Tank Manufacturing Equipment

Abstract

To provide a work device which can easily achieve a state where a predetermined work is performed on an object.SOLUTION: A tank manufacturing apparatus P includes: an FW device 10 for winding fibers F around an incomplete fuel tank liner Tb before the fibers F are wound; a station St for delivering an incomplete fuel tank liner Tb and a complete fuel tank liner Ta after the fibers F are wound by the FW device 10; and a tank exchange device 100 for moving between the FW device 10 and the station St and conveying the incomplete fuel tank liner Tb and the complete fuel tank liner Ta, and supplies the incomplete fuel tank liner Tb to the FW device 10 or recovers the complete fuel tank liner Ta from the FW device 10.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a tank manufacturing device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent documents 1 to 5 disclose techniques for manufacturing tanks using a filament winding device that winds fibers around a fuel tank liner for fuel cells. Patent document 1 discloses that after the fiber winding is completed, a delivery device holds the fiber, a cutting device cuts and separates the fiber from the wound mandrel, a discharge device discharges the wound mandrel, a setting device sets the unwound mandrel, and a winding device starts winding the fiber held by the delivery device around the unwound mandrel. Patent document 2 discloses that a rotation mechanism and a turning mechanism are controlled so that the mandrel and the bobbin rotate and turn in the same direction during helical winding.

[0003] Patent Document 3 discloses a method for smoothly switching from a first fiber bobbin to a second fiber bobbin. Patent Document 4 discloses a method for fixing the fiber between an existing portion wound around the mandrel and a fiber winding device when cutting the fiber wound around the mandrel, and cutting the fiber between the existing portion and the fixed portion. Furthermore, Patent Document 5 discloses a method for calculating the diameter of a new bobbin when replacing a bobbin. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2009-39951 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2010-692 A [Patent Document 3] JP 2014-231145 A [Patent Document 4] JP 2015-3405 A [Patent Document 5] Patent No. 6404018 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] When winding fibers around a fuel tank liner using a filament winding device, it is necessary to exchange an incomplete fuel tank liner before winding fibers with a completed fuel tank liner after winding fibers in the filament winding device. Usually, the incomplete fuel tank liner is transported to a tank exchange device provided in the filament winding device, and the completed fuel tank liner exchanged by the tank exchange device is carried out.

[0006] The time required for this tank replacement work is extremely short compared to the time required for filament winding, which winds fibers around an incomplete fuel tank liner. Therefore, the tank replacement device is out of operation for a long time during filament winding. Therefore, it is desirable to improve the operating rate of the tank replacement device.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a tank manufacturing apparatus that can easily improve the operating rate of a tank replacement device that replaces a fuel tank liner in a filament winding machine. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The first aspect of the present invention The tank manufacturing apparatus includes a filament winding device that winds fibers around an incomplete fuel tank liner before the fibers are wound thereon, a station that transfers the incomplete fuel tank liner and the completed fuel tank liner after the fibers have been wound thereon by the filament winding device, and a tank exchange device that moves between the filament winding device and the station to transport the incomplete fuel tank liner and the completed fuel tank liner, and supplies the incomplete fuel tank liner to the filament winding device or collects the completed fuel tank liner from the filament winding device. The tank exchange device includes a carriage that moves between the filament winding device and the station, and a delivery device that is connected to the carriage and supplies an incomplete fuel tank liner to the filament winding device and collects a completed fuel tank liner from the filament winding device. . A tank manufacturing apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention includes a filament winding device that winds fibers around an incomplete fuel tank liner before the fibers are wound thereon, a station that transfers the incomplete fuel tank liner and the completed fuel tank liner after the fibers have been wound thereon by the filament winding device, and a tank exchange device that moves between the filament winding device and the station to transport the incomplete fuel tank liner and the completed fuel tank liner, and supplies the incomplete fuel tank liner to the filament winding device or recovers the completed fuel tank liner from the filament winding device. The filament winding device is configured to wind a fuel tank liner around a corresponding incomplete fuel tank liner mounted on the filament winding device. The filament winding device comprises a jig unit that is attached to a predetermined position on an object and has a working element that grips the starting end of the winding of the fiber, the tank exchange device comprises a transport unit having a gripping mechanism that grips and releases the jig unit, and a transport mechanism that transports the jig unit to a predetermined position on the object by moving the gripping mechanism, the object being an incomplete fuel tank liner or an extension member connected to an incomplete fuel tank liner, the filament winding device comprises a waiting table where the jig unit is placed when the jig unit is not attached to the object, and the transport unit transports the jig unit gripped by the gripping mechanism between the waiting table and the predetermined position on the object by operating the transport mechanism. A tank manufacturing apparatus of a third aspect of the present invention includes a filament winding device that winds fiber around an incomplete fuel tank liner before the fiber is wound thereon, a station that transfers the incomplete fuel tank liner and the completed fuel tank liner after the fiber has been wound thereon by the filament winding device, and a tank exchange device that moves between the filament winding device and the station to transport the incomplete fuel tank liner and the completed fuel tank liner, and supplies the incomplete fuel tank liner to the filament winding device or collects the completed fuel tank liner from the filament winding device, and at the station, the incomplete fuel tank liner transported by the unmanned transport device is transferred to the tank exchange device, and the completed fuel tank liner collected by the tank exchange device is transferred to the unmanned transport device.

[0009] According to this, the tank exchange device of the tank manufacturing device can move between the station and the filament winding device. Also, the tank exchange device can move to the filament winding device to supply an incomplete fuel tank liner or collect a completed fuel tank liner. This eliminates the need to permanently install the tank exchange device on the filament winding device, and improves the operating rate of the tank exchange device. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a configuration of a tank manufacturing apparatus. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a filament winding device of the tank manufacturing apparatus. [Diagram 3] FIG. [Figure 4] 4 is a diagram showing the jig unit in a state where the release button is pressed (as viewed from the front side in FIG. 3). FIG. [Diagram 5] 4 is a diagram showing the jig unit in a state in which the rear end of the swing lever is pressed (as viewed from the right side in FIG. 3). FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view showing a fuel tank liner and an extension member. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state in which the jig unit is attached to a predetermined position (attachment portion). [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a tank exchange device of the tank manufacturing device. [Figure 9] 10 is a diagram for explaining a configuration of a delivery device of the tank exchanging apparatus. FIG. [Figure 10] 10 is a diagram for explaining the driving of the delivery device in FIG. 9. FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view showing the tip portion of the transport unit, and showing a transport mechanism, a jig tool, and a cutter tool. [Figure 12] 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the tank manufacturing apparatus. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the operation of the tank exchange device and illustrating the operation of retrieving a completed fuel tank liner. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the operation of the tank exchange device and illustrating the operation of supplying an incomplete fuel tank liner. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] (1. Overview of the tank manufacturing equipment) The tank manufacturing apparatus includes a plurality of filament winding devices that wind fibers around fuel tank liners, and a tank exchange device that transports and supplies incomplete fuel tank liners, which have not yet been wound with fibers, to the filament winding devices and receives and carries out completed fuel tank liners, which have been wound with fibers, from the filament winding devices.

[0012] The tank exchange device is provided for each of the filament winding devices, and moves between the filament winding device that waits for the discharge of a completed fuel tank liner and the supply of an incomplete fuel tank liner, and a station that receives the incomplete fuel tank liner and transfers the completed fuel tank liner. For this purpose, the tank exchange device is provided with a cart, and a transfer device fixed to the cart. The transfer device includes a support pillar erected on the cart, a first arm fixed to the support pillar for discharging the completed fuel tank liner from the filament winding device and supporting the completed fuel tank liner, and a second arm fixed to the support pillar for supporting the incomplete fuel tank liner and supplying the incomplete fuel tank liner to the filament winding device.

[0013] The carriage moves on a rail that is laid parallel to the arrangement direction of the multiple filament winding devices. The support column, the first arm, and the second arm include an extension mechanism that extends or retracts the arm supporting the incomplete fuel tank liner or the completed fuel tank liner in the vertical direction and toward the filament winding devices.

[0014] The first arm is then moved by the carriage to a position opposite the filament winding device and then extended toward the filament winding device by the telescopic mechanism to support and retrieve the completed fuel tank liner from the filament winding device, while the second arm is moved by the carriage to a position opposite the filament winding device and then extended toward the filament winding device by the telescopic mechanism to supply the incomplete fuel tank liner to the filament winding device.

[0015] Here, at the station, an unmanned tank exchange device (AGV) transports an incomplete fuel tank liner that has been through a process prior to the fiber winding process in the tank manufacturing process, and transports a completed fuel tank liner to a process subsequent to the fiber winding process. That is, the tank exchange device transports an incomplete fuel tank liner from the station to the filament winding device, and transports a completed fuel tank liner from the filament winding device to the station. In this case, the first arm passes the completed fuel tank liner to the unmanned tank exchange device (AGV) at the station. Also, the second arm receives the incomplete fuel tank liner from the unmanned tank exchange device (AGV) at the station.

[0016] The tank exchange device of this example is provided with a transport unit. The transport unit has a function of transporting a jig unit provided in the filament winding device. The jig unit can grip the winding start end, and the transport unit transports the jig unit gripping the winding start end to a predetermined position of the incomplete fuel tank liner.

[0017] In addition, the jig unit does not have an active actuator because it passively grips the winding start end. In other words, the jig unit cannot grip the winding start end unless it is operated by another device, and it only maintains either a state in which it does not grip the winding start end or a state in which it grips the winding start end.

[0018] (2. Overall configuration of tank manufacturing equipment P) The overall configuration of the tank manufacturing apparatus P will be described with reference to Fig. 1. The tank manufacturing apparatus P includes a plurality of filament winding devices 10 (hereinafter referred to as "FW devices 10") and one tank exchanging device 100. Here, in the tank manufacturing apparatus P of this example, five FW devices 10 are arranged in a row, and a case is illustrated in which one tank exchanging device 100 moves from a station St to an arbitrary FW device 10 on a rail R laid parallel to the arrangement direction of the FW devices 10.

[0019] In the tank manufacturing equipment P, an incomplete fuel tank liner Tb is carried into a station St by an automated guided vehicle (AGV). In the station St, the tank exchange device 100 receives the incomplete fuel tank liner Tb from the automated guided vehicle (AGV), places it on the station, and moves to the FW device 10 that has requested the supply of the incomplete fuel tank liner Tb, and hands over the incomplete fuel tank liner Tb.

[0020] Then, in the tank manufacturing equipment P, the FW device 10 receives the incomplete fuel tank liner Tb transported by the tank exchange device 100 and winds fiber around it. Furthermore, in the tank manufacturing equipment P, the tank exchange device 100 receives the completed fuel tank liner Ta on which fiber winding has been completed by the FW device 10, and passes the completed fuel tank liner Ta to an automated guided vehicle (AGV) at station St.

[0021] (3. Configuration of FW device 10) 2, the FW device 10 is a device that winds fiber F around an incomplete fuel tank liner Tb for a fuel cell that has not yet been wound with fiber F, to manufacture a completed fuel tank liner Ta in which the winding of fiber F is complete. In the following description, when there is no need to distinguish between the incomplete fuel tank liner Tb and the completed fuel tank liner Ta, the incomplete fuel tank liner Tb and the completed fuel tank liner Ta will be simply referred to as the "fuel tank liner T."

[0022] The fuel tank liner T comprises a tank body T1 and a nozzle T2 and a nozzle T3 at both ends of the tank body T1. In order to facilitate winding the fiber F around the fuel tank liner T (incomplete fuel tank liner Tb), an extension member E is connected to the nozzle T2 so as to be rotatable integrally with the nozzle T2. The extension member E is formed in a shaft shape and is located on an extension line of the nozzle T2. The fiber F is mainly wound around the outer peripheral surface of the tank body T1.

[0023] The FW device 10 includes a rotation device 12 and a rotation device 13 that rotatably support and rotationally drive a fuel tank liner T and an extension member E on a base 11. The rotation devices 12, 13 support, for example, one of the mouthpieces T3 of the fuel tank liner T and the extension member E. The rotation devices 12, 13 are rotationally driven around the central axis of the fuel tank liner T.

[0024] In addition, the FW device 10 includes a rail 14 extending parallel to the central axis direction of the fuel tank liner T on the base 11, and a slider 15 that can slide along the rail 14. The slider 15 holds the fiber F. As a result, when the fuel tank liner T rotates and the slider 15 slides, the fiber F can be wound around the fuel tank liner T.

[0025] The FW device 10 includes a waiting table 16. The waiting table 16 is a place where a jig unit 20 (described later) is placed when it is not attached to a target object, that is, a fuel tank liner T or an extension member E. The waiting table 16 includes a working mechanism 16a for operating a working element (described later) of the jig unit 20. Here, the working element of the jig unit 20 does not include an active actuator, but is an element that passively performs a predetermined operation. In other words, the working mechanism 16a is provided at a position different from the jig unit 20, and is a drive device for performing a predetermined operation on the working element of the jig unit 20 placed on the waiting table 16. The working mechanism 16a is an active actuator, such as a cylinder device.

[0026] The jig unit 20 does not have an active actuator and can perform a predetermined passive operation. In this example, the jig unit 20 performs the predetermined passive operation of gripping the tip of the fiber F. The jig unit 20 is gripped by a jig tool 152 of a transport unit 150 provided in the tank exchange device 100, as described later.

[0027] The jig unit 20 is installed on the waiting table 16, and can grip the tip of the fiber F by driving the working mechanism 16a of the waiting table 16. Moreover, the jig unit 20 can release the gripped fiber F by driving the working mechanism 16a of the waiting table 16. Furthermore, the jig unit 20 has a structure that allows it to be attached and detached to a predetermined position of the target object, which is a fuel tank liner T or an extension member E. The jig unit 20 is transported between the waiting table 16 and the predetermined position of the target object (T, E) by the transport unit 150 of the tank exchange device 100.

[0028] (4. Configuration of jig unit 20) The configuration of the jig unit 20 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. As shown in Fig. 3, the jig unit 20 includes a ball lock pin 21 with a release button, an operating element 22, and a gripper 23.

[0029] The ball lock pin 21 can be engaged with and disengaged from the locking recess. The locking recess is formed at a predetermined position of the target object (T, E), as described later. In addition, a locking recess is also formed in the waiting table 16, although not shown.

[0030] The ball lock pin 21 has a known structure. The ball lock pin 21 includes a support portion 211, a cylindrical main body 212, a nut 213, a protrusion 214, and a release button 215. The support portion 211 is formed of, for example, a plate-like member. In this example, the support portion 211 is an L-shaped plate. However, the support portion 211 may be a member other than a plate-like member. Also, in this example, a circular through hole (not shown) is formed in the support portion 211.

[0031] The cylindrical main body 212 constitutes the majority of the outer shape, and is inserted into the through-hole of the support part 211. The cylindrical main body 212 has an insertion shaft part 212a having a cylindrical outer circumferential surface at the tip side. The insertion shaft part 212a of the cylindrical main body 212 can be inserted into a locking recess formed at a predetermined position of the target (T, E). In addition, the insertion shaft part 212a of the cylindrical main body 212 can be inserted into a locking recess formed in the waiting table 16.

[0032] The nut 213 is screwed onto the cylindrical main body 212, whereby the cylindrical main body 212 and the nut 213 are fixed to the support part 211. The protrusion 214 is provided on the insertion shaft part 212a of the cylindrical main body 212 so as to be operable in a state where it protrudes radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the insertion shaft part 212a, and a state where it is housed inside the insertion shaft part 212a. The protruding state of the protrusion 214 is set as a reference state by, for example, the elastic force of a spring or the like.

[0033] The release button 215 is provided at the base end of the cylindrical main body 212, i.e., at the end opposite to the insertion shaft portion 212a. When the release button 215 is not pressed, the protrusion 214 protrudes radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the insertion shaft portion 212a. When the release button 215 is pressed, all or most of the protrusion 214 is housed inside the insertion shaft portion 212a.

[0034] The working element 22 is fixed to the support portion 211 of the ball lock pin 21. In this example, the working element 22 passively performs the operation of gripping the fiber F. In Fig. 3, the working element 22 includes a support seat 221, a first gripping claw 222, a second gripping claw 223, a swing support shaft 224, a swing lever 225, and a biasing member 226. However, the working element 22 may have a configuration other than that shown in Fig. 3.

[0035] The support seat 221 functions as a positioned element that can be positioned relative to a positioning element (described later) formed at a predetermined position of the target object (T, E). The support seat 221 is fixed to the support portion 211 of the ball lock pin 21. The support seat 221 has a rectangular parallelepiped portion, and includes a planar mounting seat surface 221a (lower surface in FIG. 3, first abutment surface) perpendicular to the central axis of the insertion shaft portion 212a of the cylindrical body 212 of the ball lock pin 21, and a pair of side surfaces 221b and 221c (left and right surfaces in FIG. 3, second abutment surfaces) perpendicular to the mounting seat surface 221a. The pair of side surfaces 221b, 221c are parallel surfaces that face each other back to back. One side surface 221b is located on the ball lock pin 21 side, and the other side surface 221c is located on the opposite side to the ball lock pin 21.

[0036] The first gripping claw 222 is fixed at a position (upper surface in FIG. 3) facing away from the mounting seat surface 221a of the support seat 221. The first gripping claw 222 is formed, for example, in a rectangular parallelepiped shape, but may be formed in any shape. The second gripping claw 223 is disposed so as to be able to come into contact with the surface of the first gripping claw 222 opposite the support seat 221 (upper surface in FIG. 3). The second gripping claw 223 includes a rectangular parallelepiped portion similar to the first gripping claw 222, and a swing support portion. The rectangular parallelepiped portion of the second gripping claw 223 is able to come into surface contact with the first gripping claw 222.

[0037] Furthermore, the second gripping jaw 223 is movable in a direction away from the first gripping jaw 222 (upward in FIG. 3). That is, in FIG. 3, the fiber F is gripped between the upper surface of the first gripping jaw 222 and the lower surface of the second gripping jaw 223.

[0038] The swing support shaft 224 is fixed to the support seat 221 and the first gripping claw 222. The swing lever 225 is swingably supported by the swing support shaft 224. The swing lever 225 is swingable about an axis in the left-right direction in FIG. 2. Furthermore, one end (the front side in FIG. 3) of the swing lever 225 swingably supports the second gripping claw 223. Therefore, when the swing lever 225 swings about the swing support shaft 224, the second gripping claw 223 approaches or moves away from the first gripping claw 222.

[0039] The biasing member 226 is supported by the support seat 221. The biasing member 226 is formed in an axial shape having a central axis in the vertical direction in Fig. 3, and exerts a biasing force in the upward direction in Fig. 3. The upper end of the biasing member 226 in Fig. 3 contacts the rear end of the swing lever 225.

[0040] The gripping portion 23 is an L-shaped plate, similar to the support portion 211 of the ball lock pin 21. However, the gripping portion 23 may be a member other than a plate. The gripping portion 23 is fixed to a side surface 221c of the support seat 221 opposite to the support portion 211 of the ball lock pin 21. The gripping portion 23 is gripped by a jig tool 152 of the transport unit 150.

[0041] (5. Operation of the jig unit 20) Next, a description will be given of the operation of the jig unit 20. When no external force is acting on the jig unit 20, the jig unit 20 is in a state in which the protrusion 214 of the ball lock pin 21 protrudes radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the insertion shaft portion 212a of the cylindrical main body 212, as shown in FIG.

[0042] In this case, the biasing member 226 biases the rear end of the swing lever 225 upward, causing the front end of the swing lever 225 to move downward, and the second gripping claw 223 presses the first gripping claw 222. If the fiber F is interposed between the first gripping claw 222 and the second gripping claw 223, the fiber F is gripped by the first gripping claw 222 and the second gripping claw 223.

[0043] 4, when release button 215 of ball lock pin 21 is pressed by an external force from a member other than jig unit 20, all or most of protrusion 214 is housed inside insertion shaft portion 212a of cylindrical main body 212. In other words, protrusion 214 does not protrude radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of insertion shaft portion 212a of cylindrical main body 212, or the amount of protrusion is very small.

[0044] 5, when the rear end of the swing lever 225 is pressed downward by an external force from a member other than the jig unit 20, the swing lever 225 presses the biasing member 226 while swinging around the swing support shaft 224. That is, the rear end of the swing lever 225 moves downward and the front end moves upward. Since the second gripping claw 223 is supported at the front end of the swing lever 225, the second gripping claw 223 moves away from the first gripping claw 222. Therefore, when the fiber F is interposed between the first gripping claw 222 and the second gripping claw 223, the fiber F is separated from the first gripping claw 222 and the second gripping claw 223.

[0045] (6. Configuration of the Predetermined Positions of Objects T and E) A predetermined position of an object to which the jig unit 20 can be attached will be described with reference to Figures 6 and 7. As described above, the axial extension member E is integrally connected to the mouthpiece T2 of the fuel tank liner T. In this example, the object to which the jig unit 20 can be attached is the mouthpiece T2 or the extension member E of the fuel tank liner T, and the predetermined position of the object is the mounting portion 30 formed on the extension member E. However, the mounting portion 30 of the object may be provided on the mouthpiece T2.

[0046] 6 and 7, the mounting portion 30 has a planar first seating surface 31. The first seating surface 31 is a surface that corresponds to the support portion 211 and the nut 213 of the ball lock pin 21 of the jig unit 20. A locking recess 32 that extends in a direction perpendicular to the first seating surface 31 is formed in the first seating surface 31. As shown in FIG. 6, the opening diameter of the locking recess 32 is smaller than the bottom diameter. The locking recess 32 may be formed by machining one member, or may be formed by assembling a plurality of members.

[0047] 7, the insertion shaft portion 212a of the ball lock pin 21 of the jig unit 20 is inserted into the locking recess 32. However, unless all or most of the protrusion 214 of the ball lock pin 21 is housed in the insertion shaft portion 212a, the insertion shaft portion 212a cannot be inserted into the locking recess 32. With the insertion shaft portion 212a of the ball lock pin 21 inserted into the locking recess 32, the protrusion 214 engages with the locking recess 32, thereby fixing the ball lock pin 21 to the locking recess 32. In this manner, the ball lock pin 21 can be engaged with and disengaged from the locking recess 32.

[0048] The mounting portion 30 as a predetermined position includes a positioning element 33 for positioning the jig unit 20. Specifically, the positioning element 33 of the mounting portion 30 can position the jig unit 20 on the mounting portion 30 by engaging with a support seat 221 as a positioned element of the jig unit 20.

[0049] In particular, the positioning element 33 of the mounting portion 30 and the support seat 221 as the positioned element of the jig unit 20 restrict the jig unit 20 from rotating about the central axis of the ball lock pin 21 when the ball lock pin 21 of the jig unit 20 is locked in the locking recess 32. In other words, the ball lock pin 21 is locked in the locking recess 32 of the mounting portion 30, and the support seat 221 as the positioned element is positioned by the positioning element 33 of the mounting portion 30, whereby the jig unit 20 is fixed to the mounting portion 30.

[0050] In this example, the positioning element 33 of the mounting portion 30 includes a second seating surface 331, two shoulder surfaces 332, and a shoulder surface 333. The second seating surface 331 is a surface parallel to the first seating surface 31 and perpendicular to the axial direction of the locking recess 32. The second seating surface 331 is formed adjacent to the first seating surface 31. The two shoulder surfaces 332, 333 are formed continuously with the second seating surface 331 so as to sandwich the second seating surface 331, and have surfaces that are angled with respect to the second seating surface 331.

[0051] The mounting seat surface 221a of the support seat 221 of the working element 22 of the jig unit 20 abuts against the second seat surface 331 of the mounting portion 30 of the target (T, E). One side surface 221b of the support seat 221 abuts against one shoulder surface 332 of the mounting portion 30, and the other side surface 221c of the support seat 221 abuts against the other shoulder surface 333. In this way, the support seat 221 of the working element 22 and the positioning element 33 of the mounting portion 30 restrict the rotation of the jig unit 20.

[0052] The positioning configuration between the working element 22 and the mounting portion 30 is not limited to the above-mentioned configuration of the support seat 221 and the positioning element 33. For example, the working element 22 may have surfaces corresponding to the second seat surface 331 and the shoulder surfaces 332, 333, and the mounting portion 30 may have a member corresponding to the support seat 221.

[0053] Furthermore, as long as the rotation is restricted, the following configuration may be adopted. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which the pin and the recess can be locked at a position different from the position where the ball lock pin 21 and the locking recess 32 are locked. That is, when the ball lock pin 21 is locked in the locking recess 32, the positioned element (221) of the jig unit 20 is a second pin (not shown) having a central axis parallel to the central axis of the ball lock pin 21, and the positioning element 33 of the mounting portion 30 of the object (T, E) is a second recess into which the second pin is inserted. Alternatively, the positioned element (221) of the jig unit 20 may be the second recess, and the positioning element 33 of the mounting portion 30 of the object (T, E) may be the second pin.

[0054] (7. Configuration of Tank Exchange Device 100) 8, the tank exchange device 100 includes a cart 110, a support 120, a first arm 130, a second arm 140, and a transport unit 150. Here, the support 120, the first arm 130, and the second arm 140 form a "delivery device."

[0055] 9, the cart 110 moves on a rail R laid on a platform D installed on a floor surface so as to be parallel to the arrangement direction of the multiple FW devices 10. The cart 110 includes a driving device 111. The driving device 111 is, for example, a motor or the like.

[0056] The support pillar 120 is erected on the upper surface of the cart 110. The support pillar 120 includes a first support portion 121 whose base end side is fixed to the upper surface of the cart 110, and a second support portion 122 that is slidably connected to the first support portion 121 and moves relatively in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the support pillar 120 includes an extension mechanism 123 that moves the second support portion 122 in the vertical direction, i.e., that extends and retracts the support pillar 120. The extension mechanism 123 is, for example, a cylinder device or the like.

[0057] The first arm 130 and the second arm 140 are connected to the support 120, more specifically, to the second support portion 122. The first arm 130 is connected to the second support portion 122 so as to be lower than the second arm 140 in the vertical direction.

[0058] The first arm 130 includes a pair of support members 131 fixed to the second support column portion 122, and a mounting member 132 that moves horizontally relative to the support members 131 and on which the completed fuel tank liner Ta is placed. A holding member 133 is fixed to the tip end side (right side in FIG. 9 ) of the mounting member 132 to hold the extension member E connected to the completed fuel tank liner Ta without it rolling. The holding member 133 is, for example, a V-shaped bevel (V-block). Furthermore, the first arm 130 includes an extension mechanism 134 that moves the mounting member 132 in the horizontal direction, i.e., that extends and retracts the mounting member 132 toward the FW device 10.

[0059] As shown in Fig. 10, the telescopic mechanism 134 mainly includes one cylinder device 134a (located on the right side in Fig. 10) connected at one end to a chain, a power transmission device 134b having four sprockets arranged on each of a pair of mounting members 132 and a chain hung around the four sprockets, and a shaft 134c that rotatably connects the left and right sprockets to connect each power transmission device 134b. As a result, the telescopic movement of one cylinder device 134a is transmitted to the power transmission device 134b of one mounting member 132 (left side in Fig. 10) via the chain, and is also transmitted to the power transmission device 134b of the other mounting member 132 (right side in Fig. 10) via the shaft 134c. Then, the pair of mounting members 132 connected to the chain of the power transmission device 134b telescopically extend and retract in the horizontal direction in synchronization with each other.

[0060] The second arm 140 includes a pair of support members 141 fixed to the second support column portion 122, and a mounting member 142 that moves horizontally relative to the support members 141 and mounts the incomplete fuel tank liner Tb. A holding member 143 is fixed to the tip end side (right side in FIG. 9 ) of the mounting member 142 to hold the extension member E connected to the incomplete fuel tank liner Tb without rolling. The holding member 143 is, for example, a V-shaped bevel (V-block). Furthermore, the second arm 140 includes an extension mechanism 144 that moves the mounting member 142 horizontally, i.e., extends and retracts the mounting member 142 toward the FW device 10.

[0061] As shown in Fig. 10, the telescopic mechanism 144 mainly includes one cylinder device 144a (located on the left side in Fig. 10) connected at one end to a chain, a power transmission device 144b having four sprockets arranged on each of a pair of mounting members 142 and a chain hung around the four sprockets, and a shaft 144c that rotatably connects the left and right sprockets to connect each power transmission device 144b. As a result, the telescopic motion of one cylinder device 144a is transmitted to the power transmission device 144b of one mounting member 142 (right side in Fig. 10) via the chain, and is also transmitted to the power transmission device 144b of the other mounting member 142 (left side in Fig. 10) via the shaft 144c. Then, the pair of mounting members 142 connected to the chain of the power transmission device 144b telescopically telescopically in the horizontal direction in synchronization with each other.

[0062] The transport unit 150 will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 shows the end effector portion of the transport unit 150, as well as the jig unit 20 in a gripped state. Therefore, the transport unit 150 shown in Fig. 11 is the tip portion of the transport mechanism 151, the jig tool 152, and the cutter tool 153.

[0063] In this example, the tip portion of the transport mechanism 151 is substantially in the shape of an isosceles triangle, with the base of the isosceles triangle located on the base end side of the transport mechanism 151. A jig tool 152 is fixed to one of the other two sides of the isosceles triangle at the tip portion of the transport mechanism 151 (the right side in FIG. 11), and a cutter tool 153 is fixed to the other of the other two sides (the left side in FIG. 11).

[0064] The jig tool 152 includes a gripping mechanism 160 and a pressing mechanism 170. The gripping mechanism 160 grips and releases the jig unit 20. In detail, the gripping mechanism 160 includes a driving device 161 as an active actuator, and a pair of gripping claws 162 and 163. The driving device 161 is, for example, a cylinder device. The pair of gripping claws 162, 163 can grip the gripping portion 23 of the jig unit 20. The pair of gripping claws 162, 163 move toward and away from each other by driving the driving device 161. In other words, the pair of gripping claws 162, 163 are switched between a state in which the jig unit 20 is gripped and a state in which the jig unit 20 is released by driving the driving device 161.

[0065] The pressing mechanism 170 is capable of pressing the release button 215 of the ball lock pin 21 in the jig unit 20 held by the holding mechanism 160. The pressing mechanism 170 includes a driving device 171 as an active actuator, and a pressing member 172. The driving device 171 is, for example, a cylinder device or the like.

[0066] The pressing member 172 moves in a direction to increase the amount of protrusion, or moves in a direction to decrease the amount of protrusion, by being driven by the driving device 171. Here, when the gripping portion 23 of the jig unit 20 is gripped by the pair of gripping claws 162, 163 of the gripping mechanism 160, the pressing member 172 is located at a position facing the release button 215 of the ball lock pin 21 of the jig unit 20.

[0067] Therefore, the pressing member 172 can press the release button 215 by moving in a direction increasing the amount of protrusion by being driven by the drive device 171. Also, the pressing member 172 can move away from the release button 215 by moving in a direction decreasing the amount of protrusion by being driven by the drive device 171. In other words, by the pressing member 172 pressing the release button 215, the protrusion 214 of the ball lock pin 21 can be housed in the cylindrical main body 212. On the other hand, by the pressing member 172 moving away from the release button 215, the protrusion 214 of the ball lock pin 21 can be protruded radially outward from the cylindrical main body 212.

[0068] The cutter tool 153 can cut the fiber F while gripping it. The cutter tool 153 includes a cutting drive device 181 as an active actuator, a cutter 182, a gripping drive device 183 as an active actuator, and a pair of gripping claws 184 and 185. The cutting drive device 181 is, for example, a cylinder device. The cutter 182 can be driven by the cutting drive device 181 and cuts the fiber F.

[0069] The gripping drive device 183 is, for example, a cylinder device. The pair of gripping claws 184, 185 are located near the cutter 182, and move toward and away from each other by driving the gripping drive device 183. In other words, by driving the gripping drive device 183, the pair of gripping claws 184, 185 are switched between a state in which the fiber F is gripped and a state in which the fiber F is released.

[0070] Therefore, the transport unit 150 can transport the jig unit 20 held by the holding mechanism 160 between the waiting table 16 and the mounting portion 30 of the target object (T, E) by operating the transport mechanism 151. Furthermore, the transport unit 150 can move the cutter tool 153 to any position by operating the transport mechanism 151.

[0071] (8. Operation of Tank Manufacturing Equipment P) The operation (filament winding method) of the tank manufacturing apparatus P described above will be described with reference to Fig. 12 and, where appropriate, with reference to Figs. 1 to 11. In the tank manufacturing apparatus P, first, the tank exchange device 100 carries out a tank exchange process S1 in which the incomplete fuel tank liner Tb is transported to the FW device 10 and the completed fuel tank liner Ta is removed from the FW device 10.

[0072] Specifically, the tank exchange device 100 waits at a station St as an initial position, and receives an incomplete fuel tank liner Tb that has been processed in the previous process and transported by an automated guided vehicle (AGV) at the station St. At this time, the tank exchange device 100 drives the telescopic mechanism 123 to lower the support 120.

[0073] The tank exchange device 100 extends the second arm 140 by the telescopic mechanism 144 so that the extension member E of the incomplete fuel tank liner Tb placed on the automated guided vehicle (AGV) is supported by the holding member 143 of the second arm 140. Then, the tank exchange device 100 raises the lowered support column 120, thereby bringing the extension member E of the incomplete fuel tank liner Tb into a state in which it is supported by the holding member 143 of the second arm 140 (see FIG. 9).

[0074] Next, the tank exchanging device 100 supplies the incomplete fuel tank liner Tb supported by the second arm 140 to the FW device 10 that is requesting the supply of the incomplete fuel tank liner Tb among the multiple FW devices 10. Specifically, the tank exchanging device 100 drives the drive device 111 of the cart 110 to move the cart 110 toward the corresponding FW device 10.

[0075] When the tank exchange device 100 moves to a position facing the corresponding FW device 10, it supplies the incomplete fuel tank liner Tb supported by the second arm 140 to the FW device 10. At this time, if a completed fuel tank liner Ta is present in the FW device 10, the tank exchange device 100 first retrieves the completed fuel tank liner Ta, and then performs exchange by supplying the incomplete fuel tank liner Tb.

[0076] Specifically, the tank exchanging device 100 first lowers the support 120, for example, so that the height of the holding member 133 of the first arm 130 from the floor surface becomes lower than the height of the extension member E of the completed fuel tank liner Ta. The tank exchanging device 100 extends the first arm 130 toward the FW device 10 by the telescopic mechanism 134 so that the extension member E of the completed fuel tank liner Ta, which is supported by the rotation devices 12, 13 of the FW device 10, is supported by the holding member 133.

[0077] Then, as shown by the two-dot chain line in Fig. 9, the support pillar 120 is raised in a state in which the holding member 133 abuts against the extension member E of the completed fuel tank liner Ta. As a result, as shown in Fig. 13, the completed fuel tank liner Ta (i.e., the extension member E) is released from the rotation devices 12, 13 of the FW device 10 and supported by the holding member 133. Furthermore, the tank exchange device 100 moves (retracts) the extended first arm 130 toward the support pillar 120 by the telescopic mechanism 134 in a state in which the completed fuel tank liner Ta (extension member E) is supported by the holding member 133. As a result, the recovery of the completed fuel tank liner Ta from the FW device 10 is completed as shown in Fig. 14.

[0078] 14, the tank exchanging device 100 extends the second arm 140 supporting the incomplete fuel tank liner Tb toward the FW device 10 by the telescopic mechanism 144. Then, the tank exchanging device 100 attaches the extension member E of the incomplete fuel tank liner Tb to the rotation devices 12, 13 of the FW device 10 by lowering the support 120. This completes the supply of the incomplete fuel tank liner Tb from the tank exchanging device 100 to the FW device 10, i.e., the tank exchanging process S1.

[0079] As described above, in a state where the tank exchange process S1 by the tank exchange device 100 is completed, that is, in the initial state of the FW device 10, the rotation devices 12 and 13 support the extension member E of the completed fuel tank liner Ta. Furthermore, the jig unit 20 is positioned on the waiting table 16. In addition, as will be described later, the tip of the fiber F is gripped by a pair of gripping claws 184 and 185 of the cutter tool 153 of the transport unit 150.

[0080] Next, in the tank manufacturing apparatus P, the FW apparatus 10 and the tank exchanging apparatus 100 cooperate to perform the following preliminary operation step S2 shown in Fig. 12. First, in the waiting table 16, the working mechanism 16a of the waiting table 16 is driven to separate the first gripping claw 222 and the second gripping claw 223 of the working element 22 of the jig unit 20. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 5, the working mechanism 16a presses the rear end of the swing lever 225 of the jig unit 20 downward.

[0081] Furthermore, the cutter tool 153 is transported to the waiting table 16 by driving the transport mechanism 151 of the transport unit 150 of the tank exchange device 100. Here, the cutter tool 153 holds the tip of the fiber F. Then, the fiber F held by the cutter tool 153 is positioned between the first gripping claw 222 and the second gripping claw 223 of the jig unit 20 located on the waiting table 16. Next, the working mechanism 16a of the waiting table 16 is driven to bring the first gripping claw 222 and the second gripping claw 223 closer to each other, and the fiber F is gripped by the first gripping claw 222 and the second gripping claw 223. Then, the cutter tool 153 releases the grip of the fiber F in a state in which the fiber F is gripped by the first gripping claw 222 and the second gripping claw 223.

[0082] Next, in the tank manufacturing apparatus P, the FW apparatus 10 and the tank exchanging apparatus 100 cooperate to perform the following jig unit mounting process S3. The driving device 161 of the gripping mechanism 160 of the transport unit 150 is driven to move the pair of gripping claws 162, 163 in a direction to separate them. The transport mechanism 151 is driven to bring the pair of gripping claws 162, 163 of the gripping mechanism 160 closer to the gripping portion 23 of the jig unit 20 positioned on the waiting table 16. Then, the driving device 161 of the gripping mechanism 160 is driven to move the pair of gripping claws 162, 163 in a direction to bring them closer together, and the pair of gripping claws 162, 163 grip the gripping portion 23 of the jig unit 20.

[0083] By driving the transport mechanism 151, the jig unit 20 is transported from the waiting table 16 to the mounting portion 30 of the extension member E. At this time, the ball lock pin 21 faces the opening of the locking recess 32, and the mounting seat surface 221a of the support seat 221 of the working element 22 faces the second seat surface 331 of the mounting portion 30.

[0084] 4, by driving the drive device 171 of the pressing mechanism 170, the release button 215 of the ball lock pin 21 is pressed in a direction that increases the amount of protrusion of the pressing member 172. In other words, the protrusion 214 of the ball lock pin 21 is housed in the insertion shaft portion 212a of the cylindrical main body 212. The operation of the pressing mechanism 170 may be performed when the jig unit 20 is located on the waiting table 16, or during transport.

[0085] 7, the transport mechanism 151 is driven to insert the insertion shaft portion 212a of the ball lock pin 21 into the locking recess 32. The mounting seat surface 221a of the support seat 221 is brought into contact with the second seat surface 331 of the mounting portion 30. At this time, the side surfaces 221b, 221c of the support seat 221 abut against the shoulder surfaces 332, 333. Therefore, the jig unit 20 is restricted from rotating about the central axis of the ball lock pin 21 with respect to the mounting portion 30.

[0086] Furthermore, by driving the drive device 171 of the pressing mechanism 170, the pressing member 172 moves in a direction that reduces the amount of protrusion, and the pressing member 172 moves away from the release button 215 of the ball lock pin 21. As a result, as shown in Fig. 7, the protrusion 214 is locked in the locking recess 32. Therefore, the jig unit 20 is restricted from coming off the mounting portion 30 of the extension member E.

[0087] Then, by driving the drive device 161 of the gripping mechanism 160, the pair of gripping claws 162, 163 are moved in a direction separating them, causing the pair of gripping claws 162, 163 to release their grip on the jig unit 20. In other words, when the jig unit attachment step S3 is completed, the working element 22 of the jig unit 20 holds the tip of the fiber F, and the jig unit 20 is attached to the attachment portion 30 of the extension member E.

[0088] Next, in the tank manufacturing equipment P, the FW device 10 performs the following initial winding step S4 shown in Fig. 12. By driving the rotation devices 12, 13 and the slider 15, the fiber F is wound around the outer periphery of the incomplete fuel tank liner Tb while rotating the incomplete fuel tank liner Tb and the extension member E. Here, the initial winding step S4 is a step for ensuring that the fiber F wound around the incomplete fuel tank liner Tb will not come undone even if the winding start end side of the fiber F held by the working element 22 of the jig unit 20 is cut.

[0089] Next, in the tank manufacturing apparatus P, the FW apparatus 10 and the tank exchanging apparatus 100 cooperate to perform the following jig unit removal process S5. By driving the conveying mechanism 151, the cutter tool 153 is moved to between the jig unit 20 attached to the mounting portion 30 and the incomplete fuel tank liner Tb. By driving the cutting drive device 181 of the cutter tool 153, the fiber F is cut by the cutter 182. Even if the fiber F is cut, since the fiber F is in a state where it cannot be unwound in the initial winding process S4, the fiber F remains wound around the incomplete fuel tank liner Tb.

[0090] Next, the transport mechanism 151 is driven to move the jig tool 152 to the vicinity of the jig unit 20 attached to the attachment portion 30. Then, the drive device 161 of the gripping mechanism 160 is driven to cause the pair of gripping claws 162, 163 of the gripping mechanism 160 to grip the gripping portion 23 of the jig unit 20.

[0091] Furthermore, by driving the drive device 171 of the pressing mechanism 170, the pressing member 172 presses the release button 215 of the ball lock pin 21. In other words, the locking of the ball lock pin 21 with the locking recess 32 by the protrusion 214 is released. Then, by driving the transport mechanism 151, the jig unit 20 is removed from the mounting portion 30 of the extension member E.

[0092] Then, the conveying mechanism 151 is driven to return the jig unit 20 to the waiting table 16. In the waiting table 16, the working mechanism 16a is driven to separate the first gripping claws 222 and the second gripping claws 223, and the cut pieces of the fiber F are released from the first gripping claws 222 and the second gripping claws 223 and then discarded.

[0093] Next, in the tank manufacturing equipment P, the FW device 10 performs the following main winding process S6. By driving the rotation devices 12, 13 and the slider 15, the fiber F is wound around the outer periphery of the incomplete fuel tank liner Tb while rotating the incomplete fuel tank liner Tb and the extension member E. At the end of the winding, the fiber F is in an unraveled state.

[0094] Next, in the tank manufacturing equipment P, the FW device 10 and the tank exchanging device 100 cooperate to perform the following fiber cutting step S7. By driving the conveying mechanism 151, the cutter tool 153 is moved between the completed fuel tank liner Ta that has been through the main winding step S6 and the slider 15. By driving the gripping drive device 183 of the cutter tool 153, the pair of gripping claws 184, 185 of the cutter tool 153 are caused to grip the fiber F.

[0095] At this time, the fiber F is located at a position sandwiched by the cutter 182 of the cutter tool 153. Then, by driving the cutting drive device 181 of the cutter tool 153, the fiber F is cut by the cutter 182. At this time, the pair of gripping claws 184, 185 of the cutter tool 153 are in a state of gripping the tip of the cut fiber F. Even if the fiber F is cut, the fiber F is in a state where it cannot be unwound from the completed fuel tank liner Ta in the main winding step S6, and therefore the fiber F maintains a state where it is wound around the completed fuel tank liner Ta.

[0096] In this way, the series of steps ends, and the steps are repeated again from the tank replacement step S1. That is, the tank replacement device 100 transports the incomplete fuel tank liner Tb to the FW device 10 that has completed up to the fiber cutting step S7, i.e., the FW device 10 holding the completed fuel tank liner Ta, and retrieves the completed fuel tank liner Ta from the FW device 10. Then, the FW device 10 winds the fiber F around the incomplete fuel tank liner Tb that has been supplied from the tank replacement device 100, i.e., the replaced one.

[0097] At this time, the tank exchanging device 100 drives the conveying mechanism 151 to move the cutter tool 153, with the tip of the fiber F being gripped by the cutter tool 153, to the vicinity of the jig unit 20 positioned on the waiting table 16 of the FW device 10. Then, the tip of the fiber F is gripped by the first gripping claw 222 and the second gripping claw 223 of the jig unit 20. That is, after the tank exchanging device 100 performs the start of winding process of the fiber F around the incomplete fuel tank liner Tb, the FW device 10 winds the fiber F around the incomplete fuel tank liner Tb.

[0098] As can be understood from the above description, the tank exchanging device 100 of the tank manufacturing apparatus P can move between the station St and each of the multiple FW devices 10. In addition, the tank exchanging device 100 can move to the FW device 10 to supply an incomplete fuel tank liner Tb or collect a completed fuel tank liner Ta. This eliminates the need to permanently install the tank exchanging device 100 in each FW device 10, and the operating rate of the tank exchanging device 100 can be improved.

[0099] Furthermore, according to the FW device 10 constituting the tank manufacturing equipment P, a jig unit 20 can be used to fix the winding start end of the fiber F to the extension member E connected to the nozzle T2 of the fuel tank liner T so as to be integrally rotatable. According to the FW device 10, the jig unit 20 can be transported to the mounting portion 30 of the extension member E by the transport unit 150 of the tank exchange device 100, and the jig unit 20 can be engaged with and detached from the mounting portion 30.

[0100] Moreover, the jig unit 20 has a ball lock pin 21 with a release button 215, which makes it easy to engage and disengage the extension member E. Furthermore, the jig unit 20 has a working element 22, which can passively grip the fiber F. Therefore, the working element 22 of the jig unit 20 does not have an active actuator, and the jig unit 20 can be configured compactly.

[0101] Furthermore, in order to grasp the fiber F in the extension member E as the target object, according to the above-mentioned FW device 10, if the fiber F is previously grasped by the working element 22 of the jig unit 20 on the waiting table 16, it is sufficient to transport the jig unit 20 to the mounting portion 30 of the extension member E by the transport unit 150.

[0102] That is, the jig unit 20 does not need to perform an operation to grip the fiber F near the mounting portion 30 of the extension member E, and the jig unit 20 can perform an operation to grip the fiber F on the waiting table 16 that is separated from the extension member E. Therefore, since there is no need to perform an operation to grip the fiber F near the mounting portion 30 of the extension member E, there is no need to secure a large space near the mounting portion 30 of the extension member E. That is, the FW device 10 can be made smaller. In addition, by employing the ball lock pin 21, the time required to fix the jig unit 20 to the mounting portion 30 of the extension member E is also shortened. [Explanation of symbols]

[0103] 10...filament winding device, 11...base, 12...rotating device, 13...rotating device, 14...rail, 15...slider, 16...waiting table, 16a...working mechanism, 20...jig unit, 21...ball lock pin, 211...support portion, 212...cylindrical main body, 212a...insertion shaft portion, 213...nut, 214...projection, 215...release button, 22...working element, 221...support seat, 221a...mounting seat surface, 221b...side surface, 221c...side surface, 222...first gripper Claw, 223...second gripping claw, 224...oscillating support shaft, 225...oscillating lever, 226...biasing member, 23...gripping portion, 30...mounting portion, 31...first seating surface, 32...engaging recess, 33...element, 100...tank exchange device, 110...cart, 111...driving device, 120...support, 121...first support portion, 122...second support portion, 123...telescopic mechanism, 130...first arm, 131...support member, 132...mounting member, 133...holding member, 134...telescopic mechanism, 134a...cylinder device, 134b...power transmission device, 134c...shaft, 140...second arm, 141...support member, 142...mounting member, 143...holding member, 144...extension mechanism, 144a...cylinder device, 144b...power transmission device, 144c...shaft, 150...transport unit, 151...transport mechanism, 152...jig tool, 153...cutter tool, 160...gripping mechanism, 161...driving device, 162...gripping claw, 163...gripping claw, 170...pressure mechanism, 171...driving device, 172...pressure member, 181...cutting drive device, 182...cutter, 183...gripping drive device, 184...gripping claw, 185...gripping claw, 331...second seat surface, 332...shoulder surface, 333...shoulder surface, B...bobbin, E...extension member, F...fiber, P...tank manufacturing device, D...bed, R...rail, St...station, T...fuel tank liner, T1...tank body, T2...mouthpiece, T3...mouthpiece, Ta...completed fuel tank liner, Tb...uncompleted fuel tank liner

Claims

1. a filament winding device for winding the fibers onto an unfinished fuel tank liner before the fibers are wound; a station for transferring the incomplete fuel tank liner and a completed fuel tank liner after the filament winding device has wound the fiber thereon; a tank exchange device that moves between the filament winding device and the station to transport the incomplete fuel tank liner and the completed fuel tank liner, and supplies the incomplete fuel tank liner to the filament winding device or retrieves the completed fuel tank liner from the filament winding device; Equipped with The tank exchange device includes: A carriage that moves between the filament winding device and the station; a delivery device connected to the carriage for supplying the incomplete fuel tank liner to the filament winding device and for collecting the completed fuel tank liner from the filament winding device. Tank manufacturing equipment.

2. The delivery device includes: A stretchable support column erected on the cart; 2. The tank manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: an arm supported by the support and adapted to move toward or away from the filament winding device to supply an incomplete fuel tank liner and to collect a completed fuel tank liner.

3. The arm is a first arm on which the completed fuel tank liner is placed; 3. The tank manufacturing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising: a second arm disposed at a position different from the first arm with respect to the support and on which the incomplete fuel tank liner is placed.

4. The filament winding device includes a jig unit that is attached to a predetermined position of an object attached to the filament winding device and has a working element that grips a winding start end of the fiber; the tank exchange device includes a transport unit having a gripping mechanism that grips and releases the jig unit, and a transport mechanism that transports the jig unit to the predetermined position of the object by moving the gripping mechanism; the object is the incomplete fuel tank liner or an extension member connected to the incomplete fuel tank liner, the filament winding apparatus includes a waiting table on which the jig unit is placed when the jig unit is not attached to the target object; The transport unit transports the jig unit held by the gripping mechanism between the waiting table and the predetermined position of the target object by operating the transport mechanism. A tank manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. a filament winding device for winding the fibers onto an unfinished fuel tank liner before the fibers are wound; a station for transferring the incomplete fuel tank liner and a completed fuel tank liner after the filament winding device has wound the fiber thereon; a tank exchange device that moves between the filament winding device and the station to transport the incomplete fuel tank liner and the completed fuel tank liner, and supplies the incomplete fuel tank liner to the filament winding device or retrieves the completed fuel tank liner from the filament winding device; Equipped with The filament winding device includes a jig unit that is attached to a predetermined position of an object attached to the filament winding device and has a working element that grips a winding start end of the fiber; the tank exchange device includes a transport unit having a gripping mechanism that grips and releases the jig unit, and a transport mechanism that transports the jig unit to the predetermined position of the object by moving the gripping mechanism; the object is the incomplete fuel tank liner or an extension member connected to the incomplete fuel tank liner, the filament winding apparatus includes a waiting table on which the jig unit is placed when the jig unit is not attached to the target object; The transport unit transports the jig unit held by the gripping mechanism between the waiting table and the predetermined position of the target object by operating the transport mechanism. Tank manufacturing equipment.

6. In the station, The tank manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the incomplete fuel tank liner transported by an unmanned transport device is handed over to the tank exchange device, and the completed fuel tank liner retrieved by the tank exchange device is handed over to the unmanned transport device.

7. a filament winding device for winding the fibers onto an unfinished fuel tank liner before the fibers are wound; a station for transferring the incomplete fuel tank liner and a completed fuel tank liner after the filament winding device has wound the fiber thereon; a tank exchange device that moves between the filament winding device and the station to transport the incomplete fuel tank liner and the completed fuel tank liner, and supplies the incomplete fuel tank liner to the filament winding device or retrieves the completed fuel tank liner from the filament winding device; Equipped with In the station, the incomplete fuel tank liner transported by the unmanned transport device is delivered to the tank exchange device, and the completed fuel tank liner collected by the tank exchange device is delivered to the unmanned transport device. Tank manufacturing equipment.

8. The filament winding device is provided in plurality, A tank manufacturing apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the tank exchange device moves between each of the filament winding devices and the station.

Images