Welding equipment

Abstract

To provide a welding apparatus that can improve the welding quality of terminals in stator coils and reduce equipment costs. [Solution] The welding apparatus 1 welds adjacent pairs of terminals 4, 4 (terminal pairs 4P) of the stator coil 3. The terminals 4 are formed extending in a first direction D1, and a plurality of terminal pairs 4P are arranged to form a terminal row 5 along a second direction D2. The apparatus includes a pair of clamps 10P, each consisting of a pair of clamps 10, 10 positioned on one side and the other side of a third direction D3 that intersects the direction forming the terminal row 5, with respect to the terminal row 5. One of the clamps 10, 10 includes a rotating part 14 that is rotatable around an axis along the second direction D2, and a rotating gripping part 16 whose relative position with respect to the terminal 4 changes according to the rotation of the rotating part 14. By reducing the distance between the clamps 10P as the rotating part 14 rotates, the apparatus is configured to be able to clamp the terminal 4 between the clamps 10P.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in the manufacturing process of an electric motor such as a motor, welding is performed between adjacent terminals (corresponding to coil ends) of a coil (also referred to as a stator coil) in a stator (stator) (for example, Patent Document 1). The prior art described in Patent Document 1 is configured to hold adjacent terminals of a stator coil using a pair of clamp electrodes and weld the held terminals together.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, the above-described stator coil is assumed to have variations in the width between terminals. Therefore, in the prior art described in Patent Document 1 above, when adjacent terminal pairs are held by the clamp electrodes, the clamp electrodes may contact the terminals with a large width between terminals, and may not contact the terminals with a small width between terminals. In such a case, since grounding between the terminals and the clamp electrodes cannot be achieved, there is a concern that a fire may occur and welding defects may occur.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a welding device capable of improving the welding quality of terminals in a stator coil and reducing equipment costs.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] (1) The welding apparatus of the present invention, provided to solve the above-mentioned problems, is a welding apparatus for welding a terminal pair consisting of an adjacent pair of terminals in a stator coil, wherein the terminals are formed to extend in a first direction, and a plurality of terminal pairs are arranged to form a terminal row along a second direction intersecting the first direction, and the apparatus comprises a pair of clamp portions arranged at positions on one side and the other side of a third direction intersecting the direction in which the terminal row is formed, with respect to the terminal row, and at least one of the clamp portions forming the clamp pair comprises a rotating portion that is rotatable around an axis along the second direction, and a rotating-side gripping portion whose relative position with respect to the terminal changes in accordance with the rotation of the rotating portion, and is configured to be able to clamp the terminal between the clamp pair by reducing the distance between the clamp pair as the rotating portion rotates.

[0007] The welding apparatus of the present invention comprises a rotating part that rotates around an axis along a second direction and a rotating gripping part whose relative position with respect to the terminal changes in accordance with the rotation of the rotating part, at least one of a pair of clamping parts that grips a terminal pair. Therefore, the welding apparatus of the present invention can reliably clamp a terminal pair between the clamping parts by reducing the distance between the clamping parts as the rotating part rotates. As a result, the welding apparatus of the present invention can reliably clamp a terminal pair even if there is variation in the terminal width (width between coil ends), so that the terminals can be reliably grounded by the clamping parts. Therefore, the welding apparatus of the present invention can reliably draw heat from the terminals during welding, suppress enamel damage, and optimize the molten cross-sectional area, thereby improving welding quality. Furthermore, since the welding apparatus of the present invention can reliably clamp a terminal pair, it is possible to accurately position the terminal pair to be welded, thereby improving welding quality. In addition, by configuring the welding apparatus of the present invention as described in (1) above, it is not necessary to increase the clamping force of the clamping parts more than necessary, so the rigidity of the welding apparatus can be reduced, and a reduction in equipment costs can be expected.

[0008] (2) In the welding apparatus of the present invention described above, the rotating gripping portion is provided at positions corresponding to the plurality of terminal pairs along the second direction, and is preferably distributed in the circumferential direction of the rotating portion so as not to overlap when viewed in the axial direction of the rotating portion.

[0009] The welding apparatus of the present invention, configured as described in (2) above, allows each pair of terminals to be gripped by a different rotating gripping portion. Therefore, the welding apparatus of the present invention can reduce the number of terminal pairs gripped at one time (for example, a pair of terminals), thereby reducing the rigidity of the apparatus and lowering the apparatus cost.

[0010] (3) In the welding apparatus of the present invention described above, it is preferable that the plurality of rotating gripping parts are arranged on the outer circumference of the rotating part at equal angles around the axis of the rotating part.

[0011] The welding apparatus of the present invention described above can be configured as in (3) above, thereby simplifying the rotation control of the rotating part. Furthermore, the welding apparatus of the present invention can be configured as in (3) above, thereby maintaining an even rotational balance of the rotating part, which can be expected to ensure stable clamping of terminals and improve welding quality. Here, for example, if there are three terminal pairs in the terminal row, it is preferable to provide three rotating gripping parts, each spaced 120 degrees apart around the axis of the rotating part. It is desirable that the rotating gripping parts be arranged at equal angles around the axis of the rotating part, depending on the number of terminal pairs.

[0012] (4) The welding apparatus of the present invention described above is preferably characterized in that the rotating gripping portion is formed to protrude radially outward from the rotating portion.

[0013] As described above, the welding apparatus of the present invention, when configured as in (4) above, can sequentially clamp the terminal rows with the clamp pair in accordance with the rotation of the rotating part. As a result, even if there is variation in the spacing between terminals, the welding apparatus of the present invention can push (bring closer) the rotating gripping part toward the terminal in the direction of gripping, thereby ensuring that the terminal rows are securely clamped.

[0014] (5) In the welding apparatus of the present invention described above, the clamp pair comprises a rotating clamp portion on which the rotating gripping portion is provided and a fixed clamp portion, the fixed clamp portion has a fixed gripping portion supported so as to face the rotating portion, the fixed gripping portion and the rotating gripping portion each have a fixed projection and a rotating projection provided at positions that are one side and the other side of the third direction via the terminal pair, the fixed projection suppresses the movement of the plurality of terminal pairs in the second direction, and the rotating projection can change the amount of protrusion from at least the terminal pair to be gripped as the rotating portion rotates.

[0015] The welding apparatus of the present invention described above has a fixed-side projection provided on the fixed-side gripping portion of the fixed-side clamp portion, and the movement of multiple terminal pairs in the second direction (the direction formed by the terminal row) is suppressed by the fixed-side projection. Therefore, when a terminal pair is clamped (gripped) by the welding apparatus of the present invention, each terminal pair can be prevented from shifting in the second direction. Furthermore, the welding apparatus of the present invention allows the rotating-side clamp portion of the rotating-side gripping portion to change the amount of protrusion relative to the terminal pair to be gripped as the rotating portion rotates, so that the positioning of the terminal pair to be gripped can be accurately performed. As a result, the welding apparatus of the present invention can reliably grip the terminal pair to be gripped and use it for welding, thereby improving the welding quality. Note that the rotating-side projection may not only be provided on the rotating-side gripping portion, but may also be provided around the entire circumference of the rotating portion.

[0016] (6) In the welding apparatus of the present invention as described above, the rotating part has a clamping part that clamps one of the plurality of terminal pairs with the rotating side gripping part, and an axial non-clamping part provided at a position separated from the clamping part in the axial direction of the rotating part and corresponding to the plurality of terminal pairs other than the terminal pair to be clamped, and the surface of the rotating part is located radially inward of the rotating part at the axial non-clamping part than the surface of the rotating side gripping part.

[0017] The welding apparatus of the present invention described above, when configured as in (6) above, can suppress interference between radial terminal rows (also referred to as slots) arranged radially in the radial direction of the stator coil, even when these radial terminal rows are in close proximity. In other words, the welding apparatus described above can be made more compact.

[0018] (7) In the welding apparatus of the present invention as described above, the rotating part has a clamping position in which the rotating side gripping part clamps one of the plurality of terminal pairs, and a circumferential non-clamping portion at a position rotated around the axis of the rotating part from the clamping position, and the surface of the rotating part is located radially inward of the rotating part at the circumferential non-clamping portion compared to the surface of the rotating side gripping part.

[0019] The welding apparatus of the present invention described above, by being configured as described in (7) above, can sequentially switch between the clamping position of the terminal pair and the circumferential non-clamping position as the rotating part rotates. Therefore, the welding apparatus described above can smoothly switch between the clamped state and the non-clamped state of the terminal pair with a simple configuration.

[0020] (8) In the welding apparatus of the present invention described above, the rotating gripping portion is formed to protrude radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the rotating portion, and is characterized by having a convex outer shape that curves continuously along the circumferential direction of the rotating portion.

[0021] By configuring the welding device of the present invention as described above, it is possible to reliably hold the terminal pair while suppressing damage to the terminal pair. Further, by configuring the welding device of the present invention as described above, as the rotating part rotates, the terminal pair is gradually held by the convex part that continuously curves in the rotating-side holding part, so that displacement of the holding position can be suppressed. Here, the rotating-side holding part may be formed, for example, in a cam shape.

[0022] (9) In the welding device of the present invention described above, the outer shape of the rotating-side holding part protrudes most radially outward at the central part in the circumferential direction of the rotating part, and is formed so as to gradually approach radially inward as it goes from the central part to both sides in the circumferential direction of the rotating part. When viewed from the axial direction of the rotating part, the outer peripheral edge of the rotating-side holding part is configured to draw a smooth curve. It is preferable to be characterized by this.

[0023] By configuring the welding device of the present invention as described above, as the rotating part rotates, the rotating-side holding part can hold the terminal pair while gently contacting the terminal pair following the curve of the outer peripheral edge. Therefore, the welding device of the present invention can reliably hold the terminal pair while more effectively suppressing damage to the terminal pair. Here, the rotating-side holding part may be formed, for example, in a cam shape.

Effects of the Invention

[0024] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a welding device that can improve the welding quality of terminals (also referred to as coil end parts) in a stator coil and can reduce equipment costs. [[ID=第十七]]

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view of a stator provided with a coil (terminal) to be welded to the welding device of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a schematic plan view showing an embodiment of the welding device of the present invention. [Figure 3] It is a partially enlarged schematic plan view of a main part obtained by enlarging a part of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] This is a partially cutaway plan view of Figure 3. [Figure 5] This is a schematic right side view of the welding apparatus of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is a schematic perspective view showing a portion of the rotating part of the welding apparatus of the present invention omitted. [Figure 7] (a) and (b) are explanatory diagrams illustrating the operation of the welding apparatus of the present invention as viewed from direction AA in Figure 2. [Figure 8] (a) to (c) are diagrams illustrating the partial notch operation of the welding apparatus of the present invention as viewed from the planar direction. [Figure 9] This is a perspective view showing a modified welding apparatus with a portion of the rotating part omitted. [Figure 10] (a) and (b) are diagrams illustrating the operation of a modified welding apparatus. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0026] The welding apparatus 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that each figure is a schematic representation for ease of understanding and may differ from the actual shape, size, and arrangement of components. Also note that in Figure 2, the torch section 30 and the support section 40 are omitted. Also note that some hatching is omitted in the cross-sectional view. Furthermore, in the following, the vertical direction in which the terminal 4 is formed may be described as the first direction D1, the radial direction of the stator coil 3 (the direction formed by the terminal row 5) as the second direction D2, and the direction perpendicular to the second direction D2 horizontally (tangential to the ring of the stator coil 3) as the third direction D3.

[0027] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a stator 2 (also referred to as a stator 2) used in the welding apparatus 1 of the present invention. The stator 2 comprises a main body 2A and a stator coil 3, etc.

[0028] The main body 2A is formed in a cylindrical shape, and multiple bolt holes 2B for fixing are provided on its outer circumference. Multiple grooves 2C are formed radially on the inner circumference of the main body 2A.

[0029] The stator coil 3 is formed in an annular shape, and its lower end is fitted into a plurality of grooves 2C formed in the main body 2A. The upper end of the stator coil 3 protrudes from the main body 2A, and the protruding end forms a plurality of terminals 4. The stator coil 3 has a plurality of pairs of terminals 4,4 (also referred to as terminal pairs 4P) that are welded to each other. The terminals 4 are formed to extend in the first direction D1 (see Figure 5, the vertical direction in this embodiment).

[0030] Here, the material of terminals 4,4 is not particularly limited, but for example, copper can be used. Multiple pairs of terminals 4P, which are welded to each other, are arranged at predetermined intervals (three in this embodiment) to form a terminal row 5 (also referred to as slot 5) along the second direction D2 (the radial direction of the stator coil 3 in this embodiment) which intersects the first direction D1. Multiple terminal rows 5 are arranged radially at predetermined angular intervals. In other words, multiple rows of terminal rows 5 are formed concentrically in the circumferential direction of the stator coil 3.

[0031] As shown in Figures 2 and 5, the welding apparatus 1 of the present invention is configured to weld adjacent terminal pairs 4P in the radial direction (second direction D2) of the stator coil 3 described above. In this embodiment, the welding apparatus 1 will be described as an example in which an adjacent pair of terminals 4,4 are welded by arc welding (for example, TIG welding).

[0032] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the welding apparatus 1 includes a pair of clamp sections 10, 10 (also referred to as clamp pair 10P), a torch section 30, and a support section 40, etc. In addition to the above, the welding apparatus 1 also includes a table (not shown) that supports the stator 2 (see Figure 1). In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, three clamp pairs 10P, 10P, 10P are arranged.

[0033] The support portion 40 integrally supports the pair of clamp portions 10, 10 and the torch portion 30. In this embodiment, for example, the support portion 40 is provided with an appropriate drive mechanism (not shown). As will be described in detail later, when the drive mechanism is driven, the rotating gripping portion 16 provided on at least one of the pair of clamp portions 10, 10 is rotationally driven relative to the stator coil 3.

[0034] The pair of clamping parts 10, 10 are positioned on one side and the other side of a third direction D3 (in this embodiment, a direction perpendicular to the second direction D2) that intersects the direction forming the terminal row 5, with respect to the terminal row 5. In other words, the pair of clamping parts 10, 10 are positioned on one side and the other side of the tangential direction of the annulus formed by the stator coil 3. The pair of clamping parts 10, 10 form a clamp pair 10P.

[0035] The clamp pair 10P comprises a rotating clamp portion 12 on which a rotating gripping portion 16 is provided, and a fixed clamp portion 20 on which a fixed gripping portion 22 is provided. One of the clamp pair 10P (rotating clamp portion 12) is equipped with a rotating portion 14, a rotating gripping portion 16, etc. The other of the clamp pair 10P (fixed clamp portion 20) is equipped with a fixed gripping portion 22, etc.

[0036] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the rotating part 14 is rotatably mounted around an axis along the second direction D2. Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view of the rotating part 14, with a portion of the outer circumference omitted. As shown in Figure 6, the rotating part 14 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and a plurality (three in this embodiment) of rotating gripping parts 16 are provided on its circumferential surface. The rotating part 14 is supported by a drive shaft 14A provided along the second direction D2, and can be rotationally driven by a drive source such as a motor (not shown). Note that the rotating part 14 is formed with a larger diameter than shown, and the rotating gripping parts 16 are positioned at the bottom of recesses (not shown) formed on the outer circumference (see Figure 4).

[0037] The rotating gripping portion 16 is configured such that its relative position to the terminal 4 (terminal pair 4P) changes in accordance with the rotation of the rotating portion 14. Specifically, the rotating gripping portion 16 is formed to protrude radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the rotating portion 14 and has a convex outer shape that curves continuously along the circumferential direction of the rotating portion 14. More specifically, the outer shape of the rotating gripping portion 16 protrudes most radially outward at the center of the circumferential direction of the rotating portion 14, and gradually approaches radially inward from the center toward both sides of the circumferential direction of the rotating portion 14. Furthermore, the outer shape of the rotating gripping portion 16 is configured such that, when viewed from the axial direction of the rotating portion 14, the outer edge of the rotating gripping portion 16 forms a smooth curve. In this embodiment, as shown in the figure, it is formed in a mountain shape when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis of the rotating portion 14. The rotating gripping portion 16 may be formed on the circumferential surface of the rotating portion 14, for example, in a cam shape.

[0038] Here, the rotating part 14 has a clamping position 18 (also referred to as the clamping part 18) where the rotating gripping part 16 clamps one of the multiple terminal pairs 4P, and a circumferential non-clamping part 26 at a position rotated around the axis of the rotating part 14 from the clamping position 18. Furthermore, the surface of the rotating part 14 is located radially inward of the rotating part 14 at the circumferential non-clamping part 26 compared to the surface of the rotating gripping part 16. Therefore, the rotating gripping part 16 can reduce the distance between the clamp pairs 10P as the rotating part 14 rotates. As a result, the rotating gripping part 16 can clamp a pair of terminals 4,4 (terminal pair 4P) between the clamp pairs 10P.

[0039] Furthermore, the rotating part 14 has an axial non-clamping part 28 located at a position axially away from the clamping part 18 and corresponding to multiple terminal pairs 4P other than the terminal pair 4P to be clamped. The surface of the rotating part 14 is located radially inward of the rotating part 14 at the axial non-clamping part 28 than the surface of the rotating gripping part 16. Therefore, in the axial direction (second direction D2) of the rotating part 14, one of the multiple terminal pairs 4P can be clamped by the clamp pair 10P as the target for welding. As a result, the clamp pair 10P is intended to position the terminal pair 4P to be clamped, as well as to function as a ground during welding and to promote heat dissipation during welding.

[0040] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, the rotating gripping portions 16 are provided at positions corresponding to multiple terminal pairs 4P along the second direction D2, and are distributed in the circumferential direction of the rotating portion 14 so as not to overlap when viewed in the axial direction of the rotating portion 14. In this embodiment, three rotating gripping portions 16 are provided, and the three rotating gripping portions 16 are distributed around the axis of the rotating portion 14 on the outer circumference of the rotating portion 14 at equal angles (120-degree intervals in this embodiment). Therefore, in the welding apparatus 1 of the present invention, three sets of terminal pairs 4P arranged in the second direction D2 forming the terminal row 5 are sequentially clamped (held) one set at a time by the rotating gripping portion 16 and the fixed gripping portion 22, which will be described later. As will be described in detail later, as shown in Figure 4, the rotating gripping portion 16 is provided with a rotating projection 17 at a position on one side of the second direction D2 via the terminal pairs 4P (between adjacent terminal pairs 4P, 4P in this embodiment). The rotating side projection 17 can change the amount of protrusion relative to the terminal pair 4P to be gripped as the rotating part 14 rotates. That is, the rotating side projection 17 is formed such that there is a difference in height in the circumferential direction of the rotating part 14, and it can protrude and retract along the third direction D3 as the rotating part 14 rotates. In this embodiment, at least one rotating side projection 17 protrudes relative to the terminal pair 4P to be gripped.

[0041] The fixed-side clamp portion 20 includes a fixed-side gripping portion 22 supported so as to face the rotating portion 14. The fixed-side gripping portion 22 includes a fixed-side projection 24 between a plurality of terminal pairs 4P along the second direction D2. The fixed-side projection 24 can suppress the movement of the plurality of terminal pairs 4P in the second direction D2. The fixed-side projection 24 is positioned to face the rotating-side projection 17 on the side of the clamping portion 18 in the second direction D2.

[0042] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the torch section 30 is provided so as to be movable, for example, horizontally or vertically, by a suitable drive source (not shown), such as a motor. The torch section 30 can be moved and positioned above the center of the terminal pair 4P held by the clamp pair 10P. The torch section 30 is supported by a support section 40. That is, the torch section 30 and the clamp pair 10P are integrally supported by the support section 40. The torch section 30 has a tungsten electrode (not shown) positioned in the center and can inject a shielding gas such as argon or helium. An arc (not shown) is formed between the tungsten electrode in the torch section 30 and the terminal pair 4P, and adjacent terminal pairs 4P are joined by welding. In addition, multiple torch sections 30 may be provided as needed. For example, if three clamp pairs 10P, 10P, 10P are provided as in this embodiment, it is preferable to provide three torch sections 30.

[0043] The above describes the configuration of the welding apparatus 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Next, the operation of the welding apparatus 1 will be described below.

[0044] First, the stator 2 is supported on a table (not shown). Next, the support portion 40 (clamp pair 10P) moves relative to the stator coil 3 by a drive mechanism (not shown) (for example, rotation, vertical movement, radial movement, etc.), and the clamp pair 10P is positioned along the direction (second direction D2) that forms the terminal row 5 of the multiple (three in this embodiment) terminal pairs 4P to be welded.

[0045] As shown in Figure 8(a), the multiple terminal pairs 4P are arranged to face the fixed-side gripping portion 22. At this time, a fixed-side projection 24 is located between each of the multiple terminal pairs 4P. Subsequently, as shown in Figures 7(a) and 7(b), the rotating portion 14 rotates, and one of the rotating-side gripping portions 16 is positioned at the clamping position 18 (clamping portion 18). As a result, as shown in Figure 8(a), the innermost terminal pair 4P in the radial direction (second direction D2) of the multiple terminal pairs 4P is clamped between the fixed-side gripping portion 22 and the rotating-side gripping portion 16. Consequently, the rotating-side projection 17 protrudes between the clamped terminal pair 4P and the adjacent terminal pair 4P. At this time, the terminal pairs 4P, 4P adjacent to the gripped terminal pair 4P that are not to be welded are located in the axial non-clamping portion 28 (circumferential non-clamping portion 26) and are in a non-clamping state. When the terminal pair 4P is clamped by the clamp pair 10P, welding is performed by the torch section 30.

[0046] Next, as shown in Figure 8(b), the rotating part 14 rotates (120 degrees in this embodiment), and the terminal pair 4P located in the center of the terminal row 5 is clamped between the rotating gripping part 16 and the fixed gripping part 22. At this time, the terminal pairs 4P, 4P adjacent to the gripped terminal pair 4P that are not to be welded are located in the axial non-clamping part 28 and are in a non-clamped state. In addition, a pair of rotating projections 17, 17 are positioned on both sides of the second direction D2 via the clamped terminal pair 4P so as to protrude toward the terminal pair 4P. Subsequently, the terminal pair 4P clamped by the clamp pair 10P is welded by the torch part 30.

[0047] Next, as shown in Figure 8(c), the rotating part 14 rotates (120 degrees in this embodiment), causing the terminal pair 4P located radially outward of the terminal row 5 to be clamped between the rotating gripping part 16 and the fixed gripping part 22. At this time, the terminal pair 4P, 4P located radially inward of the terminal row 5 after welding is completed are located in the axial non-clamping part 28 and are in a non-clamped state. Furthermore, the rotating projection 17 is positioned to protrude toward the terminal pair 4P inward in the second direction D2 via the clamped terminal pair 4P. Once the terminal pair 4P located radially outward of the terminal row 5 is clamped by the clamp pair 10P, welding is performed by the torch part 30. This completes the welding of the terminal pair 4P clamped by the clamp pair 10P.

[0048] Once the welding of multiple (3) terminal pairs 4P forming a single terminal row 5 is complete, the clamp pair 10P rotates around the central axis of the stator coil 3. This positions the clamp pair 10P in the direction of the other terminal row 5 to be welded next, and each terminal pair 4P is welded sequentially in the same manner as described above.

[0049] As described above, in the welding apparatus 1 of this embodiment, as the rotating part 14 rotates, the rotating gripping part 16 rotates and is positioned at the clamping position 18 (clamping part 18), thereby clamping the terminal pair 4P to be welded with the clamp pair 10P. On the other hand, the terminal pairs 4P other than those to be welded, which make up the terminal row 5, are located in at least one of the axial non-clamping part 28 and the circumferential non-clamping part 26 of the rotating part 14, and are in a non-clamping state. In other words, in the welding apparatus 1 of this embodiment, welding is performed sequentially for each of the multiple terminal pairs 4P that make up the terminal row 5. Note that the welding order of the terminal pairs 4P can be changed as appropriate.

[0050] The above describes one embodiment of the welding apparatus 1 of the present invention. Next, the effects and advantages realized by the welding apparatus 1 of the present invention will be described below.

[0051] The welding apparatus 1 of the present invention described above has the following characteristic configurations (a) to (i). Therefore, the welding apparatus 1 of the present invention can achieve unique effects that cannot be achieved with conventional technology, as described below.

[0052] (a) The welding apparatus 1 of this embodiment is a welding apparatus 1 for welding a terminal pair 4P consisting of an adjacent pair of terminals 4, 4 in a stator coil 3, wherein the terminals 4 are formed to extend in a first direction D1, and a plurality of terminal pairs 4P are arranged to form a terminal row 5 along a second direction D2 that intersects the first direction D1, and the apparatus is equipped with a clamp pair 10P consisting of a pair of clamp parts 10, 10 that are positioned on one side and the other side of a third direction D3 that intersects the direction in which the terminal row 5 is formed, with respect to the terminal row 5, and at least one of the clamp parts 10, 10 forming the clamp pair 10P is equipped with a rotating part 14 that is rotatable around an axis along the second direction D2, and a rotating side gripping part 16 whose relative position with respect to the terminal 4 changes in accordance with the rotation of the rotating part 14, and the apparatus is configured to be able to clamp the terminal 4 between the clamp pair 10P by reducing the distance between the clamp pair 10P as the rotating part 14 rotates.

[0053] The welding apparatus 1 of the present invention includes a pair of clamping parts 10, 10 for gripping a terminal pair 4P, at least one of which is a rotating part 14 that can rotate around an axis along a second direction D2, and a rotating gripping part 16 whose relative position with respect to the terminal 4 changes in accordance with the rotation of the rotating part 14. Therefore, the welding apparatus 1 of the present invention can reliably clamp the terminal pair 4P between the clamping parts 10P by reducing the distance between the clamping parts 10P as the rotating part 14 rotates. As a result, the welding apparatus 1 of the present invention can reliably clamp the terminal pair 4P even if there is variation in the terminal width (width between the coil ends), so that the terminal 4 can be reliably grounded by the clamping parts 10P. Therefore, the welding apparatus 1 of the present invention can reliably draw heat from the terminal 4 during welding, suppress enamel damage, and optimize the molten cross-sectional area, thereby improving welding quality. Furthermore, since the welding apparatus 1 of the present invention can reliably clamp the terminal pair 4P, it can accurately position the terminal pair 4P to be welded, thereby improving welding quality. Furthermore, by configuring the welding apparatus 1 of the present invention as described in (a) above, it is not necessary to increase the clamping force between the clamp and 10P more than necessary, thus reducing the rigidity of the welding apparatus 1 and potentially lowering equipment costs.

[0054] (b) The welding apparatus 1 of this embodiment is characterized in that the rotating gripping parts 16 are provided at positions corresponding to a plurality of terminal pairs 4P along the second direction D2, and are distributed in the circumferential direction of the rotating part 14 so as not to overlap when viewed in the axial direction of the rotating part 14.

[0055] The welding apparatus 1 of the present invention, when configured as described in (b) above, can grip each pair of terminals 4P with a different rotating gripping portion 16. Therefore, the welding apparatus 1 of the present invention can reduce the number of terminal pairs 4P to be gripped at one time (for example, a pair of terminals 4,4), thereby reducing the rigidity of the apparatus and lowering the apparatus cost.

[0056] (c) The welding apparatus 1 of this embodiment is characterized in that the plurality of rotating gripping parts 16 are arranged on the outer circumference of the rotating part 14 at equal angles around the axis of the rotating part 14.

[0057] The welding apparatus 1 of the present invention described above can be configured as shown in (c) above, thereby simplifying the rotation control of the rotating part 14. Furthermore, the welding apparatus 1 of the present invention can be configured as shown in (c) above, thereby maintaining an even rotational balance of the rotating part 14, which can be expected to ensure stable gripping of the terminals 4 and improve welding quality. Here, for example, if there are three terminal pairs 4P in the terminal row 5, it is preferable to provide three rotating gripping parts 16, each spaced 120 degrees apart around the axis of the rotating part 14. It is desirable that the rotating gripping parts 16 be arranged at equal angles around the axis of the rotating part 14, according to the number of terminal pairs 4P.

[0058] (d) The welding apparatus 1 of this embodiment is characterized in that the rotating gripping portion 16 is formed to protrude radially outward from the rotating portion 14.

[0059] As described above, the welding apparatus 1 of the present invention, when configured as shown in (d) above, can sequentially clamp the terminal row 5 with the clamp pair 10P in accordance with the rotation of the rotating part 14. As a result, even if there is variation in the spacing between terminals, the welding apparatus 1 of the present invention can push (bring closer) the rotating gripping part 16 in the gripping direction of the terminal 4, thereby ensuring that the terminal row 5 is securely clamped.

[0060] (e) In the welding apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the clamp pair 10P comprises a rotating clamp portion 12 on which a rotating gripping portion 16 is provided, and a fixed clamp portion 20, wherein the fixed clamp portion 20 has a fixed gripping portion 22 supported so as to face the rotating portion 14, and the fixed gripping portion 22 and the rotating gripping portion 16 are provided with a fixed projection portion 24 and a rotating projection portion 17, respectively, which are located on one side and the other side of the third direction D3 via the terminal pair 4P, wherein the fixed projection portion 24 suppresses the movement of the plurality of terminal pairs 4P in the second direction D2, and the rotating projection portion 17 can change the amount of protrusion relative to at least the terminal pair 4P to be gripped as the rotating portion 14 rotates.

[0061] In the welding apparatus 1 of the present invention described above, a fixed-side projection 24 is provided on the fixed-side gripping portion 22 provided on the fixed-side clamp portion 20, and the movement of multiple terminal pairs 4P in the second direction D2 (the direction formed by the terminal row 5) is suppressed by the fixed-side projection 24. Therefore, when the welding apparatus 1 of the present invention clamps (holds) the terminal pairs 4P, each terminal pair 4P can be suppressed from shifting in the second direction D2. In addition, in the welding apparatus 1 of the present invention, the rotating-side clamp portion 12 of the rotating-side gripping portion 16 can change the amount of protrusion relative to the terminal pair 4P to be gripped as the rotating portion 14 rotates, so that the positioning of the terminal pair 4P to be gripped can be accurately performed. As a result, the welding apparatus 1 of the present invention can reliably grip the terminal pair 4P to be gripped and use them for welding, thereby improving the welding quality. Note that the rotating-side projection 17 is not limited to being provided only on the rotating-side gripping portion 16, but may also be provided around the entire circumference of the rotating portion 14.

[0062] (f) In the welding apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the rotating part 14 has a clamping part 18 that clamps one of the multiple terminal pairs 4P with the rotating side gripping part 16, and an axial non-clamping part 28 that is located at a position away from the clamping part 18 in the axial direction of the rotating part 14 and corresponds to multiple terminal pairs 4P other than the terminal pair 4P to be clamped, and the surface of the rotating part 14 is located radially inward of the rotating part 14 at the axial non-clamping part 28 than the surface of the rotating side gripping part 16.

[0063] As described above, the welding apparatus 1 of the present invention, when configured as described in (f), can suppress interference between radial terminal rows 5 (also referred to as slots 5) arranged radially in the radial direction of the stator coil 3, even when these radial terminal rows 5 are in close proximity. In other words, the welding apparatus 1 described above can be made more compact.

[0064] (g) In the welding apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the rotating part 14 has a clamping position 18 in which one of the multiple terminal pairs 4P is clamped by the rotating gripping part 16, and a circumferential non-clamping part 26 at a position rotated around the axis of the rotating part 14 from the clamping position 18, wherein the surface of the rotating part 14 is located radially inward of the rotating part 14 at the circumferential non-clamping part 26 than the surface of the rotating gripping part 16.

[0065] The welding apparatus 1 of the present invention described above, when configured as shown in (g) above, can sequentially switch between the clamping position 18 of the terminal pair 4P and the circumferential non-clamping position 26 as the rotating part 14 rotates. Therefore, the welding apparatus 1 described above can smoothly switch between the clamped state and the non-clamped state of the terminal pair 4P with a simple configuration.

[0066] (h) In the welding apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the rotating gripping portion 16 is formed to protrude radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the rotating portion 14, and is characterized by having a convex outer shape that curves continuously along the circumferential direction of the rotating portion 14.

[0067] The welding apparatus 1 of the present invention, as described above, can reliably grip the terminal pair 4P while suppressing damage to the terminal pair 4P by being configured as described in (h) above. Furthermore, the welding apparatus 1 of the present invention, as described in (h) above, can suppress displacement of the gripping position 18 because the terminal pair 4P is gradually gripped by the continuously curved convex portion of the rotating gripping portion 16 as the rotating portion 14 rotates. Here, the rotating gripping portion 16 may be formed in the shape of a cam, for example.

[0068] (i) In the welding apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the outer shape of the rotating gripping portion 16 is such that it protrudes most radially outward at the central part in the circumferential direction of the rotating portion 14, and gradually approaches radially inward from the central part toward both sides in the circumferential direction of the rotating portion 14, and the outer edge of the rotating gripping portion 16 is configured to form a smooth curve when viewed from the axial direction of the rotating portion 14.

[0069] As described above, the welding apparatus 1 of the present invention, when configured as described in (i) above, allows the rotating gripping portion 16 to gently contact the terminal pair 4P while following the curve of the outer edge as the rotating portion 14 rotates, thereby gripping the terminal pair 4P. Therefore, the welding apparatus 1 of the present invention can securely grip the terminal pair 4P while more effectively suppressing damage to the terminal pair 4P. Here, the rotating gripping portion 16 may be formed in the shape of a cam, for example.

[0070] The above describes the configuration and effects of the welding apparatus 1 of the present invention. However, the welding apparatus 1 of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments and modifications described above, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention. For example, the welding apparatus 1 may be as described in (a) above, and can be formed in various shapes and sizes. Furthermore, the welding apparatus 1 of the present invention may, for example, not have some or all of the configurations described in (b) to (i) above, or may have some or all of the configurations described in (b) to (i) above, and other configurations.

[0071] In this embodiment, the stator coil 3 is provided with three terminal pairs 4P as radial terminal rows 5 (slots 5), but the terminal pairs 4P provided as radial terminal rows 5 in the stator coil 3 may be one, two, or four or more. Also, the number of clamping parts 10, 10 can be changed as appropriate depending on the arrangement of the terminal rows 5. Furthermore, various shapes, sizes, and materials can be used for the terminals 4 of the stator coil 3.

[0072] In this embodiment, a terminal pair 4P consisting of a pair of terminals 4, 4 is welded, but it can also be applied when two or more terminals 4 are welded together. In this embodiment, one clamp pair 10P is shown as a fixed clamp portion 20 and the other as a rotating clamp portion 12, but both may be configured as rotating clamp portions 12. In such a case, both rotating clamp portions 12 should be able to clamp (hold) the terminal pair 4P at a predetermined rotational position.

[0073] Furthermore, the rotating part 14, the fixed clamping part 20, and the rotating clamping part 12 can be used in various forms, sizes, and quantities, as long as they can hold the terminal 4 between the clamping pairs 10P by reducing the distance between the clamping pairs 10P as the rotating part 14 rotates.

[0074] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the three rotating gripping parts 16, 16, 16 are arranged at 120-degree intervals when viewed in the axial direction of the rotating part 14. However, the spacing in the rotational direction is not limited to 120 degrees; they can be arranged at various angles as long as they do not overlap in the axial direction. In addition, from the viewpoint of simplifying rotation control, it is desirable that the multiple rotating gripping parts 16 are arranged at equal intervals.

[0075] The amount of radial outward protrusion of the rotating part 14 in the rotating gripping part 16 can be set to various amounts depending on the shape, size, and spacing of the terminal pair 4P. In this embodiment, a fixed-side projection 24 is provided on the fixed-side gripping part 22 and a rotating-side projection 17 is provided on the rotating-side gripping part 16, but the fixed-side projection 24 and the rotating-side projection 17 can be provided as needed, and a configuration without them is also possible. Furthermore, if the fixed-side projection 24 and the rotating-side projection 17 are provided, they can be positioned at appropriate locations.

[0076] Furthermore, the positions where the circumferential non-clamping portion 26 and the axial non-clamping portion 28 provided on the rotating portion 14 are set can be set to any position. Also, the circumferential non-clamping portion 26 and the axial non-clamping portion 28 do not have to be in contact with the terminal 4, but may also be in contact with the terminal 4 to the extent that it does not restrict the movement of the terminal 4.

[0077] In this embodiment, the rotating gripping portion 16 is configured as described in (h) and (i) above, but is not limited thereto, and the rotating gripping portion 16 can be formed in various sizes and shapes. It is desirable that the rotating gripping portion 16 be formed in a shape (for example, spherical, arc-shaped, etc.) and size that allows it to make smooth contact with the terminal 4 so as not to damage the terminal 4 when it comes into contact with it. In addition, the rotating gripping portion 16 can be provided in various quantities depending on the number of terminal pairs 4P provided as the terminal row 5. Now, a welding apparatus 100 relating to a modified example in which the shape of the rotating gripping portion 16 has been changed will be described in detail below.

[0078] Figure 9 is a perspective view of a modified welding apparatus 100 with a portion of the rotating part 14 omitted. Note that the modified welding apparatus 100 has the same configuration as the welding apparatus 1 of the above embodiment, except for the shape of the rotating gripping part 16, so the description of the similar parts is omitted. Also, note that the same reference numerals are used for parts similar to those in the welding apparatus 1 as in the above embodiment.

[0079] As shown in Figures 9 and 10(a), the rotating gripping portion 16 has a flat protruding end (tip). The flat portion of the rotating gripping portion 16 (also referred to as the flat part) may be chamfered as appropriate. The rotating gripping portion 16 may also be formed in a trapezoidal shape when viewed in the axial direction of the rotating portion 14. As shown in Figure 10(b), the rotating gripping portion 16 is designed so that the flat portion comes into contact with the side surface of the terminal 4 as it rotates. As a result, the terminal 4 is clamped between the rotating gripping portion 16 and the fixed gripping portion 22. In this modified welding apparatus 100, since the protruding end of the rotating gripping portion 16 is formed in a flat shape, a larger contact area with the terminal 4 can be secured, and heat dissipation during welding can be promoted. As a result, the welding apparatus 100 can suppress damage (enamel damage) to the enamel portion insulating the terminal 4, and thus improve welding quality.

[0080] The above describes various embodiments and modifications of the welding apparatus according to the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to those exemplified in the embodiments and modifications described above, and it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that other embodiments may exist in the spirit and teachings thereof, without departing from the scope of the claims. [Industrial applicability]

[0081] The present invention can be preferably used for welding the terminals of stator coils in various electric motors such as motors and generators. Furthermore, the present invention can be preferably used in the manufacture of electric motors used in various vehicles such as electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0082] 1: Welding equipment 2: Stator 3: Stator coil 4: Terminals 4P: Terminal pair 5: Terminal row (slots) 10: Clamp section 10P: Clamp pair 12: Rotating clamp section 14:Return to Qubu 16: Turning-side grip 17: Turning side protrusion 18: Hostage Position (Holding Area) 20: Fixed side クランプ part 22: Fixed side gripping part 24: Fixed side protrusion 26: Zhou's direction is not a hostage situation. 28: Non-clamping part in the axial direction D1: First direction D2: Second direction D3: Third direction

Claims

1. A welding apparatus for welding a terminal pair consisting of an adjacent pair of terminals in a stator coil, The terminals are formed to extend in a first direction, and a plurality of terminal pairs are arranged to form a terminal row along a second direction that intersects the first direction. The clamping pair comprises a pair of clamping portions positioned on one side and the other side of a third direction intersecting the direction in which the terminal row is formed, with respect to the aforementioned terminal row. At least one of the clamping portions forming the clamp pair is A rotating part is provided so as to be rotatable about an axis along the second direction, A rotating gripping portion whose relative position to the terminal changes in accordance with the rotation of the rotating portion, It is equipped with, A welding apparatus characterized in that the terminal can be clamped between the clamp pair by reducing the distance between the clamp pair as the rotating part rotates.

2. The welding apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the rotating gripping portions are provided at positions corresponding to the plurality of terminal pairs along the second direction, and are distributed in the circumferential direction of the rotating portion so as not to overlap when viewed in the axial direction of the rotating portion.

3. The welding apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the rotating gripping portion is formed to protrude radially outward toward the rotating portion.

4. The clamp pair comprises a rotating clamp portion on which the rotating gripping portion is provided, and a fixed clamp portion. The fixed-side clamp portion has a fixed-side gripping portion that is supported so as to face the rotating portion, The fixed gripping portion and the rotating gripping portion each include a fixed projection and a rotating projection, respectively, which are provided at positions that are on one side and the other side of the third direction via the terminal pair. The fixed side projection suppresses the movement of the plurality of terminal pairs in the second direction, The welding apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the rotating side projection can change the amount of protrusion relative to at least the pair of terminals to be gripped as the rotating part rotates.

5. The rotating part is, A gripping portion that grips one of the plurality of terminal pairs by the rotating gripping portion, It has an axial non-clamping portion provided at a position separated from the clamping portion in the axial direction of the rotating portion, and at a position corresponding to the plurality of terminal pairs other than the terminal pair to be clamped, The welding apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the surface of the rotating portion is located radially inward of the rotating portion than the surface of the rotating gripping portion in the axial non-clamping portion.

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