Welding device

Abstract

To provide a welding device capable of shortening a processing time, improving work efficiency, and improving welding quality.SOLUTION: A welding device 1 welds a pair of adjacent terminals 4, 4 of a stator coil 3, and includes a pair of clamping portions 10, 10 arranged on both sides of the pair of terminals 4, 4, and the pair of clamping portions 10, 10 are configured to be rotatable relative to each other and are capable of clamping the pair of terminals 4, 4 as the pair rotates. At least one recess 12 is formed on the outer periphery of each of the clamping portions 10, 10, and the recess 12 is capable of engaging with the terminal 4. The clamping portions 10, 10 have a through hole 13 for avoiding contact with the other terminal 4 at a position where the clamped terminals 4, 4 intersect with another terminal 4 adjacent to the clamped terminal 4, 4.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a welding device for welding terminals of a stator coil in an electric motor such as a motor.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in the manufacturing process of an electric motor such as a motor, welding is performed between adjacent terminals of coils (also referred to as stator coils) in a stator (stator). (For example, Patent Document 1). The conventional technique described in Patent Document 1 is configured to sandwich adjacent terminals by a clamp jig that extends in the radial direction of the stator coil. Further, the conventional technique described in Patent Document 1 is configured to weld the terminals sandwiched by the clamp jig.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in the conventional technique described in Patent Document 1 mentioned above, for each group of radial terminals (also referred to as slots) arranged radially, the terminals are clamped (sandwiched) by a clamp jig for welding. Further, when the welding of one slot is completed, the welding of each slot is sequentially performed while sequentially moving the clamp jig in the circumferential direction. Therefore, when there are a large number of terminals such as in a stator coil, it is necessary to repeatedly move and attach / detach (crank and unclamp) the clamp jig by the number of slots, resulting in a problem of deteriorated work efficiency. Further, in the conventional technique described in Patent Document 1, since a plurality of sets of terminals are clamped together, there are problems such as a decrease in processing accuracy due to variations in the thickness direction of the coil (terminals), and instability of welding quality due to variations in the degree of contact of the terminals with the clamp electrodes.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a welding apparatus that can shorten the processing time, improve the working efficiency, and improve the welding quality.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] (1) The welding apparatus of the present invention provided to solve the above-described problems is a welding apparatus for welding a pair of adjacent terminals of a stator coil, and includes a pair of clamp portions disposed on both sides via the pair of terminals. The pair of clamp portions are configured to be rotatable with respect to each other and to be able to sandwich the pair of terminals as they rotate.

[0007] In the above-described welding apparatus, as the pair of clamp portions rotate with respect to each other, they can sandwich (clamp) a pair of adjacent terminals. Therefore, the above-described welding apparatus can quickly sandwich adjacent terminals by the rotational operation of the clamp portions, and can greatly improve the working efficiency. Further, since the above-described welding apparatus can sandwich the terminals to be welded individually, the terminals can be surely brought into contact with the clamp electrodes. As a result, the above-described welding apparatus can secure the current-carrying area and can absorb the heat transmitted to the terminals by the pair of clamp portions. Therefore, the above-described welding apparatus can improve the welding quality (processing accuracy).

[0008] (2) In the welding apparatus of the present invention described above, it is preferable that at least one recess is formed on the outer periphery of each of the pair of clamp portions, and the recess is engageable with the terminal.

[0009] With the above-described configuration, the welding apparatus can engage the recess with the terminal, so that a pair of terminals to be welded can be surely clamped. As a result, the above-described welding apparatus can surely bring the terminals into contact with the clamp electrodes, and thus can improve the welding quality (processing accuracy).

[0010] (3) The welding apparatus of the present invention described above performs welding in order on a plurality of terminals arranged in a predetermined pitch between terminals. At least one of the pair of clamp portions is formed in a gear shape, and thus has a plurality of recesses in the circumferential direction via a predetermined pitch between recesses, and it is preferable that the pitch between the recesses is set to a length corresponding to the pitch between the terminals.

[0011] With such a configuration, the welding apparatus described above engages the recesses of the clamp portion formed in a gear shape with the terminals to perform welding, and then rotates the clamp portion toward the next terminal to be welded (next welding terminal) that is located at a position separated by the pitch between terminals from the welded terminals. Thus, the recesses of the clamp portion can be engaged with the next welding terminal. As a result, the welding apparatus can efficiently perform the engagement of the recesses of the clamp portion and welding one after another.

[0012] (4) In the welding apparatus of the present invention described above, it is preferable that at least one of the pair of clamp portions has at least one through hole for avoiding contact with another terminal adjacent to the pair of terminals being clamped at a position intersecting the other terminal.

[0013] With such a configuration, the welding apparatus described above can avoid contact with other terminals other than the terminals to be welded when the pair of clamp portions rotate. That is, in the welding apparatus described above, at least a part of the other terminals described above enters the through hole, thereby avoiding contact between the other terminals and the pair of clamp portions.

[0014] (5) It is preferable that the welding apparatus of the present invention described above is configured such that the pair of clamp portions can rotate relative to the stator coil in the circumferential direction.

[0015] The above-described welding apparatus can rotate each of the pair of clamp portions as the pair of clamp portions rotate relative to each other in the circumferential direction with respect to the stator coil. As a result, even when the above-described welding apparatus has a plurality of rows of terminal groups in the circumferential direction, the adjacent pair of terminals can be sequentially clamped by the relative rotation of the stator coil in the circumferential direction. Therefore, the above-described welding apparatus can significantly improve the working efficiency related to welding. Further, since the above-described welding apparatus can perform welding while clamping a pair of terminals, the welding quality can be improved.

[0016] (6) It is preferable that the above-described welding apparatus of the present invention is characterized in that the pair of clamp portions are inclined and arranged so as to be separated from each other as they go from one end on the terminal side to the other end side.

[0017] With such a configuration, the above-described welding apparatus can suppress interference with the radially arranged terminal groups (also referred to as slots) that are arranged radially in the radial direction of the stator coil, even when they are close to each other. That is, the above-described welding apparatus can be made compact.

[0018] (7) It is preferable that the above-described welding apparatus of the present invention is characterized in that as the pair of clamp portions rotate relative to each other in the circumferential direction with respect to the stator coil, the pair of clamp portions rotate in opposite directions to each other, so that the clamped state in which the pair of terminals are clamped and the unclamped state in which the clamping of the pair of terminals is released are sequentially switched.

[0019] With the above-described welding apparatus configured as such, the pair of clamp portions can be rotated in opposite directions in conjunction (synchronization) with the relative rotation of the pair of clamp portions in the circumferential direction with respect to the stator coil. As a result, the above-described welding apparatus can switch between a clamp state in which a pair of terminals are clamped and an unclamp state in which the clamping of the pair of terminals is released with a simple configuration. Further, since the above-described welding apparatus can sequentially switch between the clamp state and the unclamp state by the pair of clamp portions, the working efficiency related to welding can be significantly improved. Further, since the above-described welding apparatus can perform welding while clamping a pair of terminals, the welding quality can be improved.

[0020] (8) The welding apparatus of the present invention described above is preferably characterized by including a torch unit that welds the terminals to each other, and a support unit that integrally supports the torch unit and the pair of clamp portions.

[0021] With the above-described welding apparatus configured as such, the torch unit and the clamp unit can be arranged close to each other. As a result, the above-described welding apparatus can be expected to further improve the working efficiency and be made more compact.

[0022] (9) In the welding apparatus of the present invention described above, the stator coil has a plurality of pairs of terminals to be welded to each other, and the plurality of pairs of terminals are arranged radially at a predetermined interval in the radial direction of the stator coil, whereby a plurality of rows of terminal groups are formed concentrically in the circumferential direction of the stator coil, and at least one pair of clamp portions is arranged for each row formed by the terminal groups.

[0023] The above-described welding apparatus can sequentially weld a plurality of columns of terminal groups arranged in the circumferential direction of the stator coil, column by column and in the circumferential direction, by arranging at least one pair of clamp portions for each column formed by the terminal group formed in the circumferential direction of the stator coil. Therefore, the configuration of the clamp portion can be simplified, and welding can be performed while quickly clamping a plurality of terminal groups. As a result, the above-described welding apparatus can improve the working efficiency and the welding quality.

[0024] (10) The above-described welding apparatus of the present invention, wherein the stator coil has a plurality of pairs of terminals to be welded to each other, and the plurality of pairs of terminals are radially arranged at a predetermined interval in the radial direction of the stator coil, whereby a plurality of columns of terminal groups are formed concentrically in the circumferential direction of the stator coil, the terminal groups are formed in three columns, and it is preferable that the pair of clamp portions are provided at intervals of 120 degrees for each column formed by the terminal groups.

[0025] With such a configuration, the above-described welding apparatus can minimize the number of clamp portions provided, so that cost reduction can be expected. Further, the above-described welding apparatus can sequentially weld a plurality of columns of terminal groups formed in the circumferential direction of the stator coil, column by column and in the circumferential direction. Therefore, the configuration of the clamp portion can be simplified, and welding can be performed while quickly clamping a plurality of terminal groups. As a result, the above-described welding apparatus can improve the working efficiency and the welding quality.

[0026] (11) The above-described welding apparatus of the present invention, wherein the stator coil has a plurality of pairs of terminals to be welded to each other, and the plurality of pairs of terminals are radially arranged at a predetermined interval in the radial direction of the stator coil, whereby a plurality of columns of terminal groups are formed concentrically in the circumferential direction of the stator coil, and the pair of clamp portions are formed in an outer shape that does not interfere with the terminal groups adjacent to both sides in the circumferential direction of the stator coil.

[0027] With the above-described welding apparatus configured as such, when a pair of terminals rotate, interference with the terminal groups adjacent to both circumferential sides of the stator coil can be suppressed. As a result, the above-described welding apparatus can suppress damage to the terminals of the stator coil and the like, and the clamp portion and the like.

Advantages of the Invention

[0028] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a welding apparatus that can shorten the processing time, improve the working efficiency, and improve the welding quality.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0029]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0030] Hereinafter, a welding apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that each drawing is schematically shown for easy understanding, and it should be noted that the actual shape, size, and arrangement of the components may be different. Also, note that in FIG. 2, the torch unit 20 and the support unit 30 are omitted. Also, note that in FIG. 4, hatching of a partial cross-section is omitted.

[0031] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a stator 2 (also referred to as a stator 2) used in the welding apparatus 1 of the present invention. The stator 2 includes a main body portion 2A and a stator coil 3 and the like.

[0032] The main body part 2A is formed in a cylindrical shape, and a plurality of bolt holes 2B for fixing are provided on the outer periphery. The main body part 2A has a plurality of grooves 2C formed radially on the inner peripheral part.

[0033] The stator coil 3 is formed in an annular shape, and the lower end side is fitted into a plurality of grooves 2C formed in the main body part 2A. The upper end side of the stator coil 3 protrudes from the main body part 2A, and the protruding end forms a plurality of terminals 4. The stator coil 3 has a plurality of pairs of terminals 4, 4 (also referred to as terminal groups 5) that are welded to each other. Here, the material of the terminals 4, 4 is not particularly limited, but for example, those made of copper can be used. A pair of terminals 4, 4 that are welded to each other are arranged in a plurality (three in this embodiment) at a predetermined interval in the radial direction of the stator coil 3, thereby forming a slot 5A (also referred to as a radial terminal group 5A). Further, a plurality of slots 5A are arranged at a predetermined angular interval radially. In other words, the terminal group 5 is formed in a plurality of concentric rows in the circumferential direction of the stator coil 3. In this embodiment, the terminal group 5 is formed in three concentric rows.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 2, the welding device 1 of the present invention is configured to weld a pair of terminals 4, 4 (terminal group 5) adjacent to each other in the radial direction in the stator coil 3 described above. In the welding device 1 of this embodiment, the case where adjacent terminals 4, 4 are welded by arc welding (for example, TIG welding) will be described as an example. As shown in FIG. 3, the welding device 1 includes a pair of clamp parts 10, 10, a torch part 20, a support part 30, and the like. In addition to the above, the welding device 1 includes a table (not shown) for supporting the stator 2 (see FIG. 1) and the like.

[0035] The support part 30 is configured to integrally support the pair of clamp parts 10, 10 and the torch part 20. In this embodiment, for example, an appropriate drive mechanism (not shown) is provided on the support part 30, and when the drive mechanism is driven, the pair of clamp parts 10, 10 are rotationally driven relative to the stator coil 3.

[0036] The clamp portions 10 are arranged on both sides via a pair of terminals 4, 4 to be welded. The clamp portions 10, 10 are each formed in a disk shape. As shown in FIG. 2, in the present embodiment, the pair of clamp portions 10, 10 are provided at intervals of 120 degrees for each circumferential row (each concentric circle) formed by the terminal group 5. That is, at least one pair of clamp portions 10, 10 is arranged for each concentric circular row in the circumferential direction formed by the terminal group 5. Here, the clamp portions 10, 10 provided in the innermost circumferential row of the terminal group 5 are also referred to as clamp portions 10A, 10A, the clamp portions provided in the middle row of the terminal group 5 are also referred to as clamp portions 10B, 10B, and the clamp portions provided in the outermost circumferential row of the terminal group 5 may also be referred to as clamp portions 10C, 10C. When it is not necessary to distinguish the clamp portions 10A, 10B, 10C, they may simply be collectively referred to as clamp portions 10, 10. As shown in FIG. 3, the pair of clamp portions 10, 10 are formed in an outer shape (outer diameter) that does not interfere with the terminal group 5 adjacent to both sides in the circumferential direction of the stator coil 3. Note that the outer diameters of the pair of clamp portions 10, 10 may be different according to the circumferential length difference between the inner and outer circumferences of each row formed by the terminal group 5.

[0037] The clamp portions 10, 10 are rotatably supported with respect to a support portion 30 provided on the upper portion of the clamp portions 10, 10. Also, the rotation axes 11, 11 of the clamp portions 10, 10 are directly or indirectly connected via a gear or the like to a drive mechanism (not shown) provided on the support portion 30. Therefore, the clamp portions 10, 10 can rotate about the rotation axes 11, 11 by the drive of the drive mechanism. In the present embodiment, the clamp portions 10, 10 are configured to rotate in opposite directions to each other. Also, in the present embodiment, the drive mechanism is configured to relatively rotate the clamp portions 10, 10 with respect to the stator coil 3. Further, when the clamp portions 10, 10 are relatively rotationally driven with respect to the stator coil 3 by the drive mechanism, each of the clamp portions 10, 10 is configured to rotate in reverse in conjunction (synchronously) via an appropriate gear (not shown).

[0038] As shown in FIG. 4, the clamp portions 10, 10 are inclined and arranged so as to be spaced apart from each other as they extend from one end on the terminal 4, 4 side toward the other end side. That is, the clamp portions 10, 10 are inclined and arranged such that the lower end sides are close to (in contact with) the terminals 4, 4 and the upper end sides are spaced apart from the terminals 4, 4. Therefore, as the clamp portions 10, 10 rotate, they can clamp (hold) the pair of terminals 4, 4 at the lower end sides. Further, as the pair of clamp portions 10, 10 rotate relative to the stator coil 3 in the circumferential direction, the pair of clamp portions 10, 10 rotate in opposite directions to each other, so that the pair of terminals 4, 4 can be sequentially switched between a clamped state in which the pair of terminals 4, 4 are clamped and an unclamped state in which the clamping of the pair of terminals 4, 4 is released.

[0039] Also, as shown in FIG. 3, at least one recess 12 is formed on the outer periphery of each of the clamp portions 10, 10. In the present embodiment, a plurality of recesses 12 are formed in a gear shape at predetermined intervals on the outer periphery of the clamp portions 10, 10. The plurality of recesses 12 can sequentially engage with the terminal 4 as the clamp portions 10, 10 rotate. The recesses 12, 12 facing each other in the clamp portions 10, 10 can clamp the terminals 4, 4 by engaging with the terminals 4, 4, respectively.

[0040] Further, at least one of the clamp portions 10, 10 (both in this embodiment) is formed with at least one (a plurality in this embodiment) through-hole 13. In this embodiment, the through-hole 13 is formed in a rectangular shape. As shown in FIG. 4, the through-hole 13 is formed at a position intersecting with another terminal 4 adjacent to the pair of terminals 4, 4 sandwiched by the clamp portions 10, 10. In other words, the through-hole 13 is formed inside the clamp portions 10, 10 in the radial direction with respect to each recess 12 (see FIG. 3). In still other words, the through-hole 13 is formed inside the clamp portions 10, 10 in the radial direction at a position corresponding to each recess 12 along the circumferential direction of the clamp portions 10, 10. That is, the through-hole 13 is provided to avoid contact with other terminals 4 when the recess 12 engages with the terminal 4. The through-hole 13 may be provided in a necessary quantity (singular or plural) as necessary, and if the clamp portions 10, 10 do not interfere with the terminals 4, 4, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the through-hole 13 is not provided.

[0041] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the torch portion 20 is disposed near the center of a pair of terminals 4, 4 (terminal group 5) sandwiched by the clamp portions 10, 10. The torch portion 20 is supported by the support portion 30. That is, the support portion 30 integrally supports the torch portion 20 and the pair of clamp portions 10, 10. In this embodiment, the torch portion 20 is disposed between the clamp portions 10A, 10A, the clamp portions 10B, 10B, and the clamp portions 10C, 10C, respectively. That is, the three torch portions 20, 20, 20 are arranged at intervals of 120 degrees in the circumferential direction. A tungsten electrode (not shown) is disposed at the center of the torch portion 20, and a shielding gas using argon, helium, or the like can be injected. An arc (not shown) is formed between the tungsten electrode and the terminals 4, 4 in the torch portion 20, and the adjacent terminals 4, 4 are joined by welding. Note that the torch portion 20 may be provided to be movable in the horizontal direction or the vertical direction as necessary.

[0042] The above is the configuration of the welding apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Next, the operation of the welding apparatus 1 will be described below. In the following description, for example, since welding by the clamp units 10A, 10A, the clamp units 10B, 10B, and the clamp units 10C, 10C is executed in the same manner, the operation of the clamp unit 10A, 10A will be described as representative of the clamp units 10, 10, and detailed descriptions of the clamp units 10B, 10B and the clamp units 10C, 10C will be omitted. Also, in the present embodiment, it is assumed that welding by the clamp units 10A, 10A, the clamp units 10B, 10B, and the clamp units 10C, 10C is performed simultaneously.

[0043] First, the stator 2 is supported on a table (not shown) (stator support step). Subsequently, the support portion 30 (clamp units 10, 10) is rotationally driven relative to the stator coil 3 by a drive mechanism (not shown) (clamp unit relative rotation step). Along with the relative rotation described above, the pair of clamp units 10, 10 rotate synchronously in opposite directions about the rotation axes 11, 11 (clamp unit reverse rotation step). In the present embodiment, the clamp unit reverse rotation step is executed simultaneously with the clamp unit relative rotation step.

[0044] With the clamp unit relative rotation step and the clamp unit reverse rotation step, a pair of adjacent terminals 4, 4 (terminal group 5) to be welded are clamped (clamped) by the pair of clamp units 10, 10 (recesses 12, 12) (terminal clamp step). In the present embodiment, the terminal clamp step is executed together with the clamp unit relative rotation step (clamp unit reverse rotation step).

[0045] In the terminal clamp step, when the pair of terminals 4, 4 are clamped, welding is executed by the torch unit 20 (welding step). Thereby, welding between the terminals 4, 4 is completed. Subsequently, until welding of all the terminal groups 5 is completed, the clamp unit relative rotation step, the clamp unit reverse rotation step, the terminal clamp step, and the welding step are repeatedly executed. When welding of all the terminal groups 5 is completed, a series of welding operations ends, and the stator 2 is provided for the next manufacturing process.

[0046] The above is an embodiment of the welding apparatus 1 of the present invention. Next, the operational effects achieved by the welding apparatus 1 of the present invention will be described below.

[0047] The above-described welding apparatus 1 of the present invention has the following characteristic configurations (A) to (J). Therefore, the welding apparatus 1 of the present invention can achieve unique effects that cannot be achieved by the prior art as follows.

[0048] (A) The welding apparatus 1 of the present embodiment is a welding apparatus 1 for welding a pair of adjacent terminals 4, 4 of the stator coil 3, and includes a pair of clamp portions 10, 10 disposed on both sides via the pair of terminals 4, 4. The pair of clamp portions 10, 10 are configured to be rotatable relative to each other and to be able to sandwich the pair of terminals 4, 4 as they rotate.

[0049] In the above-described welding apparatus 1, as the pair of clamp portions 10, 10 rotate relative to each other, they can sandwich (clamp) the adjacent pair of terminals 4, 4. Therefore, the above-described welding apparatus 1 can quickly sandwich adjacent terminals 4, 4 by the rotational movement of the clamp portions 10, 10, and can significantly improve the working efficiency. Further, since the above-described welding apparatus 1 can individually sandwich the terminals 4, 4 to be welded, the terminals 4, 4 can be surely brought into contact with the clamp electrodes. As a result, the above-described welding apparatus 1 can secure the current-carrying area and can absorb the heat transmitted to the terminals 4, 4 by the pair of clamp portions 10, 10. Therefore, the above-described welding apparatus 1 can improve the welding quality (processing accuracy).

[0050] (B) In the welding apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, at least one recess 12 is formed on the outer periphery of each of the pair of clamp portions 10, 10, and the recess 12 is characterized in that it can engage with the terminal 4.

[0051] By adopting such a configuration, the above-described welding apparatus 1 can engage the recess 12 and the terminal 4, so that a pair of terminals 4, 4 to be welded can be securely clamped. As a result, the above-described welding apparatus 1 can surely bring the terminal 4 into contact with the clamp electrode, thereby improving the welding quality (processing accuracy).

[0052] (C) The above-described welding apparatus 1 sequentially performs welding on a plurality of terminals 4 arranged in a predetermined terminal pitch. At least one (both in the above embodiment) of the pair of clamp portions 10, 10 is formed in a gear shape, and thus has a plurality of recesses 12 in the circumferential direction via a predetermined recess pitch. The recess pitch is set to a length corresponding to the terminal pitch. This is the feature of this welding apparatus 1.

[0053] By adopting such a configuration, after the welding apparatus 1 performs welding by engaging the recesses 12, 12 of the clamp portions 10, 10 formed in a gear shape with the terminals 4 respectively, the clamp portions 10, 10 are rotated toward the next terminal 4 (next welding terminal) that exists at a position separated by the terminal pitch from the welded terminal 4. Thus, the recesses 12, 12 of the clamp portions 10, 10 can be engaged with the next welding terminal. In this way, the welding apparatus 1 can efficiently perform the engagement and welding of the recesses 12, 12 of the clamp portions 10, 10 one after another.

[0054] (D) In the welding apparatus 1 of this embodiment, at least one of the pair of clamp portions 10, 10 has at least one through hole 13 at a position intersecting with another terminal 4 adjacent to the clamped pair of terminals 4, 4 to avoid contact with the other terminal 4. This is the feature of this welding apparatus 1.

[0055] By adopting such a configuration, the welding apparatus 1 described above can avoid contact with other terminals 4 other than the terminals 4, 4 to be welded when the pair of clamp portions 10, 10 rotate. That is, in the welding apparatus 1 described above, at least a part of the other terminals 4 described above enters the through hole 13, thereby avoiding contact between the other terminals 4 and the pair of clamp portions 10, 10.

[0056] (E) The welding apparatus 1 of the present embodiment is characterized in that a pair of clamp portions 10, 10 are configured to be relatively rotatable in the circumferential direction with respect to the stator coil 3.

[0057] As the pair of clamp portions 10, 10 relatively rotate in the circumferential direction with respect to the stator coil 3, the welding apparatus 1 described above can rotate each of the pair of clamp portions 10, 10. Thereby, even when the welding apparatus 1 described above has a plurality of rows of terminal groups 5 in the circumferential direction, the adjacent pair of terminals 4, 4 can be sequentially clamped by the relative rotation of the stator coil 3 in the circumferential direction. Therefore, the welding apparatus 1 described above can significantly improve the working efficiency related to welding. Further, since the welding apparatus 1 described above can perform welding while clamping the pair of terminals 4, 4, the welding quality can be improved.

[0058] (F) The welding apparatus 1 of the present embodiment is characterized in that a pair of clamp portions 10, 10 are inclined and arranged so as to be separated from each other as they go from one end on the side of the terminals 4, 4 toward the other end side.

[0059] By adopting such a configuration, the welding apparatus 1 described above can suppress interference with the radially arranged radial terminal groups 5A (also referred to as slots 5A) even when the radial terminal groups 5A arranged radially in the radial direction of the stator coil 3 are close to each other. That is, the welding apparatus 1 described above can be made compact.

[0060] (G) The welding apparatus 1 of the present embodiment is characterized in that, as the pair of clamp portions 10, 10 rotate relative to each other in the circumferential direction with respect to the stator coil 3, the pair of clamp portions 10, 10 rotate in opposite directions to each other, so that a clamped state in which the pair of terminals 4, 4 are clamped and an unclamped state in which the clamping of the pair of terminals 4, 4 is released are sequentially switched.

[0061] With such a configuration, the above-described welding apparatus 1 can rotate the pair of clamp portions 10, 10 in opposite directions to each other in conjunction (synchronization) with the relative rotation of the pair of clamp portions 10, 10 in the circumferential direction with respect to the stator coil 3. As a result, the above-described welding apparatus 1 can switch between a clamped state in which the pair of terminals 4, 4 are clamped and an unclamped state in which the clamping of the pair of terminals 4, 4 is released with a simple configuration. Further, since the above-described welding apparatus 1 can sequentially switch between the clamped state and the unclamped state by the pair of clamp portions 10, 10, the working efficiency related to welding can be significantly improved. In addition, since the above-described welding apparatus 1 can perform welding while clamping the pair of terminals 4, 4, the welding quality can be improved.

[0062] (H) The welding apparatus 1 of the present embodiment is characterized by including a torch portion 20 that welds the terminals 4, 4 to each other and a support portion 30 that integrally supports the torch portion 20 and the pair of clamp portions 10, 10.

[0063] With such a configuration, the above-described welding apparatus 1 can arrange the torch portion 20 and the clamp portions 10, 10 in close proximity. As a result, further improvement in working efficiency and reduction in size can be expected for the above-described welding apparatus 1.

[0064] (I) The welding device 1 of this embodiment has a stator coil 3 having a plurality of pairs of terminals 4, 4 to be welded to each other, and the plurality of pairs of terminals 4, 4 are radially arranged at a predetermined interval in the radial direction of the stator coil 3, whereby a plurality of rows of terminal groups 5 are formed concentrically in the circumferential direction of the stator coil 3, and at least one pair of clamp portions 10, 10 is arranged for each row formed by the terminal groups 5.

[0065] In the above-described welding device 1, by arranging at least one pair of clamp portions 10, 10 for each row formed by the terminal groups 5 formed in the circumferential direction of the stator coil 3, the plurality of rows of terminal groups 5 arranged in the circumferential direction of the stator coil 3 can be sequentially welded row by row and in the circumferential direction. Therefore, the configuration of the clamp portions 10, 10 can be simplified, and welding can be performed while quickly clamping the plurality of terminal groups 5. Thereby, the above-described welding device 1 can improve the working efficiency and the welding quality.

[0066] (J) The welding device 1 of this embodiment has a stator coil 3 having a plurality of pairs of terminals 4, 4 to be welded to each other, and the plurality of pairs of terminals 4, 4 are radially arranged at a predetermined interval in the radial direction of the stator coil 3, whereby a plurality of rows of terminal groups 5 are formed concentrically in the circumferential direction of the stator coil 3, three rows of terminal groups 5 are formed, and a pair of clamp portions 10, 10 are provided at intervals of 120 degrees for each row formed by the terminal groups 5.

[0067] By adopting such a configuration, the above-described welding apparatus 1 can minimize the number of clamp units 10, 10 provided, so that cost reduction can be expected. Further, the above-described welding apparatus 1 can sequentially weld a plurality of rows of terminal groups 5 formed in the circumferential direction of the stator coil 3 for each row and in the circumferential direction. Therefore, the configuration of the clamp units 10, 10 can be simplified, and a plurality of terminal groups 5 can be welded while being quickly clamped. As a result, the above-described welding apparatus 1 can improve the working efficiency and the welding quality.

[0068] (K) In the welding apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the stator coil 3 has a plurality of pairs of terminals 4, 4 that are welded to each other, and the plurality of pairs of terminals 4, 4 are radially arranged at a predetermined interval in the radial direction of the stator coil 3, so that a plurality of rows of terminal groups 5 are formed concentrically in the circumferential direction of the stator coil 3. The pair of clamp units 10, 10 are formed in an outer shape that does not interfere with the terminal groups 5 adjacent to both sides in the circumferential direction of the stator coil 3.

[0069] By adopting such a configuration, the above-described welding apparatus 1 can suppress interference with the terminal groups 5 adjacent to both sides in the circumferential direction of the stator coil 3 when the pair of terminals 4, 4 rotate. As a result, the above-described welding apparatus 1 can suppress damage to the terminals 4 of the stator coil 3 and the clamp units 10, 10.

[0070] The above is the configuration and the operational effects of the embodiment of the present invention. However, the welding apparatus 1 of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention.

[0071] In this embodiment, the stator coil 3 has three terminal groups 5 as the radial terminal group 5A (slot 5A). However, the number of terminal groups 5 provided as the radial terminal group 5A in the stator coil 3 may be one, two, or four or more. Further, the pair of clamp portions 10, 10 can be appropriately changed in the quantity provided according to the arrangement of the terminal groups 5. Also, various shapes, sizes, materials, etc. of the terminals 4 of the stator coil 3 can be used.

[0072] In this embodiment, the pair of clamp portions 10, 10 are inclined and arranged so as to be separated from each other as they go from one end on the terminal side to the other end side. However, the degree of inclination of the pair of clamp portions 10, 10 can be changed to various angles (including horizontal) according to the distance to the adjacent terminal group 5, the sizes of the terminals 4, 4, etc. Also, in this embodiment, the outer shapes (outer diameters) of the clamp portions 10, 10 are different. However, the outer shapes of the clamp portions 10, 10 can be changed to various sizes and shapes according to the diameter of the stator coil 3, the arrangement of the terminal groups 5, etc. For example, the shapes and sizes of the clamp portions 10, 10 may both be the same. Also, the respective rotational directions of the clamp portions 10, 10 can be appropriately changed according to the shapes, sizes, etc. of the terminals 4, 4.

[0073] In this embodiment, the recesses 12 are formed on the outer circumferences of the pair of clamp portions 10, 10. However, the recesses 12 may be provided as necessary, and a configuration without the recesses 12 can also be adopted. Also, when the recesses 12 are provided, the recesses 12 can be changed to various shapes, sizes, and quantities according to the shapes, sizes, etc. of the terminals 4.

[0074] In this embodiment, a plurality of through holes 13 are provided in each of the pair of clamp portions 10, 10. However, the through holes 13 may be provided as necessary, and a configuration without the through holes 13 can also be adopted. Further, in this embodiment, the through holes 13 are provided in both of the pair of clamp portions 10, 10, but the through holes 13 may be provided in only one of the clamp portions 10, 10. Further, in this embodiment, the through holes 13 are formed in a rectangular shape. However, the through holes 13 can be formed in various shapes and sizes according to the shape, size, and arranged position of the terminals 4, and the arranged positions can also be changed to various positions.

[0075] In this embodiment, the pair of clamp portions 10, 10 are configured to be rotatable in the circumferential direction with respect to the stator coil 3. However, the pair of clamp portions 10, 10 only need to be relatively rotatable with respect to the stator coil 3. For example, the stator coil 3 may be configured to be rotatable with respect to the pair of clamp portions 10, 10.

[0076] In this embodiment, with the relative rotation of the pair of clamp portions 10, 10 in the circumferential direction with respect to the stator coil 3, the pair of clamp portions 10, 10 rotate in opposite directions to each other, so that the clamped state and the unclamped state are switched. However, the welding apparatus 1 of the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the relative rotation of the stator coil 3 with respect to the clamp portions 10, 10 and the opposite rotation of the clamp portions 10, 10 with respect to each other may not be interlocked (synchronized). In such a case, for example, the relative rotation of the stator coil 3 with respect to the clamp portions 10, 10 and the opposite rotation of the clamp portions 10, 10 with respect to each other may be shifted at different gear ratios or may be executed by different drive sources.

[0077] In this embodiment, the welding is performed by TIG welding. However, the welding apparatus 1 of the present invention is not limited to this and can be used for various welding methods. Further, the configuration of the torch unit 20 can be appropriately changed according to the welding method. Also, the torch unit 20 can be of various modes, shapes, and sizes, such as being fixed or movable by appropriate driving means. Further, the position and the number of arrangements of the torch unit 20 can also be appropriately changed according to the arrangement of the terminal group 5. In this embodiment, the clamp units 10, 10 and the torch unit 20 are integrally supported by the support unit 30. However, the clamp units 10, 10 and the torch unit 20 may be independently supported. Also, the shape and size of the support unit 30 can be appropriately changed.

[0078] In this embodiment, three rows of terminal groups 5 are formed concentrically in the circumferential direction of the stator coil 3, and a pair of clamp units 10, 10 are provided at 120-degree intervals for each row formed by the terminal group 5. However, the interval at which the clamp units 10, 10 are provided can be changed to an appropriate number at an appropriate angular interval according to the number of rows formed by the terminal group 5.

[0079] The above are various embodiments and modifications of the welding apparatus 1 according to the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to those exemplified in the above-described embodiments and modifications, and it will be easily understood by those skilled in the art that there may be other embodiments within the scope not departing from the teachings and spirit thereof.

Industrial Applicability

[0080] The present invention can be preferably used for welding the terminals of the stator coil in various electric motors such as motors and generators. Further, the present invention can be preferably used for manufacturing electric motors used in various vehicles such as electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0081] 1: Welding apparatus 2: Stator 3: Stator coil 4: Terminal 5: Terminal group 10: Clamp part 10A: Clamp part 10B: Clamp part 10C: Clamp part 12: Recessed part 13: Through hole 20: Torch part 30: Support part

Claims

1. A welding device for welding a pair of adjacent terminals of a stator coil, comprising: a pair of clamp portions arranged on both sides via the pair of terminals; the pair of clamp portions are configured to be rotatable with respect to each other and to be able to clamp the pair of terminals as they rotate. A welding device characterized by this.

2. The pair of clamp portions each have at least one recess formed on their outer circumferences, the welding device according to claim 1, characterized in that the recess is engageable with the terminal.

3. It is for sequentially welding a plurality of terminals arranged in a line at a predetermined terminal pitch, at least one of the pair of clamp portions is formed in a gear shape and thus has a plurality of recesses in the circumferential direction via a predetermined recess pitch, the welding device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the recess pitch is set to a length corresponding to the terminal pitch.

4. At least one of the pair of clamp portions has at least one through hole for avoiding contact with another terminal adjacent to the pair of clamped terminals at a position intersecting the other terminal. The welding device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by this.

5. The stator coil has a plurality of pairs of terminals to be welded to each other, the plurality of pairs of terminals are arranged radially at a predetermined interval in the radial direction of the stator coil, thereby forming a plurality of columns of terminal groups concentrically in the circumferential direction of the stator coil, the welding device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one pair of clamp portions is arranged for each column formed by the terminal groups.

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