Stator winding assembly system

Abstract

Title of the invention: Stator winding assembly system. The present invention relates to an assembly system (1) for a pin ring (2) for forming a stator winding, the assembly system (1) comprising at least one loading pallet (6) for a layer of pins (2) and at least one assembly device (4) for the pin layers (2) comprising a lower plate (52), an intermediate plate (54) and an upper plate (56) configured to receive the loading pallet (6) carrying at least one layer of pins (2), the loading pallet (6) and the assembly device (4) being configured to reduce the diameter of a layer of pins (2), at least the lower plate (52), the upper plate (56) and the loading pallet (6) comprising means for clamping the pins (2). Abstract figure: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: System for assembling a stator winding

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of rotating electrical machines such as alternators or alternator-starters or electric motors, and more particularly the stators of such rotating electrical machines which comprise a winding made from conductive pins.

[0002] A rotating electrical machine comprises a shaft secured to a rotor and a stator arranged so as to rotate the rotor by means of a magnetic field. For this purpose, the rotor is for example provided with permanent magnets and the stator with an electric winding. The electric winding is supplied with electric current by means of a control module, so as to generate a rotating magnetic field at the electric winding. This rotating magnetic field makes it possible to drive the rotation of the rotor.

[0003] The winding of the stator can be achieved in different ways, and in particular with conductive pins which are inserted into the stator and are connected to each other to form a continuous electrical path. Such conductive pins can for example have a U shape with each an arcuate portion, the juxtaposition of which over the entire periphery of the stator forms a winding bun at an axial end of this stator, and two straight conductive segments connected by the arcuate portion and which are inserted respectively into one of the radial notches of the stator.

[0004] Due to the arrangement of the radial notches within the stator, the winding has a substantially annular shape and the conductive pins are arranged therein in successive layers, so that external conductive pins overlap internal conductive pins which are those which are arranged closest to an axis of revolution of the stator.

[0005] The arrangement of the conductive pins forming the winding differs depending on the structural and functional characteristics of the stator that this winding is intended to equip. Thus, to adapt to different stators it is necessary to assemble windings which have different diameters, in which the conductive pins are inserted in opposite circumferential directions or in which the number of layers of conductive pins is variable.

[0006] The present invention falls within this context by proposing a tool for assembling the conductive pins of a stator, this assembly tool being capable of organizing the pins so that the resulting winding is adapted to the stator which it is intended to equip. The assembly tool also makes it possible to form a crown of pins which can be inserted in a single operation within the stator.

[0007] The present invention thus has as its main object a system for assembling a crown of pins formed from layers of pins and configured for producing a stator winding, the crown of pins comprising pins formed from a first branch and a second branch which are substantially parallel and connected to each other by an arcuate portion, the assembly system comprising at least one pallet for loading a layer of pins and at least one device for assembling the layers of pins comprising at least two annular plates including a lower plate and an upper plate superimposed on each other and movable relative to each other, the plates of the assembly device being configured to receive the loading pallet carrying at least one layer of pins, the loading pallet and the assembly device being configured to reduce a diameter of a layer of pins, at least the lower plate,the upper plate and the loading pallet comprising means for clamping the pins respectively participating in the reduction of the diameter of the layer of pins, at least one of the clamping means being configured to pivot the pins around one of their branches.

[0008] Conductive pins are connectors that are electrically connected to each other. These pins have a U-shape, with two parallel branches forming the legs of the U and an arcuate portion connecting them at one of their ends. The branches of the pins are intended to be inserted into radial notches provided for this purpose in a stator body, the two branches of the same pin being received in different notches. Each radial notch has several radially aligned receiving zones, with a first receiving zone as close as possible to an axis of the stator, then second, third, fourth receiving zones arranged in this order in radial alignment with the first receiving zone from the axis of the stator. The crown of pins is more precisely formed from layers of pins.The layers of pins are successive layers allowing insertion such that a first layer of pins is inserted into first and second radial slot receiving areas of the stator, a third layer of pins is inserted into third and fourth radial slot receiving areas, and so on. The crown of pins may further comprise one or more layers of joining pins, which are pins intended for connecting two successive layers. Each layer of pins has a substantially annular, partially annular or circular arc shape, with for example all the first branches of the pins arranged on the same diameter and all the second branches of these pins arranged on another, larger, same diameter.

[0009] For example here, the branches of the same pin, in particular of the same layer, are intended to be arranged in two adjacent reception zones in a radial direction within the stator body.

[0010] The layers of the pin ring are assembled by the assembly system so that an inner layer of pins is surrounded by at least one outer layer of pins. For this purpose, the assembly system comprises a loading pallet, which receives the pins one by one to form a layer of annular pins. The loading pallet has clamping means, including in particular a first clamping means intended to tighten the first branches of the pins. The loading pallet carrying the layer of pins is capable of being received by the assembly device of the assembly system, which also participates in adapting, and in particular reducing, a diameter of the layer of pins. To this end, the assembly device comprises plates having clamping means, including at least a second clamping means intended to tighten the second branches of the pins.The assembly device comprises at least one lower plate and one upper plate, the annular shape of these plates allowing them to receive the loading pallet in their center. In certain embodiments, the assembly device comprises an intermediate plate, also of annular shape, which is interposed between the lower plate and the upper plate.

[0011] The clamping means of the loading pallet and the assembly device allow at least one rotation of the pins around one of their branches, in order to reduce a diameter of the layer of pins.

[0012] The assembly system according to the invention makes it possible to obtain a ring of conductive pins adapted to a given stator, such a ring being able to be inserted into this stator in a single operation. This makes it possible to facilitate the manufacture of the stator while reducing the time required for this manufacture.

[0013] According to an optional feature of the invention, at least one of the clamping means comprises movable elements which are configured to respectively perform a radial translation towards a central axis of the assembly system to reduce the diameter of the pins. Alternatively, each of the clamping means comprises movable elements which are configured to respectively perform a radial translation towards a central axis of the assembly system to reduce the diameter of the pins.

[0014] According to an optional characteristic of the invention, at least one of the clamping means is configured to carry elements movable in radial translation and to be movable in rotation around the central axis of the assembly system.

[0015] It is understood that at least one of the clamping means, and in particular the clamping means associated with the lower plate, is configured to simultaneously perform a radial translation of mobile elements, towards the inside of the assembly system when it is a question of reducing the dimension of the crown of pins, and a rotation around the central axis of the part, and more particularly of the lower plate, carrier of the moving elements.

[0016] According to an optional characteristic of the invention, the loading pallet comprises an annular main body within which a central recess is provided, the loading pallet comprising a plurality of tubes, housed in the central recess and configured to receive the first branches of the pins, and a plurality of guide notches, provided in the main body and configured to receive the second branches of the pins, the tubes being carried by the clamping means of the loading pallet or by the main body.

[0017] Like the plates, the loading pallet has a generally annular shape. It thus comprises a central recess, which is a hollow portion extending from its axis of revolution and which is delimited radially by the annular main body.

[0018] The first branches of the pins are received by the tubes while their second branches are received by the notches. It results from the arrangement of the tubes and the notches that once the pins are positioned within the loading pallet, the first branch of a given pin is closer to the axis of revolution of the loading pallet than the second branch of this pin. In order to facilitate insertion of the second branches into the notches, each tube is arranged within the central recess between two adjacent notches, so as not to hinder the passage of the second branches.

[0019] According to an optional characteristic of the invention, the annular main body comprises a system for actuating the clamping means of the loading pallet.

[0020] This annular main body carries a system for actuating the clamping means of the loading pallet, i.e. the first clamping means, this actuating system taking the form, for example, of a cam system.

[0021] According to an optional characteristic of the invention, the notches have a curved shape, each notch comprising a closed external end and an open internal end on the central recess of the loading pallet.

[0022] It is thus understood that the second branches of the pins are inserted into their respective notches by the open internal ends, which open onto the central recess, then they are slid along the notches until they come into abutment against the closed external ends. The shape of the notches is curved to facilitate pivoting of the pins around their first branches when these are engaged in the tubes.

[0023] Alternatively the second branches of the pins are inserted directly into the closed outer ends of the notches.

[0024] According to an optional characteristic of the invention, the clamping means of the loading pallet comprises radially extending fingers, one free end of which, directed towards the central recess, carries the tubes.

[0025] The fingers extend from the annular main body towards the central recess. The free ends of these fingers are arranged closer to the open inner ends of the notches than to their closed outer ends.

[0026] According to an optional characteristic of the invention, the fingers are movable between a first extreme position in which they are retracted and a second extreme position in which they are deployed, the tubes being in the vicinity of an internal annular wall delimiting the central recess of the loading pallet in the first extreme position of the fingers and at a distance from this internal annular wall in the second extreme position of the fingers, the fingers being moved by the actuation system.

[0027] The fingers are thus moved within the central recess, by means of the actuation system, in the direction of the axis of revolution of the loading pallet and away from it. Such a movement is carried out from their first extreme position to their second extreme position and vice versa. By "in the vicinity" is meant that the fingers are pressed against the internal annular wall of the loading pallet, possibly to within the tolerance of an operating clearance.

[0028] Alternatively, the tubes are carried by the main body of the loading pallet. The main body may then comprise openings forming the tubes. For example, the tubes are arranged closer to the inner periphery of the body than the notches. In this embodiment, the first branches of the pins are arranged in the loading pallet directly at the correct diameter, so only the second branches are set in motion by means of the respective clamping means.

[0029] According to an optional characteristic of the invention, the clamping means of the lower plate comprise arms extending substantially radially, a free edge of the arms having a holding tab, in particular U-shaped, this holding tab being configured to receive a pin branch.

[0030] These arms correspond to the second clamping means. The U-shape of their holding tab is particularly suitable for forming a housing within which one of the branches of the pins is received, here the second branch of the pins, so as to retain it and prevent it from moving when the clamping means are actuated. By "substantially radially" is meant that the arms tend to extend towards a central portion of the lower plate, but they are not necessarily centered on an axis of revolution of this lower plate.

[0031] According to an optional characteristic of the invention, the arms are movable between a first extreme position in which they are retracted and a second position extreme in which they are deployed, one branch of the pins being in the vicinity of the closed external ends of the guide notches of the loading pallet in the first extreme position of the arms and outside the main body of the loading pallet in the second extreme position of the arms, the arms being moved by an actuation system.

[0032] Similar to the fingers of the loading pallet, the arms of the lower plate are capable, by means of their actuation system, of a movement which takes place from their first extreme position to their second extreme position and vice versa. When the arm holding tabs are in the vicinity of the closed external ends, one of the branches of each pin rests against one of the closed external ends with an operating clearance, while when the arm holding tabs are outside the main body, this branch of the pin extends into the central recess of the loading pallet.Moving the arms from their first extreme position to their second extreme position causes the second branches of the pins which are arranged in the arm holding tabs to move, these second branches then sliding along the guide notches from the closed outer ends to the open inner ends on the central recess of the loading pallet.

[0033] According to an optional characteristic of the invention, the system for actuating the fingers of the loading pallet is a first actuating system and the system for actuating the arms of the lower plate is a second actuating system, the assembly system comprising a control unit configured to simultaneously control the actuating systems of the loading pallet and the lower plate.

[0034] Each of the first actuation system and the second actuation system is a cam system. The first actuation system allowing movement of the first clamping means and the second actuation system allowing movement of the second clamping means, it is understood that the first and second clamping means can be actuated at the same time to synchronously move the first branches of the pins and the second branches of the pins.

[0035] According to an optional characteristic of the invention, the lower plate is movable in rotation relative to the intermediate plate, the rotation of the lower plate being actuated simultaneously with a movement of the arms from their first extreme position to their second extreme position.

[0036] The rotation of the lower plate is guided by means of rotational guide means, in particular by rollers arranged between the lower and intermediate plates. The lower plate being the carrier of the arms, its rotation helps to tighten the second branches of the pins since it drives these arms.

[0037] According to an optional characteristic of the invention, the clamping means of the upper plate comprise first teeth and first plates, the first teeth being configured to pass through the layer of pins and the first plates being configured to be pressed against an outer portion of the layer of pins.

[0038] The first teeth and the first plates correspond to a third clamping means of the assembly system. The first teeth have a pointed shape which facilitates their insertion through the layer of pins. On the contrary, the shape of the first plates, which are substantially flat, is adapted to come into contact with an outer portion of the layer of pins, which corresponds to its outermost portion, without passing through it. The outer portion of the layer of pins is opposite an axis of revolution of the upper plate.

[0039] The first teeth are intended to come into contact with the arcuate portions of the pins, that is to say at a distance from their free ends which can be engaged in the tubes.

[0040] The layer of pins corresponds, depending on the step of the assembly process, to one or more layers carried by the loading pallet. Thus, if the pallet carries a layer of pins, this will be crossed by the first teeth, and these teeth then pass through a single layer of pins; conversely, if the pallet carries three layers of pins, the first teeth will extend through all these layers.

[0041] According to an optional characteristic of the invention, the assembly system comprises a third system for actuating the clamping means of the upper plate.

[0042] The third actuation system is in particular a cam system carried by the upper plate, with a first cam dedicated to the movement of the first teeth and a second cam dedicated to the movement of the first plates.

[0043] According to an optional characteristic of the invention, the intermediate plate comprises clamping means comprising second teeth and second plates, the second teeth being configured to pass through the layer of pins and the second plates being configured to be pressed against an exterior of the layer of pins, the clamping means of the intermediate plate being driven by a fourth actuation system of the intermediate plate distinct from the third actuation system of the upper plate.

[0044] The second teeth and second plates of the intermediate plate are the counterpart of the first teeth and second teeth of the upper plate. They correspond to a fourth clamping means of the assembly system, which is actuated by the fourth actuation system which comprises for example a first cam to move the second teeth and a second cam to move the second pads.

[0045] According to an optional characteristic of the invention, the teeth comprise a straight face and a face having a shoulder.

[0046] Such a shoulder constitutes a stop for the pins when the teeth are correctly inserted within the layer of pins.

[0047] According to an optional characteristic of the invention, the teeth are configured to take a first extreme position in which they are retracted and a second extreme position in which they are deployed, the shoulder being at a distance from the pins in the first extreme position of the teeth and in contact with the pins in the second extreme position of the teeth.

[0048] It is understood that in the first extreme position of the teeth, they do not pass through the layer of pins, while in their second extreme position they are inserted through this layer of pins. The insertion of the teeth through the pins is limited by the shoulder, which when it comes into abutment against the pins prevents further movement of the teeth. The second extreme position of the teeth is thus a function of a distance between a tip of the teeth and their shoulder.

[0049] According to an optional characteristic of the invention, the upper plate is movable in translation so as to move away from or towards the lower plate.

[0050] Such a translation is carried out along a direction which is substantially parallel to the axes of revolution of the upper plate and the lower plate. This translation, when it causes these two plates to move apart, makes it possible in particular to extract the layer of pins from the loading pallet in which it is arranged, when the first teeth are engaged in this layer of pins.

[0051] According to an optional characteristic of the invention, the assembly device comprises a removable pin configured to be housed in the center of the layer of pins.

[0052] This removable pin is an element that can alternatively be arranged on the assembly system or removed from it. The removable pin occupies a central position within the assembly system; it is configured to be housed in the center of at least the upper plate. The removable pin is capable of performing a translation along the axis of revolution of this upper plate. It participates, by forming a stop against the layer of pins, in adapting its diameter to the dimensions required for the stator.

[0053] According to an optional feature of the invention, the assembly system comprises a plurality of assembly devices, a plurality of loading pallets and at least one storage module, the storage module being mobile and configured to move pins assembled by a first assembly device to a loading pallet associated with a second assembly device for assembling an additional layer of pins.

[0054] The assembly system comprises a plurality of assembly stations which are each dedicated to the assembly of a layer of pins. Each assembly station comprises a dedicated loading pallet and a dedicated assembly device, a storage module of the assembly system being movable between two adjacent assembly stations. The storage module carries at least one layer of pins.

[0055] According to an optional characteristic of the invention, the central recess of the loading pallet is configured to receive the storage module.

[0056] In other words, the storage module is able to be inserted through the loading pallet via its central recess. The storage module therefore has a diameter smaller than a diameter of the central recess, so as to allow it to be received therein without hindrance.

[0057] According to an optional characteristic of the invention, the storage module comprises an external annular face intended to be opposite the internal annular wall of the loading pallet, this external annular face having at least one recess capable of cooperating with the fingers of the loading pallet in their second extreme position.

[0058] The fingers of the loading pallet can come into contact with the recess of the storage module. This makes it possible, when the clamping means associated with the fingers are actuated, to bring the pins engaged in the loading pallet as close as possible to the storage module, and by extension as close as possible to a layer of pins carried by this storage module.

[0059] According to an optional characteristic of the invention, the assembly system comprises a storage module comprising an internal annular face which has grooves opening axially onto an end edge of the storage module, the internal annular face having a chamfer extending from the end edge.

[0060] The grooves open towards an upper portion of the storage module, which is delimited by its end edge. This end edge is the one that is inserted first into the loading pallet when the latter receives the storage module within its central recess.

[0061] The chamfer constitutes a guide for loading the crown of pins formed of at least one layer of pins tightened into a storage module. This chamfer cooperates with a cap intended to cover the removable pin and to press on the arcuate portion of the pins to slide them into this new storage module, upstream of a descent of the upper plate.

[0062] The invention further relates to a method for assembling a crown of pins by an assembly system as mentioned previously, the assembly method comprising at least one step of receiving the loading pallet carrying a layer of pins within the assembly device and a step of reducing the diameter of the layer of pins during which the second branches of the pins are moved by the clamping means of the lower plate to perform at least one rotational movement.

[0063] The assembly method makes it possible to obtain a crown of pins whose layers of pins have been successively tightened so as to form a crown of pins adapted to the stator of which it constitutes the winding. The step of receiving the loading pallet within the assembly device corresponds to its arrangement within at least the lower plate.

[0064] According to an optional characteristic of the invention, during the step of reducing the diameter of the layer of pins, the first branches of the pins are moved by the clamping means of the loading pallet to perform at least one rotational movement.

[0065] During the diameter reduction step, the movements of the first branches and the second branches are simultaneous or are carried out with a slight time lag. During this diameter reduction step, the pins are always engaged in the loading pallet.

[0066] According to an optional characteristic of the invention, the assembly method comprises a step of gripping the pins by the upper plate and a step of removing the pins from the loading pallet by moving the upper plate away from the loading pallet.

[0067] Gripping is performed by inserting the teeth through the layer of pins, under the arcuate portions of these pins. During the removal step, the lower plate remains fixed while the upper plate moves away from it.

[0068] According to an optional characteristic of the invention, the assembly method comprises a step of receiving the storage module by at least the loading pallet prior to the step of receiving it within the assembly device.

[0069] Thus, the storage module is received within the central recess of the loading pallet, then an assembly formed by this storage module and this loading pallet is received by the assembly device. The storage module is either empty or carries at least one layer of pins. In this second case, the layer of pins carried by the storage module is surrounded by that carried by the loading pallet and these two layers of pins are inserted together in the assembly device.

[0070] According to an optional characteristic of the invention, the assembly method includes a step of removing the loading pallet and the storage module from the assembly device after the step of removing the pins.

[0071] This removal step makes it possible to free up a central space of the assembly device so as to receive the assembly pallet and the storage module carrying other layers of pins.

[0072] According to an optional characteristic of the invention, the assembly method comprises, following the step of removing the storage module from the assembly device, a step of moving the storage module to another loading pallet associated with another assembly device.

[0073] The storage module then carries at least two layers of tightened pins, namely the one it initially carried and the one that was in the loading pallet. The storage module is moved to another loading pallet with a view to assembling an additional layer of pins covering these two layers of pins.

[0074] According to an optional characteristic of the invention, the assembly method comprises at least a first step of assembling a first layer comprising a first type of pins, a second step of assembling one or more pins of an intermediate type, and a third step of assembling a third layer comprising a second type of pins, the pins of the intermediate type being configured to connect the first layer and the third layer, the second layer being assembled at least partially around the first layer and the third layer being assembled at least partially around the second layer.

[0075] The pins of the intermediate type correspond to the junction pins, while the pins of the first and second types are so-called standard pins. The succession of assembly steps makes it possible to ensure that an electrical connection will be provided between all the layers of the final crown of pins.

[0076] For each of the assembly steps, the pins are received by separate assembly stations each formed by a given assembly device and a given loading pallet, the storage module passing from one assembly station to another. This makes it possible to improve the overall cycle time of the assembly of the pins. Alternatively, the same assembly device and the same loading pallet can be used to assemble the different layers of pins.

[0077] According to an optional characteristic of the invention, the assembly method comprises a step of loading a given layer of pins into the loading pallet during which each pin of the layer is inserted one by one within the loading pallet, the loading pallet in particular performing a pivoting movement between each pin insertion.

[0078] The loading pallet may be pivotable so as to allow the pins to be loaded in different angular positions from the same initial position of the pins.

[0079] According to an optional characteristic of the invention, the fingers of the loading pallet are in their first extreme position when the pins are inserted into the loading pallet.

[0080] In this first extreme position, the fingers do not hinder the insertion of the storage module into the central recess.

[0081] Other characteristics, details and advantages of the invention will emerge more clearly on reading the description which follows on the one hand, and examples of embodiment given for informational and non-limiting purposes with reference to the appended drawings on the other hand, in which:

[0082] [Fig-1] illustrates, schematically, an exploded view of an assembly system of a crown of pins according to the invention, with an assembly device and a loading pallet, the assembly system further comprising a storage module;

[0083] [Fig.2] illustrates, schematically, the loading pallet of [Fig.l] carrying a layer of pins, with close-up views of a means for clamping the loading pallet and a system for actuating this clamping means;

[0084] [Fig.3] illustrates, schematically, the storage module of [Fig.l] carrying another layer of pins, with a close-up view of an interior face of this storage module;

[0085] [Fig.4] illustrates, schematically, a sectional view of a part of the assembly system, the loading pallet actuation system being actuated;

[0086] [Fig.5] illustrates, schematically, a top view of the clamping means of the loading pallet and of a clamping means of the assembly device;

[0087] [Fig.6] illustrates, schematically, different means of clamping the assembly device both in a first retracted position and in a second deployed position;

[0088] [Fig.7] illustrates, schematically, the assembly device of [Fig.l] and its different plates, one of the plates having been translated away from the others.

[0089] [Fig.8] illustrates, schematically, the loading pallet according to an alternative embodiment of the loading pallet of [Fig.2].

[0090] The features, variants and different embodiments of the invention may be combined with each other, in various combinations, provided that they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, variants of the invention may be imagined comprising only a selection of features described below in isolation from the others. described features, if this selection of features is sufficient to confer a technical advantage and / or to differentiate the invention from the prior art.

[0091] In the figures, the elements common to several figures retain the same reference.

[0092] [Fig.l] thus illustrates, schematically, an assembly system 1 of a crown of pins 2 configured for producing a stator winding. This assembly system 1 makes it possible to obtain a crown of pins 2 which can be inserted in a single operation within the stator, a diameter of the crown of pins 2 having been previously adapted by the assembly system 1 for such insertion.

[0093] The assembly system 1 extends mainly in a longitudinal direction L, a central axis of the assembly system 1 being parallel to this longitudinal direction L. The assembly system 1 is made up of a plurality of modules which cooperate with each other, each being dedicated to carrying out one or more steps of a method for obtaining a crown of pins 2 which will be described subsequently.

[0094] The assembly system 1 comprises, as these modules, at least one assembly device 4 and at least one loading pallet 6. It further comprises at least one storage module 8. In the example illustrated, the assembly system 1 more precisely comprises a plurality of each of these modules, each assembly device 4 being associated with a loading pallet 6 to form an assembly station, a given storage module 8 being movable between two adjacent assembly stations. The assembly device 4 is configured to receive the loading pallet 6, which is itself configured to receive the storage module 8.

[0095] Each of the modules is a substantially annular part whose central axis of the assembly system 1 constitutes an axis of revolution when they are associated. These modules will now be described in more detail.

[0096] The loading pallet 6 is particularly visible in [Fig. 2]. This is a loading module by means of which the pins 2 intended to form the pin ring 2 are received and then loaded within the assembly system 1. The pins 2 here have a substantially U-shaped shape, with a first branch 10 and a second branch 12 each forming a conductive segment capable of being housed in a notch of the stator, said branches being joined by an arcuate portion 14. This arcuate portion 14 comprises a twist or a twist, so that the pin 2 is not flat.

[0097] The stator for which these pins 2 participate in forming the winding has a annular shape with a plurality of radial notches, each opening onto the interior of the stator. Each radial notch is configured to have several areas for receiving pin branches, each receiving area of ​​a notch being intended to receive a branch 10, 12 of a pin 2, the receiving areas being arranged concentrically and aligned with each other within a radial notch, between an internal face of the stator delimiting a housing capable of receiving a rotor and an external face opposite the internal face.

[0098] Depending on the stator that the pin ring 2 is intended to equip, the number of receiving zones of a radial notch and the radial dimension of these notches may be variable. For example, each radial notch may successively comprise a first receiving zone closest to the housing receiving the stator, a second receiving zone, a third receiving zone and a fourth receiving zone closest to the external face.In order to generate an appropriate direction of flow of the current within the winding formed by the crown of pins 2, pins 2 of a first type forming part of a first layer of pins 2 can be configured so that their first branches 10 are received in a first receiving zone of a notch and their second branches 12 are received in a second receiving zone of another notch, while pins 2 of a second type forming part of another layer of pins 2 are configured so that their first branches 10 are inserted into the third receiving zones of a notch and their second branches 12 are inserted into the fourth receiving zones of another notch.It is understood here that the pins 2 inserted in the first and second receiving zones form an inner layer of the pin ring 2, while the pins 2 inserted in the third and fourth receiving zones form an outer layer of this pin ring 2. A layer of pins 2 is here constituted by a plurality of pins 2 whose first branches 10 are aligned on a first diameter and whose second branches 12 are aligned on a second diameter, these diameters being distant from each other by a distance necessary for the insertion of the branches 10, 12 in adjacent receiving zones. Two successive layers of pins 2 can be interposed with specific pins 2 of an intermediate type or joining pins 2, which for example have the role of connecting two successive layers of pins 2 and are inserted between them for this purpose.

[0099] The loading pallet 6 comprises a substantially square base 16 on which rests an annular main body 18. This annular main body 18 delimits within the loading pallet 6 a central recess 20, which is more particularly delimited by an internal annular wall 22 of the annular main body 18. This internal annular wall 22 therefore constitutes an interface between the annular main body 18 on the one hand and the central recess 20 on the other hand. The central recess 20 is configured to receive the storage module 8.

[0100] The loading pallet 6 is, as shown in [Fig. 2], carrying a layer of pins 2. This layer of pins 2 is more particularly made up of pins 2 which have been inserted one by one within the loading pallet 6. The loading pallet 6 comprises for this purpose housings for the branches of the pins 2, with here tubes 24 receiving the first branches 10 and guide notches 26 receiving the second branches 12. As illustrated in the close-up view of [Fig. 2], due to the distance between the first branch 10 and the second branch 12 of a given pin 2 and the arrangement of the layer of pins 2, the tube 24 receiving this first branch 10 is not arranged opposite the guide notch 26 receiving the second branch 12.In other words, there is within the loading pallet 6 an angular offset between the tube 24 and the guide notch 26 dedicated to receiving the branches 10, 12 of the same pin 2. Furthermore, each tube 24 is arranged in the central recess 20 between two adjacent guide notches 26.

[0101] The tubes 24 extend mainly in the longitudinal direction. They are formed in this example by receiving cylinders of circular section, which are surrounded by an envelope of generally rectangular shape. Another tube shape, for example of rectangular section, can be envisaged. The receiving cylinders have an internal diameter adapted to a rotation of the first branch 10 within the tube 24 when the pins 2 are arranged in the loading pallet 6. The first branches 10 are inserted into the tubes 24 by an open upper end thereof, and they are retained by a closed lower end thereof which is opposite the base 16 of the loading pallet 6.

[0102] The guide notches 26, which are particularly visible in [Fig. 5], are formed in the annular main body 18 from its internal annular wall 22. The guide notches 26 thus have an internal end 28 open onto the central recess 20 and an external end 30 closed at a distance from the latter. Between the internal end 28 and the external end 30, each guide notch has a curved-shaped portion 26.

[0103] The tubes 24 are arranged in the example of [Fig.2] within the central recess 20 on fingers 32 of the loading pallet 6. These fingers 32 extend radially from the annular main body 18 in the direction of the central axis of the assembly system 1. The tubes 24 are more precisely carried by free ends 34 of the fingers 32, these free ends 34 corresponding to their ends closest to the central axis.

[0104] The fingers 32 constitute a clamping means within the loading pallet 6, which corresponds to a first clamping means 36 of the assembly system 1. This first clamping means 36 is intended to tighten a diameter of the layer of pins 2 by modifying the positioning of their first branches 10, which are inserted into the tubes 24 carried by the fingers 32. To do this, the fingers 32 are movable in translation between a first extreme retracted position and a second extreme deployed position. In other words, the fingers 32 forming the first clamping means 36 are configured to perform a radial translation towards the central axis of the assembly system 1. In their first extreme retracted position, the fingers 32 and more particularly their free ends 34 are close to the internal annular wall 22 of the loading pallet 6, or even in contact with this internal annular wall 22. On the contrary, in their second extreme deployed position, visible in [Fig.5] in particular, the free ends 34 of the fingers 32 extend into the central recess 20 and are at a distance from the internal annular wall 22.

[0105] The fingers 32 are driven by an actuation system of the loading pallet 6, which is a first actuation system 38 within the assembly system 1. It is thus understood that the first actuation system 38, for example a cam system, makes it possible to implement a movement of the first clamping means 36. The first actuation system 38, which is carried by the annular main body 18, is particularly visible in the close-up view of [Fig. 2]. It comprises a first ring 40 and a second ring 42 which participate in forming the annular main body 18 of the loading pallet 6, the first ring 40 being arranged between the base 16 and the second ring 42. The first ring 40 has grooves 44 which are sized to receive the fingers 32, these grooves 44 being arranged radially within the first ring 40.The second ring 42 comprises notches 46 which are curved and whose curvature is eccentric relative to the central axis of the assembly system. Each finger 32 is crossed by a pin 48 which extends at one of its ends within a groove 44 and at the other of its ends within a notch 46. The second ring 42 is movable in rotation relative to the first ring 40 thanks to an actuating pull 50, a movement of this actuating pull 50 causing a movement of the second ring 42 and by extension a radial movement of the fingers 32 when the notches 46 come into abutment against the pins 48.A movement of the second ring 42 in a first direction of rotation allows the fingers 32 to move from their first retracted extreme position to their second deployed extreme position, while a movement of this second ring 42 in a second direction of rotation opposite to the first direction of rotation allows the fingers 32 to move from their second deployed extreme position to their first retracted extreme position. The movement of the fingers 32 from their first retracted extreme position to their second extreme position. deployed allows a tightening of a diameter of the first branches 10 of the pins 2 which are inserted into the tubes 24 carried by the free ends 34 of the fingers 32. Thus, the actuation of the first clamping means 36 by the first actuation means 38 allows a tightening of the first branches 10 of the pins 2.

[0106] Alternatively another example of loading pallet 6 is illustrated in the [Fig. 8]. In this other example, the tubes 24 are carried by the main body 18 of the loading pallet 6. For this, the main body 18 comprises openings forming the tubes 24. For example, the tubes 24 are arranged closer to the internal periphery of the body than the notches. In this example, the tubes are therefore included in the main body 18 and not arranged in the central recess 20. In this embodiment, the first branches of the pins 2 are arranged in the loading pallet 6 directly at the correct diameter, so only the second branches are set in motion by means of the respective clamping means. The other characteristics of the loading pallet described previously with respect to [Fig. 2] are also applicable to this embodiment of [Fig. 8].

[0107] The assembly device 4 will now be described in relation to figures 4 to 7. According to the invention, the assembly device 4 comprises at least two superimposed plates, including a lower plate 52 and an upper plate 56. In the example illustrated, the assembly device more particularly comprises three superimposed plates 52, 54, 56, including the lower plate 52, an intermediate plate 54 and the upper plate 56, the intermediate plate 54 being arranged between the lower 52 and upper 56 plates.

[0108] The plates are movable relative to each other. In the example illustrated, the lower plate 52 is thus movable in rotation relative to the intermediate plate 54 by means of rotational guide means, such as the rollers 58 which are illustrated in particular in FIGS. 1, 4 and 7. The upper plate 56 is movable in translation relative to the lower plate, and here relative to the intermediate plate 54, so that it can move away from and towards them in a translation direction substantially parallel to the central axis of the assembly system 1. A movement away from the upper plate 56 relative to the intermediate plate 54 is illustrated in [Fig. 7].

[0109] The plates 52, 54, 56 are all three annular in shape. Due to this annular shape, the assembly device 4 can receive the loading pallet 6 within it, this loading pallet 6 then being inserted into a central opening 57 of the assembly device 4. Such reception of the loading pallet 6 within the plates 52, 54, 56 is particularly visible in FIGS. 4 and 6. When the loading pallet 6 is received by the assembly device 4, its positioning is such that the layer of pins 2 is arranged, at least in part, at center of each of the plates 52, 54, 56.

[0110] Like the loading pallet 6, the assembly device 4 is configured to tighten a diameter of the layer of pins 2 carried by the loading pallet 6. The assembly device 4 therefore comprises clamping means on each of these plates 52, 54, 56, which correspond to a second clamping means 60, a third clamping means 62 and a fourth clamping means 64 of the assembly system 1. The second clamping means 60 is associated with the lower plate 52, the third clamping means 62 is associated with the upper plate 56 and the fourth clamping means 64 is associated with the intermediate plate 54.

[0111] The second clamping means 60, carried by the lower plate 52, is principally clearly visible in [Fig. 5]. This second clamping means 60 comprises arms 66 which have a general shape similar to that of the fingers 32 of the loading pallet 6. The arms 66 extend substantially radially towards the central opening 57 of the assembly device 4. More precisely, these arms 66 are oriented towards the central opening 57 with an offset relative to the central axis of the assembly system 1, so that they are offset relative to radii of the lower plate 52. The arms 66 have free edges 68, which are their edges closest to the central axis. These free edges 68 each carry a holding tab 70. The holding tabs 70 have a U shape open towards the central opening 57. These holding tabs 70 are configured to receive the pins 2; we understand that each holding tab 70 forms a receiving housing for one of the branches of the pins 2, here a second branch 12.In other words, each second branch 12 can be received in the legs of the U of one of the holding legs 70.

[0112] Similar to the fingers 32, the arms 66 forming the second clamping means 60 make it possible to tighten a diameter of the layer of pins 2 carried by the loading pallet 6, by reducing a diameter of their second branches 12 arranged in the guide notches 26. For this purpose, the arms 66 are movable between a first retracted extreme position and a second deployed extreme position, the arms 66 forming the second clamping means 60 being configured to perform a translation towards the center of the assembly system 1. In their first retracted extreme position, the arms 66 are close to an internal face of the lower plate 52 delimiting the central opening 57, or even in contact with this internal face. Conversely, in their second deployed extreme position, the arms 66 extend into the central opening 57, at a distance from this internal face.When the second branches 12 of the pins 2 are engaged in the holding tabs 70 of the arms 66, these second branches 12 are in the vicinity of the closed external ends 30 of the guide notches 26 in the first retracted extreme position of the arms, and they. are outside these guide notches 26 in the second extreme deployed position of the arms 66. It is therefore understood that the second clamping means 60 makes it possible to slide the second branches 12 along the guide notches 26 until they come out of them. This sliding of the second branches 12 along the guide notches 26 is possible thanks to a simultaneous pivoting of the first branches 10 within the tubes 26.

[0113] The second clamping means 60 formed by the arms 66 is moved by an actuation system of the lower plate 52, which corresponds to a second actuation system 72 of the assembly system 1. Such a second actuation system 72 is for example similar to the cam system forming the first actuation system 38 of the loading pallet 6.

[0114] In order to simultaneously implement the first actuation system 38 and the second actuation system 72, the assembly system 1 comprises a control unit capable of controlling each of the actuation systems. This control unit can jointly control the first actuation system 38 and the second actuation system 72 so as to move both the first clamping means 36 and the second clamping means 60, which makes it possible to tighten the first branches 10 and the second branches 12 of the pins 2 at the same time.

[0115] In addition to the translational movement which is implemented via the second actuation system 72, the displacement of the second branches 12 of the pins 2 is achieved via the rotation, around the central axis of the assembly system, of the lower plate 52 relative to the intermediate plate 54, this rotation being aided by the presence of the rollers 58. The rotation of the lower plate 52 can be controlled by the control unit simultaneously with the control of the second actuation system 72; the lower plate 52 is then rotating while the arms 66 which it carries pass from their first extreme retracted position to their second extreme deployed position.

[0116] As mentioned previously, the intermediate plate 54 and the upper plate 56 also have clamping means, which are respectively a fourth clamping means 64 and a third clamping means 62. These clamping means 62, 64, which are particularly visible in [Fig. 6], make it possible to tighten a diameter of the layer of pins 2.

[0117] The third clamping means 62 of the upper plate 56 comprises first teeth 74 as well as first plates 76, while the fourth clamping means 64 of the intermediate plate 54 comprises second teeth 78 and second plates 80.

[0118] The teeth 74, 78 are formed by two intersecting faces joining at a point, which forms the portion of the teeth 74, 78 closest to the central axis of the system. assembly. These teeth 74, 78 are configured to pass through the layer of pins 2; they are therefore intended to extend, at least partially, through this layer of pins 2, so that the tip of the teeth 74, 78 is arranged in the center of the layer of pins 2. Due to the arrangement of the upper plate 56 covering the intermediate plate 54, when the loading pallet 6 is received within the assembly device 4 the first teeth 74 are inserted within the layer of pins 2 at the level of the arcuate portions 14 of the pins 2 while the second teeth 78 are inserted through the branches 10, 12 of these pins 2.

[0119] The first teeth 74 participating in forming the third clamping means 62 and the second teeth 78 participating in forming the fourth clamping means 64 are movable according to a radial translation, that is to say they can move from a body of their respective plates 54, 56 and in the direction of the central opening 57. The teeth 74, 78 are thus configured to take a first extreme position in which they are retracted and a second extreme position in which they are deployed, the teeth 74, 78 being closest to the central axis of the assembly system when they are in their second extreme deployed position. The teeth 74, 78 pass through the layer of pins 2 in this second extreme deployed position, while in the first extreme retracted position they do not insert themselves through the pins 2.A transition from the first retracted extreme position to the second deployed extreme position is shown in [Fig. 6], the first retracted extreme position being illustrated above the second deployed extreme position in this [Fig. 6]. The radial translation of the teeth 74, 78 is limited by the presence of a shoulder 82 provided on one of the faces of each of the teeth 74, 78, this shoulder being intended to abut against the outer portion of the layer of pins 2 in the second deployed extreme position. It is understood that in the first retracted extreme position, the shoulders 82 are at a distance from the pins 2.

[0120] The plates 76, 80 are configured to come into contact with the layer of pins 2. In the same way as the teeth 74, 78, the first plates 76 participating in forming the third clamping means 62 and the second plates 80 participating in forming the fourth clamping means 64 are movable according to a radial translation, that is to say that they can move from a body of their respective plates 54, 56 in the direction of the central opening 57. The plates 76, 80 are more specifically movable between a first extreme retracted position, in which they are pressed against a body of their respective plates 54, 56, and a second extreme deployed position in which they are in contact with the outer portion of the layer of pins 2 carried by the loading pallet 6. The plates have a substantially rectangular general shape whose contours are here crenellated.The crenellation of the plates 76, 80 is such as the crenellations of a plate. 76, 80 given are able to cooperate, when the plates 76, 80 are against the layer of pins 2, with the crenellation of a plate 76, 80 which is adjacent to it, with a fitting together in the manner of puzzle pieces. The plates 76, 80 are more precisely configured to come into contact with an outer portion of the layer of pins 2 which corresponds to its part furthest from the central axis of the assembly system 1. The plates 76, 80 may have, so as to match the contours of the outer portion of the layer of pins 2, a curved shape; thus, when they are in contact with the layer of pins 2, the first plates 76 and the second plates 80 respectively form a circle.

[0121] A movement of the third clamping means 62, that is to say the first plates 74 and the first teeth 76 of the upper plate 56, is carried out by the implementation of an actuation system of this upper plate 56 which corresponds to a third actuation system 84 of the assembly system 1. Similarly, a movement of the fourth clamping means 64, that is to say the second plates 78 and the second teeth 80 of the intermediate plate 54, is carried out by the actuation of an actuation system of this intermediate plate 54 which is a fourth actuation system 86 of the assembly system 1. Each of the third actuation system 84 and the fourth actuation system 86 is for example a cam system such as that described in the context of the first actuation system 38.The third actuation system 84 and the fourth actuation system 86 are distinct since they are carried by different plates 54, 56 of the assembly device 4. These third actuation systems 84 and fourth actuation systems 86 can however be controlled together by the control unit of the assembly system 1.

[0122] The passage of the teeth 74, 78 and the plates 76, 80 from their first extreme retracted position to their second extreme deployed position leads to a tightening of the pins 2 forming the layer of pins 2, and therefore to a reduction in its diameter. Such tightening of the layer of pins 2 is limited, within the assembly device 4, by the presence of a removable pin 88. This removable pin 88 is movable in translation along the central axis of the assembly system 1. The removable pin 88 translates within the central opening 57 of the assembly device 4 from the upper plate 56 to the lower plate 52, so as to position itself in the center of the layer of pins 2. When the removable pin 88 is arranged in the central opening 57 and in the center of the layer of pins 2, it constitutes a stop for an inner portion of the layer of pins 2 which is the portion opposite the outer portion previously mentioned.Such a stop is particularly visible in [Fig.4].

[0123] As previously mentioned, the assembly system 1 comprises at least title of its modules at least one storage module 8, which is particularly visible in [Fig.3]. This storage module 8 is configured to transport at least one layer of pins 2. It is able to move between a first assembly station comprising a first assembly device 4 and a first loading pallet 6, and a second assembly station provided with a second assembly device 4 and a second loading pallet 6. Such a movement from one assembly station to another has the purpose of moving a layer of pins 2 whose diameter has been adapted in order to cover it with another layer of pins 2 whose diameter must be adapted.In other words, at each successive assembly station the layer of pins 2 transported by the storage module 8 is surrounded by an additional layer of pins 2, of a larger diameter, all of these layers of pins 2 being tightened to a desired diameter when received in a given assembly device 4. To this end, the storage module 8 is able to be inserted into a given loading pallet 6. The storage module 8 is thus received within the central recess 20 of the loading pallet 6.

[0124] The storage module 8 is particularly visible in [Fig. 3]. It has a rounded base 90 and an annular main portion 92, this annular main portion 92 resting on the rounded base 90. The annular main portion 92 extends mainly in the longitudinal direction. It is delimited radially by an internal annular face 94, which is opposite a center of the storage module 8, and by an external annular face 96 opposite the internal annular face 94. The annular main portion 92 extends longitudinally from the rounded base 90 to an end edge 98, which is an edge of the storage module by which the pins 2 are received within the storage module 8.

[0125] When the storage module 8 is received in the loading pallet 6, its external annular face 96 is its peripheral face which is opposite the internal annular wall 22 of the loading pallet 6. This external annular face 96 has at least one recess 100. This recess 100 is formed in a thickness of the storage module 8, that is to say between its annular faces 94, 96. The recess 100 is here arranged in the upper part of the storage module 8, that is to say closer to its end edge 98 than to its rounded base 90. This recess 100 is able to cooperate with the fingers 32 of the loading pallet 6 when the loading module 8 is received by the latter. Such cooperation between the recess 100 and the fingers 32 will be described in more detail below.

[0126] As can be seen in the close-up view of [Fig. 3], the inner annular face 94 has grooves 102 which extend from the end edge 98 and towards the rounded base 90. Each groove 102 is intended to receive a branch 10, 12 of a pin 2. In order to facilitate insertion of the pins 2 into the storage module 8 and more particularly its grooves 102, a chamfer 104 is provided from the end edge 98 so as to extend over an entire circumference of the internal annular face 94.

[0127] The method of assembling the pin ring 2 will now be described. This assembly method involves a plurality of assembly stations each comprising an assembly device 4 and a loading pallet 6. Each assembly station is dedicated to producing a layer of a certain type of pins 2 of the pin ring, the storage module 8 moving a layer of pins 2 from a given assembly station to an adjacent assembly station to cover it with an additional layer of pins 2 until the pin ring 2 has the desired number of layers of pins 2.

[0128] The assembly method comprises at least a first step of assembling a first layer comprising the first type of pins 2, a second step of assembling one or more pins 2 of the intermediate type, and a third step of assembling a third layer comprising the second type of pins 2. Each of these steps is carried out within a different assembly station.

[0129] The performance of one of these assembly steps, here the first assembly step, will now be detailed. It is understood, however, that the characteristics which will follow are applicable, mutatis mutandis, to each of the assembly steps of a layer of the crown of pins 2.

[0130] The assembly step begins with a step of loading a given layer of pins 2 into the loading pallet 6. For the first assembly step, the given layer of pins 2 is the first layer comprising the first type of pins 2, while for the third step it is the third layer comprising the second type of pins 2.

[0131] As illustrated in [Fig.2], each pin 2 is inserted one by one within the loading pallet 6 so that its first branch 10 is received by a tube 24 and its second branch 12 is received by a notch 26, the fingers 32 carrying the tubes 24 then being in their first extreme retracted position. The first branch 10 is first inserted into its corresponding tube 24, then once it is engaged in the latter, the pin 2 is pivoted around this first branch 10 so that its second branch 12 slides along the curved shape of the notch 26, from its open internal end 28 which opens onto the central recess 20 until it comes into abutment against its closed external end 30. The pivoting of the pins 2 around their first branches 10 is facilitated by the curved shape of the notches 26.

[0132] Between each insertion of pin 2, the loading pallet 6 pivots. All the pins 2 of the layer of pins 2 are thus inserted from the same initial position, only the loading pallet 6 being in motion.

[0133] Once all the pins 2 of the layer have been inserted, the assembly method continues with a step of receiving the loading pallet 6 carrying the layer of pins 2 within the assembly device 4 associated with it. The loading pallet 6 is received in the central opening 57 so as to be at least within the lower plate 52. The pins 2 carried by the loading pallet 6 extend both within this lower plate 52, the intermediate plate 54 and the upper plate 56. The removable pin 88 performs a translation within the central opening 57 of the assembly device 4 to be housed in the center of the layer of pins 2, as visible in [Fig.4].

[0134] The assembly method then comprises a step of reducing the diameter of the layer of pins 2. During this step of reducing the diameter, on the one hand the first branches 10 of the pins 2 are moved by the first clamping means 36 of the loading pallet 6, and on the other hand the second branches 12 of the pins 2 are moved by the clamping means of the lower plate 52.

[0135] The movement of the first branches 10 of the pins 2 is more particularly achieved by the implementation of the first clamping means 36 using the first actuation system 38. A movement of the actuation pull 50 of this first actuation system 38 in fact causes the fingers 32 to move from their first extreme retracted position to their second extreme deployed position as explained above.

[0136] The movement of the second branches 12 of the pins 2 is enabled by the activation of the second clamping means 60 via the second actuating means 72. Such activation results in a rotation of the lower plate 52 around the central axis of the assembly system and allows the arms 66 to move from their first extreme retracted position to their second extreme deployed position, which causes the second branches 12 to slide along the notches 26 until they are in the central recess 20, the first branches 10 rotating within the tubes 26 to facilitate such sliding.

[0137] The assembly method subsequently comprises a step of gripping the pins 2, which is shown in [Fig. 6]. For this purpose, the third and fourth actuation systems 84, 86 are implemented to activate the third and fourth clamping means 62, 64 carried by the intermediate plate 54 and the upper plate 56. The teeth 74, 78 and the plates 76, 80 thus pass from their first extreme retracted position to an intermediate position between this first extreme retracted position and their second extreme deployed position. The plates 76, 80 are then pressed against the layer of pins 2 carried by the loading pallet 6 while the teeth 74, 78 are inserted through the layer of pins 2, the shoulder 82 of the teeth 74, 78 being in contact with this layer of pins 2.

[0138] In this intermediate position of the third and fourth clamping means 62, 64, the first teeth 74 of the upper plate 56 are housed under the arcuate portions 14 of the pins 2. As a result, when the assembly device 4 carries out a translation of the upper plate 56, translation along the central axis of the assembly system 1 and which leads to a moving away of this upper plate 56 from the lower plate 52 to arrive at the position illustrated in [Fig. 7], these first teeth 74 lift the arcuate portions 14 and drive the pins 2 outside the loading pallet 6 as the upper plate 56 moves away from the intermediate plate 54. The layer of pins 2 is in this way extracted from the loading pallet 6.

[0139] The third and fourth clamping means 62, 64 are then activated again, which causes the teeth 74, 78 and the plates 76, 80 to move from their intermediate position to their second, deployed, extreme position in order to tighten the diameter of the layer of pins 2 once again. A radial movement of the third clamping means 62, and more particularly of the first plates 76, is limited by the presence of the removable pin 88 which is located in the center of the layer of pins 2 and against which the first plates 76 press the pins 2.

[0140] Once the diameter of the pin layer 2 has been tightened again, the loading pallet 6 is removed from the assembly device 4 during a removal step and is replaced within the central opening 57 by an empty storage module 8.

[0141] In order to unload the pins 2 from the assembly device 4 to this storage module 8, a cap 106, notably visible in [Fig.l], is placed around the removable pin 88 resting on the arcuate portions of the pins 2. The cap 106 and the upper plate 56 translate until the upper plate 56 is in contact with the intermediate plate 54, the layer of pins 2 being driven towards the storage module 8 due to the stop of the cap 106 on the arcuate portions 14 of the pins. The ends of the branches 10, 12 of the pins 2 are guided towards the grooves 102 formed within the internal annular face 94 of the storage module 8 using the chamfer 104.Once the upper plate 56 is in contact with the intermediate plate 54, the layer of pins 2 is engaged in the storage module 8 and the third and fourth actuation systems 84, 86 are activated to move the third and fourth clamping means 62, 64 into their first extreme retracted position. The removable pin 88 translates so as to move away from the storage module 8 while the cap 106 remains in position.

[0142] The storage module 8 carrying the tightened layer of pins 2 is, during a removal step of the assembly process, removed from the assembly device 4 and the cap 106 is removed therefrom. During a subsequent movement step, the storage module 8 is directed to another assembly station, where it is associated with a new loading pallet 6 carrying a layer of pins 2 for a second assembly step. The storage module 8 is inserted into the central recess 20 of this loading pallet 6; it is understood that the layer of pins 2 carried by the loading pallet 6 is intended to come around the layer of pins 2 carried by the storage module 8, these layers of pins 2 being intended to form respectively an external layer of the crown of pins 2 and an adjacent more internal layer. During this step of receiving the storage module 8 by the loading pallet 6, the fingers 32 of this loading pallet 6 are in their first extreme retracted position in order to facilitate the insertion of the storage module 8 into the central recess 20.

[0143] The assembly method then continues similarly to what was previously described in relation to the first assembly step, both the loading pallet 6 and the storage module 8 being received in the assembly device 4 during the receiving step.

[0144] The movement of the first branches 10 of the pins 2 is facilitated, in the presence of the storage module 8 within the central recess 20 of the loading pallet 6, by the presence of the recess 100 formed on the external annular face 96. The fingers 32, when they are in their second extreme deployed position, come into contact with this recess 100, the lesser thickness of the annular portion 92 of the storage module 8 at this location allowing an optimal radial extension of the fingers 32 and therefore a tightening of a diameter of the layer of pins 2 carried by the loading pallet 6 improved, as close as possible to the layer of pins 2 carried by the storage module 8.

[0145] The tightening of the diameter of the layers of pins 2 carried by both the loading pallet 6 and the storage module 8 is carried out in accordance with what has been described, with the difference that two layers of pins 2 are tightened simultaneously rather than just one.

[0146] During the step of removing the loading pallet 6 from the assembly device 4, that is to say once the pins 2 have been tightened, the storage module 8 is removed simultaneously with it to free the central opening 57 for the insertion of a new storage module 8, empty and capable of receiving the two layers of pins 2 associated and tightened.

[0147] The assembly steps continue from assembly station to assembly station until a pin ring 2 having a desired number of pin layers 2 is obtained. A stator body can then be placed in the assembly device 4 to receive the final pin ring 2, the diameter of which is adapted to the stator.

[0148] The present invention thus proposes a system for assembling pins conductors of a stator, configured for the production of a crown of pins of a diameter adapted to this stator and which can be inserted there in a single step.

[0149] The present invention cannot, however, be limited to the means and configurations described and illustrated here and it also extends to any equivalent means and configuration as well as to any technically operative combination of such means.

Claims

Claims

1. Assembly system (1) of a crown of pins (2) formed of layers of pins (2) and configured for producing a stator winding, the crown of pins (2) comprising pins (2) formed of a first branch (10) and a second branch (12) substantially parallel and connected to each other by an arcuate portion (14), the assembly system (1) comprising at least one loading pallet (6) for a layer of pins (2) and at least one assembly device (4) for the layers of pins (2) comprising at least two annular plates (52, 56) including a lower plate (52) and an upper plate (56) superimposed on each other and movable relative to each other, the plates (52, 56) of the assembly device (4) being configured to receive the load pallet (6) carrying of at least one layer of pins (2),the loading pallet (6) and the assembly device (4) being configured to reduce a diameter of a layer of pins (2), at least the lower plate (52), the upper plate (56) and the loading pallet (6) comprising clamping means (36, 60, 62) of the pins (2) respectively participating in the reduction of the diameter of the layer of pins (2), at least one of the clamping means (36, 60, 62) being configured to pivot the pins (2) around one of their branches (10, 12).,

2. Assembly system (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein at least one of the clamping means (36, 60, 62) comprises movable elements (24, 66, 74) which are configured to respectively perform a radial translation towards a central axis of the assembly system to reduce the diameter of the pins (2).

3. Assembly system (1) according to the preceding claim, in which at least one of the clamping means (36, 60, 62) is configured to carry movable elements (24, 66, 74) in translation and to be movable in rotation around the central axis of the assembly system.

4. An assembly system according to any preceding claim, wherein the loading pallet (6) comprises an annular main body (18) within which a central recess (20) is provided, the loading pallet (6) comprising a plurality of tubes (24), housed in the central recess (20) and configured to receive the first branches (10) of the pins (2), and a plurality of notches of guide (26), arranged in the main body (18) and configured to receive the second branches (12) of the pins (2), the tubes (24) being carried by the clamping means (36) of the loading pallet (6) or by the main body (18).

5. Assembly system (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the notches (26) have a curved shape, each notch (26) comprising a closed external end (30) and an open internal end (28) on the central recess (20) of the loading pallet (6).

6. Assembly system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims in combination with claim 4, in which the clamping means (36) of the loading pallet (6) comprise fingers (32) extending radially and of which a free end (34), directed towards the central recess (20), carries the tubes (24).

7. Assembly system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the clamping means (60) of the lower plate (52) comprise arms (66) extending substantially radially, a free edge (68) of the arms (66) having a holding tab (70) in particular U-shaped, this holding tab (70) being configured to receive a branch (12) of a pin (2).

8. An assembly system (1) according to the preceding claim in combination with claim 5, wherein the arms (66) are movable between a first extreme position in which they are retracted and a second extreme position in which they are deployed, a branch (12) of the pins (2) being in the vicinity of the closed external ends (30) of the guide notches (26) of the loading pallet (6) in the first extreme position of the arms (66) and outside the main body (18) of the loading pallet (6) in the second extreme position of the arms (66), the arms (66) being moved by an actuation system (72).

9. Assembly system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the clamping means (62) of the upper plate (56) comprise first teeth (74) and first plates (76), the first teeth (74) being configured to pass through the layer of pins (2) and the first plates (76) being configured to be pressed against an outer portion of the layer of pins (2).

10. Assembly system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a storage module (8) comprises an inner annular face (94) which has grooves (102) opening axially onto an end edge (98) of the storage module (8), the inner annular face (94) having a chamfer (104) extending from the end edge (98).

11. Method for assembling a crown of pins (2) by an assembly system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, the assembly method comprising at least one step of receiving the loading pallet (6) carrying a layer of pins (2) within the assembly device (4) and a step of reducing the diameter of the layer of pins (2) during which the second branches (12) of the pins (2) are moved by the clamping means (60) of the lower plate (52) to perform at least one rotational movement.

12. Assembly method according to the preceding claim, wherein during the step of reducing the diameter of the layer of pins (2), the first branches (10) of the pins (2) are moved by the clamping means (36) of the loading pallet (6).

13. Assembly method according to claim 11 or 12, comprising a step of gripping the pins (2) by the upper plate (56) and a step of removing the pins (2) from the loading pallet (6) by moving the upper plate (56) away from the loading pallet (6).

14. Assembly method according to the preceding claim in combination with claim 11, comprising a step of receiving the storage module (8) by at least the loading pallet (6) prior to the step of receiving within the assembly device (4).

15. An assembly method according to the preceding claim, comprising at least a first step of assembling a first layer comprising a first type of pins (2), a second step of assembling one or more pins (2) of an intermediate type, and a third step of assembling a third layer comprising a second type of pins (2), the pins (2) of intermediate type being configured to connect the first layer and the third layer, the second layer being assembled at least partially around the first layer and the third layer being assembled at least partially around the second layer.

Images