Gripping device for a punching system, sub-assembly, punching system, and method for adjusting a gripping device and a sub-assembly

Abstract

The present invention relates to a gripping device (104) for gripping at least one electrical sheet (106) for a generator. The gripping device (104) comprises at least one crossmember (130) with a first busbar (140) extending along a longitudinal axis of the crossmember (130) for guiding an electrical current, and additionally or alternatively at least one arm (134) with a first busbar (142) extending along a longitudinal axis of the arm (134) for guiding the electrical current, and with a holder (236) for holding an electromagnet (136). The arm (134) is mechanically connected to the crossmember (130) and the first busbar (142) of the arm (134) is electrically conductively connected to the first busbar (140) of the crossmember (130). The holder has a current collector for electrically contacting the first busbar (142) of the arm (134) so as to be able to operate the electromagnet (136) in order to grip the electrical sheet (106) using the current.

Description

[0001] Gripping device for a punching system, dividing apparatus, punching system and method for adapting a gripping device and a dividing apparatus

[0002] Description

[0003] The present invention relates to a gripping device for gripping at least one electrical sheet, to a dividing apparatus, to a punching system, in particular for punching grooves in the electrical sheet, and to a method for adapting the gripping device and the dividing apparatus.

[0004] For the variable production of electrical steel sheets for generators, especially for the wind power industry, the single-groove process is typically used on so-called notch punches. The required grooves are punched in rotor and stator laminations in several consecutive steps. A suitable automation system feeds a sheet metal blank to the notch punches, and the punched sheet is then removed or transported for the next processing step.

[0005] A corresponding notch punch is described, for example, in DE 102017 124 334 A1.

[0006] Due to the required positioning accuracy, the sheet metal blanks are gripped by several electrically controllable magnets that are located on corresponding holders (tooling).

[0007] In automated systems for the production of electrical steel sheets, the tooling within the machine is adapted to the new component. The adjustment options and available space are very limited. Each individual magnet and sensor has at least one electrical cable, which must be securely routed to ensure it doesn't get caught during transport. At the same time, the electrical installation must not be too bulky, as the tooling interacts with the tool, and the tool's opening width is very limited.

[0008] In the daily production process, the problem lies in the adjustment of the tooling arms and magnets, which usually means that the cables are no longer laid cleanly or cannot be laid, which can subsequently lead to collisions, malfunctions and time-consuming troubleshooting.

[0009] Adjustment and cable routing are even more complex with toolings where the rotor and stator are mounted separately. The rotor tooling has an additional lifting stroke, which lifts the rotor above the stator so that the stator can be set down.

[0010] It is the object of the present invention to provide an improved gripping device for gripping at least one electrical sheet, an improved dividing apparatus, an improved punching system, an improved method for adapting a gripping device and an improved method for adapting a dividing apparatus.

[0011] This object is achieved by a gripping device for gripping at least one electrical sheet, a dividing apparatus, a punching system, a method for adapting the gripping device and a method for adapting the dividing apparatus according to the main claims.

[0012] Advantageously, the use of busbars eliminates the need for cumbersome and error-prone cabling of punching system devices. Instead of cables, busbars can be used, allowing the punching system to be easily and reliably adapted to differently shaped electrical sheets. This allows for a very quick, optionally automated, conversion process, ensuring safe operation. For this purpose, a rod-shaped element of the punching system suitable for positioning an electromagnet, such as a guide rail or a carrier, can be equipped with at least one suitable busbar or can even form a corresponding busbar itself.

[0013] A gripping device for gripping at least one electrical sheet for a generator comprises the following features: at least one cross member; and at least one arm with a holder for holding an electromagnet, wherein the longitudinal axis of the arm is aligned differently from the longitudinal axis of the cross member and the arm is mechanically connected to the cross member.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the at least one cross member comprises at least one first busbar extending along a longitudinal axis of the cross member for carrying an electric current for operating the electromagnet for gripping the electrical sheet;

[0015] Additionally or alternatively, the at least one arm comprises at least one first busbar extending along a longitudinal axis of the arm for conducting the electrical current.

[0016] Thus, a circuit required to operate the electromagnet can be routed via at least one busbar, so that at least one cable can be saved compared to an implementation completely without a busbar.

[0017] The gripping device can be used as an automated system or as part of an automated system to feed an electrical sheet to a notching machine and then remove the punched sheet or transport it on to the next processing step. One cross member may be sufficient for gripping small electrical sheets. Especially with thin electrical sheets with a large diameter, the use of two opposing cross members can be useful in order to be able to grip and hold the electrical sheet securely. In this sense, it can be useful to provide several arms per cross member. Each arm can carry at least one electromagnet, which, when activated, can exert a magnetic force to attract the electrical sheet. Attracting using an electromagnet can be understood as gripping.The at least one cross member and the at least one arm can each have a suitable profile, which can be optimized, for example, with regard to stability and weight. Each of the busbars can be designed as an electrical conductor, for example in the form of a copper bar. A corresponding busbar can be placed as a separate element on a body of the respective cross member or arm, integrated into the corresponding body, or formed by the body itself. Thus, the at least one cross member can have or form the at least one busbar, depending on the embodiment. Accordingly, the at least one arm can have or form the at least one busbar, depending on the embodiment.

[0018] When using multiple busbars per cross member or arm, these can be electrically insulated from each other in a suitable manner. Regardless of the busbar system used, the at least one cross member and the at least one arm can be designed similarly to the cross members and arms of known gripping devices. The only difference may be that the cross member and / or arm are provided with at least one busbar or form at least one such busbar through their body. This eliminates the need for a power-carrying cable per busbar, which would otherwise be required.

[0019] If both the cross member and the at least one arm each comprise at least one busbar, the at least one first busbar of the arm can be electrically connected to the at least one first busbar of the cross member. In this way, a current path for conducting a current for an electromagnet can be routed via the busbar of the cross member and the corresponding busbar of the arm. This eliminates the need for a cable that would otherwise be required.

[0020] If the at least one arm comprises at least one busbar, the holder can have a current collector for electrically contacting the at least one first busbar of the arm. The current collector enables reliable current tapping without the use of a cable, even when the holder is moved along the arm.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the cross member and / or the at least one arm each have at least one busbar, which are assigned to one another and are electrically connected to one another. If several separate busbars are provided per arm and per cross member, each busbar of an arm can be electrically connected to an assigned busbar of the cross member. Mutually assigned busbars of the cross member and the arm can be part of a current path of an electrical circuit with which, for example, an electromagnet or a sensor can be operated. For example, the cross member can comprise a pair of busbars extending along the longitudinal axis of the cross member for conducting an electrical current back and forth to operate the electromagnet.Accordingly, the at least one arm may comprise at least one pair of busbars extending along the longitudinal axis of the arm for forward and return conduction of an electric current for operating the electromagnet.

[0022] The gripping device can be equipped with at least one electromagnet, which is held by the holder. The electromagnet can be removably received by the holder when the gripping device is in the ready-to-use state. If the holder has a current collector, the electromagnet can be electrically connected to the current collector. For example, the holder can comprise a plug for contacting terminals of the electromagnet.

[0023] As an alternative to an electromagnet, a sensor can be held by the holder or another holder. The sensor can be used, for example, to sense the electrical steel sheet. For example, the sensor can be electrically connected to the current collector of the holder or another current collector of the arm.

[0024] The gripping device can comprise a supply device configured to feed the electrical current into the at least one busbar of the cross member in response to a gripping signal. The supply device can be a voltage source, for example. The supply device can be connected to the cross member or, for example, a support of the gripping device via an electrical conductor if the current is fed into the cross member via a support. Using the gripping signal, activation and deactivation of the at least one electromagnet can thus be controlled.

[0025] The arm can be connected to the cross member so that it can be moved along the longitudinal axis of the cross member. This allows the position of the electromagnet held by the arm to be adjusted in one direction. The arm can be mounted on the cross member so that it can be moved manually or automatically.

[0026] The arm can be connected to the cross member so that it can be moved along its longitudinal axis. The arm can be mounted on the cross member for manual or automated movement. Additionally or alternatively, the holder can be connected to the arm so that it can be moved along its longitudinal axis. The holder can be mounted on the arm for manual or automated movement. In this way, the position of the electromagnet held by the arm can be adjusted in a further direction.

[0027] For example, the arm and the cross member are slidably connected to each other via at least one rail guide. Such a rail connection enables a secure and stable coupling between the arm and the cross member.

[0028] Optionally, the gripping device comprises at least one cross-connector that is shaped to mechanically connect the arm and the cross member in different orientations to one another and to electrically connect the at least one busbar of the cross member to the at least one busbar of the arm. Typically, the cross-connector can be shaped to connect the arm and the cross member orthogonally to one another, but an oblique connection is also possible. The cross-connector can be designed in several parts. One cross-connector can be used per arm to attach the arm to the associated cross member. If more than one busbar is provided, each of the busbars of the cross-connector can be connected to the corresponding busbar of the arm, provided that the cross member and arm are both equipped with busbars.If only the cross member or only the arm is equipped with at least one power rail, the cross member can include a connector for a cable used instead of a power rail. Using a cross connector, a stable yet easily modifiable connection between the arm and the cross member can be realized.

[0029] The cross connector can be shaped to encompass the cross member. This allows the cross member to be securely guided within the cross connector and optionally be movable in one direction relative to the cross connector.

[0030] The cross connector can be shaped to engage a groove extending along the longitudinal axis of the arm or to encompass a web extending along the longitudinal axis of the arm. Such a rail guide allows the arm to be displaceable in one direction relative to the cross connector.

[0031] The cross-connector can have a locking device, for example, in the form of a play-free quick-release fastener. The locking device can be manually or automatically moved between an open and a closed position. For example, the locking device is designed to fix the arm to the cross-connector without play in the closed position. This allows the electrical sheet gripped by the gripping device to be securely held and transported.

[0032] The holder and arm can be connected to each other via a sliding rail guide. This allows for a stable connection while still allowing for easy adjustment.

[0033] The holder can have a fastening section that is shaped to attach the holder to the arm so that it can be displaced along the longitudinal axis of the arm. For example, the fastening section can at least partially encompass the arm for this purpose. This can prevent the holder from tilting relative to the arm.

[0034] For example, the fastening section of the holder can be shaped to engage in a groove extending along the longitudinal axis of the arm or to engage around a web extending along the longitudinal axis of the arm.

[0035] Optionally, the holder can have an adjustment device that can be moved between an open position and a closed position. The adjustment device can be shaped to fix the holder to the arm in the closed position. This can prevent the electromagnet from slipping during operation of the gripping device.

[0036] The arm can have at least one detent extending along the longitudinal axis of the arm. In this case, the adjustment device can be shaped to engage with the detent in the closed position. This can create a positive connection between the arm and the holder.

[0037] The holder can have a light source that can be electrically conductively connected to the current collector. This can indicate an electrical voltage applied to the current collector and, additionally or alternatively, a current flowing through an electromagnet held by the holder. A body of the cross member can be formed from an electrically conductive material. Advantageously, the at least one busbar extending along the longitudinal axis of the cross member can be electrically insulated from the body. Thus, the body and the at least one busbar can serve as forward and return conductors of a circuit carrying the electrical current. In this way, multiple circuits can also be implemented, each using the body as a neutral conductor, for example.

[0038] Accordingly, a body of the arm can be formed from an electrically conductive material, and the at least one busbar extending along the longitudinal axis of the arm can be electrically insulated from the body. Thus, the body and the at least one busbar can serve as forward and return conductors of a circuit carrying the electrical current. Optionally, the current collector of the holder can also be shaped to electrically contact the body of the arm.

[0039] If a cross-connector is used, a body of the cross-connector can be formed from an electrically conductive material. In this way, the body of the cross-member and the body of the arm can be electrically connected via the body of the cross-connector. In this case, the cross-connector can have at least one electrical conductor insulated from the body of the cross-connector, with which a busbar of the cross-member can be electrically connected to a corresponding busbar of the arm.

[0040] Alternatively, the bodies of the arm and / or the cross connector and / or the cross member and / or the holder can be formed from an electrically insulating material. In this case, the at least one circuit for operating the at least one electromagnet can be routed via busbars running along the respective body.

[0041] Thus, the cross member can have a second busbar extending along the longitudinal axis of the cross member. Accordingly, the arm can have at least one second busbar extending along the longitudinal axis of the arm, wherein the second busbar of the cross member is electrically connected to the second busbar of the arm, for example, directly or using a cross connector. Accordingly, the current collector of the holder can contact the second busbar of the arm. Accordingly, for example, at least one third busbar can be provided.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the at least one busbar of the arm can have a first busbar section and a second busbar section. The busbar sections can extend on different sides of the arm along the longitudinal axis of the arm. For electrically conductively connecting the busbar sections of a busbar, a suitable connector can be enclosed by the arm or attached to the arm, for example in the form of a cap that can be placed on a free end of the arm and has at least one connecting conductor for electrically conductively connecting the busbar sections. For example, a first busbar section of a busbar can be arranged on a side of the arm facing the cross member, and a second busbar section of the same busbar can be arranged on a side of the arm facing away from the cross member.Optionally, the current collector of the holder can be shaped to electrically contact the second busbar section. Using the busbar sections is advantageous for positioning the holder at the height of the cross member or for sliding it to another side of the cross member.

[0043] If the gripping device has a plurality of arms, each of the arms can have at least one busbar extending along a longitudinal axis of the arm for conducting an electric current and a holder for holding an electromagnet. Each of the arms can be mechanically connected to an associated cross member, and the at least one busbar of each of the arms can be electrically connected to a corresponding busbar of the associated cross member, if the associated cross member has a corresponding busbar. The arms can be aligned parallel to one another, but also at an angle to one another. By using a plurality of arms, a plurality of electromagnets can also be positioned in a distributed manner. This allows the electrical sheet to be gripped at multiple points.

[0044] The gripping device can comprise a displacement device designed to move the cross member along the longitudinal axis of the cross member. In this way, an electrical sheet held by the gripping device can be moved. The gripping device can have at least one second cross member, which optionally comprises at least one busbar extending along a longitudinal axis of the second cross member for carrying an electrical current. Furthermore, the gripping device can have at least one second arm, which optionally comprises at least one busbar extending along a longitudinal axis of the second arm. Furthermore, the arm can comprise at least one holder for holding a second electromagnet. The at least one second arm can be mechanically connected to the second cross member.If both the at least one second cross member and the at least one second arm comprise busbars, the at least one busbar of the at least one second arm can be electrically connected to the at least one busbar of the second cross member. If the at least one second arm comprises at least one busbar, the holder can have a current collector for electrically contacting the at least one busbar of the second arm in order to be able to operate the second electromagnet for gripping the electrical sheet using the current conducted via the at least one busbar of the second arm.

[0045] A length of the cross member can be greater than a length of the second cross member. In this way, arms of the second cross member can be arranged between arms of the cross member. In this way, for example, an inner section of the electrical sheet resulting from a stamping process can be gripped using the second arms of the second cross member, and an outer section of the electrical sheet can be gripped using the arms of the cross member.

[0046] The cross member and the second cross member can be arranged parallel to one another. For example, the cross members can be offset from one another along the longitudinal axis of one of the arms. The cross members can be arranged in one plane. Optionally, the cross members can be arranged so as to be movable relative to one another along a vertical axis. For this purpose, a displacement device for raising or lowering the cross member and / or the second cross member can be provided. In this way, for example, a rotor lamination held using the second arms of the second cross member can be moved relative to a stator lamination held by the arms of the cross member, for example in order to be able to set down the finished stator lamination. The gripping device can comprise at least one carrier. The cross member can be connected to the carrier so as to be movable along a longitudinal axis of the carrier, for example using a carriage.The longitudinal axis of the support and the longitudinal axis of the cross member can be aligned parallel to each other. If a second cross member is used, the second cross member can be connected to the support so that it can move along the longitudinal axis of the support, corresponding to the cross member. The cross member and the second cross member can each be moved along the longitudinal axis of the support only together or, according to one embodiment, independently of one another. According to one embodiment, the support can be designed to be telescopic. This allows the at least one cross member to be moved very quickly.

[0047] Corresponding to the support, the gripping device can comprise a further support arranged opposite the support. According to the previous embodiments, at least one further cross member with at least one further arm and holder can be carried by the further support. Depending on the embodiment, the at least one further cross member can comprise at least one busbar, and additionally or alternatively, the at least one further arm can comprise at least one busbar. Thus, even with the further cross member-arm arrangement, an electrical circuit can be routed exclusively via busbars or via a combination of busbars and cables.

[0048] Accordingly, the gripping device can have at least one further cross member arranged opposite the cross member, which optionally comprises at least one busbar extending along a longitudinal axis of the further cross member for conducting the or a further electrical current. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one further arm can comprise at least one busbar extending along a longitudinal axis of the further arm for conducting the electrical current. The arm can comprise at least one holder for holding a further electromagnet. The longitudinal axis of the at least one further arm can be aligned differently from the longitudinal axis of the further cross member. The at least one further arm can be mechanically connected to the further cross member.If both the cross member and the arm comprise at least one busbar, the at least one busbar of the further arm can be electrically conductively connected to the at least one busbar of the further cross member. The holder of the at least one further arm can have a current collector for electrically contacting the at least one busbar of the further arm if the further arm has a corresponding busbar. Alternatively, the holder can have a connection for connecting a cable. Thus, the further electromagnet for gripping the electrical sheet can be operated using the current that is conducted either via the at least one busbar of the further arm or alternatively via a cable.

[0049] The support and the additional support can be arranged parallel to each other. Similarly, the cross member and the additional cross member can be arranged parallel to each other.

[0050] A dividing apparatus for a punching device for carrying out a punching process for punching at least one groove into an electrical steel sheet has the following features: a support; a support plate for the electrical steel sheet during the punching process; at least one guide rail arranged between the support plate and the support, which guide rail comprises at least one first conductor rail extending along the longitudinal axis of the guide rail for conducting an electrical current; and at least one holder for holding at least one electromagnet, wherein the holder is arranged on the guide rail so as to be movable along a longitudinal axis of the guide rail and has a current collector for electrically contacting the at least one first conductor rail of the guide rail in order to be able to operate the electromagnet for fixing the electrical steel sheet using the current.

[0051] The dividing apparatus can be designed in accordance with known dividing apparatuses, wherein, due to the equipment of the at least one guide rail with at least one busbar, the electrical contacting of the at least one electromagnet can be reduced. If the guide rail is designed with two separate busbars, for example with a pair of busbars, or if a body of the busbar is used as an electrical conductor in addition to the at least one first busbar, the at least one electromagnet can be supplied with the power required to operate the electromagnet exclusively via the guide rail. It is not necessary to run a cable along the busbar to the electromagnet or the holder.

[0052] The described approach can be used in connection with a punching system comprising a punching device for performing a punching process for punching at least one groove in an electrical sheet, a dividing device, and / or a gripping device configured to grip the electrical sheet for loading and / or unloading the punching device. The dividing device and / or the gripping device can be designed as described.

[0053] The punching device can also be referred to as a notching machine, punch, or machine. The punching device can be used, for example, to produce stator and rotor laminations for electrical machines. The gripping device can be used as a replacement for known gripping devices to feed a sheet to be punched to the punching device and / or to remove one or more punched sheets.

[0054] To adapt the gripping device to the shape of a sheet to be gripped, at least one step of a method for adapting the gripping device can be performed. This allows at least one electromagnet to be moved to a position suitable for gripping the electrical sheet. For this purpose, the holder can be moved relative to the arm along the longitudinal axis of the arm, additionally or alternatively, the arm can be moved relative to the cross member along the longitudinal axis of the arm, and additionally or alternatively, the arm can be moved relative to the cross member along the longitudinal axis of the cross member.

[0055] In order to adapt an embodiment of the dividing apparatus to the shape of a sheet to be gripped, at least one step of a method for adapting the dividing apparatus can be carried out. This allows at least one electromagnet of the dividing apparatus to be moved to a position suitable for securing the electrical sheet. For this purpose, the at least one holder of the dividing apparatus is displaced relative to the guide rail on which the holder is arranged, along the longitudinal axis of the guide rail. If the holder is coupled to a suitable actuator, the displacement step can be carried out automatically. Preferred embodiments of the present invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. They show:

[0056] Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a punching system according to an embodiment;

[0057] Fig. 2 is an isometric view of a gripping device according to an embodiment;

[0058] Fig. 3 is an isometric view of a gripping device according to an embodiment;

[0059] Fig. 4 is a front view of a gripping device according to an embodiment;

[0060] Fig. 5 is a side view of a gripping device according to an embodiment;

[0061] Fig. 6 shows a gripping device according to an embodiment;

[0062] Fig. 7 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method for adapting a gripping device;

[0063] Fig. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a dividing apparatus according to an embodiment;

[0064] Fig. 9 is a schematic side view of an embodiment of a guide rail with a holder and at least one electromagnet;

[0065] Fig. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a guide rail for a dividing apparatus;

[0066] Fig. 11 is a schematic plan view of a support for a dividing apparatus according to an embodiment; and Fig. 12 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method for adapting a dividing apparatus.

[0067] In the following description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, the same or similar reference numerals are used for the elements shown in the various drawings and having a similar effect, and a repeated description of these elements is omitted.

[0068] According to various design examples, the approach described here uses one or more crossbeams and one or more arms. All crossbeams and all arms can be designed to be at least functionally identical. For example, the crossbeams can be identical except for their length, and the arms can also be identical except for their length. This allows for the use of a large number of identical parts.

[0069] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a punching system 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. The punching system 100 comprises a punching device 102 and at least one gripping device 104. The punching device 102 is used to punch at least one groove, typically a plurality of grooves, into an electrical steel sheet 106. The gripping device 104 is used to load the punching device 102 with the electrical steel sheet 106 and, additionally or alternatively, to remove the processed electrical steel sheet 106 from the punching device 102 after the punching process has been completed. Depending on the design of the punching system 100, a single gripping device 104 can be provided for loading and removing, or, for example, the gripping device 104 and at least one further corresponding gripping device can be provided.

[0070] The punching device 102 can be designed according to known punching devices and typically includes a frame 110, a dividing apparatus 112 and a ram 114.

[0071] For example only, the frame 110 is designed as an O-frame 110. The O-frame 110 has, for example, two uprights anchored to the floor and a headpiece connecting the uprights, so that the O-frame spans an archway. The electrical steel sheet 106 to be processed can advantageously be fed from one side of the frame 110, for example from the front, processed by the punching device 102, and removed after processing from the opposite side of the O-frame 110, for example the back. In this case, the electrical steel sheet 102 is passed completely through the archway spanned by the O-frame, i.e., passed between the two uprights.

[0072] Alternatively, the frame 110 can be designed, for example, as a so-called C-frame with only one stand, in which the electrical sheet 106 is fed in and removed from the same side.

[0073] To perform the punching process, the ram 114 is moved up and down along a punching axis 116. The ram 114 is coupled to the head of the frame 110. The ram 114 is driven by a drive device of the punching device 102, for example, by a direct drive.

[0074] The dividing head 112 is shaped to receive the electrical steel sheet 106 to be processed and to hold it during the punching process. According to one embodiment, the dividing head 112 is designed to rotate the electrical steel sheet 106 about a dividing head axis 118. For this purpose, the dividing head 112 has, for example, a suitable rotating device, for example in the form of an electric motor. By rotating about the dividing head axis 118, the electrical steel sheet 106 can be processed during the punching process, for example along the entire circumference of the electrical steel sheet 106. As a result, a rotor steel sheet and a stator steel sheet, for example, can be punched out of the electrical steel sheet 106 by the punching process. Such rotor steel sheets and stator steel sheets can be used in a known manner to manufacture a rotor and a stator of an electrical machine, for example a generator for a wind turbine.

[0075] The gripping device 104 comprises at least one cross member 130. Optionally, the cross member 130 is attached to a support 132. At least one arm 134 is attached to the cross member 130.

[0076] According to one embodiment, the cross member 130 and the arm 134 are directly connected to one another or connected to one another using at least one cross connector. Such a cross connector can be a separate component or be designed as part of the arm 134 or the cross member 130. The cross member 130 and the arm 134 are aligned non-parallel to one another, here orthogonal to one another. When the gripping device 104 is in the ready-to-use state, an electromagnet 136 is arranged on the arm 134. The electromagnet 136 is designed to generate a magnetic field upon activation, i.e., when energized, which magnetic field causes an attraction between the electromagnet 136 and the electrical sheet 106. In this way, the electrical sheet 106 can be gripped and held using the electromagnet 136. The electromagnet 136 is attached to the arm 134 using a holder.The holder may be designed as a separate component or as part of the arm 134 or the electromagnet 136.

[0077] To energize the electromagnet 136, the cross member 130 has a first busbar 140, and the arm 134 also has a first busbar 142. According to the exemplary embodiment shown, the first busbar 140 extends along a longitudinal axis of the cross member 130, and the first busbar 142 extends along a longitudinal axis of the arm 134. The first busbar 140 of the cross member 130 is electrically conductively connected to the first busbar 142 of the arm 134. The holder for holding the electromagnet 136 comprises a current collector for electrically contacting the first busbar 142 of the arm, so that a current suitable for activating and operating the electromagnet 136 can be conducted via a circuit comprising the first busbars 140, 142.

[0078] According to one exemplary embodiment, a supply device 144 is designed to provide the current required to activate the at least one electromagnet 136 in response to a gripping signal 146. For example, the supply device 144 is connected to the first busbar 140 of the cross member 130 via an electrical line or via another conductor connected to the first busbar 140 of the cross member 130. According to one exemplary embodiment, the current provided by the supply device 144 is supplied to the cross member 130 via the support 150. The supply device 144 can be part of the gripping device 104 or can be implemented for the gripping device 104. The gripping signal 146 is provided, for example, by a control device of the punching system 100.The gripping signal 146 can be used to control the activation of the at least one electromagnet 136 and thus the gripping and holding of the electrical sheet 106 as well as the deactivation of the at least one electromagnet 136 and thus the release of the electrical sheet 106.

[0079] According to one embodiment, the cross member 130 is, for example,

[0080] Using a displacement device, the cross member 130 is arranged to be movable along the longitudinal axis of the cross member 130. If the cross member 130 is carried by the support 132, the cross member 130 is movable, for example, along a longitudinal axis of the support 132, for example using a carriage. Additionally or alternatively, the support 132 is movable or, for example, telescopic, in order to be able to move the cross member 130. In this way, the cross member 130, together with the arm 134 and, if appropriate, the gripped electrical sheet 106, can be moved. According to one exemplary embodiment, the gripped electrical sheet 106 can be moved toward and / or away from the working space of the punching device 102 in this way, i.e., for example, moved toward and away from the dividing head 112.

[0081] For example, to move the cross member 130, at least one electric motor is controlled using a movement signal, which is provided, for example, by the control device of the punching system 100. In this way, movement and gripping of the gripping device 104 can be carried out in a synchronized manner.

[0082] In order to be able to align the at least one electromagnet 136 at a desired position relative to the electrical sheet 106, according to one embodiment, the electromagnet 136 is adjustably attached to the arm 134 and additionally or alternatively, the arm 134 is adjustably attached to the cross member 130.

[0083] According to one embodiment, additional correspondingly designed arms are attached to the cross member 130 in addition to the arm 134. Each of the arms can hold an electromagnet. In this way, a plurality of electromagnets positioned distributed over the surface of the electrical steel sheet 106 can be used to securely grip and hold the electrical steel sheet 106. For this purpose, each first busbar of each of the arms is electrically conductively connected to the first busbar 140 of the cross member 130. Optionally, a sensor is arranged on at least one of the arms instead of or in addition to an electromagnet, which sensor can be used, for example, to detect whether the electrical steel sheet 106 is being held or not. The sensor is also supplied with electrical energy via the first busbar of the respective arm or alternatively, for example, via an additional busbar of the respective arm.

[0084] The cross member 130 and the at least one arm 134 fastened to the cross member 130 for holding the electromagnet 136 form a holding device. According to one exemplary embodiment, the gripping device 104 has a correspondingly shaped further holding device so that the electrical steel sheet 106 can be gripped from both sides. The further holding device comprises, in accordance with the holding device, at least one further cross member 150. Optionally, the further cross member 150 is fastened to a further support 152. At least one further arm 154 is fastened to the further cross member 150, as already described in connection with the cross member 130 and the arm 134. When the gripping device 104 is ready for operation, the further electromagnet 156 is arranged on the further arm 154.The additional electromagnet 156 is designed to generate a magnetic field when activated, i.e., when energized, which creates an attraction between the additional electromagnet 156 and the electrical sheet 106. In this way, the electrical sheet 106 can be gripped and held using the electromagnets 136, 156. The additional electromagnet 156 is attached to the additional arm 154 using a holder. The holder can be embodied as a separate component or as part of the additional arm 154 or the additional electromagnet 156.

[0085] Optionally, in addition to the cross member 130, the holding device has a parallel second cross member with at least one second arm. The second cross member and the second arm can be shaped to correspond to the cross member 130 and the arm 134. Accordingly, in addition to the further cross member 150, the further holding device can have a further parallel second cross member with at least one further second arm. The further second cross member and the further second arm can be shaped to correspond to the further cross member 150 and the further arm 154. In this way, for example, two sections of the electrical sheet resulting from the punching process, for example a rotor sheet and a stator sheet separated from the rotor sheet, can be gripped separately from one another.

[0086] To energize the further electromagnet 156, the further cross member 150 has a first busbar 140, and the further arm 154 also has a first busbar 142, as described in connection with the cross member 130 and the arm 134. The first busbar 140 of the further cross member 150 is electrically connected to the first busbar 142 of the further arm 154. The holder for holding the further electromagnet 156 comprises a current collector for electrically contacting the first busbar 142 of the further arm 154, so that a current suitable for activating and operating the further electromagnet 156 can be conducted via a circuit comprising the first busbars 140, 142 of the further cross member 150 and the further arm 134.

[0087] According to one embodiment, the supply device 144 is configured to provide the current required to activate the at least one further electromagnet 156 in response to the gripping signal 146. For example, the supply device 144 is connected to the first busbar 140 of the further cross member 150 via an electrical line or via another conductor connected to the first busbar 140 of the further cross member 150. According to one embodiment, the current provided by the supply device 144 is supplied to the further cross member 150 via the further support 152.

[0088] According to one embodiment, the additional cross member 150 is arranged to be movable in accordance with the cross member 130. For example, the additional cross member 150 can be moved along the longitudinal axis of the additional cross member 150 using the additional support 152. In this way, the cross member 130 including the arm 134 and the additional cross member 150 including the additional arm 154 can be moved synchronously.

[0089] In order to be able to align the at least one further electromagnet 156 at a desired position relative to the electrical sheet 106, according to one embodiment, the further electromagnet 156 is adjustably fastened to the further arm 154 and additionally or alternatively, the further arm 154 is adjustably fastened to the further cross member 150.

[0090] According to one exemplary embodiment, additional, correspondingly designed arms are attached to the additional cross member 150 in addition to the additional arm 154. Each of the additional arms can hold an additional electromagnet. In this way, a plurality of electromagnets and additional electromagnets positioned distributed over the surface of the electrical sheet 106 can be used to securely grip and hold the electrical sheet 106. For this purpose, each first busbar of each of the additional arms is electrically conductively connected to the first busbar 140 of the additional cross member 150. Optionally, an additional sensor is arranged on at least one of the additional arms instead of or in addition to an additional electromagnet, which sensor can be used, for example, to detect whether the electrical sheet 106 is being held or not.The additional sensor is also supplied with electrical energy via the first power rail of the respective arm or alternatively, for example, via an additional power rail of the respective arm.

[0091] According to one embodiment, the cross member 130 and the arm 136 are arranged on a first side of the dividing head 112, and the further cross member 150 and the further arm 156 are arranged on a second side of the dividing head 112 opposite the first side when the arms 136, 156 are located in the region of the working space of the punching device 102. Thus, the dividing head axis 118 is arranged between the cross member 130 and the further cross member 150. The arm 136 extends from the cross member 130 toward the second side of the dividing head 112 and thus toward the further cross member 150. The further arm 156 extends from the further cross member 150 toward the first side of the dividing head 112 and thus toward the cross member 130.

[0092] Even if, according to the exemplary embodiments shown here and below, both cross members 130, 150 and arms 134, 154 are each designed with at least one busbar 140, 142, a mixed form of cabling and busbars 140, 142 can also be used in alternative exemplary embodiments.

[0093] According to one embodiment, only the at least one arm 134, 154 is designed with at least one busbar 142. Along the at least one cross member 130, 150, however, at least one cable for conducting the current is routed, for example, between the support 132 or the supply device 144 and the corresponding arm 134, 154 or the corresponding cross connector.

[0094] According to one embodiment, only the at least one cross member 130, 150 is designed with at least one busbar 140. Along the at least one arm 134, 154, however, at least one cable is used to conduct the current, for example, between the cross member 130, 150 or the cross connector and the respective electromagnet 156 or holder of the electromagnet 156. In this case, according to one embodiment, it is not necessary to provide the holder of the electromagnet 156 with a corresponding current collector for electrically contacting the busbar of the arm.

[0095] Further hybrid forms can be realized by, for example, closing an electrical circuit for each cross member 130, 150, firstly via a busbar 140 of the respective cross member 130, 150 and secondly via a cable routed along the respective cross member 130, 150. Accordingly, a electrical circuit for each arm 134, 154 can be closed, firstly, via a busbar 142 of the respective arm 134, 154 and secondly via a cable routed along the respective arm 134, 154.

[0096] According to one embodiment, the at least one first busbar 140 of at least one of the cross members 130, 150 is formed by a body of the respective cross member 130, 150 itself. According to one embodiment, the at least one first busbar 142 of at least one of the arms 134, 154 is formed by a body of the respective arm 134, 154 itself.

[0097] Fig. 2 shows an isometric view of gripping device 104 for gripping at least one electrical steel sheet according to an exemplary embodiment. The gripping device 104 comprises a cross member 130 and at least one arm 134 fastened to the cross member 130, as described by way of example with reference to Fig. 1. By way of example only, the gripping device 104 according to the exemplary embodiment shown comprises a cross connector 230 designed as a separate component for fastening the arm 134 to the cross member 130. Optionally, the gripping device 104 comprises a holder 236 for holding an electromagnet for gripping and holding the electrical steel sheet, as described with reference to Fig. 1. By way of example, the holder 236 is designed as a separate component that can accommodate the electromagnet and is fastened to the arm 134. Alternatively, the holder 236 or a correspondingly shaped holder can be shaped to accommodate a sensor.

[0098] The cross member 130 has a first busbar 140 that extends along a longitudinal axis of the cross member 130. Optionally, the cross member 130 has a second busbar 240 that extends parallel to the first busbar 140 of the cross member 130 along the longitudinal axis of the cross member 130.

[0099] The arm 134 has a first busbar 142 extending along a longitudinal axis of the arm 134. Optionally, the arm 134 has a second busbar 242 extending parallel to the first busbar 142 of the arm 134 along the longitudinal axis of the arm 134.

[0100] The arm 134 and the cross member 130 are mechanically connected to each other, here using the cross connector 230. The first busbar 142 of the arm 134 is electrically connected to the first busbar 140 of the cross member 130, either directly, using the cross connector 230, or using another connection device. Similarly, the optional second busbar 242 of the arm 134 is electrically connected to the optional second busbar 240 of the cross member 130, either directly, using the cross connector 230, or using another connection device.

[0101] The holder 236 has a first current collector for electrically contacting the first busbar 142 of the arm 134 and optionally a second current collector for electrically contacting the second busbar 142 of the arm 134. When the electromagnet is received in the holder 236, a first terminal of the electromagnet is electrically conductively connected to the first busbar 142 of the arm 134 via the first current collector of the holder 236, according to one embodiment. Optionally, when the electromagnet is received in the holder 236, a second terminal of the electromagnet is electrically conductively connected to the second busbar 142 of the arm 134 via the second current collector of the holder 236, or optionally, for example, to a body of the arm 134. In this way, the electromagnet can be operated via the current conducted via the first busbars 140, 142.

[0102] According to one embodiment, the arm 134 is attached to the cross member 130 so as to be displaceable along the longitudinal axis of the cross member 130. As a result, the arm 134 can be displaced along the cross member 130 to a suitable position during an adjustment phase of the handle device 104. Optionally, the cross member 130 and the arm 134 are fixed to one another using a fixing device, so that the arm 134 can no longer be moved along the cross member 130 after being displaced into the suitable position, in particular during operation of the handle device 104. According to one embodiment, the cross connector 230 is used to connect the arm 134 and the cross member 130.

[0103] According to one embodiment, the arm 134 is connected to the cross member 130 so as to be displaceable along the longitudinal axis of the arm 134. As a result, the arm 134 can be displaced transversely to the cross member 130 into a suitable position during the adjustment phase of the handle device 104. Optionally, the cross member 130 and the arm 134 are fixed to one another using a locking device 249, so that the arm 134 can no longer be moved relative to the cross member 130 after being displaced into the suitable position, in particular during operation of the handle device 104. According to one embodiment, the cross connector 230 is used to connect the arm 134 and the cross member 130, and the locking device 249 is embodied as part of the cross connector 230. For example, the locking device 249 comprises a manually operable clamping lever which, in the closed state, blocks a relative movement between the arm 134 and the cross member 130.

[0104] According to one embodiment, the holder 236 is connected to the arm 134 so as to be displaceable along the longitudinal axis of the arm 134. As a result, the holder 236 can be displaced along the longitudinal axis of the arm 134 to a suitable position during the adjustment phase of the handle device 104. Optionally, the cross member 130 and the arm 134 are fixed to one another using an adjustment device, so that the holder 236 can no longer be moved relative to the arm 134 after being displaced into the suitable position, in particular during operation of the handle device 104.

[0105] Alternatively, the holder 236 is part of the arm 134, for example fixedly attached to the arm 134, or formed as a component of the electromagnet.

[0106] According to one embodiment, the cross member 130 is elongated, for example, rod-shaped or tubular. For example, the cross connector 230 has a through-hole through which the cross member 130 passes. For example, the through-hole is shaped to accommodate the cross member 130 without play.

[0107] According to one embodiment, the arm 134 is elongated, for example, rod-shaped. For example, the arm 134 and the cross member 130, or here the cross connector 230, are connected to one another via a rail guide. The rail guide enables the arm 134 to be moved transversely to the cross member 130. For example, the rail guide is implemented by a groove 250 extending in the longitudinal direction of the arm 134 and a pin of the cross member 130, or here the cross connector 230, engaging in the groove 250. Alternatively, the arm 134 can have a web instead of the groove 250, and the cross member 130, or here the cross connector 230, can have a groove encompassing the web.

[0108] According to one embodiment, the groove 250 is arranged on a side of the arm 134 facing the cross member 130. Optionally, the arm 134 has at least one further groove 251, 252, 253 in addition to the groove 250. For example, the arm 134 has a second groove 251 on a side opposite the groove 250 and / or a third groove 252 on a side wall and / or a fourth groove on a side wall opposite the side wall. According to one embodiment, the holder 236 is fixed to the arm 134 via at least one of the grooves 250, 251, 252, 253. For example, the holder 236 has at least one pin that is guided in one of the grooves 250, 251, 252, 253. Thus, the arm 134 and the holder 236 can be connected to one another via a rail guide.

[0109] According to one embodiment, the first busbar 142 and the optional second busbar 242 are guided along at least one of the grooves 250, 251, 252, 253. Optionally, the first busbar 142 of the arm 134 has a first busbar section and a second busbar section, which are guided in different ones of the grooves 250, 251, 252, 253. For example, the first busbar section of the first busbar 142 is guided through the groove 250 and the second busbar section is guided through the second groove 251. For example, the first busbar section and the second busbar section are electrically connected at a free end of the arm 134, for example using a suitable connector, such as a cap that can be plugged onto the free end of the arm 134. Alternatively, the first busbar section and the second busbar section are electrically connected to one another in a different way.

[0110] Corresponding to the first busbar 142, the second busbar 242 according to one embodiment has a first busbar section and a second busbar section.

[0111] Fig. 3 shows another isometric view of the gripping device 104 shown in Fig. 2 according to an embodiment.

[0112] According to one embodiment, the holder 236 has two extensions, one of the extensions engaging in the second groove 251 and the other of the extensions engaging in the third groove 253. Optionally, one of the grooves 251, 253, by which the holder 236 is guided, is provided with a detent 353. For example, an adjusting device of the holder 236 is shaped to engage in the detent in a closed position in order to positively connect the holder 236 and the arm 134. According to one embodiment, a base of the cross member 130 facing the arm 134 is provided with longitudinal grooves in which the first busbar 140 and the optional second busbar 240 of the cross member 130 are arranged countersunk.

[0113] According to one embodiment, in addition to the locking device 249, a further locking device 349 is provided in order to fix the arm 134 and, according to this embodiment, the cross connector 230 to each other. According to one embodiment, the locking device 249 and the further locking device 349 are arranged on opposite sides of the cross member 130 and are optionally designed identically.

[0114] According to one embodiment, the cross connector 230 is designed to electrically connect the first busbars 140, 142 and the optional second busbars 240, 242 to one another. For example, the cross connector 230 has a first current collector for electrically contacting the first busbar 140 of the cross member 130, a further first current collector for electrically contacting the first busbar 142 of the arm 134, and a conductor for electrically connecting the first current collectors. Optionally, the cross connector 230 has a second current collector for electrically contacting the second busbar 240 of the cross member 130, a further second current collector for electrically contacting the second busbar 242 of the arm 134, and a conductor for electrically connecting the second current collectors to electrically connect the second busbars 240, 242.If the body of the cross member 130 and additionally or alternatively the body of the arm 134 are used for power conduction, the cross connector 230 is shaped according to one embodiment to electrically conductively connect the body of the cross member 130 and the body of the arm 134 to each other or, if appropriate, to one of the busbars 140, 142, 240, 242.

[0115] Fig. 4 shows a front view of the gripping device 104 shown in Figs. 2 and 3 according to an embodiment.

[0116] The cross member 130 is embodied, for example, as a cross tube, the closure device 249 as a play-free quick-release fastener, the arm 134 as a tolling arm, and the holder 236 as a magnetic holder. The gripping device 104 is also referred to as a tooling system. According to one exemplary embodiment, the cross connector 230 has at least one pin 450 that engages in the groove of the arm 134 facing the cross connector 230. Optionally, the pin 450 is coupled to the closure device 249, and the pin 450 can be pressed against projections formed by the groove by closing the closure device 249, here by flipping a lever of the closure device 249. This allows a play-free connection between the cross connector 230 and the arm 134 to be realized. When the locking device 249 is opened, the pin 450 can slide along the groove, whereby the arm 134 can be moved relative to the cross connector 230.

[0117] According to one embodiment, an insulating layer is arranged at an end of the pin 450 facing the arm 134, which insulating layer prevents electrically conductive contact between the pin 450 and a busbar of the arm 134.

[0118] According to one embodiment, the holder 236 has a fastening portion for slidably fastening the holder 236 to the arm 134. For example, the holder 236 has a first extension whose free end is shaped as a pin inserted into the second groove 251, and a second extension whose free end is shaped as a pin 453 inserted into the third groove 253. Alternatively, the holder 236 can also be fastened to the arm 134 via only one of the grooves 250, 251, 252, 253 or in another way.

[0119] According to one embodiment, the holder 236 has an adjusting device 436 which, in a closed position, fixes the holder 236 to the arm 134. In an open position, the adjusting device 436 enables the holder 236 to be moved along the longitudinal axis of the arm 134. For example, the adjusting device 436 has a lever, the actuation of which can move the adjusting device 436 from the open to the closed position, and vice versa. For example, the adjusting device 436 is designed as a button or latch for quick adjustment, which interacts with a latching system running along the longitudinal axis of the arm 134.

[0120] According to one embodiment, the holder 236 has a current collector 460, which is designed to make electrically conductive contact with the first busbar of the arm 134. In addition, the holder 236 has a conductor for conducting the current drawn by the current collector 460 to a contact for electrically contacting the electromagnet. If the arm 134 has a second busbar, the current collector 460 or optionally a second current collector is optionally designed to make electrically conductive contact with the second busbar of the arm 134. In this case, the holder 236 optionally has a second conductor for conducting the current drawn from the second busbar to a second contact for electrically contacting the electromagnet.

[0121] Optionally, the current collector 460 or another element of the body of the holder 236 is configured to electrically conductively connect the body of the holder 236 to the body of the arm 134. In this case, the holder 236 is shaped, for example, to electrically conductively connect one of the contacts for electrically contacting the electromagnet to the body of the arm 134 via the body of the holder 236. In this case, the cross connector 230 is optionally configured to electrically conductively connect the body of the arm 134 to the body of the cross member 130 or to a busbar of the cross member 130.

[0122] According to one embodiment, the first busbar of the arm 134 comprises a first busbar section 462 and a second busbar section 464. The two busbar sections 462, 464 are guided parallel to one another along the longitudinal axis of the arm 134 and are electrically conductively connected to one another, for example, via a cap that can be placed on a free end of the arm 134. According to one embodiment, the busbar sections 462, 464 are guided along different ones of the grooves 250, 251, 252, 253. For example, the first busbar section 462 is guided along the groove 250 and the second busbar section 464 is guided along the second groove 251. According to one embodiment, the busbar sections 462, 464 extend over the entire length or over at least 90% of the length of the arm 134.

[0123] According to one embodiment, the cross connector 230 is configured to electrically connect the first busbar of the cross member 130 to the first busbar section 462. According to one embodiment, the current collector 460 of the holder 236 is configured to tap the current conducted via the first busbar of the arm 134 from the second busbar section 464. Alternatively, the current collector 460 is arranged, for example, such that the current can be tapped from the first busbar section 462. In this case, the second busbar section 464 can be omitted. According to one embodiment, the optional second busbar of the arm 134 comprises a first busbar section 466 and a second busbar section 468, corresponding to the first busbar of the arm 134.The two busbar sections 466, 468 of the second busbar are guided parallel to one another along the longitudinal axis of the arm 134 and are electrically conductively connected to one another, for example, via the cap that can be placed on the free end of the arm 134. According to one embodiment, the cross connector 230 is shaped to correspond to the first busbar in order to electrically conductively connect the optional second busbar of the cross member 130 to the first busbar section 466 of the second busbar of the arm 134. According to one embodiment, the current collector 460 of the holder 134 is designed to tap the current carried via the second busbar of the arm 134 from the second busbar section 468 of the second busbar of the arm 134. Alternatively, the current collector 460 is arranged, for example, such that the current can be taken from the first busbar section 466 of the second busbar of the arm 134.In this case, the second busbar section 468 of the second busbar of the arm 134 can be omitted.

[0124] According to one embodiment, the arm 134 includes at least one insulator 470, 472 for electrically isolating the at least one busbar from the body of the arm 134. For example, a first insulator 470 lines the groove 250 to insulate the first busbar sections 462, 466 from the body of the arm 134, and a second insulator 472 lines the second groove 251 to insulate the second busbar sections 464, 468 from the body of the arm 134. If the body of the arm 134 is formed from an electrically conductive material, the body can be used as an additional path for conducting power in addition to the busbars.

[0125] For example, an electrical circuit can be routed via the first busbar of the cross member 130, the first busbar of the arm 134, a first line of the current collector 468 of the holder 326, through an electromagnet or sensor held by the holder 326 in the operational state of the gripping device 104, a second line of the current collector 468 of the holder 326, the second busbar of the arm 134 and the second busbar of the cross member 130. Alternatively, an electrical circuit can be routed, for example, via the first busbar of the cross member 130, the first busbar of the arm 134, the first line of the current collector 468 of the holder 326, through the electromagnet or sensor held by the holder 326 in the operational state of the gripping device 104, the second line of the current collector 468 of the holder 326 or the body of the holder 326, the body of the arm 134 and the second busbar of the cross member 130 or the body of the cross member 130.

[0126] Fig. 5 shows a side view of the gripping device 104 shown in Figures 2 to 4 according to an embodiment.

[0127] The third groove 253 extends along a side wall of the arm 134. Optionally, the grid 353 for the adjustment device of the holder 236 is formed along a wall of the third groove 253. For example, the grid 353 extends over the entire length of the arm 134.

[0128] The cross connector 230 is embodied, for example, with a frame and a base part. The frame forms a through-opening through which the cross member 130 is guided. The cross connector 230 is coupled to the arm 134 via the base part. According to one exemplary embodiment, an outer wall of the cross member 130 rests against a wall of the through-opening. This can prevent the cross member 130 from tilting relative to the cross connector 230. According to one exemplary embodiment, the cross member 130 is displaceably mounted by the frame along a longitudinal axis of the cross member 130.

[0129] The cross connector 230 has at least one current collector 570 for electrically contacting the at least one busbar 140, 240 of the cross member 130. Optionally, the busbars 140, 240 of the cross member 130 are electrically insulated from the body of the cross member 130 using an insulator 572.

[0130] For example, the at least one current collector 570 of the cross-connector 230 is arranged on a bottom of the frame of the cross-connector 230 facing the arm 134 and is shaped to establish a first electrically conductive connection to the first busbar 140 of the cross member 130 and optionally a second electrically conductive connection to the second busbar 142 of the cross member 130.

[0131] According to one embodiment, the cross-connector 230 has at least one additional current collector for electrically contacting the at least one busbar of the arm. For example, the at least one additional current collector of the cross-connector 230 is arranged on a side of the base part of the cross-connector 230 facing the arm 134 and is shaped to establish a first electrically conductive connection to the first busbar of the arm 134 and optionally a second electrically conductive connection to the second busbar of the arm 134.

[0132] According to one embodiment, the cross connector 230 has at least one conductor for electrically connecting the at least one current collector 570 to the at least one additional current collector. The conductor can be implemented, for example, via an additional busbar or a cable. Instead of a cable, a prefabricated copper bar or the like can also be used to conduct the current between the cross member 130 and the arm 134.

[0133] According to one embodiment, the frame of the cross-connector 230 is positioned centrally on the base part of the cross-connector 230. The base part has a web on each side of the frame, on which the locking devices 249, 349, here two, are positioned.

[0134] Fig. 6 shows a gripping device 104 according to an exemplary embodiment. Using the gripping device 104, at least one electrical sheet 106, here two separate electrical sheets, for example, a rotor sheet 606 and a stator sheet 607, can be gripped, held, and moved. The gripping device 104 can be used for a punching system as shown in Fig. 1.

[0135] The gripping device 104 has at least one carrier 132 and at least one cross member 130 to which at least one arm 134 is attached. The carrier 132 forms a support profile for supporting the cross member 130. Depending on the design of the carrier 132, the cross member 130 can be moved along the carrier 132 and / or moved using the carrier 132. According to one embodiment, the carrier 132 is telescopic, designed as a so-called telescopic feeder. According to one embodiment, the cross member 130 is coupled to the carrier 132 using a carriage 680. Using the carriage 680, the cross member 130 can be moved along a longitudinal axis of the carrier 132.

[0136] According to one embodiment, a plurality of arms 134 are arranged on the cross member 130. For example, each of the arms 134 is connected to the cross member 130 using a cross connector 230. For example, the cross connectors 230 and arms 134 can be designed as described with reference to Figures 2 to 5.

[0137] By way of example only, Fig. 6 shows four arms 134 which are fastened to a cross member 130. Optionally, at least one further arm is arranged concealed by the support 132. Optionally, the arms 134 have different lengths. Alternatively, all arms 134 are the same length and optionally have an identical shape. Each of the arms 134 is used to hold at least one electromagnet 136. The electromagnets 136 are each fastened to the arms 134 using a suitable holder, for example a holder described with reference to Figures 2 to 5. The electromagnets 136 are arranged at different suitable positions along the longitudinal axes of the arms 134, for example at a free end of one of the arms 134 or at a position lying between the free end of one of the arms 134 and the cross member 130.

[0138] As described with reference to the preceding figures, each of the arms 134 has at least one first busbar 142 extending along a longitudinal axis of the respective arm 134 for carrying an electrical current. Each of the arms 134 is mechanically connected to the one cross member 130, for example using the cross connectors 230. Furthermore, the at least one busbar of the arms 134 is each electrically conductively connected to the corresponding busbar of the cross member 130, for example using the cross connectors 230.

[0139] According to one embodiment, the gripping device 104 has a further carrier 152 arranged opposite the carrier 132. The carriers 132, 152 are aligned parallel to each other and can correspond in design.

[0140] Corresponding to the cross member 130, at least one further cross member 150 is carried by the further support 152. For example, the further cross member 150 is coupled to the further support 152 via a further carriage 682. As described with reference to the cross member 130, a plurality of further arms 154 are arranged on the further cross member 150, to each of which a further electromagnet 156 is fastened using a holder. Each of the further arms 154 can be shaped as described with reference to Figures 2 to 5 and can be mechanically and electrically connected to the further cross member 150, for example, each using a cross connector 230. According to one exemplary embodiment, at least two of the further electromagnets 156 are arranged on free ends of second further arms 154 arranged on different sides of the further cross member 150.By way of example, a plurality of the further electromagnets 156 are arranged on a side of the further cross member 150 facing the cross member 130, and at least one of the further electromagnets 156 is arranged on a side of the further cross member 150 facing away from the cross member 130. Thus, sections of a plurality of the arms 134 carrying the electromagnets 136 extend finger-like in the direction of the further cross member 150, and sections of a plurality of the further arms 154 carrying the further electromagnets 156 extend finger-like in the direction of the cross member 130. Optionally, opposing pairs of the arms 134, 154 each lie on a single axis.

[0141] Using the plurality of arms 134 and further arms 154, the electrical sheet 106 or, for example, the stator sheet 607 punched out of the electrical sheet 106 after a punching process can be securely gripped using the electromagnets 136 and the further electromagnets 156.

[0142] According to one embodiment, the gripping device 104 is designed to grip the stator lamination 607 and the rotor lamination 606, which are shown merely as two separate stamped parts by way of example, separately from one another and optionally to move them independently of one another.

[0143] For this purpose, the gripping device according to one of the preceding claims optionally has a second cross member 630, which is held by the carrier 132. The second cross member 630 is designed, for example, corresponding to the cross member 130, wherein the two cross members 130, 630 differ in their length according to one embodiment. For example, the second cross member 630 is also coupled to the carrier 132 via the carriage 680 or via a further second carriage. As described with reference to the cross member 130, a plurality of second arms 634 are arranged on the second cross member 630, to each of which a second electromagnet 636 is fastened using a holder. Each of the second arms 634 can be shaped as described with reference to Figures 2 to 5 and can be mechanically and electrically connected to the second cross member 630.According to one embodiment, the second cross member 630 is shorter than the cross member 130 and, for example, is arranged centrally to the cross member 130. This allows the second arms 634 to be arranged between arms 134 of the cross member 130.

[0144] Optionally, the gripping device 104 has a further second cross member 650, which is held by the further carrier 152. The further second cross member 650 is designed, for example, corresponding to the second cross member 630. For example, the further second cross member 650 is coupled to the further carrier 152 via the carriage 682 or via a further second carriage. As described with reference to the further cross member 150, a plurality of further second arms 654 are arranged on the further second cross member 650, to each of which a further second electromagnet 656 is fastened using a holder. Each of the further second arms 654 can be shaped as described with reference to Figures 2 to 5 and can be mechanically and electrically connected to the further second cross member 650.

[0145] According to one embodiment, the further second cross member 650, corresponding to the second cross member 630, is shaped shorter than the further cross member 150 and is arranged, for example, centrally to the further cross member 150. This allows the further second arms 654 to be arranged between arms 154 of the further cross member 150.

[0146] According to one exemplary embodiment, the cross member 130 and the arms 134 form a holding device, and the further cross member 150 and the further arms 154 form a further holding device for holding the stator lamination 607. The holding device and the further holding device can be identical or mirror-inverted. The holding device and the further holding device can also be referred to as stator tooling. Accordingly, the second cross member 630 and the second arms 634 form a second holding device, and the further second cross member 650 and the further second arms 654 form a further second holding device for holding the rotor lamination 606. The second holding device and the further second holding device can be identical or mirror-inverted and can be different from the holding device and the further holding device.The second holding device and the further second holding device can also be referred to as rotor tooling. For example, the supports 132, 152 and the cross supports 130, 150, 630, 650 are aligned parallel to one another, for example, parallel to a y-axis. For example, the arms 134, 154, 634, 654 are aligned parallel and orthogonal to the cross supports 130, 150, 630, 650, for example, parallel to an x-axis. Alternatively, the cross supports 130, 150, 630, 650 can be aligned, for example, obliquely to the supports 132, 152 and / or the arms 134, 154, 634, 654 can be aligned obliquely to the cross supports 130, 150, 630, 650.

[0147] According to one embodiment, the arms 134, 154 lie in a common plane and the second arms 634, 654 also lie in a common plane.

[0148] Optionally, the holding devices and the second holding devices are arranged to be movable transversely to the longitudinal axes of the cross members 130, 150, 630, 650. For example, the cross members 130, 150, 630, 650 are coupled to the supports 132, 152 such that the cross member 130 can be moved relative to the second cross member 130, in particular transversely to the longitudinal axis of the cross member 130 and transversely to the longitudinal axis of the arms 134. Accordingly, the further cross member 150 can be moved relative to the further second cross member 650, in particular transversely to the longitudinal axis of the further cross member 150 and transversely to the longitudinal axis of the further arms 154.

[0149] Optionally, the carrier 132 comprises a displacement device 684 configured to move the cross member 130 relative to the second cross member 630 along a vertical axis. For example, the displacement device 684 is arranged on the carriage 680. Accordingly, the further carrier 152 optionally comprises a further displacement device configured corresponding to the displacement device 684 to move the further cross member 150 relative to the further second cross member 650 along a vertical axis. For example, the further displacement device is arranged on the further carriage 682.

[0150] According to one embodiment, a sensor 688 is arranged on at least one of the arms 134, 154, 634, 654, which enables sensing of the electrical steel sheet 106. For example, the sensor 688 is designed as a mechanical, inductive, or capacitive sensor. According to one embodiment, the sensor 699 is held by a holder instead of an electromagnet. Alternatively, the sensor 699 is held by a sensor holder, which, for example, functionally corresponds to a holder suitable for holding an electromagnet, but is adapted to a shape of the sensor 699. According to one embodiment, both the sensor 699 and an electromagnet 136, 156, 636, 656 are arranged on one of the arms 134, 154, 634, 654. Exemplary embodiments of the gripping device 104 are described below with reference to the preceding figures.

[0151] The gripping device 104 can be used as part of an automated system for the variable production of electrical steel sheets for generators, especially for the wind power industry. For this purpose, for example, the single-groove process is used on so-called groove punches, such as the punching device 102 shown in Fig. 1. The necessary grooves are punched in rotor and stator laminations 606, 607 in several consecutive steps. A sheet metal blank, for example the electrical steel sheet 106, also referred to as a sheet for short, is fed to the groove punches via a suitable automation system, and the punched sheet, for example the rotor steel sheet 606 and the stator steel sheet 607, is subsequently removed or transported further for the next processing step.

[0152] Due to the required positioning accuracy, the sheet metal blanks are gripped by several electrically controllable magnets, for example the electromagnets 136, 156, 636, 656, which are located on corresponding holders (tooling), such as the holder 236 shown in Figures 2 to 5.

[0153] In addition, one or more additional part controls are mounted on the tooling to monitor the presence of the sheet during transport. A corresponding part control includes, for example, sensor 688 shown in Fig. 6.

[0154] Due to the wide range of sheet metal diameters, the tooling and electromagnets 136, 156, 636, and 656 are adapted or adjusted for each product. With the increasing number of variants of different sheet metals in the future, batch sizes will become smaller. As a result, the time required for the setup process has a decisive influence on productivity. Advantageously, the approach described here enables simple and optionally automated positioning of each of the electromagnets 136, 156, 636, and 656 and sensor 688.

[0155] Advantageously, the described approach can also be used for toolings in which the rotor lamination 606 and the stator lamination 607 are picked up separately. For this purpose, for example, the rotor tooling has an additional lifting stroke in which the rotor lamination 606 is raised above the stator lamination 607 so that the stator lamination 607 can be deposited. According to one embodiment, the gripping device shown in Fig. 6 represents a complete tooling system for the rotor and stator with feeder automation.

[0156] According to one embodiment, cables or at least one cable are routed from the electromagnet 136, 156, 636, 656 within a holder via a plug to a sliding contact. From this sliding contact, the required power is supplied wirelessly to the electromagnet 136, 156, 636, 656 via a rail system. This occurs, for example, via the underside of a profile of an arm 134, as shown in Fig. 4. The holder 236 forms the holder, and the current collector 460 forms the sliding contact. Optionally, the current collector 460 forms two sliding contacts for contacting the first busbar 142 and the second busbar 242, or a further sliding contact for contacting the body of the arm 134. The other arms 154, 634, 654, and their holders, described, for example, with reference to Fig. 6, are designed accordingly according to one embodiment.

[0157] According to one embodiment, a correspondingly designed rail system is located on the upper side of the profile of the arm 134. A corresponding rail system on the upper side of the arm 134 comprises, for example, the or at least one of the first busbar sections 462, 466 shown in Fig. 4. The power transmission here takes place between the cross-connector 230 and the arm 134.

[0158] According to one embodiment, the electromagnet 136, 156, 636, 656 and also the arm can be freely moved and adjusted without the need to tighten and fasten the cable.

[0159] The magnet holder including the magnet, i.e., the holder 236 with the electromagnet 136, 156, 636, 656 held therein, can be easily inserted without further adjustment on the opposite side of the profile of the arm 134. One and the same holder 236 can thus be attached to both side walls of the arm 134, for example, using one of the grooves 252, 253. Optionally, both of the slots 252, 253 are designed with a grid pattern corresponding to the grid pattern 353 shown, for example, in Fig. 3.

[0160] Another busbar system, integrated, for example, at the bottom of cross member 130, enables transverse adjustment of arm 134, also without cables. The other cross members 150, 630, and 650, shown, for example, in Fig. 6, are designed to correspond to cross member 130.

[0161] According to one embodiment, a light source, for example an LED, is installed in the holder 236, which indicates whether power is present, i.e. whether the corresponding electromagnet 136, 156, 636, 656 held by this holder 236 is active or inactive.

[0162] For example, the first busbars 140, 142 can be designed as neutral conductors and the second busbars 240, 242 as operating voltage conductors, for example, for carrying a +24V voltage, or vice versa. Another possibility is to transmit one of the conductors, for example, the neutral conductor, via the material of the respective arm 134, 154, 634, 654 and / or cross member 130, 150, 630, 650 and to design the two busbars 140, 142, 240, 242 separately, each with an operating voltage, for example, +24V, for two different functions, such as, for example, for controlling the electromagnets 136, 156, 636, 656 and for transmitting a sensor signal from the at least one sensor 688. Alternatively, the arm 134 is made of plastic, for example as a 3D print, in which case the insulator on the respective busbar can be omitted.

[0163] According to one embodiment, the profile of arm 134 has a detent 353, and according to one embodiment, the adjustment device 436 shown in Fig. 4 is attached to the holder 236 with a spring-loaded counterpart. By pressing down the counterpart, the holder can be unlocked and moved, or even removed. The electromagnets 136, 156, 636, 656, including the holder 236, can thus be adjusted quickly, easily, and with a detent.

[0164] According to one embodiment, the cross connector 230 is clamped using the locking device 249, which is designed, for example, as a quick-release fastener. This allows the arm 234 to be connected to the cross connector 230 without play.

[0165] According to one embodiment, the cross members 130, 150, 630, 650, shown, for example, in Fig. 10, each have a bracket or quick-release coupling with which the cross members 130, 150, 630, 650 are attached to the respective support 130, 132. The system is fed into the respective bracket or quick-release coupling of the corresponding cross member 130, 150, 630, 650. Thus, for example, the busbars 140, 240 of the cross member 130 can be supplied with power via the support 130.

[0166] According to one embodiment, an electrical connection from the lower busbar sections 464, 468 shown, for example, in Fig. 4 to the upper busbar sections 462, 466 of the arm 134 is made via an end cap which connects at least one upper busbar section 462, 466 and one lower busbar section 464, 468 busbar to one another.

[0167] According to one embodiment, the cross member 130 is attached to the automation system, for example, the carrier 130, via a fixed connection. Alternatively, a quick-release coupling is used, which allows the tooling to be removed and pre-set at a suitable setup location outside the machine. Pre-setup can be performed by performing at least one of the steps described with reference to Fig. 7.

[0168] According to one embodiment, the supports 132, 152 are designed as support profiles of a telescopic feeder. The supports 132, 152 can thus form a telescope, with one of the carriages 680, 682 each traveling at the bottom of the supports 132, 152.

[0169] If the gripping device 104 is used only to pick up a blank or a stator lamination 607 or a rotor lamination 606, only one cross member 130, 150 is required per side. According to one embodiment of a punching system, after the first punching, the stator lamination 607 is usually punched and the rotor lamination 606 is also cut out. Then, after punching, two parts are available, and two cross members 130, 150, 630, 650 are required per side, since the inner tooling with the rotor lamination 606 is moved relatively upwards so that the finished stator lamination 607 can be deposited.

[0170] Fig. 7 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of a method for adjusting a gripping device, as described with reference to the preceding figures. By adjusting, the electromagnet(s) of the gripping device can be positioned such that the electrical sheet can be securely gripped. In a step 701, the holder for holding the at least one electromagnet is displaced along the longitudinal axis of the corresponding arm. This allows, for example, an x-position of the electromagnet to be adjusted.

[0171] In step 703, the arm is moved relative to the cross member along the arm's longitudinal axis. This also allows, for example, an x-position of the electromagnet to be adjusted.

[0172] In step 705, the arm is moved relative to the cross member along the longitudinal axis of the cross member. This allows, for example, a y-position of the electromagnet to be adjusted.

[0173] Steps 701, 703, 705 can be repeated and performed in any order. Only one or some of steps 701, 703, 705 can be performed. At least one of steps 701, 703, 705 can be performed automatically, for example, using an electric motor to effect the corresponding displacement. To adjust the position of a plurality of electromagnets, steps 701, 703, 705 or one or some of steps 701, 703, 705 can be performed for each of the electromagnets. Corresponding steps 701, 703, 705 can also be performed to position a sensor.

[0174] Fig. 8 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a dividing apparatus 112 according to one embodiment. For example, the dividing apparatus can be used in conjunction with a punching device as described with reference to Fig. 1.

[0175] Corresponding to known dividing heads, the dividing head has a support 811 and a support plate 813 arranged at a distance from the support 811. During the punching process, the electrical steel sheet 106 rests on the support plate 813 and is rotated, for example, between two punching operations using a rotating device 815 about the dividing head axis 118, as described with reference to Fig. 1. The rotating device 815 can have a suitable drive for this purpose. The support plate 813 is formed, for example, as a stainless steel sheet, along which the electrical steel sheet 106 can slide.

[0176] In order to fix the electrical sheet 106 on the support plate 813, according to a

[0177] Electromagnets 817 are used in this embodiment. When the electromagnets 817 are active, they generate a magnetic field that acts on the electrical sheet 106 and attracts the electrical sheet 106 to the support plate 813. The electromagnets 817 thus function as hold-down devices for the electrical sheet 106 or parts punched out of the electrical sheet 106, such as a rotor sheet and a stator sheet. In order to securely fix the electrical sheet 106 and, if applicable, the punched-out parts, a suitable positioning of the electromagnets 817 is required. For this purpose, the electromagnets 817 are arranged so that they can be moved along guide rails 821 using holders 819. For example, the guide rails 821 are fixed to the support 811. To position the electromagnets 817, they can be moved automatically or manually during an adjustment phase of the dividing head 112 along the guide rails 821 to a suitable position.

[0178] In order to energize the electromagnets 817, the guide rails 821 each have at least one first busbar 823 for conducting an electric current. The holders 819 are shaped to tap the current from the at least one first busbar 823 and forward it to terminals of the electromagnets 817 in order to activate the electromagnets 817. Optionally, each of the guide rails 821 has at least one second busbar, and the holders 819 are each shaped to tap the current from the first busbar 823 and from the second busbar 823 and forward it to terminals of the electromagnets 817 in order to close an electrical circuit through the electromagnets 817.

[0179] For example only, the power is provided by a supply device 844, which is configured to feed the power into the at least one first busbar 823 of the guide rails 821 in response to a fixing signal 846. The supply device 844 can correspond to the supply device described with reference to Fig. 1.

[0180] According to various embodiments, the dividing head 112 can be equipped with one or more guide rails 821. One or more holders 819 can be arranged for each guide rail 821, each of which can hold one or more electromagnets 817. Thus, a suitable number and positioning of electromagnets 817 can be realized depending on the application.

[0181] The electromagnets 817 are inserted into the holders 819 when the dividing head 112 is ready for operation. The electromagnets 817 can be removably inserted into the holders 819. This allows suitable magnets to be used depending on the application. Thus, the electromagnet(s) 817 are an optional component of the dividing head 112. According to an alternative embodiment, the electromagnet 817 and the holder 819 form a fixed unit.

[0182] Fig. 9 shows a schematic side view of an embodiment of a guide rail 821 with a holder 821 and at least one electromagnet 817 for a dividing apparatus, as described by way of example with reference to Fig. 8.

[0183] For example, the holder 819 is designed as a carriage that can be moved along the longitudinal axis of the guide rail 821. The holder 819 has at least one current collector 931 for electrically contacting the at least one first current rail 823 of the guide rail 821. The current collector 931 is electrically connected to a terminal of an associated electromagnet 817 via a conductor.

[0184] Optionally, the holder 819 has two electromagnets 817 and two separate current collectors 931 for connecting the electromagnets 817 to the at least one first busbar 823 of the guide rail 821. If multiple busbars are provided for independently operating the two electromagnets 817, the two current collectors 931 can contact different ones of the busbars. Alternatively, the holder 819 has only one current collector 931 for contacting both electromagnets 817.

[0185] The use of multiple electromagnets 817 per guide rail 821 is advantageous for separately securing parts punched from an electrical sheet. Optionally, for example, two or more corresponding holders 819 are arranged for movement on the guide rail 821.

[0186] Optionally, the holder 819 has at least one locking device 933, with which the holder 819 can be locked after being moved along the guide rail 821, i.e., can be fixed to the guide rail 821. For example, the locking device 933 is designed as a clamping lever.

[0187] According to one embodiment, the electromagnet(s) 817 are resiliently mounted on the holder 819. Fig. 10 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a guide rail 821 for a dividing apparatus, as described by way of example with reference to Fig. 8. By way of example, the guide rail 821 has a body 1021 and a first busbar 823 and at least one second busbar 1023. By way of example, the body has a flat base and a recess opposite the base, in which the busbars 823, 1023 are arranged.

[0188] If the body 1021 is formed from an electrically conductive material, an electrical circuit for operating the electromagnet can be routed via a single busbar, for example, the first busbar 823 and the body 1021. According to one embodiment, in this case, the holder is shaped to electrically conductively contact the body 1021. Advantageously, the at least one busbar 823 is insulated from the body 1021 in this case. Appropriate insulation can be provided between the body 1021 and the support.

[0189] Fig. 11 shows a schematic plan view of a support 811 with a plurality of guide rail arrangements 1121, each comprising a guide rail 821 with at least one conductor rail, at least one holder 819, and at least one electromagnet 817. For example, the guide rails 821 are arranged radially relative to a center point of the support 811. For example, the support is circular except for a recess 1135 for a punching tool. Support rails 1137 for supporting the support plate 813 are optionally arranged on the support 811.

[0190] Thus, the described approach can also be applied to a notching press itself. The support plate, for example, a stainless steel sheet, is placed on the support 811 shown, onto which the electrical sheet (round blank) is then rotated by the dividing head for punching. Magnets, in this case electromagnets 817, are used for this purpose. They attract the sheet during the punching process, preventing, for example, the stator sheet from becoming wedged with the rotor sheet during punching. Thanks to the described busbar system, it is not necessary to re-tighten cables when positioning the electromagnets 817.

[0191] Fig. 12 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of a method for adapting a dividing head, such as that shown in Fig. 8, for example. In a step 1201, the at least one holder is displaced relative to the guide rail along the longitudinal axis of the guide rail. The displacement is performed automatically or manually. In an optional step 1203, the holder is secured to the guide rail after displacement. This allows the electromagnet(s) to be suitably positioned to securely fix the electrical sheet.

Claims

Patent claims 1. A gripping device (104) for gripping at least one electrical sheet (106) for a generator, the gripping device (104) comprising the following features: at least one cross member (130); and at least one arm (134) with a holder (236) for holding an electromagnet (136), the longitudinal axis of the arm (134) being aligned differently from the longitudinal axis of the cross member (130) and the arm (134) being mechanically connected to the cross member (130), characterized in that the cross member (130) comprises at least one first busbar (140) extending along a longitudinal axis of the cross member (130) for carrying an electrical current for operating the electromagnet (136) for gripping the electrical sheet (106); and / or the arm (134) comprises at least one first busbar (142) extending along a longitudinal axis of the arm (134) for carrying the electrical current.

2. Gripping device (104) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one first busbar (142) of the arm (134) is electrically conductively connected to the at least one first busbar (140) of the cross member (130).

3. Gripping device (104) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the holder (236) has a current collector (460) for electrically contacting the at least one first current rail (142) of the arm (134).

4. Gripping device (104) according to one of the preceding claims, with the electromagnet (136) held by the holder (236) and / or with a sensor (688) held by the holder (236).

5. Gripping device (104) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the arm (134) is slidably connected to the cross member (130) along the longitudinal axis of the cross member (130) and / or wherein the arm (134) is slidably connected to the cross member (130) along the longitudinal axis of the arm (134) and / or wherein the holder (236) is slidably connected to the arm (134) along the longitudinal axis of the arm (134).

6. Gripping device (104) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the arm (134) and the cross member (130) are slidably connected to one another via at least one rail guide (250; 450).

7. Gripping device (104) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a cross connector (230) which mechanically connects the arm (134) and the cross member (130) in different orientations to one another and electrically connects the at least one first busbar (140) of the cross member (130) to the at least one first busbar (142) of the arm (134).

8. Gripping device (104) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the holder (236) and the arm (134) are slidably connected to one another via a rail guide (253; 453).

9. Gripping device (104) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first busbar (142) of the arm (134) has a first busbar section (462) and a second busbar section (464), wherein the busbar sections (462, 464) extend on different sides of the arm (134) along the longitudinal axis of the arm (134).

10. Gripping device (104) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a plurality of arms (134), wherein each of the arms (134) comprises at least one first current rail (142) extending along a longitudinal axis of the respective arm (134) for conducting the electrical current and a holder (236) for holding an electromagnet (136), wherein each of the arms (134) is mechanically connected to the Cross member (130) and the first busbar (142) of each of the arms (134) is electrically conductively connected to the first busbar (140) of the cross member (130), and wherein the longitudinal axis of each of the arms (134) is aligned differently from the longitudinal axis of the cross member (130).

11. Gripping device (104) according to one of the preceding claims, with a second cross member (630) with at least one first busbar extending along a longitudinal axis of the second cross member (630) for carrying a second electrical current and at least one second arm (634) with at least one first busbar extending along a longitudinal axis of the second arm (634) and with a holder (236) for holding a second electromagnet (636), wherein the longitudinal axis of the second arm (634) is aligned differently from the longitudinal axis of the second cross member (630), wherein the second arm (634) is mechanically connected to the second cross member (630) and the at least one first busbar of the second arm (634) is electrically conductively connected to the at least one first busbar of the second cross member (630).and wherein the holder (236) has a current collector (460) for electrically contacting the at least one first busbar of the second arm (634) in order to be able to operate the second electromagnet (636) for gripping the electrical sheet (106) using the second current.

12. Gripping device (104) according to claim 11, wherein the cross member (130) and the second cross member are arranged parallel to each other and are arranged to be movable relative to each other transversely to the longitudinal axis of the cross member (130).

13. Gripping device (104) according to one of the preceding claims, with a carrier (132), wherein the cross member (130) is connected to the carrier (132) so as to be movable relative to the carrier (132).

14. Gripping device (104) according to claim 13, wherein the cross member (130) is connected to the carrier (132) for movement along a longitudinal axis of the carrier (132) using a carriage.

15. Gripping device (104) according to one of the preceding claims 13 to 14, with a further carrier (152) arranged opposite the carrier (132), at least one further carrier (152) arranged opposite the cross member (130) Cross member (150) with at least one first busbar (140) extending along a longitudinal axis of the further cross member (150) for conducting an electric current, and with at least one further arm (154) with at least one first busbar (142) extending along a longitudinal axis of the further arm (154) for conducting the electric current and with a holder (236) for holding a further electromagnet (156), wherein the longitudinal axis of the further arm (154) is aligned differently from the longitudinal axis of the further cross member (150), wherein the further arm (154) is mechanically connected to the further cross member (150) and the at least one first busbar (142) of the further arm (154) is electrically conductively connected to the at least one first busbar (140) of the further cross member (150),and wherein the holder (236) of the further arm (154) has a current collector (460) for electrically contacting the at least one first busbar (142) of the further arm (154) in order to be able to operate the further electromagnet (156) for gripping the electrical steel sheet (106) using the current. A dividing apparatus (112) for a punching device (102) for performing a punching process for punching at least one groove into an electrical steel sheet (106), wherein the dividing apparatus (112) has the following features: a support (811); a support plate (813) for the electrical steel sheet (106) during the punching process; at least one guide rail (821) arranged between the support plate (813) and the support (811), which guide rail comprises at least one first busbar (823) extending along the longitudinal axis of the guide rail (821) for conducting an electrical current; and at least one holder (819) for holding at least one electromagnet (817),wherein the holder (819) is arranged on the guide rail (821) so as to be movable along a longitudinal axis of the guide rail (821) and has a current collector (931) for electrically contacting the at least one first current rail (823) of the guide rail (821) in order to be able to operate the electromagnet (817) for fixing the electrical sheet (106) using the current. A punching system (100) comprising a punching device (102) for performing a punching process for punching at least one groove into an electrical sheet (106), characterized in that the punching system (100) comprises a dividing apparatus (112) according to claim 16; and / or a gripping device (104) according to one of claims 1 to 15. A method for adapting a gripping device (104) according to one of claims 1 to 15 to a shape of the electrical sheet (106), wherein the method for positioning the electromagnet (136) to a position suitable for gripping the electrical sheet (106) comprises at least one of the following steps: Moving (701) the holder (236) relative to the arm (134) along the longitudinal axis of the arm (134); Moving (703) the arm relative to the cross member (130) along the longitudinal axis of the arm (134); Displacing (705) the arm (134) relative to the cross member (130) along the longitudinal axis of the cross member (130). A method for adapting a dividing apparatus (112) according to claim 16, wherein the method for positioning the at least one electromagnet (817) to a position suitable for securing the electrical sheet (106) comprises the following step: Moving (1201) the holder (819) relative to the guide rail (821) along the longitudinal axis of the guide rail (821).

Images