Bobbin unwinding device of filament winding device

This bobbin unwinding device (32A (32B)) is provided with a bobbin support shaft (33) which rotatably supports a bobbin (B) around which a band-like fiber bundle (F) is wound, a fixed guide (35) which changes the running direction of the fiber bundle (F) unwound from the bobbin (B), and an auxiliary roller (34) arranged between the bobbin (B) and the fixed guide (35), wherein the fixed guide (35) is arranged such that the shaft center of the fixed guide (35) is substantially perpendicular to the shaft center of the bobbin support shaft (33), and the auxiliary roller (34) is arranged such that the shaft center of the auxiliary roller (34) is parallel or substantially parallel to the shaft center of the bobbin support shaft (33).

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a national stage of international application PCT/JP2012/073488, filed on Sep. 13, 2012, and claims the benefit of priority under 35 USC 119 of Japanese application 2011-203680, filed on Sep. 16, 2011, which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a technique for a bobbin unwinding device of a filament winding device.

BACKGROUND ART

Conventionally, a filament winding device which winds a band-like fiber bundle around the outer periphery of a liner has been known. The filament winding device is provided with a creel stand, and a plurality of bobbins around which the fiber bundle is wound are arranged in the creel stand (for example, see Patent Literature 1). With regard to the filament winding device, the fiber bundle is unwound from each bobbin arranged in the creel stand in the form of rollingly reeling-off type, whereby the fiber bundle is wound around the outer periphery surface of the liner.

In the case of such filament winding device, especially in the case of a multiple yarn supply type filament winding device, the fiber bundles reeled off from the plurality of bobbins have to be guided and simultaneously wound onto the liner. Therefore, the creel stand tends to be increased in size. As such, the fiber bundles unwound from the bobbins tend to be increased in running distance, and the fiber bundles unwound from the bobbins need to be guided while being bent thereby being arranged in appropriate traveling directions. Accordingly, in the case where the fiber bundles are guided while being bent to different directions relative to the unwinding direction in which the fiber bundles are unwound from the bobbins, the fiber bundles may be turned upside down by the effect of twisting action. That is to say, there is a possibility of turnover of the fiber bundle.

Specifically, as shown inFIG. 5, a fiber bundle F unwound from a bobbin B is twisted between the bobbin B and a fixed guide45. A twisting angle of the fiber bundle F fluctuates depending on the traversing of the fiber bundle F. At the position where the fiber bundle F is unwound from the bobbin B, one side in the width direction of the fiber bundle F is defined as a1, and the other side in the width direction of the fiber bundle F is defined as a2, whereas at the position where the fiber bundle F is whipped to the fixed guide45, one side in the width direction of the fiber bundle F is defined as b1, and the other side in the width direction of the fiber bundle F is defined as b2. In that case, a difference between a distance from a1to b1and a distance from a2to b2becomes maximum at positions in the vicinity of folding-back positions TL, TR of traversing due to the traversing of the fiber bundle F. Accordingly, there is the case that the behavior of the fiber bundle F becomes unstable, and there is a problem in which a possibility of turnover of the fiber bundle F increases. As such, there is the threat that the fiber bundle F might be wound around the liner in a twisted state, and that might cause degradation of quality and deterioration of strength of a product.

Furthermore, the tension applied to the fiber bundle F fluctuates depending on the traversing of the fiber bundle F. That is to say, since the zone distance from the bobbin B to the fixed guide45varies depending on the traversing of the fiber bundle F, the tension applied to the fiber bundle F fluctuates. Accordingly, there is the case that the behavior of the fiber bundle F becomes unstable, and there is a problem in which the possibility of turnover of the fiber bundle F increases.

PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

Patent Literature

Patent Literature 1: the Japanese Patent Laid Open Gazette 2010-23481

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Problems to Be Solved by the Invention

The present invention is made in order to solve the above-described problems. An object of the present invention is to provide a technique which can stabilize the behavior of a fiber bundle to prevent turnover of the fiber bundle.

Means for Solving the Problems

A first aspect of the present invention is a bobbin unwinding device including: a bobbin support shaft which rotatably supports a bobbin around which a fiber bundle is wound; a fixed guide which changes the running direction of the fiber bundle unwound from the bobbin; and an auxiliary roller arranged between the bobbin and the fixed guide. The fixed guide is arranged such that the longitudinal center axis of the fixed guide is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal center axis of the bobbin support shaft. The auxiliary roller is arranged such that the longitudinal center axis of the auxiliary roller is parallel or substantially parallel to the longitudinal center axis of the bobbin support shaft.

A second aspect of the present invention is the bobbin unwinding device according to the first aspect, wherein the length of the auxiliary roller is substantially equal to the length of the bobbin in the longitudinal center axis direction.

A third aspect of the present invention is the bobbin unwinding device according to the first or the second aspect, wherein the fixed guide is disposed at a position shifted from a central position of a traverse width of the fiber bundle when the fiber bundle is unwound from the bobbin.

A fourth aspect of the present invention is the bobbin unwinding device according to the first to the third aspect wherein the auxiliary roller configures an outer periphery surface which is gradually reduced in outer diameter as progressing toward the end portion in the longitudinal center axis direction from the central part in the longitudinal center axis direction of the auxiliary roller.

A fifth aspect of the present invention is the bobbin unwinding device according to the first to the fourth aspect, wherein the auxiliary roller is disposed at a position at which a contact length between the auxiliary roller and the fiber bundle is longer than the width dimension of the fiber bundle by two or more times.

A sixth aspect of the present invention is the bobbin unwinding device according to the first to the fourth aspect, wherein the auxiliary roller is disposed at a position at which an angle formed by the trajectory of the fiber bundle led to the auxiliary roller from the bobbin and the trajectory of the fiber bundle led to the fixed guide from the auxiliary roller is set a value smaller than 90 degrees.

A seventh aspect of the present invention is the bobbin unwinding device according to the first to the sixth aspect, wherein the fixed guide is disposed at a position at which an angle formed by the trajectory of the fiber bundle led to the fixed guide from the auxiliary roller and the trajectory of the fiber bundle fed from the fixed guide is set a value greater than 90 degrees.

Effects of the Invention

The present invention exerts effects described below.

According to the first aspect, the fiber bundle would not twist between the bobbin and the auxiliary roller. Alternatively, the fiber bundle is twisted between the auxiliary roller and the fixed guide. As such, the grip force of the auxiliary roller to the fiber bundle is maintained. Accordingly, the behavior of the fiber bundle can be stabilized, and turnover of the fiber bundle can be prevented.

According to the second aspect, the fiber bundle would not twist between the bobbin and the auxiliary roller even at a position in the vicinity of folding-back position of traversing. Alternatively, the fiber bundle is twisted between the auxiliary roller and the fixed guide. As such, the grip force of the auxiliary roller to the fiber bundle is maintained. Accordingly, the behavior of the fiber bundle can be stabilized, and turnover of the fiber bundle can be prevented.

According to the third aspect, turnover of the fiber bundle at a position in the vicinity of one folding-back position of traversing can be suppressed. As such, a possibility of turnover of the fiber bundle can be reduced. Accordingly, the behavior of the fiber bundle can be stabilized, and turnover of the fiber bundle can be prevented.

According to the fourth aspect, the difference of distance due to the width of the fiber bundle is reduced even at the position in the vicinity of folding-back position of traversing. As such, twisting of the fiber bundle is suppressed. Accordingly, the behavior of the fiber bundle can be stabilized, and turnover of the fiber bundle can be prevented.

According to the fifth aspect, while the fiber bundle unwound from the bobbin is en route to the fixed guide, the fiber bundle is touched to the auxiliary roller for a long distance. As such, the grip force of the auxiliary roller to the fiber bundle increases. Accordingly, the behavior of the fiber bundle can be stabilized, and turnover of the fiber bundle can be prevented.

According to the sixth aspect, while the fiber bundle unwound from the bobbin is en route to the fixed guide, the fiber bundle is touched to the auxiliary roller for a long distance. As such, the grip force of the auxiliary roller to the fiber bundle increases. Accordingly, the behavior of the fiber bundle can be stabilized, and turnover of the fiber bundle can be prevented.

According to the seventh aspect, turnover of the fiber bundle at a position in the vicinity of one folding-back position of traversing can be suppressed. As such, a possibility of turnover of the fiber bundle can be reduced. Accordingly, the behavior of the fiber bundle can be stabilized, and turnover of the fiber bundle can be prevented.

DESCRIPTION OF NOTATIONS

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Next, an explanation will be given of embodiments of the present invention.

Bobbin unwinding devices32A (32B) according to an embodiment of the present invention are included in a filament winding device100. Therefore, first of all, a brief explanation will be given of an overall configuration of the filament winding device100(Hereinafter referred to as “FW device100”)

FIG. 1illustrates the overall configuration of the FW device100. An arrow D in the drawing indicates a transfer direction of a liner1. The direction in parallel to the transfer direction of the liner1is regarded as the longitudinal direction of the FW device100, and one direction of transferring the liner1and other direction opposite thereto are respectively defined as the front side and the rear side. The FW device100reciprocates the liner1in the longitudinal direction, whereby the front side and the rear side is defined depending on the transfer direction of the liner1.

The FW device100winds a fiber bundle F around the outer periphery surface of the liner1. The FW device100mainly includes a liner transfer part10, a helical winding part20, and creel stands30.

The liner transfer part10transfers the liner1while rotating it. In particular, the liner1is rotated about the longitudinal direction of the FW device100as a center axis, and is transferred in the longitudinal direction of the FW device100by the liner transfer part10. The liner transfer part10mainly includes a pedestal11, liner support frames12, and a rotational shaft13.

The pedestal11is placed on a pair of rails extending in the longitudinal direction of the FW device100. The pedestal11is provided with the pair of liner support frames12and the rotational shaft13. The liner1is attached to the rotational shaft13and is rotated one direction via a power mechanism (not shown).

Because of this configuration, it is possible that the liner1is rotated about the longitudinal direction of the FW device100as a center axis, and is transferred in the longitudinal direction of the FW device100by the liner transfer part10.

The helical winding part20winds the fiber bundle F around the outer periphery surface of the liner1. In particular, the helical winding part20performs so-called helical winding in which the winding angle of the fiber bundle F is set to be a prescribed value relative to the longitudinal direction of the FW device100. The helical winding part20mainly includes a pedestal21and a helical head22.

The pedestal21is provided with the helical head22. The helical head22is provided with a plurality of nozzles23each of which guides the fiber bundle F. The fiber bundle F guided by each nozzle23is wound around the outer periphery surface of the liner1passing through while rotating.

Because of this configuration, it is possible that the helical winding part20performs so-called helical winding, where the winding angle of the fiber bundle F is set to be the prescribed value relative to the longitudinal direction of the FW device100.

The creel stand30supplies the fiber bundles F to the helical winding part20. In particular, the creel stand30supplies the fiber bundle F to each nozzle23of the helical head22included in the helical winding part20. The creel stand30mainly includes a rack31and the bobbin unwinding devices32A (32B). The bobbin unwinding device32A (32B) mainly includes a bobbin support shaft33, an auxiliary roller34, and a fixed guide35(seeFIG. 2).

The plurality of bobbin support shafts33and auxiliary rollers34are attached to the rack31such that the bobbin support shafts33and the auxiliary rollers34are in parallel to each other. Moreover, the fixed guides35are attached to the rack31such that the fixed guides35are perpendicular to the longitudinal center axis direction of the bobbin support shafts33(seeFIG. 2). In a state that the fiber bundle F is pulled, a bobbin B supported by the bobbin support shaft33rotates, whereby the fiber bundle F is unwound (rollingly reeling-off type). And the fiber bundle F unwound from the bobbin B is led to the fixed guide35through the auxiliary roller34, and then fed to the corresponding nozzle23through a plurality of guide members (not shown).

Because of this configuration, it is possible that the fiber bundle F is fed to each nozzle23of the helical head22included in the helical winding part20by the creel stand30.

Next, a detailed explanation will be given of the bobbin unwinding device32A which is a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2shows the configuration of the bobbin unwinding device32A according to the present embodiment. An arrow X shown in the drawing indicates the feeding direction of the fiber bundle B. An arrow T shown in the drawing indicates the traversing of the fiber bundle F when the fiber bundle F is unwound from the bobbin B.

The bobbin support shaft33is a support member which supports the bobbin B to be rotatable. The bobbin support shaft33is formed in an approximately cylindrical shape, and the bobbin support shaft33is fit into the bobbin B. As described above, the bobbin B supported by the bobbin support shaft33rotates in a state that the fiber bundle F is pulled, whereby the fiber bundle F is unwound (rollingly reeling-off type). And the fiber bundle F unwound from the bobbin B is led to the auxiliary roller34.

The auxiliary roller34is a rotary member which guides the fiber bundle F to a prescribed direction. The auxiliary roller34is formed in an approximately cylindrical shape, and the fiber bundle F unwound from the bobbin B is whipped to the auxiliary roller34. The auxiliary roller34is rotated by the fed fiber bundle F in a state where it is brought into contact with the auxiliary roller34, whereby the fiber bundle F is guided to the prescribed direction. The fiber bundle F guided by the auxiliary roller34is then led to the fixed guide35. Since the auxiliary roller34is arranged such that the longitudinal center axis34aof the auxiliary roller34is parallel to the longitudinal center axis33aof the bobbin support shaft33, the fiber bundle F would not twist between the bobbin B and the auxiliary roller34.

Moreover, since the fiber bundle F traverses (see the arrow T inFIG. 2) when the fiber bundle F is unwound from the bobbin B, the position at which the fiber bundle F is whipped to the auxiliary roller34changes in response to traversing. Therefore, the length of the auxiliary roller34is substantially equal to the length of the bobbin B in the longitudinal center axis direction (seeFIG. 4B).

The fixed guide35is a rotary member which guides the fiber bundle F to a prescribed direction. The fixed guide35is formed in an approximately cylindrical shape, and the fiber bundle F guided by the auxiliary roller34is whipped to the fixed guide35. The fixed guide35is rotated by the fed fiber bundle F in a state where it is brought into contact with the fixed guide35, whereby the fiber bundle F is guided to the prescribed direction. And the fiber bundle F guided by the fixed guide35is led to the corresponding nozzle23. Since the fiber bundle F guided by the auxiliary roller34is whipped to the fixed guide35, the fiber bundle F is constrained in a constant path. Here, since the fixed guide35is arranged such that the longitudinal center axis35aof the fixed guide35is perpendicular to the longitudinal center axis33aof the bobbin support shaft33, the fiber bundle F is twisted between the auxiliary roller34and the fixed guide35.

Because of this configuration, with regard to the bobbin unwinding device32A, the fiber bundle F would not twist between the bobbin B and the auxiliary roller34even at a position in the vicinity of folding-back position TL, TR of traversing. Alternatively, the fiber bundle F is twisted between the auxiliary roller34and the fixed guide35. As such, the grip force of the auxiliary roller34is maintained. Accordingly, the behavior of the fiber bundle F can be stabilized, and turnover of the fiber bundle F can be prevented.

Next, a detailed explanation will be given of the bobbin unwinding device32B which is a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3shows the configuration of the bobbin unwinding device32B according to the present embodiment. An arrow X shown in the drawing indicates the feeding direction of the fiber bundle F. An arrow T shown in the drawing indicates the traversing of the fiber bundle F when the fiber bundle F is unwound from the bobbin B.

The configuration of the bobbin unwinding device32B according to the present embodiment is approximately the same as that of the above-mentioned bobbin unwinding device32A according to the first embodiment. Accordingly, an explanation will be given focusing on differences relative to the bobbin unwinding device32A of the first embodiment.

As shown inFIG. 3, an auxiliary roller34which is a member of the bobbin unwinding device32B is formed in an approximately spindle shape. The auxiliary roller34configures an outer periphery surface which is gradually reduced in outer diameter as progressing toward the end portion in the longitudinal center axis direction from the central part in the longitudinal center axis direction of the auxiliary roller34. The generatrix line of the cross section of the auxiliary roller34in the longitudinal center axis direction is formed in a convex curve from the shaft side. With regard to the bobbin unwinding device32B, by using the auxiliary roller34formed in such shape, generation of twisting of the fiber bundle F between the auxiliary roller34and the fixed guide35is prevented, and turnover of the fiber bundle F is prevented.

Specifically, at the position where the fiber bundle F is unwound from the bobbin B, one side in the width direction of the fiber bundle F is defined as a1, and other side in the width direction of the fiber bundle F is defined as a2, whereas at the position where the fiber bundle F is whipped to the fixed guide35, one side in the width direction of the fiber bundle F is defined as b1, and other side in the width direction of the fiber bundle F is defined as b2. In that case, a difference between a distance from a1to b1and a distance from a2to b2at the folding-back position TL, TR of traversing may become smaller than the case when the auxiliary roller34is formed in an approximately cylindrical shape (seeFIG. 2). Accordingly, generation of twisting of the fiber bundle F between the auxiliary roller34and the fixed guide35can be suppressed, and the turnover of the fiber bundle F can be prevented.

Because of this configuration, with regard to the bobbin unwinding device32B, the difference of distance due to the width of the fiber bundle F is reduced even at the position in the vicinity of folding-back position TL, TR of traversing. As such, twisting of the fiber bundle F is suppressed. Accordingly, the behavior of the fiber bundle F can be stabilized, and turnover of the fiber bundle F can be prevented.

Moreover, as shown inFIG. 4AandFIG. 4B, the auxiliary roller34which is a member of the bobbin unwinding device32A (32B) is characterized in that the auxiliary roller34is disposed at a position at which the contact length between the auxiliary roller34and the fiber bundle F is longer than the width dimension of the fiber bundle F by two or more times. That is to say, a relation of following formula is satisfied, where L is the contact length between the auxiliary roller34and the fiber bundle F, and W is the width dimension of the fiber bundle F.
L>2W  Formula

Because of this configuration, with regard to the bobbin unwinding device32A (32B), while the fiber bundle F unwound from the bobbin B is en route to the fixed guide35, the fiber bundle F is touched to the auxiliary roller34for a long distance. As such, the grip force of the auxiliary roller34to the fiber bundle F increases. Accordingly, the behavior of the fiber bundle F can be stabilized, and turnover of the fiber bundle F can be prevented.

As shown inFIG. 4A, the auxiliary roller34which is a member of the bobbin unwinding device32A (32B) may be disposed at a position at which an angle formed by the trajectory of the fiber bundle F led to the auxiliary roller34from the bobbin B and the trajectory of the fiber bundle F led to the fixed guide35from the auxiliary roller34is set a value smaller than 90 degrees. That is to say, the bobbin unwinding device32A (32B) is configured such that a relation of following formula is satisfied, where R1 is the angle formed by the trajectory of the fiber bundle F led to the auxiliary roller34from the bobbin B and the trajectory of the fiber bundle F led to the fixed guide35from the auxiliary roller34.
R1<90°  Formula

Because of this configuration, with regard to the bobbin unwinding device32A (32B), while the fiber bundle F unwound from the bobbin B is en route to the fixed guide35, the fiber bundle F is touched to the auxiliary roller34for a long distance. As such, the grip force of the auxiliary roller34to the fiber bundle F increases. Accordingly, the behavior of the fiber bundle F can be stabilized, and turnover of the fiber bundle F can be prevented.

Furthermore, as shown inFIG. 4B, the fixed guide35which is a member of the bobbin unwinding device32A (32B) is disposed at a position at which an angle formed by the trajectory of the fiber bundle F led to the fixed guide35from the auxiliary roller34and the trajectory of the fiber bundle F fed from the fixed guide35is set a value greater than 90 degrees. That is to say, a relation of following formula is satisfied, where R2 is the angle formed by the trajectory of the fiber bundle F led to the fixed guide35from the auxiliary roller34and the trajectory of the fiber bundle F fed from the fixed guide35.
R2>90°  Formula

Because of this configuration, with regard to this bobbin unwinding device32A (32B), turnover of the fiber bundle F at a position in the vicinity of one folding-back position TR of traversing can be suppressed. As such, a possibility of turnover of the fiber bundle F can be reduced. Accordingly, the behavior of the fiber bundle F can be stabilized, and turnover of the fiber bundle F can be prevented.

In more detail, the possibility of turnover of the fiber bundle F occurs only at a position in the vicinity of the other folding-back position TL of traversing. That is to say, a part of the fiber bundle F where turnover may occur is specified to the position nearby the folding-back position TL of traversing. Accordingly, a probability of turnover of the fiber bundle F is reduced to be approximately 50%.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The present invention can be utilized to a technique of a bobbin unwinding device of a filament winding device.