Method for manufacturing fiber bundle-containing products, and filament winding apparatus

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to avoid the contamination of foreign matters into a product in a filament winding apparatus that applies helical winding to a mandrel for product while feeding the mandrel for product continuously.　The filament winding apparatus 1 is provided with a jig mandrel MJ, a pair of feeding units 2, and a plurality of helical winding units 4. In the filament winding apparatus 1, a jig feeding step, a threading step, a connecting step and a helical threading step are performed. In the jig feeding step, the jig mandrel MJ is fed to the helical winding units 4. In the threading step, a tip part of each of a plurality of fiber bundles F is fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the jig mandrel MJ. In the connecting step, a plurality of mandrels M (mandrels for product) are sequentially connected to the jig mandrel MJ sequentially so as to be incapable of relatively rotating. In the helical winding step, the connected plurality of mandrels M are subjected to helical winding sequentially while sequentially feeding the plurality of mandrels M to the downstream side in the feeding direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a fiber bundle-containing product formed by winding a plurality of fiber bundles around a mandrel, and a filament winding apparatus for winding a plurality of fiber bundles around a mandrel.

Background Art

[0002] The filament winding apparatus described in Patent Document 1 includes a helical winding unit that helically winds a fiber bundle around a core material (mandrel). The helical winding unit supplies the fiber bundle to the mandrel while rotating itself. As a result, helical winding is applied to the mandrel that is moving without rotating.

[0003] Further, Patent Document 2 discloses a technique for winding a plurality of fiber bundles around each of a plurality of mandrels while continuously feeding out the plurality of mandrels connected in the axial direction of the mandrel in the forward direction (that is, to the downstream side in a predetermined feeding direction).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In recent years, studies have been conducted to improve the efficiency of helical winding. For example, it is conceivable to arrange a plurality of helical winding units similar to the helical winding unit described in Patent Document 1 side by side in the axial direction of the mandrel, and continuously feed out the plurality of connected mandrels to the downstream side in the feeding direction as described in Patent Document 2. This makes it possible to supply many fiber bundles to the mandrel simultaneously.

[0006] Generally, when winding a fiber bundle onto a mandrel, it is necessary to fix the tip of the fiber bundle somewhere on the mandrel. If the fiber bundle is wound around the tip of the fiber bundle while positioning it near the mandrel's surface in order to fix it, problems such as uneven thickness of the fiber bundle layer or uneven direction of the fiber bundles wound onto the mandrel can occur. This reduces the quality of the product formed by the fiber bundle. Furthermore, if something other than the fiber bundle is used to fix the tip of the fiber bundle to the mandrel's surface, foreign matter other than the fiber bundle may be mixed into the product, potentially reducing product quality.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to avoid contamination of the product with foreign matter in a filament winding apparatus that continuously feeds a product mandrel and performs helical winding on the product mandrel. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The first invention is a method for manufacturing a fiber bundle-containing product, which involves manufacturing a plurality of fiber bundle-containing products, each of which includes a plurality of fiber bundles, using a filament winding apparatus that winds a plurality of fiber bundles around each of a plurality of mandrels, wherein the filament winding apparatus is configured in a predetermined direction along the axial direction of the mandrel. MultipleThe device comprises a jig mandrel shorter than a number of product mandrels, a feed unit configured to sequentially feed the jig mandrels and the plurality of product mandrels, which are connected in a line along the mandrel axis, from upstream to downstream in a predetermined feed direction along the mandrel axis, and a plurality of helical winding units arranged in a line along the mandrel axis, each configured to helically wind the plurality of fiber bundles onto the jig mandrel and the plurality of product mandrels, and a jig feeding process which involves mounting the jig mandrel onto the feed unit and feeding it to a predetermined helical winding unit among the plurality of helical winding units. The invention is characterized by comprising: a thread-wrapping step, after the jig feeding step, in which the leading ends of each of the plurality of fiber bundles supplied from the predetermined helical winding unit are fixed to the jig mandrel; a connection step, after the jig feeding step, in which the plurality of product mandrels are lined up in the direction of the mandrel axis and sequentially connected so as not to rotate relative to each other, upstream of the jig mandrel in the feeding direction from the jig mandrel; and a helical winding step, after the thread-wrapping step, in which the plurality of product mandrels connected in the connection step are sequentially fed downstream in the feeding direction, and the plurality of helical winding units sequentially perform helical winding on the plurality of product mandrels.

[0009] In this invention, after the ends of multiple fiber bundles are fixed to a jig mandrel, multiple product mandrels are sequentially connected upstream of the jig mandrel in the feeding direction so as to be unable to rotate relative to each other, and are sequentially fed downstream in the feeding direction. Helical winding is sequentially applied to the product mandrels as they are fed in this manner. This makes it possible to sequentially wind multiple fiber bundles onto each of the multiple product mandrels while avoiding contamination of the fiber bundle ends with the product formed by winding multiple fiber bundles onto multiple product mandrels. Therefore, in a filament winding apparatus that continuously feeds product mandrels and applies helical winding to them, contamination of the product with foreign matter can be avoided.

[0010] The method for manufacturing a fiber bundle-containing product of the second invention is as follows: In the first invention, the helical winding step includes a first helical winding step of winding the plurality of fiber bundles onto the plurality of product mandrels at a predetermined first winding angle, and a second helical winding step of winding the plurality of fiber bundles onto the plurality of product mandrels at a second winding angle different from the first winding angle, wherein, among the plurality of product mandrels, the first mandrel onto which the plurality of fiber bundles are wound at the end of the first helical winding step, in the feeding direction The method is characterized by comprising: a winding angle changing jig feeding step in which the jig mandrel is connected to the upstream side so as not to rotate relative to the jig mandrel and the jig mandrel is fed downstream in the feeding direction; a winding angle changing fixing step in which the intermediate portion of each of the plurality of fiber bundles is fixed to the jig mandrel after the winding angle changing jig feeding step; and a winding angle changing connecting step in which the second mandrel, among the plurality of product mandrels, to which the plurality of fiber bundles are wound first in the second helical winding step, is connected to the jig mandrel so as not to rotate relative to the jig mandrel.

[0011] In this invention, when the winding angle is changed, the intermediate portions of multiple fiber bundles are fixed to the jig mandrel. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the intermediate portions of fiber bundles that have been bent to change the winding angle being mixed into the product.

[0012] The third invention relates to a method for manufacturing a fiber bundle-containing product, wherein, in the first or second invention, the feeding direction has a horizontal component, the filament winding apparatus has a mandrel support that supports the intermediate portion of the plurality of product mandrels connected in the mandrel axis direction, and each time a unit feeding step, in which a mandrel group including the plurality of product mandrels is fed once from the upstream end to the downstream end in the feeding direction, is performed one or more predetermined first times, the angle of the plurality of product mandrels around the axis in the next unit feeding step is changed to a predetermined angle other than a multiple of 360 degrees.

[0013] When the feed direction has a horizontal component, multiple product mandrels connected in the axial direction of the mandrel may bend downward due to gravity. In this invention, such bending can be suppressed by supporting the middle portion of the connected product mandrels with a mandrel support. However, in such a configuration, the fiber bundles, which are generally softer than the product mandrels, are pressed from below by the mandrel support, making the fiber bundles wrapped around the product mandrels prone to distortion. This can cause the shape of the product to collapse. In this invention, the angle around the axis of the product mandrel is changed each time the unit feed process is executed a predetermined first number of times. This allows the position where the fiber bundle-containing product is pressed from below by the mandrel support to be changed each time the unit feed process is executed a first number of times, in the circumferential direction of the product mandrel. In other words, it is possible to suppress repeated pressing from below by the mandrel support on fiber bundles stacked at the same position in the circumferential direction of the product mandrel. This can suppress variations in the degree of distortion of the fiber bundles in the circumferential direction of the product mandrel. Therefore, deformation of the product's shape can be suppressed.

[0014] The method for manufacturing a fiber bundle-containing product of the fourth invention is characterized in that, in any of the first to third inventions, in the jig feeding step, a predetermined first jig mandrel is used as the jig mandrel, and after the jig feeding step, a unit feeding step is performed a predetermined second or more times in which the mandrel group including the plurality of product mandrels is fed once from the upstream end to the downstream end in the feeding direction, and then a second jig mandrel that is thicker than the first jig mandrel is attached to the feeding unit.

[0015] In fiber bundle-containing products, the fiber bundles thicken as they are wound onto the product mandrel. When winding more fiber bundles onto a thickened fiber bundle-containing product, if the thin first jig mandrel is used as is, the following problems may occur. That is, if the diameter of the first jig mandrel and the diameter of the fiber bundle-containing product differ significantly, even if the winding angle of the fiber bundles onto the first jig mandrel is the target angle, the winding angle of the fiber bundles onto the fiber bundle-containing product may deviate from the target angle. Thus, adjustment of the winding angle of the fiber bundles onto the first jig mandrel may not be properly reflected in the winding angle of the fiber bundles onto the fiber bundle-containing product. In the present invention, by attaching a second jig mandrel, which is thicker than the first jig mandrel, to the feeding unit under predetermined conditions, the winding angle of the fiber bundles onto the second jig mandrel and the winding angle of the fiber bundles onto the thickened fiber bundle-containing product can be easily made to substantially match. Therefore, the winding angle of the fiber bundles onto the fiber bundle-containing product can be brought as close as possible to the target angle.

[0016] The fifth invention is a filament winding apparatus for winding multiple fiber bundles around each of multiple mandrels, wherein in a predetermined direction along the axial direction of the mandrel Multiple The invention is characterized by comprising: a jig mandrel shorter than a number of product mandrels; a feeding unit configured to sequentially feed the jig mandrels and the plurality of product mandrels, which are connected in a line along the mandrel axis, from upstream to downstream in a predetermined feeding direction along the mandrel axis; and a plurality of helical winding units arranged in a line along the mandrel axis, each configured to helically wind the plurality of fiber bundles onto the jig mandrel and the plurality of product mandrels.

[0017] In the present invention, similar to the first invention, a filament winding apparatus that continuously feeds a product mandrel and performs helical winding on the product mandrel can avoid contamination of the product with foreign matter. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0018] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view of a filament winding device according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] (a) is a side view of the filament winding device, and (b) is a side view of the mandrel. [Figure 3] It is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the filament winding device. [Figure 4] (a) is a front view of the helical winding unit, and (b) is an enlarged view of one supply bobbin and its peripheral configuration. [Figure 5] (a) is a rear view of the helical winding unit, and (b) is a side view of the helical winding unit. [Figure 6] (a) and (b) are side views of the jig mandrel. [Figure 7] (a) and (b) are views of the connecting part seen from the mandrel axis direction. [Figure 8] (a) to (c) are explanatory diagrams showing the attachment / detachment or movement of the jig mandrel or the like. [Figure 9] (a) to (c) are explanatory diagrams showing the attachment / detachment or movement of the jig mandrel or the like. [Figure 10] (a) to (c) are explanatory diagrams showing the attachment / detachment or movement of the jig mandrel or the like. [Figure 11] (a) to (c) are explanatory diagrams showing the attachment / detachment or movement of the jig mandrel or the like. [Figure 12] (a) to (c) are explanatory diagrams showing the threading of the thread onto the jig mandrel. [Figure 13] It is a flowchart showing the procedure of winding a plurality of fiber bundles around a plurality of mandrels. [Figure 14] (a) and (b) are explanatory diagrams showing the change in the winding angle of the fiber bundle. [Figure 15] (a) is an explanatory diagram showing the change in the angle around the mandrel axis center of the mandrel, and (b) is a graph for explaining the change in the angle.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described. For the sake of explanation, the directions shown in Figure 1 will be defined as the front-back direction, the left-right direction, and the up-down direction. The front-back direction and the left-right direction are parallel to the horizontal direction. The front-back direction and the left-right direction are orthogonal to each other. The up-down direction is a direction orthogonal to the horizontal direction and is the direction in which gravity acts (vertical direction). The front-back direction is also called the sending direction (described later). The front side is also called the upstream side in the sending direction. The rear side is also called the downstream side in the sending direction.

[0020] (Filament winding device) The schematic configuration of the filament winding apparatus 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 3. Figure 1 is a perspective view of the filament winding apparatus 1. Figure 2(a) is a side view of the filament winding apparatus 1. Figure 2(b) is a side view of the core material (mandrel M) around which multiple fiber bundles are wound. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the filament winding apparatus 1.

[0021] The filament winding apparatus 1 is configured to wind multiple fiber bundles around each of multiple mandrels M (product mandrels of the present invention; see Figures 2(a) and (b)). The multiple fiber bundles are not shown in Figures 1 to 3. "Winding fiber bundles around mandrels M" includes both winding fiber bundles around the outer surface of mandrels M and winding additional fiber bundles on top of the fiber bundles wound around the outer surface of mandrels M. Each of the multiple fiber bundles is made of a fibrous material such as carbon fiber, impregnated with a thermosetting or thermoplastic synthetic resin material. Mandrels M are core materials that extend long in a predetermined direction along the mandrel axis, for example, in the shape of a cylinder or rod. Mandrels M are made of a high-strength material such as metal. After the multiple fiber bundles are wound around mandrels M, the resin impregnated in the multiple fiber bundles is hardened by a heat-setting process such as firing or a cooling process. The fiber bundle-containing product is completed by drawing out the mandrel M from the fiber bundle-containing body, which contains multiple fiber bundles and hardened resin. Alternatively, the fiber bundle-containing body and the mandrel M may be treated as the completed fiber bundle-containing product.

[0022] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the filament winding apparatus 1 comprises a pair of feed units 2 (feed units of the present invention), a hoop winding unit 3, a plurality of (five in this embodiment) helical winding units 4, and a control device 5. As will be described later, the filament winding apparatus 1 is configured to move a plurality of mandrels M, which are connected in a front-to-back direction, from the front to the back (from the upstream side to the downstream side in the feeding direction) by the pair of feed units 2. The filament winding apparatus 1 is also configured to wind a plurality of fiber bundles supplied from the hoop winding unit 3 and the plurality of helical winding units 4 onto each of the plurality of mandrels M being moved by the pair of feed units 2.

[0023] Before describing each component of the filament winding apparatus 1 in more detail, the more specific structure of the mandrel M will be described with reference to Figure 2(b). The mandrel M extends long in a predetermined mandrel axis direction (left-right direction in the plane of Figure 2(b)). Hereafter, the description will proceed assuming that the mandrel M is generally cylindrical or columnar. That is, it will be assumed that the cross section of the mandrel M perpendicular to the mandrel axis direction is approximately circular. The center of this cross section will be called the mandrel axis center. The radial direction of the mandrel M will be called the mandrel radial direction. The left side of the plane of Figure 2(b) will be considered one side in the mandrel axis direction. The right side of the plane of Figure 2(b) will be considered the other side in the mandrel axis direction. The mandrel M has, for example, a small diameter section Ma, a large diameter section Mb, and a small diameter section Mc. In the mandrel axis direction, the small diameter section Ma, the large diameter section Mb, and the small diameter section Mc are arranged in this order. Furthermore, the shape of the mandrel M is not limited to a cylindrical or columnar shape. For example, the cross-section of the mandrel M perpendicular to the mandrel axis may be polygonal. In this case, the centroid of the cross-section may be called the mandrel axis center. Alternatively, any other point on the cross-section may be called the mandrel axis center.

[0024] The small-diameter portion Ma is a part formed at one end of the mandrel M in the mandrel axis direction. The small-diameter portion Ma is, for example, generally cylindrical or generally cylindrical in shape. The small-diameter portion Ma has, for example, a roughly frustoconical inclined portion Ma1 and a roughly cylindrical cylindrical portion Ma2. The inclined portion Ma1 is the part adjacent to the large-diameter portion Mb in the mandrel axis direction. The diameter of the inclined portion Ma1 decreases as it moves further away from the large-diameter portion Mb in the mandrel axis direction. The cylindrical portion Ma2 is located on the opposite side of the large-diameter portion Mb, separated by the inclined portion Ma1, in the mandrel axis direction. The cylindrical portion Ma2 has, for example, a chuck portion Md and a connecting portion Me. The chuck portion Md is a portion of the cylindrical portion Ma2 that is recessed inward in the mandrel radial direction. The chuck portion Md is configured to be held by a chuck mechanism 25A, which will be described later. The connecting portion Me is configured to be connected to a small-diameter portion Mc of another mandrel M. The connecting portion Me has, for example, a recess Me1 into which a protrusion Mg1 (described later) can be inserted, and a plurality of positioning holes Me2 into which a plurality of positioning pins Mg2 (described later) can each be inserted.

[0025] The large-diameter section Mb is located on the opposite side of the small-diameter section Ma and on the opposite side of the small-diameter section Mc in the mandrel axis direction. In other words, the large-diameter section Mb is located between the small-diameter section Ma and the small-diameter section Mc in the mandrel axis direction. The large-diameter section Mb is, for example, substantially cylindrical or cylindrical in shape. The shape of the large-diameter section Mb is not limited to this. The outer diameter of the large-diameter section Mb is larger than the outer diameters of the cylindrical section Ma2 and the cylindrical section Mc2. The large-diameter section Mb extends over most of the mandrel M in the mandrel axis direction. The large-diameter section Mb has, for example, a pair of end sections Mb1 and a central section Mb2. The pair of end sections Mb1 are located at both ends of the large-diameter section Mb in the mandrel axis direction. The central section Mb2 is located between the pair of end sections Mb1 in the mandrel axis direction. The central section Mb2 occupies most of the large-diameter section Mb in the mandrel axis direction. Among the fiber bundles wrapped around the large-diameter portion Mb, the fiber bundle containing the fiber bundle wrapped around the central portion Mb2 is treated as a product (fiber bundle containing product).

[0026] The small-diameter portion Mc is a part formed at the other end of the mandrel M in the mandrel axis direction. The small-diameter portion Mc is, for example, generally cylindrical or cylindrical in shape. The small-diameter portion Mc has, for example, a roughly frustoconical inclined portion Mc1 and a roughly cylindrical cylindrical portion Mc2. The inclined portion Mc1 is the part adjacent to the large-diameter portion Mb in the mandrel axis direction. The diameter of the inclined portion Mc1 decreases as it moves further away from the large-diameter portion Mb in the mandrel axis direction. The cylindrical portion Mc2 is located on the opposite side of the large-diameter portion Mb, separated by the inclined portion Mc1, in the mandrel axis direction. The outer diameter of the cylindrical portion Mc2 is approximately equal to the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion Ma2. The cylindrical portion Mc2 has a chuck portion Mf and a connecting portion Mg. The connecting portion Mg is configured to be connectable to the small-diameter portion Ma of another mandrel M. The connecting portion Mg has, for example, a protrusion Mg1 projecting to one side in the mandrel axial direction (opposite to the large-diameter portion Mb), and a plurality of positioning pins Mg2 also projecting to one side in the mandrel axial direction. The protrusion Mg1 can be inserted into a recess Me1 of another mandrel M. Each of the plurality of positioning pins Mg2 can be inserted into any of the plurality of positioning holes Me2.

[0027] Multiple mandrels M having the above structure can be arranged in the direction of the mandrel axis and connected to each other so as not to rotate (i.e., so as not to rotate relative to each other). That is, two mandrels M are connected so as not to rotate relative to each other via the connection part Me of one mandrel M and the connection part Mg of another mandrel M. In this way, two or more mandrels M can be connected in the direction of the mandrel axis and arranged to extend for a long distance along the direction of the mandrel axis.

[0028] Taking into consideration the above structure of the mandrel M, the structure of the pair of feed units 2 will now be described. The pair of feed units 2 is configured to mount one or more mandrels M in a non-rotatable manner. The pair of feed units 2 is configured to move one or more mandrels M from the front side (upstream side in the feed direction) to the rear side (downstream side in the feed direction). The feed direction is approximately parallel to the mandrel axis direction of the one or more mandrels M being moved by the pair of feed units 2.

[0029] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the pair of feed units 2 comprises an upstream feed unit 2A and a downstream feed unit 2B. The upstream feed unit 2A is located at the very front of the filament winding device 1. The downstream feed unit 2B is located at the very rear of the filament winding device 1. In other words, the pair of feed units 2 are positioned to sandwich the hoop winding unit 3 and the helical winding unit 4 in the front-to-back direction (i.e., the feeding direction).

[0030] As shown in Figures 1 and 2(a), the upstream feed unit 2A has a base portion 21A and a movable portion 22A. The base portion 21A is immovably installed on the floor surface 20 of a building (not shown). The base portion 21A has a frame 23A, a rail 24A, and a chuck mechanism 25A. The frame 23A extends long in the front-rear direction. The rail 24A is configured to guide the movable portion 22A in the front-rear direction. The rail 24A is located on the upper surface of the frame 23A and extends long in the front-rear direction. The chuck mechanism 25A is located at the rear end of the frame 23A. The chuck mechanism 25A is configured to hold a mandrel M immovably and immovably in the mandrel axis direction by gripping, for example, one chuck portion Md of a plurality of mandrels M. The chuck mechanism 25A includes an air cylinder 26A (see Figure 3) driven, for example, by the supply and discharge of compressed air, and an upstream gripping member (not shown) driven by the air cylinder 26A. The supply and discharge of compressed air to the air cylinder 26A is controlled, for example, by the control device 5 opening and closing a solenoid valve (not shown) located in the compressed air flow path. The upstream gripping member is configured to be movable between a gripping position for gripping the chuck portion Md and a release position for releasing the grip of the chuck portion Md, by the air cylinder 26A. The upstream gripping member may be driven by a motor (not shown) or the like instead of the air cylinder 26A.

[0031] The movable section 22A is configured to be movable in the front-rear direction relative to the base section 21A. The movable section 22A has a main body 27A and a traverse motor 28A. The main body 27A is connected to a plurality of mandrels M via one connecting section Me of the mandrels M and is configured to support the mandrels M in a non-rotatable manner. The main body 27A is configured to be guided in the front-rear direction by a rail 24A. The main body 27A is driven to move in the front-rear direction by the traverse motor 28A. The traverse motor 28A is electrically connected to a control device 5 and is controlled by the control device 5. The traverse motor 28A is configured to drive the main body 27A to move both forward and backward.

[0032] As shown in Figures 1 and 2(a), the downstream feed unit 2B has a base portion 21B and a movable portion 22B. The downstream feed unit 2B is configured to be approximately symmetrical with the upstream feed unit 2A with respect to a predetermined virtual plane (not shown) perpendicular to the front-rear direction. That is, the base portion 21B has a frame 23B, a rail 24B, and a chuck mechanism 25B. The rail 24B extends long in the front-rear direction. The chuck mechanism 25B is located at the front end of the frame 23B. The chuck mechanism 25B is configured to hold a mandrel M so that it cannot move or rotate in the mandrel axis direction by gripping, for example, one of the chuck portions Mf of a plurality of mandrels M. The chuck mechanism 25B has, for example, an air cylinder 26B (see Figure 3) and a downstream gripping member (not shown) driven by the air cylinder 26B. The supply and discharge of compressed air to and from the air cylinder 26B is controlled by the control device 5, similar to the supply and discharge of compressed air to and from the air cylinder 26A. The downstream gripping member is configured to be movable between a gripping position for gripping the chuck portion Mf and a release position for releasing the grip of the chuck portion Mf, by the air cylinder 26B. The downstream gripping member may be driven by a motor (not shown) or the like instead of the air cylinder 26B. The movable portion 22B has a main body 27B and a traverse motor 28B. The main body 27B is connected to a mandrel M via a connecting portion Mg of one of the mandrels M, and is configured to support the mandrel M in a non-rotatable manner. The main body 27B is configured to be guided in the front-rear direction by a rail 24B. The main body 27B is driven to move in the front-rear direction by the traverse motor 28B. The traverse motor 28B is electrically connected to the control device 5 and controlled by the control device 5. The traverse motor 28B is configured to drive the main body 27B to move in either the forward or backward direction.

[0033] The hoop winding unit 3 is configured to perform hoop winding on a mandrel M. Hoop winding is a winding method in which fiber bundles are wound in a direction approximately perpendicular to the axial direction of the mandrel. As shown in Figure 1, the hoop winding unit 3 is positioned, for example, immediately upstream of the downstream feed unit 2B in the axial direction of the mandrel. The hoop winding unit 3 has a main body 31, a rotating member 32, and a plurality of supply bobbins 33. The main body 31 is fixed in position with respect to the floor surface 20. The main body 31 is configured to support the rotating member 32 so that it can rotate around the axis of the mandrel M. The rotating member 32 is, for example, a substantially disc-shaped member. A substantially circular through hole 34 is formed in the center of the rotating member 32 through which the mandrel M can pass. The rotating member 32 rotatably supports a plurality of supply bobbins 33 that are positioned outside the through hole in the radial direction of the mandrel. Fiber bundles (not shown) are wound on each supply bobbin 33.

[0034] The hoop winding unit 3 has a rotary motor 35 (see Figure 3) configured to rotate a rotating member 32. The rotary motor 35 is electrically connected to and controlled by the control device 5. When hoop winding is performed, the control device 5 controls the feed unit 2 to move the mandrel M downstream in the feed direction, while controlling the rotary motor 35 to rotate the rotating member 32. As a result, fiber bundles are drawn from each supply bobbin 33 rotating around the mandrel M, and multiple fiber bundles are hoop-wound onto the mandrel M.

[0035] Each of the multiple helical winding units 4 is configured to perform helical winding on the mandrel M. Helical winding is a winding method in which the fiber bundle is wound in a direction having a component in the direction of the mandrel axis, compared to hoop winding. In this embodiment, a winding method in which the inclination of the fiber bundle with respect to the direction of the mandrel axis is 45 degrees or less is called helical winding. The multiple helical winding units 4 are arranged, for example, between the upstream feed unit 2A and the hoop winding unit 3 in the feed direction. The multiple helical winding units 4 are arranged side by side in the front-to-back direction.

[0036] The more specific configuration of each helical winding unit 4 will be explained with reference to Figures 4(a) to 5(b). Figure 4(a) is a front view of the helical winding unit 4. Figure 4(b) is an enlarged view of one supply bobbin and its surrounding configuration. Figure 5(a) is a rear view of the helical winding unit 4. Figure 5(b) is a side view of the helical winding unit 4.

[0037] As shown in Figures 4(a), 5(a), and 5(b), each helical winding unit 4 includes a base portion 41, a disc member 42, a plurality of supply bobbins 43, a plurality of fiber bundle guides 44, and a mandrel support portion 45. The base portion 41 is fixed in position with respect to the floor surface 20 (see Figure 2(a)). The base portion 41 is configured to support the disc member 42 so that it can rotate around the axis of the mandrel M. The disc member 42 is a substantially disc-shaped member configured to rotate with respect to the base portion 41. The direction of rotation of the disc member 42 is substantially parallel to the front-rear direction (i.e., substantially parallel to the mandrel axis direction). In the radial direction of the mandrel, a substantially circular through hole 46 (see Figures 1 and 4(a)) is formed in the center of the disc member 42 through which the mandrel M can pass. The disc member 42 is configured to support a plurality of supply bobbins 43 and a plurality of fiber bundle guides 44, which are located outside the through hole 46 in the radial direction of the mandrel. The disc member 42 is connected to the disc rotation motor 47 (Figures 3 and 5) a The disc rotation motor 47 is provided in each helical winding unit 4. The disc rotation motor 47 is electrically connected to the control device 5 (see Figure 3) and controlled by the control device 5.

[0038] Multiple supply bobbins 43 are arranged in a line along the circumferential direction of the mandrel M (hereinafter, the mandrel circumferential direction). A fiber bundle F (see Figures 4(a) and (b)) is wound around each supply bobbin 43. Each of the multiple supply bobbins 43 is supported by, for example, a plate-shaped support member 48 (Figures 4(b) and 5( aThe supply bobbins 43 are supported in a rotatable (rotatable) manner (see reference). The support member 48 is fixed to the disc member 42. In other words, the multiple supply bobbins 43 are supported on the disc member 42 via the multiple support members 48. Alternatively, instead of the disc member 42 and the multiple support members 48, a single support member (not shown) may be provided to support the multiple supply bobbins 43 in a rotatable manner.

[0039] Multiple fiber bundle guides 44 are provided, each corresponding to a plurality of supply bobbins 43. Each of the multiple fiber bundle guides 44 is attached to a disc member 42. The multiple fiber bundle guides 44 are positioned on the inside of the plurality of supply bobbins 43 in the mandrel radial direction. The multiple fiber bundle guides 44 are arranged side by side in the mandrel circumferential direction. Each of the multiple fiber bundle guides 44 is positioned to extend in a predetermined direction parallel to the mandrel radial direction. Each of the multiple fiber bundle guides 44 is configured to guide the fiber bundles F unwound from the supply bobbins 43 inward in the mandrel radial direction. Each of the multiple fiber bundle guides 44 is driven by, for example, a guide swivel motor 49 (Figures 3 and 5) which is a common drive source for the multiple fiber bundle guides 44. a Each fiber bundle guide 44 is configured to be driven to pivot with the direction in which it extends as the pivot axis. A guide pivot motor 49 is provided in each helical winding unit 4. The guide pivot motor 49 is electrically connected to the control device 5 (see Figure 3) and is controlled by the control device 5.

[0040] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4(a), multiple tensioning units 50 are provided between the multiple supply bobbins 43 and the multiple fiber bundle guides 44 in the radial direction of the mandrel. The multiple tensioning units 50 are configured to apply tension to each of the multiple fiber bundles F (see Figures 4(a) and (b)). The multiple tensioning units 50 are provided corresponding to the multiple supply bobbins 43 and the multiple fiber bundle guides 44. Each of the multiple tensioning units 50 has, for example, a first guide roller 51, a slack-removing roller 52, and a second guide roller 53 (see Figure 4(b)). The fiber bundles F drawn from each supply bobbin 43 are wound in this order onto the first guide roller 51, slack-removing roller 52, and second guide roller 53 provided on the corresponding tensioning unit 50. Furthermore, the fiber bundles F are guided inward in the radial direction of the mandrel by the corresponding fiber bundle guides 44.

[0041] The mandrel support section 45 is configured to support the mandrel M being moved by a pair of feed units 2. The mandrel support section 45 is located, for example, behind the disc member 42 (see Figures 2(a) and 5(b)). As shown in Figure 5(b), the mandrel support section 45 has, for example, a support member 54 and a plurality of support rollers 55-58. The support member 54 is mounted, for example, on the base section 41 so as to be vertically movable. The support member 54 is driven to move vertically by a support section vertical motor 54M (see Figures 3 and 6(a)) and a power transmission mechanism (not shown). The plurality of support rollers 55-58 are supported on the support member 54 so as to be rotatable and movable in the radial direction of the mandrel. The support rollers 55 and 56 are located below the passage of the mandrel M. The support rollers 55 and 56 are located adjacent to each other in the left-right direction. The support roller 57 is located, for example, diagonally to the upper left of the passage of the mandrel M. The support roller 58 is positioned, for example, on the upper right side of the passage of the mandrel M. The support rollers 55-58 are driven to move simultaneously in the radial direction of the mandrel by a support opening / closing motor 59 (see Figures 3 and 5(a)) and a power transmission mechanism (e.g., a known multi-rack and pinion mechanism 60). This allows the support rollers 55-58 to be positioned at appropriate locations in the radial direction of the mandrel in response to the expansion of the mandrel M due to the stacking of multiple fiber bundles F on the mandrel M. The support opening / closing motor 59 is provided in each helical winding unit 4. The support opening / closing motor 59 is electrically connected to a control device 5 (see Figure 3) and controlled by the control device 5.

[0042] Furthermore, the support unit's vertical motor 54M drives the support member 54 to move vertically, allowing the support rollers 55-58 to move up and down simultaneously. This suppresses the occurrence of the following problem: Since the fiber bundle F wrapped around the mandrel M is soft, the fiber bundle F sandwiched between the mandrel M and the support rollers 55 and 56 may deform (collapse) due to gravity acting on the mandrel M and the reaction force received from the support rollers 55 and 56. As a result, the mandrel M may bend under its own weight. Even if such deformation of the fiber bundle F occurs, the support unit's vertical motor 54M moves the support rollers 55-58 slightly upward, allowing the support rollers 55 and 56 to support the fiber bundle F and the mandrel M at an appropriate height. Therefore, bending of the mandrel M can be suppressed.

[0043] During helical winding, the control device 5 controls a pair of feed units 2 to move the mandrel M downstream in the feed direction, while controlling the disc rotation motor 47 to rotate the disc member 42. This draws out fiber bundles F from each supply bobbin 43 rotating around the mandrel M, and multiple fiber bundles F are helically wound onto the mandrel M. The control device 5 also controls the guide rotation motor 49 as needed (depending on the winding angle of the multiple fiber bundles F onto the mandrel M) to rotate multiple fiber bundle guides 44.

[0044] The control device 5 is, for example, a general-purpose computer device. The control device 5 has an input unit (not shown) that accepts predetermined inputs, an output unit (not shown) that produces predetermined outputs, and a storage unit (not shown) that stores various information. The control device 5 is electrically connected to each component of the filament winding device 1. The control device 5 is configured to control each component of the filament winding device 1 according to a predetermined program.

[0045] When winding the fiber bundle F onto the mandrel M, it is necessary to fix the tip of the fiber bundle F somewhere. If the tip of the fiber bundle is positioned near the mandrel's surface and the fiber bundle is wound around that tip in order to fix it to the mandrel, problems such as uneven thickness of the fiber bundle layer or uneven direction of the fiber bundles wound onto the mandrel will occur. This will reduce the quality of the product formed by the fiber bundle. Also, if something other than the fiber bundle is used to fix the tip of the fiber bundle to the mandrel's surface, foreign matter other than the fiber bundle will be mixed into the product, which may also reduce the quality of the product.

[0046] Therefore, in order to avoid contamination of the product with foreign matter, the filament winding apparatus 1 is configured as follows. Furthermore, in the filament winding apparatus 1, a fiber bundle-containing product containing multiple fiber bundles F is manufactured by the method described later.

[0047] (Jig mandrel) The filament winding apparatus 1 has multiple jig mandrels MJ as shown in Figures 6(a) and (b). Figure 6(a) is a side view of the first jig mandrel MJ1, which is one of the multiple jig mandrels MJ. Figure 6(b) is a side view of the second jig mandrel MJ2, which is different from the first jig mandrel MJ1. For the sake of simplicity, the axial direction of the jig mandrel MJ will also be referred to as the mandrel axial direction, just as the axial direction of the mandrel M.

[0048] Multiple jig mandrels MJ are jigs for fixing the tip of a fiber bundle F, etc. (details will be described later). Each of the multiple jig mandrels MJ is a core material that is shorter than the mandrel M in the direction of the mandrel axis. A jig mandrel MJ has, for example, the small diameter sections Ma and Mc described above, and a large diameter section Mh that is shorter than the large diameter section Mb in the direction of the mandrel axis.

[0049] The large-diameter portion Mh is the part to which the tip of the fiber bundle F is fixed. The large-diameter portion Mh is, for example, roughly cylindrical or cylindrical in shape. The shape of the large-diameter portion Mh is not limited to this. The outer diameter of the large-diameter portion Mh (large-diameter portion Mh1) of the first jig mandrel MJ1 is, for example, approximately equal to the outer diameter of the mandrel M. The outer diameter of the large-diameter portion Mh (large-diameter portion Mh2) of the second jig mandrel MJ2 is larger than the outer diameter of the first jig mandrel MJ1. In other words, the second jig mandrel MJ2 is thicker than the first jig mandrel MJ1. In the small-diameter portion Ma (small-diameter portion MaL) of the second jig mandrel MJ2, the outer diameter of the end of the inclined portion MaL1 on the large-diameter portion Mh2 side in the mandrel axial direction is, for example, approximately equal to the outer diameter of the large-diameter portion Mh2. In the small-diameter portion Mc (small-diameter portion McL) of the second jig mandrel MJ2, the outer diameter of the end of the inclined portion McL1 on the large-diameter portion Mh2 side in the mandrel axial direction is, for example, approximately equal to the outer diameter of the large-diameter portion Mh2.

[0050] (Detailed structure of the small diameter section) Next, the details of the structure of the small-diameter portions Ma and Mc formed on the mandrel M and the jig mandrel MJ will be explained with reference to Figures 7(a) and (b). Figure 7(a) is a view of the connecting portion Me formed on the small-diameter portion Ma in the direction of the mandrel axis, seen from one side of the small-diameter portion Ma. Figure 7(b) is a view of the connecting portion Mg formed on the small-diameter portion Mc in the direction of the mandrel axis, seen from the other side of the small-diameter portion Mc.

[0051] The connecting portion Me has, for example, eight positioning holes Me2, as shown in Figure 7(a). The eight positioning holes Me2 are arranged, for example, at approximately constant angular intervals in the circumferential direction of the mandrel. In other words, the eight positioning holes Me2 are arranged with their angular positions shifted by 45 degrees each, with the aforementioned center of the mandrel axis as the central point. The number and angular interval of the positioning holes Me2 described above are merely for illustrative purposes. That is, the number and angular interval of the positioning holes Me2 are not limited to those described above. Also, the angular interval between two adjacent positioning holes Me2 does not necessarily have to be constant.

[0052] The connecting portion Mg has, for example, two positioning pins Mg2, as shown in Figure 7(b). For convenience of explanation, one of the two positioning pins Mg2 will be called positioning pin Mg2a and the other positioning pin Mg2b. Positioning pins Mg2a and Mg2b are located on opposite sides of each other, separated by a protrusion Mg1, when viewed from the direction of the mandrel axis. In other words, positioning pin Mg2b is located 180 degrees rotated from positioning pin Mg2a, with the aforementioned center of the mandrel axis as the center point.

[0053] Although not shown in the diagram, the movable part 22B of the downstream feed unit 2B has multiple positioning holes into which two positioning pins Mg2 can be inserted. These positioning holes may be arranged with their angular positions shifted by 45 degrees, similar to the eight positioning holes Me2. The movable part 22A of the upstream feed unit 2A also has multiple positioning pins that can be inserted into the eight positioning holes Me2. The number of these positioning pins may be two, for example, similar to the positioning pins Mg2 of each connecting part Mg. With the above configuration, the multiple mandrels M and jig mandrel MJ can change the angle around the center of the mandrel axis in 45-degree increments relative to the pair of feed units 2 when viewed from the front and rear directions.

[0054] (Procedure for moving the mandrel) Next, the procedure for moving the jig mandrel MJ and the multiple mandrels M, which is the basic operation of the pair of feeding units 2, will be explained with reference to Figures 8(a) to 11(c). Here, as an example, the procedure for feeding the first jig mandrel MJ1 and the three mandrels M (mandrels M1, M2, and M3) from the upstream side to the downstream side in the feeding direction will be explained. In this embodiment, the group consisting of mandrels M1, M2, and M3 will be called the mandrel group for the sake of explanation. The multiple fiber bundles supplied from the hoop winding unit 3 or the helical winding unit 4 are fixed to the outer surface of the jig mandrel MJ as needed (threading). More details on threading will be described later.

[0055] In the initial state, the jig mandrel MJ and mandrel M are not attached to the pair of feed units 2. Also, the movable part 22A of the upstream feed unit 2A and the movable part 22B of the downstream feed unit 2B are positioned appropriately in the front-rear direction.

[0056] First, for example, an operator grips the rear end of the first mandrel MJ1, which is the thinnest of the multiple mandrels MJ, with the chuck mechanism 25A, and attaches the front end of the first mandrel MJ1 to the movable part 22A (see Figure 8(a)). As a result, the rear end of the first mandrel MJ1 is held immobilely by the chuck mechanism 25A, and the front end is supported immobilely by the movable part 22A. At this time, the first mandrel MJ1 is located at the upstream end in the feeding direction. The axial direction of the first mandrel MJ1 attached to the movable part 22A is approximately parallel to the front-rear direction.

[0057] Next, when the operator performs a predetermined input operation to the control device 5, the control device 5 controls the air cylinder 26A to release the grip of the first jig mandrel MJ1 by the chuck mechanism 25A. Next, the control device 5 controls the traverse motor 28A to move the moving part 22A backward. This moves the first jig mandrel MJ1 backward (i.e., downstream in the feeding direction). The distance traveled by the moving part 22A and the mandrel M1 in the forward and backward directions at this time is, for example, approximately the same distance as the length of the first jig mandrel MJ1 in the mandrel axis direction (see Figure 8(b)). A portion of the first jig mandrel MJ1 in the mandrel axis direction, which has been fed backward, is supported by one or more mandrel support parts 45. While the first jig mandrel MJ1 is being fed backward, the control device 5 may temporarily stop the operation of the pair of feed units 2. When the pair of feed units 2 are stopped, the operator can perform tasks such as threading the first jig mandrel MJ1 (described later). Furthermore, when the pair of feed units 2 are stopped, the operator can restart the operation of the pair of feed units 2 by performing a predetermined input operation to the control device 5. For the sake of simplicity, the explanation of this input operation will be omitted below.

[0058] Next, the control device 5 controls the air cylinder 26A to cause the chuck mechanism 25A to grip the first jig mandrel MJ1. As a result, the first jig mandrel MJ1 is held in a non-rotatable position by the chuck mechanism 25A. Next, the control device 5 controls the traverse motor 28A to move the movable part 22A forward (see Figure 8(c)). As a result, the movable part 22A separates from the first jig mandrel MJ1.

[0059] Next, the operator connects the rear end of mandrel M1, which is the mandrel M for the first product, to the first jig mandrel MJ1 in a way that prevents relative rotation, and attaches the front end of mandrel M1 to the movable part 22A in a way that prevents rotation (see Figure 9(a)). The axial direction of mandrel M1 is approximately parallel to the front-rear direction. Next, the control device 5 controls the air cylinder 26A to release the grip of the first jig mandrel MJ1 by the chuck mechanism 25A. Next, the control device 5 controls the traverse motor 28A to move the movable part 22A backward (see Figure 9(b)). As a result, the first jig mandrel MJ1 and mandrel M1 are moved downstream in the feeding direction. Next, the control device 5 causes the chuck mechanism 25A to grip mandrel M1 and moves the movable part 22A forward (see Figure 9(c)). This causes the movable part 22A to separate from the mandrel M1.

[0060] Next, the operator connects the rear end of mandrel M2, which is the second product mandrel M, to mandrel M1 in a way that prevents relative rotation, and attaches the front end of mandrel M2 to the movable part 22A in a way that prevents rotation (see Figure 10(a)). Next, the control device 5 controls the air cylinder 26A to release the grip of mandrel M1 by the chuck mechanism 25A. Next, the control device 5 controls the traverse motor 28A to move the movable part 22A backward (see Figure 10(b)). As a result, the first jig mandrel MJ1, mandrels M1 and M2 are moved downstream in the feeding direction. Also, as a result, the rear end of the first jig mandrel MJ1 is attached to the movable part 22B, which is positioned appropriately in the front-rear direction, in a way that prevents rotation. Alternatively, after the rearward movement of the first jig mandrel MJ1 is complete, the control device 5 may move the movable part 22B to the appropriate position.

[0061] Next, the control device 5 controls the air cylinder 26B to cause the chuck mechanism 25B to grip the mandrel M1. As a result, the mandrel M1 is held in a non-rotatable position by the chuck mechanism 25B. In this state, the operator detaches the first jig mandrel MJ1 from the moving part 22B and the mandrel M1 (see Figure 10(c)).

[0062] Next, the control device 5 causes the chuck mechanism 25A to grip the mandrel M2 and moves the movable parts 22A and 22B forward (see Figure 11(a)). This separates the movable part 22A from the mandrel M2. Also, the mandrel M1 is mounted on the movable part 22B in a non-rotatable manner. Next, the operator connects the rear end of the mandrel M3, which is the third product mandrel M, to the mandrel M2 in a non-rotatable manner, and mounts the front end of the mandrel M3 on the movable part 22A in a non-rotatable manner (see Figure 11(b)). Next, the control device 5 releases the grip of the mandrel M1 by the chuck mechanism 25A and moves the movable part 22A backward (see Figure 11(c)). This causes the mandrels M1 to M3 to be fed downstream in the feeding direction. The mandrel M1 reaches the downstream end in the feeding direction.

[0063] Further illustrations are omitted, but in this way, mandrels M1 to M3 can be sequentially fed downstream in the feeding direction. Upstream of the jig mandrel MJ in the feeding direction, the process of aligning mandrels M1 to M3 in the mandrel axis direction and sequentially connecting them so that they cannot rotate relative to each other corresponds to the connecting process of the present invention. Also, for the sake of explanation, the process of feeding all of mandrels M1 to M3 (i.e., one mandrel group) once from the upstream end to the downstream end in the feeding direction will be referred to as the unit feeding process below.

[0064] In the state shown in Figure 11(c), the control device 5 causes the chuck mechanism 25B to grip the mandrel M2, thereby enabling the mandrel M1 to be separated from the moving part 22B and the mandrel M2 (not shown). The operator can then carry the mandrel M1 back forward. The operator can, if necessary, reposition the mandrel M1 at the upstream end of the feeding process. The operator may also position the mandrel M1 immediately upstream of the mandrel M3 in the feeding process. Alternatively, the operator may, if necessary, position the jig mandrel MJ between the mandrel M1 and the mandrel M3. In this way, the above-described unit feeding process can be repeated many times. That is, the mandrels M1 to M3 can be fed repeatedly towards the hoop winding unit 3 and the multiple helical winding units 4. This allows multiple layers of fiber bundles to be wound onto the mandrels M1, M2, and M3. The feeding speed can be adjusted by adjusting the movement speed of the moving parts 22A and 22B. Although the procedure for moving mandrels M1 to M3 has been described here, it is also possible to sequentially move four or more mandrels M in the feed direction using the same procedure.

[0065] (Threading work) Next, we will explain the basic operator task of threading the jig mandrel MJ, mainly referring to Figures 12(a) to (c). Here, as an example, we will explain threading from the three front helical winding units 4 (helical winding units 4a, 4b, and 4c, in order from the front).

[0066] First, the operator grips the rear end of the first jig mandrel MJ1 with the chuck mechanism 25A as described above, and attaches the front end of the first jig mandrel MJ1 to the moving part 22A (see Figure 8(a)). Then, the operator operates the control device 5 to release the grip of the first jig mandrel MJ1 by the chuck mechanism 25A and moves the first jig mandrel MJ1 backward. The control device 5 moves the moving part 22A, for example, in the front-to-back direction until the rear end of the large-diameter portion Mh1 of the first jig mandrel MJ1 reaches approximately the same position as the multiple fiber bundle guides 44 of the helical winding unit 4a located at the foremost position. Then, the control device 5 stops the moving part 22A. As a result, the first jig mandrel MJ1 stops moving at a position where it can be threaded (see Figure 12(a)). Note that the stopping position of the first jig mandrel MJ1 is not limited to this.

[0067] In this state, the operator draws out fiber bundles F from each of the multiple supply bobbins 43 of the helical winding unit 4a. Furthermore, the operator guides each fiber bundle F through the corresponding tensioning section 50 and fiber bundle guide 44, directing the tip of each fiber bundle F inward in the radial direction of the mandrel. In other words, the operator positions the tip of each of the multiple fiber bundles F near the first jig mandrel MJ1. Next, the operator uses a fixing device, such as tape T (preferably masking tape), to attach each tip of the multiple fiber bundles F to the outer circumferential surface of the large diameter section Mh1 of the first jig mandrel MJ1 (see Figure 12(a)). This fixes the multiple tips to the first jig mandrel MJ1. In other words, the threading onto the first jig mandrel MJ1 in the helical winding unit 4a is completed. Preferably, the operator attaches the respective ends of the multiple fiber bundles F to the outer surface of the large-diameter portion Mh1 at approximately equal angular intervals (angular intervals around the center of the mandrel axis).

[0068] Next, the operator operates the control device 5 to move the first jig mandrel MJ1 backward. The control device 5 moves the moving part 22A backward at an appropriate speed and controls the disc rotation motor 47 of the helical winding unit 4a to rotate the disc member 42 in a predetermined direction at a predetermined rotational speed. In this way, the leading ends of each of the multiple fiber bundles are pulled by the first jig mandrel MJ1, and fiber bundles F are drawn out from each of the multiple supply bobbins 43 of the helical winding unit 4a. Then, the multiple fiber bundles F are wound around the outer surface of the first jig mandrel MJ1 at a predetermined winding angle (see Figure 12(b)). The control device 5 controls the rear end of the large diameter part Mh1 to the helical winding unit 4 b The moving part 22A is moved until it reaches approximately the same position as the multiple fiber bundle guides 44. Next, the operator threads the yarn onto the first jig mandrel MJ1 in the helical winding unit 4b in the same manner as described above (see Figure 12(b)).

[0069] Furthermore, after the operator attaches the mandrel M1 to the first jig mandrel MJ1 and the moving part 22A, the operator operates the control device 5 to move the first jig mandrel MJ1 backward. The control device 5 moves the moving part 22A backward at an appropriate speed and controls the respective disc rotation motors 47 of the helical winding units 4a and 4b to rotate each disc member 42 in a predetermined direction and at a predetermined rotational speed. As a result, the multiple fiber bundles F supplied from the helical winding unit 4b are wound onto the first jig mandrel MJ1 at a predetermined winding angle (see Figure 12(c)). After the multiple fiber bundles F supplied from the helical winding unit 4a are wound onto the first jig mandrel MJ1, they are then started to be wound onto the mandrel M1 (see Figure 12(c)). Therefore, there is no need to thread the mandrel M1. This prevents the tips of the fiber bundles F from getting mixed into the mandrel M1. Note that the winding angle of the fiber bundle F onto the mandrel M1 before it thickens is approximately equal to the winding angle of the fiber bundle F onto the first jig mandrel MJ1.

[0070] The control device 5 moves the moving part 22A until the rear end of the large-diameter section Mh1 reaches approximately the same position as the multiple fiber bundle guides 44 of the helical winding unit 4c. Furthermore, the operator threads the yarn onto the first jig mandrel MJ1 in the helical winding unit 4c in the same manner as described above (see Figure 12(c)). Thus, as an example, the yarn is threaded onto the first jig mandrel MJ1.

[0071] (Method of winding fiber bundles) Next, a method for winding multiple fiber bundles F onto each of multiple mandrels M in a filament winding apparatus 1 (i.e., a method for manufacturing a fiber bundle-containing product) will be explained with reference to Figures 13 to 14(b). Figure 13 is a flowchart showing the procedure for winding multiple fiber bundles onto multiple mandrels M. Figures 14(a) and (b) are explanatory diagrams showing the change in the winding angle of the fiber bundles F.

[0072] To avoid complicating the explanation, a detailed explanation of the winding of fiber bundles (not shown) by the hoop winding unit (hoop winding process) will be omitted. The hoop winding process is performed, for example, when multiple helical winding units 4 are not in use, by sequentially winding multiple mandrels M downstream in the feeding direction and sequentially winding the hoops onto the multiple mandrels M. In the hoop winding process, the operator may perform thread winding on the jig mandrel MJ in the same manner as described above.

[0073] The procedure for winding fiber bundles F using multiple helical winding units 4 will be described in more detail below. The process of sequentially winding multiple mandrels M using multiple helical winding units 4 will be referred to as the helical winding process below. The number of helical winding units 4 used in the helical winding process is appropriately adjusted according to changes in the winding angle and / or increases in the diameter of the fiber bundle-containing product (winding thickness). The adjustment of the number of helical winding units 4 used is done to make the coverage rate of the fiber bundles F on the mandrel M per unit feeding process roughly equal (for example, about 100 percent). However, in the following example, in order to avoid complicating the explanation, the number of helical winding units 4 used will be assumed to be constant (unchanged). For example, multiple fiber bundles F are supplied by 3 out of 5 helical winding units 4. Also, in order to avoid complicating the explanation, the depletion of fiber bundles F contained in the supply bobbin 43 and the resulting replacement of the supply bobbin 43 will not be considered.

[0074] First, as described above, the operator attaches the first jig mandrel MJ1 to the upstream feed unit 2A and then performs a predetermined operation on the control device 5. The control device 5 controls the pair of feed units 2 to feed the first jig mandrel MJ1 downstream in the feed direction (jig feeding process). The control device 5 stops the movement of the first jig mandrel MJ1 when it reaches the vicinity of the helical winding unit 4 that requires threading. The operator then pulls out multiple fiber bundles F from each of the multiple helical winding units 4 used at the appropriate timing and sequentially threads them onto the first jig mandrel MJ1 (threading process; S101; see Figures 12(a) to (c)).

[0075] The operator, as necessary, attaches and detaches the mandrel M (or jig mandrel MJ) to the pair of feed units 2 and operates the control device 5. The control device 5 controls the pair of feed units 2 and the helical winding unit 4 according to the operator's operations on the control device 5 to wind the fiber bundle F onto a plurality of mandrels M belonging to a predetermined mandrel group (S102). More specifically, while the unit feeding process described above is being performed, the helical winding unit 4, which supplies the threaded fiber bundle F, sequentially winds the fiber bundle F onto the plurality of mandrels M at a predetermined winding angle (helical winding process). In the unit feeding process, as described above, the operator sequentially connects the plurality of mandrels M in the direction of the mandrel axis so that they cannot rotate relative to each other (connecting process).

[0076] During the unit feed process, the operator sequentially removes the jig mandrel MJ or mandrel M that has been fed to the downstream end in the feed direction from the downstream feed unit 2B. Before removing the jig mandrel MJ from the downstream feed unit 2B, the operator cuts off each fiber bundle F wrapped around the jig mandrel MJ with a cutter (not shown). At the same time, the operator fixes the ends of each fiber bundle F extending downstream from the rear end of the mandrel M, which is located immediately upstream of the jig mandrel MJ in the feed direction, to one of the small diameter sections Ma and Mc of the mandrel M with tape T. This small diameter section is the part of the mandrel M located on the downstream side in the feed direction. Before removing the mandrel M from the downstream feed unit 2B, the operator cuts off each fiber bundle F wrapped around the other of the small diameter sections Ma and Mc of the mandrel M with a cutter (not shown). The other small-diameter portion is the part of the mandrel M located on the upstream side in the feeding direction. At that time, the operator secures the ends of each fiber bundle F extending upstream from the front end of the mandrel M to the other small-diameter portion with tape T.

[0077] Each time the unit feeding process is performed, the operator decides whether or not to continue winding the fiber bundle F onto the mandrel M, based on a process chart (not shown) that describes the manufacturing procedure for the fiber bundle-containing product (S103). The timing of this decision is, for example, when the mandrel M onto which the fiber bundle F will be wound at the end of each unit feeding process is mounted on the upstream feeding unit 2A. If it is decided not to continue winding the fiber bundle F onto the mandrel M (S103: No), for example, after the winding of the fiber bundle F onto the last mandrel M is completed in the last unit feeding process, the manufacturing of the fiber bundle-containing product ends. If the operator decides to continue winding the fiber bundle onto the mandrel M (S103: Yes), the operator makes further decisions as described below.

[0078] The operator decides whether or not to change the winding angle in the next unit feeding process (S104). If the winding angle is not changed (S104: No), the operator returns to S102 and starts the next unit feeding process. At this time, it is not necessary to thread the mandrel M which is sequentially attached to the upstream feeding unit 2A.

[0079] When changing the winding angle (S104: Yes), the operator performs the following operations: attaching the jig mandrel MJ to the upstream feed unit 2A and changing the winding angle (S105). The helical winding process before changing the winding angle corresponds to the first helical winding process of the present invention. The winding angle in the first helical winding process corresponds to the first winding angle of the present invention. The helical winding process after changing the winding angle corresponds to the second helical winding process of the present invention. The winding angle in the second helical winding process corresponds to the second winding angle of the present invention. The helical winding process includes the first helical winding process and the second helical winding process. The winding angle takes into account not only the magnitude of the inclination angle of the fiber bundle F with respect to the mandrel M, etc., but also whether the fiber bundle F is wound clockwise or counterclockwise when viewed from the front-to-back direction. For example, when viewed from the front, if the fiber bundle F is wound clockwise and the angle of inclination of the fiber bundle F with respect to the axis of the mandrel is 45 degrees, the winding angle is defined as one of ±45 degrees (e.g., +45 degrees). Also, when viewed from the front, if the fiber bundle F is wound counterclockwise and the angle of inclination is 45 degrees, the winding angle is defined as the other of ±45 degrees (e.g., -45 degrees). A change in the magnitude of the winding angle (e.g., from 45 degrees to 5 degrees) and a change in the sign of the winding angle (e.g., from +45 degrees to -45 degrees) are both included in a change in the winding angle.

[0080] In the process of changing the winding angle, the operator first attaches a suitable jig mandrel MJ (details described later) to the upstream feed unit 2A and connects the jig mandrel MJ to the upstreammost mandrel M in the feed direction so that it cannot rotate relative to it. This upstreammost mandrel M is the mandrel M to which multiple fiber bundles F are wound at the end of the first helical winding process. This mandrel M corresponds to the first mandrel of the present invention. Next, the operator operates the control device 5 to send the jig mandrel MJ to the helical winding unit 4 (helical winding unit 4a in Figure 14(a)) that supplies the fiber bundles F whose winding angle needs to be changed. This process of sending the jig mandrel MJ corresponds to the winding angle changing jig feeding process of the present invention.

[0081] Next, the operator fixes the middle portion of each of the multiple fiber bundles supplied from the helical winding unit 4a to the large-diameter portion Mh of the jig mandrel MJ with tape T (see tape Tc in Figure 14(a)) (winding angle change fixing process). Then, the control device 5 controls the pair of feed units 2 while rotating the disc member 42 of the helical winding unit 4a at a different rotational speed than the disc member 42 of the other helical winding units 4. The rotational speed here is a concept that includes not only the speed of rotation but also the direction of rotation. As a result, the winding angle upstream of tape Tc in the feed direction is different from the winding angle downstream of tape Tc in the feed direction (see Figure 14(b)). By sequentially performing the same operation for the other helical winding units 4, the winding angle of all fiber bundles F on the jig mandrel MJ is changed. At the appropriate timing, the operator connects one of the multiple mandrels M to the jig mandrel MJ in a way that prevents relative rotation (winding angle change connection process). The single mandrel M is the mandrel M on which multiple fiber bundles F are wound at the beginning of the second helical winding process. This single mandrel M corresponds to the second mandrel of the present invention. Subsequently, the operator causes the filament winding device 1 to perform the next unit feeding process. In this way, the unit feeding process is repeated while the winding angle of the fiber bundles F is changed.

[0082] (Changing the angle of the mandrel) Next, the angle change of the mandrel M around the center of the mandrel axis will be explained with reference to Figures 15(a) and (b). Figure 15(a) is an explanatory diagram showing the angle change of the mandrel M around the center of the mandrel axis. Figure 15(b) is a graph to explain the angle change. The horizontal axis of the graph shows the total number of unit feed processes. The vertical axis of the graph shows the angle of the mandrel M around the center of the mandrel axis.

[0083] As described above, in the filament winding apparatus 1, multiple mandrels M are held in a substantially horizontal arrangement and supported from below by a mandrel support section 45. In this configuration, the fiber bundles F, which are generally softer than the mandrels M, are pressed from below by the mandrel support section 45, making the fiber bundles F wound around the mandrels M prone to distortion. This can cause the shape of the product to collapse. Therefore, in order to suppress the collapse of the product's shape, the following methods are preferably employed.

[0084] As described above, the angle of the mandrels M around the center of the mandrel axis can be changed in 45-degree increments relative to the pair of feed units 2 when viewed from the front or back (see Figure 15(a)). Therefore, the operator changes the angle of the mandrels M around the center of the mandrel axis each time the unit feed process is executed a predetermined first number of times. The first number of times is one or more predetermined times. For the sake of explanation, the angle around the center of the mandrel axis is defined as follows: As shown by the solid line in Figure 15(a), when the positioning pin Mg2a is located directly above the protrusion Mg1 and the positioning pin Mg2b is located directly below the protrusion Mg1, the angle around the center of the mandrel axis is defined as 0 degrees. Also, for example, when viewed from the front, when the positioning pin Mg2a is tilted 45 degrees clockwise from directly above the protrusion Mg1, the angle around the center of the mandrel axis is defined as 45 degrees. For example, as shown by the dashed line in Figure 15(a), the angular position of the positioning pin Mg2 around the mandrel axis center can be changed in 45-degree increments. The range of angles around the mandrel axis center is defined, for example, as 0 degrees or more and less than 360 degrees. In this way, the angle of the mandrel M around the mandrel axis center can be changed in 45-degree increments from 0 degrees to 360 degrees (strictly speaking, up to 315 degrees in this embodiment).

[0085] When the first number of cycles is, for example, two, the operator changes the angle of the multiple mandrels M around the mandrel axis center to a predetermined angle other than a multiple of 360 degrees each time the unit feeding process is performed twice, for example, as shown in the graph in Figure 15(b). Hereinafter, the predetermined angle will also be referred to as the "change angle". Preferably, the change angle is consistent among the multiple mandrels M in one unit feeding process. In the example of this embodiment, the predetermined angle (change angle) is 135 degrees. It should be noted that in this embodiment, for example, after the sixth unit feeding process is performed, the angle of the multiple mandrels M around the mandrel axis center is changed from 270 degrees to 45 degrees. This 45 degrees is the angle calculated by subtracting 360 degrees from 405 degrees, which is obtained by adding 135 degrees to 270 degrees.

[0086] In this way, by changing the angle of multiple mandrels M around the center of the mandrel axis, the position in which the fiber bundle-containing product is pressed from below by the mandrel support portion 45 can be changed in the circumferential direction of the mandrel. In other words, it is possible to suppress repeated pressing from below by the mandrel support portion 45 on fiber bundles F stacked at the same position in the circumferential direction of each mandrel M.

[0087] (Appropriate jig mandrel) Next, we will explain the "appropriate jig mandrel MJ" mentioned above. Although not shown in the diagram, by repeating the unit feeding process many times, multiple fiber bundles F are wrapped multiple times around multiple mandrels M belonging to the predetermined mandrel group. As a result, the diameter of the fiber bundle-containing product, including the fiber bundles F wrapped around the multiple mandrels M, increases (wound thickening). When the fiber bundle-containing product is wound thickened, if a thin first jig mandrel MJ1 is used, for example, when changing the winding angle, the following problems may occur. That is, if the diameter of the first jig mandrel MJ1 and the diameter of the fiber bundle-containing product are significantly different, even if the winding angle of the fiber bundle F around the first jig mandrel MJ1 is approximately equal to the target angle, the winding angle of the fiber bundle F around the fiber bundle-containing product may deviate from the target angle. The reason for this is as follows. If the diameter of the jig mandrel MJ and the diameter of the fiber bundle-containing product are different, the relative peripheral speed of the multiple fiber bundle guides 44 of the helical winding unit 4 with respect to the jig mandrel MJ will be different from the relative peripheral speed of the fiber bundle-containing product. As a result, the winding angle of the fiber bundle F onto the fiber bundle-containing product may differ significantly from the winding angle of the fiber bundle F onto the first jig mandrel MJ1.

[0088] Therefore, in order to prevent the winding angle of the fiber bundle F onto the fiber bundle-containing product from deviating from the target angle, it is preferable to implement the following method. That is, if the unit feeding process is performed a predetermined second or more times after S101, for example, when changing the winding angle, the operator preferably attaches the second jig mandrel MJ2 to the upstream feeding unit 2A. In this case, the difference between the diameter of the second jig mandrel MJ2 and the diameter of the fiber bundle-containing product is smaller than the difference between the diameter of the first jig mandrel MJ1 and the diameter of the fiber bundle-containing product. This makes it easy to substantially match the winding angle of the fiber bundle F onto the second jig mandrel MJ2 with the winding angle of the fiber bundle F onto the thickened fiber bundle-containing product.

[0089] As described above, after the ends of each of the multiple fiber bundles F are fixed to the jig mandrel MJ, the multiple mandrels M are sequentially connected upstream of the jig mandrel MJ in the feeding direction so as to be unable to rotate relative to each other, and are sequentially fed downstream in the feeding direction. Helical winding is performed on the multiple mandrels M that are fed in this sequential manner. This makes it possible to sequentially wind multiple fiber bundles F onto each mandrel M while avoiding the inclusion of the ends of the fiber bundles F into the product formed by winding multiple fiber bundles F onto multiple mandrels M. Therefore, in a filament winding apparatus 1 that continuously feeds mandrels M and performs helical winding on them, it is possible to avoid the inclusion of foreign matter into the product.

[0090] Furthermore, the manufacturing method for the fiber bundle-containing product comprises a winding angle changing jig feeding step, a winding angle changing and fixing step, and a winding angle changing and connecting step. As a result, when the winding angle is changed, intermediate portions of multiple fiber bundles F are fixed to the jig mandrel MJ. Therefore, it is possible to avoid intermediate portions of fiber bundles F that have been bent to change the winding angle being mixed into the product.

[0091] Furthermore, in the manufacturing method for fiber bundle-containing products, each time the unit feeding process is executed one or more predetermined first times, the angle around the axis of the multiple mandrels M in the next unit feeding process is changed to a predetermined angle other than a multiple of 360 degrees. This allows the position in the mandrel circumferential direction where the fiber bundle-containing product is pushed from below by the mandrel support 45 to be changed each time the unit feeding process is executed for the first time. In other words, it is possible to suppress repeated pushing from below by the mandrel support 45 on fiber bundles F stacked at the same position in the mandrel circumferential direction of the mandrel M. Therefore, it is possible to suppress variations in the degree of distortion of the fiber bundles F in the mandrel circumferential direction. Consequently, deformation of the product shape can be suppressed.

[0092] Furthermore, when using the jig mandrel MJ when the number of executions of the unit feeding process is two or more predetermined times, a second jig mandrel MJ2, which is thicker than the first jig mandrel MJ1, is mounted on the upstream feeding unit 2A. This makes it easy to roughly match the winding angle of the fiber bundle F onto the second jig mandrel MJ2 with the winding angle of the fiber bundle F onto the thickened fiber bundle-containing product. Therefore, the winding angle of the fiber bundle F onto the fiber bundle-containing product can be brought as close as possible to the target angle.

[0093] Next, modified examples of the above embodiments will be described. However, components having the same configuration as the above embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions will be omitted as appropriate.

[0094] (1) In the above embodiment, the angle of the multiple mandrels M around the mandrel axis center is changed by 135 degrees each time the unit feeding process is performed a predetermined first number of times. However, it is not limited to this. The angle of change described above may be other than 135 degrees (for example, 45 degrees, 90 degrees, 180 degrees, etc.). Alternatively, the angular spacing of the multiple positioning holes Me2 around the mandrel axis center may be other than 45 degrees. Alternatively, such an operation to change the angle around the mandrel axis center may not be performed.

[0095] (2) In the embodiments described above, the jig mandrel MJ had small diameter sections Ma and Mc, similar to the mandrel M. However, it is not limited to this. The jig mandrel MJ may have small diameter sections (not shown) that have a different shape from the small diameter sections Ma and Mc of the mandrel M. Also, the shapes of the small diameter sections Ma and Mc of the mandrel M are not limited to those described above.

[0096] (3) In the embodiments described above, the filament winding apparatus 1 is provided with a first jig mandrel MJ1 and a second jig mandrel MJ2 as jig mandrels MJ. The number of jig mandrels MJ is not limited to this. For example, there may be one or more jig mandrels that are thicker than the second jig mandrel MJ2. Alternatively, the filament winding apparatus 1 may be provided with only the first jig mandrel MJ1 as jig mandrels MJ.

[0097] (4) In the embodiments described above, when the winding angle of the fiber bundles F onto the mandrel M is changed, the middle portion of each of the multiple fiber bundles F is fixed to the jig mandrel MJ. However, this is not limited to this. For example, each time the unit feeding process is completed, the multiple fiber bundles F supplied from the helical winding unit 4 may be cut. Then, when the jig mandrel MJ is newly sent to the helical winding unit 4, the winding angle may be changed by fixing the tip of each of the multiple fiber bundles F to the jig mandrel MJ. However, in this case, production efficiency will decrease.

[0098] (5) In the embodiments described above, the mandrel M and the jig mandrel MJ were assumed to have small diameter portions Ma and Mc. However, the embodiments are not limited to this. The mandrel M may have both ends (not shown) with approximately the same diameter as the large diameter portion Mb instead of the small diameter portions Ma and Mc. The jig mandrel MJ may have both ends (not shown) with approximately the same diameter as the large diameter portion Mh instead of the small diameter portions Ma and Mc.

[0099] (6) In the embodiments described above, the disc member 42 and the fiber bundle guide 44 were configured to rotate integrally around the center of the mandrel axis. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. The disc member 42 and the fiber bundle guide 44 do not have to be configured to rotate around the center of the mandrel axis. In this case, the pair of feed units 2 may be configured to move a plurality of mandrels M in the feed direction while rotating them around the center of the mandrel axis. However, in this case, the winding angles of the fiber bundles F around the plurality of mandrels M cannot be made different among the plurality of helical winding units 4 that are simultaneously supplying a plurality of fiber bundles F.

[0100] (7) In the embodiments described above, the filament winding device 1 was provided with five helical winding units 4. However, the number of helical winding units 4 is not limited to this. The filament winding device 1 may be provided with fewer than five or more helical winding units 4. The filament winding device 1 may also be provided with multiple hoop winding units 3.

[0101] (8) The positional relationship between the hoop winding unit 3 and the multiple helical winding units 4 in the mandrel axis direction is not limited to that described above. For example, the hoop winding unit 3 may be positioned in front of the multiple helical winding units 4.

[0102] (9) In the embodiments described above, the fiber bundles were assumed to be impregnated with resin before being wrapped around the mandrel M. However, this is not limited to this. For example, after the fiber bundles that are not impregnated with resin have been wrapped around the mandrel M, the fiber bundles wrapped around the mandrel M may be impregnated with resin. [Explanation of symbols]

[0103] 1. Filament winding machine 2 Feed Units 4 Helical winding unit 45 Mandrel support F fiber bundle M Mandrel (Product Mandrel) MJ Jig Mandrel MJ1 First Jig Mandrel MJ2 Second Jig Mandrel

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a fiber bundle-containing product, comprising a filament winding apparatus that winds multiple fiber bundles around each of multiple mandrels, wherein a product containing multiple fiber bundles is manufactured, the product containing the multiple fiber bundles, The filament winding apparatus comprises a jig mandrel shorter than a plurality of product mandrels in a predetermined mandrel axis direction, a feed unit configured to sequentially feed the jig mandrel and the plurality of product mandrels, which are connected side by side in the mandrel axis direction, from upstream to downstream in a predetermined feed direction along the mandrel axis direction, and a plurality of helical winding units arranged side by side in the mandrel axis direction, each configured to helically wind the plurality of fiber bundles onto the jig mandrel and the plurality of product mandrels. A jig feeding step involves attaching the jig mandrel to the feed unit and feeding it to a predetermined helical winding unit among the plurality of helical winding units, After the jig feeding step, a threading step is performed in which the leading ends of each of the plurality of fiber bundles supplied from the predetermined helical winding unit are fixed to the jig mandrel. After the jig feeding step, a connecting step is performed upstream of the jig mandrel in the feeding direction, in which the plurality of product mandrels are arranged in the direction of the mandrel axis and sequentially connected so that they cannot rotate relative to each other. A method for manufacturing a fiber bundle-containing product, comprising: a helical winding step, after the yarn-winding step, in which the plurality of product mandrels connected in the connecting step are sequentially fed downstream in the feeding direction, and the plurality of helical winding units sequentially perform helical winding on the plurality of product mandrels.

2. The aforementioned helical winding process is The process includes a first helical winding step of winding the plurality of fiber bundles onto the plurality of product mandrels at a predetermined first winding angle, and a second helical winding step of winding the plurality of fiber bundles onto the plurality of product mandrels at a second winding angle different from the first winding angle. A winding angle changing jig feeding process is performed by connecting the jig mandrel to the upstream side in the feeding direction of the first mandrel, on which the plurality of fiber bundles are wound at the end of the first helical winding process, so as to prevent relative rotation, and feeding the jig mandrel downstream in the feeding direction. After the winding angle changing jig feeding step, a winding angle changing and fixing step is performed in which the intermediate portion of each of the plurality of fiber bundles is fixed to the jig mandrel, A method for manufacturing a fiber bundle-containing product according to claim 1, comprising a winding angle changing connection step of connecting a second mandrel, among the plurality of product mandrels, to the jig mandrel in a manner that prevents relative rotation, where the plurality of fiber bundles are first wound in the second helical winding step.

3. The aforementioned feed direction has a horizontal component, The filament winding apparatus has a mandrel support that supports the intermediate portion of the plurality of product mandrels connected in the mandrel axial direction, A method for manufacturing a fiber bundle-containing product according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that each time a unit feeding step, in which a mandrel group including the plurality of product mandrels is fed once from the upstream end to the downstream end in the feeding direction, is performed one or more predetermined first times, the angle around the axis of the plurality of product mandrels in the next unit feeding step is changed to a predetermined angle other than a multiple of 360 degrees.

4. In the jig feeding process, a predetermined first jig mandrel is used as the jig mandrel. A method for manufacturing a fiber bundle-containing product according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, after the jig feeding step, a unit feeding step is performed a predetermined second or more times in which the mandrel group including the plurality of product mandrels is fed once from the upstream end to the downstream end in the feeding direction, and then a second jig mandrel thicker than the first jig mandrel is attached to the feeding unit.

5. A filament winding apparatus that winds multiple fiber bundles around each of multiple mandrels, A jig mandrel that is shorter than multiple product mandrels in a predetermined mandrel axis direction, A feed unit configured to sequentially feed the jig mandrels and the plurality of product mandrels, which are connected in a line along the mandrel axis, from the upstream to the downstream side in a predetermined feed direction along the mandrel axis, The system comprises a plurality of helical winding units, each arranged in a line along the axial direction of the mandrel, and each of which is configured to helically wind the plurality of fiber bundles onto the jig mandrel and the plurality of product mandrels, The aforementioned jig mandrel is The large-diameter portion extends in the axial direction of the mandrel and to which the fiber bundle is fixed, The mandrel has a smaller diameter portion that is arranged alongside the larger diameter portion in the axial direction of the mandrel and is smaller in diameter than the larger diameter portion in the radial direction of the jig mandrel. The aforementioned small diameter portion is A filament winding apparatus characterized in that it has a connecting portion that can be connected to a mandrel among the plurality of mandrels, which is arranged in the same direction as the jig mandrel in the mandrel axis direction.

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