Hairpin holder

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a hair clip holder, comprising: a holder body; a first finger grip portion disposed on the gripper body and configured to grip a first portion of a hairpin; and a second finger gripping portion disposed on the gripper body and configured to grip a second portion of the hairpin independent of the first finger gripping portion. Therefore, the hairpin holder obtains the beneficial effects of improving the accuracy of the operation of clamping the hairpin and improving productivity and production efficiency.

Description

[0001] Related Applications

[0002] This application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0086619 filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office on July 4, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a hairpin holder, and more particularly to a hairpin holder capable of improving the accuracy of an operation of clamping a hairpin and improving productivity and production efficiency. Background Art

[0004] A hybrid vehicle or an electric vehicle (referred to as an environmentally friendly vehicle) generates a driving force using an electric motor (hereinafter, referred to as a “drive motor”) that obtains a rotational force through electric energy.

[0005] Generally, a driving motor includes a stator coupled to a housing, and a rotor rotatably disposed in the stator with a predetermined air gap therebetween.

[0006] The stator includes: a stator core formed by stacking electrical steel plates; and a stator coil wound around slots of the stator core.

[0007] Recently, in order to increase the output of a motor and reduce the size of the motor, a method of using a hairpin (also called a flat coil or an angular copper wire) as a stator coil has been proposed.

[0008] Unlike the annular coils with circular cross-sections in the prior art, the hairpin coils have angular cross-sections (eg, quadrilateral cross-sections), which can advantageously minimize dead angles (dead zones) in the stator slots and maximize the space factor of the stator coils.

[0009] The hair cards supplied to the cassette (hair card supply cassette) may be transferred to the temporary alignment jig by a robot (or a loader), undergo a temporary alignment process, and then be inserted into the stator core.

[0010] However, in the prior art, although a robot capable of performing precise control is used, there is still a problem that it is difficult to accurately clamp (grasp) the hairpin-shaped piece due to the molding deviation (molding dispersion) of the hairpin-shaped piece. Therefore, there is a problem that it is difficult to accurately transfer the hairpin-shaped piece to the temporary alignment fixture.

[0011] In addition, there is a problem that when the leg portion of the hairpin (the leg portion inserted into the slot of the stator core) is deformed (or has a molding deviation) due to expansion or bending relative to the crown portion of the hairpin, it is difficult to accurately insert the leg portion of the hairpin into the target position (temporary alignment position) on the temporary alignment jig even if the hairpin is accurately clamped. Therefore, there is a problem of reduced productivity and production efficiency.

[0012] Therefore, in order to improve the accuracy of the operation of clamping the hairpin-shaped piece and improve productivity and production efficiency, various studies have been carried out recently, but the research results are still not satisfactory. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a technology that can improve the accuracy of the operation of clamping the hairpin-shaped piece and improve productivity and production efficiency. Summary of the invention

[0013] The present disclosure is directed to providing a hairpin holder capable of improving the accuracy of an operation of clamping a hairpin and improving productivity and production efficiency.

[0014] Particularly, the present disclosure is directed to clamping a hairpin in an accurate posture and improving the performance and stability of an operation of clamping the hairpin.

[0015] The present disclosure also aims to accurately insert a hairpin into a target position (temporary alignment position) on a temporary alignment jig.

[0016] In addition, the present disclosure is also directed to accurately positioning the hairpin at a target position even when the hairpin is deformed (or has molding deviations), while alleviating the deformation of the hairpin (minimizing deformation and twisting).

[0017] The present disclosure also aims to improve the efficiency of the process of temporarily aligning hairpins, reduce the time required for the process of temporarily aligning hairpins, and improve production quality.

[0018] The objects achieved by the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned objects, but also include objects or effects that can be understood through schemes or embodiments described below.

[0019] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a hairpin clamp, which includes: a clamp body; a first finger-shaped clamping portion, which is arranged on the clamp body and configured to clamp a first part of the hairpin; and a second finger-shaped clamping portion, which is arranged on the clamp body and configured to clamp a second part of the hairpin independently of the first finger-shaped clamping portion.

[0020] This is to improve the accuracy of the operation of clamping the hairpin-like member and to improve productivity and production efficiency.

[0021] In other words, in the prior art, there is a problem that although a robot capable of performing precise control is used, it is difficult to accurately clamp the hairpin due to the molding deviation (molding dispersion) of the hairpin. Therefore, there is a problem that it is difficult to accurately transfer the hairpin to the temporary alignment fixture.

[0022] In addition, there is a problem that when the leg portion of the hairpin (the leg portion inserted into the slot of the stator core) is deformed (or has a molding deviation) due to expansion or bending relative to the crown portion of the hairpin, it is difficult to accurately insert the leg portion of the hairpin into the target position (temporary alignment position) on the temporary alignment jig even if the hairpin is accurately clamped. Therefore, there is a problem of reduced productivity and production efficiency.

[0023] On the contrary, in the embodiment of the present disclosure, the first finger-shaped gripping part and the second finger-shaped gripping part can grip the hairpin-shaped piece independently. Therefore, the advantageous effect of gripping (grasping) the hairpin-shaped piece with an accurate posture and improving the accuracy of the operation of gripping the hairpin-shaped piece can be obtained.

[0024] Furthermore, in the embodiments of the present disclosure, the first finger-shaped clamping portion and the second finger-shaped clamping portion do not clamp the hairpin-like member at the same time, but can clamp different parts (the first part and the second part) of the hairpin-like member independently. Therefore, even if the hairpin-like member is deformed (forming deviation occurs), the first finger-shaped clamping portion and the second finger-shaped clamping portion can always clamp the hairpin-like member at a predetermined position. Therefore, the advantageous effect of improving the clamping efficiency and accuracy of the first finger-shaped clamping portion and the second finger-shaped clamping portion can be obtained.

[0025] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the hairpin may include: a crown portion; a first leg portion connected to one end of the crown portion; and a second leg portion connected to a second end of the crown portion. In addition, the first portion may be defined as a boundary between the crown portion and the first leg portion, and the second portion may be defined as a boundary between the crown portion and the second leg portion.

[0026] The straight coil is formed into a hairpin-shaped piece using a processing method such as numerical control (NC) bending and numerical control punching. In this case, the forming quality of the boundary portion (welding portion) between the crown portion and the leg portion (first leg portion and second leg portion) is high (forming deviation is small). However, the leg portion (first leg portion or second leg portion) used as a standard for inserting the temporary alignment jig increases the dispersion of the dimensions toward its end due to springback, and is therefore easily deformed.

[0027] In other words, in the embodiment of the present disclosure, the first finger-shaped gripping portion and the second finger-shaped gripping portion can grip the boundary portion (welding portion) between the crown portion and the leg portion (the first leg portion and the second leg portion). These boundary portions (welding portions) have the smallest molding deviation in the hairpin-like piece. Therefore, the advantageous effect of further improving the accuracy of the operation of grasping the hairpin-like piece can be obtained.

[0028] The first finger-shaped clamping portion can have a variety of structures capable of clamping the first portion of the hairpin.

[0029] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first finger-shaped clamping portion may include a first finger-shaped member and a second finger-shaped member. The second finger-shaped member of the first finger-shaped clamping portion may be configured to be movable toward or away from the first finger-shaped member so that the first finger-shaped member and the second finger-shaped member jointly clamp the first portion of the hairpin-shaped member.

[0030] The second finger-shaped clamping portion can have a variety of structures capable of clamping the second portion of the hairpin.

[0031] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second finger-shaped clamping portion may further include a first finger-shaped member and a second finger-shaped member. The second finger-shaped member of the second finger-shaped clamping portion may be configured to move toward or away from the first finger-shaped member so that the first finger-shaped member and the second finger-shaped member jointly clamp the second portion of the hairpin-shaped member.

[0032] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the hairpin holder may further include (as part of the first finger-shaped clamping portion): a first guide portion, which is provided on the first finger-shaped member of the first finger-shaped clamping portion and is configured to guide one surface of the hairpin; and a second guide portion, which is provided on the second finger-shaped member of the first finger-shaped clamping portion and is configured to face the first guide portion of the first finger-shaped clamping portion and guide the second surface of the hairpin. The first portion of the hairpin may be guided along the first guide portion and the second guide portion and aligned between the first finger-shaped member and the second finger-shaped member.

[0033] With the above structure, when the first finger and the second finger of the first finger-shaped clamping portion move toward each other, the first portion of the hairpin-shaped member can be guided along the first inclined surface of the first guide portion of the first finger-shaped clamping portion and the second inclined surface of the second guide portion of the first finger-shaped clamping portion, and aligned at a preset position (a posture and position that can stably maintain the clamping state) between the first finger-shaped member and the second finger-shaped member in a preset posture. All four sides of the first portion of the hairpin-shaped member can be restricted (made into surface contact) by the first finger of the first finger-shaped clamping portion, the second finger of the first finger-shaped clamping portion, the first guide portion of the first finger-shaped clamping portion, and the second guide portion of the first finger-shaped clamping portion.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the hairpin holder may further include (as part of the second finger-shaped clamping portion): a first guide portion, which is provided on the first finger-shaped member of the second finger-shaped clamping portion and is configured to guide one surface of the hairpin; and a second guide portion, which is provided on the second finger-shaped member of the second finger-shaped clamping portion and is configured to face the first guide portion of the second finger-shaped clamping portion and guide the second surface of the hairpin. The second portion of the hairpin is guided along the first guide portion of the second finger-shaped clamping portion and the second guide portion of the second finger-shaped clamping portion and is aligned between the first finger-shaped member and the second finger-shaped member.

[0035] With the above structure, when the first finger and the second finger of the second finger-shaped clamping part move toward each other, the second part of the hairpin-shaped part can be guided along the first inclined surface of the first guide part of the second finger-shaped clamping part and the second inclined surface of the second guide part of the second finger-shaped clamping part, and aligned at a preset position (a posture and position that can stably maintain the clamping state) between the first finger of the second finger-shaped clamping part and the second finger of the second finger-shaped clamping part in a preset posture. All sides of the second part of the hairpin-shaped part can be restricted (made into surface contact) by the first finger of the second finger-shaped clamping part, the second finger of the second finger-shaped clamping part, the first guide part of the second finger-shaped clamping part, and the second guide part of the second finger-shaped clamping part.

[0036] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second finger-shaped gripping portion may be configured to selectively move linearly toward or away from the first finger-shaped gripping portion.

[0037] This is to be able to handle (hold) hairpins with different sizes without changing the hairpin holder.

[0038] In other words, the size of the hairpin (e.g., the width of the first leg portion and the second leg portion) can vary according to the required conditions and design specifications. In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the second finger-shaped clamping portion can move linearly relative to the first finger-shaped clamping portion based on the size of the hairpin (the second finger-shaped clamping portion moves linearly toward or away from the first finger-shaped clamping portion). Therefore, hairpins with different sizes can be handled (clamped) without changing the hairpin clamp.

[0039] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the hairpin holder may include a driving portion configured to provide a driving force that enables the second finger-shaped clamping portion to move linearly toward or away from the first finger-shaped clamping portion.

[0040] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the hairpin holder may include a lifting portion disposed on the holder body and configured to selectively lift the crown portion when the first finger-gripping portion and the second finger-gripping portion grip the hairpin.

[0041] The lifting portion may have a variety of structures capable of lifting the crown portion of the hairpin.

[0042] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the lifting portion may include a lifting member disposed on the clamp body and configured to selectively move upward or downward. The lifting portion may also include a hook member disposed on the lifting member and configured to support the crown portion.

[0043] With the above structure, when the crown portion moves upward via the hook member by the upward movement of the lifting member and when the first leg portion and the second leg portion are clamped by the first finger clamping portion and the second finger clamping portion, the first leg portion and the second leg portion move upward. Therefore, deformation of the first leg portion and / or the second leg portion can be alleviated (the first leg portion and / or the second leg portion can be aligned in a preset posture).

[0044] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the hair clip holder may include an elevating drive portion configured to provide a driving force that enables the elevating member to move upward relative to the holder body.

[0045] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the reference height of the hook member may be varied according to the size of the hairpin in combination with the (synchronous) linear movement of the second finger gripping portion relative to the first finger gripping portion.

[0046] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the hairpin clamp may include a cam follower, which is arranged on the clamp body and configured to selectively move upward or downward and support the lifting member. The hairpin clamp may also include a first link member, one end (i.e., the first end) of the first link member is rotatably connected to the first finger-shaped clamping portion, and the other end (i.e., the second end) of the first link member is rotatably connected to the cam follower. The hairpin clamp may also include a second link member, one end (i.e., the first end) of the second link member is rotatably connected to the second finger-shaped clamping portion, and the other end (i.e., the second end) of the second link member is rotatably connected to the other end of the first link member. The lifting member can move upward or downward based on the upward movement or downward movement of the cam follower.

[0047] As described above, according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the reference height of the hook-shaped member can be changed according to the linear movement of the second finger-shaped clamping portion relative to the first finger-shaped clamping portion (based on the size change of the hairpin-shaped piece). Therefore, the advantageous effect of preventing the interference between the hook-shaped member and the hairpin-shaped piece caused by the size change of the hairpin-shaped piece can be obtained. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a hairpin holder according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] Figure 2 is a front view of a hairpin holder according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] Figure 3 2 is a view of a first clamping portion and a second clamping portion of a hairpin holder according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0051] Figure 4 2 is a view of an operating structure of a first clamping portion and a second clamping portion of a hairpin holder according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0052] Figure 5 is a view of a lifting portion of a hairpin holder according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0053] Figure 6 2 is a view of a state in which a hairpin is clamped by a hairpin clamper according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0054] Figure 7 2 is a view of a state in which a hairpin is lifted by a hairpin holder according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0056] However, the technical spirit of the present disclosure is not limited to some embodiments described herein, but can be implemented in various different forms. Within the scope of the technical spirit of the present disclosure, one or more constituent elements in these embodiments can be selectively combined and replaced.

[0057] In addition, unless otherwise clearly and precisely defined and stated, the terms (including technical terms and scientific terms) used in the embodiments of the present disclosure may be interpreted as the meanings commonly understood by ordinary technicians in the field to which the present disclosure belongs. The meanings of common terms such as terms defined in dictionaries may be interpreted in the context of considering the contextual meanings of the relevant technology.

[0058] In addition, the terms used in the embodiments of the present disclosure are for explaining the embodiments, and are not for limiting the present disclosure.

[0059] In the present specification, unless otherwise specifically stated, a singular form may also include a plural form. The expression "at least one (or one or more) of A, B, and C" may include one or more of all combinations that can be made by combining A, B, and C.

[0060] In addition, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), and (b) may be used to describe constituent elements of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0061] These terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one constituent element from another constituent element, and the nature, sequence or order of the constituent elements is not limited by these terms.

[0062] In addition, when one component is described as being “connected,” “coupled” or “attached” to another component, it should be understood that one component may be directly connected, coupled or attached to another component, or connected, coupled or attached to another component through another component interposed therebetween.

[0063] In addition, the expression “one component is disposed or positioned above (on) or below (under) another component” includes not only a case where two components are in direct contact with each other but also a case where one or more other components are disposed or positioned between the two components. The expression “above (on) or below (under)” may indicate a downward direction as well as an upward direction based on one component.

[0064] When a component, device, element, etc. of the present disclosure is described as having a purpose or performing an operation, function, etc., the component, device, or element should be considered herein as being “configured to” satisfy the purpose or perform the operation or function.

[0065] refer to Figures 1 to 7 The hairpin holder 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a holder body 100. The hairpin holder 10 also includes a first finger-grip portion 210, which is provided on the holder body 100 and configured to be used for finger-gripping (e.g., grasping) a first portion 24 of a hairpin 20. The hairpin holder 10 also includes a second finger-grip portion 220, which is provided on the holder body 100 and configured to grip a second portion 25 of the hairpin 20 like a finger, independently of the first finger-grip portion 210.

[0066] The hairpin holder 10 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can be used to clamp (grasp) a hairpin 20 (also called a flat coil or angle copper wire) used as a stator coil of a motor. The present disclosure is not limited or restricted by the type and structure of the motor to which the hairpin 20 is applied.

[0067] For example, the motor to which the hairpin 20 is applied may be used as a driving motor of an environmentally friendly vehicle (such as a hybrid vehicle and / or an electric vehicle) that obtains driving force through electric energy.

[0068] Hereinafter, an example is described in which the hair card holder 10 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is used to hold the hair card 20 supplied to the hair card supply cassette and transfer the hair card to a target position on the temporary alignment jig.

[0069] For reference, the hairpin 20 may have a substantially “U” shape and include: a crown portion 21 ; a first leg portion 22 connected to one end of the crown portion 21 ; and a second leg portion 23 connected to the other end of the crown portion 21 .

[0070] The clamp body 100 may have various structures capable of supporting the first finger-shaped clamping portion 210 and the second finger-shaped clamping portion 220. The present disclosure is not limited or restricted by the structure and shape of the clamp body 100.

[0071] For reference, in the embodiment of the present disclosure, the configuration in which the first finger gripping portion 210 and the second finger gripping portion 220 are supported by the gripper body 100 is defined to include two configurations. The first configuration is a configuration in which the first finger gripping portion 210 or the second finger gripping portion 220 is fixed to the gripper body 100. The second configuration is a configuration in which the first finger gripping portion 210 or the second finger gripping portion 220 is movably supported on the gripper body 100.

[0072] For example, the clamp body 100 may also be substantially flat. The first finger-shaped clamping portion 210 and the second finger-shaped clamping portion 220 may be supported at the lower end of the front surface of the clamp body 100 (based on Figure 1 ).

[0073] refer to Figures 1 to 4 The first finger-shaped gripping portion 210 is disposed on the holder body 100 and is configured to grip the first portion 24 of the hairpin 20 like a finger.

[0074] For reference, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, the configuration in which the first finger-shaped clamping portion 210 clamps the first portion 24 of the hairpin 20 like a finger can be defined as a configuration in which the first finger-shaped clamping portion 210 clamps the first portion 24 of the hairpin 20 like two fingers grasping the first portion 24 of the hairpin 20.

[0075] The first portion 24 of the hairpin 20 held by the first finger-shaped holding portion 210 can be defined at different positions according to required conditions and design specifications. The present disclosure is not limited or constrained by the position of the first portion 24 .

[0076] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first portion 24 of the hairpin 20 may be defined as a boundary portion (welding portion) between the crown portion 21 and the first leg portion 22 .

[0077] The straight coil is formed into the hairpin-shaped member 20 using a processing method such as numerical control (NC) bending and numerical control punching. In this case, the forming quality of the boundary portion (welding portion) between the crown portion 21 and the leg portion (the first leg portion 22 and the second leg portion 23) is high (small forming deviation). However, the leg portion (the first leg portion 22 or the second leg portion 23) used as a standard for inserting the temporary alignment jig increases the dimensional dispersion toward its end due to the springback effect, and is therefore easily deformed.

[0078] In other words, the first finger-shaped clamping portion 210 may be configured to clamp a boundary portion (welding portion) between the crown portion 21 and the first leg portion 22 , the boundary portion having a small or minimal molding deviation in the hairpin 20 .

[0079] The first finger grip 210 may have a variety of structures that can grip the first portion 24 of the hairpin 20 like a finger. The present disclosure is not limited or constrained by the structure of the first finger grip 210 .

[0080] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first finger-shaped clamping portion 210 may include a first-first finger-shaped portion (e.g., a first finger-shaped member) 212 and a first-second finger-shaped portion (e.g., a second finger-shaped member) 214. The first-second finger-shaped portion 214 is configured to be movable toward or away from the first-first finger-shaped portion 212, so that the first-first finger-shaped portion 212 and the first-second finger-shaped portion 214 jointly clamp the first portion 24 of the hairpin-shaped member 20. The first portion 24 of the hairpin-shaped member 20 may be clamped (grasped) between the first-first finger-shaped portion 212 and the first-second finger-shaped portion 214.

[0081] In the following, a method is described in which the first-first finger 212 and the first-second finger 214 are both configured to be able to move linearly in the direction in which the first-first finger 212 and the first-second finger 214 move toward or away from each other (the first-first finger and the first-second finger are both configured to move linearly in the direction based on Figure 2 left / right direction).

[0082] For example, the first-first finger 212 and the first-second finger 214 may be configured to be linearly movable on the gripper body 100 by a common (linear motion) LM guide. The first-first finger 212 and the first-second finger 214 may be configured to be linearly movable in a direction in which the first-first finger 212 and the first-second finger 214 move toward or away from each other by a driving force of a driving source such as a cylinder.

[0083] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, either one of the first-first finger 212 and the first-second finger 214 may be fixed, and only the other one of the first-first finger 212 and the first-second finger 214 may be configured to be linearly movable.

[0084] refer to Figures 1 to 4 The second finger gripping portion 220 is disposed on the holder body 100 and is configured to grip (eg, clamp) the second portion 25 of the hairpin 20 like a finger independently of the first finger gripping portion 210 .

[0085] For reference, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, the configuration in which the second finger-shaped clamping portion 220 clamps the second portion 25 of the hairpin 20 like a finger can be defined as a configuration in which the second finger-shaped clamping portion 220 clamps the second portion 25 of the hairpin 20 like two fingers grasping the second portion 25 of the hairpin 20.

[0086] The second portion 25 of the hairpin 20 held by the second finger-shaped holding portion 220 can be defined at different positions according to required conditions and design specifications. The present disclosure is not limited or restricted by the position of the second portion 25 .

[0087] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second portion 25 of the hairpin 20 may be defined as a boundary portion (welding portion) between the crown portion 21 and the second leg portion 23 .

[0088] The hairpin-shaped member 20 is made from a straight coil using a processing method such as CNC bending and CNC punching. In this case, the molding quality of the boundary portion (welding portion) between the crown portion 21 and the leg portion (the first leg portion 22 and the second leg portion 23) is high (small molding deviation). However, the leg portion (the first leg portion 22 or the second leg portion 23) used as a standard for inserting the temporary alignment jig increases the dimensional dispersion toward its end due to the springback effect, and is therefore easily deformed.

[0089] In other words, the second finger-shaped clamping portion 220 may be configured to clamp a boundary portion (welding portion) between the crown portion 21 and the second leg portion 23 , and the boundary portion has a small or minimal molding deviation in the hairpin 20 .

[0090] The second finger-shaped gripping portion 220 may have a variety of structures capable of gripping the second portion 25 of the hairpin 20 like a finger. The present disclosure is not limited or restricted by the structure of the second finger-shaped gripping portion 220 .

[0091] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second finger-shaped clamping portion 220 may include a second-first finger-shaped portion (e.g., a first finger-shaped member) 222 and a second-second finger-shaped portion (e.g., a second finger-shaped member) 224. The second-second finger-shaped portion 224 is configured to be movable toward or away from the second-first finger-shaped portion 222, so that the second-first finger-shaped portion 222 and the second-second finger-shaped portion 224 jointly clamp the second portion 25 of the hairpin-shaped member 20. The second portion 25 of the hairpin-shaped member 20 may be clamped (grasped) between the second-first finger-shaped portion 222 and the second-second finger-shaped portion 224.

[0092] In the following, a method is described in which the second-first finger 222 and the second-second finger 224 are both configured to be able to move linearly in the direction in which the second-first finger 222 and the second-second finger 224 move toward or away from each other (the second-first finger and the second-second finger are both configured to move linearly in the direction based on Figure 2 left / right direction).

[0093] For example, the second-first finger 222 and the second-second finger 224 may be configured to be linearly movable on the gripper body 100 by a common (linear motion) LM guide. The second-first finger 222 and the second-second finger 224 may be configured to be linearly movable in a direction in which the second-first finger 222 and the second-second finger 224 move toward or away from each other by a driving force of a driving source such as a cylinder.

[0094] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, either one of the second-first finger 222 and the second-second finger 224 may be fixed, and only the other of the second-first finger 222 and the second-second finger 224 may be configured to be linearly movable.

[0095] As described above, in the embodiment of the present disclosure, the first finger gripping portion 210 and the second finger gripping portion 220 can independently grip the hairpin 20. Therefore, the advantageous effect of gripping the hairpin 20 in an accurate posture and improving the accuracy of the operation of gripping the hairpin 20 can be obtained.

[0096] In addition, in the embodiment of the present disclosure, the first finger-shaped clamping part 210 and the second finger-shaped clamping part 220 may not clamp the hairpin-shaped member 20 at the same time, but may clamp different parts (the first part and the second part) of the hairpin-shaped member 20 independently like fingers. Therefore, even if the hairpin-shaped member 20 is deformed (forming deviation occurs), the first finger-shaped clamping part 210 and the second finger-shaped clamping part 220 may always clamp the hairpin-shaped member 20 at a predetermined position. Therefore, the advantageous effect of improving the clamping efficiency and accuracy of the first finger-shaped clamping part 210 and the second finger-shaped clamping part 220 can be obtained.

[0097] Furthermore, in the embodiment of the present disclosure, the first finger-shaped clamping portion 210 and the second finger-shaped clamping portion 220 can clamp the boundary portion (welding portion) between the crown portion 21 and the leg portion (the first leg portion 22 and the second leg portion 23). The boundary portion (welding portion) has the smallest molding deviation in the hairpin 20. Therefore, the advantageous effect of further improving the accuracy of the operation of clamping the hairpin 20 can be obtained.

[0098] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the hairpin holder 10 may include a first-first guide portion (e.g., first guide portion) 212a, which is disposed on the first-first finger 212 and configured to guide one surface of the hairpin 20. The hairpin holder 10 may also include a first-second guide portion (e.g., second guide portion) 214a, which is disposed on the first-second finger 214 and configured to face the first-first guide portion 212a and guide another (e.g., second) surface of the hairpin 20. The first portion 24 of the hairpin 20 may be guided along the first-first guide portion 212a and the first-second guide portion 214a and aligned between the first-first finger 212 and the first-second finger 214.

[0099] The first-first guide portion 212a and the first-second guide portion 214a may have a variety of structures that enable the first portion 24 of the hairpin 20 to be aligned in a preset posture at a position between the first-first finger 212 and the first-second finger 214. The present disclosure is not limited or restricted by the structures and shapes of the first-first guide portion 212a and the first-second guide portion 214a.

[0100] For example, the first-first guide portion 212a may have a first-first inclined surface (e.g., a flat surface) inclined relative to the front surface of the holder body 100. The first-second guide portion 214a may have a first-second inclined surface (e.g., a flat surface) facing the first-first guide portion 212a.

[0101] With the above structure, when the first-first finger 212 and the first-second finger 214 move toward each other, the first portion 24 of the hairpin 20 can be guided along the first-first inclined surface of the first-first guide portion 212a and the first-second inclined surface of the first-second guide portion 214a. In addition, the first portion 24 of the hairpin 20 can be aligned at a preset position between the first-first finger 212 and the first-second finger 214 in a preset posture (a posture and position that can stably maintain a clamped state). All four sides of the first portion 24 of the hairpin 20 can be restricted (made into surface contact) by the first-first finger 212, the first-second finger 214, the first-first guide portion 212a, and the first-second guide portion 214a.

[0102] In addition, refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the hairpin holder 10 may include a second-first guide portion (e.g., first guide portion) 222a, which is disposed on the second-first finger 222 and configured to guide one surface of the hairpin 20. The hairpin holder 10 may also include a second-second guide portion (e.g., second guide portion) 224a, which is disposed on the second-second finger 224 and configured to face the second-first guide portion 222a and guide another (e.g., second) surface of the hairpin 20. The second portion 25 of the hairpin 20 may be guided along the second-first guide portion 222a and the second-second guide portion 224a and aligned between the second-first finger 222 and the second-second finger 224.

[0103] The second-first guide portion 222a and the second-second guide portion 224a may have various structures capable of aligning the second portion 25 of the hairpin 20 in a preset posture at a position between the second-first finger 222 and the second-second finger 224. The present disclosure is not limited or restricted by the structures and shapes of the second-first guide portion 222a and the second-second guide portion 224a.

[0104] For example, the second-first guide portion 222a may have a second-first inclined surface (e.g., a flat surface) inclined relative to the front surface of the holder body 100. The second-second guide portion 224a may have a second-second inclined surface (e.g., a flat surface) facing the second-first guide portion 222a.

[0105] With the above structure, when the second-first finger 222 and the second-second finger 224 move toward each other, the second portion 25 of the hairpin 20 can be guided along the second-first inclined surface of the second-first guide portion 222a and the second-second inclined surface of the second-second guide portion 224a. In addition, the second portion 25 of the hairpin 20 can be aligned in a preset posture and at a preset position (a posture and position that can stably maintain a clamped state) between the second-first finger 222 and the second-second finger 224. All sides of the second portion 25 of the hairpin 20 can be restricted (made into surface contact) by the second-first finger 222, the second-second finger 224, the second-first guide portion 222a, and the second-second guide portion 224a.

[0106] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second finger-shaped clamping portion 220 may be configured to selectively move linearly toward or away from the first finger-shaped clamping portion 210 .

[0107] This configuration can handle (hold) hairpins 20 having different sizes without changing the hairpin holder 10 .

[0108] In other words, the size of the hairpin 20 (e.g., the width of the first leg portion and the second leg portion) can be varied according to the required conditions and design specifications. In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the second finger-shaped clamping portion 220 can move linearly relative to the first finger-shaped clamping portion 210 based on the size of the hairpin 20 (the second finger-shaped clamping portion 220 moves linearly toward or away from the first finger-shaped clamping portion). Therefore, hairpins 20 with different sizes can be handled (clamped) without changing the hairpin clamp 10.

[0109] For example, the second finger gripping portion 220 may be configured to be linearly movable on the gripper body 100 via a common linear motion (LM) guide. The present disclosure is not limited or constrained by the type and nature of the LM guide.

[0110] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the hair clip holder 10 may include a driving portion 230 configured to provide a driving force that allows the second finger-gripping portion 220 to linearly move toward or away from the first finger-gripping portion 210 .

[0111] Various driving devices capable of providing a driving force that allows the second finger gripping portion 220 to move linearly relative to the first finger gripping portion 210 may be used as the driving portion 230. The present disclosure is not limited or restricted by the type and structure of the driving portion 230.

[0112] For example, a servo cylinder that can accurately control the movement of the second finger gripping portion 220 relative to the first finger gripping portion 210 according to the size of the hairpin 20 (the width of the first and second leg portions) may be used as the driving portion 230 .

[0113] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the second finger-shaped gripping portion 220 may be configured to be moved by a lead screw rotated by a motor. Alternatively, the second finger-shaped gripping portion 220 may be configured to be moved by a linear motor, a solenoid, or the like.

[0114] In the embodiment of the present disclosure shown and described above, an example has been described in which the first finger gripping portion 210 is fixed to the gripper body 100 and the second finger gripping portion 220 moves linearly relative to the first finger gripping portion 210. However, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the second finger gripping portion 220 may be fixed to the gripper body 100 and the first finger gripping portion 210 may move linearly relative to the second finger gripping portion 220.

[0115] refer to Figure 1 , Figure 5 and Figure 7 According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the hairpin holder 10 may include a lifting portion 300 disposed on the holder body 100. The lifting portion 300 may be configured to selectively lift the crown portion 21 when the first finger-shaped clamping portion 210 and the second finger-shaped clamping portion 220 clamp the hairpin 20.

[0116] The lifting portion 300 is provided to relieve deformation (minimize deformation and twisting) of the leg portions (the first leg portion 22 and the second leg portion 23 ) and is configured to lift (elevate) the hairpin 20 when the first and second finger grips 210 and 220 grip the hairpin 20 .

[0117] This is based on the fact that the shapes of the first leg portion 22 and the second leg portion 23 of the hairpin 20 are easily controlled with a relatively small force (deformation of the first leg portion 22 and the second leg portion 23 can be alleviated). This is different from the boundary portion (first portion and second portion) between the crown portion 21 and the leg portion (first leg portion 22 and second leg portion 23) that is plastically deformed when the hairpin 20 is manufactured.

[0118] For example, Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, when the first leg portion 22 and / or the second leg portion 23 are deformed by expanding outward, the hairpin 20 can be lifted upward when the first finger-shaped clamping portion 210 and the second finger-shaped clamping portion 220 clamp the hairpin 20. Therefore, when the first leg portion 22 and / or the second leg portion 23 pass through the first finger-shaped clamping portion 210 and the second finger-shaped clamping portion 220, the deformation of the first leg portion 22 and / or the second leg portion 23 can be alleviated (the first leg portion 22 and / or the second leg portion 23 can be aligned in a preset posture).

[0119] Lifting portion 300 may have various structures capable of lifting crown portion 21 of hairpin 20 when first leg portion 22 and second leg portion 23 of hairpin 20 are clamped by first finger clamp 210 and second finger clamp 220, respectively. The present disclosure is not limited or constrained by the structure of lifting portion 300.

[0120] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the lifting part 300 may include a lifting member (e.g., a lifting part) 310, which is provided on the clamp body 100 and configured to be selectively movable upward or downward. The lifting part 300 may also include a hook-shaped member (e.g., a hook) 320, which is provided on the lifting member 310 and configured to support the crown portion 21.

[0121] The lifting member 310 may have various structures that can be disposed on the holder body 100 , disposed above the hairpin 20 , and linearly moved in the upward / downward direction by a common linear motion (LM) guide. The present disclosure is not limited or restricted by the structure and shape of the lifting member 310 .

[0122] The hook member 320 may have a variety of structures capable of supporting the crown portion 21. The present disclosure is not limited or restricted by the structure and shape of the hook member 320. For example, the hook member 320 may have a substantially "J" shape and support the crown portion 21 by hooking the lower portion of the crown portion 21.

[0123] For reference, the lifting distance of the hairpin 20 formed by the lifting portion 300 may vary according to the degree and portion of deformation of the first leg portion 22 and the second leg portion 23. The present disclosure is not limited or constrained by the lifting distance of the hairpin 20. For example, the lifting portion 300 may be configured to lift the hairpin 20 (crown portion) to a lifting height UH spaced about 50 mm from the reference height RH.

[0124] With the above structure, when the crown portion 21 moves upward via the hook member 320 by the upward movement of the lifting member 310 and is clamped by the first finger-shaped clamping portion 210 and the second finger-shaped clamping portion 220 at the first leg portion 22 and the second leg portion 23, the first leg portion 22 and the second leg portion 23 move upward. Therefore, deformation of the first leg portion 22 and / or the second leg portion 23 can be alleviated (the first leg portion 22 and / or the second leg portion 23 can be aligned in a preset posture).

[0125] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the hair clip holder 10 may include an elevating driving portion 330 configured to provide a driving force that allows the elevating member 310 to move upward relative to the holder body 100 .

[0126] Various driving devices capable of providing a driving force that allows the lifting member 310 to move upward relative to the clamper body 100 may be used as the lifting driving portion 330 . The present disclosure is not limited or restricted by the type and structure of the lifting driving portion 330 .

[0127] For example, a common air cylinder may be used as the lifting drive 330. According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the lifting member 310 may be moved upward or downward by a lead screw rotated by a motor. Alternatively, the lifting member 310 may be configured to move upward or downward by a linear motor, a solenoid, or the like.

[0128] The hairpin 20 can be varied in size according to the desired conditions and design specifications. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the reference height RH of the hook member 320 can be varied according to the size of the hairpin 20 and the (synchronous) combination of the linear movement of the second finger-shaped clamping portion 220 relative to the first finger-shaped clamping portion 210.

[0129] For example, when the size of the hairpin 20 increases (the width of the leg portion increases), the reference height RH of the hook member 320 needs to be reduced. The reference height RH of the hook member 320 can be changed synchronously while the second finger gripping portion 220 moves linearly relative to the first finger gripping portion 210.

[0130] The reference height RH of the hook member 320 can be synchronized with the linear movement of the second finger grip 220 relative to the first finger grip 210 in various ways according to the required conditions and design specifications. The present disclosure is not limited or restricted by the synchronization structure between the second finger grip 220 and the hook member 320.

[0131] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the hairpin holder 10 may include a cam follower 340, which is disposed on the holder body 100 and is configured to selectively move upward or downward and support the lifting member 310. The hairpin holder 10 may further include a first link member (e.g., a first link) 350, one end of which is rotatably connected to the first finger-shaped clamping portion 210, and the other end (e.g., the second end) of the first link member is rotatably connected to the cam follower 340. The hairpin holder 10 may further include a second link member (e.g., a second link) 360, one end of which is rotatably connected to the second finger-shaped clamping portion 220, and the other end (e.g., the second end) of the second link member is rotatably connected to the other end of the first link member 350. The lifting member 310 may move upward or downward based on the upward or downward movement of the cam follower 340.

[0132] The cam follower 340 may have various structures capable of moving upward or downward relative to the holder body 100. The present disclosure is not limited or restricted by the structure and shape of the cam follower 340.

[0133] The first link member 350 and the second link member 360 may be rotatably connected to the cam follower 340 while jointly defining an approximately “V” shape. When one end of the second link member 360 moves toward or away from one end of the first link member 350 (the second finger gripping portion moves linearly relative to the first finger gripping portion), the upward or downward position of the cam follower 340 may be adjusted (the reference height of the hook member may vary).

[0134] For example, when the second finger-shaped clamping portion 220 moves linearly away from the first finger-shaped clamping portion 210 based on the increase in the size of the hairpin-shaped member 20 (the width of the leg portion increases), the first link member 350 and the second link member 360 connected to the first finger-shaped clamping portion 210 and the second finger-shaped clamping portion 220 operate in conjunction with each other, so that the cam follower 340 can move downward and the reference height RH of the hook-shaped member 320 can be lowered.

[0135] As described above, according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the reference height RH of the hook member 320 can be changed according to the linear movement (based on the size change of the hairpin) of the second finger-shaped clamping portion 220 relative to the first finger-shaped clamping portion 210. Therefore, the advantageous effect of preventing the interference between the hook member 320 and the hairpin 20 caused by the size change of the hairpin 20 can be obtained.

[0136] According to the embodiments of the present disclosure described above, it is possible to obtain advantageous effects of improving the accuracy of the operation of grasping a hairpin and improving productivity and production efficiency.

[0137] In particular, according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to obtain the advantageous effects of clamping a hairpin in an accurate posture and improving the performance and stability of the operation of clamping the hairpin.

[0138] In addition, according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to obtain an advantageous effect of accurately inserting the hairpin into the target position (temporary alignment position) of the temporary alignment jig.

[0139] In addition, according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, even if the hairpin is deformed (or has molding deviations), the hairpin can be accurately positioned at the target position while reducing the deformation of the hairpin (minimizing deformation and torsion).

[0140] In addition, according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, advantageous effects of improving the efficiency of the process of temporarily aligning the hairpins, reducing the time required for the process of temporarily aligning the hairpins, and improving production quality can be obtained.

[0141] Although various embodiments have been described above, these embodiments are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and applications not described above may be made to the present embodiment without departing from the inherent features of the present embodiment. For example, each component element specifically described in the embodiment may be modified and then executed. In addition, it should be understood that differences associated with modifications and applications are included within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0142] Reference numerals list

[0143] 10 Hairpin Holder

[0144] 20 Hairpin

[0145] 21 Crown section

[0146] 22 First leg section

[0147] 23 Second leg section

[0148] 24 Part 1

[0149] 25 Part 2

[0150] 100 Gripper body

[0151] 210 first finger-shaped clamping portion

[0152] 212 first finger

[0153] 212a First guide section

[0154] 214 second finger

[0155] 214a Second guide section

[0156] 220 second finger clamping portion

[0157] 222 first finger

[0158] 222a First guide section

[0159] 224 second finger

[0160] 224a Second guide section

[0161] 230 Drive unit

[0162] 300 Lifting Department

[0163] 310 Lifting Components

[0164] 320 Hook member

[0165] 330 Lifting drive unit

[0166] 340 Cam Follower

[0167] 350 First connecting rod member

[0168] 360 Second connecting rod member

Claims

1. A hairpin holder, comprising: A holder body; a first finger-shaped clamping portion, disposed on the clamp body and configured to clamp a first portion of the hairpin-shaped member; as well as A second finger-shaped clamping portion is disposed on the clamp body and is configured to clamp a second portion of the hairpin independently of the first finger-shaped clamping portion.

2. The hairpin holder according to claim 1, wherein: The first finger-shaped clamping portion comprises: a first finger; and The second finger-shaped member is configured to be movable toward or away from the first finger-shaped member of the first finger-shaped clamping portion, so that the first finger-shaped member of the first finger-shaped clamping portion and the second finger-shaped member of the first finger-shaped clamping portion clamp the first portion of the hairpin-shaped member together.

3. The hairpin holder according to claim 2, wherein: The first finger-shaped clamping portion further comprises: a first guide portion disposed on the first finger of the first finger-shaped clamping portion and configured to guide a surface of the hairpin; and a second guide portion, disposed on the second finger of the first finger-shaped clamping portion and configured to face the first guide portion of the first finger-shaped clamping portion and guide another surface of the hairpin-shaped member, wherein the first portion of the hairpin is guided along a first guide portion of the first finger clamp and a second guide portion of the first finger clamp and aligned between a first finger of the first finger clamp and a second finger of the first finger clamp.

4. The hairpin holder according to claim 1, wherein: The second finger-shaped clamping portion comprises: a first finger; and The second finger-shaped member is configured to be movable toward or away from the first finger-shaped member of the second finger-shaped clamping portion, so that the first finger-shaped member of the second finger-shaped clamping portion and the second finger-shaped member of the second finger-shaped clamping portion jointly clamp the second portion of the hairpin-shaped member.

5. The hairpin holder according to claim 4, wherein: The second finger-shaped clamping portion further comprises: a first guide portion disposed on the first finger of the second finger-shaped clamping portion and configured to guide a surface of the hairpin; and a second guide portion, disposed on the second finger of the second finger-shaped clamping portion and configured to face the first guide portion of the second finger-shaped clamping portion and guide the other surface of the hairpin-shaped member, wherein the second portion of the hairpin is guided along the first guide portion of the second finger grip and the second guide portion of the second finger grip and aligned between the first finger of the second finger grip and the second finger of the second finger grip.

6. The hairpin holder according to claim 1, wherein: The second finger-shaped clamping portion is configured to be selectively movable linearly toward or away from the first finger-shaped clamping portion.

7. The hairpin holder according to claim 6, comprising: The driving portion is configured to provide a driving force to enable the second finger-shaped clamping portion to move linearly toward or away from the first finger-shaped clamping portion.

8. The hairpin holder according to claim 1, wherein: The hairpin to be clamped by the hairpin clamp comprises: crown part; a first leg portion connected to one end of the crown portion; and a second leg portion connected to the other end of the crown portion, wherein the first portion is defined as a boundary between the crown portion and the first leg portion, and Wherein, the second portion is defined as a boundary between the crown portion and the second leg portion.

9. The hairpin holder according to claim 8, comprising: A lifting portion is disposed on the clamp body and is configured to selectively lift the crown portion when the first finger-shaped clamping portion and the second finger-shaped clamping portion clamp the hairpin-shaped piece.

10. The hairpin holder according to claim 9, wherein: The lifting part comprises: a lifting member disposed on the holder body and configured to be selectively movable upward or downward; and A hook-shaped member is disposed on the lifting member and is configured to support the crown portion.

11. The hairpin holder according to claim 10, comprising: The lifting drive unit is configured to provide a driving force that enables the lifting member to move upward or downward relative to the clamper body.

12. The hairpin holder according to claim 10, wherein: The second finger-shaped clamping portion is configured to selectively move linearly toward or away from the first finger-shaped clamping portion, and wherein a reference height of the hook member relative to the crown portion varies according to linear movement of the second finger gripping portion relative to the first finger gripping portion.

13. The hairpin holder according to claim 12, comprising: a cam follower disposed on the clamp body and configured to selectively move upward or downward and support the lifting member; a first link member having one end rotatably connected to the first finger clamp and another end rotatably connected to the cam follower; as well as a second link member, one end of which is rotatably connected to the second finger-shaped clamping portion and the other end of which is rotatably connected to the other end of the first link member, and Wherein, the lifting member moves upward or downward based on the upward movement or downward movement of the cam follower.

14. The hairpin holder according to claim 1, wherein: The first finger grip is configured to finger grip the first portion of the hairpin, and wherein the second finger grip is configured to finger grip the second portion of the hairpin independently of the first finger grip.

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