Abstract:
The present invention makes it possible to increase production efficiency while reducing costs. A filament winding automated system according to the present invention includes a winding device winding a fiber bundle R paid out from a head portion  12, 13,  around a mandrel M 1 , an installing device  5  installing the mandrel around M 1  which no fiber bundle has been wound yet, at a winding position, a discharging device  5  discharging the mandrel around which the fiber bundle has already been wound, from the winding position, a delivery device  3  holding and delivering the fiber bundle R from the mandrel around which the fiber bundle has already been wound to a mandrel M 1  around which no fiber bundle has been wound yet, and a cutting device cutting the fiber bundle R, and after winding is completed, the delivery device  3  holds the fiber bundle R paid out from the head portion  12, 13,  the cutting device cuts and separates the fiber bundle R from the mandrel around which the fiber bundle has already been wound, the discharging device  5  discharges the mandrel around which the fiber bundle has already been wound, the installing device installs the mandrel M 1  around which no fiber bundle has been wound yet, and the winding device starts winding the fiber bundle R held by the delivery device  3,  around the mandrel M 1  around which no fiber bundle has been wound yet.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to a filament winding automated system having an automated production line based on a filament winding method. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    A filament winding device is a device that manufactures hollow containers such as pressure tanks or pipes on the basis of a filament winding method (see, for example, the Japanese Patent Application (Tokugan) No. 2007-34723 and the Japanese Patent Application Publication (Tokkai-Hei) No. 10-119138). The filament winding method manufactures products (pressure tanks or the like) by winding a fiber bundle around a mandrel (liner). The fiber bundle is made of, for example, a textile material formed using a textile material such as glass fibers and a synthetic resin. 
         [0003]    The filament winding device winds a fiber bundle paid out from a head portion, around a mandrel. The head portion is composed of a hoop winding head that winds the fiber bundle around the mandrel in hoop form, and a helical winding head that winds the fiber bundle around the mandrel in helical form. For the hoop winding, the fiber bundle is wound around the mandrel substantially perpendicularly to an axial direction of the mandrel ( FIG. 5A ). For the helical winding, the fiber bundle is wound around the mandrel at a predetermined angle to the axial direction of the mandrel ( FIGS. 5B and 5C ). 
         [0004]    The filament winding device winds the fiber bundle around the mandrel installed at a winding position. To accomplish this, the filament winding device installs the mandrel at the winding position to start winding, and after the winding is completed, discharges the mandrel from the winding position. The operation of installing and discharging the mandrel is manually performed by an operator. Moreover, at the beginning of the winding, the operator fixes a starting end to the mandrel, and at the end of the winding, cuts the fiber bundle from the mandrel. 
         [0005]    Thus, the operator needs to perform various operations at the beginning and end of the winding. Disadvantageously, with an increase in the time required for operations performed by the operator and in the number of the operations, total production efficiency may decrease to increase costs. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    In view of the above-described problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a filament winding automated system that enables an increase in production efficiency and a reduction in costs. 
         [0007]    To accomplish this object, a filament winding automated system according to the present invention comprises a winding device winding a fiber bundle paid out from a head portion, around a mandrel, an installing device installing the mandrel around which no fiber bundle has been wound yet, at a winding position, a discharging device discharging the mandrel around which the fiber bundle has already been wound, from the winding position, a delivery device holding and delivering the fiber bundle from the mandrel around which the fiber bundle has already been wound to a mandrel around which no fiber bundle has been wound yet, and a cutting device cutting the fiber bundle. 
         [0008]    Moreover, in the filament winding automated system according to the present invention, after the winding is completed, the delivery device holds the fiber bundle paid out from the head portion, the cutting device cuts and separates the fiber bundle from the mandrel around which the fiber bundle has already been wound, the discharging device discharges the mandrel around which the fiber bundle has already been wound, the installing device installs the mandrel around which no fiber bundle has been wound yet, and the winding device starts winding the fiber bundle held by the delivery device, around the mandrel around which no fiber bundle has been wound yet. 
         [0009]    Preferably, the head portion comprises a hoop winding head winding the fiber bundle around mandrel in hoop form, and the hoop winding head comprises a bobbin from which the fiber bundle is paid out to the mandrel and a revolving mechanism revolving the bobbin in a circumferential direction of the mandrel, and reciprocates relative to the mandrel in an axial direction of the mandrel. 
         [0010]    Preferably, the head portion comprises a helical winding head winding the fiber bundle around the mandrel in helical form, and reciprocates relative to the mandrel in an axial direction of the mandrel. 
         [0011]    The filament winding automated system according to the present invention comprises the installing device and the discharging device. The installing device installs the mandrel around which no fiber bundle has been wound yet, at the winding position. The discharging device discharges the mandrel around which the fiber bundle has already been wound, from the winding position. Thus, the operator need not install the mandrel at the winding position or discharge the mandrel from the winding position. 
         [0012]    Moreover, the filament winding automated system according to the present invention comprises the delivery device and the cutting device. The delivery device holds and delivers the fiber bundle from the mandrel around which the fiber bundle has already been wound to the mandrel around which no fiber bundle has been wound yet. The cutting device cuts the fiber bundle. Thus, the operator need not attach the starting end of the fiber bundle to the mandrel at the beginning of the winding or cut and separate the fiber bundle from the mandrel at the end of the winding. 
         [0013]    Therefore, compared to conventional filament winding devices, the filament winding automated system according to the present invention allows almost all of the production line to be automated to sharply reduce the number of operations performed by the operator and the time required for the operations, enabling an increase in production efficiency and a reduction in labor and costs required. 
         [0014]    Other features, elements, processes, steps, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the present invention with reference to the attached drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0015]      FIG. 1  is a partly omitted perspective view showing a filament winding automated system according to a first embodiment. 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  is an enlarged perspective view showing a winding device in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  is a front view showing a helical winding head  13 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view showing a fiber opening guide. 
           [0019]      FIG. 5  is a side view showing hoop winding and helical winding. 
           [0020]      FIG. 6  is a side view showing a manufacturing process in the filament winding automated system according to the first embodiment. 
           [0021]      FIG. 7  is a side view continued from  FIG. 6 . 
           [0022]      FIG. 8  is a side view continued from  FIG. 7 . 
           [0023]      FIG. 9  is a side view continued from  FIG. 8 . 
           [0024]      FIG. 10  is a side view continued from  FIG. 9 . 
           [0025]      FIG. 11  is a side view continued from  FIG. 10 . 
           [0026]      FIG. 12  is a side view continued from  FIG. 11 . 
           [0027]      FIG. 13  is a side view continued from  FIG. 12 . 
           [0028]      FIG. 14  is a partly omitted perspective view showing a filament winding automated system according to a second embodiment. 
           [0029]      FIG. 15  is an enlarged perspective view showing a winding device in FIG.  14 . 
           [0030]      FIG. 16  is a side view showing a manufacturing process in the filament winding automated system according to the second embodiment. 
           [0031]      FIG. 17  is a side view continued from  FIG. 16 . 
           [0032]      FIG. 18  is a side view continued from  FIG. 17 . 
           [0033]      FIG. 19  is a side view continued from  FIG. 18 . 
           [0034]      FIG. 20  is a side view continued from  FIG. 19 . 
           [0035]      FIG. 21  is a side view continued from  FIG. 20 . 
           [0036]      FIG. 22  is a side view continued from  FIG. 21 . 
           [0037]      FIG. 23  is a side view continued from  FIG. 22 . 
           [0038]      FIG. 24  is a side view continued from  FIG. 23 . 
           [0039]      FIG. 25  is a side view continued from  FIG. 24 . 
           [0040]      FIG. 26  is a side view continued from  FIG. 25 . 
           [0041]      FIG. 27  is a side view continued from  FIG. 26 . 
           [0042]      FIG. 28  is a side view continued from  FIG. 27 . 
           [0043]      FIG. 29  is a side view continued from  FIG. 28 . 
           [0044]      FIG. 30  is a side view continued from  FIG. 29 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0045]    A filament winding automated system according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. 
       First Embodiment First, a first embodiment will be described. 
     [General Configuration] 
       [0046]      FIG. 1  is a partly omitted perspective view showing a filament winding automated system according to a first embodiment. The filament winding automated system comprises a winding device  1  and a supply portion  2 . 
         [0047]    The winding device  1  winds a fiber bundle R around a mandrel M. The supply portion  2  comprises support portions  21 ,  21 , and a plurality of creels  20  in each of the creel support portions  21 ,  21 . The fiber bundle B is wound around and housed on each of the creels  20 . 
         [0048]    A fiber bundle R is made of, for example, a textile material formed using a textile material such as glass fibers and a synthetic resin. The supply portion  2  supplies the fiber bundle R drawn out from each creel  20  to the winding device  1 . 
         [0049]    The fiber bundle R is pre-impregnated with a thermosetting synthetic resin material. The fiber bundle R may not be impregnated with any resin. In this case, a resin impregnating device (not shown in the drawings) is provided between the winding device  1  and the supply portion  2 . The resin impregnating device applies the resin to the fiber bundle R drawn out from the creel  20  and supplies the resulting fiber bundle R to the winding device  1 . 
         [0050]    A plurality of mandrels M (M 1 , M 2 ) are arranged on each of the opposite sides (the side closer to the reader and the side farther from the reader) of the winding device  1 . The plurality of mandrels M 1  around which no fiber bundle has been wound yet are arranged in front of the winding device  1  (closer to the reader). The plurality of mandrels M 2  around which the fiber bundle has already been wound are arranged in front of the winding device  1  (farther to the reader). The mandrels M 1 , M 2  are arranged at a first end (in the left of the figures) of the winding device  1 . 
       [Winding Device] 
       [0051]      FIG. 2  is an enlarged perspective view showing the winding device in  FIG. 1 . The winding device  1  comprises a machine body  10 . The machine body  10  comprises a pair of parallel first guide rails  10   a ,  10   a  extending in a longitudinal direction  1   a . The winding device  1  comprises a mandrel moving table  11  on the machine body  10 . The mandrel moving table  11  reciprocates along the first guide rails  10   a ,  10   a  in the longitudinal direction  1   a.    
         [0052]    The mandrel M comprises a spindle for mandrel S extending in a mandrel shaft direction Mc. The mandrel moving table  11  rotatably supports the spindle for mandrel S between opposite mandrel rotating shafts  11   a ,  11   b . The mandrel rotating shafts  11   a ,  11   b  rotate the mandrel M around a center shaft together with the spindle for mandrel S. 
         [0053]    When pressure tanks are manufactured, the mandrel M is formed of high-strength aluminum, metal, rein, or the like and shaped so as to have a cylindrical portion Ma and dome portions Mb arranged on the opposite sides of the cylindrical portion Ma ( FIG. 5 ). The spindle for mandrel S is removably fixed to the mandrel M. The longitudinal direction  1   a  of the machine body  10  corresponds to a mandrel shaft direction Mc. The material, shape, or the like of the mandrel M may be varied depending on the product. 
         [0054]    The winding device  1  comprises one hoop winding head  12  and one helical winding head  13 . The hoop winding head  12  winds the fiber bundle R around the mandrel M in hoop form. The helical winding head  13  winds the fiber bundle R around the mandrel M in helical form. 
         [0055]    The winding device  1  is drivingly controlled by a control section  6 . The control section  6  controls reciprocation of the mandrel moving table  11  and rotation of the mandrel M via the mandrel rotating shafts  11   a ,  11   b . The control section  6  controls reciprocation of the hoop winding head  12 , revolving of a bobbin  12   b , and the like. Furthermore, the control section  6  controls driving side wall portions  11   b ,  11   b  of the mandrel moving table  11 , described below. 
         [0056]    The hoop winding head  12  comprises a main body portion  12   a . The main body portion  12   a  comprises an insertion portion  12   d  having a central opening. The hoop winding head  12  allows the mandrel M to be inserted through the insertion portion  12   d.    
         [0057]    The machine body  10  comprises a pair of guide rails  10   a ,  10   b  extending in the longitudinal direction  1   a . The hoop winding head  12  comprises a moving base  12   f  and moves along the second guide rails  10   b ,  10   b  in the longitudinal direction  1   a . Thus, the hoop winding head  12  reciprocates with the mandrel M inserted through the insertion portion  12   d.    
         [0058]    The hoop winding head  12  comprises a plurality of (in the present embodiment, two) bobbins  12   b ,  12   b  around each of which the fiber bundle R is wound and housed. The hoop winding head  12  comprises a revolving mechanism. The revolving mechanism comprises a groove  12   c  formed along a mandrel circumferential direction Md and a driving section  12   e  such as a motor; the guide groove  12   c  and the driving section  12   e  are arranged around the periphery of the insertion portion  12   d . The bobbins  12   b ,  12   b  are revolved along the guide groove  12   c  by means of power from the driving section  12   e . The fiber bundle R paid out from each of the revolving bobbins  12   b ,  12   b  is wound around the mandrel M. 
         [0059]    The helical winding head  13  comprises a main body portion  13   a . The main body portion  13   a  comprises an insertion portion  13   d  having a central opening. The helical winding head  13  allows the mandrel M to be inserted through the insertion portion  13   d . The position of the helical winding head  13  is fixed in a central portion of the machine body  10  in the longitudinal direction  1   a.    
         [0060]    With the mandrel M inserted through the insertion portion  13   d  of the helical winding head  13 , the mandrel moving table  11  reciprocates. Thus, the helical winding head  13  reciprocates in the longitudinal direction  1   a  relative to the mandrel M. 
         [0061]    The helical winding head  13  winds the fiber bundle R drawn out from the supply portion  2 , around the mandrel M. The helical winding head  13  comprises an annular guide ring portion  15  located around the periphery of the insertion portion  13   d  and extending along the mandrel circumferential direction Md. The main body portion  13   a  comprises tension portions  13   b ,  13   b  on the opposite sides of the guide ring portion  15 . Moreover, the helical winding head  13  comprises guide rollers  13   c ,  13   c  on the opposite sides of the main body portion  13   a.    
         [0062]    The helical winding head  13  uses the guide rollers  13   c ,  13   c  to guide the fiber bundles R drawn out from the creel  20  to the tension portions  13   b ,  13   b . The tension portions  13   b ,  13   b  apply a predetermined resin and tension to the fiber bundles R. The predetermined tension applied to the fiber bundles R by the tension portions  13   b ,  13   b  enables the fiber bundles R to be firmly wound around the mandrel M. 
       [Helical Winding Head] 
       [0063]      FIG. 3  is a front view showing the helical winding head  13 . The helical winding head  13  comprises a plurality of ring-like auxiliary guides  13   e . The auxiliary guides  13   e  are arranged along the outside of the guide ring portion  15 . 
         [0064]    The fiber bundles R drawn out from the creels  20  are fed from the opposite sides of the helical winding head  13  through the guide rollers  13   c  to the tension portions  13   b . The plurality of fiber bundles R are guided from the tension portions  13   b  via the auxiliary guides  13   e  to the guide ring portion  15 . Moreover, the plurality of fiber bundles R are guided to the mandrel M via a plurality of guide holes  15   a  formed along the guide ring portion  15 . 
       [Fiber Opening Guide] 
       [0065]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view showing a fiber opening guide. The fiber opening guide  16  is provided inside the guide ring portion  15  of the helical winding head  13  for each of the guide holes  15   a . The fiber opening guide  16  comprises a pair of rotatable fiber opening rollers  16   a ,  16   b.    
         [0066]    The fiber opening rollers  16   a ,  16   a  are arranged parallel to each other in a radial direction of the guide hole  15   a . The fiber opening guide  16  comprises a rotating base  16   b  that is rotatable around the center of the guide hole  15   a . The rotating base  16   b  supports the fiber opening rollers  16   a ,  16   b.    
         [0067]    The fiber bundle R is inserted between the paired fiber opening guides  16   a ,  16   a  of the fiber opening guide  16 . Thus, even with a variation in a winding angle θ at which the fiber bundle R is wound around the mandrel M, the fiber opening guide  16  rotates freely to allow the fiber opening rollers  16   a ,  16   a  to wind the fiber bundle R around the mandrel M in a fiber opening condition (with the width of the fiber bundle  1  increased). 
       [Hoop Winding and Helical Winding] 
       [0068]      FIG. 5  is a side view showing hoop winding and helical winding. As shown in  FIG. 5A , for the hoop winding, the fiber bundle R is wound substantially perpendicularly to the mandrel shaft direction Mc. As shown in  FIGS. 5B and 5C , for the helical winding, the fiber bundle R is wound around the mandrel M at the predetermined angle θ (θ 1 , θ 2 ) to the mandrel shaft direction Mc. As described above, the hoop winding head  12  is used for the hoop winding. The helical winding head  13  is used for the helical winding. 
         [0069]      FIGS. 6 to 13  are side views showing a manufacturing process in the filament winding automated system according to the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, the mandrel M is installed at and discharged from only a first end side (in the left of the figures) of the machine body  10 . 
       [Installing Operation] 
       [0070]    As shown in  FIG. 6A , the filament winding automated system comprises a delivery device  3 . The delivery device  3  comprises a delivery hand portion  30 . The delivery hand portion  30  removably grips and holds a delivery spindle  30   c . The delivery hand portion  30  comprises an expansion arm  30   a  that is expandable in a vertical direction. 
         [0071]    Moreover, the delivery hand portion  30  comprises a moving base  30   b  that is movable in a horizontal direction along a guide rail (not shown in the drawings) provided on a ceiling portion T. The delivery hand portion  30  is drivingly controlled by the control section  6 . 
         [0072]    The delivery spindle  30   c  holds a first delivery ring  31  and a second delivery ring  32 . On the basis of spline coupling or the like, the delivery rings  31 ,  32  are slidable in an axial direction of the delivery spindle  30   c  while being regulated in a circumferential direction of the delivery spindle  30   c.    
         [0073]    The delivery rings  31 ,  32  are coupled together by an installing and removing mechanism (not shown in the drawings) utilizing, for example, the magnetic force of a permanent magnet. The positions of the delivery rings  31 ,  32  are fixed by the delivery spindle  30   c . The delivery rings  31 ,  32  are separated from each other or from the delivery spindle  30   c  during a subsequent step. 
         [0074]    The mandrel moving table  11  comprises mandrel rotating shafts  11   a ,  11   a  on the respective side wall portions  11   b ,  11   b . The side wall portions  11   b ,  11   b  are set upright in the vertical direction for winding, and can be brought down in the horizontal direction to allow the mandrel M to be installed or discharged. 
         [0075]    The mandrel moving table  11  stands by with the opposite side wall portions  11   b ,  11   b  laid flat. The delivery hand portion  30  moves from a second. end side (in the right of the figures) to the first end side (in the left of the figures) of the machine body  10  while gripping and holding the delivery spindle  30   c.    
         [0076]    As shown in  FIG. 6B , the delivery hand portion  30  positions the delivery spindle  30   c  inserted through the insertion portions  12   d ,  13   d  of the hoop winding head  12  and the helical winding head  13 . 
         [0077]    The positions of the delivery rings  31 ,  32  are fixed by chuck mechanisms (not shown in the drawings) provided on the head portions  12 ,  13 . The starting end of the fiber bundle R paid out from the head portion  12 ,  13  is secured to the first delivery ring  31  with a tape or the like. 
         [0078]    As shown in  FIG. 7A , the filament winding automated system comprises an installing and discharging device  5 . The installing and discharging device  5  comprises a first installing and discharging hand portion  51  and a second installing and discharging hand portion  52 . The first and second installing and discharging hand portions  51 ,  52  removably grip the spindle for mandrel S to hold and move the mandrel M 1  around which no fiber bundle has been wound yet and the mandrel M 2  around which the fiber bundle has already been wound. 
         [0079]    Like the delivery hand portion  30 , the first and second installing and discharging hand portions  51 ,  52  comprise expansion arms  51   a ,  52   a  and moving bases  51   b ,  52   b , respectively. The first and second installing and discharging hand portions  51 ,  52  are drivingly controlled by the control section  6 . 
         [0080]    The first and second installing and discharging hand portions  51 ,  52  grip and move the spindle for mandrel S on the opposite sides, respectively, of the mandrel M 1  around which no fiber bundle has been wound yet. The first and second installing and discharging hand portions  51 ,  52  place the spindle for mandrel S such that a second end (in the right of the figures) of the spindle for mandrel S abuts against a first end (in the left of the figures) of the delivery spindle  30   c.    
         [0081]    As shown in  FIG. 7B , the first and second installing and discharging hand portions  51 ,  52  move the mandrel M 1  toward the second end side (in the right of the figures) of the machine body  10 . In synchronism with this, the delivery hand portion  30  moves the delivery spindle  30   c  toward the second end side (in the right of the figures) of the machine body  10 . Thus, the spindle for mandrel S, and the delivery spindle  30   c  remain abutting against each other. 
         [0082]    As described above, the positions of the delivery rings  31 ,  32  are fixed by the chuck mechanisms (not shown in the drawings) on the head portions  12 ,  13 . The delivery rings  31 ,  32  are thus fitted around (delivered to) the spindle for mandrel S through the delivery spindle  30   c  and held therein. 
         [0083]    The installing and removing mechanism (not shown in the drawings), fixing the position of the delivery rings  31 ,  32  to the delivery spindle  30   c , exerts a weaker coupling force than the chuck mechanisms (not shown in the drawings). Thus, the above-described steps cause the delivery rings  31 ,  32  to leave the delivery spindle  30   c.    
         [0084]    The installing and discharging device  5  comprises a third installing and discharging hand portion  53 . The third installing and discharging hand portion  53  has the same configuration as that of the first installing and discharging hand portion  51  and the like, and comprises an expansion arm  53   a  and a moving base  53   b . The third installing and discharging hand portion  53  is drivingly controlled by the control section  6 . 
         [0085]    The third installing and discharging hand portion  53  holds the spindle for mandrel S at the second end side thereof (in the right of the figures). Thus, the second and third installing and discharging hand portions  52 ,  53  hold the spindle for mandrel S on the opposite sides, respectively, of the head portions  12 ,  13 . 
         [0086]    As shown in  FIG. 8A , the delivery hand portion  30  retracts the delivery spindle  30   c . The second installing and discharging hand portion  52  releases the spindle for mandrel S and is retracted upward using the expansion arm  52   a.    
         [0087]    Then, the first and third installing and discharging hand portions  51 ,  53  move the mandrel M 1  toward the second end side (in the right of the figures) of the machine body  10 . Thus, the delivery ring  31  joins the mandrel M 1 . 
         [0088]    Then, the side wall portions  11   a ,  11   b  of the mandrel moving table  11  are set upright. The opposite ends of the spindle for mandrel S are coupled to and supported by the mandrel rotating shafts  11   a ,  11   b . The mandrel moving table  11  rotatably supports the mandrel M 1 . 
         [0089]    Thus, the mandrel M 1  around which no fiber bundle has been wound yet is installed at the winding position. The first and third installing and discharging hand portions  51 ,  53  releases the spindle for mandrel S and are retracted using the expansion arms  51   a ,  53   a . Then, the installing and discharging hand portions  51  to  53  are retracted. 
       [Winding Operation] 
       [0090]    As shown in  FIG. 8B , for hoop winding, the control section  6  allows the hoop winding head  12  to operate as described below. The hoop winding head  12  moves from the second end (in the right of the figures) to first end (in the left of the figures) of the mandrel M, while the bobbins  12   b ,  12   b  revolve. The mandrel moving table  11  is stopped, so that the mandrel M does not move or rotate. 
         [0091]    Thus, the fiber bundle R is paid out from each of the bobbins  12   b ,  12   b . The fiber bundle R is wound around the mandrel M substantially orthogonally (slightly slantingly) to the mandrel axial direction Mc ( FIG. 5 ) so that windings do not overlap one another but are arranged parallel to one another without any gap therebetween. The moving speed of the hoop winding head  12  and the revolving speed of the bobbins  12   b ,  12   b  are determined so as to achieve the above-described winding. 
         [0092]    The hoop winding head  12  moves from a second end (in the right of the figures) to a first end (in the left of the figures) of the mandrel cylindrical portion Ma ( FIG. 5 ) to stack a layer of the fiber bundle R on the mandrel cylindrical portion Ma. Then, until a required number of layers of the fiber bundle R are stacked, the hoop winding head  12  reciprocates between one end (in the left of the figures) to other end (in the right of the figures) of the mandrel cylindrical portion Ma. 
         [0093]    After the hoop winding is completed, the hoop winding head  12  is retracted to one end side (in the left of the figures) of the mandrel moving table  11  as shown in  FIG. 9A . The hoop winding head  12  is placed on the spindle for mandrel S at a predetermined distance W from the mandrel M. 
         [0094]    As shown in  FIG. 9B , for helical winding, the control section  6  allows the mandrel moving table  11  to operate as described below. The mandrel moving table  11  moves so as to move the helical winding head  13  relative to the mandrel M from other end (in the right of the figures) to one end (in the left of the figures) of the mandrel M. In conjunction with the movement, the mandrel rotating shafts  11   a ,  11   b  rotate the mandrel M. 
         [0095]    The plurality of fiber bundles R paid out from the helical winding head  13  are wound at the winding angle θ 1  to the mandrel axial direction Mc ( FIG. 5 ) by a mandrel paralyzing portion so that windings do not overlap one another but are arranged parallel to one another without any gap therebetween. The moving speed of the mandrel moving table  11  (helical winding head  13 ) and the rotating speed of the mandrel rotating shaft  11   a  (mandrel M) are determined so as to achieve the above-described winding. 
         [0096]    The helical winding head  13  moves from other end (in the right of the figures) to one end (in the left of the figures) of the mandrel M to stack a layer of the fiber bundles R on the mandrel M. Then, until a required number of layers of the fiber bundles R are stacked, the helical winding head  13  reciprocates between one end (in the left of the figures) to other end (in the right of the figures) of the mandrel M. 
         [0097]    Moreover, the hoop winding head  12  moves in synchronism with the mandrel moving table  11  so as to maintain a predetermined distance W from the mandrel M. Furthermore, the bobbins  12   a ,  12   b  revolve in the same direction as that of the mandrel M in synchronism with the rotation of the mandrel M so as to prevent extra fiber bundles R from being paid out from the bobbins  12   b ,  12   b  and wound around the spindle for mandrel S, by the rotation of the mandrel M. 
         [0098]    When helical winding is performed at the winding angle θ 2  (&gt;θ 1 ) as shown in  FIG. 10A  and subsequently performed at the winding angle θ 1  again as shown in  FIG. 10B , the mandrel moving table  11  and the hoop winding head  12  move as described above. 
         [0099]    As shown in  FIG. 11A , after a required number of layers of helical winding are obtained, the mandrel moving table  11  moves to one end side (in the left of the figures) of the machine body  10 . The helical winding head  13  is placed at other end side (in the right of the figures) of the mandrel moving stage  11 . Thus, the fiber bundles B paid out from the helical winding head  13  are wound around the delivery rings  31 ,  32 . 
         [0100]    As shown in  FIG. 11B , after a required number of layers of hoop winding are obtained, the hoop winding head  12  moves to other end side (in the right of the figures) of the mandrel M 2 . Thus, the fiber bundle R paid out from the bobbin  12   b  is wound around the delivery rings  31 ,  32 . 
         [0101]    Consequently, the fiber bundles R paid out from the head portions  12 ,  13  are wound and held around the delivery rings  31 ,  32 . 
         [0102]    As described above, for the fiber bundle R wound around the mandrel M 2 , the starting end is located on the first delivery ring (mandrel M-side delivery ring)  31 . The terminal is located on the second delivery ring (the delivery ring located opposite the mandrel M)  32 . 
       [Cutting Operation] 
       [0103]    As shown in  FIG. 12A , the filament winding automated system comprises a cutting device  4 . The cutting device  4  comprises a cutter portion  40 . The cutter portion  40  comprises an expansion arm  40   a  and a moving base  40   b . The cutter portion  40  is drivingly controlled by the control section  6 . 
         [0104]    The cutter portion  40  places a cutting edge between the delivery rings  31 ,  32 . The mandrel rotating shafts  11   a ,  11   a  rotate the delivery rings  31 ,  32  in conjunction with the mandrel M 2 . Thus, the fiber bundle R wound around the delivery rings  31 ,  32  is cut and separated between the delivery rings  31 ,  32 . 
       [Discharging Operation] 
       [0105]    As shown in  FIG. 12B , the first and third installing and discharging hand portions  51 ,  53  grip the opposite sides, respectively, of the spindle for mandrel S to hold the mandrel M 2 . In this condition, the side wall portions  11   b ,  11   b  of the mandrel moving table  11  are brought down such that the mandrel M 2  around which the fiber bundle has already been wound can be discharged from the winding position or the mandrel M 2  around which no fiber bundle has been wound yet can be installed at the winding position. 
         [0106]    The delivery hand portion  30  moves the delivery spindle  30   c . The delivery spindle  30   c  holds a third delivery ring  33 . The delivery hand portion  30  causes one end (in the left of the figures) of the delivery spindle  30   c  to abut against other end (in the right of the figure) of the spindle for mandrel S. 
         [0107]    As shown in  FIG. 13A , with the spindle for mandrel S and the delivery spindle  30   c  abutting against each other, the first and third installing and discharging hand portions  51 ,  53  and the delivery hand portion  30  slightly move the mandrel MS (spindle for mandrel S) and the delivery spindle  30   c  to one end side (in the left of the figures) of the machine body  10 . 
         [0108]    At this time, the chuck mechanisms (not shown in the drawings) provided on the head portions  12 ,  13  release the first delivery ring  31  (the position of the second delivery ring  32  is fixed). Consequently, the first delivery ring  31  leaves the second delivery ring  32  together with the mandrel M 2 . 
         [0109]    Then, the second installing and discharging portion  52  grips and holds the spindle for mandrel S between the first delivery ring  31  and the second delivery ring  32 . Thus, the first and second installing and discharging portions  51 ,  52  hold the opposite sides, respectively, of the mandrel M 2 . The third installing and discharging portion  53  is retracted. 
         [0110]    Moreover, with the spindle for mandrel S and the delivery spindle  30   c  abutting against each other, the first and second installing and discharging portions  51 ,  52  and the delivery hand portion  30  move the spindle for mandrel S and the delivery spindle  30   c  to one end side (in the left of the figures) of the machine body  10 . 
         [0111]    As shown in  FIG. 13B , the second delivery ring  32  is fitted around (delivered to) the delivery spindle  30   c  through the spindle for mandrel S and held therein. The third delivery ring  33  is coupled to the second delivery ring  32  by the installing and removing mechanism (not shown in the drawings). The delivery spindle  30   c  holds the second delivery ring  32  and the third delivery ring  33 . 
         [0112]    The first and second installing and discharging portions  51 ,  52  discharge the mandrel M 2  around which the fiber bundle R has already been wound, from the winding position. The above-described manufacturing process completes one winding mandrel M 2  (product). 
         [0113]    The fiber bundle R paid out from the head portions  12 ,  13  is wound and held around the second delivery ring  32 .  FIG. 13B  shows a condition corresponding to that shown in  FIG. 6B . 
       [Delivery Operation] 
       [0114]    Subsequently, the above-described [installing operation] ( FIG. 7A  to  FIG. 8A ) and [winding operation] ( FIG. 8B  to  FIG. 11C ) are performed. The fiber bundle R paid out from the head portions  12 ,  13  is wound around the next mandrel M 1  through the second delivery ring  32 . Consequently, the second delivery ring  32  delivers the fiber bundle R from the mandrel M 2  around which the fiber bundle R has already been wound to the mandrel M 1  around which no fiber bundle has been wound yet. 
         [0115]    Then, after the winding operation is completed, the fiber bundle R wound around the mandrel M 2  is wound around the third delivery ring  33 . Subsequently, the [cutting operation] ( FIGS. 12A ) and [discharging operation] ( FIG. 12A  to  FIG. 13B ) are performed. The third delivery ring  33  delivers the fiber bundle R from the mandrel M 2  around which the fiber bundle R has already been wound to the mandrel M 1  around which no fiber bundle has been wound yet. 
       [Repeating Operation] 
       [0116]    With the [installing operation], [winding operation], [cutting operation], [discharging operation], and [delivery operation] ( FIGS. 7 to 13 ) repeated as described above, the production line can be automated and almost no operation needs to be performed by the operator. 
       Second Embodiment 
       [0117]    Now, a second embodiment will be described. A detailed description will be given of arrangements of the second embodiment which are different from the corresponding ones of the first embodiment (arrangements of the second embodiment are the same as the corresponding ones of the first embodiment unless otherwise specified). 
       [General Configuration] 
       [0118]      FIG. 14  is a partly omitted perspective view showing a filament winding automated system according to the second embodiment. A plurality of the mandrels (M 1 , M 2 ) are arranged on each of the opposite sides (the side closer to the reader and the side farther from the reader) of the winding device  1 . In the second embodiment, the mandrels M (M 1 , M 2 ) are arranged on each of one end side (in the left of the figures) and other end side (in the right of the figures) of the winding device  1 . 
       [Winding Device] 
       [0119]      FIG. 15  is an enlarged perspective view showing the winding device shown in  FIG. 14 . The winding device  1  comprises two hoop winding heads  12 ,  12 ′ and the one helical head  13 . The first hoop winding head  12  is located on one end side (in the left of the figures), and the second hoop winding head  12 ′ is located on other end side (in the right of the figures). 
         [0120]      FIGS. 16 to 30  are side views showing a manufacturing process in the filament winding automated system according to the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, the mandrels M are installed on and discharged from each of one end side (in the left of the figures) and other end side (in the right of the figures) of the machine body  10 . 
       [Installing Operation] 
       [0121]    As shown in  FIG. 16A , the control section  6  allows the first and second installing and discharging hand portions  51 ,  52  grip and hold one of the mandrels M 1  which are located on one end side (in the left of the figures) and around which no fiber bundle M 1  has been wound yet. The first and second installing and discharging hand portion  51 ,  52  then move the mandrel M 1  toward the mandrel moving table  11 . 
         [0122]    The mandrel M 1  holds the first delivery ring  31  and the second delivery ring  32  on other end side (in the right of the figures) of the spindle S for the mandrel M 1 . The rotation of the first delivery ring  31  and the second delivery ring  32  in the circumferential direction of the spindle for mandrel S is regulated by spline coupling or the like. The opposite side wall portions  11   b ,  11   b  of the mandrel moving table  11  are brought down so as to allow the mandrel M 1  to move to the winding position. 
         [0123]    As shown in  FIG. 16B , the opposite side wall portions  11   b ,  11   b  of the mandrel moving table  11  are set upright. The opposite ends of the spindle for mandrel S are coupled to the mandrel rotating shafts  11   a ,  11   a , respectively. The mandrel M 1  is thus installed at the winding position. 
         [0124]    The first and second installing and discharging hand portions  51 ,  52  release the mandrel M 1  and are retracted. The starting end of the fiber bundle R paid out from the head portions  12 ,  12 ′, and  13  is fixed to the first delivery ring (mandrel M 1 -side delivery ring)  31 . 
         [0125]    The positions of the first delivery ring  31  and the second delivery ring  32  are fixed by the chuck mechanisms (not shown in the drawings) provided on the head portions  12 ,  12 ′  13 . The first delivery ring  31  is coupled to the mandrel M 1  by a coupling mechanism (not shown in the drawings) such as a hook. The first delivery ring  31  and the second delivery ring  32  are coupled together by the installing and removing mechanism (not shown in the drawings) utilizing, for example, the magnetic force of the permanent magnet. 
       [Winding Operation] 
       [0126]    As shown in  FIG. 17A , for hoop winding, the control section  6  allows the first hoop winding head  12  to operate. Until a require number of layers of the fiber bundle R are stacked, the first hoop winding head  12  reciprocates between one end (in the left of the figures) and other end (in the right of the figures) of the mandrel cylindrical portion Ma ( FIG. 5 ). The mandrel moving table  11  and the second hoop winding head  12 ′ are stopped. 
         [0127]    After the hoop winding is completed, the first hoop winding head  12  is retracted to one end side (in the left of the figures) of the mandrel moving table  11  as shown in  FIG. 17B . The first hoop winding head  12  is located on the spindle for mandrel S at the predetermined distance from the mandrel M. 
         [0128]    As shown in  FIG. 18A , for helical winding, the control section  6  allows the mandrel moving table  11  to operate. Until a required number of layers of the fiber bundle R are stacked (winding angle θ 1 ), the mandrel moving table  11  moves relative to the mandrel M so as to reciprocate between one end (in the left of the figures) and other end (in the right of the figures) of the mandrel M. 
         [0129]    In synchronism with the mandrel moving table  11 , the first hoop winding head  12  moves so as to maintain the predetermined distance W from the mandrel M, and the second hoop winding head  12 ′ moves so as to maintain the position of other end (in the right of the figures) of the mandrel M. 
         [0130]    When helical winding is performed at the winding angle θ 2  (&gt;θ 1 ) as shown in  FIG. 18B  and subsequently performed at the winding angle θ 1  again as shown in  FIG. 19A , the mandrel moving table  11 , and the first and second hoop winding heads  12 ,  12 ′ move as described above. 
         [0131]    As shown in  FIG. 19B , the second hoop winding head  12 ′ moves to other end side (in the right of the figures) of the mandrel moving table  11 . Thus, the fiber bundle R paid out from the hoop winding head  12 ′ is wound around the first delivery ring  31  and the second delivery ring  32 . 
         [0132]    As shown in  FIG. 20A , after a required number of layers of helical winding are obtained, the mandrel moving table  11  moves to one end side (in the left of the figures) of the machine body  10 . The helical winding head  13  is placed at other end side (in the right of the figures) of the mandrel M 2 . Thus, the fiber bundle R paid out from the helical winding head  13  is wound around the first delivery ring  31  and the second delivery ring  32 . 
         [0133]    As shown in  FIG. 20B , after a required number of layers of hoop winding are obtained, the first hoop winding head  12  moves to other end side (in the right of the figures) of the mandrel M 2 . Thus, the fiber bundle R paid out from the first hoop winding head  12  is wound around the first delivery ring  31  and the second delivery ring  32 . 
         [0134]    Consequently, the fiber bundle R paid out from the head portions  12 ,  12 ′  13  is wound and held around the first delivery ring  31  and the second delivery ring  32 . 
       [Cutting Operation] 
       [0135]    As shown in  FIG. 21A , the cutter portion  40  places the cutting edge between the first delivery ring  31  and the second delivery ring  32 . The mandrel rotating shafts  11   a ,  11   a  rotate the first delivery ring  31  and the second delivery ring  32  in conjunction with the mandrel M. Thus, the fiber bundle R wound around the first delivery ring  31  and the second delivery ring  32  is cut and separated between the first delivery ring  31  and the second delivery ring  32 . 
       [Installing and Discharging Operation] 
       [0136]    As shown in  FIG. 21B , the first and third installing and discharging hand portions  51 ,  53  grip and hold the mandrel M 2 . The installing and discharging device  5  comprises a fourth installing and discharging hand portion  54 , and a fifth installing and discharging hand portion  55 . The fourth and fifth installing and discharging hand portions  54 ,  55  have the same configuration as that of the first hand portion  30  and the like, and are drivingly control led by the control section  6 . 
         [0137]    The opposite side wall portions  11   b ,  11   b  of the mandrel moving head  11  are brought down so as to allow the mandrel M 2  to be discharged from the winding position or to allow the mandrel M 1  to move to the winding position. The control section  6  allows the fourth and fifth installing and discharging hand portions  54 ,  55  to move while gripping and holding the mandrel M 1  around which no fiber bundle has been wound yet and which is located on other end side (in the right of the figures) of the machine body  10 . One end (in the left of the figures) of the spindle S for the mandrel M 1  (in the right of the figures) abuts against other end (in the right of the figure) of the spindle S for the mandrel M 2  (in the left of the figures). 
         [0138]    As shown in  FIG. 22A , with the spindles for mandrel S, S abutting against each other, the first, third, fourth, and fifth installing and discharging hand portions  51 ,  53 ,  54 ,  55  slightly move the mandrel M 2  (spindle for mandrel S) and the mandrel M 1  (spindle for mandrel S) to one end side (in the left of the figures) of the machine body  10 . 
         [0139]    At this time, the chuck mechanisms (not shown in the drawings) provided on the head portions  12 ,  12 ′,  13  release the first delivery ring  31  (the position of the second delivery ring  32  is fixed). Consequently, the first delivery ring  31  leaves the second delivery ring  32  together with the mandrel M 2 . 
         [0140]    Then, the second installing and discharging portion  52  grips and holds the spindle S for the mandrel MS (in the left of the figures) between the first delivery ring  31  and the second delivery ring  32 . Thus, the first and second installing and discharging portions  51 ,  52  hold the opposite sides, respectively, of the mandrel M 2 . The third installing and discharging portion  53  is retracted. 
         [0141]    Moreover, with the spindles for mandrel S, S abutting against each other, the first, second, fourth, and fifth installing and discharging portions  51 ,  52 ,  54 ,  55  move the mandrel M 2  (spindle for mandrel S) and the mandrel M 1  (spindle for mandrel S) to one end side (in the left of the figures) of the machine body  10 . 
         [0142]    Thus, the second delivery ring  32  is fitted around (delivered to) the spindle S for the mandrel M 1  (in the right of the figures) through the spindle S for the mandrel M 2  (in the left of the figures) and held therein. 
         [0143]    As shown in  FIG. 22B , the first and second installing and discharging portions  51 ,  52  discharge the mandrel M 2  around which the fiber bundle R has already been wound, from the winding position. The above-described manufacturing process completes one winding mandrel M 2  (product). The fiber bundle R paid out from the head portions  12 ,  12 ′,  13  is wound and held around the second delivery ring  32 . 
         [0144]    As shown in  FIG. 23A , the control section  6  allows the delivery hand portion  30  to grip and hold the third delivery ring  33  and to move from one end side (in the left of the figures) of the machine body  10  to the mandrel M 1  (in the right of the figures). 
         [0145]    As shown in  FIG. 23B , the delivery hand portion  30  fits the third delivery ring  33  around the spindle S for the mandrel M 1 . The second delivery ring  32  and the third delivery ring  33  are coupled together by the installing and removing mechanism (not shown in the drawings) utilizing, for example, the magnetic fore of the permanent magnet. The delivery hand portion  30  is then retracted. 
         [0146]    As shown in  FIG. 24A , the opposite side wall portions  11   b ,  11   b  of the mandrel moving table  11  are set upright. The opposite ends of the spindle for mandrel S are coupled to the mandrel rotating shafts  11   a ,  11   a , respectively. The mandrel M 1  is thus installed at the winding position. 
         [0147]    The third and fifth installing and discharging hand portions  53 ,  55  are retracted. The positions of the second delivery ring  32  and the third delivery ring  33  are fixed by the chuck mechanisms (not shown in the drawings) provided on the head portions  12 ,  12 ′,  13 . The second delivery ring  32  is coupled to the mandrel M 1  by the coupling mechanism (not shown in the drawings). 
       [Delivery and Winding Operation] 
       [0148]    As shown in  FIG. 24B , for hoop winding, the control section  6  allows the second hoop winding head  12 ′ to operate. Until a require number of layers of the fiber bundle R are stacked, the second hoop winding head  12 ′ reciprocates between one end (in the left of the figures) and other end (in the right of the figures) of the mandrel cylindrical portion Ma ( FIG. 5 ). The mandrel moving table  11  and the first hoop winding head  12  are stopped. 
         [0149]    The fiber bundle R paid out from the second hoop winding head  12 ′ is wound around the mandrel M 1  through the second delivery ring  32 . Thus, the second delivery ring  32  delivers the fiber bundle R from the mandrel M 2  around which the fiber bundle R has already been wound to the mandrel M 1  around which no fiber bundle R has been wound yet. 
         [0150]    After the hoop winding is completed, the second hoop winding head  12 ′ is retracted to other end side (in the right of the figures) of the mandrel moving table  11  as shown in  FIG. 25A . The second hoop winding head  12 ′ is located on the spindle for mandrel S at the predetermined distance W from the mandrel M. 
         [0151]    As shown in  FIG. 25B , for helical winding (winding angle θ 1 ), the control section  6  allows the mandrel moving table  11  to operate. Until a required number of layers of the fiber bundle R are stacked, the mandrel moving table  11  reciprocates relative to the mandrel M between one end (in the left of the figures) and other end (in the right of the figures) of the mandrel M. 
         [0152]    In synchronism with the mandrel moving table  11 , the second hoop winding head  12 ′ moves so as to maintain the predetermined distance W from the mandrel M, and the first hoop winding head  12  moves so as to maintain the position of one end (in the left of the figures) of the mandrel M. 
         [0153]    When helical winding is performed at the winding angle θ 2  (&gt;θ 1 ) as shown in  FIG. 26A  and subsequently performed at the winding angle θ 1  again as shown in  FIG. 25B , the mandrel moving table  11  and the first and second hoop winding heads  12 ,  12 ′ move as described above. 
         [0154]    Subsequently, as shown in  FIG. 26B , the first hoop winding head  12  moves to one end side (in the left of the figures) of the mandrel moving table  11 . Thus, the fiber bundle R paid out from the hoop winding head  12  is wound around the second delivery ring  32  and the third delivery ring  33 . 
         [0155]    As shown in  FIG. 27A , the mandrel moving table  11  moves to other end side (in the right of the figures) of the machine body  10 . The helical winding head  13  is placed at one end side (in the left of the figures) of the mandrel M 2 . Thus, the fiber bundle R paid out from the helical winding head  13  is wound around the second delivery ring  32  and the third delivery ring  33 . 
         [0156]    As shown in  FIG. 27B , the second hoop winding head  12 ′ moves to one end side (in the left of the figures) of the mandrel moving table  11 . Thus, the fiber bundle R paid out from the second hoop winding head  12 ′ is wound around the second delivery ring  32  and the third delivery ring  33 . 
         [0157]    Consequently, the fiber bundle R paid out from the head portions  12 ,  12 ′  13  is wound and held around the second delivery ring  32  and the third delivery ring  33 . 
       [Cutting Operation] 
       [0158]    As shown in  FIG. 28A , the cutter portion  40  places the cutting edge between the second delivery ring  32  and the third delivery ring  33 . The mandrel rotating shafts  11   a ,  11   a  rotate the second delivery ring  32  and the third delivery ring  33  in conjunction with the mandrel M 2 . Thus, the fiber bundle R wound around the second delivery ring  32  and the third delivery ring  33  is cut and separated between the second delivery ring  32  and the third delivery ring  33 . 
       [Installing and Discharging Operation] 
       [0159]    As shown in  FIG. 28B , the third and fifth installing and discharging hand portions  53 ,  55  grip and hold the mandrel M 2 . The opposite side wall portions  11   b ,  11   b  of the mandrel moving table  11  are brought down. The control section  6  allows the first and second installing and discharging hand portions  51 ,  52  to move while gripping and holding the mandrel M 1  around which no fiber bundle has been wound yet and which is located on one end side (in the left of the figures) of the machine body  10 . Other end (in the right of the figures) of the spindle S for the mandrel M 1  (in the left of the figures) abuts against one end (in the left of the figure) of the spindle S for the mandrel M 2  (in the right of the figures). 
         [0160]    As shown in  FIG. 29A , with the spindles for mandrel S, S abutting against each other, the first, second, third, and fifth installing and discharging hand portions  51 ,  52 ,  53 ,  55  slightly move the mandrel M 2  (spindle for mandrel S) and the mandrel M 1  (spindle for mandrel S) to other end side (in the right of the figures) of the machine body  10 . 
         [0161]    At this time, the chuck mechanisms (not shown in the drawings) provided on the head portions  12 ,  12 ′,  13  release the second delivery ring  32  (the position of the third delivery ring  33  is fixed). Consequently, the second delivery ring  32  leaves the third delivery ring  33  together with the mandrel M 2 . 
         [0162]    Then, the fourth installing and discharging portion  54  grips and holds the spindle S for the mandrel M 2  (in the left of the figures) between the second delivery ring  32  and the third delivery ring  33 . Thus, the fourth and fifth installing and discharging portions  54 ,  55  hold the opposite sides, respectively, of the mandrel M 2 . The third installing and discharging portion  53  is retracted. 
         [0163]    Moreover, with the spindles for mandrel S, S abutting against each other, the first, second, fourth, and fifth installing and discharging portions  51 ,  52 ,  54 ,  55  move the mandrel M 2  (spindle for mandrel S) and the mandrel M 1  (spindle for mandrel S) to other end side (in the right of the figures) of the machine body  10 . 
         [0164]    Thus, the third delivery ring  33  is fitted around (delivered to) the spindle S for the mandrel M 1  (in the left of the figures) through the spindle S for the mandrel M 2  (in the right of the figures) and held therein. 
         [0165]    As shown in  FIG. 29B , the fourth and fifth installing and discharging portions  54 ,  55  discharge the mandrel M 2  around which the fiber bundle R has already been wound, from the winding position. The above-described manufacturing process further completes one winding mandrel M 2  (product). The fiber bundle R paid out from the head portions  12 ,  12 ′,  13  is wound and held around the third delivery ring  33 . 
         [0166]    As shown in  FIG. 30A , the control section  6  allows the delivery hand portion  30  to grip and hold the fourth delivery ring  34  and to move from other end side (in the right of the figures) of the machine body  10  to the mandrel M 1  (in the left of the figures). 
         [0167]    As shown in  FIG. 30B , the delivery hand portion  30  fits the fourth delivery ring  34  around the spindle S for the mandrel M 1 . The delivery hand portion  30  is retracted.  FIG. 30B  shows a condition corresponding to that shown in  FIG. 16A . 
       [Delivery Operation] 
       [0168]    Subsequently, the above-described [installing operation] ( FIG. 16B ) and [winding operation] ( FIGS. 17 to 19A ) are performed. The fiber bundle R paid out from the head portions  12 ,  12 ′  13  is wound around the mandrel M 1  through the third delivery ring  33 . Consequently, the third delivery ring  33  delivers the fiber bundle R from the mandrel M 2  around which the fiber bundle has already been wound to the mandrel M 1  around which no fiber bundle has been wound yet. 
         [0169]    Then, after the winding operation is completed, the fiber bundle R wound around the mandrel M 2  is wound around the fourth delivery ring  34  ( FIG. 19B ) to  FIG. 20 ). Subsequently, the [cutting operation], [installing and discharging operation] ( FIG. 21  to  FIG. 30 ) are performed. The fourth delivery ring  34  delivers the fiber bundle R from the mandrel M 2  around which the fiber bundle has already been wound to the mandrel M 1  around which no fiber bundle has been wound yet. 
       [Repeating Operation] 
       [0170]    The production line can be automated by repeating the [installing operation ], [winding operation], [cutting operation], [discharging operation], and [delivery operation] ( FIG. 16B  to  FIG. 30 ) as described above. 
         [0171]    In the second embodiment, the following operations can be performed on one end side (in the left side of the figures) and other end side (in the right side of the figures), respectively, of the machine body  10 : the installing operation for the mandrel M 1  around which no fiber bundle has been wound yet and the discharging operation for the mandrel M 2  around which the fiber bundle R has been wound. The installing and discharging operations can thus be performed more efficiently. 
         [0172]    While the present invention has been described with respect to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the disclosed invention may be modified in numerous ways and may assume many embodiments other than those specifically set out and described above. Accordingly, it is intented by the appended claims to cover all modifications of the present invention that fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.