Method for producing fiber-bundle-containing product, and filament winding apparatus

JPWO2024014241A5Active Publication Date: 2025-02-05MURATA MASCH LTD
View PDF 0 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Application Number
JP2024533603
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-11-25
Publication Date
2025-02-05
Estimated Expiration
2043-06-21

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In filament winding processes, the tips of fiber bundles often become unevenly wrapped around mandrels, leading to twisted or misaligned fibers, and the use of foreign materials to fix the tips can contaminate the product, reducing quality and introducing foreign matter.

Method used

A method using a jig mandrel system where fiber bundle tips are fixed on a shorter jig mandrel, allowing sequential connection and non-rotatable alignment of multiple mandrels, preventing foreign matter contamination and ensuring even wrapping by adjusting winding angles and using thicker jig mandrels as needed to maintain target angles.

Benefits of technology

This approach prevents contamination and ensures even fiber wrapping, maintaining product quality by avoiding foreign matter and ensuring consistent winding angles, thus enhancing the overall efficiency and quality of the filament winding process.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure 2024014241000001
    Figure 2024014241000001
  • Figure 2024014241000002
    Figure 2024014241000002
  • Figure 2024014241000003
    Figure 2024014241000003
Patent Text Reader

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.
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

Method for manufacturing fiber bundle-containing product and filament winding device

[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 to a filament winding device for winding a plurality of fiber bundles around a mandrel.

[0002] The filament winding device 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. This causes helical winding to be performed on the mandrel, which is moving without rotating.

[0003] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 discloses a technique in which a plurality of mandrels connected in the axial direction of the mandrels are continuously fed in the forward direction (i.e., downstream in a predetermined feeding direction) while a plurality of fiber bundles are wound around each of the mandrels.

[0004] JP 2020-82375 A JP 2014-117913 A

[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 in the axial direction of the mandrel, and continuously feed a plurality of connected mandrels downstream in the feeding direction as described in Patent Document 2. This makes it possible to simultaneously feed a large number of fiber bundles onto the mandrel.

[0006] Generally, when winding a fiber bundle around a mandrel, the tip of the fiber bundle needs to be fixed somewhere on the mandrel. If the tip of the fiber bundle is positioned near the circumferential surface of the mandrel and then the fiber bundle is wound around the tip to fix it to the mandrel, problems such as an uneven thickness of the fiber bundle layer or a misalignment of the direction of the fiber bundle wound around the mandrel can occur. This can result in a decrease in the quality of the product formed from the fiber bundle. Furthermore, if something other than the fiber bundle is used to fix the tip of the fiber bundle to the circumferential surface of the mandrel, foreign matter other than the fiber bundle can be mixed into the product, potentially reducing the quality of the product.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to prevent foreign matter from getting into a product in a filament winding device that performs helical winding on a product mandrel while continuously feeding the product mandrel.

[0008] A first invention provides a method for manufacturing a fiber bundle-containing product, which uses a filament winding device that winds a plurality of fiber bundles around each of a plurality of mandrels to manufacture a plurality of fiber bundle-containing products containing the plurality of fiber bundles, and the filament winding device includes a jig mandrel that is shorter than the plurality of product mandrels in a predetermined mandrel axial direction, a feeding unit configured to be able to sequentially feed the jig mandrel and the plurality of product mandrels that are connected and aligned in the mandrel axial direction from the upstream side to the downstream side in a predetermined feeding direction along the mandrel axial direction, and a plurality of helical winding units that are arranged in the mandrel axial direction and are each configured to be able to helically wind the plurality of fiber bundles around the jig mandrel and the plurality of product mandrels. and is characterized by comprising: a jig feeding step of attaching the jig mandrel to the feeding unit and feeding it to a predetermined helical winding unit among the plurality of helical winding units; a threading step of fixing a tip end of each of the plurality of fiber bundles supplied from the predetermined helical winding unit to the jig mandrel after the jig feeding step; a connecting step of arranging the plurality of product mandrels in the axial direction of the mandrel and sequentially connecting them so as not to rotate relative to each other upstream of the jig mandrel in the feeding direction after the jig feeding step; and a helical winding step of helically winding the plurality of product mandrels sequentially using the plurality of helical winding units while sequentially feeding the plurality of product mandrels connected in the connecting step downstream in the feeding direction.

[0009] In the present invention, after the tip ends of each of the multiple fiber bundles are fixed to the jig mandrel, multiple production mandrels are sequentially connected upstream of the jig mandrel in the feeding direction so as not to rotate relative to each other and are sequentially fed downstream in the feeding direction. Helical winding is sequentially performed on the sequentially fed production mandrels in this manner. This allows multiple fiber bundles to be sequentially wound around each of the multiple production mandrels while preventing the tip ends of the fiber bundles from becoming mixed in the product formed by winding the multiple fiber bundles around the multiple production mandrels. Therefore, in a filament winding device that performs helical winding on the product mandrels while continuously feeding the product mandrels, it is possible to prevent foreign matter from becoming mixed in the product.

[0010] A second invention provides a method for producing a fiber bundle-containing product according to the first invention, wherein the helical winding step includes a first helical winding step of winding the plurality of fiber bundles around the plurality of production mandrels at a predetermined first winding angle, and a second helical winding step of winding the plurality of fiber bundles around the plurality of production mandrels at a second winding angle different from the first winding angle, and wherein a first mandrel, among the plurality of production mandrels, around which the plurality of fiber bundles are wound at the end of the first helical winding step is wound at a second winding angle different from the first winding angle in the feeding direction. a wrap angle changing jig feeding step of connecting the jig mandrel to the upstream side of the fiber bundles in a manner that prevents relative rotation therebetween and feeding the jig mandrel downstream in the feeding direction; a wrap angle changing and fixing step of fixing an intermediate portion of each of the plurality of fiber bundles to the jig mandrel after the wrap angle changing jig feeding step; and a wrap angle changing and connecting step of connecting a second mandrel, of the plurality of product mandrels around which the plurality of fiber bundles are wound at the beginning of the second helical winding step, to the jig mandrel in a manner that prevents relative rotation therebetween.

[0011] In the present invention, when the winding angle is changed, the intermediate portions of the multiple fiber bundles are fixed to the jig mandrel, which prevents the intermediate portions of the fiber bundles that have been bent to change the winding angle from being mixed into the product.

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

[0013] When the feed direction has a horizontal component, multiple production mandrels connected in the axial direction of the mandrel may bend downward due to gravity. In the present invention, such bending can be suppressed by supporting the intermediate portions of the connected production mandrels with a mandrel support portion. However, in this configuration, the fiber bundle, which is generally softer than the production mandrel, is pushed from below by the mandrel support portion, and the fiber bundle wound around the production mandrel is easily distorted. This may result in deformation of the product shape. In the present invention, the angle around the axis of the production mandrel is changed each time the unit feed step is performed a predetermined first number of times. This allows the position of the fiber bundle-containing product pushed from below by the mandrel support portion to be changed in the circumferential direction of the production mandrel each time the unit feed step is performed a first number of times. In other words, fiber bundles stacked at the same position in the circumferential direction of the production mandrel can be prevented from being repeatedly pushed from below by the mandrel support portion. This suppresses variation in the degree of distortion of the fiber bundle in the circumferential direction of the production mandrel. Therefore, the product can be prevented from losing its shape.

[0014] The fourth invention is a method for producing a fiber bundle-containing product according to any one of the first to third inventions, characterized in that 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 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 a predetermined second number of times or more, and then a second jig mandrel thicker than the first jig mandrel is attached to the feeding unit.

[0015] A fiber bundle-containing product thickens as the fiber bundle is wound around the product mandrel. When further winding a fiber bundle around a thickened fiber bundle-containing product, the following problem can occur if a thin first jig mandrel is used as is. That is, if the diameter of the first jig mandrel and the diameter of the fiber bundle-containing product are significantly different, even if the winding angle of the fiber bundle around the first jig mandrel is the target angle, the winding angle of the fiber bundle around the fiber bundle-containing product may deviate from the target angle. Thus, adjustment of the winding angle of the fiber bundle around the first jig mandrel may not be properly reflected in the winding angle of the fiber bundle around the fiber bundle-containing product. In the present invention, by attaching a second jig mandrel thicker than the first jig mandrel to the feeding unit under specified conditions, the winding angle of the fiber bundle around the second jig mandrel and the winding angle of the fiber bundle around the thickened fiber bundle-containing product can be easily made to approximately match. Therefore, the winding angle of the fiber bundle around the fiber bundle-containing product can be made as close as possible to the target angle.

[0016] A filament winding device of the fifth invention is a filament winding device that winds a plurality of fiber bundles around each of a plurality of mandrels, and is characterized in that it comprises a jig mandrel that is shorter than the plurality of product mandrels in a predetermined mandrel axial direction, a feeding unit configured to be able to sequentially feed the jig mandrel and the plurality of product mandrels that are connected in a line in the mandrel axial direction from the upstream side to the downstream side in a predetermined feeding direction along the mandrel axial direction, and a plurality of helical winding units that are arranged in a line in the mandrel axial direction and are each configured to be able to helically wind the plurality of fiber bundles around the jig mandrel and the plurality of product mandrels.

[0017] In the present invention, as in the first invention, in a filament winding device that performs helical winding on a product mandrel while continuously feeding the product mandrel, it is possible to prevent foreign matter from getting mixed into the product.

[0018] 1 is a perspective view of a filament winding device according to an embodiment of the present invention; (a) is a side view of the filament winding device, and (b) is a side view of a mandrel; and (c) is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the filament winding device. (a) is a front view of a helical winding unit, and (b) is an enlarged view of one supply bobbin and its surrounding configuration; (a) is a rear view of the helical winding unit, and (b) is a side view of the helical winding unit; (a) and (b) are side views of a jig mandrel; (a) and (b) are views of a connecting portion as seen from the mandrel axial direction; (a) to (c) are explanatory diagrams showing the attachment, detachment, or movement of a jig mandrel, etc.; (a) to (c) are explanatory diagrams showing the attachment, detachment, or movement of a jig mandrel, etc.; (a) to (c) are explanatory diagrams showing the attachment, detachment, or movement of a jig mandrel, etc. 1A to 1C are explanatory diagrams showing threading onto a jig mandrel; a flowchart showing the procedure for winding multiple fiber bundles around multiple mandrels; 1A and 1B are explanatory diagrams showing changes in the winding angle of the fiber bundle; 1A is an explanatory diagram showing changes in the angle of the mandrel around the center of the mandrel axis, and 1B is a graph for explaining the change in the angle.

[0019] An embodiment of the present invention will be described. For convenience of explanation, the directions shown in FIG. 1 are defined as the front-rear direction, the left-right direction, and the up-down direction. The front-rear direction and the left-right direction are parallel to the horizontal direction. The front-rear direction and the left-right direction are perpendicular to each other. The up-down direction is the direction perpendicular to the horizontal direction and is the direction in which gravity acts (the vertical direction). The front-rear direction is also called the feed direction (described later). The front side is also called the upstream side in the feed direction. The rear side is also called the downstream side in the feed direction.

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

[0021] The filament winding device 1 is configured to wind multiple fiber bundles around each of multiple mandrels M (product mandrels of the present invention; see FIGS. 2( a) and 2(b)). The multiple fiber bundles are not shown in FIGS. 1 to 3. "Winding a fiber bundle around the mandrel M" includes both winding a fiber bundle around the outer circumferential surface of the mandrel M and winding another fiber bundle on top of the fiber bundle wound around the outer circumferential surface of the mandrel M. Each of the multiple fiber bundles is made of a fiber material, such as carbon fiber, impregnated with a thermosetting or thermoplastic synthetic resin material. The mandrel M is a core material, e.g., cylindrical or rod-shaped, extending elongatedly in a predetermined mandrel axial direction. The mandrel M is formed of a high-strength material, such as metal. After the multiple fiber bundles are wound around the mandrel M, the resin impregnated in the multiple fiber bundles is hardened by undergoing a thermal hardening process, such as baking, or a cooling process. The fiber bundle-containing product is completed by pulling out the mandrel M from the fiber bundle-containing body containing a plurality of fiber bundles and cured resin. Alternatively, the fiber bundle-containing body and the mandrel M integrated together may be handled as the completed fiber bundle-containing product.

[0022] 1 to 3 , the filament winding device 1 includes a pair of feeding units 2 (feeding 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 device 1 is configured to move a plurality of mandrels M, which are connected and arranged in the front-to-rear direction, from the front side to the rear side (from the upstream side to the downstream side in the feeding direction) using the pair of feeding units 2. The filament winding device 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 moved by the pair of feeding units 2.

[0023] Before describing each component of the filament winding device 1 in more detail, the specific structure of the mandrel M will be described with reference to FIG. 2(b). The mandrel M extends elongatedly in a predetermined mandrel axial direction (the left-right direction of the paper in FIG. 2(b)). The following description will be given assuming that the mandrel M is generally cylindrical or columnar. That is, it is assumed that a cross section of the mandrel M perpendicular to the mandrel axial direction is generally circular. The center of this cross section is referred to as the mandrel axial center. The radial direction of the mandrel M is referred to as the mandrel radial direction. The left side of the paper in FIG. 2(b) is one side in the mandrel axial direction. The right side of the paper in FIG. 2(b) is the other side in the mandrel axial direction. The mandrel M has, for example, a small diameter portion Ma, a large diameter portion Mb, and a small diameter portion Mc. In the mandrel axial direction, the small diameter portion Ma, the large diameter portion Mb, and the small diameter portion Mc are arranged in this order. 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 axial direction may be polygonal. In this case, the center of gravity of the cross section may be referred to as the mandrel axial center. Alternatively, any other point on the cross section may be referred to as the mandrel axial center.

[0024] The small diameter portion Ma is a portion formed at one end of the mandrel M in the mandrel axial direction. The small diameter portion Ma has, for example, a generally cylindrical or columnar shape. The small diameter portion Ma has, for example, an inclined portion Ma1 having a generally truncated cone shape and a columnar portion Ma2 having a generally columnar shape. The inclined portion Ma1 is a portion adjacent to the large diameter portion Mb in the mandrel axial direction. The diameter of the inclined portion Ma1 decreases as it moves away from the large diameter portion Mb in the mandrel axial direction. The columnar portion Ma2 is located on the opposite side of the inclined portion Ma1 from the large diameter portion Mb in the mandrel axial direction. The columnar portion Ma2 has, for example, a chuck portion Md and a connecting portion Me. The chuck portion Md is a portion of the columnar 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 able to be connected to the small diameter portion Mc of another mandrel M. The connecting portion Me has, for example, a recess Me1 configured to allow a protrusion Mg1 (described later) to be inserted therein, and a plurality of positioning holes Me2 configured to allow a plurality of positioning pins Mg2 (described later) to be inserted therein, respectively.

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

[0026] The small diameter portion Mc is a portion formed at the other end of the mandrel M in the mandrel axial direction. The small diameter portion Mc has, for example, a generally cylindrical or columnar shape. The small diameter portion Mc has, for example, an inclined portion Mc1 having a generally truncated cone shape and a columnar portion Mc2 having a generally columnar shape. The inclined portion Mc1 is a portion adjacent to the large diameter portion Mb in the mandrel axial direction. The diameter of the inclined portion Mc1 decreases the farther it is from the large diameter portion Mb in the mandrel axial direction. The columnar portion Mc2 is located on the opposite side of the large diameter portion Mb in the mandrel axial direction, separated by the inclined portion Mc1. The outer diameter of the columnar portion Mc2 is generally equal to the outer diameter of the columnar portion Ma2. The columnar portion Mc2 has a chuck portion Mf and a connecting portion Mg. The connecting portion Mg is configured to be able to connect to the small diameter portion Ma of another mandrel M. The connecting portion Mg has, for example, a protrusion Mg1 protruding to one side in the mandrel axial direction (the side opposite to the large-diameter portion Mb) and a plurality of positioning pins Mg2 also protruding 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 one of the plurality of positioning holes Me2.

[0027] A plurality of mandrels M having the above structure can be lined up in the mandrel axial direction and connected to each other so as not to rotate relative to each other (i.e., so as not to rotate relative to each other). That is, the two mandrels M are connected to each other so as not to rotate relative to each other via the connecting portion Me of one mandrel M and the connecting portion Mg of another mandrel M. In this way, two or more mandrels M can be connected in the mandrel axial direction and arranged so as to extend long along the mandrel axial direction.

[0028] Taking the above-described structure of the mandrel M into consideration, the structure of the pair of feeding units 2 will be described. The pair of feeding units 2 is configured so that one or more mandrels M are non-rotatably mounted thereto. The pair of feeding units 2 is configured so that one or more mandrels M can be moved from the front side (upstream side in the feeding direction) to the rear side (downstream side in the feeding direction). The feeding direction is approximately parallel to the mandrel axial direction of the one or more mandrels M moved by the pair of feeding units 2.

[0029] 1 to 3, the pair of feeding units 2 includes an upstream feeding unit 2A and a downstream feeding unit 2B. The upstream feeding unit 2A is disposed at the frontmost side of the filament winding apparatus 1. The downstream feeding unit 2B is disposed at the rearmost side of the filament winding apparatus 1. In other words, the pair of feeding units 2 are disposed so as to sandwich the hoop winding unit 3 and the helical winding unit 4 in the front-to-rear direction (i.e., the feeding direction).

[0030] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2A, the upstream feed unit 2A has a base portion 21A and a movable portion 22A. The base portion 21A is immovably installed on a floor 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 longitudinally 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 disposed on the upper surface of the frame 23A and extends longitudinally in the front-rear direction. The chuck mechanism 25A is disposed at the rear end of the frame 23A. The chuck mechanism 25A is configured to grip the chuck portion Md of one of the mandrels M, for example, to hold the mandrel M immovable and unrotatable in the mandrel axial direction. The chuck mechanism 25A includes an air cylinder 26A (see FIG. 3 ) driven by the supply and discharge of compressed air, for example, 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) disposed in the compressed air flow path. The upstream gripping member is configured to be movable by the air cylinder 26A between a gripping position where it grips the chuck portion Md and a release position where it releases the grip of the chuck portion Md. Note that the upstream gripping member may be driven by a motor (not shown) or the like instead of the air cylinder 26A.

[0031] The moving unit 22A is configured to be movable in the front-rear direction relative to the base unit 21A. The moving unit 22A has a main body 27A and a traverse motor 28A. The main body 27A is connected to one of the mandrels M via a connecting portion Me of the mandrel M and is configured to support the mandrel M so that it cannot rotate. The main body 27A is configured to be guided in the front-rear direction by the 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 and controlled by the control device 5. The traverse motor 28A is configured to be able to drive the main body 27A to move both forward and backward.

[0032] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2A, the downstream feed unit 2B has a base portion 21B and a moving portion 22B. The downstream feed unit 2B is configured to be substantially plane-symmetrical to the upstream feed unit 2A, with a predetermined imaginary plane (not shown) perpendicular to the front-rear direction as the plane of symmetry. Specifically, the base portion 21B has a frame 23B, a rail 24B, and a chuck mechanism 25B. The rail 24B extends longitudinally. The chuck mechanism 25B is disposed at the front end of the frame 23B. The chuck mechanism 25B is configured to, for example, grip the chuck portion Mf of one of the mandrels M, thereby immobilizing and preventing rotation of the mandrel M in the mandrel axial direction. The chuck mechanism 25B has, for example, an air cylinder 26B (see FIG. 3) and a downstream gripping member (not shown) driven by the air cylinder 26B. The supply and discharge of compressed air to the air cylinder 26B is controlled by the control device 5, similar to the supply and discharge of compressed air to the air cylinder 26A. The downstream gripping member is configured to be movable by the air cylinder 26B between a gripping position where it grips the chuck portion Mf and a release position where it releases the grip of the chuck portion Mf. Note that the downstream gripping member may be driven by a motor (not shown) instead of the air cylinder 26B. The moving unit 22B includes a main body 27B and a traverse motor 28B. The main body 27B is connected to the mandrels M via one of the connecting portions Mg of the mandrels M and is configured to support the mandrels M non-rotatably. The main body 27B is configured to be guided in the front-rear direction by the 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 and controlled by the control device 5. The traverse motor 28B is configured to be able to drive the main body 27B to move both forward and backward.

[0033] The hoop winding unit 3 is configured to perform hoop winding around the mandrel M. Hoop winding is a winding method in which a fiber bundle is wound in a direction generally perpendicular to the mandrel axial direction. As shown in FIG. 1 , the hoop winding unit 3 is disposed, for example, immediately upstream of the downstream feed unit 2B in the mandrel axial direction. The hoop winding unit 3 includes a main body 31, a rotating member 32, and multiple supply bobbins 33. The main body 31 is fixed relative to the floor surface 20. The main body 31 is configured to support the rotating member 32 rotatably around the axial center of the mandrel M. The rotating member 32 is, for example, a substantially disk-shaped member. A substantially circular passage 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 multiple supply bobbins 33 disposed outside the passage hole in the mandrel radial direction. A fiber bundle (not shown) is wound around each supply bobbin 33.

[0034] The hoop winding unit 3 has a rotary motor 35 (see FIG. 3 ) configured to be able to rotate the rotary member 32. The rotary motor 35 is electrically connected to and controlled by the control device 5. When performing hoop winding, the control device 5 controls the feeding unit 2 to move the mandrel M downstream in the feeding direction, while controlling the rotary motor 35 to rotate the rotary member 32. As a result, fiber bundles are pulled out from the supply bobbins 33 rotating around the mandrel M, and multiple fiber bundles are hoop wound around the mandrel M.

[0035] Each of the multiple helical winding units 4 is configured to perform helical winding around the mandrel M. Unlike hoop winding, helical winding is a winding method in which the fiber bundle is wound in a direction that has a component in the mandrel axial direction. In this embodiment, helical winding refers to a winding method in which the inclination of the fiber bundle with respect to the mandrel axial direction is 45 degrees or less. The multiple helical winding units 4 are arranged, for example, between the upstream feeding unit 2A and the hoop winding unit 3 in the feeding direction. The multiple helical winding units 4 are arranged side by side in the front-to-rear direction.

[0036] The specific configuration of each helical winding unit 4 will be described 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 has a base portion 41, a disk 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 relative to the floor surface 20 (see Figure 2(a)). The base portion 41 is configured to support the disk member 42 rotatably around the axial center of the mandrel M. The disk member 42 is a substantially disk-shaped member configured to be rotatable relative to the base portion 41. The rotation axis direction of the disk member 42 is substantially parallel to the front-rear direction (i.e., substantially parallel to the mandrel axial direction). In the mandrel radial direction, a substantially circular passage hole 46 (see Figures 1 and 4(a)) through which the mandrel M can pass is formed in the center of the disk member 42. The disk member 42 is configured to support a plurality of supply bobbins 43 and a plurality of fiber bundle guides 44 arranged outside the passage hole 46 in the radial direction of the mandrel. The disk member 42 is driven to rotate about the axial center of the mandrel M by a disk rotation motor 47 (see FIGS. 3 and 5(b)) and a power transmission mechanism (not shown). The disk rotation motor 47 is provided in each helical winding unit 4. The disk rotation motor 47 is electrically connected to the control device 5 (see FIG. 3) and is controlled by the control device 5.

[0038] The multiple supply bobbins 43 are arranged side by side in the circumferential direction of the mandrel M (hereinafter referred to as the mandrel circumferential direction). A fiber bundle F (see FIGS. 4( a) and 4(b)) is wound around each supply bobbin 43. Each of the multiple supply bobbins 43 is rotatably (spinally) supported by, for example, a plate-shaped support member 48 (see FIGS. 4(b) and 5(b)). The support member 48 is fixed to the disk member 42. In other words, the multiple supply bobbins 43 are supported by the disk member 42 via the multiple support members 48. Note that instead of the disk member 42 and the multiple support members 48, a single support member (not shown) that rotatably supports the multiple supply bobbins 43 may be provided.

[0039] The plurality of fiber bundle guides 44 are provided corresponding to the plurality of supply bobbins 43, respectively. Each of the plurality of fiber bundle guides 44 is attached to the disk member 42. The plurality of fiber bundle guides 44 are arranged inside the plurality of supply bobbins 43 in the mandrel radial direction. The plurality of fiber bundle guides 44 are arranged side by side in the mandrel circumferential direction. Each of the plurality of fiber bundle guides 44 is arranged to extend in a predetermined direction parallel to the mandrel radial direction. Each of the plurality of fiber bundle guides 44 is configured to guide the fiber bundle F unwound from the supply bobbin 43 toward the inside in the mandrel radial direction. Each of the plurality of fiber bundle guides 44 is configured to be driven to rotate around the direction in which each fiber bundle guide 44 extends, as the rotation axis, by a guide rotation motor 49 (see FIGS. 3 and 5(b) ), which is a common drive source for the plurality of fiber bundle guides 44. The guide rotation motor 49 is provided in each helical winding unit 4. The guide turning motor 49 is electrically connected to the control device 5 (see FIG. 3) and is controlled by the control device 5 .

[0040] As shown in FIG. 4( a), a plurality of tension applying units 50 are provided between the plurality of supply bobbins 43 and the plurality of fiber bundle guides 44 in the mandrel radial direction. The plurality of tension applying units 50 are configured to apply tension to each of the plurality of fiber bundles F (see FIGS. 4( a) and 4(b)). The plurality of tension applying units 50 are provided corresponding to the plurality of supply bobbins 43 and the plurality of fiber bundle guides 44, respectively. Each of the plurality of tension applying units 50 has, for example, a first guide roller 51, a slack eliminating roller 52, and a second guide roller 53 (see FIG. 4( b)). The fiber bundle F unwound from each supply bobbin 43 is wound around the first guide roller 51, the slack eliminating roller 52, and the second guide roller 53 provided in the corresponding tension applying unit 50, in this order. Furthermore, the fiber bundle F is guided inward in the mandrel radial direction by the corresponding fiber bundle guide 44.

[0041] The mandrel support portion 45 is configured to support the mandrel M being moved by the pair of feed units 2. The mandrel support portion 45 is disposed, for example, behind the disk member 42 (see FIGS. 2(a) and 5(b)). As shown in FIG. 5(b), the mandrel support portion 45 includes, for example, a support member 54 and multiple support rollers 55-58. The support member 54 is attached, for example, to the base portion 41 so as to be vertically movable. The support member 54 is driven to move vertically by a support portion vertical movement motor 54M (see FIGS. 3 and 6(a)) and a power transmission mechanism (not shown). The multiple support rollers 55-58 are supported by 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 disposed below the passage of the mandrel M. The support rollers 55 and 56 are disposed adjacent to each other in the left-right direction. The support roller 57 is disposed, for example, diagonally above and to the left of the passage of the mandrel M. The support roller 58 is disposed, for example, diagonally above the right side of the passage of the mandrel M. The support rollers 55 to 58 are driven to move simultaneously in the radial direction of the mandrel (i.e., driven to open and close) by a support section opening / closing motor 59 (see FIGS. 3 and 5(a)) and a power transmission mechanism (for example, a plurality of known rack-and-pinion mechanisms 60). This allows the support rollers 55 to 58 to be positioned appropriately in the radial direction of the mandrel in response to the increase in winding thickness of the mandrel M caused by the stacking of a plurality of fiber bundles F on the mandrel M. The support section opening / closing motor 59 is provided in each helical winding unit 4. The support section opening / closing motor 59 is electrically connected to the control device 5 (see FIG. 3) and is controlled by the control device 5.

[0042] Furthermore, the support unit vertical movement motor 54M drives the support member 54 in the vertical direction, thereby allowing the support rollers 55 to 58 to move up and down simultaneously. This prevents the following problem from occurring. Because the fiber bundle F wound around the mandrel M is soft, the fiber bundle F sandwiched between the mandrel M and the support rollers 55 and 56 may be deformed (crushed) by gravity acting on the mandrel M and the like and the reaction force from the support rollers 55 and 56. This may cause the mandrel M to sag under its own weight. Even if the fiber bundle F deforms as described above, the support unit vertical movement motor 54M can move the support rollers 55 to 58 slightly upward, allowing the support rollers 55 and 56 to support the fiber bundle F and mandrel M at an appropriate height. This prevents the mandrel M from sagging.

[0043] When helical winding is performed, the control device 5 controls the pair of feeding units 2 to move the mandrel M downstream in the feeding direction, while controlling the disk rotation motor 47 to rotate the disk member 42. As a result, the fiber bundles F are pulled out from the supply bobbins 43 rotating around the mandrel M, and the multiple fiber bundles F are helically wound around the mandrel M. The control device 5 also controls the guide turning motor 49 as necessary (according to the winding angle of the multiple fiber bundles F around the mandrel M) to turn the multiple fiber bundle guides 44.

[0044] The control device 5 is, for example, a general computer device. The control device 5 has an input unit (not shown) that receives predetermined input, an output unit (not shown) that produces predetermined output, and a memory 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 in accordance with a predetermined program.

[0045] Here, when winding the fiber bundle F around 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 circumferential surface of the mandrel and the fiber bundle is then wound around the tip in this state in order to fix the tip of the fiber bundle to the mandrel, problems such as an uneven thickness of the fiber bundle layer or a misalignment of the direction of the fiber bundle wound around the mandrel occur. This reduces the quality of the product formed from the fiber bundle. Furthermore, if something other than the fiber bundle is used to fix the tip of the fiber bundle to the circumferential surface of the mandrel, foreign matter other than the fiber bundle may be mixed into the product, which can also reduce the quality of the product.

[0046] Therefore, in order to prevent foreign matter from being mixed into the product, the filament winding device 1 is configured as follows: In addition, in the filament winding device 1, a fiber bundle-containing product containing a plurality of fiber bundles F is manufactured by a method described below.

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

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

[0049] The large diameter portion Mh is a portion where the tip end, etc. of the fiber bundle F is fixed. The large diameter portion Mh has, for example, a substantially cylindrical or columnar 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, substantially 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, substantially 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, substantially equal to the outer diameter of the large diameter portion Mh2.

[0050] (Detailed Structure of Small Diameter Portions) Next, the details of the structures of the small diameter portions Ma, Mc formed on the mandrel M and the jig mandrel MJ will be described with reference to Figures 7(a) and 7(b). Figure 7(a) is a view of the connecting portion Me formed on the small diameter portion Ma as viewed from one side of the small diameter portion Ma in the mandrel axial direction. Figure 7(b) is a view of the connecting portion Mg formed on the small diameter portion Mc as viewed from the other side of the small diameter portion Mc in the mandrel axial direction.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 7A, the connecting portion Me has, for example, eight positioning holes Me2. The eight positioning holes Me2 are arranged, for example, at approximately regular angular intervals around the mandrel circumferential direction. In other words, the eight positioning holes Me2 are arranged with the angular positions shifted by 45 degrees from the mandrel axial center. The number and angular intervals of the positioning holes Me2 described above are merely for convenience of explanation. In other words, the number and angular intervals of the positioning holes Me2 are not limited to those described above. Furthermore, the angular interval between two adjacent positioning holes Me2 does not necessarily have to be regular.

[0052] As shown in Figure 7(b), the connecting portion Mg has, for example, two positioning pins Mg2. For ease of explanation, one of the two positioning pins Mg2 will be referred to as positioning pin Mg2a, and the other as positioning pin Mg2b. When viewed from the mandrel axial direction, the positioning pins Mg2a and Mg2b are located on opposite sides of the protrusion Mg1. In other words, the positioning pin Mg2b is located 180 degrees rotated from the positioning pin Mg2a, with the mandrel axial center as the center point.

[0053] Although not shown, the moving section 22B of the downstream feed unit 2B has a plurality of positioning holes into which two positioning pins Mg2 can be inserted. These positioning holes may be arranged with an angular position offset of 45 degrees, similar to the eight positioning holes Me2. The moving section 22A of the upstream feed unit 2A also has a plurality of positioning pins that can be inserted into the eight positioning holes Me2. The number of these positioning pins may be, for example, two, similar to the positioning pins Mg2 of each connecting section Mg. With the above-described configuration, the angle of the plurality of mandrels M and the jig mandrel MJ around the mandrel axis center relative to the pair of feed units 2 can be changed in 45-degree increments when viewed from the front-to-rear direction.

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

[0055] In the initial state, the jig mandrel MJ and the mandrel M are not attached to the pair of feed units 2. In addition, the moving part 22A of the upstream feed unit 2A and the moving part 22B of the downstream feed unit 2B are disposed at appropriate positions in the front-rear direction.

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

[0057] Next, when the operator performs a predetermined input operation on 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 unit 22A rearward. As a result, the first jig mandrel MJ1 moves rearward (i.e., downstream in the feed direction). The movement distance of the moving unit 22A and the mandrel M1 in the front-to-rear direction at this time is, for example, approximately the same as the length of the first jig mandrel MJ1 in the mandrel axial direction (see FIG. 8(b)). A portion of the first jig mandrel MJ1 sent rearward in the mandrel axial direction is supported by one or more mandrel support units 45. While the first jig mandrel MJ1 is being sent rearward, the control device 5 may temporarily stop the operation of the pair of feed units 2. When the operation of the pair of feeding units 2 is stopped, the operator can perform work such as threading the yarn onto the first jig mandrel MJ1 (described later). Furthermore, when the operation of the pair of feeding units 2 is stopped, the operator can perform a predetermined input operation on the control device 5, which causes the control device 5 to resume the operation of the pair of feeding units 2. In the following, for the sake of simplicity, a description of this input operation will be omitted.

[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 non-rotatably by the chuck mechanism 25A. Next, the control device 5 controls the traverse motor 28A to move the moving part 22A forward (see FIG. 8(c)). As a result, the moving part 22A moves away from the first jig mandrel MJ1.

[0059] Next, the operator couples the rear end of the mandrel M1, which is the mandrel M for the first product, to the first jig mandrel MJ1 so that it cannot rotate relative to the first jig mandrel MJ1, and attaches the front end of the mandrel M1 to the moving unit 22A so that it cannot rotate (see FIG. 9( a)). The mandrel axial direction of the mandrel M1 is approximately parallel to the front-to-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 moving unit 22A rearward (see FIG. 9( b)). This causes the first jig mandrel MJ1 and the mandrel M1 to be sent downstream in the feed direction. Next, the control device 5 causes the chuck mechanism 25A to grip the mandrel M1 and moves the moving unit 22A forward (see FIG. 9( c)). This causes the moving portion 22A to move away from the mandrel M1.

[0060] Next, the operator couples the rear end of the mandrel M2, which is the mandrel M for the second product, to the mandrel M1 so that it cannot rotate relative to the mandrel M1, and attaches the front end of the mandrel M2 to the moving unit 22A so that it cannot rotate (see FIG. 10( a)). Next, the control device 5 controls the air cylinder 26A to release the grip of the mandrel M1 by the chuck mechanism 25A. Next, the control device 5 controls the traverse motor 28A to move the moving unit 22A rearward (see FIG. 10( b)). This causes the first jig mandrel MJ1 and the mandrels M1 and M2 to be sent downstream in the feed direction. This also causes the rear end of the first jig mandrel MJ1 to be non-rotatably attached to the moving unit 22B, which is positioned at an appropriate position in the front-to-rear direction. Alternatively, the control device 5 may move the moving unit 22B to the appropriate position after the rearward movement of the first jig mandrel MJ1 is completed.

[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 non-rotatably by the chuck mechanism 25B. In this state, the operator separates the first jig mandrel MJ1 from the moving part 22B and the mandrel M1 (see FIG. 10(c)).

[0062] Next, the control device 5 causes the chuck mechanism 25A to grip the mandrel M2 and moves the moving units 22A and 22B forward (see FIG. 11( a)). This causes the moving unit 22A to move away from the mandrel M2. Furthermore, the mandrel M1 is non-rotatably attached to the moving unit 22B. Next, the operator connects the rear end of the mandrel M3, which is the mandrel M for the third product, to the mandrel M2 so that it cannot rotate relative to the mandrel M2, and non-rotatably attaches the front end of the mandrel M3 to the moving unit 22A (see FIG. 11( b)). Next, the control device 5 releases the grip of the mandrel M1 by the chuck mechanism 25A and moves the moving unit 22A backward (see FIG. 11( c)). This causes the mandrels M1 to M3 to be fed downstream in the feed direction. The mandrel M1 reaches the downstream end in the feed direction.

[0063] Although further illustration is omitted, in this manner, the mandrels M1 to M3 can be sequentially fed downstream in the feed direction. The process of sequentially connecting the mandrels M1 to M3 in a manner that prevents relative rotation, arranged in the mandrel axial direction, upstream of the jig mandrel MJ in the feed direction, corresponds to the connecting process of the present invention. For ease of explanation, the process of feeding all of the mandrels M1 to M3 (i.e., one mandrel group) once from the upstream end to the downstream end in the feed direction will be referred to as the unit feed process hereinafter.

[0064] In the state shown in FIG. 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 unit 22B and the mandrel M2 (not shown). The operator can return the mandrel M1 to the front by carrying it, for example. The operator can position the mandrel M1 at the upstream end of the feeding process again as needed. The operator may also position the mandrel M1 immediately upstream of the mandrel M3 in the feeding process. Alternatively, the operator may position a jig mandrel MJ between the mandrel M1 and the mandrel M3 as needed. In this way, the above-described unit feeding process can be repeated multiple times. That is, the mandrels M1 to M3 can be fed multiple times toward the hoop winding unit 3 and multiple helical winding units 4. This allows multiple fiber bundles to be wound around the mandrels M1, M2, and M3 in multiple layers. The feeding speed can be adjusted by adjusting the moving speed of the moving units 22A and 22B. Although the procedure for moving the mandrels M1 to M3 has been described above, four or more mandrels M can also be moved sequentially in the feed direction using a similar procedure.

[0065] 12(a) to 12(c) , the basic operation of threading the jig mandrel MJ will be described. Here, threading from the three front helical winding units 4 (helical winding units 4a, 4b, and 4c, in order from the front) will be described as an example.

[0066] First, as described above, the operator grips the rear end of the first jig mandrel MJ1 with the chuck mechanism 25A and attaches the front end of the first jig mandrel MJ1 to the moving unit 22A (see FIG. 8A). Then, the operator operates the control device 5 to release the grip of the first jig mandrel MJ1 by the chuck mechanism 25A and move the first jig mandrel MJ1 rearward. The control device 5 moves the moving unit 22A, for example, in the front-to-rear direction, until the rear end of the large diameter portion Mh1 of the first jig mandrel MJ1 reaches substantially the same position as the multiple fiber bundle guides 44 of the helical winding unit 4a arranged at the frontmost side. Then, the control device 5 stops the moving unit 22A. This stops the first jig mandrel MJ1 at a position where yarn can be threaded (see FIG. 12A). Note that the position at which the first jig mandrel MJ1 stops moving is not limited to this.

[0067] In this state, the operator pulls out the fiber bundle F from each of the multiple supply bobbins 43 of the helical winding unit 4a. Furthermore, the operator passes each fiber bundle F through the corresponding tension applying unit 50 and fiber bundle guide 44, guiding the tip end of each fiber bundle F inward in the mandrel radial direction. That is, the operator positions the tip end 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 the tip end of each of the multiple fiber bundles F to the outer peripheral surface of the large diameter portion Mh1 of the first jig mandrel MJ1 (see FIG. 12( a)). This fixes the multiple tip ends to the first jig mandrel MJ1. That is, threading of the fiber bundles onto the first jig mandrel MJ1 in the helical winding unit 4a is completed. Preferably, the operator attaches the tip ends of the plurality of fiber bundles F to the outer peripheral 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 rearward. The control device 5 moves the moving unit 22A rearward at an appropriate speed and controls the disk rotation motor 47 of the helical winding unit 4a to rotate the disk member 42 in a predetermined direction at a predetermined rotational speed. In this manner, the tip end of each of the multiple fiber bundles is pulled by the first jig mandrel MJ1, and the fiber bundle F is pulled out from each of the multiple supply bobbins 43 of the helical winding unit 4a. The multiple fiber bundles F are then wound around the outer peripheral surface of the first jig mandrel MJ1 at a predetermined winding angle (see FIG. 12(b)). The control device 5 moves the moving unit 22A until the rear end of the large diameter portion Mh1 reaches substantially the same position as the multiple fiber bundle guides 44 of the helical winding unit 4a. 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 FIG. 12(b)).

[0069] Furthermore, for example, the operator loads the mandrel M1 onto the first jig mandrel MJ1 and the moving unit 22A, and then operates the control device 5 to move the first jig mandrel MJ1 backward. The control device 5 moves the moving unit 22A backward at an appropriate speed and controls the disk rotation motors 47 of each of the helical winding units 4a and 4b to rotate each disk member 42 in a predetermined direction at a predetermined rotational speed. As a result, the multiple fiber bundles F supplied from the helical winding unit 4b are wound around the first jig mandrel MJ1 at a predetermined winding angle (see FIG. 12(c)). After being wound around the first jig mandrel MJ1, the multiple fiber bundles F supplied from the helical winding unit 4a begin to be wound around the mandrel M1 (see FIG. 12(c)). Therefore, there is no need to thread the fiber bundles onto the mandrel M1. This prevents the leading ends of the fiber bundles F from becoming mixed into the mandrel M1. The winding angle of the fiber bundle F around the mandrel M1 before winding is approximately equal to the winding angle of the fiber bundle F around the first jig mandrel MJ1.

[0070] The control device 5 moves the moving unit 22A until the rear end of the large diameter portion Mh1 reaches substantially the same position as the plurality of 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 FIG. 12(c)). As described above, as an example, the yarn is threaded onto the first jig mandrel MJ1.

[0071] (Method of Winding Fiber Bundles) Next, a method of winding a plurality of fiber bundles F around each of a plurality of mandrels M in the filament winding device 1 (i.e., a method of manufacturing a fiber bundle-containing product) will be described with reference to Figures 13 to 14(b). Figure 13 is a flowchart showing the procedure for winding a plurality of fiber bundles around a plurality of mandrels M. Figures 14(a) and (b) are explanatory diagrams showing changes in the winding angle of the fiber bundles F.

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

[0073] The procedure for winding the fiber bundle F using multiple helical winding units 4 will be described in more detail below. The process of sequentially helically winding multiple mandrels M using multiple helical winding units 4 is hereinafter referred to as the helical winding process. The number of helical winding units 4 used in the helical winding process is appropriately adjusted depending on the change in the winding angle and / or the increase in the diameter of the fiber bundle-containing product (thicker winding). The number of helical winding units 4 used is adjusted to ensure that the coverage rate of the fiber bundle F on the mandrel M per unit feeding process is approximately equal (for example, approximately 100%). However, in the following example, to avoid complicating the explanation, the number of helical winding units 4 used is assumed to be constant (unchanged). For example, multiple fiber bundles F are supplied by three of five helical winding units 4. Furthermore, to avoid complicating the explanation, the depletion of the fiber bundle F contained in the supply bobbin 43 and the associated work of replacing the supply bobbin 43 are not taken into consideration.

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

[0075] The operator attaches and detaches the mandrels M (or jig mandrels MJ) to and from the pair of feeding units 2, and operates the control device 5, as necessary. The control device 5 controls the pair of feeding units 2 and the helical winding unit 4 in accordance with the content of the operator's operation of the control device 5, and executes winding of the fiber bundle F around a plurality of mandrels M belonging to a predetermined mandrel group (S102). More specifically, while the unit feeding step described above is being executed, the helical winding unit 4, which supplies the threaded fiber bundle F, sequentially winds the fiber bundle F around a plurality of mandrels M at a predetermined winding angle (helical winding step). In the unit feeding step, the operator sequentially connects a plurality of mandrels M, arranging them in the mandrel axial direction and preventing relative rotation, as described above (connecting step).

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

[0077] Each time a unit feeding step is performed, the operator determines whether or not to continue winding the fiber bundle F around the mandrel M, for example, based on a process chart (not shown) describing the manufacturing procedure for the fiber bundle-containing product (S103). The timing of the determination is, for example, when the mandrel M around which the fiber bundle F is wound at the end of each unit feeding step is attached to the upstream feeding unit 2A. If it is determined not to continue winding the fiber bundle F around the mandrel M (S103: No), for example, after winding of the fiber bundle F around the last mandrel M in the last unit feeding step is completed, the manufacturing of the fiber bundle-containing product ends. If the operator determines to continue winding the fiber bundle around the mandrel M (S103: Yes), the operator makes a further determination, which will be described later.

[0078] The operator determines whether or not to change the winding angle in the next unit feeding process (S104). If the winding angle is not to be 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 yarn onto the mandrels M that are sequentially attached to the upstream feeding unit 2A.

[0079] When the winding angle is to be changed (S104: Yes), the operator performs the work of attaching the jig mandrel MJ to the upstream feeding unit 2A and changing the winding angle (S105) as follows: The helical winding process before the winding angle is changed 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 the winding angle is changed 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 consideration 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-rear direction. For example, when the fiber bundle F is wound clockwise when viewed from the front side and the inclination angle of the fiber bundle F with respect to the mandrel axial direction is 45 degrees, the winding angle is defined as one of ±45 degrees (for example, +45 degrees). Also, when the fiber bundle F is wound counterclockwise when viewed from the front side and the inclination angle is 45 degrees, the winding angle is defined as the other of ±45 degrees (for example, -45 degrees). Both a change in the magnitude of the winding angle (for example, from 45 degrees to 5 degrees) and a change in the sign of the winding angle (for example, from +45 degrees to -45 degrees) are included in the change in the winding angle.

[0080] In the process of changing the winding angle, first, the operator attaches an appropriate jig mandrel MJ (details of which will be described later) to the upstream feeding unit 2A and connects the jig mandrel MJ to the mandrel M most upstream in the feeding direction so as not to rotate relative to the mandrel M. The most upstream mandrel M is the mandrel M around which the multiple fiber bundles F are wound at the end of the first helical winding step. This mandrel M corresponds to the first mandrel of the present invention. Next, the operator operates the control device 5 to feed the jig mandrel MJ to the helical winding unit 4 (helical winding unit 4a in FIG. 14( a)) that is supplying the fiber bundle F whose winding angle needs to be changed. This process of feeding the jig mandrel MJ corresponds to the winding angle changing jig feeding process of the present invention.

[0081] Next, the operator fixes the intermediate portions 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 FIG. 14( a) ) (wrap angle changing and fixing process). Thereafter, the control device 5 controls the pair of feeding units 2 while rotating the disk member 42 of the helical winding unit 4a at a rotational speed different from that of the disk members 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 on the upstream side of the tape Tc in the feed direction differs from the winding angle on the downstream side of the tape Tc in the feed direction (see FIG. 14( b) ). By sequentially performing similar operations on the other helical winding units 4, the winding angles of all of the fiber bundles F on the jig mandrel MJ are changed. At an appropriate timing, the operator connects one of the multiple mandrels M to the jig mandrel MJ in such a manner that it cannot rotate relative to the mandrel MJ (wrap angle changing and connecting process). This one mandrel M is the mandrel M around which the multiple fiber bundles F are wound at the beginning of the second helical winding process. This one mandrel M corresponds to the second mandrel of the present invention. Thereafter, the operator causes the filament winding device 1 to perform the next unit feed process. In this manner, the unit feed process is repeated while the winding angle of the fiber bundle F is changed.

[0082] (Changing the Mandrel Angle) Next, changing the angle of the mandrel M around the mandrel axis will be described with reference to Figures 15(a) and (b). Figure 15(a) is an explanatory diagram showing changing the angle of the mandrel M around the mandrel axis. Figure 15(b) is a graph for explaining the angle change. The horizontal axis of the graph indicates the total number of unit feed steps. The vertical axis of the graph indicates the angle of the mandrel M around the mandrel axis.

[0083] As described above, in the filament winding device 1, multiple mandrels M are held aligned in a substantially horizontal direction and supported from below by the mandrel support portion 45. In this configuration, the fiber bundle F, which is generally softer than the mandrel M, is pressed from below by the mandrel support portion 45, and the fiber bundle F wound around the mandrel M is likely to be distorted. This may cause the shape of the product to become distorted. Therefore, in order to prevent the shape of the product from becoming distorted, the following method is preferably implemented.

[0084] As described above, when viewed from the front-to-rear direction, the angle of the multiple mandrels M about the mandrel axis with respect to the pair of feeding units 2 can be changed in 45-degree increments (see FIG. 15( a)). Therefore, the operator changes the angle of the multiple mandrels M about the mandrel axis each time the unit feeding process is performed a predetermined first number of times. The first number of times is a predetermined number of times equal to or greater than one. For ease of explanation, the angle about the mandrel axis is defined as follows: As shown by the solid line in FIG. 15( a), when the positioning pin Mg2a is located directly above the convex portion Mg1 and the positioning pin Mg2b is located directly below the convex portion Mg1, the angle about the mandrel axis is defined as 0 degrees. Furthermore, for example, when the positioning pin Mg2a is tilted 45 degrees clockwise from directly above the convex portion Mg1 when viewed from the front, the angle about the mandrel axis is defined as 45 degrees. For example, as shown by the dashed lines in Figure 15(a), the angular position of the positioning pin Mg2 around the mandrel axis can be changed in 45-degree increments. The range of angles around the mandrel axis is defined as, for example, 0 degrees or greater and less than 360 degrees. In this way, the angle of the mandrel M around the mandrel axis 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 times is, for example, two, the operator changes the angle of the multiple mandrels M about the mandrel axis center by a predetermined angle other than a multiple of 360 degrees every time the unit feed process is executed twice, as shown in the graph of FIG. 15( b). Hereinafter, the predetermined angle is also referred to as the "change angle." It is preferable that the change angle be consistent across the multiple mandrels M in one unit feed process. In this embodiment, the predetermined angle (change angle) is 135 degrees. It should be noted that in this embodiment, after the sixth unit feed process is executed, for example, the angle of the multiple mandrels M about the mandrel axis center is changed from 270 degrees to 45 degrees. This 45 degrees is 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 angles of the multiple mandrels M around the mandrel axis center, it is possible to change the position in the mandrel circumferential direction at which the fiber bundle-containing product is pushed from below by the mandrel support portion 45. In other words, it is possible to prevent the fiber bundles F stacked at the same position in the mandrel circumferential direction of each mandrel M from being repeatedly pushed from below by the mandrel support portion 45.

[0087] (Appropriate Jig Mandrel) Next, the above-mentioned "appropriate jig mandrel MJ" will be described. Although not shown in the drawings, by repeating the unit feeding process many times, a plurality of fiber bundles F are wound in multiple layers around a plurality of mandrels M belonging to the predetermined mandrel group. As a result, the diameter of the fiber bundle-containing product including the fiber bundles F wound around the plurality of mandrels M increases (expansion of winding). If a thin first jig mandrel MJ1 is used, for example, when changing the winding angle while the fiber bundle-containing product is in an expanded winding state, the following problem 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, there is a possibility that the winding angle of the fiber bundle F around the fiber bundle-containing product will deviate from the target angle even if the winding angle of the fiber bundle F around the first jig mandrel MJ1 is approximately equal to the target angle. The reason for this is as follows. If the diameter of the jig mandrel MJ differs from the diameter of the fiber bundle-containing product, 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 differ from the relative peripheral speed with respect to the fiber bundle-containing product. As a result, the winding angle of the fiber bundle F around the fiber bundle-containing product may differ significantly from the winding angle of the fiber bundle F around the first jig mandrel MJ1.

[0088] Therefore, in order to prevent the winding angle of the fiber bundle F around the fiber bundle-containing product from deviating from the target angle, the following method is preferably implemented. That is, when the unit feeding step has been performed a predetermined second number of times or more 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 approximately match the winding angle of the fiber bundle F around the second jig mandrel MJ2 with the winding angle of the fiber bundle F around the thickly wound fiber bundle-containing product.

[0089] As described above, after the tip ends 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 not 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 sequentially fed in this manner. This makes it possible to sequentially wind the multiple fiber bundles F around each of the mandrels M while preventing the tip ends of the fiber bundles F from getting mixed in the product formed by winding the multiple fiber bundles F around the multiple mandrels M. Therefore, in the filament winding device 1 that performs helical winding on the mandrels M while continuously feeding the mandrels M, it is possible to prevent foreign matter from getting mixed in the product.

[0090] The method for manufacturing a fiber bundle-containing product also includes a wrap angle changing jig feeding step, a wrap angle changing and fixing step, and a wrap angle changing and connecting step. This allows the intermediate portions of the fiber bundles F to be fixed to the jig mandrel MJ when changing the winding angle. This prevents the intermediate portions of the fiber bundles F that have been bent to change the winding angle from being mixed into the product.

[0091] Furthermore, in the method for manufacturing a fiber bundle-containing product, each time the unit feeding step is performed a predetermined first number of times (one or more), the angle around the axis of the multiple mandrels M in the next unit feeding step is changed by a predetermined angle other than a multiple of 360 degrees. This makes it possible to change the position in the mandrel circumferential direction at which the fiber bundle-containing product is pushed from below by the mandrel support portion 45 each time the unit feeding step is performed a first number of times. In other words, it is possible to prevent fiber bundles F stacked at the same position in the mandrel circumferential direction of the mandrel M from being repeatedly pushed from below by the mandrel support portion 45. This makes it possible to prevent variation in the degree of distortion of the fiber bundles F in the mandrel circumferential direction. Therefore, it is possible to prevent deformation of the product.

[0092] Furthermore, when using the jig mandrel MJ when the number of executions of the unit feeding process is equal to or greater than a predetermined second number, a second jig mandrel MJ2 thicker than the first jig mandrel MJ1 is attached to the upstream feeding unit 2A. This makes it easy to approximately match the winding angle of the fiber bundle F around the second jig mandrel MJ2 with the winding angle of the fiber bundle F around the thickly wound fiber bundle-containing product. Therefore, the winding angle of the fiber bundle F around the fiber bundle-containing product can be made as close as possible to the target angle.

[0093] Next, a modified example of the embodiment will be described, with the same reference numerals being used to designate components having the same configuration as the embodiment, and the description thereof 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, this is not limited to this. The change angle may be other than 135 degrees (e.g., 45 degrees, 90 degrees, 180 degrees, etc.). Alternatively, the angular interval between the multiple positioning holes Me2 around the mandrel axis center may be other than 45 degrees. Alternatively, such an angle change operation around the mandrel axis center may not be performed.

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

[0096] (3) In the above-described embodiments, the filament winding apparatus 1 includes 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, one or more jig mandrels thicker than the second jig mandrel MJ2 may be included. Alternatively, the filament winding apparatus 1 may include only the first jig mandrel MJ1 as the jig mandrel MJ.

[0097] (4) In the above-described embodiments, when the winding angle of the fiber bundle F around the mandrel M is changed, the intermediate portions of each of the plurality of fiber bundles F are fixed to the jig mandrel MJ. However, this is not limited to this. For example, each time one unit feeding process is completed, the plurality of fiber bundles F supplied from the helical winding unit 4 may be cut. Then, when a new jig mandrel MJ is fed to the helical winding unit 4, the leading ends of each of the plurality of fiber bundles F may be fixed to the jig mandrel MJ, thereby changing the winding angle. However, in this case, production efficiency decreases.

[0098] (5) In the above-described embodiments, the mandrel M and the jig mandrel MJ have small diameter portions Ma and Mc. However, this is not limited to this. The mandrel M may have opposite end portions (not shown) with substantially the same diameter as the large diameter portion Mb, instead of the small diameter portions Ma and Mc. The jig mandrel MJ may have opposite end portions (not shown) with substantially the same diameter as the large diameter portion Mh, instead of the small diameter portions Ma and Mc.

[0099] (6) In the above-described embodiments, the disk member 42 and the fiber bundle guide 44 are configured to be rotatable integrally around the mandrel axial center. However, this is not limited to this. The disk member 42 and the fiber bundle guide 44 do not have to be configured to be rotatable around the mandrel axial center. In this case, the pair of feeding units 2 may be configured to move the multiple mandrels M in the feeding direction while rotating them around the mandrel axial center. However, in this case, the winding angles of the fiber bundles F around the multiple mandrels M cannot be made different between the multiple helical winding units 4 that simultaneously supply the multiple fiber bundles F.

[0100] (7) In the above-described embodiments, the filament winding device 1 is described as having five helical winding units 4. However, the number of helical winding units 4 is not limited to this. The filament winding device 1 may have fewer than five or more than five helical winding units 4. Furthermore, the filament winding device 1 may have 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 axial direction is not limited to that described above. For example, the hoop winding unit 3 may be disposed forward of the multiple helical winding units 4.

[0102] (9) In the above-described embodiments, the fiber bundle is impregnated with resin before being wound around the mandrel M. However, this is not limited to this. For example, a fiber bundle that is not impregnated with resin may be wound around the mandrel M, and then the fiber bundle wound around the mandrel M may be impregnated with resin.

[0103] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Filament winding device 2 Feeding unit 4 Helical winding unit 45 Mandrel support section F Fiber bundle M Mandrel (product mandrel) MJ Jig mandrel MJ1 First jig mandrel MJ2 Second jig mandrel

Claims

1. A method for producing a fiber bundle-containing product, comprising the steps of: producing a plurality of fiber bundle-containing products containing the plurality of fiber bundles in a filament winding device that winds a plurality of fiber bundles around each of a plurality of mandrels; The filament winding device includes a jig mandrel that is shorter than the multiple product mandrels in a predetermined mandrel axial direction, a feeding unit configured to be capable of sequentially feeding the jig mandrel and the multiple product mandrels that are connected in a line in the mandrel axial direction from the upstream side to the downstream side in a predetermined feeding direction along the mandrel axial direction, and a plurality of helical winding units that are arranged in a line in the mandrel axial direction and each configured to helically wind the multiple fiber bundles around the jig mandrel and the multiple product mandrels, a jig feeding step of mounting the jig mandrel on the feeding unit and feeding the jig mandrel to a predetermined one of the plurality of helical winding units; a threading step of fixing a tip end portion of each of the plurality of fiber bundles supplied from the predetermined helical winding unit to the jig mandrel after the jig feeding step; a connecting step of sequentially connecting the plurality of product mandrels in an axial direction of the mandrel so as to be non-rotatable relative to each other, the connecting step being performed after the jig feeding step, on the upstream side of the jig mandrel in the feeding direction; a helical winding process in which, after the threading process, the multiple product mandrels connected in the connecting process are sequentially fed downstream in the feed direction while helically winding the multiple product mandrels using the multiple helical winding units.

2. The helical winding step includes: a first helical winding step of winding the plurality of fiber bundles around the plurality of product mandrels at a predetermined first winding angle; and a second helical winding step of winding the plurality of fiber bundles around the plurality of product mandrels at a second winding angle different from the first winding angle, a winding angle changing jig feeding step of connecting the jig mandrel to the upstream side in the feeding direction of a first mandrel around which the plurality of fiber bundles are wound at the end of the first helical winding step among the plurality of product mandrels so as not to rotate relative to the first mandrel, and feeding the jig mandrel to the downstream side in the feeding direction; a wrap angle changing and fixing step of fixing an intermediate portion of each of the plurality of fiber bundles to the jig mandrel after the wrap angle changing jig feeding step; and a winding angle changing connection process for connecting a second mandrel, of the plurality of product mandrels, around which the plurality of fiber bundles are wound at the beginning of the second helical winding process, to the jig mandrel so as not to rotate relative to the second mandrel.

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

4. In the jig feeding step, a predetermined first jig mandrel is used as the jig mandrel, The method for producing a fiber bundle-containing product according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that after the jig feeding step, a unit feeding step of feeding a mandrel group including the plurality of product mandrels from an upstream end to a downstream end in the feeding direction once is performed a predetermined second number of times or more, and then a second jig mandrel thicker than the first jig mandrel is attached to the feeding unit.

5. A filament winding device for winding a plurality of fiber bundles around each of a plurality of mandrels, comprising: a jig mandrel that is shorter than the plurality of product mandrels in a predetermined mandrel axial direction; a feeding unit configured to sequentially feed the jig mandrel and the plurality of product mandrels connected in a line in the mandrel axial direction from an upstream side to a downstream side in a predetermined feeding direction along the mandrel axial direction; a plurality of helical winding units arranged in the axial direction of the mandrel, each of which is configured to helically wind the plurality of fiber bundles around the jig mandrel and the plurality of product mandrels.