Cutting device, manufacturing system, manufacturing method, and stator manufacturing method

Abstract

To cut a wire material while suppressing the application of a load in the transport direction to the wire material.SOLUTION: A cutting device includes first and second gripping means for gripping a wire material, drive means for driving the gripping means, a base member for mounting the gripping means, and moving means for reciprocating the base member. The base member carries the drive means. The drive means performs a cutting operation to shear the wire material by displacing the second gripping means relative to the first gripping means in a cutting direction intersecting the transport direction while the first and second gripping means are gripping the wire material.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cutting device, a manufacturing system, a manufacturing method, and a stator manufacturing method. [Background technology]

[0002] To manufacture conductor parts for use in the stator coils of electric motors, it is necessary to strip a portion of the insulation coating from the conductor material and cut it to a predetermined length. Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for automating the manufacturing of such conductor parts. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5681248 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When cutting conductor wire, for example, by pressing a cutting die against the conductor wire, the cutting die is inserted between the conductor wire to be cut and the conductor part (the cut conductor wire), which applies a load upstream in the conveying direction (longitudinal direction) to the conductor wire to be cut and a load downstream in the conveying direction to the conductor part. When a load acts upstream in the conveying direction on the conductor wire to be cut, the conductor wire bends (expands or contracts), which can change its length and affect other processes (such as peeling of the coating).

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a technique for cutting a conductor while suppressing the load acting on the conductor in the conveyance direction. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to the present invention, a first clamping means for clamping the conductor material; a second clamping means provided adjacent to the first clamping means downstream in a conveying direction of the conductor wire relative to the first clamping means, and configured to clamp the conductor wire; a driving means for driving the first clamping means and the second clamping means; a base member on which the first clamping means and the second clamping means are mounted; a moving means for moving the base member back and forth in the conveying direction, the base member further carries the driving means; The driving means a first clamping operation in which the first clamping means clamps the conductor material and a first releasing operation in which the first clamping means releases the conductor material; a second clamping operation in which the first clamping means clamps the conductor material and a second releasing operation in which the first clamping means releases the conductor material; and a cutting operation for shearing the conductor wire by displacing the second clamping means in a cutting direction intersecting the conveying direction relative to the first clamping means while the first clamping means and the second clamping means are clamping the conductor wire. A cutting device is provided. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a technique for cutting a conductor while suppressing the load acting on the conductor in the conveyance direction. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. [Figure 5] (A) is a plan view of the drive mechanism, (B) is a front view of the drive mechanism, (C) is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 5(B), and (D) is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 5(B). [Figure 6]Cross-sectional view taken along line CC in Figure 5(A). [Figure 7] FIG. [Figure 8] (A) is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the clamping part that performs the cutting, and (B) is an explanatory diagram of both ends of the conductor piece. [Figure 9] FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. [Figure 11] 4 is a timing chart showing a movement pattern of a moving object. [Figure 12] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing another example of the configuration of the blade portion. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the configuration of the peeling unit. [Figure 14] (A) is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the clamping part that performs the cutting, and (B) is an explanatory diagram of both ends of the conductor piece. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a structure in which the blade portion is replaceable. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the structure of a cutting device provided with a plurality of drive sources. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the structure of a cutting device provided with a plurality of drive sources. [Figure 18] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a method for manufacturing a stator. [Figure 19] FIG. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a plan view of the lead assembly of FIG. 19; [Figure 21] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing an example in which a plurality of conductor components are attached to a stator core. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of twist forming of a conductor part. [Figure 23] FIG. 1A is an explanatory diagram of a process for bringing the ends of adjacent legs into close contact with each other, and FIG. 1B is an explanatory diagram of a comparative example. [Figure 24] FIG. [Figure 25] Block diagram of a manufacturing system. [Figure 26] Schematic diagram of a molding system. [Figure 27] FIG. [Figure 28] FIG. [Figure 29] FIG. [Figure 30] 29A and 29B are explanatory diagrams illustrating the operation of the supply device of FIG. 28 and FIG. [Figure 31] 29A and 29B are explanatory diagrams illustrating the operation of the supply device of FIG. 28 and FIG. [Figure 32] FIG. [Figure 33] 33 is a cross-sectional view of the molding device taken along line AA in FIG. 32. [Figure 34] 33 is a cross-sectional view of the molding device taken along line BB in FIG. 32. [Figure 35] 35 is a diagram in which the moving mechanism and the contact member are omitted from FIG. 34. [Figure 36] FIG. [Figure 37] FIG. [Figure 38] FIG. [Figure 39] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing fulcrum positions of a contact member and the dimensional relationship between the fulcrum positions. [Figure 40] FIG. [Figure 41] 10 is an explanatory diagram of a storage mode of the conductor pieces that fall naturally from the molding device. FIG. [Figure 42] FIG. [Figure 43] FIG. [Figure 44] FIG. [Figure 45] FIG. [Figure 46] FIG. [Figure 47] A top view of the molding device. [Figure 48] A bottom view of the molding device. [Figure 49] 48 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC in FIG. 47 (a portion of the configuration is omitted). [Figure 50] 48 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC in FIG. 47 (a portion of the configuration is omitted). [Figure 51] FIG. [Figure 52]FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship of a contact member with respect to a molding position. [Figure 53] FIG. [Figure 54] FIG. [Figure 55] FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention as claimed, and not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the invention. Two or more of the features described in the embodiments may be arbitrarily combined. Furthermore, the same reference numerals are used for the same or similar components, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0010] First Embodiment <Outline of manufacturing equipment> FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a manufacturing apparatus A according to one embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, arrows X and Y indicate horizontal directions that are orthogonal to each other, and arrow Z indicates the up-down direction. The manufacturing apparatus A is an apparatus for manufacturing a conductor piece 62 from a conductor wire material 61. The conductor wire material 61 has a linear conductor 61a with a rectangular cross section and an insulating coating (insulating film) 61b that covers the periphery of the conductor 61a. The conductor piece 62 becomes a conductor component that forms the coil of a motor. The conductor piece 62 has a predetermined length, and is a component in which the insulating coating 61b is stripped from each end by a predetermined length to expose the conductor 61a. The manufacturing apparatus A manufactures the conductor piece 62 from the conductor wire material 61.

[0011] The manufacturing apparatus A includes a supply device 1 for the conductor wire 61, a straightening device 2, a processing device 3, and a stocker 4, which are aligned in a line in the Y direction. The conductor wire 61 is supplied to the manufacturing apparatus A in a state where it is wound around a reel 1c. The supply device 1 supports the reel 1c so that it can freely rotate around a rotation axis in the X direction, and includes a pair of support rollers 1a on the lower side and a pair of pressure rollers 1b on the upper side. The conductor wire 61 is pulled out from the reel 1c in the Y direction and transported by the processing apparatus 3. The transport direction of the conductor wire 61 is referred to as the +Y direction, and the opposite direction is referred to as the -Y direction. In the following description, the downstream side and the upstream side are based on the transport direction (+Y direction).

[0012] The straightening device 2, located downstream of the supply device 1, straightens the conductor wire 61, which has become curved due to being wound around the reel 1c, into a straight wire. The straightening device 2 has two upper and lower rows of rollers 2a. The processing device 3, located downstream of the straightening device 2, pulls out the conductor wire 61 from the reel 1c and transports it, strips the insulating coating as it transports the conductor wire 61, and cuts it to a predetermined length. The cut conductor wire pieces 62 are discharged to a stocker 4, located downstream of the processing device 3. The stocker 4 has a tray 4a that stores the conductor wire pieces 62 and a discharge chute 4b. The conductor wire pieces 62 discharged from the processing device 3 fall into the tray 4a by being guided by the discharge chute 4b. In this embodiment, the cut conductor wire pieces 62 are discharged to a stocker, but they may be discharged to a transport device such as a belt conveyor.

[0013] The control circuit 5 is an electronic circuit that controls the manufacturing equipment A. The control circuit 5 includes, for example, a processor represented by a CPU, a storage device, an input / output interface that relays between the processor and external devices, a communication interface that communicates with a higher-level controller, a drive circuit that drives actuators such as motors, and a signal processing circuit that processes detection signals from sensors. The storage device is a semiconductor memory such as a ROM or RAM, or a hard disk. The processor controls the manufacturing equipment A by executing a control program stored in the storage device.

[0014] <Configuration of processing equipment> The processing device 3 will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 2 is a plan view of the processing device 3. The processing device 3 includes a peeling device 3A, a peeling device 3B, and a cutting device 3C that are arranged in a row in the Y direction. The peeling device 3A includes a moving body MV1, the peeling device 3B includes a moving body MV2, and the cutting device 3C includes a moving body MV3. Each of the moving bodies MV1 to MV3 repeatedly reciprocates in the Y direction. Of the moving bodies MV1 to MV3, the moving body MV1 is arranged on the most upstream side, the moving body MV2 is arranged downstream of the moving body MV2, and the moving body MV3 is arranged downstream of the moving body MV2.

[0015] The conductor piece 62 has a predetermined length and is a component in which the insulating coating 61b is stripped from both ends thereof to expose the conductor 61a. The processing device 3 strips the insulating coating 61b of the conductor wire 61 over a predetermined range at a pitch corresponding to the predetermined length of the conductor wire piece 62 (the predetermined range is referred to as the stripping target area), and cuts the conductor wire 61 at the stripping target area. The cut pieces become the conductor wire pieces 62. In this embodiment, the stripping devices 3A and 3B strip the insulating coating 61b, and the cutting device 3C cuts the conductor wire 61. Therefore, in this embodiment, the insulating coating 61b is stripped and the conductor wire 61 is cut while the conductor wire 61 is being conveyed, thereby manufacturing the conductor wire pieces 62.

[0016] 1 schematically illustrates a conductor wire 61 before cutting from which the insulating coating has been stripped, and a conductor piece 62 after cutting. The insulating coating 61b of a stripping target portion 61c of length L2 is stripped from the conductor wire 61 by mobile bodies MV1 and MV2 for each length L1. Then, the conductor wire 61 is cut at the middle of the stripping target portion 61c by mobile body MV3. As a result, a conductor piece 62 of length L1 is produced, with the conductor 61a exposed at each end by a length L2 / 2.

[0017] The moving bodies MV1 to MV3 are supported on a mount 3a. The mount 3a has a U-shaped cross section, and two rail members 3b that guide the movement of the moving bodies MV1 to MV3 in the Y direction are supported on the mount 3a. The two rail members 3b are members that extend in the Y direction and are spaced apart from each other in the X direction.

[0018] The moving body MV1 has a base member 10. The base member 10 is placed on the two rail members 3b so as to straddle them, and has a slider that engages with the rail members 3b and slides on the rail members 3b. The moving body MV2 has a base member 20. The base member 20 is placed on the two rail members 3b so as to straddle them, and has a slider that engages with the rail members 3b and slides on the rail members 3b. The moving body MV3 has a base member 30. The base member 30 is placed on the two rail members 3b so as to straddle them, and has a slider that engages with the rail members 3b and slides on the rail members 3b.

[0019] The peeling device 3A includes a moving unit 15, the peeling device 3B includes a moving unit 25, and the cutting device 3C includes a moving unit 35. The moving units 15, 25, and 35 are mounted inside the stand 3a.

[0020] The moving unit 15 is a drive mechanism that moves the moving body MV1 back and forth in the Y direction. In this embodiment, the moving unit 15 is a ball screw mechanism that includes a motor 15a as a drive source, a ball screw shaft 15b that is rotated by the motor 15a, a bearing 15c that supports the end of the ball screw shaft 15b, and a ball nut 15d that engages with the ball screw shaft 15b. The ball screw shaft 15b extends in the Y direction, and the ball nut 15d is provided on the base member 10. The rotation of the motor 15a rotates the ball screw shaft 15b, and the ball nut 15d moves in the Y direction. This allows the moving body MV1 to move in the Y direction, and by switching the rotation direction of the motor 15a, the moving body MV1 can move forward (movement in the +Y direction) and backward (movement in the -Y direction).

[0021] The moving unit 25 is a drive mechanism that reciprocates the moving body MV2 in the Y direction. In this embodiment, the moving unit 25 is a ball screw mechanism that includes a motor 25a as a drive source, a ball screw shaft 25b that is rotated by the motor 25a, a bearing 25c that supports the end of the ball screw shaft 25b, and a ball nut 25d that engages with the ball screw shaft 25b. The ball screw shaft 25b extends in the Y direction, and the ball nut 25d is provided on the base member 20. The ball screw shaft 25b rotates as the motor 25a rotates, and the ball nut 25d moves in the Y direction. This allows the moving body MV2 to move in the Y direction, and the moving body MV2 can move forward (movement in the +Y direction) and backward (movement in the -Y direction) by switching the rotation direction of the motor 25a.

[0022] The moving unit 35 is a drive mechanism that moves the moving body MV3 back and forth in the Y direction. In this embodiment, the moving unit 35 is a ball screw mechanism that includes a motor 35a as a drive source, a ball screw shaft 35b that is rotated by the motor 35a, a bearing 35c that supports the end of the ball screw shaft 35b, and a ball nut 35d that engages with the ball screw shaft 35b. The ball screw shaft 35b extends in the Y direction, and the ball nut 35d is provided on the base member 30. The ball screw shaft 35b rotates as the motor 35a rotates, and the ball nut 35d moves in the Y direction. This allows the moving body MV3 to move in the Y direction, and the moving body MV3 can move forward (movement in the +Y direction) and backward (movement in the -Y direction) by switching the rotation direction of the motor 35a.

[0023] In this embodiment, the moving units 15, 25, and 35 are ball screw mechanisms, but these moving units may be other types of drive mechanisms such as rack-pinion mechanisms, belt transmission mechanisms, or chain transmission mechanisms.

[0024] 1 and 2, the movable body MV1 includes a pair of clamping units 11 and a peeling unit 12. In this embodiment, the pair of clamping units 11 are spaced apart in the Y direction, and the peeling unit 12 is disposed between the pair of clamping units 11. Each clamping unit 11 is driven by a corresponding drive unit 13, and the peeling unit 12 is driven by a drive unit 14. The drive units 13 and 14 are, for example, electric cylinders or air cylinders.

[0025] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of the clamping unit 11 and the peeling unit 12. The operation of the clamping unit 11 is shown in states OP11-1 and OP11-2 in FIG. 3. An insulating coating 61b covers the opposing side surfaces of the conductor 61a in the X and Z directions. The clamping unit 11 has an upper clamping member 11a and a lower clamping member 11b. In this embodiment, the clamping member 11a is a movable member that is moved in the Z direction by the drive unit 13, and the clamping member 11b is a fixed member fixed to the base member 10. The clamping member 11a has a contact portion 11c that contacts one side of the opposing Z-direction side surfaces of the conductor 61. The clamping member 11b has a definition surface 11d that contacts the other side of the opposing Z-direction side surfaces of the conductor 61 and defines the position of the conductor 61 in the Z direction.

[0026] By moving the clamping member 11a by the drive unit 13, the clamping section 11 is driven to a clamping state (OP11-2) in which the conductor wire 61 is clamped in the Z direction, and a released state (OP11-1) in which the conductor wire 61 is released. By moving the movable body MV1 forward while the clamping section 11 is in the clamping state, the conductor wire 61 can be transported in the +Y direction. On the other hand, by moving the movable body MV1 in the -Y direction while the clamping section 11 is in the released state, the movable body MV1 can be returned without interfering with the transport of the conductor wire 61.

[0027] The operation of the peeling unit 12 is shown in states OP12-1 and OP12-2 in Figure 3. The peeling unit 12 has an upper blade member 12a and a lower receiving member 12b, and the blade member 12a is moved in the Z direction by a drive unit 14. The blade member 12a is formed with dimensions equivalent to the length L2 of the peeling target area 61c in the Y direction. The receiving member 12b is fixed to the base member 10 and supports the conductive wire material 61 from below during peeling. The blade member 12a has a pair of blade portions 12c, 12c spaced apart in the X direction. The receiving member 12b has a defining surface 12d that abuts against the lower side surface of the conductive wire material 61 in the Z direction and defines the position of the conductive wire material 61 in the Z direction.

[0028] The blade member 12a is moved by the drive unit 14 between a retracted position (OP12-1) retracted from the conductor 61 and a stripping position (OP12-2). The state in which the blade member 12a is in the retracted position is also referred to as the retracted state of the stripping section 12, and the state in which the blade member 12a is in the stripping position is also referred to as the stripping state of the stripping section 12. By moving the blade member 12a to the stripping position by the drive unit 14, the insulating coating 61b on a pair of side surfaces of the conductor 61 facing each other in the X direction is stripped by the pair of blade portions 12c, 12c, exposing the conductor 61a.

[0029] Specifically, the stripping is performed by moving each of the tip ends of the pair of blades 12c, 12c past the defining surface 12d to a predetermined position on the receiving member 12b side. Before the stripping unit 12 performs stripping, the stripping target portion 61c of the conductor wire 61 has insulating coating 61b applied to all opposing side surfaces. The defining surface 11d and the defining surface 12d are positioned on the movable body MV1 so as to be substantially flush with each other in the Z direction.

[0030] In this embodiment, the distance between the pair of blade portions 12c, 12c in the X direction is shorter than the width of the conductor 61a in the X direction. As a result, when the blade member 12a moves to the stripping position, the pair of blade portions 12c, 12c cut away the insulating coating 61b on a pair of side surfaces facing each other in the X direction and a portion of the conductor 61a in the X direction at the stripping target area. Therefore, even if there is variation in the size and thickness of the conductor 61a and the insulating coating 61b, the conductor 61a can be reliably exposed.

[0031] 1 and 2, the movable body MV2 includes a pair of clamping units 21 and a peeling unit 22. In this embodiment, the pair of clamping units 21 are spaced apart in the Y direction, and the peeling unit 22 is disposed between the pair of clamping units 21. Each clamping unit 21 is driven by a corresponding drive unit 23, and the peeling unit 22 is driven by a drive unit 24. The drive units 23 and 24 are, for example, electric cylinders or air cylinders.

[0032] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the clamping unit 21 and the peeling unit 22. The operation of the clamping unit 21 is shown in states OP21-1 and OP22-2 in FIG. 4. The clamping unit 21 has a right-side clamping member 21a and a left-side clamping member 21b spaced apart in the X direction. In this embodiment, the clamping member 21a is a movable member that is moved in the X direction by the drive unit 23, and the clamping member 21b is a fixed member fixed to the base member 20. The clamping member 21a has a contact portion 21c that contacts one side of the opposing X-direction side surfaces of the conductor wire 61. The clamping member 21b has a definition surface 21d that contacts the other side of the opposing X-direction side surfaces of the conductor wire 61 and defines the position of the conductor wire 61 in the X direction.

[0033] By moving the clamping member 21a by the drive unit 23, the clamping section 21 is driven to a clamping state (OP21-2) in which the conductor wire 61 is clamped in the X direction, and a released state (OP21-1) in which the conductor wire 61 is released. By moving the movable body MV2 forward while the clamping section 21 is in the clamping state, the conductor wire 61 can be transported in the +Y direction. On the other hand, by moving the movable body MV2 in the -Y direction while the clamping section 21 is in the released state, the movable body MV2 can be returned without interfering with the transport of the conductor wire 61.

[0034] The operation of the peeling unit 22 is shown in states OP22-1 and OP22-2 in Figure 4. The peeling unit 22 has a blade member 22a on the right side in the X direction and a receiving member 22b on the left side in the X direction, and the blade member 22a is moved in the X direction by the drive unit 24. The blade member 22a is formed with dimensions equivalent to the length L2 of the target stripping area 61c in the Y direction. The receiving member 22b is fixed to the base member 20 and supports the conductive wire 61 in the X direction during stripping. The blade member 22a has a pair of blade portions 22c, 22c spaced apart in the Z direction. The receiving member 22b abuts against the other of the opposing X-direction side surfaces of the conductive wire 61 and has a defining surface 22d that defines the position of the conductive wire 61 in the X direction.

[0035] The blade member 22a is moved by the drive unit 24 between a retracted position (OP22-1) where the blade member 22a is retracted from the conductive wire 61 and a peeling position (OP22-2). The state in which the blade member 22a is in the retracted position is also referred to as the retracted state of the peeling section 22, and the state in which the blade member 22a is in the peeling position is also referred to as the peeling state of the peeling section 22.

[0036] When the target stripping portion 61c of the conductor wire 61 reaches the stripping portion 22, the insulating coating 61b on both sides in the X direction of the target stripping portion 61c has already been stripped by the stripping portion 12. By moving the blade member 22a to the stripping position by the drive unit 24, the insulating coating 61b on a pair of sides of the conductor wire 61 facing each other in the Z direction is stripped by the pair of blade portions 22c, 22c, exposing the conductor 61a.

[0037] Specifically, the stripping is performed by moving each of the tips of the pair of blade portions 22c, 22c past the defining surface 22d to a predetermined position on the receiving member 22b side. Before the stripping unit 22 performs stripping, the stripping target portion 61c of the conductor wire 61 has the insulating coating applied only to a pair of side surfaces facing in the Z direction, and the insulating coating has been removed from a pair of side surfaces facing in the X direction, exposing the conductor 61a. The defining surface 21d and the defining surface 22d are provided on the movable body MV2 so as to be positioned substantially flush with each other in the X direction.

[0038] In this embodiment, the distance between the pair of blade portions 22c, 22c in the Z direction is shorter than the width of the conductor 61a in the Z direction. As a result, when the blade member 22a moves to the stripping position, the pair of blade portions 22c, 22c cut away the insulating coating 61b on a pair of side surfaces facing each other in the Z direction at the stripping target portion 61c, and a portion of the conductor 61a in the Z direction. Therefore, even if there is variation in the size and thickness of the conductor 61a and the insulating coating 61b, the conductor 61a can be reliably exposed.

[0039] In this way, the conductor 61a is exposed on all four side surfaces of the stripping target portion 61c of the conductive wire 61.

[0040] 1 and 2, the moving body MV3 includes clamping units 31 and 32 that clamp the conductor wire 61, and a drive unit 33. The clamping units 31 and 32 and the drive unit 33 are mounted on a base member 30. The clamping units 31 and 32 are spaced apart in the Y direction. The clamping unit 32 is located adjacent to the clamping unit 31 on the downstream side of the clamping unit 31 in the Y direction.

[0041] The conductor wire 61 is cut by relative displacement (shearing) in the Z direction of the clamping units 31 and 32. By providing the clamping units 31 and 32 on the upstream and downstream sides of the cutting location in the Y direction, the conductor wire 61 can be firmly fixed when cutting the conductor wire 61, and the cut pieces can be held by the downstream clamping unit 32 so that they do not immediately fall off after cutting.

[0042] The drive unit 33 includes a drive source 36 and a drive mechanism 37. The drive source 36 is, for example, an electric cylinder or an air cylinder, and is supported on the base member 30 via a support member 34. The drive source 36 applies a drive force to the drive mechanism 37 in the Z direction.

[0043] The structures of the clamping units 31 and 32 and the drive mechanism 37 will be described. Fig. 5(A) is a plan view of the drive mechanism 37, Fig. 5(B) is a front view of the drive mechanism 37, Fig. 5(C) is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Fig. 5(B), Fig. 5(D) is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in Fig. 5(B), and Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC in Fig. 5(A). Fig. 6 shows the drive mechanism 37 with the clamping units 31 and 32 in a released state.

[0044] The drive mechanism 37 includes a movable member 40 and a movable member 41. The movable members 40 and 41 are both rectangular, plate-like members, and are arranged horizontally above the base member 30. The movable member 41 is arranged between the movable member 40 and the base member 30 so as to be displaceable in the Z direction. The drive mechanism 37 also includes a plurality of guide members 42. In this embodiment, four guide members 42 are provided at the four corners of the movable members 40 and 41.

[0045] Each guide member 42 is a cylindrical shaft member fixed to the base member 30 and extends in the Z direction. An engagement portion 40a that engages with the guide member 42 is formed on the movable member 40, and an engagement portion 41a that engages with the guide member 42 is formed on the movable member 41. In the present embodiment, the engagement portion 40a is a hole that penetrates the movable member 40 in the Z direction, and the engagement portion 41a is a hole that penetrates the movable member 41 in the Z direction. The movable members 40 and 41 are displaceable (movable up and down) in the Z direction by the guidance of the guide members 42.

[0046] The drive mechanism 37 includes regulating members 45a and 45b. The regulating member 45a regulates the movement of the movable member 40 in the Z direction, and the regulating member 45b regulates the movement of the movable member 41 in the Z direction. In this embodiment, both the regulating members 45a and 45b are cylindrical members through which the guide members 42 are inserted, and one regulating member 45a and 45b is provided for each guide member 42.

[0047] The restricting member 45b is provided between the base member 30 and the movable member 41, and the lower end of the restricting member 45b is fixed to the base member 30. In the released state shown in Fig. 6, a gap is formed between the upper end of the restricting member 45b and the bottom surface of the movable member 41, as shown in Fig. 6. When the movable member 41 clamps the conductive wire 61, it moves in the Z direction by the distance of this gap.

[0048] Restriction member 45a is provided between movable member 40 and movable member 41, and the lower end of restriction member 45a is fixed to movable member 41. In the released state shown in FIG. 6, a gap is formed between the upper end of restriction member 45a and the bottom surface of movable member 40, as shown in FIG. 6. Movable member 40 is movable in the Z direction relative to movable member 41 by the distance of this gap. In addition, the amount that movable member 40 can move down in the Z direction from the position in FIG. 6 is the sum of the gap between the upper end of restriction member 45b and the bottom surface of movable member 41 and the gap between the upper end of restriction member 45a and the bottom surface of movable member 40.

[0049] In this embodiment, the regulating member 45a is arranged between the movable member 40 and the movable member 41 so that the guide member 42 passes through it, but instead, the lower limit position of the movable member 40 may be regulated only by a regulating member arranged between the movable member 40 and the base member 30, spaced apart from the guide member 42.

[0050] The drive mechanism 37 is provided between the movable member 40 and the movable member 41 and includes an elastic member 44 that exerts an elastic force in the Z direction. In the present embodiment, four elastic members 44 are provided so as to be spaced apart from each other in the X and Y directions. In the present embodiment, the elastic members 44 are coil springs, and a guide shaft 43 is inserted through each elastic member 44. Each guide shaft 43 is a cylindrical shaft member that extends in the Z direction, and its lower end is fixed to the movable member 41. A hole 40b through which the guide shaft 43 is inserted is formed in the movable member 40. The hole 40b passes through the movable member 40 in the Z direction.

[0051] In this embodiment, the movable member 40 is raised and lowered by the driving force of the drive source 36. When the movable member 40 descends, the movable member 41 is pressed downward via the elastic member 44, and the movable member 41 also descends (moves toward the base member 30). The movable member 41 descends until it abuts against the restricting member 45b. After the movable member 41 abuts against the restricting member 45b and stops descending, the movable member 40 descends until it abuts against the restricting member 45a.

[0052] The clamping unit 31 includes a lower receiving member 51A and an upper pressing member 51B. The conductor wire 61 conveyed between the receiving member 51A and the pressing member 51B is pressed downward by the pressing member 51B, and the receiving member 51A receives this pressing force. The conductor wire 61 is clamped between the receiving member 51A and the pressing member 51B. The receiving member 51A is fixed to the base member 30, and the pressing member 51B is fixed to the movable member 41 so as to face the receiving member 51A in the Z direction.

[0053] The receiving member 51A includes a mounting portion 46a and an abutting portion 31a. The mounting portion 46a is a rectangular parallelepiped member fixed to a recess 30a formed in the base member 30. The recess 30a opens to the surface of the base member 30. The abutting portion 31a is mounted on the upper surface of the mounting portion 46a. The abutting portion 31a is a member that is generally rectangular parallelepiped overall, but has a step on its upper surface, with the downstream side being one step higher than the upstream side in the Y direction. The abutting portion 31a abuts on the portion of the conductor 61 covered with the insulating coating 61b of the conductor 61 on its upstream upper surface in the Y direction, and on its downstream upper surface abuts on the portion of the conductor 61a of the conductor 61 where the conductor 61a is exposed. The upper edge of the downstream end of the abutting portion 31a forms a blade E1 that cuts the conductor 61 at the conductor 61a. The contact portion 31 a is a blade portion that not only holds the conductive wire 61 but also cuts the conductive wire 61 .

[0054] The pressing member 51B includes an attachment portion 46b and an abutment portion 31b. The attachment portion 46b is a rectangular parallelepiped member fixed to the movable member 41. The abutment portion 31b is attached to the underside of the attachment portion 46b. The abutment portion 31b is a member having a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape as a whole, the same shape as the abutment portion 31a, but has a step on its underside, such that the downstream side in the Y direction is one step lower (protrudes downward) than the upstream side. The abutment portion 31b abuts against the portion of the conductor 61 covered with the insulating coating 61b on its underside on the upstream side in the Y direction, and against the portion of the conductor 61a of the conductor 61 exposed on its underside on the downstream side.

[0055] The clamping unit 32 includes a lower receiving member 52A and an upper pressing member 52B. The conductor wire 61 conveyed between the receiving member 52A and the pressing member 52B is pressed downward by the pressing member 52B, and the receiving member 52A receives this pressing force. The conductor wire 61 is clamped between the receiving member 52A and the pressing member 52B. The receiving member 52A is disposed on the side of the base member 30, and the pressing member 52B is fixed to the movable member 40 so as to face the receiving member 52A in the Z direction.

[0056] The drive mechanism 37 includes elastic members 48 provided between the clamping portion 32 and the base member 30, more specifically, between the receiving member 52A and the base member 30. Four elastic members 48 are provided in the recess 30a so as to be spaced apart from one another in the X and Y directions, and urge the receiving member 52A upward. In this embodiment, the elastic members 48 are coil springs, and a guide shaft 49 is inserted through each elastic member 48. Each guide shaft 49 is a cylindrical shaft member extending in the Z direction, and its lower end is fixed to the bottom of the recess 30a.

[0057] The receiving member 52A includes a mounting portion 47a and a contact portion 32a. The mounting portion 47a is a rectangular parallelepiped member that is inserted into a recess 30a formed in the base member 30 and is displaceable in the Z direction. An elastic member 48 is provided between the bottom surface of the mounting portion 47a and the bottom surface of the recess 30a, and the mounting portion 47a is formed with a hole 47c into which a guide shaft 49 is inserted. The hole 47c passes through the mounting portion 47a.

[0058] The abutting portion 32a is attached to the upper surface of the attachment portion 47a. The abutting portion 32a is a member having a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape overall, but has a step on its upper surface, with the upstream side being one step higher in the Y direction than the downstream side. The abutting portion 32a abuts against the portion of the conductor 61 covered with the insulating coating 61b on the upper surface on the downstream side in the Y direction, and abuts against the portion of the conductor 61a of the conductor 61 exposed on the upper surface on the upstream side.

[0059] The pressing member 52B includes a mounting portion 47b and an abutment portion 32b. The mounting portion 47b is a rectangular parallelepiped member extending in the Z direction. The upper end of the mounting portion 47b is fixed to the movable member 40. An opening 41b through which the mounting portion 47b is inserted is formed in the movable member 41. The opening 41b penetrates the movable member 41 in the Z direction. A flange portion 47b' that abuts against the movable member 41 around the opening 41b is formed at the lower end of the mounting portion 47b. When the mounting portion 47b rises as the movable member 40 rises, the flange portion 47b' engages with the movable member 41, causing the movable member 41 to also rise (be pulled up).

[0060] The abutting portion 32b is attached to the underside of the mounting portion 47b. The abutting portion 32b is a generally rectangular parallelepiped member having the same shape as the abutting portion 32a, but has a step on its underside, such that the upstream side is one step lower (protrudes downward) than the downstream side in the Y direction. The downstream side of the abutting portion 32b abuts on the portion of the conductor 61 covered with the insulating coating 61b of the conductor 61, and the upstream side of the abutting portion 32b abuts on the portion of the conductor 61 where the conductor 61a is exposed. The lower edge of the upstream end of the abutting portion 32a forms a blade E2 that cuts the conductor 61 at the conductor 61a. The abutting portion 32a is a blade that not only clamps the conductor 61 but also cuts the conductor 61.

[0061] The operation of the drive mechanism 37 will be described with reference to Figures 7 and 8(A). Figure 7 is a diagram showing the clamping and cutting operations of the drive mechanism 37. The operations of the clamping units 31 and 32 are shown in states OP31 and OP32 in Figure 8(A). In the released state shown in Figure 6, when the portion 61c to be stripped (the portion where the conductor 61a is exposed) of the conductive wire 61 reaches between the contact portions 31a and 31b and between the contact portions 32a and 32b, the clamping operation is performed.

[0062] Here, as shown in state OP31 in FIGS. 7 and 8(A), the driving source 36 is driven to apply a downward force F to the movable member 40, causing the movable member 40 to descend. This causes the pressing member 52B to descend. Furthermore, as the movable member 40 descends, the elastic member 44 urges the movable member 41 to descend, and the pressing member 51B also descends. This causes the clamping units 31 and 32 to clamp the conductor wire 61 (clamping operation). In the clamping unit 31, the conductor wire 61 is clamped between the receiving member 51A and the pressing member 51B, and in the clamping unit 32, the conductor wire 61 is clamped between the receiving member 52A and the pressing member 52B. Further downward movement of the movable member 41 is restricted by the restricting member 45b.

[0063] As shown in state OP32 in FIGS. 7 and 8A, when the driving force of the driving source 36 causes the movable member 40 to further descend, the movable member 40 compresses the elastic member 44 while descending, and the pressing member 52B also descends. The downward movement of the pressing member 52B causes the receiving member 52A to be pressed down while compressing the elastic member 48. Meanwhile, the downward movement of the movable member 41 is restricted by the restricting member 45b, and the pressing member 51B does not descend. Therefore, the clamping portion 31 remains stationary while maintaining the clamped state of the conductor wire 61, and the clamping portion 32 moves downward while maintaining the clamped state of the conductor wire 61. As the blades E1 and E2 pass each other in the Z direction, a shear force acts on the stripping target portion 61c of the conductor wire 61 in the Z direction as the cutting direction, shearing the conductor wire 61 at the stripping target portion 61c (cutting operation). The cut pieces become conductor wire pieces 62.

[0064] After the conductor 61 is cut, the movable member 40 is raised by the driving force of the drive source 36. The movable member 41 is pulled up to the movable member 40 via the mounting portion 52B. The receiving member 52A is raised by the bias of the elastic member 48. The drive mechanism 37 returns to the state shown in FIG. 6, and the clamping of the conductor 61 is released (releasing operation). The clamping operation, cutting operation, and releasing operation of the clamping portions 31 and 32 can be performed by a single drive source 36, thereby reducing costs.

[0065] By moving the movable body MV3 forward while the clamping units 31 and 32 are in the clamping state, the conductor wire 61 and the conductor piece 62 can be transported in the +Y direction. On the other hand, by moving the movable body MV3 in the -Y direction while the clamping units 31 and 32 are in the released state, the movable body MV3 can be returned without interfering with the transport of the conductor wire 61.

[0066] When the stripping target portion 61c is cut, shear force causes plastic deformation at the cut end, as shown in state OP32 in Figure 8(A). Figure 8(B) shows the direction of plastic deformation at both ends (both cut ends) of the conductor piece 62. With respect to the longitudinal direction LD of the linear conductor piece 62, plastic deformation occurs at both ends in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction LD (plastic deformation direction PD). The plastic deformation direction PD is opposite at both ends. In this embodiment, shearing is performed by moving the clamping unit 32 downward relative to the clamping unit 31, so that plastic deformation occurs at the downstream end of the conductor wire 61 in the downward Z direction, and plastic deformation occurs at the upstream end of the cut conductor piece 62 in the upward Z direction.

[0067] <Operation of the processing equipment> An example of the operation of the processing device 3 will be described with reference to Figures 9 and 10. The control circuit 5 executes a control program to control the processing device 3, and the processing device 3 executes the manufacturing method of the conductor piece 62 illustrated in Figures 9 and 10. The processing device 3 cyclically repeats a series of operations. Figures 9 and 10 show several scenes of the series of operations.

[0068] (State ST1) The moving bodies MV1 and MV2 have just started moving forward. The moving bodies MV1 and MV2 are moving forward at a speed slower than speed V1 and are accelerating. The clamping units 11 and 21 are in a released state, and the peeling units 12 and 22 are in a retracted state. The moving body MV3 is moving forward at speed V1. The clamping units 31 and 32 are in a cutting state (state OP32), with the clamping unit 31 clamping the conductor wire 61 and the clamping unit 32 clamping the cut piece (conductor wire piece 62). The conductor wire 61 and the conductor wire piece 62 are being transported in the +Y direction by the moving body MV3 at speed V1.

[0069] In this embodiment, the moving body MV3 moves forward at a speed V1 when the clamping units 31 and 32 are in the disconnected state (state OP32), but the clamping units 31 and 32 may change from the clamping state (state OP31) to the disconnected state (state OP32) and then return to the clamping state (state OP31). At this time, the clamping units 31 and 32 maintain the state of clamping the conductor wire 61 and the conductor piece 62.

[0070] (State ST2) Moving bodies MV1 and MV2 are moving forward at a speed V1. Clamping units 11 and 21 have changed to a clamping state, and peeling units 12 and 22 are in a retracted state. Moving body MV3 is also moving forward at a speed V1. Conductive wire 61 is being transported in the +Y direction by moving bodies MV1 to MV3 at a speed V1.

[0071] (State ST3) The moving bodies MV1 and MV2 are moving forward at a speed V1. The clamping units 11 and 21 are in the clamping state, and the stripping units 12 and 22 have changed to the stripping state. In one stripping target region of the conductor 61, the insulating coating 61b on the side surface located in the X direction is stripped by the stripping unit 12, and in another stripping target region, the insulating coating 61b on the side surface located in the Z direction is stripped by the stripping unit 22.

[0072] The conductor 61 is clamped by the clamping units 11 on both sides of the stripping unit 12 in the Y direction, and stripping is performed in the clamped state, so the insulating coating 61b can be stably stripped while preventing the conductor 61 from wobbling. Similarly, the conductor 61 is clamped by the clamping units 21 on both sides of the stripping unit 22 in the Y direction, and stripping is performed in the clamped state, so the insulating coating 61b can be stably stripped while preventing the conductor 61 from wobbling.

[0073] The moving body MV3 is also moving forward at a speed V1, and the clamping units 31 and 32 have changed to the released state (FIG. 6). As the clamping units 31 and 32 have changed to the released state, the conductor piece 62 is discharged into the stocker 4 (see FIG. 1). After the clamping units 31 and 32 have changed to the released state, the moving body MV3 decelerates and stops moving forward. The conductor 61 is being transported in the +Y direction at a speed V1 by the moving bodies MV1 and MV2.

[0074] (State ST4) The moving bodies MV1 and MV2 are moving forward at a speed V1. The clamping units 11 and 21 are in a clamping state, and the peeling units 12 and 22 remain in a peeling state. The clamping units 31 and 32 are in a released state, and the moving body MV3 is moving backward. The moving body MV3 moves backward at a predetermined speed for a predetermined time, then decelerates and stops. The conductor 61 is being transported in the +Y direction by the moving bodies MV1 and MV2 at a speed V1.

[0075] (State ST5) The moving bodies MV1 and MV2 are moving forward at a speed V1. The clamping sections 11 and 21 are in a clamping state, and the peeling sections 12 and 22 remain in a peeling state. The moving body MV3 has started moving forward and is moving forward at a speed slower than speed V1, and is accelerating. The conductor 61 is being transported in the +Y direction by the moving bodies MV1 and MV2 at speed V1.

[0076] (State ST6) Moving bodies MV1 and MV2 are moving forward at a speed V1. Clamping units 11 and 21 are in a clamping state, and peeling units 12 and 22 have changed to a retracted state. Moving body MV3 is moving forward at a speed V1, and clamping units 31 and 32 have changed to a clamping state (state OP31). Conductive wire 61 is being transported in the +Y direction by moving bodies MV1 to MV3 at a speed V1.

[0077] (State ST7) The moving bodies MV1 and MV2 are moving forward at a speed V1. The clamping units 11 and 21 change to a released state, and the peeling units 12 and 22 are in a retracted state. After the clamping units 11 and 21 change to a released state, the moving bodies MV1 and MV2 decelerate and stop moving forward. The moving body MV3 is moving forward at a speed V1, and the clamping units 31 and 32 are in a clamped state. The conductive wire 61 is being transported in the +Y direction by the moving body MV3 at a speed V1.

[0078] (Status ST8) The moving bodies MV1 and MV2 are moving backward. The clamping units 11 and 21 are in a released state, and the peeling units 12 and 22 are in a retracted state. The moving bodies MV1 and MV2 move backward at a predetermined speed for a predetermined time, then decelerate and stop. The moving body MV3 is moving forward at a speed V1, and the clamping units 31 and 32 change to a cutting state, and the conductor 61 is cut. The cut piece becomes the conductor piece 62. One clamping unit 31 located on the upstream side clamps the conductor 61, and the other clamping unit 31 located on the downstream side clamps the conductor piece 62.

[0079] Thereafter, the state becomes ST1, and the same operation is repeated thereafter to produce the conductor piece 62.

[0080] As described above, in this embodiment, the forward and backward movements of the movable bodies MV1 and MV2 are synchronized, and the start and end of their forward movements are controlled simultaneously. The movable body MV3 moves forward while the movable bodies MV1 and MV2 move backward. The clamping unit 11 clamps the conductor wire 61 at speed V1 after the movable body MV1 starts moving forward, and releases the conductor wire 61 at speed V1 before the forward movement ends. The clamping unit 21 clamps the conductor wire 61 at speed V1 after the movable body MV2 starts moving forward, and releases the conductor wire 61 at speed V1 before the forward movement ends. The clamping units 31 and 32 clamp the conductor wire 61 at speed V1 after the movable body MV3 starts moving forward, and release the conductor wire 61 at speed V1 before the forward movement ends.

[0081] As a result, the conductor wire 61 is always transported at a constant speed V1 by one of the movable bodies MV1 to MV3. When the movable bodies MV1 and MV2 move forward, the insulating coating 61b is stripped from the conductor wire 61 at the stripping target portion by the stripping units 12 and 22, and when the movable body MV3 moves forward, the conductor wire 61 is cut at the stripping target portion 61c by the clamping units 31 and 32 to produce the conductor piece 62. Therefore, while the conductor wire 61 is continuously transported at the speed V1, the processes from stripping the insulating coating 61b to cutting the conductor wire 61 can be efficiently performed.

[0082] Furthermore, according to the cutting device 3C of this embodiment, when cutting the conductor wire 61, the upstream and downstream sides of the cutting location are clamped by the clamping units 31 and 32, and the clamping unit 32 is displaced downward relative to the clamping unit 31, applying a shear force to cut the conductor wire 61. Therefore, when cutting, a load acts only in the cross-sectional direction of the conductor wire 61, and it is possible to prevent a load from acting in the conveyance direction (longitudinal direction).

[0083] 9 and 10, the operations of the moving bodies MV1 to MV3 have been described when the conductor 61 is already being transported at the speed V1. Here, a case will be described in which the transport of the conductor 61 starts from a stopped state.

[0084] An operator or the like pulls out the conductor wire 61 from the reel 1c and moves the movable body MV1 at least to a position where it can clamp the conductor wire 61. The movable body MV1 then starts operating, clamping, peeling, and transporting the conductor wire 61. After the conductor wire 61 reaches a position where it can be clamped by the movable body MV2, the movable body MV2 aligns with the movable body MV1 and clamps, peels, and transports the conductor wire 61.

[0085] Furthermore, after the conductor wire 61 reaches a position where the movable body MV3 can clamp the conductor wire 61, the movable body MV3 operates to clamp, cut, and transport the conductor wire 61. After that, the operation follows the cycle described above. Until the movable body MV3 operates, the transport of the conductor wire 61 is intermittent.

[0086] Next, Figure 11 is a timing chart showing the movement patterns (changes in movement speed) of the moving bodies MV1 to MV3 for the operations described in Figures 9 and 10. In the figure, the vertical axis represents the movement speed of the moving bodies MV1 to MV3, with 0 representing the stopped state, +V1 representing the movement speed in the +Y direction (forward movement), and -V2 representing the movement speed in the -Y direction (return movement). The horizontal axis represents time. Also, ◯ represents the timing at which the clamping units 11, 21, 31, and 32 changed to the clamping state, and ● represents the timing at which the clamping units 11, 21, 31, and 32 changed to the released state. ▽ represents the timing at which the peeling units 12 and 22 changed to the peeling state, and ▼ represents the timing at which the peeling units 12 and 22 changed to the retracted state. ◇ represents the timing at which the clamping units 31 and 32 changed to the cutting state.

[0087] At time t1, the moving bodies MV1 and MV2 start moving forward (state ST1). The moving body MV3 is moving forward at a speed V1, and the conductor 61 is transported by the moving body MV3. At time t2, the speed of the moving bodies MV1 and MV2 reaches speed V1. Thereafter, the clamping units 11 and 21 change to a clamped state (state ST2). At this time, the conductor 61 is being transported by the moving bodies MV1 to MV3. Further thereafter, the peeling units 12 and 22 change to a peeled state, and the clamping units 31 and 32 change to a released state (state ST3). The conductor 61 is transported by the moving bodies MV1 and MV2.

[0088] At time t3, the moving body MV3 begins to decelerate and stops. Thereafter, it accelerates in the -Y direction and begins moving backward at speed V2 (state ST4). After moving backward at speed V2 for a predetermined time, the moving body MV3 begins to decelerate and stops. At time t4, the moving body MV3 accelerates in the +Y direction and begins moving forward (state ST5). At time t5, the forward movement speed of the moving body MV3 reaches V1. Thereafter, the clamping units 31 and 32 change to the clamping state, and the peeling units 12 and 22 change to the retracted state (state ST6). At this time, the conductor 61 is being transported by the moving bodies MV1 to MV3. Further thereafter, the clamping units 11 and 21 change to the released state (state ST7), and the clamping units 31 and 32 change to the cut state (state ST8). The conductor 61 is transported by the moving body MV3.

[0089] The moving bodies MV1 and MV2, which are moving forward, begin to decelerate at time t6 and stop at time t7. At time t8, the moving bodies MV1 and MV2 accelerate in the -Y direction and begin to move back, and at time t9, the speed of the moving bodies MV1 and MV2 as they move back reaches V2. After moving back at speed V2 for a predetermined time, the moving bodies MV1 and MV2 begin to decelerate at time t10 and stop at time t11. During this time, the conductor 61 is transported by the moving body MV3. This completes one cycle.

[0090] At time t12, the next cycle begins. The moving bodies MV1 and MV2 accelerate in the +Y direction and begin moving forward, and at time t13, the speed of the moving bodies MV1 and MV2 reaches speed V1. Thereafter, the clamping units 11 and 21 change to the clamping state. Further thereafter, the peeling units 12 and 22 change to the peeling state, and the clamping units 31 and 32 change to the released state. The conductor 61 is transported by the moving bodies MV1 and MV2.

[0091] At time t14, moving body MV3 begins to decelerate its forward movement, and after stopping, at time t15 it accelerates in the -Y direction and begins its return movement. At time t16, the return speed of moving body MV3 reaches speed V2. At time t17, moving body MV3 begins to decelerate its return movement, and after stopping, at time t18 it accelerates in the +Y direction and begins its forward movement. At time t19, the return speed of moving body MV3 reaches V1. During this time, the conductor 61 is transported by moving bodies MV1 and MV2.

[0092] Thereafter, the clamping units 31 and 32 change to the clamping state, and the peeling units 12 and 22 change to the retracted state. Further thereafter, the clamping units 11 and 21 change to the released state, and the clamping units 31 and 32 change to the cut state. The conductor wire 61 is transported by the moving body MV3. Thereafter, the control proceeds in the same procedure. In the example of FIG. 11, the speed V2 of the moving bodies MV1 to MV3 when moving backward is faster than the speed V1 when moving forward, and the moving time of the moving bodies MV1 to MV3 when moving backward at speed V2 is shorter than the moving time when moving forward at speed V1. The moving distance of the moving bodies MV1 to MV3 when moving backward is the same as the moving distance when moving forward.

[0093] The timing of the change of the peeling state and the retracted state of the peeling unit 12 is an example, and may be any time during the forward movement of the moving body MV1 and the period during which the clamping unit 11 is in the clamping state. Similarly, the timing of the change of the peeling state and the retracted state of the peeling unit 22 is an example, and may be any time during the forward movement of the moving body MV2 and the period during which the clamping unit 21 is in the clamping state.

[0094] In addition, in this embodiment, the work of stripping the insulating coating 61b and the work of cutting the conductor wire 61 are performed while the conductor wire 61 is continuously transported, but the conductor wire 61 may be transported intermittently. In this embodiment, the conductor wire 61 is repeatedly transported and then temporarily stopped. The work of stripping the insulating coating 61b and the work of cutting the conductor wire 61 are performed while the transport of the conductor wire 61 is temporarily stopped.

[0095] Second Embodiment In the first embodiment, the blades E1 and E2 are formed by the edges of the contact portions 31a and 32b, which have rectangular cross sections, but it is also possible to form parts with wedge-shaped cross sections in the contact portions 31a and 32a, and form the blades E1 and E2 by the edges of those parts. Figure 12 shows an example of this, and corresponds to the operation explanatory diagram in Figure 8(A).

[0096] The abutting portion 31a has a notch 31c extending in the X direction, which causes the downstream end of the abutting portion 31a in the conveying direction of the conductor wire 61 to have a wedge-shaped cross-section. The blade E1' is formed as the edge of the wedge-shaped cross-section. Similarly, the abutting portion 32b has a notch 32c extending in the X direction, which causes the upstream end of the abutting portion 32b in the conveying direction of the conductor wire 61 to have a wedge-shaped cross-section. The blade E2' is formed as the edge of the wedge-shaped cross-section.

[0097] As the blades E1' and E2' pass each other in the Z direction, a shearing force acts on the target stripping portion 61c of the conductor wire 61 in the Z direction as the cutting direction, and the conductor wire 61 is sheared at the target stripping portion 61c. The blades E1' and E2' are formed as edges with a wedge-shaped cross section, which improves the cutting performance of the conductor wire 61.

[0098] Third Embodiment To facilitate cutting of the conductive wire 61 by the cutting action of the clamping units 31 and 32, the peeling unit 12 or the peeling unit 22 may form a cut in the stripping target portion 61c of the conductive wire 61. Figure 13 shows an example of this.

[0099] States OP41-1 and OP42-2 in Figure 13 show examples of the operation of a stripping unit 12' that replaces the stripping unit 12. The stripping unit 12' has cutting blades 12e, 12e in addition to a pair of blades 12c, 12c. The cutting blade 12e is provided at a position (for example, the middle position in the Y direction) between blade members 22a that are formed with dimensions equivalent to the length L2 of the stripping target portion 61c in the Y direction. When the stripping unit 12' changes to the stripping state, the insulating coating 61b is stripped from the left and right side surfaces of the conductor 61, and the cutting blade 12e bites into the stripping target portion 61c of the conductor 61, forming incisions NT on the left and right side surfaces of the conductor 61a.

[0100] States OP51-1 and OP52-2 in FIG. 13 show examples of the operation of a stripping unit 22' that replaces the stripping unit 22. The stripping unit 22' has cutting blades 22e, 22e in addition to a pair of blades 22c, 22c. The cutting blade 22e is provided at a position (for example, the middle position in the Y direction) between blade members 22a that are formed with dimensions equivalent to the length L2 of the stripping target portion 61c in the Y direction. When the stripping unit 22' changes to the stripping state, the insulating coating 61b is stripped from the upper and lower side surfaces of the conductor 61, and the cutting blade 22e bites into the stripping target portion 61c of the conductor 61, forming incisions NT on the upper and lower side surfaces of the conductor 61a.

[0101] Fig. 14(A) shows an example of the operation of clamping units 31 and 32 in cutting conductor wire 61 on which incision NT has been formed, and corresponds to the explanatory diagram of operation in Fig. 8(A). The operation of drive mechanism 37 itself is the same as that described in Figs. 7 and 8(A), but the conductor wire 61 is transported so that incision NT is located at the position of blades E1 and E2 in the Y direction. Clamping unit 31 clamps conductor wire 61 upstream of incision NT in the Y direction, and clamping unit 32 clamps conductor wire 61 downstream of incision NT in the Y direction.

[0102] When the pressing member 52B is lowered by the driving force of the driving source 36 from the clamping state shown as state OP31, the receiving member 52A is pressed down while compressing the elastic member 48, resulting in a cutting state shown as state OP32. As the blades E1 and E2 pass each other in the Z direction, a shearing force acts on the stripping target portion 61c of the conductive wire 61 with the Z direction as the cutting direction, and the conductive wire 61 is sheared at the stripping target portion 61c. Because the notch NT has already been formed, the cutting of the conductive wire 61 can be performed more smoothly.

[0103] When the peel target portion 61c is cut, shear force causes plastic deformation at the cut end, as shown in state OP32 in Figure 14(A). Figure 14(B) shows the direction of plastic deformation at both ends (both cut ends) of the conductor piece 62. With respect to the longitudinal direction LD of the linear conductor piece 62, plastic deformation occurs at both ends in a direction (plastic deformation direction PD) that intersects the longitudinal direction LD. The plastic deformation direction PD is opposite to each other at both ends.

[0104] Comparing the example of FIG. 14(B) with the example of FIG. 8(B), it can be seen that a notch NT was formed at the cut portion, and the shape of the cut end was therefore influenced by this and became wedge-shaped.

[0105] In this embodiment, the notches are formed on two pairs of opposing side surfaces (a left-right pair and an upper-lower pair) of the body 61a by using both the peeling units 12 and 22. However, the notches may be formed only on the left and right side surfaces of the body 61a by using the peeling unit 12, for example. Similarly, the notches may be formed only on the upper and lower side surfaces of the body 61a by using the peeling unit 22, for example.

[0106] <Fourth embodiment> The blades E1 and E2 may wear out over a long period of use, and it is therefore desirable that the contact portions 31a and 32b, which function as blade portions, are replaceable. Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of such a structure. In the illustrated example, the contact portions 31a, 31b, 32a, and 32b are all replaceable.

[0107] The contact portion 31a has threaded holes into which a plurality of bolts BL1 are threaded, and is fastened to the base member 30 by the plurality of bolts BL1 via the mounting portion 46a. The mounting portion 46a is fastened together with the contact portion 31a to the base member 30 by the plurality of bolts BL1. The contact portion 31a can be replaced by removing the plurality of bolts BL1. Note that a configuration may also be adopted in which the mounting portion 46a is fastened to the base member 30 by a bolt, and the contact portion 31a is further fastened to the mounting portion 46a by another bolt.

[0108] The contact portion 31b has threaded holes into which a plurality of bolts BL2 are threaded, and is fastened to the movable member 41 by the plurality of bolts BL2 via the attachment portion 46b. The attachment portion 46b is fastened together with the contact portion 31b to the movable member 41 by the plurality of bolts BL2. The contact portion 31b can be replaced by removing the plurality of bolts BL2. Note that a configuration may also be adopted in which the attachment portion 46b is fastened to the movable member 41 by a bolt, and the contact portion 31b is further fastened to the attachment portion 46b by another bolt.

[0109] The contact portion 32a has threaded holes into which a plurality of bolts BL3 are screwed, and is fastened to the mounting portion 47a by the plurality of bolts BL3. The contact portion 32a can be replaced by removing the plurality of bolts BL3.

[0110] The contact portion 32b has threaded holes into which a plurality of bolts BL4 are threaded, and is fastened to the movable member 40 by the plurality of bolts BL4 via the attachment portion 47b. The attachment portion 47b is fastened together with the contact portion 32b to the movable member 40 by the plurality of bolts BL4. The contact portion 32b can be replaced by removing the plurality of bolts BL4. Note that a configuration may also be adopted in which the attachment portion 47b is fastened to the movable member 40 by a bolt, and the contact portion 32b is further fastened to the attachment portion 47b by another bolt.

[0111] Fifth Embodiment In the cutting device 3C of the first embodiment, the driving mechanism 37 is driven by a single driving source 36, but the cutting device 3C may be configured to drive the driving mechanism by multiple driving sources. Figure 16 shows an example configuration in which two driving sources are provided. Differences from the example configuration in Figure 6 will be mainly described.

[0112] 16, two drive sources 36a and 36b are provided. Drive sources 36a and 36b are, for example, electric cylinders or air cylinders, and are supported on base member 30 via support member 34. Drive source 36a is a drive source that operates clamping unit 31, and drive source 36b is a drive source that operates clamping unit 32.

[0113] In place of the mounting portions 46b and 47b in the example of Fig. 6, the example of Fig. 16 provides mounting portions 46b' and 47b'. Mounting portion 46b' is connected to driving source 36a, and mounting portion 47b' is connected to driving source 36b. Other components of Fig. 16 are the same as those of Fig. 6 with the same reference numerals.

[0114] The driving source 36a raises and lowers the mounting portion 46b', thereby performing the clamping and releasing operations of the clamping unit 31. The driving source 36b raises and lowers the mounting portion 47b', thereby performing the clamping and releasing operations of the clamping unit 32. After the clamping operation, the driving source 36b further lowers the mounting portion 47b', thereby performing the cutting operation.

[0115] Fig. 17 shows an example of a configuration in which three drive sources are provided. The differences from the configuration example in Fig. 6 will be mainly explained.

[0116] 17, three drive sources 36a to 36c are provided. Drive sources 36a and 36b are, for example, electric cylinders or air cylinders, and drive source 36c is a linear motor or ball screw mechanism that raises and lowers stage member 30'. Drive source 36a is supported by base member 30 via support member 34a, and drive source 36b is supported by stage member 30' via support member 34b. Drive source 36c is supported by base member 30.

[0117] The driving source 36 a is a driving source that operates the clamping unit 31 , and the driving sources 36 b and 36 c are driving sources that operate the clamping unit 32 .

[0118] In place of the mounting portions 46b and 47b in the example of FIG. 6, mounting portions 46b' and 47b' are provided in the example of FIG. 16. Mounting portion 46b' is connected to driving source 36a, and mounting portion 47b' is connected to driving source 36b. Furthermore, in place of mounting portion 47a in the example of FIG. 6, mounting portion 47a' is provided in the example of FIG. 16. Mounting portion 47a' is supported by stage member 30'. Other configurations in FIG. 16 are the same as those in FIG. 6 with the same reference numerals.

[0119] The driving source 36a raises and lowers the mounting portion 46b', thereby performing the clamping operation and the release operation of the clamping unit 31. The driving source 36b raises and lowers the mounting portion 47b', thereby performing the clamping operation and the release operation of the clamping unit 32. The driving source 36c raises and lowers the stage member 30', thereby performing the cutting operation and the release operation.

[0120] Sixth Embodiment An example of a stator manufacturing method for manufacturing a motor stator using the conductor piece 62 will be described. Fig. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of the manufacturing method. Here, an example of manufacturing a stator for a three-phase AC motor will be described.

[0121] In S1, a conductor piece 62 is manufactured. The manufacturing apparatus A described above can be used to manufacture the conductor piece 62. In S2, the conductor piece 62 is bent to produce a U-shaped conductor component. Figures 19 and 20 show an example of a conductor component. Figure 19 shows a front view of a conductor component 63 produced by bending the conductor piece 62, and Figure 20 is a plan view of the conductor component 63. Here, we will illustrate the case where a conductor piece 62 obtained by forming a notch in a conductor wire material 61 and cutting it, as shown in Figures 14(A) and 14(B). However, the following explanation also applies to a conductor piece 62 obtained by cutting the conductor wire material 61 without forming a notch, as shown in Figure 8(B).

[0122] Conductor component 63 is a coil segment that constitutes the stator coil. Conductor component 63 has a pair of linearly extending leg portions 64 and an intermediate portion 65 between pair of leg portions 64. Intermediate portion 65 is curved in a V-shape and has a three-dimensional curved shape that is also curved in the thickness direction.

[0123] The ends 64a of the pair of legs 64 are ends of the conductor pieces 62, and the conductor 61a is exposed. The ends 64a are plastically deformed by shearing using the cutting device 3C. As shown in FIG. 20, the plastic deformation direction PD of each end 64a is a direction that intersects with the separation direction SD of the two ends 64a. Furthermore, the plastic directions PD of the two ends 64a are opposite to each other with respect to the separation direction SD. In this embodiment, by utilizing the plastic deformation of the ends 64a, it becomes easier to join the ends 64a of multiple conductor wire components 63, as will be described later.

[0124] 18, once the production of the plurality of conductor wire components 63 is completed, they are mounted on the stator core in S3. FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the mounting operation.

[0125] The stator core 70 has a cylindrical shape. The stator core 70 of this embodiment has a circular opening 71 into which a rotor (not shown) is inserted. The opening 71 penetrates the stator core 70 in the axial direction AD. The stator core 70 also has a plurality of slots 72 formed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction CD. Each slot 72 extends radially outward from the opening 71 and penetrates the stator core 70 in the axial direction AD. In the illustrated example, the plurality of conductor components 63 are pre-woven into a cylindrical shape, with the legs 64 aligned in the circumferential and radial directions. The legs 64 of the woven conductor components 63 are inserted into the stator core 70 from one side so that they penetrate the slots 72. The middle portion 65 of each inserted conductor component 63 is located on one side of the stator core 70 in the axial direction AD, and the legs 64 protrude from the other side. The legs 64 of four different conductor components 63 are inserted into one slot 72.

[0126] Returning to Fig. 18, next, in S4, each of the conductor components 70 attached to the stator core 70 is twisted. Figs. 22(A) and 22(B) are explanatory diagrams. Fig. 22(A) shows the stator core 70 and all of the conductor components 63 after twisting. For ease of understanding, Fig. 22(B) shows only four of the conductor components 63 after twisting.

[0127] In the twist forming process, the leg portions 64 of each conductor wire component 63 protruding from the slots 72 toward the other side of the axial direction AD of the stator core 70 are twisted in the circumferential direction CD of the stator core 70. More specifically, the tip portions of the legs 64 protruding toward the other side of the axial direction AD of the stator core 70 are held and moved in the circumferential direction. As a result, the protruding legs 64 are bent from their base portions toward the circumferential direction CD, and then the tip portions are bent so as to be parallel to the axial direction AD. The bending directions of the base portions are opposite in the circumferential direction CD between the odd-numbered layers and the even-numbered layers. The term "layer" refers to the number or order of the legs 64 aligned in the radial direction RD of the stator core 70. In the illustrated example, there are four layers. This twist forming process groups the end portions 64a of the four conductor wire components 63 inserted into different slots into a set, and these end portions 64a are aligned in the radial direction RD of the stator core 70.

[0128] Returning to Fig. 18, next, in S5, the end portions 64a of two legs 64 adjacent to each other in the radial direction RD are brought into close contact with each other. Fig. 23(A) is an explanatory diagram thereof. Fig. 23(A) illustrates a set of end portions 64a aligned in the radial direction RD of the stator core 70. In Fig. 23(A) and Fig. 23(B), the set of end portions 64a is designated as the first layer, second layer, third layer, and fourth layer from the left.

[0129] In the illustrated example, the end portions 64a of two adjacent leg portions 64 are brought into close contact with each other using a jig 80. The jig 80 is a plate having holes through which the end portions 64a of the two adjacent leg portions 64 are inserted. By pressing the jig 80 in the axial direction AD, a force is applied to the two adjacent leg portions 64 in a direction that brings them closer to each other in the radial direction RD, bringing the end portions 64a into close contact with each other. In the illustrated example, the end portions 64a of the first and second layers are brought into close contact with each other, and the end portions 64a of the third and fourth layers are brought into close contact with each other.

[0130] In this embodiment, the plastic deformation direction PD of two adjacent end portions 64a is the same as the contact direction (radial direction RD) but is opposite to the contact direction. More specifically, the plastic deformation direction PD of the end portions 64a of the first and third layers is the same as the radial direction RD, and the plastic deformation direction PD of the end portions 64a of the second and fourth layers is the same as the radial direction RD but is opposite to the plastic deformation direction PD of the end portions 64a of the first and third layers. This is achieved by the way in which the multiple conductor wire components 63 are attached in S3 (the way in which the multiple conductor wire components 63 are woven). Because the plastic deformation directions PD of the two contacting end portions 64a are the same as the contact direction but are opposite to each other, the tip end faces of the adjacent end portions 64a are closer to each other. In this way, in this embodiment, the bias in plastic deformation during cutting of the conductor wire 61 is utilized to bring the tip end faces of the end portions 64a closer to each other.

[0131] Figure 23(B) illustrates a comparative example in which there is no bias in plastic deformation of end portion 64a. In the embodiment of Figure 23(A), end portion 64a is wedge-shaped, whereas in the comparative example of Figure 23(B), end portion 64a is tapered. In the example of Figure 23(B), a gap occurs between the end faces of the tips of end portions 64a, and the end faces are separated from each other.

[0132] Returning to FIG. 18, next, in S6, the end portions 64a of two legs 64 adjacent in the radial direction RD are joined. FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram. In the illustrated example, the end portions 64a of the third and fourth layers, which were brought into close contact in S5, are welded together using a welding machine 81 to form an electrical connection. The end portions 64a of the first and second layers are welded together in the same manner. Because the end faces of the adjacent end portions 64a are in close contact with each other, when the end portions are melted and joined during welding, the joined area becomes larger, thereby improving the weld strength. Thereafter, other necessary wiring, etc. is installed to complete the manufacture of the stator.

[0133] Seventh Embodiment An example of a system and manufacturing method for manufacturing a conductor wire component 63 from a conductor wire 61 will be described. Figure 25 is a block diagram of manufacturing system C. Manufacturing system C includes the above-mentioned manufacturing device A and forming device B, and the conductor wire 63 manufactured by manufacturing device A is bent in forming device B to manufacture the conductor wire component 63. The configuration of manufacturing device A and the manufacturing method for the conductor wire 63 have already been described. Below, a forming system 100 as an example of the configuration of forming device B and a manufacturing method for the conductor wire component 63 will be described.

[0134] <Outline of molding system> 26 is a schematic diagram of a molding system 100. In the figure, arrows X and Y indicate horizontal directions that are orthogonal to each other, and arrow Z indicates the up-down direction. When distinguishing between one direction of the X direction and the opposite direction, they may be written as +X direction and -X direction. The same applies to the Y direction and Z direction.

[0135] Forming system 100 is a system that performs two-stage bending on conductor pieces. Forming system 100 includes storage device 110 for storing conductor pieces to be formed, supply device 200 for supplying the conductor pieces from storage device 110 to forming device 300, forming device 300 for performing a first bending process on the conductor pieces supplied from supply device 200, storage device 140A for storing the conductor pieces that have been bent a first time by forming device 300, supply device 400 for supplying the conductor pieces from storage device 140A to forming device 500, forming device 500 for performing a second bending process on the conductor pieces supplied from supply device 400, and storage device 140B for storing the conductor pieces (conductor piece parts 63) that have been bent a second time by forming device 500.

[0136] In this embodiment, the molding system 100 forms a conveying path including the storage device 110, the supply device 200, the storage device 140A, the supply device 400, and the storage device 140B along which the wire pieces to be molded are conveyed. The molding device 300 and the molding device 500 are disposed at a predetermined height above the conveying path.

[0137] The molding device 300 is supported by a stand 150. The storage device 110 and the supply device 200 are arranged on the sides of the molding device 300 in the Y direction. The stand 150 includes a plate-shaped base member 151 and a plurality of support columns 152, and the molding device 300 is supported by the plurality of support columns 152 at a predetermined height position (first height position).

[0138] The conductor wire pieces formed by the forming device 300 are discharged by gravity via the discharge member 130 into the storage device 140A, where they are temporarily stored. The discharge member 130 is supported by the frame 153 of the stand 150, and extends from below the forming device 300 at an angle in the X direction. The conductor wire pieces stored in the storage device 140A are supplied to the forming device 500 by the supply device 400. The forming device 500 performs a second bending process on the conductor wire pieces supplied from the supply device 400.

[0139] The molding device 500 is supported by a stand 160. The stand 160 includes a plate-shaped base member 161 and a plurality of support columns 162, and the molding device 500 is supported at a predetermined height position (second height position) by the plurality of support columns 162. The storage device 140A and the supply device 400 are supported by a frame 163 of the stand 160, and the supply device 400 is supported at a lower position than the molding device 500.

[0140] The conductor pieces (conductor parts 63) formed by the forming device 500 are discharged by gravity into the storage device 140B and stored therein. The storage device 140B is supported by the frame 164 of the stand 160. The conductor parts 63 stored in the storage device 140B are transported to the next process by a transport device (not shown) or by a worker.

[0141] In this embodiment, the molding devices 300 and 500 are supported by the stands 150 and 160, respectively, but both the molding devices 300 and 500 may be supported by a single stand.

[0142] Here, in this embodiment, the molding device 300 and the molding device 500 are supported so that the first height position is higher than the second height position, but the first height position and the second height position may be the same height, or the first height position may be lower than the second height position.

[0143] <Molding process> The flow of forming a conductor piece by the forming system 100 will be described with reference to Figures 27 in addition to Figure 26. The forming system 100 operates under the control of a control circuit 600. The control circuit 600 is an electronic circuit that controls the forming system 100. The control circuit 600 includes, for example, a processor represented by a CPU, a storage device, an input / output interface that relays between an external device and the processor, a communication interface that communicates with a higher-level controller, a drive circuit that drives an actuator, and a signal processing circuit that processes detection signals from sensors. The storage device is a semiconductor memory such as a ROM or RAM, a hard disk, or the like. The processor controls the forming system 100 by executing a control program stored in the storage device.

[0144] The actuators to be controlled include various motors, which will be described later, that exert driving force to move the components of the molding system 100. The sensors include a rotary encoder that detects the amount of rotation of the motor and a position sensor that detects the position of the component. The positions of the component can be controlled by driving the motor based on the detection results of these sensors.

[0145] A plurality of wire segments 62 are stored in a storage device 110 and are supplied one by one from the storage device 110 to a molding device 300 by a supply device 200 .

[0146] In the forming device 300, the conductor piece 62 is bent into a U-shape to produce a conductor piece 63', which is an intermediate part. The conductor piece 63' has a pair of straight-extending leg portions 64 and a middle portion 65 between the pair of legs 64. The pair of legs 64 extend parallel to each other. The middle portion 65 is curved in a V-shape. The conductor piece 63' is discharged into the storage device 140A via the discharge member 130. The conductor piece 63' is stored in the storage device 140A in an inverted U-shaped position. The conductor pieces 63' stored in the storage device 140A are supplied one by one to the forming device 500 by the supply device 400 while still in the inverted U-shaped position.

[0147] In the forming device 500, the middle portion 65 of the conductor piece 63' is twisted to produce the conductor component 63. This twisting forms the middle portion 65 into a three-dimensional curved shape that is also curved in the thickness direction. The conductor component 63 is discharged and stored in the storage device 140B while still in an inverted U-shape.

[0148] <Storage Device 110 and Supply Device 200> The configurations of the storage device 110 and the supply device 200 will be described with reference to Figures 28 and 29. Figure 28 is a side view of the storage device 110 and the supply device 200, and Figure 29 is a plan view of the storage device 110 and the supply device 200. The storage device 110 has a pair of trays 111 spaced apart in the Y direction. The pair of trays 111 are supported in an inclined position by support columns 112. Each tray 111 has a placement surface 111a on which the conductive wire pieces 62 are placed, and the placement surface 111a has a downward slope that slopes in the -Z direction toward the +X direction. Wall portions 111b protruding from the placement surface 111a are provided at the end on the +X side of the placement surface 111a and at the outer end in the Y direction.

[0149] The conductor pieces 62 are placed on the placement surface 111a in a position oriented in the Y direction, straddling the pair of trays 111. The conductor pieces 62 are placed on the placement surface 111a in a form arranged in the X direction, and the conductor pieces 62 on the placement surface 111a are encouraged to move toward the end of the placement surface 111a in the +X direction due to their own weight and the inclination of the placement surface 111a.

[0150] The supply device 200 includes a pickup mechanism 210 and a transport mechanism 220. The pickup mechanism 210 includes a holding member 211 and a lifting unit 212 that raises and lowers the holding member 211. The holding member 211 is disposed between the pair of trays 111 in the Y direction and is located at the end of the pair of trays 111 in the +X direction in the X direction. The holding member 211 has a recess (holding portion) that holds one conductive wire piece 62. The lifting unit 212 is, for example, an electric cylinder or an air cylinder, and moves the holding member 211 between a position lower and a position higher than the pair of trays 111 in the Z direction.

[0151] The conveying mechanism 220 includes a rail member 222 extending in the Y direction. The rail member 222 is supported by a plurality of support columns 221. A holding unit 223 is provided on the rail member 222 so as to be movable in the Y direction. The holding unit 223 includes a moving portion 223a and a gripping portion 223b that grips the conductive wire piece 62. The moving portion 223a can reciprocate in the Y direction by being guided by the rail member 222. Examples of the movement mechanism for the moving portion 223a include a ball screw mechanism, a rack-and-pinion mechanism, and a linear motor mechanism. The gripping portion 223b has a pair of claws that can be opened and closed in the Z direction and a drive mechanism for the claws. The drive mechanism is, for example, an electric chuck or an air chuck. The gripping portion 223b is located at the same height in the Z direction as the molding position 305 of the molding device 300 and at the same position in the X direction as the molding position 305. The storage device 110 is located below the molding position 305.

[0152] 30 and 31 are explanatory diagrams of the operation of the supply device 200, showing a series of operations for supplying the conductor wire pieces 62 from the storage device 110 to the molding device 300.

[0153] 30 shows a standby state before supply. The holding member 211 is located at a position lower than the pair of trays 111. The holding unit 223 is located at the position shown in FIG. 29 (the position of the end of the rail member 222 in the -Y direction).

[0154] As shown in state ST1052 in Fig. 30 and state ST1061 in Fig. 31, by raising the holding member 211 by the lifting unit 212, one conductor piece 62 is removed from the pair of trays 111. As shown in state ST1053 in Fig. 30, by further raising the holding member 211 by the lifting unit 212, the conductor piece 62 held by the holding member 211 is positioned to the side in the Y direction at the same height as the holding unit 223.

[0155] Here, the width of the groove in the X direction of the recess of the holding member 211 is narrower than the width of one conductor piece and narrower than the width of two conductor pieces. This allows the pickup mechanism 210 to lift up one conductor piece even when multiple conductor pieces are stored in the storage device 110.

[0156] As shown in state ST1062 in Figure 31, the holding unit 223 moves in the +Y direction and further grips the -Y direction end of the conductor piece 62. The holding member 211 is lowered by the lifting unit 212. As shown in state ST1063 in Figure 31, the holding unit 223 moves in the Y direction to the +Y direction end of the rail member 222, and the conductor piece 62 is transported to the forming position 305. After the conductor piece 62 is held by the forming device 300, the holding unit 223 releases its grip on the conductor piece 62 and returns in the -Y direction to the position of state ST1061. By repeating the above operations, the conductor piece 62 is sequentially supplied from the storage device 110 to the forming device 300.

[0157] <Forming equipment 300> The molding apparatus 300 will be described with reference to Figures 32 to 34. Figure 32 is a front view of the molding apparatus 300, Figure 33 is a cross-sectional view of the molding apparatus 300 taken along line AA in Figure 32, and Figure 34 is a cross-sectional view of the molding apparatus 300 taken along line BB in Figure 32.

[0158] The molding apparatus 300 includes a base member BM as a structure supporting each component of the molding apparatus 300. The base member BM includes an upper plate member 301, a lower plate member 302, and a central wall portion 303 and left and right wall portions 304 that connect these. The upper plate member 301 is a rectangular member, and its top portion is provided with a plurality of reinforcing ribs arranged in a grid pattern. The lower surface 301a of the upper plate member 301 forms mounting portions for a plurality of fulcrum units 310A-310C and a pressing unit 320A.

[0159] The lower plate member 302 is a rectangular member, and its bottom is provided with multiple reinforcing ribs arranged in a grid pattern. The upper surface 302a of the lower plate member 302 forms mounting portions for multiple pressing units 320B and 320C. The lower plate member 302 is a member that is shorter in the X direction than the upper plate member 301, and the forming position 305 is located at a position offset in the +X direction from the lower plate member 302. Therefore, the forming position 305 is a position exposed below the forming device 300.

[0160] The wall portion 303 extends in the X direction and connects the upper plate member 301 and the lower plate member 302 near their centers in the Y direction. The left and right wall portions 304 extend in the X direction and connect the upper plate member 301 and the lower plate member 302 at their respective ends in the Y direction.

[0161] <Support unit 310A~310C> The fulcrum units 310A to 310C are mechanisms that form fulcrums for bending the conductor piece 62. The fulcrum units 310A to 310C basically have the same configuration. Each of the fulcrum units 310A to 310C includes a position changing mechanism 311 and a contact member 317.

[0162] The position change mechanism 311 is a mechanism that changes the position of the abutment member 317. The position change mechanism 311 includes a plate-shaped base member 311a. The base member 311a is a support member that supports the other components of the position change mechanism 311, and is fixed to the upper plate member 301. The position change mechanism 311 includes a movable member 314 that supports the abutment member 317. A plurality of sliders 316 are provided on the surface of the movable member 314 that faces the base member 311a. Each slider 316 engages with a rail member 315 that extends on the base member 311a, and is movable along the rail member 315. The rail member 315 of the fulcrum unit 310A extends in the X direction, and therefore the movable member 314 and the abutment member 317 can freely move back and forth in the X direction. The rail members 315 of the fulcrum units 310B and 310C extend in the Y direction, and therefore the movable member 314 and the abutting member 317 can freely reciprocate in the Y direction.

[0163] The position change mechanism 311 includes a motor 312 as a drive source. The motor 312 is fixed to a base member 311a via a bracket 312a. The position change mechanism 311 includes a drive mechanism 313 that converts the rotation of the motor 312 into translational motion of a movable member 314. In this embodiment, the drive mechanism 313 is a ball screw mechanism. However, the drive mechanism 313 may be another mechanism such as a belt transmission mechanism. The drive mechanism 313 includes a ball screw shaft 313a, a ball nut 313b, and a plurality of bearings 313c that rotatably support the ball screw shaft 313a.

[0164] The ball screw shaft 313a extends parallel to the rail member 315. The ball nut 313b is screwed onto the ball screw shaft 313a and is fixed to the movable member 314. The ball screw shaft 313a is coaxially coupled to the output shaft of the motor 312 and rotates when driven by the motor 312. The rotation of the ball screw shaft 313a causes the ball nut 313b to move on the ball screw shaft 313a, which in turn moves the movable member 314. The direction of movement of the movable member 314 can be switched depending on the direction of rotation of the motor 312.

[0165] The abutting member 317 abuts against the conductor piece 62 to form a bending fulcrum. FIG. 36 is a perspective view of the abutting member 317. The abutting member 317 is a cylindrical roller that protrudes from the movable member 314 in the -Z direction and is supported by the movable member 314 so as to be rotatable about an axis in the Z direction. The abutting member 317 has a cylindrical abutting surface 317a that abuts against the conductor piece 62 and flange-shaped restricting portions 317b that are disposed on both sides of the abutting surface 317a in the Z direction and have a larger diameter than the abutting surface 317a. The restricting portions 317 prevent the conductor piece 62 abutting against the abutting surface 317a from coming off the abutting surface 317a in the Z direction. Even if a component force in the Z direction acts on the conductor piece 62 during bending of the conductor piece 62, the abutting member 317 more securely holds the conductor piece 62, allowing for bending.

[0166] <Pressing units 320A to 320C> 32 to 34. Pressing units 320A to 320C are mechanisms that press and bend conductor piece 62. Each of pressing units 320A to 320C includes a contact member 327 and a movement mechanism 321 that moves contact member 327 to bend conductor piece 62. Pressing units 320B and 320C further include a movement mechanism 331 that can move contact member 327 in two directions (X direction and Y direction).

[0167] The movement mechanism 321 includes a plate-shaped base member 321a. The base member 321a is a support member that supports the other components of the movement mechanism 321. The base member 321a of the pressing unit 320A has a rectangular shape, and is fixed to the upper plate member 301. The base members 321a of the pressing units 320B and 320C each have a C-shape, and are supported by the lower plate member 302 so as to be movable in the X direction.

[0168] The movement mechanism 321 includes a movable member 324 that supports a contact member 327. A plurality of sliders 326 are provided on the surface of the movable member 324 that faces the base member 321a. Each slider 326 engages with a rail member 325 that extends on the base member 321a, and is movable along the rail member 325. The rail member 325 of the pressing unit 320A extends in the X direction, and therefore the movable member 324 and the contact member 327 can freely reciprocate in the X direction. The rail members 325 of the pressing units 320B and 320C extend in the Y direction, and therefore the movable member 324 and the contact member 327 can freely reciprocate in the Y direction.

[0169] The movement mechanism 321 includes a motor 322 as a drive source. The motor 322 is fixed to a base member 321a via a bracket 322a. The movement mechanism 321 includes a drive mechanism 323 that converts the rotation of the motor 322 into translational motion of a movable member 324. In this embodiment, the drive mechanism 323 is a ball screw mechanism. However, the drive mechanism 323 may be another mechanism such as a belt transmission mechanism. The drive mechanism 323 includes a ball screw shaft 323a, a ball nut 323b, and a plurality of bearings 323c that rotatably support the ball screw shaft 323a.

[0170] The ball screw shaft 323a extends parallel to the rail member 325. The ball nut 323b is screwed onto the ball screw shaft 323a and is fixed to the movable member 324. The ball screw shaft 323a is coaxially coupled to the output shaft of the motor 322 and rotates when driven by the motor 322. The rotation of the ball screw shaft 323a causes the ball nut 323b to move on the ball screw shaft 323a, which in turn moves the movable member 324. The direction of movement of the movable member 324 can be switched depending on the direction of rotation of the motor 322.

[0171] The abutting member 327 is a member that abuts against the conductive wire piece 62. In this embodiment, the abutting member 327 has the same configuration as the abutting member 317 shown in FIG. 36. Two abutting members 327 are provided in the pressing unit 320A, spaced apart in the Y direction. The two abutting members 327 are positioned in the same position in the X direction. One abutting member 327 is provided in each of the pressing units 320B and 320C.

[0172] The movement mechanism 331 provided in the pressing units 320B and 320C will be described with reference to Figures 34 and 35. Figure 35 is a diagram in which the movement mechanism 321 and the abutment member 327 are omitted from Figure 34. The movement mechanism 331 is a mechanism that moves the base member 321a in the X direction, thereby moving the abutment member 327 in the X direction together with the movement mechanism 321. Therefore, in the pressing units 320B and 320C, the abutment member 327 can be moved in the Y direction by the movement mechanism 321, and can also be moved in the X direction by the movement mechanism 331.

[0173] A rail member 336 is provided on the surface of the base member 321a that faces the upper surface 302a of the lower plate member 302. The rail member 336 extends in the X direction and engages with a plurality of engaging members 335 (corresponding to fixed sliders) provided on the upper surface 302a. This structure allows the base member 321a to move back and forth in the X direction.

[0174] The movement mechanism 331 includes a motor 332 as a drive source. The motor 332 is fixed to the lower plate member 302 via a bracket 332a. The movement mechanism 331 includes a drive mechanism 333 that converts the rotation of the motor 332 into translational motion of the base member 321a. In this embodiment, the drive mechanism 333 is a ball screw mechanism. However, the drive mechanism 333 may be another mechanism such as a belt transmission mechanism. The drive mechanism 333 includes a ball screw shaft 333a, a ball nut 333b, and a plurality of bearings 333c that rotatably support the ball screw shaft 333a.

[0175] The ball screw shaft 333a extends parallel to the rail member 335. The ball nut 333b is threadedly engaged with the ball screw shaft 333a and is fixed to the connecting member 334. An end of the connecting member 334 is fixed to the base member 321a. The ball screw shaft 333a is coaxially coupled to the output shaft of the motor 332 and rotates when driven by the motor 332. The rotation of the ball screw shaft 333a causes the ball nut 333b to move on the ball screw shaft 333a, which in turn moves the connecting member 334 and the base member 321a. The movement directions of the connecting member 334 and the base member 321a can be switched depending on the rotation direction of the motor 332.

[0176] The relative positional relationship between the fulcrum units 310A to 310C and the pressing units 320A to 320C will now be described. The above-mentioned supply device 200 supplies the unformed conductor piece 62 to the forming position 305. The conductor piece 62 is supplied to the forming position 305 with its longitudinal direction oriented in the Y direction.

[0177] 33 and 34, the positional relationship between forming position 305 and fulcrum units 310A-310C and pressing units 320A-320C indicates that contact members 317 of fulcrum units 310A-310C are disposed on the +X side and contact members 327 of pressing units 320A-320C are disposed on the opposite, −X side, of conductor piece 62. Furthermore, fulcrum units 310A-310C are disposed on the +X side and pressing units 320A-320C are disposed on the −X side of conductor piece 62.

[0178] Fulcrum units 310B and 310C are spaced apart from each other in the Y direction and are arranged so that their contact members 317 face each other in the Y direction. Fulcrum unit 310A is arranged between fulcrum units 310B and 310C in the Y direction. Pressing units 320B and 320C are spaced apart from each other in the Y direction and are arranged so that their contact members 317 face each other in the Y direction. Pressing unit 320A is arranged between pressing units 320B and 320C in the Y direction.

[0179] The fulcrum unit 310A and the pressing unit 320A are disposed so as to face each other in the X direction. When viewed in the Y direction, the contact member 317 of the fulcrum unit 310A is located between the two contact members 327 of the pressing unit 320A.

[0180] This arrangement allows each unit to be arranged in a well-balanced manner relative to the base member BM, preventing uneven weight distribution and making the device more compact.

[0181] <Example of operation> The procedure for bending the conductor piece 62 using the forming device 300 will be described with reference to Figures 37 and 38. Figures 37 and 38 are explanatory diagrams of the operation of the forming device 300, showing the arrangement of each movable member 314 and each abutting member 317 of the fulcrum units 310A to 310C, and each movable member 324 and each abutting member 327 of the pressing units 320A to 320C.

[0182] In order to distinguish between the movable members 314 and the abutment members 317 of each of the fulcrum units 310A to 310C, the movable member 314 and the abutment member 317 of the fulcrum unit 310A will be referred to as movable member 314A and abutment member 317A. The same applies to the movable members 314 and the abutment members 317 of the fulcrum units 310B and 310C, and the movable members 324 and the abutment members 327 of the pressing units 320A to 320C.

[0183] State ST1121 in Figure 37 shows the stage where the conductor piece 62 has been supplied to the forming position 305 by the above-described supply device 200. Each of the contact members 317A to 317C and 327A to 327C is located in an initial position away from the conductor piece 62. In the initial position, the contact members 317B and 317C are located in a position where they form a fulcrum (fulcrum position). The other contact members 317A and 327A to 327C are located in a standby position before movement.

[0184] State ST1122 shows the stage where the holding operation for holding the conductor piece 62 has been performed. The abutment member 317A is moved in the -X direction and positioned at the fulcrum position. The fulcrum position of the abutment member 317A is a position corresponding to the apex of the U-shape of the conductor piece 62 being bent into a U-shape. The two abutment members 327A are moved in the +X direction and positioned at the intermediate positions before bending. The conductor piece 62 is held by having its longitudinal center portion clamped between the abutment member 327A and the two abutment members 327A. The holding unit 223 of the supply device 200 releases its hold on the conductor piece 62 and returns to the position of state ST1061 in Figure 31.

[0185] After the conductor piece 62 is held by the abutment member 317A and the two abutment members 327A, the bending operation of the conductor piece 62 begins. As shown in state ST1123, the two abutment members 327A are moved in the +X direction. The abutment member 317A is positioned between the two abutment members 327A in the Y direction, and the conductor piece 62 is bent into a V shape with the abutment member 317A as the fulcrum. At this time, the support members 317B and 317C, which are positioned at the fulcrum positions, abut against the conductor piece 62, determining the position for the next bending of the conductor piece 62.

[0186] Next, as shown in state ST1131 in FIG. 38 , the abutting members 327B and 327C are moved in the +X direction so as to pass beside the abutting members 317B and 317C in the Y direction. The conductor piece 62 is bent from a V-shape to a U-shape, with the abutting members 317B and 317C as fulcrums. As shown in state ST1132, after passing beside the abutting members 317B and 317C in the Y direction, the abutting members 327B and 327C are moved in the +X direction, while the abutting member 327B is moved in the +Y direction and the abutting member 327C is moved in the -Y direction. In other words, the portion of the conductor piece 62 that will become the leg portion 64 of the conductor wire component 63 is pressed slightly inward. This suppresses the elastic restoring force of the conductor piece 62, ensuring that the conductor piece 62 is reliably shaped into a U-shape. As a result, the conductor piece 62 is shaped into a U-shaped conductor piece 63′.

[0187] Next, as shown in state ST1133, the conductor piece 63' is released. Specifically, the contact members 317A and 327A are returned to their initial positions and moved away from the conductor piece 63'. The contact member 327B is moved in the -Y direction, and the contact member 327C is moved in the +Y direction, to move away from the conductor piece 63'. In this embodiment, the contact members 317B and 317C do not move, but they may move in a direction away from the conductor piece 63'.

[0188] The released conductor piece 63 ′ falls naturally by its own weight onto the discharge member 130 disposed below the forming position 305 , and is thereby discharged from the forming device 300 .

[0189] <Response to specification changes> In this embodiment, the positions of the contact members 317A to 317C that form the fulcrums can be changed by the position changing mechanism 311. This makes it possible to flexibly accommodate changes in the specifications of the conductor wire component 63. Figure 39 shows the fulcrum positions of the contact members 317A to 317C and the dimensional relationship between the fulcrum positions.

[0190] The Y-direction separation distance Y1 between the abutting members 317B and 317C can accommodate changes in the separation distance between the pair of legs 64 of the conductor wire component 63. In addition, the Y-direction separation distance Y2 between the abutting members 317A and 317B and the Y-direction separation distance Y3 between the abutting members 317A and 317C can adjust the position of the apex of the U-shape of the conductor wire component 63, making it possible to create a conductor wire component 63 in which the apex is biased to one of the pair of legs 64.

[0191] Furthermore, the curved shape of intermediate portion 65 of conductor component 63 can be adjusted by adjusting distance X1 in the X direction between abutting member 317A and abutting members 317B and 317C. For example, by increasing X1 by moving abutting member 317A away from abutting portions 317B and 317C in the X direction, intermediate portion 65 will have a deep V-shape, whereas by moving abutting member 317A closer to abutting portions 317B and 317C in the X direction and decreasing X1, intermediate portion 65 will have a shallow V-shape.

[0192] The positions of the contact members 327 of the pressing units 320A to 320C may be adjusted appropriately by the movement mechanisms 321 and 331 in accordance with the positions of the contact members 317A to 317C.

[0193] Although the specification change of the conductor component 63 has been mainly described above as a change in the bending shape, it is also possible to accommodate a change in the thickness of the conductor piece 62 in the X direction (thickness of the wire material). In this case, the positions of the contact members 327 may be changed according to the thickness of the conductor piece 62.

[0194] In this manner, in this embodiment, one molding device 300 can be used to manufacture lead wire components 63 with different specifications.

[0195] <Discharge Member 130 and Storage Device 140A> The discharge member 130 and the storage device 140A will be described with reference to Figures 40 and 41. Figure 40 is a perspective view of the discharge member 130 and the storage device 140A, and Figure 41 is an explanatory diagram of how the conductor pieces 63' that fall naturally from the molding device 300 are stored.

[0196] The storage device 140A is disposed below the forming position 305 in the Z direction, and the discharge member 130 is a guide member that bridges the wire pieces 63' between the forming position 305 and the storage device 140A. In this embodiment, the discharge member 130 is disposed directly below the forming position 305 in the Z direction. The discharge member 130 has the form of a tray and has a placement surface 131 on which the wire pieces 63' that fall naturally from the forming device 300 are placed. The discharge member 130 is supported in an inclined position by a frame 153 (FIG. 1). The placement surface 131 has a downward slope that slopes in the -Z direction toward the +X direction. The wire pieces 63' that fall naturally from the forming device 300 onto the placement surface 131 slide downward in the +X direction on the placement surface 131 and move to the storage device 140A.

[0197] Here, at the forming position 305, the conductor piece 63' is parallel to the XY plane and positioned with the pair of legs 64 extending in the +X direction from the middle part 65, but as it naturally falls and slides onto the mounting surface 131, its position is changed to an inverted U shape.

[0198] Storage device 140A includes a long, strip-shaped base member 141 extending in the X direction, and support posts 142 and 143 mounted on base member 141 and spaced apart in the X direction. Support posts 142 and 143 extend in the Z direction, with support post 142 being taller than support post 143. A stopper 144 is supported on support post 143. A support member 145 is supported between the upper end of support post 142 and stopper 144.

[0199] Support member 145 is a cylindrical shaft member that is supported in a manner that inclines downward in the -Z direction toward the +X direction. Base member 141 also has a plurality of support pillars 146a that are erected thereon, and these support pillars 146a support a pair of guide members 146 that are spaced apart in the Y direction. Guide member 146 is a long, strip-shaped member that has a width in the Y direction and extends in the X direction, with its end on the -X side being narrower in width than its end on the +X side.

[0200] Support member 145 supports conductor piece 63' in an inverted U-shaped position from below. More specifically, a pair of legs 64 of conductor piece 63' straddles support member 145, and an intermediate portion 65 is hooked onto support member 145, so that conductor piece 63' is suspended from support member 145. The inclination of support member 145 and its own weight encourage the suspended conductor piece 63' to slide toward the +X side. At this time, a pair of guide members 146 are positioned inside the pair of legs 64 to restrict the rotation of the pair of legs 64, thereby stabilizing the position of conductor piece 63'.

[0201] A plurality of pads 147 are fixed to the -X side surface of the stopper 144. The conductive piece 63' abuts against the plurality of pads 147 and is stored in that position. The succeeding conductive piece 63' abuts against the previously stored conductive piece 63' and is stored on its -X side.

[0202] With reference to Figure 41, the storage state of the conductor piece 63' that falls naturally from the molding device 300 will be described. The conductor piece 63'-1 that falls from the molding device 300 is in a horizontal position with a pair of legs 64 facing horizontally. The conductor piece 63'-2 that falls onto the mounting surface 131 changes its position from horizontal to an inclined position due to the inclination of the mounting surface 131. The conductor piece 63'-3 that moves from the mounting surface 131 onto the support member 145 has its middle portion 65 caught on the support member 145 and changes to an inverted U-shaped vertical position with a pair of legs 64 facing downward. Then, the conductor piece 63'-4 that slides along the support member 145 comes into contact with multiple pads 147 and is stored in that position.

[0203] From the completion of molding in the molding device 300 to storage in the storage device 140A, the movement of the conductor piece 63' utilizes the difference in height and its own weight, and does not use a conveying mechanism with a drive source such as a motor, which prevents the molding system 100 from becoming complicated.

[0204] In this embodiment, the molding system 100 has a discharge member 130 and a storage device 140A, and the conductive wire piece 63' is stored in the storage device 140A via the discharge member 130, but only the storage device 140A may be provided. In that case, the storage device 140A is disposed directly below the molding position 305 in the Z direction.

[0205] <Feeding device 400> The supply device 400 will be described with reference to Fig. 42. Fig. 42 is a front view of the supply device 400. The supply device 400 is disposed below the forming position 509 of the forming device 500 in the Z direction, and supplies the conductive wire pieces 63' stored in the storage device 140A to the forming position 509.

[0206] The supply device 400 includes a pad 401 , a pickup mechanism 410 , and a transport mechanism 420 .

[0207] Pad 401 is supported by bracket 401a so as to be located on the -X side of stopper 144 of storage device 140A. Pad 401 is provided so as to face pad 147 that abuts against middle portion 65 of conductive piece 63' of stopper 144. The pickup mechanism 410 includes a push-up member 411 that pushes up from below the leading conductor piece 63' (conductor piece 63' that is in contact with pad 147 of stopper 144) in storage device 140A. The push-up member 411 has a lower end connected to a movable member 412 and has a fork shape that branches into two branches from the lower end to the upper end.

[0208] The upper end of the lifting member 411 comes into contact with the inside (lower edge) of the middle portion 65 of the conductor piece 63', and the lifting member 411 rises, thereby removing the conductor piece 63' upward from the storage device 140A. The bifurcated structure of the lifting member 411 prevents interference between the lifting member 411 and the support member 145.

[0209] The pickup mechanism 410 also includes a lift guide mechanism 413. The lift guide mechanism 413 includes a rail member 413a extending in the Z direction and a plurality of sliders 413b that engage with the rail member 413a. The plurality of sliders 413b are movable in the Z direction along the rail member 413a. The movable member 412 is fixed to the plurality of sliders 413b.

[0210] The pickup mechanism 410 also includes a moving unit 414. The moving unit 414 is an electric cylinder or an air cylinder equipped with a rod 414a that moves back and forth in the Z direction. A connecting member 414b is provided at the tip of the rod 414a, and the rod 414a is connected to the movable member 412 via the connecting member 414b. The push-up member 411 can be raised and lowered by driving the moving unit 414.

[0211] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the push-up member 411 is raised and lowered by the lift guide mechanism 413 and the moving unit 414, but it may be raised and lowered by the moving unit 414 alone.

[0212] The transport mechanism 420 includes a holding unit 421, a moving unit 422 that moves the holding unit 421 in the Y direction, a moving unit 423 that moves the moving unit 422 in the X direction, and an elevating unit 424 that raises and lowers the moving unit 423 in the Z direction.

[0213] The holding unit 421 holds one of the pair of legs 64 of the conductor piece 63' pushed up by the pickup mechanism 410. In this embodiment, the holding unit 421 grips the middle portion of one of the legs 64 on the -Y side. The operation of the holding unit 421 will be described later. The holding unit 421 is moved in the X, Y, and Z directions by the moving units 422 and 423 and the lifting unit 424, and the held conductor piece 63' is transported to the molding position 509 of the molding device 500 while maintaining the inverted U-shaped position. The moving units 422 and 423 and the lifting unit 424 are, for example, electric cylinders or air cylinders.

[0214] The operation of supply device 400 will be described with reference to Figures 43 to 46 in addition to Figure 42. Figures 43 to 46 are explanatory views of the operation of supply device 400. Figure 43 is a side view showing storage device 140A together with supply device 400, and also shows an enlarged view of the periphery of pad 401.

[0215] Figure 42 shows the push-up member 411 and holding unit 421 in their standby positions. In the standby position, the push-up member 411 is in a lowered position. Figures 43 and 44 show the pick-up operation of the conductor piece 63'. When the moving unit 414 is driven, the push-up member 411 rises together with the movable member 412, thereby pushing up the leading conductor piece 63' from the support member 145 of the storage device 140A. When pushed up, the conductor piece 63' is pushed up so that it passes between the stopper 144 and the pad 401 in the X direction.

[0216] 43, the distance (gap) G between pad 401 and pad 147 is greater than the thickness of one conductor piece 63' but less than the thickness of two conductor pieces 63'. Therefore, even when push-up member 411 lifts up multiple conductor pieces 63', only one conductor piece 63' can be pushed up from storage device 140A, and the other conductor pieces 63' are brushed off by pad 401. Therefore, even when multiple conductor pieces 63' are stored in support member 145, the conductor pieces 63' can be separated one by one and only the leading conductor piece 63' can be pushed up.

[0217] Next, the pushed-up conductor piece 63' is held by the holding unit 421. Figure 45 shows the holding operation of the holding unit 421. The holding unit 421 has claws 421a and 421b and an actuator 421c that opens and closes the claws 421a and 421b. The actuator 421c is, for example, an electric chuck or an air chuck.

[0218] State ST1191 in Figure 45 shows the state in which the holding unit 421 is on standby. The claws 421a and 421b are in the open state. As shown in state ST1192, the holding unit 421 is moved in the +Y direction by the moving unit 422, and then the claws 421a and 421b are closed. As a result, the leg 65 of the conductor piece 63' is gripped by the claws 421a and 421b, and the conductor piece 63' is in the held state.

[0219] In order to transport the conductor piece 63' to directly below the forming position 509 of the forming device 500, the holding unit 421 is moved in the +X direction by the moving unit 423 as shown in state ST1193.

[0220] Thereafter, the holding unit 421 is raised by the lifting unit 424 as shown in Figure 46. As a result, the conductor piece 63' is positioned at the molding position 509 of the molding device 500. After the conductor piece 63' is held by the molding device 500, the holding unit 223 releases its hold on the conductor piece 63' and returns to the standby position shown in Figure 42. The push-up member 411 also returns to the standby position. By repeating the above operations, the conductor piece 63' is sequentially supplied from the storage device 140A to the molding position 509 of the molding device 500.

[0221] <Forming equipment 500> The molding apparatus 500 will be described with reference to Figures 47 and 48. Figure 47 is a diagram of the molding apparatus 500 as seen from above, and Figure 48 is a diagram of the molding apparatus 500 as seen from below.

[0222] The molding apparatus 500 includes a base member 501 as a structure supporting the various components of the molding apparatus 500. The base member 501 is an octagonal plate-shaped member with an opening 503 formed in its center. An upper surface 501a of the base member 501 is provided with a reinforcing member 504 that crosses the opening 503 in the Y direction. The reinforcing member 504 is provided so as to straddle the opening 503 in the Y direction, improving the rigidity around the opening 503. The upper surface 501a of the base member 501 forms mounting portions for a plurality of pressing units 510A to 510D, and the lower surface 501b forms mounting portions for a plurality of pressing units 530A to 530D. The molding apparatus 500 includes a total of eight pressing units.

[0223] <Pressing units 510A to 510D> The pressing units 510A to 510D will be described with reference to FIGS. 47 and 49. FIG. 49 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC in FIG. 47, with the pressing units 530A to 530D omitted. The pressing units 510A to 510D are mechanisms for bending the middle portion 65 of the conductor piece 63′. Each of the pressing units 510A to 510D includes a contact member 517 and movement mechanisms 511 and 521 that move the contact member 517 to bend the middle portion 65. The movement mechanisms 511 and 521 can move the contact member 517 in two directions (X direction and Y direction). In other words, the contact member 517 can be moved in the direction across the middle portion 65 of the conductor piece 63′ to be bent (X direction) and in the direction along the longitudinal direction of the middle portion 65 (Y direction).

[0224] The movement mechanism 511 includes a plate-shaped base member 511a. The base member 511a is a support member that supports the other components of the movement mechanism 511. The base member 511a has a rectangular shape that is long in the X direction, and is supported by the base member 501 so as to be movable in the Y direction.

[0225] The movement mechanism 511 includes a movable member 514 that supports an abutment member 517. A plurality of sliders 516 are provided on the surface of the movable member 514 that faces the base member 511a. Each slider 516 engages with a rail member 515 that extends on the base member 511a, and is movable along the rail member 515. The rail member 515 extends in the X direction, and therefore the movable member 514 and the abutment member 517 can freely move back and forth in the X direction.

[0226] The movement mechanism 511 includes a motor 512 as a drive source. The motor 512 is fixed to a base member 511a via a bracket 512a. The movement mechanism 511 includes a drive mechanism 513 that converts the rotation of the motor 512 into translational motion of a movable member 514. In this embodiment, the drive mechanism 513 is a ball screw mechanism. However, the drive mechanism 513 may be another mechanism such as a belt transmission mechanism. The drive mechanism 513 includes a ball screw shaft 513a, a ball nut 513b, and a plurality of bearings 513c that rotatably support the ball screw shaft 513a.

[0227] The ball screw shaft 513a extends parallel to the rail member 515. The ball nut 513b is screwed onto the ball screw shaft 513a and is fixed to the movable member 514. The ball screw shaft 513a is coaxially coupled to the output shaft of the motor 512 and rotates when driven by the motor 512. The rotation of the ball screw shaft 513a causes the ball nut 513b to move on the ball screw shaft 513a, resulting in the movement of the movable member 514. The movement direction of the movable member 514 can be switched depending on the rotation direction of the motor 512.

[0228] The moving mechanism 521 is a mechanism that moves the base member 511a in the Y direction, thereby moving the contact member 517 together with the moving mechanism 511 in the Y direction.

[0229] A plurality of rail members 505 and 506 are fixed to an upper surface 501a of the base member 501. Two rail members 505 are disposed on the +X side of the opening 503, and two rail members 506 are disposed on the −X side of the opening 503. The rail members 505 and 506 extend in the Y direction, and the base members 511a of the pressing units 510A and 510B are positioned on the two rail members 505, and the base members 511a of the pressing units 510C and 510D are positioned on the two rail members 506.

[0230] A plurality of sliders 525 are provided on the surface of base member 511a facing upper surface 501a of base member 501. Each slider 525 of pressing units 510A and 510B engages with rail member 505, and each base member 511a of pressing units 510A and 510B can freely reciprocate in the Y direction. Each slider 525 of pressing units 510C and 510D engages with rail member 506, and each base member 511a of pressing units 510C and 510D can freely reciprocate in the Y direction.

[0231] The movement mechanism 521 includes a motor 522 as a drive source. The motor 522 is fixed to the base member 501 via a bracket 522a. The movement mechanism 521 includes a drive mechanism 523 that converts the rotation of the motor 522 into translational motion of the base member 511a. In this embodiment, the drive mechanism 523 is a ball screw mechanism. However, the drive mechanism 523 may be another mechanism such as a belt transmission mechanism. The drive mechanism 523 includes a ball screw shaft 523a, a ball nut 523b, and a plurality of bearings 523c that rotatably support the ball screw shaft 523a.

[0232] The ball screw shaft 523a extends in parallel to the rail members 505 and 506. The ball nut 523b is threadedly engaged with the ball screw shaft 523a and is fixed to a connecting member 524. An end of the connecting member 524 is fixed to the base member 511a. The ball screw shaft 523a is coaxially coupled to the output shaft of the motor 521 and rotates when driven by the motor 521. The rotation of the ball screw shaft 523a causes the ball nut 523b to move on the ball screw shaft 523a, resulting in the movement of the connecting member 524 and the base member 511a. The movement direction of the connecting member 524 and the base member 511a can be switched depending on the rotation direction of the motor 521.

[0233] <Pressing units 530A to 530D> The pressing units 530A to 530D will be described with reference to Figures 48 and 50. Figure 50 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC in Figure 47, with the pressing units 510A to 510D omitted. The pressing units 530A to 530D are mechanisms that bend the middle portion 65 of the conductor piece 63', and are similar to the pressing units 510A to 510D. Each of the pressing units 530A to 530D includes a contact member 537 and movement mechanisms 531 and 541 that move the contact member 537 to bend the middle portion 65. The movement mechanisms 531 and 541 allow the contact member 537 to move in two directions (X and Y directions). In other words, the contact member 537 is movable in a direction across the intermediate portion 65 of the conductor piece 63' to be bent (X direction) and in a direction along the longitudinal direction of the intermediate portion 65 (Y direction).

[0234] The movement mechanism 531 includes a plate-shaped base member 531a. The base member 531a is a support member that supports the other components of the movement mechanism 531. The base member 531a has a rectangular shape that is long in the X direction, and is supported by the base member 501 so as to be movable in the Y direction.

[0235] The movement mechanism 531 includes a movable member 534 that supports an abutment member 537. A plurality of sliders 536 are provided on the surface of the movable member 534 that faces the base member 531a. Each slider 536 engages with a rail member 535 that extends on the base member 531a, and is movable along the rail member 535. The rail member 535 extends in the X direction, and therefore the movable member 534 and the abutment member 537 can freely move back and forth in the X direction.

[0236] The moving mechanism 531 includes a motor 532 as a drive source. The motor 532 is fixed to a base member 531a via a bracket 532a. The moving mechanism 531 includes a drive mechanism 533 that converts the rotation of the motor 532 into translational motion of a movable member 534. In this embodiment, the drive mechanism 533 is a ball screw mechanism. However, the drive mechanism 533 may be another mechanism such as a belt transmission mechanism. The drive mechanism 533 includes a ball screw shaft 533a, a ball nut 533b, and a plurality of bearings 533c that rotatably support the ball screw shaft 533a.

[0237] The ball screw shaft 533a extends parallel to the rail member 535. The ball nut 533b is screwed onto the ball screw shaft 533a and is fixed to the movable member 534. The ball screw shaft 533a is coaxially coupled to the output shaft of the motor 532 and rotates when driven by the motor 532. The rotation of the ball screw shaft 533a causes the ball nut 533b to move on the ball screw shaft 533a, resulting in the movement of the movable member 534. The movement direction of the movable member 534 can be switched depending on the rotation direction of the motor 532.

[0238] The moving mechanism 541 is a mechanism that moves the base member 531a in the Y direction, thereby moving the contact member 537 together with the moving mechanism 531 in the Y direction.

[0239] A plurality of rail members 507 and 508 are fixed to a lower surface 501b of the base member 501. Two rail members 507 are disposed on the +X side of the opening 503, and two rail members 508 are disposed on the −X side of the opening 503. The rail members 507 and 508 extend in the Y direction, and the base members 531a of the pressing units 530A and 530B are positioned on the two rail members 507, and the base members 531a of the pressing units 530C and 530D are positioned on the two rail members 508.

[0240] A plurality of sliders 545 are provided on the surface of base member 531a that faces lower surface 501b of base member 501. Each slider 545 of pressing units 530A and 530B engages with rail member 507, and each base member 531a of pressing units 530A and 530B can freely reciprocate in the Y direction. Each slider 545 of pressing units 530C and 530D engages with rail member 508, and each base member 531a of pressing units 530C and 530D can freely reciprocate in the Y direction.

[0241] The movement mechanism 541 includes a motor 542 as a drive source. The motor 542 is fixed to the base member 501 via a bracket 542a. The movement mechanism 541 includes a drive mechanism 543 that converts the rotation of the motor 542 into translational motion of the base member 531a. In this embodiment, the drive mechanism 543 is a ball screw mechanism. However, the drive mechanism 543 may be another mechanism such as a belt transmission mechanism. The drive mechanism 543 includes a ball screw shaft 543a, a ball nut 543b, and a plurality of bearings 543c that rotatably support the ball screw shaft 543a.

[0242] The ball screw shaft 543a extends in parallel to the rail members 507 and 508. The ball nut 543b is threadedly engaged with the ball screw shaft 543a and is fixed to a connecting member 544. An end of the connecting member 544 is fixed to the base member 531a. The ball screw shaft 543a is coaxially coupled to the output shaft of the motor 541 and rotates when driven by the motor 541. The rotation of the ball screw shaft 543a causes the ball nut 543b to move on the ball screw shaft 543a, which in turn moves the connecting member 544 and the base member 531a. The movement directions of the connecting member 544 and the base member 531a can be switched depending on the rotation direction of the motor 541.

[0243] <Contacting members 517 and 537> The contact members 517 of the pressing units 510A to 510D and the contact members 537 of the pressing units 530A to 530D will be described. FIG. 51 is a perspective view of the contact member 517 and end 514a of the movable member 514 of the pressing unit 510C, and the contact member 537 and end 534a of the movable member 534 of the pressing unit 530C. The contact members and the ends of the movable members of the other pressing units have the same configuration. Figure 52 is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship of the contact members 517 and 537 in the Z direction with respect to the forming position 509.

[0244] The abutment members 517 and 537 are both columnar or cylindrical shaft members extending in the Z direction. Since the middle portion 65 of the conductor piece 63′ has an inverted V-shape that is convex in the Z direction, the contact points between the abutment members 517 and 537 and the middle portion 65 may change in the Z direction during bending. For this reason, by making the abutment members 517 and 537 shaft members that are long in the Z direction, stable contact with the middle portion 65 can be obtained.

[0245] Forming position 509 of forming device 500 is a space immediately below opening 503, and conductive wire piece 63' is supplied to forming position 509 with its middle portion 65 oriented in the Y direction and its pair of legs 64 oriented in the Z direction. Because pressing units 510A-510D are disposed above base member 501, abutting member 517 is configured with end 514a passing through opening 503 in the Z direction so as to reach forming position 509. Furthermore, abutting member 517 has its upper end supported by end 514a and its lower end open, while abutting member 537 has both its upper and lower ends supported by end 534a, ensuring high rigidity.

[0246] <Positional relationship between contact member and pressing unit> 47 to 50, the arrangement of the contact members 517 and 537 will be described.

[0247] When viewed in the Y direction, each abutting member 537 is disposed inside each abutting member 517. Specifically, each abutting member 537 of pressing units 530A and 530B is located between the abutting member 517 of pressing unit 510A and the abutting member 517 of pressing unit 510B in the Y direction. Similarly, each abutting member 537 of pressing units 530C and 530D is located between the abutting member 517 of pressing unit 510C and the abutting member 517 of pressing unit 510D in the Y direction.

[0248] When viewed in the X direction, relative to the molding position 305 (i.e., relative to the intermediate portion 65), the abutment members 517, 537 of the pressing units 510A, 510B, 530A and 530B are located on the +X side, and the abutment members 517, 537 of the pressing units 510C, 510D, 530C and 530D are located on the -X side.

[0249] With the above configuration, eight contact points (pressure points) can be obtained for the intermediate portion 65 by the eight contact members 517 and 537.

[0250] The arrangement of pressing units 510A to 510D and 530A to 530D will now be described. When viewed in the X direction, pressing units 510A and 510B are arranged on the +X side of molding position 305 (i.e., intermediate portion 65), and pressing units 510C and 510D are arranged on the opposite, -X side. Similarly, pressing units 530A and 530B are arranged on the +X side, and pressing units 530C and 530D are arranged on the opposite, -X side.

[0251] When viewed in the Y direction, pressing units 510A and 510C are arranged symmetrically to pressing units 510B and 510D. Similarly, pressing units 530A and 530C are arranged symmetrically to pressing units 530B and 530D.

[0252] This arrangement allows each unit to be arranged in a well-balanced manner relative to the base member 501, preventing uneven distribution of weight and making the device more compact.

[0253] <Example of operation> The procedure for bending the middle portion 65 of the conductor piece 63' using the forming device 500 will be described with reference to Figures 53 and 54. Figures 53 and 54 are explanatory views of the operation of the forming device 500, showing the arrangement of the contact members 517 of the pressing units 510A to 510D and the arrangement of the contact members 537 of the pressing units 530A to 530D as viewed from above.

[0254] In order to distinguish between the contact members 317 and 537 of the pressing units 510A to 510D and 530A to 530D, the contact member 517 of the pressing unit 510A will be referred to as the contact member 517A. The same applies to the contact members 517 of the pressing units 510B to 510D and the contact members 537 of the pressing units 530A to 530D.

[0255] State ST1271 in Figure 53 shows the stage where the conductor piece 63' has been supplied to the shaping position 509 by the above-described supply device 400. The contact members 517A to 517D and 537A to 537D are located in initial positions away from the middle portion 65 of the conductor piece 63'. In the initial positions, the contact members 517A to 517D and 537A to 537D are adjusted to their contact positions in the Y direction.

[0256] State ST1272 shows the stage where the holding operation for holding the conductor piece 63' has been performed. Abutment member 537B is moved in the -X direction, and abutment members 537C and 537D are moved in the +X direction. Abutment member 537B abuts against the middle portion 65 from the +X side, and abutment members 537C and 537D abut against it from the -X side. The conductor piece 63' is held by clamping the longitudinal center of the middle portion 65 between abutment member 537B and abutment members 537C and 537D. In the Y direction, abutment member 537C abuts at a position on the -Y side relative to the abutment position between abutment member 537B and the middle portion 65, and abutment member 537D abuts at a position on the +Y side. The holding unit 223 of the feeder 400 releases its hold on the conductor piece 63' and returns to the position shown in state ST1191 in FIG. 45.

[0257] After the conductive wire piece 63' is held by the contact member 537B and the contact members 537C and 537D, the bending operation of the middle portion 65 begins. As shown in state ST1273, the contact members 537C and 537D are moved in the +X direction. The movement stroke of the contact member 537D is longer than that of the contact member 537C. The middle portion 65 is bent into a shallow V-shape.

[0258] Next, as shown in state ST1281 in FIG. 54 , contact member 537A is moved in the −X direction and comes into contact with middle portion 65 from the +X side. The contact position of contact member 537A is on the −Y side of the contact positions of contact members 537B to 537D. Middle portion 65 is bent into an S shape. As shown in state ST1282, contact members 517A and 517B are moved in the −X direction and come into contact with middle portion 65 from the +X side. At the same time, contact members 517C and 517D are moved in the +X direction and come into contact with middle portion 65 from the −X side. Middle portion 65 is bent into a W shape. In this way, conductor piece 63′ is formed into conductor wire part 63.

[0259] Next, as shown in state ST1283, the lead wire component 63 is released. Specifically, the contact members 517A-517D and 537A-537D are returned to their initial positions and separated from the lead wire component 63. The released lead wire component 63 falls naturally by its own weight onto the support member 145 of the storage device 140B disposed below the molding position 305, and is thereby discharged from the molding device 500.

[0260] <Response to specification changes> In this embodiment, the positions of the contact members 517 and 537 can be changed in the X and Y directions. The amount of pressure (pressing distance) applied to the intermediate portion 65 of the conductor piece 63' in the X direction can also be changed by the movement mechanisms 511 and 531. This allows the depth of bending of the intermediate portion 65 to be changed. Furthermore, the contact position of the conductor piece 63' in the Y direction with the intermediate portion 65 can be changed by the movement mechanisms 521 and 541. This allows the bending position of the intermediate portion 65 to be changed.

[0261] Here, we have mentioned a case where the bending shape is changed as a specification change for the conductor component 63, but it is also possible to accommodate a change in the thickness of the conductor piece 63' in the X direction (thickness of the wire material). In this case, the positions of the contact members 517 and 537 in the X direction and the Y direction can be changed according to the thickness of the conductor piece 63'.

[0262] Therefore, in this embodiment, one molding device 500 can be used to manufacture lead wire components 63 with different specifications.

[0263] In this embodiment, the contact members 517 and 537 are movable in both the X and Y directions, but they may be movable only in the X direction, which also accommodates changes in the bending depth of the intermediate portion 65. In this embodiment, eight pressing units 510A to 510D and 530A to 530D are used, but any number necessary to match the bending shape of the intermediate portion 65 may be used, and the holding and bending operations of the intermediate portion 65 can be performed with at least one pressing unit on each side of the intermediate portion 65 in the X direction, that is, a total of two pressing units.

[0264] <Storage Device 140B> The storage device 140B will be described with reference to FIG. 55. FIG. 55 is a perspective view of the storage device 140B. The storage device 140B has the same configuration as the storage device 140A. The lead wire components 63 fall naturally from the forming position 509 of the molding device 500 onto the support member 145 while maintaining an inverted U-shaped vertical position with a pair of legs 64 pointing downward. In this embodiment, the storage device 140B is disposed directly below the forming position 509 in the Z direction. The lead wire components 63 that slide along the support member 145 come into contact with multiple pads 147 and are stored in that position. From the completion of molding in the molding device 500 to storage in the storage device 140B, the lead wire components 63 are moved by utilizing the difference in height and their own weight, without using a transport mechanism with a drive source such as a motor. This prevents the molding system 100 from becoming complicated.

[0265] <System Summary> In the molding system 100, the storage device 140A is disposed below the molding position 305 of the molding device 300. When the conductive wire piece 63' is moved from the molding device 300 to the storage device 140A, the difference in height and its own weight can be utilized, and there is no need to use a conveying mechanism having a drive source such as a motor. This simplifies the molding system 100.

[0266] Furthermore, the supply device 400 that supplies the conductor piece 63' from the storage device 140A to the molding device 500 is disposed below the molding position 509 of the molding device 500. Although a drive source is required to move the conductor piece 63' from the supply device 400 to the molding position 509, by disposing the supply device 400 below the molding position 509, the molding system 100 can be made smaller in the X direction than in a configuration in which the supply device 400 is disposed on the +X side. Therefore, according to this embodiment, a molding system that is relatively small and can be configured simply can be provided.

[0267] Furthermore, in the molding system 100, the storage device 140B is disposed below the molding position 509 of the molding device 500. When the lead wire components 63 are moved from the molding device 500 to the storage device 140B, the difference in height and their own weight can be utilized, and there is no need to use a conveying mechanism having a drive source such as a motor. This allows the molding system 100 to be further simplified.

[0268] Although the embodiments of the invention have been described above, the invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the gist of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0269] 3C cutting device, 30 base member, 31 clamping part, 32 clamping part, 33 drive unit, 35 moving unit

Claims

1. a first clamping means for clamping the conductor material; a second clamping means provided adjacent to the first clamping means downstream in a conveying direction of the conductor wire relative to the first clamping means, and configured to clamp the conductor wire; a driving means for driving the first clamping means and the second clamping means; a base member on which the first clamping means and the second clamping means are mounted; a moving means for reciprocating the base member in the conveying direction, the base member further carries the driving means; The driving means a first clamping operation in which the first clamping means clamps the conductor material and a first releasing operation in which the first clamping means releases the conductor material; a second clamping operation in which the first clamping means clamps the conductor material and a second releasing operation in which the first clamping means releases the conductor material; and a cutting operation for shearing the conductor wire by displacing the second clamping means in a cutting direction intersecting the conveying direction relative to the first clamping means while the first clamping means and the second clamping means are clamping the conductor wire. A cutting device characterized by:

2. 2. The cutting device of claim 1, The driving means At least the cutting operation is performed while the base member is moved forward by the moving means. A cutting device characterized by:

3. 2. The cutting device of claim 1, the first clamping means includes a first receiving member and a first pressing member that clamp the conductor material; the second clamping means includes a second receiving member and a second pressing member that clamp the conductor material; A cutting device characterized by:

4. 4. The cutting device according to claim 3, The driving means A driving source; a first movable member that is displaced in the cutting direction by a driving force of the driving source; a second movable member provided between the first movable member and the base member and displaceable in the cutting direction, the first clamping means is provided between the second movable member and the base member, the second clamping means is provided between the first movable member and the base member; A cutting device characterized by:

5. 5. The cutting device according to claim 4, The driving means a first elastic member provided between the first movable member and the second movable member; a second elastic member provided between the second clamping means and the base member, A cutting device characterized by:

6. 6. The cutting device according to claim 5, the first receiving member is fixed to the base member; the first pressing member is fixed to the second movable member so as to face the first receiving member in the cutting direction; the second receiving member is supported by the second elastic member, the second pressing member is fixed to the first movable member so as to face the second receiving member in the cutting direction; A cutting device characterized by:

7. 7. The cutting device of claim 6, the first receiving member has a first blade portion, the second pressing member has a second blade portion, In the cutting operation, the conductive wire is sheared by the first blade portion and the second blade portion. A cutting device characterized by:

8. 8. The cutting device of claim 7, the first receiving member includes a first mounting portion to which the first blade portion is replaceably mounted, the second pressing member includes a second mounting portion to which the second blade portion is replaceably mounted; A cutting device characterized by:

9. 5. The cutting device according to claim 4, The driving means a guide member fixed to the base member and configured to guide displacement of the first movable member and the second movable member in the cutting direction; the first movable member includes a first engagement portion that engages with the guide member; the second movable member includes a second engagement portion that engages with the guide member; A cutting device characterized by:

10. 10. The cutting device of claim 9, the guide member is a shaft member extending from the base member in the cutting direction and engaging with the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion; A cutting device characterized by:

11. 11. The cutting device of claim 10, The driving means a first restricting member that restricts movement of the first movable member in the cutting direction; a second restricting member that restricts movement of the second movable member in the cutting direction, the second restricting member is provided between the base member and the second movable member, the first restricting member is provided between the first movable member and the second movable member; A cutting device characterized by:

12. A manufacturing system for manufacturing a conductor component from a conductor material having a rectangular cross section and an insulating coating on a conductor, a stripping device that strips the insulating coating at a stripping target portion of the conductor to expose the conductor; a cutting device that cuts the conductor material from which the insulating coating has been stripped at the stripping target portion to generate a conductor piece of a predetermined length with the conductor exposed at both ends; a forming device that bends the conductor piece produced by the cutting device to produce the U-shaped conductor component, The cutting device is a first clamping means for clamping the conductive wire; a second clamping means provided adjacent to the first clamping means downstream in a conveying direction of the conductor wire relative to the first clamping means, and configured to clamp the conductor wire; a driving means for driving the first clamping means and the second clamping means; a base member on which the first clamping means and the second clamping means are mounted; a moving means for moving the base member back and forth in the transport direction, the base member further carries the driving means; The driving means a first clamping operation in which the first clamping means clamps the conductor material and a first releasing operation in which the first clamping means releases the conductor material; a second clamping operation in which the first clamping means clamps the conductor material and a second releasing operation in which the first clamping means releases the conductor material; and a cutting operation for shearing the conductor wire material by displacing the second clamping means in a cutting direction intersecting the conveying direction relative to the first clamping means while the first clamping means and the second clamping means are clamping the conductor wire material; By the cutting operation, one end of the conductor piece is plastically deformed in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the conductor piece, and the other end of the conductor piece is plastically deformed in a direction opposite to the one end, The forming device forms the conductive wire piece. a direction of plastic deformation of one end of the conductor wire component is a first direction intersecting a direction in which both end portions of the conductor wire component are spaced apart from each other; The other end of the conductor component is bent so that the direction of plastic deformation of the other end of the conductor component is a second direction that intersects the separation direction and is opposite to the first direction. A manufacturing system comprising:

13. 13. The manufacturing system of claim 12, the stripping device strips the insulating coating from the stripping target portion and forms a notch in at least one pair of side surfaces of two pairs of opposing side surfaces of the conductor. A manufacturing system comprising:

14. 14. The manufacturing system of claim 13, the first clamping means clamps the conductor wire upstream of the notch in the conveying direction; the second clamping means clamps the conductor wire on the downstream side of the notch in the conveying direction. A manufacturing system comprising:

15. 13. The manufacturing system of claim 12, the stripping device strips the insulating coating from a stripping target portion of the conductor while transporting the conductor in the transport direction; the cutting device cuts the conductor material from which the insulating coating has been stripped at the stripping target portion while transporting the conductor material in the transport direction. A manufacturing system comprising:

16. A manufacturing method for manufacturing a conductor component from a conductor material having a rectangular cross section and an insulating coating on a conductor, comprising: a stripping step of stripping the insulating coating at a stripping target portion of the conductor material to expose the conductor; a cutting step of cutting the conductor material from which the insulating coating has been stripped at the stripping target portion using a cutting device to generate conductor pieces of a predetermined length with the conductor exposed at both ends; a bending step of bending the conductor piece produced in the cutting step to produce the U-shaped conductor component, The cutting device is a first clamping means for clamping the conductive wire; a second clamping means provided adjacent to the first clamping means downstream in a conveying direction of the conductor wire relative to the first clamping means, and configured to clamp the conductor wire; a driving means for driving the first clamping means and the second clamping means; a base member on which the first clamping means and the second clamping means are mounted; a moving means for moving the base member back and forth in the transport direction, the base member further carries the driving means; The driving means a first clamping operation in which the first clamping means clamps the conductor material and a first releasing operation in which the first clamping means releases the conductor material; a second clamping operation in which the first clamping means clamps the conductor material and a second releasing operation in which the first clamping means releases the conductor material; and a cutting operation for shearing the conductor wire material by displacing the second clamping means in a cutting direction intersecting the conveying direction relative to the first clamping means while the first clamping means and the second clamping means are clamping the conductor wire material; the cutting operation causes one end of the conductor to be plastically deformed in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the conductor piece, and the other end of the conductor to be plastically deformed in a direction opposite to the one end, The bending process forms the conductive wire piece into a direction of plastic deformation of one end of the conductor wire component is a first direction intersecting a direction in which both end portions of the conductor wire component are spaced apart from each other; The other end of the conductor component is bent so that the direction of plastic deformation of the other end of the conductor component is a second direction that intersects the separation direction and is opposite to the first direction. A manufacturing method characterized by:

17. A stator manufacturing method comprising the steps of: manufacturing conductor components from a conductor material having a rectangular cross section and an insulating coating on a conductor; and assembling and joining a plurality of manufactured conductor components to a cylindrical stator core, a stripping step of stripping the insulating coating at a stripping target portion of the conductor material to expose the conductor; a cutting step of cutting the conductor material from which the insulating coating has been stripped at the stripping target portion using a cutting device to generate conductor pieces of a predetermined length with the conductor exposed at both ends; a bending step of bending the conductor piece produced in the cutting step to produce the U-shaped conductor part having a pair of legs and a middle portion between the pair of legs; a mounting step of mounting the plurality of conductor components into slots of the stator core; a twist forming process of twisting the pair of leg portions of each conductor component protruding from the slot in the axial direction of the stator core in a circumferential direction of the stator core; a contact process of contacting end portions of two of the legs that are adjacent in a radial direction of the stator core; a joining step of joining the two end portions that have been brought into close contact with each other, The cutting device is a first clamping means for clamping the conductive wire; a second clamping means provided adjacent to the first clamping means downstream in a conveying direction of the conductor wire relative to the first clamping means, and configured to clamp the conductor wire; a driving means for driving the first clamping means and the second clamping means; a base member on which the first clamping means and the second clamping means are mounted; a moving means for moving the base member back and forth in the transport direction, the base member further carries the driving means; The driving means a first clamping operation in which the first clamping means clamps the conductor material and a first releasing operation in which the first clamping means releases the conductor material; a second clamping operation in which the first clamping means clamps the conductor material and a second releasing operation in which the first clamping means releases the conductor material; and a cutting operation for shearing the conductor wire material by displacing the second clamping means in a cutting direction intersecting the conveying direction relative to the first clamping means while the first clamping means and the second clamping means are clamping the conductor wire material; the cutting operation causes one end of the conductor to be plastically deformed in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the conductor piece, and the other end of the conductor to be plastically deformed in a direction opposite to the one end, The bending process forms the conductive wire piece into a direction of plastic deformation of one end of the pair of legs of the conductor wire component is a first direction intersecting with a direction in which the pair of legs of the conductor wire component are spaced apart from each other; The other end of the pair of legs of the conductor wire component is bent so that the direction of plastic deformation of the other end of the pair of legs of the conductor wire component is a second direction that intersects the separation direction and is opposite to the first direction, In the mounting step, the plurality of conductor parts are mounted in the slots of the stator core so that the direction of the plastic deformation of the two ends to be brought into close contact in the contact step is the contact direction. A stator manufacturing method comprising:

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