Apparatus for production of a multiphase electromagnetic mat

Abstract

The present invention provides an apparatus for production of a multiphase electromagnetic mat (10) suitable for forming current carrying components of a power conversion system, wherein the apparatus comprises storages (81A-B) for winding fibre lengths (71A- B), the storages (81A-B) being arrangeable to rotating magazines (31, 32) arranged with rotation axes (A1, A2) being non-collinear.

Description

[0001] Apparatus for production of a multiphase electromagnetic mat

[0002] The present invention is related to an apparatus for production of a multiphase electromagnetic mat, according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0003] The present invention is especially related to an apparatus for production of a multiphase electromagnetic mat suitable for forming current carrying components of a power conversion system.

[0004] Background

[0005] Multiphase electromagnetic mats can be used in numerous power conversion applications, such as rotary, linear and planar electric machines, transformers, heaters, chargers etc. The role of the electromagnetic mat is carrying the electric currents and creating electromagnetic field interacting with other components of the power conversion system.

[0006] The large application area for the electromagnetic mats are electric machines, especially so-called slotless and ironless machines, wherein the stator or rotor components can comprise partly or entirely the electromagnetic mats, shaped to form a cylinder in rotary machines or left flat in linear or planar machines. Such components often have the electromagnetic mats moulded in some sort of a resin to form a composite component. In slotless electric machines, the composite component is usually attached to the ferromagnetic core, while in ironless machines, also called coreless or aircored machines, the electromagnetic mat moulded in resin often represents the separate composite component, such as the stator or the rotor.

[0007] A few publications, such as JPH09271158A and WO2019074375A1, describe electromagnetic mats for electric machines as flat sheets. It is supposed that the electromagnetic mats are first made as flat sheets, where each sheet consists of windings, and can be divided into separate electromagnetic mats - or segments, and where the separate segments next are shaped to form the stator or the rotor of an electric machine.

[0008] JPH09271158A fails to disclose a method for production of multiple continuous windings arranged in a pattern so that the electromagnetic mat can be used in multiphase electric machines without the need for additional steps of cutting and reconnecting windings, which result in expensive and suboptimal products.

[0009] WO2019074375A1, in the name of the applicant, describes both a structure of an electromagnetic mat and methods of production of the electromagnetic mat, as well as discloses a machine for production of the electromagnetic mat. In, e.g., Fig. 16a-c in WO2019074375A1 are disclosed production of an electromagnetic mat by means of twinning. The machine comprises a circular member rotatable around the electromagnetic mat. Twinning does not allow production of single layer mats, moreover, it brings the problem of fixing the winding fibres to the structural fibres. Accordingly, WO2019074375A1 fails to disclose a machinery to produce single layer mats.

[0010] WO2021225453A1, in the name of the applicant, describes a method for production of an electromagnetic mat, as well as discloses an apparatus for production of the electromagnetic mat. Reference is made to the attached Fig. la-b showing the apparatus of WO2021225453A1, wherein the apparatus comprises two movable magazines accommodating storages with winding fibres by means of holders integrated into or on the movable magazines. The magazines are located at each side of the electromagnetic mat to be produced. Axes of rotation of the magazines are collinear or the same, meaning that the magazines are rotating in two parallel planes.

[0011] Prior art fails to disclose an apparatus for production of multiphase electromagnetic mats providing even tension on the winding fibres and at the same time providing high-speed of operation of the apparatus.

[0012] The prior art solutions further fail to disclose an apparatus for production of multiphase electromagnetic mats allowing plain automation of all the required operations, including exchange of the storages with winding fibres.

[0013] Prior art further fails to disclose an apparatus for production of multiphase electromagnetic mats allowing easy access to the place of weaving of the winding fibres into the structural fibres, thus allowing time-efficient service and maintenance of the apparatus.

[0014] Low cost is important for acceptance of the power conversion systems on the market. Therefore, fully automated, flexible, adjustable production methods and the corresponding apparatus are of primary importance. Customized products usually offer higher performance but are often associated with more costly and cumbersome methods, due to expensive re-tooling, etc. A flexible, high-speed fully automated apparatus would allow high volume production of low-cost, customized products.

[0015] Object

[0016] The main object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for production of multiphase electromagnetic mats partly or entirely solving the above-mentioned drawbacks of prior art.

[0017] It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for production of multiphase electromagnetic mats suitable for forming current carrying components of a power conversion system.

[0018] An object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for production of multiphase electromagnetic mats, which can be serviced in a simple manner.

[0019] It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for production of multiphase electromagnetic mats enabling production at higher speed resulting in lower production costs, especially for mass production, compared to prior art solutions.

[0020] An object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for production of multiphase electromagnetic mats in an automatic, scalable and flexible manner.

[0021] It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus enabling high-speed of production and thus enabling high volume mass production of multiphase electromagnetic mats.

[0022] Further objects of the present invention will appear from the following description, claims and attached drawings.

[0023] The invention

[0024] An apparatus for production of multiphase electromagnetic mats according to the present invention is defined by the technical features of claim 1. Preferable features of the apparatus are described in the dependent claims. The present invention is related to an apparatus for production of multiphase electromagnetic mats suitable for forming current carrying components of a power conversion system.

[0025] The multiphase electromagnetic mats suitable to be produced by the apparatus according to the present invention, is made of structural fibres arranged mainly along the length of the multiphase electromagnetic mat and winding fibres crossing the structural fibres and arranged mainly in transversal direction to the length of the multiphase electromagnetic mat, wherein the structural fibres lock the winding fibres in place.

[0026] The apparatus for production of multiphase electromagnetic mats according to the present invention enables sorting of the winding fibres with the purpose of maintaining a continuous winding of the multiple winding fibres in the multiphase electromagnetic mat into prescribed pattern(s) in one continuous process.

[0027] The apparatus for production of multiphase electromagnetic mats according to the present invention comprises at least two rotating magazines located at each side of the multiphase electromagnetic mat to be produced, seen in the plane of the multiphase electromagnetic mat. The rotating magazines have their axes of rotation considerably not aligned, being either in the same plane, but at an angle, or in different planes, not parallel to each other. Accordingly, in the apparatus according to the present invention, the rotating magazines are arranged with rotation axes being non-collinear.

[0028] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the rotating magazines are arranged laterally reversed about a vertical plane of the multiphase electromagnetic mat.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention, the rotating magazines have a complex shape, wherein one part at the periphery is at an angle to a central part of the rotating magazines that is closer to the rotation axes.

[0030] In accordance with one embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention, the rotating magazines have a central part, respectively, arranged with the center thereof perpendicular to the respective rotation axis and at ends thereof is provided with peripheral parts deviating with an angle from the longitudinal direction of the central part.

[0031] The apparatus according to the present invention comprises a number of storages containing the winding fibres or auxiliary fibres, wherein the storages are configured for detachable arrangement to the mentioned rotating magazines. The storages may exhibit different shapes, such as, but not limited to, rectangular, circular, etc.,

[0032] The mentioned rotating magazines and storages are provided with mutual connection means enabling attachment and detachment of the storages to the respective rotating magazines. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the rotating magazines are provided with holders for detachable arrangement of the mentioned storages thereto.

[0033] In accordance with one embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention, the mentioned holders for the storages are integrated in or arranged on the peripheral parts of the rotating magazines. The mentioned holders are, e.g., according to one embodiment of the present invention provided in the form of openings or recesses adapted for receiving and accommodating a connection part of the mentioned storages.

[0034] In accordance with one embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention, the central axes of the storages, when arranged to the holders on the rotating magazines, are noncollinear.

[0035] The apparatus according to the present invention further comprises at least one transfer mechanism for transferring the mentioned storages from one rotating magazine on one side of the multiphase electromagnetic mat to the other rotating magazine on the other side of the multiphase electromagnetic mat. According to a further embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention, the at least one transfer mechanism is configured for exchanging empty storages with new storages with winding fibres, or the apparatus is comprising a separate device, unit or means for performing the exchange. The transfer mechanism(s) according to the present invention comprises one or more transfer actuators.

[0036] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the mentioned holders are, e.g., provided in the form of openings or recesses adapted for the passing of the transfer actuator(s) and / or further automation for manipulating the storages.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention, the transfer mechanism comprises means for fastening and releasing the storages to and from the holders on the respective rotating magazines.

[0038] The apparatus according to the present invention further comprises means for moving the at least two groups of structural fibre lengths in opposite directions in a reciprocal manner. In accordance with a further embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention, the apparatus further comprises means for pushing the inserted winding fibre lengths towards a beginning of the multiphase electromagnetic mat.

[0039] The apparatus according to the present invention is suitable for production of a multiphase electromagnetic mat by the production method described in WO2021225453A1, in the name of the applicant, the content of which is included herein by reference.

[0040] An initial production step for enabling the use of the apparatus according to the present invention for production of a multiphase electromagnetic mat is to divide the structural fibre lengths into at least two groups Gl, G2, ..., Gn, wherein n is an integer number larger than 1, namely first, second, ..., n groups.

[0041] A further initial production step for enabling the use of the apparatus according to the present invention for production of a multiphase electromagnetic mat is to have the winding fibre lengths divided into several groups Wl, W2, ..., Wm, wherein m is an integer number larger than 1 and corresponds to the number of phases and the number of parallel branches of each phase, and having the winding fibre lengths wound on a number of the mentioned storages.

[0042] Each of the mentioned winding fibre groups Wl, W2, ..., Wm is wound on a dedicated of the mentioned storages. The respective storage should contain a length of winding fibre enough to produce a multiphase electromagnetic mat of a given design, or parts of a multiphase electromagnetic mat or several multiphase electromagnetic mats.

[0043] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, there can be one storage per winding fibre length or two storages per winding fibre length, where both ends of the winding fibre length are coiled on a separate storage.

[0044] By means of the mentioned rotating magazines, the dedicated storage is moved into the position most suitable for insertion of the winding fibre, which is the next one to become part of the multiphase electromagnetic mat.

[0045] The production method may further comprises holding the beginnings of the winding fibres in place on one side of the multiphase electromagnetic mat to be produced, so that the storage(s) can be transferred to the other side of the multiphase electromagnetic mat and the winding fibres can be locked in place by the structural fibres, and the "normal process" can begin. One cycle of the winding process according to the production method enabled by means of the apparatus according to the present invention being configured for: moving the first group G1 of the structural fibre lengths in a first direction, substantially perpendicular to the plane of the multiphase electromagnetic mat to be produced and moving the second group G2 of the structural fibre lengths in a second direction, the second direction being an opposite direction of the first direction, to have the structural fibre lengths of the two groups at a certain angle to the plane of the multiphase electromagnetic mat to be produced, inserting a selected number of winding fibre lengths into an opening formed between the first and second group of structural fibre lengths so that the winding fibre lengths extend across the structural fibre lengths, locking the winding fibre lengths in position by either moving the first group G1 of the structural fibre lengths in the second direction and moving the second group G2 of the structural fibre lengths in the first direction so that the groups G1 and G2 of structural fibre lengths swap positions at least once, or by using at least one other group G3, ..., Gn of structural fibre lengths in a similar manner, enabling the forming of various patterns of structural fibres and winding fibre overlaps.

[0046] While inserting the selected number of winding fibre lengths into the opening formed between the at least two groups of structural fibre lengths, the apparatus according to the present invention is configured to transfer the at least one storage where the winding fibre lengths belongs to from a rotating magazine on one side of the multiphase electromagnetic mat to be produced to the other rotating magazine on the other side of the multiphase electromagnetic mat to be produced.

[0047] By the apparatus according to the present invention it is enabled that the transfer of the storages between the rotating magazines may be performed at the position where the peripheral parts of the rotating magazines are closest to each other, thus reducing the time of transferring the storages from one rotating magazine to the other.

[0048] The apparatus according to the present invention in a further embodiment comprises means for performing a production step of controlling and adjustment of the tension on the inserted winding fibre lengths.

[0049] In accordance with one embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention, the apparatus is configured to perform the production step of locking the winding fibre lengths in a position by changing direction of the groups of structural fibre lengths at least two times in a rotational motion and thus forming a twist of the structural fibre lengths.

[0050] The apparatus according to the present invention is further configured to perform the production step of, after the first cycle is completed, performing a next cycle of the winding process, namely insertion of a new selected number of winding fibre lengths (e.g. W2) into the multiphase electromagnetic mat to be produced (between groups G1 and G2 of structural fibre lengths or between other combinations of the groups of structural fibre lengths). The apparatus according to the present invention is configured to repeat the mentioned production cycles until winding fibres from all the groups of winding fibres Wl, W2, ... Wtotal have been added to the structure of the multiphase electromagnetic mat to be produced.

[0051] The apparatus according to the present invention is configured to control the rotating magazines in a predefined motion in order to have the storages of the winding fibre group, which is going to be inserted next in the optimal position relative to the opening formed between the two or more groups of the structural fibres.

[0052] The apparatus according to the present invention is according to a further embodiment of the present invention configured to automatically exchange the storages empty of winding fibres automatically with storages full of winding fibres.

[0053] The apparatus according to the present invention is further configured to, when the total number of winding fibres Wl, W2, ... Wtotal are inserted and locked in place in the multiphase electromagnetic mat, performing a new insertion sequence involving the mentioned groups in the same or a different order, so the process continues.

[0054] The direction of which the winding fibres are inserted (from one side of the multiphase electromagnetic mat be produced to the other or in the opposite direction) is decided during the design process. This lays the foundation of the various winding patterns that the apparatus produces the multiphase electromagnetic mat with. It is natural, though, that once a winding is inserted from one side, it must be inserted from the opposite side the next time it is to be inserted.

[0055] Further preferable features and advantageous details of the present invention will appear from the following example description, claims and attached drawings. Example

[0056] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will below be described with references to the attached drawings, where:

[0057] Fig. la-b are principle drawings of an apparatus for production of an electromagnetic mat according to prior art WO2021225453A1,

[0058] Fig. 2 is a principle drawing of an embodiment of an apparatus according to the present invention, seen in perspective,

[0059] Fig. 3 is a principle drawing of relative position and shape of two rotating magazines according to one embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention, and

[0060] Fig. 4 is a principle drawing of the apparatus according to the present invention, seen in another perspective than in Fig. 2.

[0061] Reference is now made to Figures la-b, which are principle drawings of an apparatus for production of an electromagnetic mat according to prior art WO2021225453A1, in the name of the applicant, the content of which is included herein by reference.

[0062] A multiphase electromagnetic mat 10 according to the present invention and prior art WO2021225453A1 comprises structural fibre lengths 20, and a plurality of winding fibre lengths 71A, 71B, wherein the winding fibre lengths 71A, 71B are arranged in the multiphase electromagnetic mat 10 to form a desired winding pattern.

[0063] In the production method of WO2021225453A1, as well as will be enabled by the apparatus according to the present invention, the structural fibre lengths 20 are divided into two groups, namely first 21 and second 22 group, enabling the use of the production method described in WO2021225453A1.

[0064] In the production method of WO2021225453A1, as well as will be enabled by the apparatus according to the present invention, the winding fibre lengths 71A, 71B are divided into several groups Wl, W2, ..., Wtotal, (total being an integer number larger than 1), corresponding to the number of phases and the number of parallel conductors of one phase. The winding fibre lengths 71A, 71B are wound on a number of storages 81A, attachable to at least two movable magazines 31, 32, located on both sides of the electromagnetic mat 10 to be produced, seen in the plane of the electromagnetic mat 10. Number of storages 81A in WO2021225453A1, as well as in the present invention, is the same as number of the groups Wl, W2, Wm of winding fibre lengths 71A, 71B. The movable magazines 31, 32 in WO2021225453A1 have holders 51A, 51B for the storages 81A. The movable magazines 31, 32 in WO2021225453A1 have the form of disks or cylinders rotatable around a rotation axis 60.

[0065] The apparatus of WO2021225453A1 further comprises a transfer mechanism 40 for transferring the storages 81A from one magazine 31, 32 to the other. According to a further embodiment according to WO2021225453A1, the transfer mechanism 40 comprises means for fastening and releasing the storages 81A to and from the movable magazines 31, 32.

[0066] In Fig. lb is further shown means 85 for moving the groups 21, 22 of structural fibre lengths 20 in different directions in a reciprocal manner. The means 85 enable movement of the structural fibre lengths of the first group 21 in a first direction, substantially perpendicular to the plane of the electromagnetic mat 10 to be produced, and movement of the structural fibre lengths of the second group 22 in a second direction, the second direction being in opposite direction of the first direction, enabling insertion and retaining of the winding fibre lengths 71A-B into the structural fibre lengths 20 such that the winding fibre lengths 71A-B extend across the structural fibre lengths 20 in transversal direction of the longitudinal direction of the electromagnetic mat 10, as described in WO2021225453A1.

[0067] In Fig. lb is further shown means 90 for pushing the inserted winding fibre lengths 71A-B towards the beginning of the electromagnetic mat 10.

[0068] The winding process of WO2021225453A1 includes at least the following steps:

[0069] - using means 85 for moving the structural fibre lengths of the first group 21 in a first direction, substantially perpendicular to the plane of the electromagnetic mat 10 to be produced and moving the structural fibre lengths of the second group 22 in a second direction, the second direction being in opposite direction of the first direction, to have the structural fibre lengths of the two groups 21, 22 at a certain angle to the plane of the electromagnetic mat 10 to be produced,

[0070] - inserting the selected number of winding fibre lengths 70 into the opening formed by the structural fibre lengths of the first 21 and second 22 group so that the winding fibre lengths 71A-B extend across the structural fibre lengths in transversal direction to the length of the electromagnetic mat - pushing the inserted winding fibre lengths 71A-B towards the beginning of the electromagnetic mat 10, with the help of means 90 for pushing the winding fibre lengths 71A-B,

[0071] - retaining the winding fibre lengths 71A-B in position by moving the first group 21 of the structural fibre lengths in the second direction and moving the second group 22 of the structural fibre lengths in the first direction so that the groups swap positions.

[0072] The present invention provides an improved apparatus for production of multiphase electromagnetic mats 10 based on the production steps described above.

[0073] Reference is now made to Figure 2, which is a principle drawing of an embodiment of an apparatus according to the present invention for production of a multiphase electromagnetic mat 10 suitable for forming current carrying components of a power conversion system.

[0074] The apparatus according to the present invention comprises, as WO2021225453A1, two rotating magazines 31 and 32, which in the present invention, are positioned at an angle to each other. The apparatus according to the present invention further comprises storages 81A-B, as WO2021225453A1, for the respective winding fibre lengths 71A-B. In the apparatus of the present invention, the rotating axes of the rotating magazines 31, 32 are non-collinear.

[0075] In accordance with one embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention, the central axes of the storages 81A-B located at the same magazine 31, 32, respectively, are noncollinear.

[0076] As in WO2021225453A1, the rotating magazines 31, 32 are provided with respective holders 51A-B for attachment and detachment of the mentioned storages 81A-B to the respective rotating magazine 31, 32. In one embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention, the mentioned holders 51A-B are provided with a receiving opening or recess configured to receive and accommodate a connection part of the storages 81A-B for connection thereto, further described below.

[0077] Reference is now made to Figure 3 showing a principle drawing of relative position and shape of two rotating magazines 31, 32 according to one embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention. The Figure is a principle drawing of the cross-section view (top view) of the rotating magazines 31, 32, where the cross-sectional plane goes through the rotation axes of both rotating magazines 31, 32. In accordance with the shown embodiment, the rotating magazines 31, 32 have a complex 3D shape, further described below. In accordance with the shown embodiment, the rotating magazines 31, 32 have a central part 311, 321, respectively, around the respective rotation axes Al, A2, that is of a flat and circular shape, while the respective peripheral parts 312A, 312B and 322A, 322B are cone- shaped or has a shape of a regular pyramid with isosceles triangle sides. I.e., the denoted parts 312A, 312B of the cross-section represent the peripheral parts of rotating magazine 31, while the denoted parts 322A, 322B of the cross-section represent the peripheral parts of rotating magazine 32. In the shown embodiment the peripheral cone-shaped parts 312A, 312B and 322A, 322B, respectively, in the cross-section are at an angle of 45 degrees to the respective central part 311, 321. However, the angle may be different from this.

[0078] In accordance with the shown embodiment of the present invention, the planes Pl, P2 of the rotating magazines 31, 32 are arranged at an angle of 90 degrees to each other. Correspondingly, the rotation axes Al, A2 of the rotating magazines 31, 32 are arranged at the same angle of 90 degrees to each other. Accordingly, the peripheral parts 312A and 322A are in this embodiment arranged in the same (horizontal) plane and the peripheral parts 312B and 322B are arranged in parallel (vertical) planes P5 and P6.

[0079] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the peripheral parts 312B and 322B are used for transfer of the storages 81A-B between the rotating magazines 31, 32 along an (horizontal) axis A3, where the parts 312B, 322B of the two rotating magazines 31, 32 are closest to each other.

[0080] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the peripheral parts 312A and 322A are used for exchanging empty storages 81A-B with full ones in planes P3, P4.

[0081] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the peripheral parts 312A and 322A are used for other manipulations, such as twisting the winding fibre lengths.

[0082] Accordingly, in the shown embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention, the mentioned rotating magazines 31 and 32 are arranged laterally reversed about a vertical plane of the multiphase electromagnetic mat 10.

[0083] The apparatus according to the present invention further comprises the means 85 for moving the groups 21, 22 of structural fibre lengths 20 in different directions in a reciprocal manner, similar to

[0084] WO2021225453A1. In accordance with one embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention, it further comprises means 90 for pushing the inserted winding fibre lengths towards the beginning of the multiphase electromagnetic mat 10, similar to WO2021225453A1.

[0085] Reference is now made to Figure 4 showing a principle drawing of the apparatus according to the present invention, seen in a different perspective view than in Fig. 2. In accordance with the present invention, the respective mentioned holders 51A-B of the respective rotating magazines 31, 32 are integrated in or arranged to the peripheral parts 312A-B and 322A-B, respectively, of each rotating magazine 31, 32.

[0086] The embodiment also shows the transfer mechanism 40 of the apparatus according to the present invention.

[0087] In the shown embodiment, the storage 81A' on the rotating magazine 31 is in the position where it can be relatively easily be picked up by a transfer actuator 41 of the transfer mechanism 40 and exchanged with another storage 81A-B. In this position, the central axis of the storage 81A' is perpendicular to the movement axis of the transfer actuator 41. Further, the holder 51B' of the rotating magazine 32 is positioned such that the holder 51B' may receive a new storage if required.

[0088] The above-described embodiments can be combined and modified to form other embodiments which are within the scope of the claims.

[0089] Modifications

[0090] The present invention is also applicable for any suitable angles between the rotation axes of the rotating magazines. The rotating magazines may have various shapes and various angles between its parts and surfaces. The rotation axes of the rotating magazines may be arranged in the same plane or different planes.

[0091] In a further modification, the apparatus according to the present invention is configured to perform one or more automated operations at the periphery of the rotating magazines, such as for example spooling winding fibres on the storages.

[0092] In a further modification, the apparatus comprises means for or is configured to perform synchronization of the motion of the rotating magazines and the means for moving the groups of structural fibre lengths. List of designations

[0093] 10 - electromagnetic mat

[0094] 20 - structural fibres

[0095] 21 - first group of structural fibres

[0096] 22 - second group of structural fibres

[0097] 31 - first magazine

[0098] 32 - second magazine

[0099] 40 - transfer mechanism

[0100] 41 - transfer actuator

[0101] 51A-B - holders for storages

[0102] 60 - rotation axis

[0103] 71A - winding fibres of group W1

[0104] 71B - winding fibres of group W2

[0105] 81A-B - storages for winding fibres

[0106] 81A' - storage in the position for change

[0107] 85 - means for movement of groups of structural fibre lengths in opposite directions

[0108] 90 - means for pushing the winding fibre length(s)

[0109] 95 - direction of moving of the electromagnetic mat

[0110] 311 - central part of the first magazine

[0111] 312A-B - peripheral part of the first magazine

[0112] 321 - central part of the second magazine

[0113] 322A-B - peripheral part of the second magazine

Claims

Claims1. Apparatus for production of multiphase electromagnetic mats (10) suitable for forming current carrying components of a power conversion system, wherein the multiphase electromagnetic mat (10) comprises structural fibre lengths (20) in the form of at least two groups (21, 22) of structural fibre lengths (20) and a plurality of winding fibre lengths (71A, 71B), wherein the winding fibre lengths (71A, 71B) forming a winding fibre that is in a winding pattern, wherein the apparatus comprising means (85) for moving the at least two groups (21, 22) of structural fibre lengths (20) in opposite directions in a reciprocal manner, at least two rotating magazines (31, 32) located at each side of the multiphase electromagnetic mat (10) to be produced, seen in the plane of the multiphase electromagnetic mat (10), multiple storages (81A-B) for storing several groups (Wl, W2) of the winding fibre lengths (71A, 71B), wherein the storages (81A-B) are configured to be attached and detached to the rotating magazines (31, 32) by means of holders (51A-B) thereof, and at least one transfer mechanism (40) for transferring the storages (81A-B) from one rotating magazine (31, 32) on one side of the multiphase electromagnetic mat (10) to another rotating magazine (31, 32) on the other side of the multiphase electromagnetic mat (10), wherein the rotating magazines (31, 32) are arranged with rotation axes (Al, A2) being noncollinear.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the rotating magazines (31, 32) are arranged laterally reversed about a vertical plane of the multiphase electromagnetic mat (10).

3. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the rotating magazines (31, 32) have a central part (311, 321), respectively, arranged with the center thereof perpendicular to the respective rotation axes (Al, A2) and at ends thereof is provided with peripheral parts (312A-B, 322A-B) deviating with an angle from the longitudinal direction of the central part (311, 321).

4. Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the holders (51A, 51B) for the storages (81A-B) are integrated in or arranged on the peripheral parts (312A-B, 322A-B) of the rotating magazines (31, 32).

5. Apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the holders (51A-B) are in the form of openings or recesses.

6. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus comprising means for or is configured to synchronize the rotation of the rotating magazines (31, 32) and the means (85) for moving the at least two groups (21, 22) of structural fibre lengths (20) in opposite directions.

7. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus comprises means (90) for pushing the inserted winding fibre lengths (71A, 71B) towards a beginning of the multiphase electromagnetic mat (10).

8. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transfer mechanism (40) comprises one or more transfer actuators (41).

9. Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein central axes of the storages (81A, 81B), when arranged to the holders (51A-B) of the rotating magazines (31, 32), are non-collinear.

10. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transfer mechanism (40) comprises means for fastening and releasing the storages (81A-B) to and from the rotating magazines (31, 32).

11. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the rotating magazines (31, 32) are removable and replaceable.

12. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus is configured to perform exchange of the storages (81A-B) in a position where the central axis of the storages (81A-B) is substantially perpendicular to the axis of transfer of the storages (81A-B) between the rotating magazines (31, 32).

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