helical winding and hoop winding, the tension generated in the fiber bundle may weaken, resulting in the formation of convex portions. Furthermore, when changing the winding type, asymmetric, irregular winding may result in the formation of fiber intersections, resulting in the formation of convex portions. Convex portions can cause undulations (bending) during the next fiber laying step. The strength of the fiber may decrease at the bent portions, potentially resulting in reduced fatigue performance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The filament winding device disclosed in this specification includes a rotation device that rotates a workpiece. The filament winding device includes a guide unit that is movable along an axial direction parallel to the rotation axis of the workpiece and that guides a 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 adjustment mechanism that is configured to adjust the distance between the first roller and the workpiece. The filament winding device includes a control unit that controls the operation of the first adjustment mechanism. The control unit moves the first roller away from the surface of the workpiece in a predetermined first step in a 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 in the series of winding processes.

[0006] According to the above configuration, in the specified first step, the first roller can be moved away from the surface of the workpiece. This reduces the various resistances generated by the first roller, thereby increasing the winding speed. Furthermore, in the specified second step, the first roller can press the fiber bundle against the surface of the workpiece. This allows the fiber bundle to be sufficiently adhered to the surface of the workpiece, thereby minimizing steps in convex areas. This makes it possible to prevent a decrease in fatigue performance while maintaining the throughput of the winding process. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a side view of the FW device 1 in a state where the first roller 11 is located at the contact position. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a top view of the FW device 1 in a state where the first roller 11 is located at the contact position. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a side view of the FW device 1 in a state where the first roller 11 is located at the separated position. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a side view of the FW device 1 in which the second roller 12 and the third roller 13 are in a fixed state. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating types of winding processing. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the FW device 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The following are additional features of the filament winding device disclosed in this specification:

[0009] In one embodiment of the present technology, the first step may include a step of performing helical winding and a step of performing hoop winding, and the second step may include a step of performing switching between helical winding and hoop winding.

[0010] With the above configuration, the processing speed of helical winding and hoop winding can be increased in the first process. Also, in the second process, the fiber bundle can be pressed against the surface of the workpiece by the first roller. This can minimize the step at the convex portion that occurs when switching the winding method.

[0011] In an embodiment of the present technology, the guide unit may further include a second roller and a third roller that are arranged farther from the workpiece than the first roller, are arranged facing each other, and the fiber bundle passes between the rollers. The guide unit may further include a second adjustment mechanism configured to adjust the distance between the second roller and the third roller. The guide unit may further include a cutting mechanism that is arranged on a supply path of the fiber bundle from the second roller and the third roller to the first roller. The second adjustment mechanism may be capable of changing a 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 an unlocked state in which the second roller and the third roller are separated from each other. The control unit may keep the second roller and the third roller in an unlocked state during a series of winding processes. In a finishing step for finishing the series of winding processes, the control unit may stop rotation of the workpiece, keep the second roller and the third roller in a locked state, and cut the fiber bundle by the cutting mechanism.

[0012] According to the above configuration, the fiber bundle can be cut while being held in a fixed state by being sandwiched between the second roller and the third roller. Since the fiber bundle can be cut while tension is applied to the fiber bundle, the cutting can be performed reliably.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present technology, in the finishing step, before cutting the fiber bundle, the control unit may bring the first roller into contact with the surface of the workpiece via the fiber bundle. In the finishing step, after cutting the fiber bundle, the control unit may rotate the workpiece so that the first roller passes over the cut end of the fiber bundle while the first roller is in contact with the fiber bundle.

[0014] According to the above configuration, the cut end of the fiber bundle can be pressed against the surface of the workpiece by the first roller, and steps at convex portions that occur at the cut end of the fiber bundle can be minimized.

[0015] In an embodiment of the present technology, the first adjustment mechanism may be configured to be able to change the relative position of the first roller with respect to the housing of the guide unit. [Example]

[0016] (Schematic configuration of filament winding device 1) 1 to 3 show a schematic configuration of a filament winding device 1 (sometimes abbreviated as FW device 1) of this embodiment. FIG. 1 is a side view in a state where the first roller 11 is located at the contact position. FIG. 2 is a top view of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a side view in a state where the first roller 11 is located at the separation position. Note that for ease of viewing, FIG. 2 omits illustration of components such as the upper part of the housing 15, the first adjustment mechanism 20, the second adjustment mechanism 30, and the third roller 13. The FW device 1 is a device that applies tension to a fiber bundle 70 impregnated with resin and winds the fiber bundle 70 around a workpiece 60. The fiber bundle 70 is, for example, a bundle of elementary fibers impregnated with a thermosetting epoxy resin.

[0017] The FW apparatus 1 mainly includes a guide unit 10, a control unit 50, and a rotation device 61. As shown in FIG. 2, the rotation device 61 is a device that rotatably fixes the workpiece 60. The workpiece 60 is a cylindrical hollow container. The workpiece 60 has gas barrier properties and is filled with high-pressure gas such as hydrogen. The workpiece 60 includes a cylindrical body portion 60b and a pair of dome portions 60d. The pair of dome portions 60d are connected to both ends of the body portion 60b. The workpiece 60 includes a rotation axis RA. The rotation device 61 rotates the workpiece 60 around the rotation axis RA.

[0018] The guide unit 10 is a mechanism that guides the fiber bundle 70 supplied to the workpiece 60. The guide unit 10 is also called an eye guide or a feed eye. The guide unit 10 is movable along an axial direction (y-axis direction) parallel to the rotation axis RA of the workpiece 60, and is also movable along a front-rear axis (x-axis direction).

[0019] The guide 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 are arranged parallel to each other. The first roller 11 is arranged at the tip side of the guide unit 10. The second roller 12 and the third roller 13 are arranged farther from the workpiece 60 than the first roller 11. The second roller 12 and the third roller 13 are arranged opposite each other, and the fiber bundle 70 passes between the rollers. In this embodiment, the fiber bundle 70 enters from the side of the fourth roller 14 and is supplied to the workpiece 60 by coming into 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.

[0020] The first adjustment mechanism 20 includes an actuator 21, a rack 22, a pinion 23, and a roller support portion 24. In this embodiment, the actuator 21 is a cylinder. The cylinder may be air-operated, hydraulically operated, or electrically operated. The actuator 21 moves the pinion 23 in a movement direction D1. The pinion 23 moves linearly on the rack 22. One end of the roller support portion 24 is fixed to the pinion 23. The first roller 11 is rotatably supported at the other end of the roller support portion 24.

[0021] The first adjustment mechanism 20 is a mechanism that can adjust 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. A more specific explanation will be given. The first adjustment mechanism 20 can change the position of the first roller 11 between a contact position (FIG. 1) and a separation position (FIG. 3). The contact position in FIG. 1 is a position where the first roller 11 contacts the surface of the workpiece 60 via the fiber bundle 70. The separation position in FIG. 3 is a position where the first roller 11 is separated from the surface of the workpiece 60.

[0022] 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 movement direction D2. The second adjustment mechanism 30 is a mechanism that can adjust the distance between the second roller 12 and the third roller 13. That is, the second adjustment mechanism can change the second roller 12 and the third roller 13 between an unfixed state (FIGS. 1 and 3) and a fixed state (FIG. 4). The unfixed state (FIGS. 1 and 3) is a state in which the second roller 12 and the third roller 13 are separated from each other. The fixed state (FIG. 4) is a 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 a state in which the fiber bundle 70 is clamped and fixed by the second roller 12 and the third roller 13.

[0023] The cutting mechanism 40 is disposed on the supply path of the fiber bundle 70 between the second roller 12 and the third roller 13 and the first roller 11. As shown in FIG. 2, the cutting mechanism 40 includes a cutter 41 and a rail 42. The rail 42 is disposed in a direction (y direction) perpendicular to the supply direction (x direction) of the fiber bundle 70. The cutter 41 is configured to be movable on the rail 42 by an actuator (not shown) (see arrow Y1). In the retracted position in FIG. 2, the cutter 41 is away from the supply path of the fiber bundle 70. The cutter 41 can cut the fiber bundle 70 by moving the rail 42 in the direction of arrow Y1.

[0024] The control unit 50 is a component that controls the operations of the first adjustment mechanism 20, the second adjustment mechanism 30, the cutting mechanism 40, the rotation device 61, etc. The control unit 50 may be configured as a computer including a CPU and memory. The CPU may then execute a control program stored in the memory to control the various mechanisms.

[0025] (Details of each process in the winding process) A series of winding processes is performed by winding a continuous fiber bundle 70 around the workpiece 60. The series of winding processes includes a first process and a second process. The first process is a process in which helical winding and hoop winding are performed. Helical winding is a method of winding the fiber bundle 70 in a spiral shape in the direction of the rotation axis RA, as shown in FIG. 5(A). In other words, helical winding is a winding method in which the angle with respect to the rotation axis RA is relatively small and the fiber bundle 70 is wound around the pair of dome portions 60d. Hoop winding is a method of winding the fiber bundle 70 around the body portion 60b, as shown in FIG. 5(C). In other words, hoop winding is a winding method in which the angle with respect to the rotation axis RA is relatively large and the fiber bundle 70 is not wound around the pair of dome portions 60d. Note that the term "hoop winding" in this specification also includes so-called high-angle helical winding.

[0026] The second step is a step in which switching between helical winding and hoop winding is performed. In this embodiment, the combination winding shown in FIG. 5(B) is performed in the second step. The combination winding is a winding method for changing the angle with respect to the rotation axis RA from a low angle (helical winding) to a high angle (hoop winding). The combination winding has a threading path that passes sequentially from position P1 to position P6. Position P1 is the end position of the helical winding. Position P6 is the start position of the hoop winding. The combination winding is an asymmetric, irregular winding method, which results in multiple convex portions on the surface of the workpiece 60.

[0027] (FW device 1 operation details) The operation of the FW device 1 will be described using the flowchart of Fig. 6. The FW device 1 executes a start step (step S5), a series of winding steps (steps S10 to S50), and an end step (steps S60 to S130).

[0028] Before the start step (step S5) is performed, the tip end of the fiber bundle 70 is set on the first roller 11. The details of setting the tip end of the fiber bundle 70 will be described later in step S130.

[0029] In step S5, the first adjustment mechanism 20 moves the position of the first roller 11 to the contact position (FIG. 1). This allows the first roller 11 to press the tip end of the fiber bundle 70 against the surface of the workpiece 60.

[0030] Next, the winding process (steps S10 to S50) will be described. During the winding process, the second roller 12 and the third roller 13 are maintained in an unfixed state.

[0031] In step S10, the first adjustment mechanism 20 moves the position of the first roller 11 to the separated position (FIG. 3). This causes the first roller 11 to be separated from the surface of the workpiece 60. In step S15, the control unit 50 executes the first process (helical winding) (see FIG. 5(A)). The first process is performed with the first roller 11 positioned at the separated position (FIG. 3). When helical lamination is completed, the process proceeds to step S20.

[0032] In step S20, the first adjustment mechanism 20 moves the position of the first roller 11 to the contact position (FIG. 1). As a result, the first roller 11 comes into contact with the surface of the workpiece 60 via the fiber bundle 70. The first roller 11 may be moved while the workpiece 60 is being rotated, or the first roller 11 may be moved after the rotation of the workpiece 60 is stopped.

[0033] In step S30, the control unit 50 executes the second process (combined winding) (see FIG. 5(B)). The combined winding process is performed with the first roller 11 positioned at the contact position (FIG. 1). When the fiber bundle 70 is wound up to position P6 in FIG. 5(B), the process proceeds to step S40.

[0034] In step S40, the first adjustment mechanism 20 moves the position of the first roller 11 to the separated position (FIG. 3). In step S50, the control unit 50 executes the first process (hoop winding) (see FIG. 5(C)). The first process is performed with the first roller 11 in the separated position (FIG. 3). Then, when all lamination is completed, the process proceeds to step S60.

[0035] The finishing steps (S60 to S130) will be described. In step S60, the control unit 50 stops the rotation of the workpiece 60. In step S70, the first adjustment mechanism 20 moves the position of the first roller 11 to the contact position (FIG. 1).

[0036] In step S80, the second adjustment mechanism 30 moves the third roller 13 toward the second roller 12. This allows the fiber bundle 70 to be sandwiched between the second roller 12 and the third roller 13 and fixed (see region A1 in FIG. 4).

[0037] In step S90, the cutting mechanism 40 cuts the fiber bundle 70 by moving the cutter 41 across the fiber bundle 70 (see arrow Y1 in FIG. 2). At this time, the fiber bundle 70 on the tip side (-x direction side) of the cutter 41 is pressed against the workpiece 60 by the first roller 11 and fixed (see area A2 in FIG. 4). Furthermore, 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 (see area A1). Therefore, the fiber bundle 70 can be cut with tension applied to the fiber bundle 70. Since the cutter 41 can be prevented from slipping away, reliable cutting is possible.

[0038] 4 shows the state of the fiber bundle 70 after cutting. After cutting, the fiber bundle 70 has a cut end 70e and a tip 70t. The cut end 70e is located on the workpiece 60 side. The tip 70t is clamped and fixed by the second roller 12 and the third roller 13.

[0039] In step S100, the control unit 50 executes a process of pressing the cut end 70e against the surface of the workpiece 60. Specifically, the workpiece 60 is rotated in the rotation direction R1 from the state shown in FIG. 4. This allows the first roller 11 to pass over the top surface of the cut end 70e while being in contact with the fiber bundle 70. Since the cut end 70e can be pressed by the first roller 11, it is possible to prevent the cut end 70e from curling.

[0040] In step S110, the first adjustment mechanism 20 moves the position of the first roller 11 to the separated position (FIG. 3). In step S120, the control unit 50 causes a hot air blower (not shown) to blow hot air onto the cut end portion 70e. This allows the cut end portion 70e to be reliably fixed to the surface of the workpiece 60. Note that this step may be skipped.

[0041] In step S130, a process is executed to set the tip portion 70t on the first roller 11. Specifically, the control unit 50 rotates the second roller 12 and the third roller 13 while the fiber bundle 70 is sandwiched between them. This allows the tip portion 70t of the fiber bundle 70 to be fed to the first roller 11. This makes it possible to execute the start step of the next winding process (step S5). Since continuous winding processes can be performed, the winding process can be automated. This allows for improved throughput and reduced manufacturing costs.

[0042] (effect) The following describes the problem. During the winding process, the fiber bundle 70 may not be sufficiently adhered to the surface of the workpiece 60, resulting in the formation of a convex portion. For example, when changing the winding type between helical winding and hoop winding, the tension generated in the fiber bundle 70 may weaken, resulting in the formation of a convex portion. Furthermore, when changing the winding type, an asymmetric, irregular winding method (combined winding) may create a fiber intersection, resulting in the formation of a convex portion. The convex portion may cause undulation (bending) during the fiber laying in the next step. The strength of the fiber may decrease at the bent portion, potentially resulting in a deterioration in fatigue performance.

[0043] Therefore, in the technology of this specification, in the predetermined first process (helical winding and hoop winding), the first roller 11 can be moved away from the surface of the workpiece 60. This reduces the various resistances generated by the first roller 11, thereby increasing the winding speed. Also, in the predetermined 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. This allows the fiber bundle 70 to be sufficiently tightly attached to the surface of the workpiece 60, minimizing steps at convex portions. It is possible to prevent a decrease in fatigue performance while maintaining the throughput of the winding process. [Example]

[0044] Example 2 differs from Example 1 in that the second step (combination winding) can be omitted. Only the differences from Example 1 will be explained below.

[0045] 6, when the first process (helical winding) of step S15 is completed, the finishing process is carried out. The details of the finishing process have already been explained in steps S60 to S130 of the first embodiment.

[0046] Next, the guide unit 10 is moved to the hoop winding start position (see position P6 in FIG. 5(B)). Then, the start step is executed. The details of the start step have already been explained in step S5 of the first embodiment. Then, the first step (hoop winding) of step S50 is executed. The subsequent steps are the same as those in the first embodiment, and therefore will not be explained again.

[0047] The technology of Example 2 can omit the second process (combined winding) for switching between helical winding and hoop winding. It is possible to eliminate asymmetric and irregularly wound layers, which makes it possible to prevent the formation of convex portions. This further improves fatigue performance.

[0048] Although the embodiments have been described in detail above, these are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and variations of the specific examples exemplified above. The technical elements described in this specification or drawings exhibit technical utility alone or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. Furthermore, the technology exemplified in this specification or drawings simultaneously achieves multiple objectives, and achieving one of these objectives itself has technical utility.

[0049] (Variation) The process of winding the fiber bundle 70 with the first roller 11 in the contact position (FIG. 1) is not limited to the second process (combination winding). It can be applied to any process that requires suppressing fiber waviness and improving fiber layering quality. For example, the first roller 11 may be brought into contact at the very beginning of winding the fiber bundle 70 (also called the third circuit).

[0050] The mechanism for moving the first roller 11 to the contact position is not limited to the first adjustment mechanism 20, and may be various. For example, the guide unit 10 itself may move.

[0051] The actuators provided in the first adjustment mechanism 20 and the second adjustment mechanism 30 may be various mechanisms, such as a linear motion system or a ball screw.

[0052] The cutting mechanism 40 may be various mechanisms. For example, it may be a mechanism that moves a cutter 41 in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the fiber bundle 70 (z direction). [Explanation of symbols]

[0053] 1: Filament winding device 10: Guide unit 11: First roller 12: Second roller 13: Third roller 14: Fourth roller 20: First adjustment mechanism 30: Second adjustment mechanism 50: Control unit 60: Workpiece 70: Fiber bundle

Claims

1. A filament winding device, comprising: A rotation device that rotates the workpiece; a guide unit that is movable along an axial direction parallel to the rotation axis of the workpiece and that guides a fiber bundle supplied to the workpiece on the rotating device, the guide unit including: a first roller that guides the fiber bundle; and a first adjustment mechanism that is configured to be able to adjust the distance between the first roller and the workpiece; a control unit that controls an operation of the first adjustment mechanism; Equipped with the control unit moves the first roller away from the surface of the workpiece in a predetermined first step in 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 in the series of winding processes. Filament winding equipment.

2. the first step includes a step of performing helical winding and a step of performing hoop winding, The filament winding apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the second step comprises a step of switching between the helical winding and the hoop winding.

3. The guide unit is a second roller and a third roller that are disposed farther from the work than the first roller, are disposed opposite each other, and the fiber bundle passes between the rollers; a second adjustment mechanism configured to be able to adjust the distance between the second roller and the third roller; a cutting mechanism disposed on a supply path of the fiber bundle from the second roller and the third roller to the first roller; It also has the second adjustment mechanism is capable of changing a 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 an unfixed state in which the second roller and the third roller are separated from each other, The control unit During the series of winding processes, the second roller and the third roller are in the non-fixed state, A filament winding device as described in claim 2, wherein in a finishing process for completing the series of winding processes, the rotation of the work is stopped, the second roller and the third roller are fixed, and the fiber bundle is cut by the cutting mechanism.

4. In the termination step, the control unit before cutting the fiber bundle, the first roller is brought into contact with the surface of the workpiece via the fiber bundle; 4. The filament winding device of claim 3, wherein after the fiber bundle is cut, the work is rotated so that the first roller passes over the cut end of the fiber bundle while the first roller is in contact with the fiber bundle.

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

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