Method for manufacturing a laminated core and apparatus for manufacturing a laminated core

Abstract

To efficiently manufacture laminated cores for rotating electrical machines. [Solution] First soft magnetic sheets are sequentially punched out from the electromagnetic steel sheet M using a press device 100. Multiple first electromagnetic steel sheets are temporarily bonded together by heating them in the lower die 120. Laminates 130a and 130b of the first electromagnetic steel sheets, corresponding to the height of one laminated core 500, are separated from subsequent laminates 130b and 130c in the lower die 120. Multiple first electromagnetic steel sheets constituting the laminates 130a to 130c are permanently bonded together by heating them outside the lower die 120.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method for manufacturing a laminated core and an apparatus for manufacturing a laminated core.

Background Art

[0002] There is a laminated core as a core used in a rotating electric machine. The laminated core is configured by laminating a plurality of soft magnetic plates. In the laminated core, it is necessary to fix the plurality of laminated soft magnetic plates. As a technique for fixing the soft magnetic plates, there is a technique of adhering the soft magnetic plates to each other by utilizing the adhesive ability exhibited on the plate surfaces of the soft magnetic plates. As such a technique, there is the technique described in Patent Document 1.

[0003] In the technique described in Patent Document 1, a laminar member is formed by performing piercing on a steel plate having an adhesive layer formed on its surface, an adhesive is applied to the laminar member, and the laminar member to which the adhesive has been applied is blanked. At this time, no adhesive is applied to a specific laminar member. The blanked laminar members are laminated in a squeeze ring. The plurality of laminated laminar members move below the squeeze ring and are heated below the squeeze ring. The heating temperature at this time is a temperature at which the adhesive applied to the laminar member cures and is lower than the temperature at which the adhesive layer formed on the surface of the laminar member cures. A laminated core composed of a plurality of mutually adhered laminar members is discharged from a mold in this way. Then, the laminated core discharged from the mold is heated at a high temperature to cure the adhesive layer formed on the laminar member.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, the technology described in Patent Document 1 does not explain the relationship between the adhesive strength provided by the adhesive and the adhesive strength provided by the adhesive layer. In the technology described in Patent Document 1, the adhesive is applied to the area of ​​the steel plate surface that is formed as a laminar member by blanking. Therefore, the multiple laminar members constituting the laminated core should be sufficiently bonded by the adhesive. Thus, the technical significance of bonding with an adhesive layer in the technology described in Patent Document 1 is unclear. In other words, in the technology described in Patent Document 1, bonding with an adhesive layer may be an unnecessary step.

[0006] Furthermore, the technology described in Patent Document 1 requires the addition of an adhesive application step between the piercing and blanking processes. Consequently, the number of steps within the mold increases in the technology described in Patent Document 1.

[0007] Furthermore, in the technology described in Patent Document 1, the adhesive applied to the laminar member is an adhesive that hardens at low temperatures. When an adhesive that hardens at low temperatures is applied to the area that will be formed as a laminar member by blanking, there is a risk that the time required for the entire adhesive to harden will be extended. Therefore, in the technology described in Patent Document 1, it may be necessary to adjust the punching speed of the steel sheet (number of punches per unit time). In particular, when the size of the laminated core (at least one of the width, depth, and height) is large, the time required for the laminated core to bond becomes longer. Therefore, in the technology described in Patent Document 1, it may be necessary to slow down the punching speed of the steel sheet.

[0008] This disclosure has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems and aims to efficiently manufacture laminated cores for rotating electric machines. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The present disclosure is a method for manufacturing a laminated core for a rotating electric machine, using a soft magnetic plate as a base material, comprising: a punching step of sequentially punching out first soft magnetic plates from the base material using a mold; a temporary bonding step of temporarily bonding a plurality of the first soft magnetic plates punched out in the punching step by heating them in the lower mold of the mold; a separation step of separating the laminate from subsequent laminates after the temporary bonding step; and a final bonding step of permanently bonding a plurality of the first soft magnetic plates constituting the laminate by heating them outside the mold. An insulating material that exhibits adhesive properties upon heating is formed on at least one of the two surfaces of the soft magnetic plate, and within the lower die, the plurality of first soft magnetic plates move downward in response to punching in the punching process, with at least a portion of the outer edge area being supported, and the laminate is composed of a number of first soft magnetic plates corresponding to the height of one laminate core, and after the first soft magnetic plate enters the device for punching the first soft magnetic plate, the insulating material that exhibits adhesive properties upon heating is not formed on the surface of the first soft magnetic plate.

[0010] The laminated core manufacturing apparatus of the present disclosure is a laminated core manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing a laminated core for a rotating electric machine using a soft magnetic plate as a base material, comprising: a die for sequentially punching out first soft magnetic plates from the base material; a first heating device for locally heating a plurality of the first soft magnetic plates punched out by the die in order to temporarily bond them in the lower die of the die; a separation means for separating the laminate from subsequent laminates after heating by the first heating device; and a second heating device for heating a plurality of the first soft magnetic plates constituting the laminate outside the die for permanent bonding. An insulating material that exhibits adhesive properties upon heating is formed on at least one of the two surfaces of the soft magnetic plate, and within the lower die, the plurality of first soft magnetic plates move downward in response to punching by the die, with at least a portion of the outer edge area being supported, and the laminate is composed of a number of the first soft magnetic plates corresponding to the height of one laminate core, and after the first soft magnetic plate enters the device for punching the first soft magnetic plate, the insulating material that exhibits adhesive properties upon heating is not formed on the surface of the first soft magnetic plate. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to this disclosure, laminated cores for rotating electric machines can be manufactured efficiently. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows a first example of the configuration of a press machine. [Figure 2A] Figure 2A shows an example of a region punched out from an electrical steel sheet by a first punch and a first die. [Figure 2B] Figure 2B shows an example of a region punched out from the electrical steel sheet by the second punch and the second die. [Figure 2C] Figure 2C shows an example of a region that is punched by a third punch and third die, without being punched by a second punch and second die, after punching by a first punch and first die. [Figure 2D]FIG. 2D is a diagram showing an example of an area to be punched by a third punch and a third die after punching by a first punch and a first die and punching by a second punch and a second die. [Figure 2E] FIG. 2E is a diagram showing a modified example of an area to be punched by a third punch and a third die after punching by a first punch and a first die and punching by a second punch and a second die. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a specific example of the configuration of a guide ring and a first heating device. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the temperature and time of a first electromagnetic steel sheet. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an example of a process performed on a laminate discharged from a lower mold. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a first example of the configuration of a press device and a nozzle. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a second example of the configuration of a press device and a nozzle.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, regarding length, position, size, interval, etc., when the comparison targets are the same, not only when they are exactly the same, but also those that are different within the scope not departing from the gist of the present disclosure (for example, those that are different within the tolerance range determined at the time of design) are also included. Also, the x-y-z coordinates shown in each figure are coordinates for showing the directional relationship in each figure. The symbol in which a black circle (●) is attached inside a white circle (○) in the x-y-z coordinates is a symbol showing an arrow line from the back side to the front side of the paper surface. The symbol in which a cross mark (×) is attached inside a white circle (○) in the x-y-z coordinates is a symbol showing an arrow line from the front side to the back side of the paper surface. Also, in each figure, for the convenience of explanation and notation, only the configurations necessary for the explanation are shown in a simplified manner as necessary.

[0014] (First Embodiment) First, the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the press device 100. In the present embodiment, a case where a laminated core for a rotating electrical machine is manufactured using a soft magnetic plate as a base material by using the press device 100 is exemplified. An insulating material that exhibits adhesive ability by heating is formed on at least one of the two plate surfaces of the soft magnetic plate as the base material. Note that the two plate surfaces of the soft magnetic plate are the front and back surfaces of the soft magnetic plate. In the following description, when the insulating material is formed, the two plate surfaces (front and back surfaces) of the soft magnetic plate shall be the front and back surfaces of the insulating material. Also, in the following description, the plate surfaces of the soft magnetic plate during the manufacture of the laminated core shall refer to both or one of the front and back surfaces of the soft magnetic plate at the time during the manufacture.

[0015] In the present embodiment, a case where the rotating electrical machine is an inner rotor type IPM (Interior Permanent Magnet) motor is exemplified. However, the rotating electrical machine is not limited to the IPM motor. For example, the rotating electrical machine may be a motor other than the IPM motor. Also, the rotating electrical machine may be a generator. Also, the rotating electrical machine may be an outer rotor type rotating electrical machine.

[0016] The cores included in the rotating electrical machine are a rotor core and a stator core. In the present embodiment, a case where both the rotor core and the stator core are manufactured is exemplified. However, only one of the rotor core and the stator core may be manufactured. Also, in the present embodiment, a case where the rotor core is constituted by one laminated core is exemplified. Similarly, in the present embodiment, a case where the stator core is constituted by one laminated core is exemplified. However, one rotor core may be constituted by stacking a plurality of laminated cores in the stacking direction of the soft magnetic plates. Similarly, one stator core may be constituted by stacking a plurality of laminated cores in the stacking direction of the soft magnetic plates. For example, when stacking a plurality of laminated cores, skew may be provided.

[0017] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the case in which the soft magnetic plate (base material) is a non-oriented electrical steel sheet is illustrated. However, the soft magnetic plate (base material) is not limited to a non-oriented electrical steel sheet. For example, the soft magnetic plate (base material) may be a grain-oriented electrical steel sheet. For example, when manufacturing a segmented core, the soft magnetic plate (base material) may be a grain-oriented electrical steel sheet. Note that a stator core is constructed by using multiple segmented cores. The planar shape of the segmented core is, for example, the planar shape of one of the p segments (where p is an integer of 2 or more). The p segments are obtained by dividing the stator core into p segments such that it is rotationally symmetrical p times with respect to the center line of the stator core as the axis of rotational symmetry.

[0018] Furthermore, the soft magnetic sheet is not limited to non-oriented electrical steel sheets or grain-oriented electrical steel sheets. The soft magnetic sheet may be, for example, any of the following sheets: amorphous alloy sheets, nanocrystalline alloy sheets, permendur sheets, and permalloy sheets. In this case, the electrical steel sheet will be replaced by one of these soft magnetic sheets in the following description.

[0019] An insulating material that exhibits adhesive properties upon heating changes from a state where it cannot adhere to the object to be bonded to a state where it can adhere to the object to be bonded upon heating. In the following description, the insulating material that exhibits adhesive properties upon heating will be abbreviated as "insulating material" as needed. The insulating material is formed to cover all or part of the surface of the soft magnetic plate (base material). For example, the insulating material may be formed in an area of ​​the soft magnetic plate surface that covers 50% or more of the total surface area, preferably 70% or more, more preferably 90% or more, and most preferably 100%.

[0020] As mentioned above, this embodiment exemplifies the case where the soft magnetic plate (base material) is a non-oriented electrical steel sheet. In the following description, non-oriented electrical steel sheets will be abbreviated as electrical steel sheets as needed.

[0021] In a manufacturing line such as a finishing annealing line (a manufacturing line upstream of the process performed by the press device 100), an insulating coating is continuously formed on the surface of the electromagnetic steel sheet (base material) as it moves along the manufacturing line. For example, the insulating material may be realized by incorporating a thermosetting resin into this insulating coating. In this case, the insulating coating formed on the surface of the electromagnetic steel sheet (base material) is the insulating material. The insulating coating formed on the surface of the electromagnetic steel sheet (base material) has the function of electrically insulating the electromagnetic steel sheet from objects that come into contact with the surface of the electromagnetic steel sheet. Thus, the insulating material may perform roles other than those of an adhesive. However, the insulating material may only perform the role of an adhesive.

[0022] Furthermore, the insulating coating continuously formed on the surface of the electromagnetic steel sheet (base material) in a manufacturing line such as a finishing annealing line does not need to exhibit adhesive properties upon heating. In this case, an adhesive that exhibits adhesive properties upon heating may be applied to the insulating coating that does not exhibit adhesive properties upon heating. In this case, the adhesive applied to the insulating coating that does not exhibit adhesive properties upon heating is the insulating material. The adhesive includes, for example, a thermosetting resin.

[0023] For example, adhesive may be continuously formed on the surface of an electromagnetic steel sheet (base material) as it moves along a manufacturing line upstream of the process performed by the press device 100 (on an insulating coating that does not exhibit adhesive properties when heated). The adhesive is formed, for example, by baking the adhesive onto the insulating coating formed on the surface of the electromagnetic steel sheet. The movement of the electromagnetic steel sheet (base material) along the manufacturing line is carried out, for example, as follows: First, a coil (a coiled electromagnetic steel sheet) is set in an uncoiler installed on the upstream side of the manufacturing line. Then, the coil (electromagnetic steel sheet) is unwound from the uncoiler to move the electromagnetic steel sheet from the upstream side to the downstream side of the manufacturing line. While the electromagnetic steel sheet is moving, adhesive is continuously applied to the surface of the electromagnetic steel sheet. Then, the electromagnetic steel sheet with the adhesive formed on it is wound into a coil on a coiler installed on the downstream side of the manufacturing line. The electromagnetic steel sheet (coil) wound into a coil in this way may be used as the base material.

[0024] As described above, this embodiment illustrates a case in which an insulating material that exhibits adhesive properties upon heating is formed on the surface of the electromagnetic steel sheet (base material) before the electromagnetic steel sheet (base material) enters the press device 100 (die (upper die 110 and lower die 120)). Furthermore, this embodiment illustrates a case in which an insulating material that exhibits adhesive properties upon heating is not formed on the surface of the electromagnetic steel sheet (base material) after the electromagnetic steel sheet (base material) enters the press device 100 (die (upper die 110 and lower die 120)). Furthermore, this embodiment illustrates a case in which the insulating material (insulating material that exhibits adhesive properties upon heating) formed on the surface of the electromagnetic steel sheet (base material) is one type of insulating material. However, it is not necessarily required to follow these procedures. For example, two or more types of insulating materials that exhibit adhesive properties upon heating may be formed on the surface of the electromagnetic steel sheet (base material) before the electromagnetic steel sheet (base material) enters the press device 100. Furthermore, for example, an insulating material that exhibits adhesive properties in a shorter time than an insulating material formed before the electromagnetic steel sheet (base material) enters the press device 100 may be formed on the surface of the electromagnetic steel sheet (base material) after it has entered the press device 100.

[0025] In this embodiment, we illustrate a case in which the insulating material exhibits adhesive properties upon heating due to the thermosetting resin contained within the insulating material. For example, if a thermosetting resin is used as the insulating material that exhibits adhesive properties upon heating, an acrylic resin may be used. Alternatively, an insulating material that exhibits adhesive properties upon heating may be constructed using other known resins (e.g., epoxy resin, polyimide resin). In addition, multiple types of materials (e.g., multiple types of resins) may be used as the material that exhibits adhesive properties upon heating.

[0026] In Figure 1, this embodiment illustrates a case where the base material is an electromagnetic steel sheet M, which has the insulating material described above formed on two plate surfaces (front and back). The electromagnetic steel sheet M, which is the base material, is a strip-shaped sheet. The electromagnetic steel sheet M is unwound from a coil set in an uncoiler (not shown) installed upstream of the press device 100 (negative x-axis direction) and transported downstream (positive x-axis direction). The transport speed of the electromagnetic steel sheet M may or may not be changed. In addition to moving downstream, the electromagnetic steel sheet M may also move upstream. In this embodiment, a case is illustrated in which the electromagnetic steel sheet M is transported according to a preset speed pattern. The speed pattern is information that shows the relationship between the time from the timing when the coil unwinding starts, and the transport speed and transport direction of the electromagnetic steel sheet M.

[0027] In Figure 1, this embodiment illustrates a case where the press device 100 comprises an upper die 110 and a lower die 120. Furthermore, in this embodiment, an example is given where the upper die 110 comprises a first punch 111a, a second punch 111b, a third punch 111c, a fourth punch 111d, a fifth punch 111e, and a sixth punch 111f. Also, an example is given where the lower die 120 comprises a first die 121a, a second die 121b, a third die 121c, a fourth die 121d, a fifth die 121e, and a sixth die 121f.

[0028] In the example shown in Figure 1, the first punch 111a, the second punch 111b, the third punch 111c, the fourth punch 111d, the fifth punch 111e, and the sixth punch 111f each move in the vertical direction (parallel to the z-axis). In this embodiment, we illustrate a case where the first punch 111a, the second punch 111b, the third punch 111c, the fourth punch 111d, the fifth punch 111e, and the sixth punch 111f can be moved individually.

[0029] In this embodiment, a case is illustrated in which a first punch 111a and a first die 121a work together to punch out a portion of the electrical steel sheet M. Similarly, in this embodiment, a case is illustrated in which a second punch 111b and a second die 121b, a third punch 111c and a third die 121c, a fourth punch 111d and a fourth die 121d, a fifth punch 111e and a fifth die 121e, and a sixth punch 111f and a sixth die 121f work together to punch out a portion of the electrical steel sheet M.

[0030] In this embodiment, the first punch 111a, second punch 111b, third punch 111c, first die 121a, second die 121b, and third die 121c are exemplified as punches and dies for manufacturing a rotor core. In this embodiment, the fourth punch 111d, fifth punch 111e, sixth punch 111f, fourth die 121d, fifth die 121e, and sixth die 121f are exemplified as punches and dies for manufacturing a stator core. In this case, the first punch 111a, second punch 111b, third punch 111c, first die 121a, second die 121b, and third die 121c correspond to the fourth punch 111d, fifth punch 111e, sixth punch 111f, fourth die 121d, fifth die 121e, and sixth die 121f, respectively. The difference between punches and dies for manufacturing rotor cores and those for manufacturing stator cores lies in the difference in the shape and size of the area punched out from the electrical steel sheet M. Therefore, specific examples of the stator core's shape, etc., will be omitted below.

[0031] Figure 2A shows an example of a region punched out from the electrical steel sheet M by the first punch 111a and the first die 121a. In Figures 2A to 2D, the black regions indicate regions punched out from the electrical steel sheet M. The punched-out region is the region separated from the base material. In this embodiment, the first punch 111a and the first die 121a exemplify the case in which a hole is to be punched out in the rotor core. The first punch 111a and the first die 121a may also punch out a portion of a hole in the stator core. Figure 2B shows an example of a region punched out from the electrical steel sheet M by the second punch 111b and the second die 121b. In this embodiment, the second punch 111b and the second die 121b exemplify the case in which a portion unnecessary for use as a separator plate in manufacturing the rotor core is punched out. The role of the separator plate will be described later.

[0032] Figure 2C shows an example of a region that is punched by the third punch 111c and third die 121c after punching by the first punch 111a and first die 121a, without being punched by the second punch 111b and second die 121b. The shape shown in Figure 2C (shape of the black region) is the same as the planar shape of the rotor core. That is, in this embodiment, we illustrate the case in which an electromagnetic steel sheet having the planar shape shown in Figure 2C and the same thickness as the electromagnetic steel sheet M is the electromagnetic steel sheet constituting the rotor core. In the following description, the electromagnetic steel sheet constituting the laminated core (rotor core and stator core) will be referred to as the first electromagnetic steel sheet as needed. In this embodiment, the first electromagnetic steel sheet is an example of the first soft magnetic sheet. As described above, in this embodiment, we illustrate the case in which the outer edge of the first electromagnetic steel sheet is punched by the third punch 111c and third die 121c.

[0033] Figure 2D shows an example of a region punched out by the third punch 111c and third die 121c after punching by the first punch 111a and first die 121a, and punching by the second punch 111b and second die 121b. In this embodiment, the electromagnetic steel sheet having the planar shape shown in Figure 2D and the same thickness as the electromagnetic steel sheet M is shown as an example of a separation plate used when manufacturing a rotor core. In the following description, the electromagnetic steel sheet constituting the separation plate will be referred to as the second electromagnetic steel sheet as needed. In this embodiment, the second electromagnetic steel sheet is an example of a second soft magnetic sheet. As described above, in this embodiment, we illustrate the case in which the outer edge of the second electromagnetic steel sheet is punched out by the third punch 111c and third die 121c.

[0034] The planar shape of the second soft magnetic plate (the second electromagnetic steel plate (the electromagnetic steel plate constituting the separation plate)) is not limited to the shape shown in Figure 2D. For example, it may be the shape shown in Figure 2E. Figure 2E shows a modified example of the region punched out by the third punch 111c and third die 121c after punching out by the first punch 111a and first die 121a, and punching out by the second punch 111b and second die 121b. The black region in Figure 2E is also a region punched out from the electromagnetic steel plate M, similar to the black region in Figures 2A to 2D.

[0035] In Figure 1, the first and second electrical steel sheets punched by the third punch 111c and the third die 121c enter the space located in the area below the third punch 111c (on the negative z-axis side) within the lower die 120. Similarly, the first and second electrical steel sheets punched by the sixth punch 111f and the sixth die 121f also enter the space located in the area below the sixth punch 111f (on the negative z-axis side) within the lower die 120. In the following description, the space into which the first and second electrical steel sheets enter will be referred to as the lamination space as needed.

[0036] In Figure 1, the horizontal rectangle shown in gray represents the second electrical steel sheet. The horizontal rectangle shown in white represents the first electrical steel sheet.

[0037] The first and second electrical steel sheets for manufacturing the rotor core are sequentially punched out by the third punch 111c and the third die 121c. Similarly, the first and second electrical steel sheets for manufacturing the stator core are sequentially punched out by the sixth punch 111f and the sixth die 121f. In this embodiment, an example is given in which the punching process is realized by punching with the third punch 111c and the third die 121c, and by punching with the sixth punch 111f and the sixth die 121f.

[0038] As described above, when manufacturing the first electrical steel sheet that constitutes the rotor core, for example, the first punch 111a, the third punch 111c, the first die 121a, and the third die 121c are used. Also, when manufacturing the separator plate (second electrical steel sheet) for the rotor core, for example, the first punch 111a, the second punch 111b, the third punch 111c, the first die 121a, the second die 121b, and the third die 121c are used. Note that when manufacturing the separator plate for the rotor core, for example, the first punch 111a and the first die 121a may not be used.

[0039] Furthermore, when manufacturing the first electrical steel sheet that constitutes the stator core, for example, a first punch 111a, a third punch 111c, a fourth punch 111d, a sixth punch 111f, a first die 121a, a third die 121c, a fourth die 121d, and a sixth die 121f are used. Note that when manufacturing the first electrical steel sheet that constitutes the stator core, for example, at least one of the first punch 111a and the first die 121a, and the third punch 111c and the third die 121c may not be used. When manufacturing the separator plate (second electrical steel sheet) for the stator core, for example, a first punch 111a, a fourth punch 111d, a fifth punch 111e, a sixth punch 111f, a first die 121a, a fourth die 121d, a fifth die 121e, and a sixth die 121f are used. Furthermore, when manufacturing the separator plate for the stator core, at least one of the following may be omitted: for example, the first punch 111a and the first die 121a, and the fourth punch 111d and the fourth die 121d.

[0040] As described above, when each punch and die operates, each punch and die may perform punching in synchronization with other punches and dies. However, if there is no area to be punched out from the electrical steel sheet M, each punch and die does not need to operate. The number of punch and die sets in the press device 100 varies depending on the planar shape of the rotor core, stator core, and separation plate. The number of punch and die sets in the press device 100 may be greater than the number shown in Figure 1 (=6).

[0041] In this embodiment, an example is given in which the control of the operation of the press device 100 as described above is realized by the control device 200. The control device 200 selects a punch to operate from among the first punch 111a, second punch 111b, third punch 111c, fourth punch 111d, fifth punch 111e, and sixth punch 111f based on the transport speed of the electrical steel sheet M and the punching pattern, and operates the selected punch. The punching pattern is, for example, information for identifying the punching performed by the punch and die. The punching pattern is, for example, information including the position, size, and shape of the area to be punched out from the electrical steel sheet M, and identification information of the punch and die used to punch out the area. The position of the area to be punched out from the electrical steel sheet M is, for example, a position relative to a predetermined position on the electrical steel sheet M (for example, the position of one corner of the leading edge).

[0042] The control device 200 includes, for example, one or more hardware processors such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and one or more memory modules such as RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory). In this case, the control device 200 performs various calculations by executing one or more programs stored in memory using one or more hardware processors. Furthermore, the control device 200 has input and output devices. The control device 200 may also be implemented by a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) or by dedicated hardware such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). The functions of the control device 200 may be implemented by multiple devices.

[0043] In this embodiment, an example is given of separating a number of first electromagnetic steel sheet laminates 130a, 130b corresponding to the height of one rotor core, and subsequent laminates 130b, 130c within the lower die 120 (lamination space) using a second electromagnetic steel sheet (separation plate). Note that a laminate refers to a laminated core in the process of manufacturing. The laminate that follows laminate 130a is laminate 130b. The laminate that follows laminate 130b is laminate 130c. Similarly, in this embodiment, an example is given of separating a number of first electromagnetic steel sheet laminates 130d, 130e corresponding to the height of one stator core, and subsequent laminates 130e, 130f within the lower die 120 (lamination space) using a second electromagnetic steel sheet. The laminate following laminate 130d is laminate 130e. The laminate following laminate 130e is laminate 130f. Thus, "following" refers to the next laminate in the order of the laminates within the lower mold 120 (lamination space) when counting from the bottom. Note that in Figure 1, for the sake of notation, not all laminates are assigned symbols.

[0044] Figure 1 illustrates a case where one separation plate 131a, 131b, 131c, and 131d are placed in the lower die 120 (stack space) at positions between two adjacent stacked bodies 130a-130b, 130b-130c, and 130d-130e, respectively. In this embodiment, the separation material placement process and separation material placement means are realized by using punching with a second punch 111b and a second die 121b, and punching with a third punch 111c and a third die 121c. Multiple separation plates may be stacked at positions between two adjacent stacked bodies 130a-130b, 130b-130c, and 130d-130e, respectively, within the lower die 120 (stack space).

[0045] The first and second electrical steel sheets, having entered the stacking space below the third punch 111c (on the negative z-axis side), move downward (on the negative z-axis side) each time punching is performed by the third punch 111c and the third die 121c. Similarly, the first and second electrical steel sheets, having entered the stacking space below the sixth punch 111f (on the negative z-axis side), move downward (on the negative z-axis side) each time punching is performed by the sixth punch 111f and the sixth die 121f.

[0046] In this embodiment, an example is given in which the stacking space below the third punch 111c (on the negative z-axis side) is formed by using the die 121c, the squeeze ring 122a, and the guide ring 123a. Similarly, in this embodiment, an example is given in which the stacking space below the sixth punch 111f (on the negative z-axis side) is formed by using the die 121f, the squeeze ring 122b, and the guide ring 123b.

[0047] The squeeze ring 122b and guide ring 123b have the same functions as the squeeze ring 122a and guide ring 123a, respectively. The difference between the squeeze ring 122a and guide ring 123a and the squeeze ring 122b and guide ring 123b lies in the difference in the shape and size of the area punched out from the electrical steel sheet M. Therefore, a detailed explanation of specific examples of the squeeze ring 122b and guide ring 123b will be omitted below.

[0048] The squeeze ring 122a is installed below the die 121c. The squeeze ring 122a supports at least a portion of the outer circumferential surfaces (outer edges) of the first and second electrical steel sheets. For example, the squeeze ring 122a has a hollow portion that is the same size and shape as the punched hole of the die 121c (or a hollow portion that is slightly smaller than the punched hole of the die 121c). In this case, the shape and size of the hollow portion of the squeeze ring 122a are determined so that a frictional force is generated between the outer circumferential surfaces (outer edges) of the first and second electrical steel sheets and the inner circumferential surface of the squeeze ring 122a (i.e., lateral pressure is generated on the first and second electrical steel sheets). The frictional force (lateral pressure) should not generate residual stress on the first and second electrical steel sheets. The squeeze ring may also be integrated with the die.

[0049] The guide ring 123a is installed below the squeeze ring 122a. Like the squeeze ring 122a, the guide ring 123a supports at least a portion of the outer circumferential surfaces (outer edges) of the first and second electrical steel sheets. The frictional force generated between the guide ring 123a (contact portions 310a to 310h in the example described later) and the first and second electrical steel sheets as a result of this support is set to an extent that does not generate residual stress in the first and second electrical steel sheets. In this embodiment, an example is given in which the guide ring 123a supports at least a portion of the outer circumferential surfaces (outer edges) of the first and second electrical steel sheets with a configuration different from that of the squeeze ring 122a.

[0050] A specific example of the configuration of the guide ring 123a will be explained with reference to Figure 3. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of section II of Figure 1. Specifically, Figure 3 shows a cross-section of the lower die 120 cut perpendicular to the center line 0 of the laminated space below the third punch 111c at the position of the separation plate 131b, and the cross-section of the area necessary for explanation. In the following explanation, the center line 0 of the laminated space below the third punch 111c will be abbreviated as the center line 0 of the laminated space or center line 0, as needed. In this embodiment, an example is given where the center line 0 of the laminated space coincides with the center line of the laminated body 130b (first electromagnetic steel sheet) and the center line of the second electromagnetic steel sheet within the laminated space. Therefore, in the following explanation, center line 0 will also refer to the center line of the laminated body (first electromagnetic steel sheet) and the center line of the second electromagnetic steel sheet within the laminated space.

[0051] In Figure 3, this embodiment illustrates a case in which the guide ring 123a comprises contact portions 310a to 310h, elastic portions 320a to 320h, and wall portions 330a to 330b. The leading edges (the surfaces on the centerline 0 side) of the contact portions 310a to 310h contact a portion of the outer surface of the first electrical steel sheet and the second electrical steel sheet (separation plate). Figure 3 illustrates a case where the contact portions 310a to 310h are installed with spacing around the centerline 0. Specifically, Figure 3 illustrates a case where the contact portions 310a to 310h are installed so as to be 8 times symmetric with respect to the centerline 0 as the axis of rotational symmetry. However, the number of contact portions 310a to 310h is not limited to 8. Also, 310a to 310h do not need to have rotational symmetry with respect to the centerline 0 as the axis of rotational symmetry.

[0052] The elastic portions 320a to 320h are for adjusting the position of the contact portions 310a to 310h so that a frictional force is generated between the tip surfaces of the contact portions 310a to 310h and the outer surfaces of the first and second electrical steel sheets, such that the first and second electrical steel sheets move downward (in the negative direction of the z axis) in response to punching by the third punch 111c and the third die 121c. The elastic portions 320a to 320h are realized, for example, by using springs. The tip of the elastic portions 320a to 320h (the end on the side of the center line 0) is connected to the base end surface of the contact portions 310a to 310h (the end surface opposite to the side of the center line 0).

[0053] The wall sections 330a to 330b are for holding the contact sections 310a to 310h and the elastic sections 320a to 320h. Figure 3 illustrates the case where the shape of the wall sections 330a to 330b is an arc-shaped column. An arc-shaped column is one of several divisions of a hollow cylinder, such that the cross-section is a virtual plane passing through the centerline of the hollow cylinder and parallel to the centerline of the hollow cylinder. The base ends of the elastic sections 320a to 320h (the ends opposite to the centerline 0 side) are connected to the inner circumferential surfaces of the wall sections 330a to 330b (the surfaces facing the centerline 0 side).

[0054] As described above, this embodiment illustrates a case in which the first electrical steel sheet constituting the rotor core and the second electrical steel sheets (separation plates 131a to 131b) for manufacturing the rotor core move downward within the lower die 120 while at least a portion of the outer peripheral edges of each sheet are supported, by using the die 121c, squeeze ring 122a, and guide ring 123a. In Figure 1, the downward-pointing white arrow line shown below the stacking space below the third punch 111c represents this.

[0055] It is not always necessary to use the guide ring 123a. For example, by cooling the surfaces that come into contact with the outer edges of the first and second electrical steel sheets within the laminated space, these surfaces may be moved (slightly) toward the center line 0. In this case, the first and second electrical steel sheets move downward within the lower die 120 while at least a portion of their outer edges are supported by these surfaces.

[0056] In this embodiment, an example is given in which the first electrical steel sheet constituting the rotor core as described above and the second electrical steel sheet (separation plate 131a to 131b) for manufacturing the rotor core are temporarily bonded together by heating a plurality of first electrical steel sheets in the lower mold 120 (lamination space).

[0057] The timing for heating multiple first electromagnetic steel sheets within the laminated space only needs to include at least one of the following timings: the timing when the first electromagnetic steel sheet and the second electromagnetic steel sheet are moving downward within the laminated space in response to punching by the third punch 111c and the third die 121c, and the timing when the first electromagnetic steel sheet and the second electromagnetic steel sheet are not moving downward within the laminated space. Regardless of whether the first electromagnetic steel sheet and the second electromagnetic steel sheet are moving downward within the laminated space, the multiple first electromagnetic steel sheets may be heated continuously when temporarily bonding them together. In this case, the time required to temporarily bond the multiple first electromagnetic steel sheets can be shortened. On the other hand, heating of the multiple first electromagnetic steel sheets may be temporarily interrupted when temporarily bonding them together. In this case, power consumption can be reduced. For example, heating of the multiple first electromagnetic steel sheets may be temporarily interrupted when the first electromagnetic steel sheet and the second electromagnetic steel sheet are moving downward within the laminated space. In this case, heating may be performed on the multiple first electrical steel sheets when the first electrical steel sheet and the second electrical steel sheet are not moving downward within the stacked space.

[0058] When temporarily bonding multiple first electrical steel sheets, the adhesive strength exhibited by the insulating material formed on the surface of the first electrical steel sheets should be sufficient to prevent the multiple first electrical steel sheets constituting the laminate from separating between the time the laminate is discharged from the lamination space and the start of the final bonding process described later. However, it is preferable that the positional displacement that occurs in the multiple first electrical steel sheets constituting the laminate during the period between the time the laminate is discharged from the lamination space and the start of the final bonding process described later is small, and most preferably zero.

[0059] However, if the adhesive force between multiple temporarily bonded first electrical steel sheets is greater than the adhesive force between multiple permanently bonded first electrical steel sheets (described later), the time required for temporary bonding may increase. In this case, the productivity of the die-cutting process may decrease. Therefore, temporary bonding is performed such that the adhesive force between multiple temporarily bonded first electrical steel sheets is less than the adhesive force between multiple permanently bonded first electrical steel sheets (described later).

[0060] In this embodiment, an example is given in which temporary bonding of multiple first electrical steel sheets is achieved by allowing the adhesive properties of the insulating material to be exhibited in such a way that the adhesive properties of the insulating material are not exhibited to their maximum extent in at least a portion of the insulating material. For example, if the insulating material has a thermosetting resin, temporary bonding of multiple first electrical steel sheets may be achieved by allowing the thermosetting resin to be in an intermediate state during the curing reaction.

[0061] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when temporarily bonding multiple first electromagnetic steel sheets, the insulating material formed on the surface of the first electromagnetic steel sheet exhibits adhesive properties upon heating. Therefore, it is not necessary to pressurize the first electromagnetic steel sheet solely for the purpose of temporarily bonding multiple first electromagnetic steel sheets. Accordingly, the press device 100 of this embodiment does not have a dedicated pressurizing device for temporarily bonding multiple first electromagnetic steel sheets. However, the first electromagnetic steel sheet may be pressed solely for the purpose of temporarily bonding multiple first electromagnetic steel sheets. In this embodiment, within the lower die 120, the first electromagnetic steel sheet is pressed by the first electromagnetic steel sheet and the second electromagnetic steel sheet above it. In addition, within the lower die 120, the first electromagnetic steel sheet is also pressed by punching with the third punch 111c and the third die 121c. However, these pressurizations are not for the purpose of temporarily bonding multiple first electromagnetic steel sheets.

[0062] If the number of first electromagnetic steel sheets constituting the laminate discharged from the lamination space is less than the number corresponding to the height of the laminate core (for example, if the first electromagnetic steel sheets are discharged from the lamination space (lower mold 120) in a disorganized state), then the multiple first electromagnetic steel sheets are not temporarily bonded together. From this perspective, whether or not multiple first electromagnetic steel sheets are temporarily bonded together may be determined, for example, based on the height of the laminate discharged from the lamination space. For example, whether or not multiple first electromagnetic steel sheets are temporarily bonded together may be determined by whether or not the laminates 130a to 130f were discharged from the lamination space at the desired height. Specifically, if the height of the laminate discharged from the lamination space is within a range predetermined as the height range required for the laminate core, then it may be determined that the multiple first electromagnetic steel sheets constituting the laminate are temporarily bonded together. The height of the laminate is measured, for example, by using a device that measures thickness, such as a caliper. If the temporary bonding of multiple first electromagnetic steel sheets is insufficient, the adhesive strength of the insulating material will be insufficient. In this case, one laminate will separate into multiple laminates. The height of the multiple laminates will be less than the lower limit of the range of heights required for the laminated core. In this case, it is necessary to adjust at least one of the following: the temperature of the multiple first electrical steel sheets when they are temporarily bonded (heating temperature), and the time required to temporarily bond the multiple first electrical steel sheets (heating time). Alternatively, the value of the height required for the laminated core may be used instead of the range of heights required for the laminated core.

[0063] Instead of determining whether the multiple first electrical steel sheets constituting the laminate are temporarily bonded based on the height of the laminate discharged from the lamination space, or in addition to that, it may be determined whether the multiple first electrical steel sheets are temporarily bonded by at least one of the following: determining whether the manufacturing conditions for temporarily bonding the multiple first electrical steel sheets satisfy predetermined conditions, and determining whether the characteristics of the laminate discharged from the lamination space satisfy predetermined conditions.

[0064] For example, whether or not multiple first electromagnetic steel sheets are temporarily bonded may be determined based on the adhesive strength of the insulating material exhibited by temporary bonding at the time of discharge from the laminated space. Also, if multiple first electromagnetic steel sheets are locally heated, whether or not multiple first electromagnetic steel sheets are temporarily bonded may be determined based on the size of the area of ​​the multiple first electromagnetic steel sheets that is heated. Furthermore, whether or not multiple first electromagnetic steel sheets are temporarily bonded may be determined based on the temperature of the multiple first electromagnetic steel sheets when they are temporarily bonded. Also, if multiple first electromagnetic steel sheets are temporarily bonded by applying radiant heat to them, whether or not multiple first electromagnetic steel sheets are temporarily bonded may be determined based on the size of the area of ​​the multiple first electromagnetic steel sheets that is exposed to the radiant heat. The radiant heat may be applied to a portion of the area of ​​the outer circumferential surface (outer edge) of each of the multiple first electromagnetic steel sheets. Applying radiant heat to multiple first electrical steel sheets corresponds to irradiating multiple first electrical steel sheets with electromagnetic waves (e.g., near-infrared rays). The outer surface of the first electrical steel sheet is the surface surrounding the center line of the first electrical steel sheet and faces outward (towards the side where the heat source for radiant heat exists). In the example shown in Figure 3, the center line of the first electrical steel sheet is center line 0.

[0065] As described above, there are no limitations on the method for determining whether or not multiple first electromagnetic steel sheets are temporarily bonded together. However, a specific example of a method for determining the upper and lower limits of the adhesive strength of the insulating material exhibited by temporary bonding at the time of discharge from the laminated space will be explained. First, the lower limit of the adhesive strength of the insulating material exhibited by temporary bonding at the time of discharge from the laminated space may be determined based on the mass of the laminated core. On the other hand, the upper limit of the adhesive strength of the insulating material exhibited by temporary bonding at the time of discharge from the laminated space may be determined based on the method for separating the laminates 130a to 130c. In the case where the laminates 130a to 130c are separated by using second electromagnetic steel sheets (separation plates 131a to 131b) as in this embodiment, the upper limit of the adhesive strength of the insulating material may be determined based on the contact area between the second electromagnetic steel sheets (separation plates 131a to 131b) and the first electromagnetic steel sheets.

[0066] For example, if a laminated core is constructed by laminating 278 first electromagnetic steel sheets, each with an outer diameter of 220 mm and a thickness of 0.25 mm, the lower limit of the adhesive strength of the insulating material at the time of discharge from the laminated space is, for example, 3.6 × 10 -2 (kgf / mm 2 The method for measuring the adhesive strength of an insulating material is not particularly limited. For example, the adhesive strength of an insulating material may be measured (calculated) as follows: First, both ends of the laminate in the lamination direction of the laminate discharged from the lamination space are fixed to a tensile testing machine with double-sided tape or the like. The laminate thus fixed is then pulled by the tensile testing machine in a direction perpendicular to the adhesive surface (lamination direction). The maximum load required to break at least a part of the adhesive surface of the laminate is then divided by the area of ​​the adhesive surface to be used as the adhesive strength of the insulating material for a simple calculation. Alternatively, the adhesive strength may be evaluated by tensile strength. If it is possible to cut out a test piece of a predetermined size from the laminate discharged from the lamination space, the adhesive strength of the insulating material may be measured (calculated) by using, for example, the tensile adhesive strength test method for adhesives described in JIS K6849 1994.

[0067] The adhesive strength of the insulating material measured as described above at the time of discharge from the stacked space is 3.5 × 10 -2 (kgf / mm 2 ) or more or 5.0 × 10 -2 (kgf / mm 2 If the above is true, the multiple first electrical steel sheets constituting the laminate may be determined to be in a temporarily bonded state. The ratio of the adhesive strength of the insulating material between the first electrical steel sheets may be, for example, 0.2 or more, 0.3 or more, or 0.4 or more. The ratio of the adhesive strength of the insulating material between the first electrical steel sheets may also be 0.9 or less, 0.7 or less, or 0.5 or less. Here, the ratio of the adhesive strength of the insulating material between the first electrical steel sheets is the ratio of the adhesive strength of the insulating material exhibited by temporary bonding at the time of discharge from the laminate space to the adhesive strength of the insulating material exhibited by final bonding at the time of completion of heating for final bonding. Furthermore, the above numerical ranges also apply to soft magnetic sheets other than electrical steel sheets.

[0068] Furthermore, conditions for determining whether multiple first electrical steel sheets are temporarily bonded together may be selected for each attribute of the laminate. The attributes of the laminate include, for example, at least one of the following: the type of first electrical steel sheet, the size of the first electrical steel sheet (e.g., at least one of the outer diameter and thickness), the type of insulating material, and the thickness of the insulating material.

[0069] However, it is practical to determine whether or not the multiple first electrical steel sheets constituting the laminate are temporarily bonded based on the height of the laminate discharged from the lamination space, as this makes it easy to determine whether or not the multiple first electrical steel sheets are temporarily bonded. The inventors have found that if it is determined that the multiple first electrical steel sheets constituting the laminate are temporarily bonded based on the height of the laminate discharged from the lamination space, then at least one of the aforementioned ranges of adhesive strength will be satisfied.

[0070] Furthermore, the temporary bonding is carried out such that the adhesive force between the second electrical steel sheet (separation plate 131a~131b) and at least one of the two first electrical steel sheets located above and below the second electrical steel sheet is smaller than the adhesive force between the first electrical steel sheets themselves. Preferably, the adhesive force of the former is 0 (zero).

[0071] Thus, the insulating material formed on the second electrical steel sheet (separation plates 131a to 131b) may exhibit sufficient adhesive strength to separate the second electrical steel sheet from the first electrical steel sheet (laminated body 130a to 130c) before the bonding process described later begins. For example, the insulating material formed on the surface of the second electrical steel sheet may exhibit sufficient adhesive strength to separate the second electrical steel sheet from at least one of the two first electrical steel sheets (two laminated bodies 130a to 130b, 130b to 130c) located above and below the second electrical steel sheet when the laminated body 130a to 130c is discharged from the lamination space. Alternatively, for example, the insulating material formed on the surface of the second electrical steel sheet may exhibit sufficient adhesive strength to allow a worker to manually separate the second electrical steel sheet from the first electrical steel sheet (laminated body 130a to 130c) after the laminated body has been discharged from the lamination space. When the second electrical steel sheet separates from the first electrical steel sheet, the positional displacement that occurs in the multiple first electrical steel sheets constituting the laminate 130a to 130c is preferably as small as possible, and most preferably it is 0 (zero). The bonding strength between the multiple temporarily bonded first electrical steel sheets (laminated slabs 130a-130c) and the second electrical steel sheets (separation plates 131a-131b) can be determined, for example, by the method described above.

[0072] In Figures 1 and 3, this embodiment illustrates a case in which the first heating devices 140a to 140d are installed in the lower die 120. The first heating devices 140a to 140d are examples of devices for performing the aforementioned temporary bonding. The first heating devices 140a to 140b heat multiple first electromagnetic steel sheets in the laminated space below the third punch 111c (on the negative z-axis side). The first heating devices 140c to 140d heat multiple first electromagnetic steel sheets in the laminated space below the sixth punch 111f (on the negative z-axis side). In this embodiment, in order to perform the aforementioned temporary bonding, this embodiment illustrates a case in which the first heating devices 140a to 140d locally heat multiple first electromagnetic steel sheets in the laminated space. Local heating of multiple first electromagnetic steel sheets means heating only a portion of the regions of the multiple first electromagnetic steel sheets. The region in which the plurality of first electrical steel sheets are locally heated includes a portion of the area of ​​the outer circumferential surface of each of the plurality of first electrical steel sheets, but does not necessarily include the remaining portion of the area of ​​the outer circumferential surface of each of the plurality of first electrical steel sheets.

[0073] The first heating devices 140c to 140d have the same function as the first heating devices 140a to 140b. The only difference between the first heating devices 140a to 140b and the first heating devices 140c to 140d is the arrangement and specific heating conditions due to the different shapes and sizes of the areas punched out from the electromagnetic steel sheet M. Therefore, a detailed explanation of the first heating devices 140c to 140d will be omitted below.

[0074] As mentioned above, the insulating material formed on the surface of the base material, the electromagnetic steel sheet M, exhibits adhesive properties upon heating. The first electromagnetic steel sheet and the second electromagnetic steel sheet are punched out from the electromagnetic steel sheet M. In this embodiment, we illustrate the case where the insulating material formed on the surface of the multiple first electromagnetic steel sheets constituting the laminate 130a to 130c and the insulating material formed on the surface of the second electromagnetic steel sheet (separation plates 131a to 131b) are of the same type. In this case, if the shape and size of the second electromagnetic steel sheet (separation plates 131a to 131b) are the same as those of the first electromagnetic steel sheet, the insulating material formed on the surface of the second electromagnetic steel sheet (separation plates 131a to 131b) will exhibit adhesive properties similar to those of the insulating material formed on the surface of the first electromagnetic steel sheet. Therefore, when temporarily bonding multiple first electromagnetic steel sheets, there may be cases where the insulating material formed on the surface of the second electromagnetic steel sheet exhibits adhesive properties. Furthermore, the insulating material formed on the surface of the second electrical steel sheet (separation plates 131a to 131b) may include a different type of insulating material than the insulating material formed on the surface of the multiple first electrical steel sheets constituting the laminate 130a to 130c. In this case as well, the insulating material formed on the surface of the second electrical steel sheet may exhibit adhesive properties when temporarily bonding the multiple first electrical steel sheets.

[0075] Therefore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 and 3, we illustrate a case in which the distance between the outer edge of the separation plate 131b and the first heating devices 140a to 140b within the laminated space is longer than the distance between the outer edge of the laminated body 130b and the first heating devices 140a to 140b. Note that the distance here is the shortest distance. Also, in Figure 3, the first electrical steel sheet constituting the upper surface of the laminated body 130b is marked with a leader line labeled (130b).

[0076] For example, the distance between the outer edge of the laminate 130b and the first heating devices 140a to 140b, and the distance between the outer edge of the separation plate 131b and the first heating device 140a, are determined, for example, by the type of heating device and the type of insulating material formed on the separation plate 131b. For example, if the first heating devices 140a to 140b are heating devices that use near-infrared rays, the distance between the outer edge of the laminate 130b and the first heating devices 140a to 140b is, for example, 20 mm or less, preferably 5 mm or less. Alternatively, the outer edge of the laminate 130b and the first heating devices 140a to 140b may be in complete contact. The distance between the outer edge of the separation plate 131b and the first heating device 140a is 20 mm or more, preferably 50 mm or more.

[0077] As described above, the distance between the outer edge of the laminate 130b and the first heating devices 140a to 140b, and the distance between the outer edge of the separation plate 131b and the first heating device 140a, should be set appropriately depending on the type of heating device and the type of insulating material formed on the separation plate 131b. These distances are the shortest possible distances. Furthermore, the aforementioned numerical ranges for these distances also apply to soft magnetic plates other than electrical steel plates.

[0078] Furthermore, the positions of the first heating devices 140a to 140b when determining the shortest distance as described above may be any position of the first heating devices 140a to 140b. However, the positions of the first heating devices 140a to 140b when determining the distance between the outer edge of the separation plate 131b and the first heating devices 140a to 140b, and the positions of the first heating devices 140a to 140b when determining the distance between the outer edge of the laminate 130b and the first heating devices 140a to 140b, shall be the same.

[0079] For example, in Figure 3, the shortest distance between the outer edge of the separation plate 131b and the first heating device 140a is the straight-line distance between the position 1310a of the outer edge of the separation plate 131b and the position 1400a of the first heating device 140a. Similarly, in Figure 3, the shortest distance between the outer edge of the laminate 130b and the first heating device 140a is the straight-line distance between the position 1300a of the outer edge of the laminate 130b and the position 1400a of the first heating device 140b. Furthermore, for example, in Figure 3, the shortest distance between the outer edge of the laminate 130b and the first heating device 140b is the straight-line distance between the position 1300b of the outer edge of the laminate 130b and the position 1400b of the first heating device 140a. Note that the positions 1400a and 1400b of the first heating devices 140a and 140b may be, for example, positions within the region of the first heating devices 140a and 140b where the heat transfer medium for heating the object to be heated (first electromagnetic steel sheet) is output to the outside (e.g., the center of gravity). The heat transfer medium is determined according to the type of first heating devices 140a and 140b. Examples of heat transfer mediums include electromagnetic waves, electric current, and magnetic flux. More specifically, if the first heating devices 140a and 140b are near-infrared heaters, the heat transfer medium is near-infrared radiation.

[0080] In order to achieve the above-described relationship between the distance between the outer peripheral end of the separation plate 131b and the first heating devices 140a to 140b, and the distance between the outer peripheral end of the laminate 130b and the first heating devices 140a to 140b, this embodiment exemplifies a case in which a plurality of notches 210a to 210b are formed on the outer peripheral end of the second soft magnetic plate (separation plate 131a to 131b), as shown in Figures 1, 2D, and 3. In the laminated space, the second soft magnetic plate (separation plate 131a to 131b) is positioned such that at least a portion of the notches 210a to 210b formed on the surface of the second soft magnetic plate is located closer to the center line 0 (the center line of the two laminates) than the outer peripheral ends of the two laminates 130a to 130b and 130b to 130c, which are positioned above and below the notches 210a to 210b. Figures 2D and 3 illustrate the case where the entire area of ​​the notches 210a to 210b is located closer to the center line 0 than the outer edges of the two laminates 130a to 130b and 130b to 130c, which are positioned above and below the notches 210a to 210b. Thus, the notches 210a to 210b formed at the outer edges of the second soft magnetic plate (separation plate 131a to 131b) include an area in the laminate space that is located closer to the center line 0 than the outer edges of the two laminates 130a to 130b and 130b to 130c, which are positioned above and below the second soft magnetic plate. Figures 2D and 3 illustrate the case where two such notches 210a to 210b are formed.

[0081] The dimensions of the notches are not limited. For example, the circumferential length (direction around the center line 0) of the outer edge of one notch 210a or 210b may be 1 / 10 or more, 1 / 8 or more, or 1 / 6 or more of the outer diameter of the first electrical steel sheet constituting the laminate 130a to 130f. Also, for example, the circumferential length of the outer edge of one notch 210a or 210b may be 1 / 2 or less, 1 / 3 or more, or 1 / 4 or more of the outer diameter of the first electrical steel sheet constituting the laminate 130a to 130f. Furthermore, the circumferential length of the outer edge of one notch 210a or 210b may be, for example, 30 mm or more, or 50 mm or more. Here, the circumferential length at the outer edge of one notch 210a or 210b is the circumferential length of the portion of the outer edge of the second electrical steel sheet that corresponds to one notch 210a or 210b, assuming that the notch 210a or 210b is not formed. In Figure 3, the circumferential length at the outer edge of one notch 210a or 210b is the length of the arc that is part of the circle tangent to the contact portions 310a to 310h, and is the length of one of the two arcs shown in the area not indicated by the diagonal lines.

[0082] Furthermore, the radial length of a single notch 210a or 210b is not limited. For example, it may be 1 / 10 or more, 1 / 8 or more, or 1 / 6 or more of the radius of the first electrical steel sheet constituting the laminate 130a to 130f. Also, for example, the radial length of a single notch 210a or 210b may be 4 / 5 or less, 3 / 5 or less, or 2 / 5 or less. Also, for example, the radial length of a single notch 210a or 210b may be 20 mm or more, or 30 mm or more.

[0083] As shown in Figures 2D and 3, this embodiment exemplifies a case where the planar shape of the separation plates 131a to 131b surrounds the center line 0. However, this is not necessarily required. For example, multiple separation plates may be arranged in the same plane. For example, in Figure 2D, two separation plates may be configured such that the black region on the positive y-axis side and the black region on the negative y-axis side are separated from each other. Two such separated separation plates may be arranged so as to be 2-fold symmetric with respect to the center line 0 as the axis of rotational symmetry.

[0084] As shown in Figure 3, this embodiment illustrates a case in which two first heating devices 140a to 140b are installed with the laminate 130b in between when viewed along the center line 0. Specifically, an example is given in which two first heating devices 140a to 140b are arranged opposite each other with a distance between them across the center line 0 when viewed along the center line 0. Furthermore, one of the multiple first heating devices 140a to 140b is installed opposite each other with a distance between it and one of the multiple notches 210a to 210b. The statement that there is a gap between the first heating devices 140a, 140b and the notches 210a, 210b corresponds to the statement that there is a gap between the first heating devices 140a, 140b and the dashed lines representing the outer edges of the first electrical steel sheet assuming that the notches 210a, 210b are not formed. The dashed lines shown in Figure 2D are dashed lines representing the outer edges of the first electrical steel sheet assuming that the notches 210a, 210b are not formed.

[0085] In this embodiment, the first heating devices 140a to 140b locally heat the areas of the first electrical steel sheet located above and below the notches 210a to 210b of the second electrical steel sheet. Therefore, the adhesive properties of the insulating material are partially exhibited in the heated areas. On the other hand, the second electrical steel sheet has notches 140a to 140b formed therein, and the first heating devices 140a to 140b further locally heat the areas of the second electrical steel sheet where the notches 140a to 140b are formed. Therefore, the second electrical steel sheet is not sufficiently heated by this heating, and the adhesive properties of the insulating material formed on the surface of the second electrical steel sheet are not easily exhibited. Thus, even when insulating material is formed on the entire surface or a large portion of the surface of the second electrical steel sheet, the adhesive properties of the insulating material can be prevented from being fully exhibited. In this way, the adhesive properties of the insulating material formed on the surface of the first electrical steel sheet can be exhibited while suppressing the adhesive properties of the insulating material formed on the second electrical steel sheet (separation plates 131a to 131b) (preferably preventing the insulating material from exhibiting its adhesive properties). The number of first heating devices installed at positions opposite to one notch with a gap between them is not limited to one, and may be two or more.

[0086] Furthermore, in this embodiment, an example is given in which the first heating devices 140a to 140b are installed in positions opposite to all of the notches 210a to 210b while maintaining a distance from them. However, it is sufficient that the first heating devices are installed in positions opposite to at least one of the notches while maintaining a distance from it. In this case, the first heating devices do not need to be installed in positions opposite to all of the notches while maintaining a distance from them.

[0087] The number of first heating devices is not limited to two; it may be one or three or more. The number of notches formed in the separation plate is also not limited to two; it may be one or three or more. The number, position, and heating method of the first heating devices, as well as the shape and size of the separation plate, may be determined through trial and error, or based on the results of heat transfer analysis during temporary bonding.

[0088] For example, multiple first heating devices may be installed at positions opposite to one of the notches 210a, 210b with a gap between them. However, from the viewpoint of improving the parallelism of the upper and lower surfaces of the laminated core, it is preferable that the separation plates 131a to 131b (second electrical steel sheets) have two notches 210a to 210b formed at positions that sandwich the center line 0 when viewed along the center line 0 of the separation plate. Specifically, it is preferable that the two notches 210a to 210b are arranged at positions that face each other with a gap between them across the center line 0 when viewed along the center line 0. There may be multiple pairs of such pairs of two notches 210a to 210b. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 2D and 3, it is more preferable that two notches 210a to 210b are formed in the separation plates 131a to 131b (second electrical steel sheets) so as to be twofold symmetric with respect to the center line 0 of the separation plates 131a to 131b (second electrical steel sheets).

[0089] In this embodiment, when the separation plates 131a to 131b have notches 210a to 210b, it is preferable to raise the temperature of at least a portion of the region of the first electrical steel sheet located above and below the notches 210a to 210b by 25°C or more than the lowest temperature of the region of the first electrical steel sheet that is not located above and below the notches 210a to 210b. By doing so, the adhesive force acting between the separation plates 131a to 131b and the first electrical steel sheet can be reliably suppressed. Specifically, on the same circumference of the first electrical steel sheet, it is preferable to raise the temperature of the region of the first electrical steel sheet located above and below the notches 210a to 210b by 25°C or more than the lowest temperature of the region of the first electrical steel sheet that is not located above and below the notches 210a to 210b. The temperature of the first electrical steel sheet is calculated, for example, by numerically simulating the heat conduction of the first and second electrical steel sheets within the laminated space. In this case, the temperature is calculated for each discretized region. The lowest temperature is, for example, the lowest temperature among the temperatures of multiple discretized regions.

[0090] In addition to or instead of doing so, it is preferable to lower the temperature of the region of the first electrical steel sheet that is not located above and below the notches 210a to 210b by 25°C or more than the bonding start temperature of the insulating material formed on the surface of the first electrical steel sheet. It is also preferable to raise the temperature of the region of the first electrical steel sheet that is located above and below the notches 210a to 210b to or above the bonding start temperature of the insulating material formed on the surface of the first electrical steel sheet. Here, the bonding start temperature is the temperature at which the insulating material begins to exhibit adhesive properties. For example, if the insulating material exhibits adhesive properties due to heating by a thermosetting resin contained in the insulating material, the bonding start temperature may also be the curing temperature of the thermosetting resin. The curing temperature may also be the curing start temperature (the temperature at which the curing reaction begins). The bonding start temperature may be, for example, a value published by the adhesive manufacturer.

[0091] Furthermore, the areas of the first electrical steel sheet located above and below the notches 210a to 210b are, in Figure 3, the areas of the first electrical steel sheet (laminated body 130b) other than the area of ​​the separation plate 131b (the white areas on the left and right). The output of the first heating devices 140a to 140b that can achieve the above temperatures may be investigated in advance.

[0092] Figure 4 shows an example of the relationship between the temperature and time of the first electrical steel sheet. In Figure 4, Ts is the temperature of the first electrical steel sheet before temporary bonding (heating by the first heating devices 140a to 140b) is started. In the following description, this temperature will be referred to as the pre-temporary bonding temperature as needed. In Figure 1, in this embodiment, the case in which the pre-temporary bonding temperature Ts is measured by thermometers 150a to 150b is illustrated.

[0093] Thermometers 150a to 150b are, for example, thermocouples. In Figure 1, for the sake of notation, thermometers 150a to 150b are shown as measuring the temperature of the topmost first electrical steel sheet in the laminated space. However, the first electrical steel sheet measured by thermometers 150a and 150b may be the first electrical steel sheet before heating by the first heating devices 140a to 140b and 140c to 140d begins. In this case, the first electrical steel sheet measured by thermometers 150a and 150b may also be the first electrical steel sheet immediately before heating by the first heating devices 140a to 140b and 140c to 140d begins. Furthermore, the first electrical steel sheet measured by thermometers 150a and 150b may be the first electrical steel sheet immediately after heating by the first heating devices 140a-140b and 140c-140d has begun. Also, thermometers 150a-150b may be infrared thermometers or the like.

[0094] In Figure 4, the horizontal axis at 0 represents the timing at which heating by the first heating devices 140a to 140b begins. The relationship between heating time and the temperature of the first electrical steel sheets (laminated structures 130a to 130c) is investigated by varying the output of the first heating devices 140a to 140b, while keeping the output constant. Graphs 410a to 410b are created for this purpose. Figure 4 illustrates graphs 410a and 410b when the output of the first heating devices 140a to 140b is 80% and 70% of their rated output, respectively.

[0095] Ta is the target temperature of the first electrical steel sheet after temporary bonding. th is the time from the measurement timing of the temperature Ts before the start of temporary bonding to the timing when the temporary bonding is completed (in this case, 0 on the horizontal axis of Figure 4 represents the measurement timing of the temperature Ts before the start of temporary bonding).

[0096] The following describes an example of how to set the heating conditions in the first heating device 140a to 140c using graphs 410a to 410b and the measured values ​​from thermometer 150a. First, the temperature Ts before the start of temporary bonding is measured using thermometer 150a. Next, the measured value of the temperature Ts before the start of temporary bonding is subtracted from the target temperature Ta of the first electrical steel sheet. In the following explanation, this subtracted value (Ta-Ts) will be referred to as the heating amount. The time from the measurement timing of the temperature Ts before the start of temporary bonding to the timing when temporary bonding is completed is calculated as an example of the time during which heating is performed by the first heating devices 140a to 140b. In the following explanation, this time will be referred to as the temporary bonding time as needed. The temporary bonding time th is calculated, for example, based on the number of punches per unit time by the third punch 111c and the third die 121c, and the thickness of the electrical steel sheet M. In Figure 4, from graphs 410a to 410b, select the graph that gives the value closest to the heating amount Ta-Ts in terms of the temporary bonding time th. The output corresponding to the selected graph will be the output of the first heating devices 140a to 140b. Figure 4 illustrates the case where the output of the first heating devices 140a to 140b is set to 70% of the rated output.

[0097] The method for calculating the output of the first heating devices 140a to 140b is not limited to the method described above. Two graphs from graphs 410a to 410b that show the temperature increase Ta-Ts at the temporary bonding time th may be selected. In this case, the output of the first heating devices 140a to 140b may be calculated by supplementing the output corresponding to the two graphs based on the temperature increase Ta-Ts at the temporary bonding time th and the temperatures in the two graphs at the temporary bonding time th.

[0098] In this embodiment, we illustrate a case in which the setting of heating conditions for the first heating devices 140a to 140b and the control of the operation of the first heating devices 140a to 140b are realized by the control device 200. For example, the control device 200 sets the heating conditions by calculating the output of the first heating devices 140a to 140b based on the temperature measured by the thermometers 150a to 150b, the graphs 410a to 410c shown in Figure 4, and the target temperature Ta of the first electrical steel sheet. The control device 200 operates the first heating devices 140a to 140b so that their output becomes the output calculated in this way. The control device 200 also operates the first heating devices 140c to 140d in the same manner as the first heating devices 140a to 140b. Note that the output of the first heating devices 140a to 140d may be updated. For example, the output of the first heating devices 140a to 140d may be updated when the attributes of the laminates 130a to 130c change. The attributes of the laminates include, for example, the type of first electrical steel sheet, the size of the first electrical steel sheet (e.g., at least one of outer diameter and thickness), the type of insulating material, and at least one of the thickness of the insulating material. As described above, this embodiment illustrates a case in which the heating condition setting process and heating condition setting means are realized by using thermometers 150a to 150b and a control device 200.

[0099] The heating method by the first heating devices 140a to 140b is not limited as long as temporary bonding can be performed as described above. Heating by the first heating devices 140a to 140b may be contact heating or non-contact heating. Contact heating is heating performed with the first heating devices 140a to 140b in contact with the object to be heated. Non-contact heating is heating performed with the first heating devices 140a to 140b not in contact with the object to be heated. However, it is preferable that the heating by the first heating devices 140a to 140b is non-contact heating. For example, this is because it is possible to easily and quickly heat the first electromagnetic steel sheet while it is moving inside the lower mold 120. When the heating by the first heating devices 140a to 140b is non-contact heating, the heating by the first heating devices 140a to 140b may be, for example, radiant heating, induction heating, or dielectric heating. However, heating by the first heating devices 140a to 140b is preferably by irradiation with near-infrared light, which is an example of radiant heating. In this case, the first heating devices 140a to 140b have near-infrared heaters. The wavelength of the near-infrared light emitted by the near-infrared heater is preferably 700 nm or more and less than 1400 nm. Since such near-infrared light penetrates not only the first electrical steel sheet but also the insulating material, the insulating material can be heated directly. Therefore, the insulating material can be heated uniformly. Thus, by starting the softening of the insulating material from the region near the interface with the first electrical steel sheet, it is possible to suppress the melting of the insulating material from near the interface.

[0100] Furthermore, it is preferable that the near-infrared heaters of the first heating devices 140a to 140b concentrate near-infrared light linearly along the stacking direction (z-axis direction) of the laminates 130a to 130c. This is because the position to which the near-infrared light is irradiated can be determined with high precision. Figure 3 illustrates how such near-infrared light L is irradiated to the outer edge of the laminate 130b. However, the near-infrared heater may, for example, output parallel light.

[0101] In this embodiment, an example is shown in which notches 210a to 210b are formed at the outer edges of the second soft magnetic plate (separation plates 131a to 131b). However, the second soft magnetic plate does not necessarily have to have notches formed on it. For example, the planar shape of the second soft magnetic plate may be the shape shown in Figure 2E. Even if the second electromagnetic plate shown in Figure 2E is used as a separation plate, the distance between the outer edges of the separation plate and the first heating devices 140a to 140b in the laminated space will be longer than the distance between the outer edges of the laminate 130b and the first heating devices 140a to 140b.

[0102] Furthermore, the separation plate does not have to be an electromagnetic steel sheet (second electromagnetic steel sheet) punched out from the base material electromagnetic steel sheet M. In this case, the surface of the separation plate does not have to have an insulating material that exhibits adhesive properties when heated. Furthermore, the surface of the separation plate does not have to have an insulating material that exhibits adhesive properties when heated. In this case, an insulating material that does not exhibit adhesive properties at the temperature at which the insulating material formed on the base material electromagnetic steel sheet M exhibits adhesive properties may be formed on the surface of the separation plate. Furthermore, an insulating material that exhibits adhesive properties when heated may be formed only in a portion of the area of ​​the surface of the separation plate. For example, the ratio of the area of ​​the surface of the separation plate to the area of ​​the surface of the separation plate in which the insulating material that exhibits adhesive properties when heated is formed may be 0.8 or less, preferably 0.4 or less, and more preferably 0.2 or less. Furthermore, when temporarily bonding multiple first electrical steel sheets by heating only a portion of the area of ​​each sheet, it is not necessary for an insulating material that exhibits adhesive properties upon heating to be formed in the area of ​​the separation plate surface that faces the area where the multiple first electrical steel sheets are heated.

[0103] As described above, this embodiment illustrates a case in which a temporary bonding process is achieved by using guide rings 123a and 123b and first heating devices 140a to 140b and 140c to 140d.

[0104] In Figure 1, this embodiment illustrates a case in which a discharge space communicating with the laminated space is formed in the region below the laminated space within the lower die 120. In the discharge space, there is no contact with the outer edges of the laminated bodies 130a to 130c (first electrical steel sheets) and the separation plates 131a to 131b (second electrical steel sheets). That is, when viewed along the center line 0, the outer edge of the discharge space is outside the outer edge of the laminated space.

[0105] In this embodiment, we illustrate a case where the laminates 130a-130c and 130d-130e, after temporary bonding has been completed, are discharged below the lower die 120 via such discharge space and placed on the support bases 160a and 160b. At this time, the laminates 130a-130c and 130d-130e may fall due to their own weight, or they may be picked up by a robot arm or the like. The difference between the configuration after the laminates 130a-130c are discharged from the lower die 120 and the configuration after the laminates 130d-130e are discharged from the lower die 120 is due to the difference in the shape and size of the area punched out from the electromagnetic steel sheet M. Therefore, the following description of a specific example of the configuration after the laminates 130d-130e are discharged from the lower die 120 will be omitted.

[0106] In this embodiment, when the laminates 130a to 130c are discharged, the separation plates 131a and 131b are separated from at least the laminates 130b and 130c above and below them, respectively. As mentioned above, even if the separation plates 131a and 131b do not separate from the laminates 130a and 130b below them within the lower mold 120, the insulating material formed on the surface of the separation plates 131a and 131b (second electromagnetic steel sheets) may exhibit adhesive properties if it has sufficient adhesive properties to separate the separation plates 131a and 131b from the laminates 130a and 131b in such a way that the multiple first electromagnetic steel sheets constituting the laminates 130a and 130b do not separate (preferably do not shift position) after being discharged from the lower mold 120.

[0107] Figure 1 illustrates a case where a separation plate 131a is on top of the laminate 130a discharged from the lower die 120. In this case, a worker may collect the separation plate 131a. As mentioned above, the adhesive force between the separation plate 131a and the first electrical steel sheets located above and below the separation plate 131a is 0 (zero) or low, so a worker can collect the separation plate 131a in a way that prevents the multiple first electrical steel sheets constituting the laminate 130a from separating (preferably without displacement). In addition, when discharged from the lower die 120, the separation plate 131a on top of the laminate 130a may naturally separate from the laminate 130a. In this case, the worker collects the separation plate 131a that has separated from the laminate 130a. Note that the collection of the separation plate 131a may be performed by a device.

[0108] As described above, this embodiment illustrates a case in which the separation process and separation means are realized by discharging the laminates 130a to 130c and 130d to 130e downwards to the lower mold 120 through the discharge space.

[0109] Figure 5 illustrates an example of a process performed on the laminate 130a discharged from the lower mold 120. In Figure 5, this embodiment illustrates a case where the laminate 130a placed on the support base 160a is sent to the conveying device 520 by the extruder 510. In Figure 5, the white arrow line next to the extruder 510 indicates this. The conveying device 520 conveys the laminate 130a. In Figure 5, the white arrow line next to the conveying device 520 indicates this. The conveying device 520 has, for example, a conveying belt. As mentioned above, if there is a separation plate 131a on the laminate 130a placed on the support base 160a, the separation plate 131a may be recovered before the laminate 130a is sent to the conveying device 520, or it may be recovered while the laminate 130a is being conveyed by the conveying device 520.

[0110] The laminated body 130a, transported by the conveying device 520, is set in the second heating devices 530a to 530b by a worker or a crane or other device. At this time, a key ring 550 is inserted into the hollow portion of the laminated body 130a. The shape of the key ring 550 is preferably as close as possible to the shape of the hollow portion of the laminated body 130a, and most preferably the same. The key ring 550 is a metallic object. The key ring 550 should be sized such that its outer circumferential surface after thermal expansion contacts the inner circumferential surface of the laminated body 130a to the extent that it does not generate residual stress in the laminated body 130a. The wider the contact area between the outer circumferential surface of the key ring 550 and the inner circumferential surface of the laminated body 130a after thermal expansion, the better. Most preferably, the outer circumferential surface of the key ring 550 after thermal expansion contacts the entire area of ​​the inner circumferential surface of the laminated body 130a.

[0111] Furthermore, pressure blocks 540a to 540b are arranged on the upper surface (the end face on the positive z-axis side) and lower surface of the laminate 130a, respectively, to apply pressure to the laminate 130a in the lamination direction (z-axis direction) of the first electrical steel sheets constituting the laminate 130a. The pressure blocks 540a to 540b are configured such that the laminate 130a is pressed in the lamination direction (z-axis direction) of the first electrical steel sheets constituting the laminate 130a to the extent that no residual stress is generated in the laminate 130a. The shape of the pressure blocks 540a to 540b is, for example, cylindrical. It is also preferable that the lower surface (the end face on the negative z-axis side) of the pressure block 540a is in contact with the entire upper surface of the laminate 130a. It is also preferable that the upper surface (the end face on the positive z-axis side) of the pressure block 540b is in contact with the entire lower surface of the laminate 130a.

[0112] After the pressure blocks 540a to 540b and the key ring 550 are set as described above, the second heating devices 530a to 530b are operated. At this time, the pressure blocks 540a may be pressed down on the laminate 130a to the extent that residual stress is not generated in the laminate. The operation of the second heating devices 530a to 530b may be controlled by the control device 200.

[0113] The second heating devices 530a to 530b heat the multiple first electrical steel sheets constituting the laminate 130a in order to bond them together. The bonding of the first electrical steel sheets by the second heating devices 530a to 530b is achieved, for example, by maximizing the adhesive capacity of the insulating material formed on the surface of the first electrical steel sheets. The amount of heat that the second heating devices 530a to 530b impart to the laminate 130a is greater than the amount of heat that the first heating devices 140a to 140b impart to the laminate 130a. For example, when using the second heating devices 530a to 530b, at least one of the temperature of the laminate 130a during heating and the heating time of the laminate 130a may be greater than when using the first heating devices 140a to 140b. If the insulating material has a thermosetting resin, the final bonding of the first electromagnetic steel sheet by the second heating devices 530a to 530b may be achieved, for example, by completing the curing reaction of the thermosetting resin. Also, if a part of the surface of the first electromagnetic steel sheet is bonded by temporary bonding, the final bonding of the first electromagnetic steel sheet by the second heating devices 530a to 530b may be achieved by bonding the remaining part of the surface of the first electromagnetic steel sheet. The configuration and conditions for final bonding the plurality of first electromagnetic steel sheets constituting the laminate 130a may be known configurations and conditions used when laminating and bonding a plurality of soft magnetic plates, each having an insulating material that exhibits adhesive properties upon heating formed on its surface, outside of a mold.

[0114] The second heating devices 530a to 530b may have near-infrared heaters. In this case, it is preferable that the near-infrared heaters of the second heating devices 530a to 530b concentrate near-infrared rays linearly along the stacking direction (z-axis direction) of the laminate 130a. However, the near-infrared heaters may, for example, output parallel light. Furthermore, the second heating devices 530a to 530b may have devices that perform heating by thermal radiation other than near-infrared radiation, or devices that perform induction heating.

[0115] As described above, this embodiment illustrates a case in which the bonding process is achieved by using the second heating devices 530a to 530b. Once heating by the second heating devices 530a to 530b is complete, the laminated core 500 is finished. In Figure 5, the white arrow next to the laminated core 500 indicates this.

[0116] As described above, in this embodiment, first soft magnetic sheets are sequentially punched out from electromagnetic steel sheets M using a press device 100 having a die. Then, the multiple first electromagnetic steel sheets are temporarily bonded together by heating them in the lower die 120. Subsequently, the number of laminates 130a and 130b of the first electromagnetic steel sheets corresponding to the height of one laminated core 500 are separated from the subsequent laminates 130b and 130c within the lower die 120. Then, the multiple first electromagnetic steel sheets constituting the laminates 130a to 130c are permanently bonded together by heating them outside the lower die 120. Therefore, laminated cores for rotating electric machines can be manufactured efficiently. For example, the bonding strength can be gradually increased by bonding the multiple first electromagnetic steel sheets together inside the press device 100 (lower die 120) and bonding the multiple first electromagnetic steel sheets together outside the press device 100 (lower die 120). Furthermore, since the temporary bonding of multiple first electrical steel sheets can be performed within the press device 100 (lower die 120), a decrease in the productivity of the punching process can be suppressed. For example, delays in punching due to the bonding of the first electrical steel sheets can be suppressed. In addition, displacement of the multiple first electrical steel sheets constituting the laminate 130a to 130c outside the press device 100 (lower die 120) can be suppressed. Therefore, work outside the press device 100 (lower die 120) becomes easier.

[0117] Furthermore, in this embodiment, before the temporary bonding of the first electromagnetic steel sheet, separation plates 131a and 131b are placed in the lower die 120 at a position between the laminates 130a and 130b and the subsequent laminates 130b and 130c. Here, the separation plates 131a to 131b do not need to exhibit adhesive properties during the temporary bonding described above. Also, the adhesive properties exhibited by the separation plates 131 to 131b during temporary bonding may be lower than the adhesive properties exhibited by the insulating material formed on the surface of the first electromagnetic steel sheet during temporary bonding. By doing so, the separation of the laminates 130a to 130c can be easily and reliably achieved. Note that the separation material is not limited to separation plates, which will be explained later in the third embodiment.

[0118] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the distance between the outer edges of the separating plates 131a to 131b, which exhibit adhesive properties upon heating, and the first heating devices 140a to 140b is longer than the distance between the outer edges of the laminates 130a to 130c and the first heating devices 140a to 140b. Therefore, the exhibiting of adhesive properties by heating the separating plates 131a to 131b can be suppressed. Thus, the laminates 130a to 130c can be reliably separated by the separating plates 131a to 131b.

[0119] In this embodiment, the separation plates 131a to 131b are second electromagnetic steel sheets punched out from the electromagnetic steel sheet M by a press device 100. In this embodiment, the second soft magnetic sheets (separation plates 131a, 131b) are positioned between the two laminates 130a to 130b and 130a to 130c within the lower die 120. Therefore, positioning the second soft magnetic sheets (separation plates 131a, 131b) between the two laminates 130a to 130b and 130a to 130c can be achieved with a simple configuration. Thus, it is preferable that the separation plates 131a to 131b and the first electromagnetic steel sheet are punched out from the same base material (electromagnetic steel sheet M in this embodiment). However, this is not necessarily required. For example, the separation plates may exhibit adhesive properties upon heating, or they may not exhibit adhesive properties regardless of heating. In this case, a mechanism may be configured to place a separation plate at a position between the two laminates 130a-130b and 130a-130c.

[0120] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a plurality of notches 210a to 210b are formed at the outer peripheral ends of the second soft magnetic plate (separation plate 131a, 131b). In addition, in this embodiment, the second soft magnetic plate is positioned such that at least a portion of the notches 210a to 210b are located on the side of the center line 0 side of the outer peripheral ends of the two laminates 130a to 130b and 130b to 130c, which are positioned above and below the second soft magnetic plate (separation plate 131a, 131b) on which the notches 210a to 210b are formed. Therefore, a space can be formed between the two laminates 130a to 130b and 130a to 130c. Therefore, for example, by heating the areas above and below this space, it is possible to suppress the adhesive properties of the insulating material formed on the surface of the second soft magnetic plate (separation plate 131a, 131b). Therefore, the separation of the laminates 130a to 130c can be performed more reliably.

[0121] Furthermore, in this embodiment, one of the multiple first heating devices 140a to 140b is installed in a position opposite one of the multiple notches 210a to 210b, with a gap between them. Therefore, the adhesive properties of the separation plates 131a to 131b can be suppressed more reliably.

[0122] Furthermore, in this embodiment, during temporary bonding, the temperature of at least a portion of the region of the first electrical steel sheet located above and below the notches 210a to 210b is raised by 25°C or more above the lowest temperature of the region of the first electrical steel sheet not located above and below the notches 210a to 210b. Therefore, the adhesive strength in the former region can be increased, while the adhesive strength in the latter region can be weakened. In addition, the adhesive strength of the separation plates 131a to 131b can be weakened. Thus, the separation of the laminates 130a to 130c can be performed more reliably.

[0123] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the multiple notches 210a to 210b include two notches formed at positions that sandwich the center line 0 when viewed along the center line 0. Therefore, the parallelism of the upper and lower surfaces of the laminated core 500 can be improved.

[0124] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first heating devices 140a to 140b used during temporary bonding have at least two first heating devices installed in positions that sandwich the laminates 130a to 130c when viewed along the center line 0. Therefore, the parallelism of the upper and lower surfaces of the laminate core 500 can be improved.

[0125] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first heating devices 140a to 140b include near-infrared heaters. Therefore, the insulating material can be heated uniformly. In addition, in this embodiment, the near-infrared heaters concentrate near-infrared rays linearly along the lamination direction of the laminates 130a to 130c. Therefore, the heating position of the laminates 130a to 130c can be determined with high precision.

[0126] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the heating conditions for the first heating devices 140a to 140b are set based on the heating time performed by the first heating devices 140a to 140b, the target temperature of the laminates 130a to 130c after temporary bonding is completed, and the temperature of the first electrical steel sheet before heating by the first heating devices 140a to 140b is completed. Therefore, temporary bonding by the first heating devices 140a to 140b can be achieved more reliably. In addition, automatic operation of the first heating devices 140a to 140b becomes possible.

[0127] (Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment will be described. This embodiment adds a configuration to the first embodiment to ensure even more reliable separation of the laminates 130a to 130c and 130d to 130f using the separation plates 131a to 131b and 131c to 131d. Therefore, in describing this embodiment, detailed explanations of parts identical to those in the first embodiment will be omitted by using the same reference numerals as those used in Figures 1 to 5.

[0128] Figure 6 shows an example of the configuration of the press device 100 and nozzle 610. The press device 100 shown in Figure 6 may be the same as the press device 100 shown in Figure 1. In Figure 6, this embodiment illustrates a case where the nozzle 610 is installed upstream of the press device 100. The nozzle 610 supplies a volatile material that volatilizes upon heating and does not react with the insulating material upon heating to the surface of the electromagnetic steel sheet M that has not been punched by the press device 100. In the following description, the volatile material that volatilizes upon heating and does not react with the insulating material upon heating will be abbreviated as "volatile material" as needed. The volatile material may be, for example, an oil that volatilizes upon heating, such as processing oil, or another liquid. It is preferable that the nozzle 610 can be switched on and off by external operation to supply the volatile material. The nozzle 610 may also be capable of adjusting the supply amount by external operation. For example, the supply of the volatile material may be switched on and off by operating a solenoid valve provided in the nozzle 610. The solenoid valve may be installed outside the nozzle 610.

[0129] In this embodiment, we illustrate a case in which the nozzle 610 supplies volatile material to a region of the surface of the electrical steel sheet M (the plate surface on the positive z-axis side) that includes the region to be punched out as the second electrical steel sheet (separation plates 131a to 131d). In the following description, the region of the plate surface of the electrical steel sheet M to which volatile material is supplied will be referred to as the volatile material supply region as needed. In this embodiment, we illustrate a case in which the nozzle 610 does not supply volatile material to regions other than the region predetermined as the volatile material supply region. To achieve this, for example, the supply of volatile material from the nozzle 610 may be started when the volatile material supply region (in this embodiment, the region to be punched out as the second electrical steel sheet (separation plates 131a to 131d)) reaches the region assumed to be the volatile material supply region (injection region) by the nozzle 610. Furthermore, the supply of volatile material from the nozzle 610 may begin immediately before the area to be supplied with volatile material reaches the area assumed to be the supply area (injection area) of volatile material by the nozzle 610. Subsequently, for example, when the area to be supplied with volatile material moves downstream (towards the positive x-axis) of the area assumed to be the supply area (injection area) of volatile material by the nozzle 610, the supply of volatile material from the nozzle 610 may be stopped. Alternatively, the supply of volatile material from the nozzle 610 may be stopped immediately after the area to be supplied with volatile material moves downstream of the area assumed to be the supply area (injection area) of volatile material by the nozzle 610.

[0130] In this embodiment, we illustrate a case in which the control of the nozzle 610 operation as described above is achieved by the control device 200. The control device 200 may control the operation of the nozzle 610 based, for example, on the transport speed of the electrical steel sheet M and the punching pattern.

[0131] As described above, this embodiment illustrates a case in which the separating material is realized by using separating plates 131a to 131d and volatile materials 620a to 620h. Furthermore, this embodiment illustrates a case in which the separating plate arrangement process and the separating material arrangement means are realized by punching with a second punch 111b and a second die 121b, punching with a third punch 111c and a third die 121c, and supplying the volatile material with a nozzle 610.

[0132] Furthermore, in addition to or instead of supplying the surface region of the electrical steel sheet M, the volatile material may also be supplied to the back surface region of the electrical steel sheet M. In the back surface region of the electrical steel sheet M, the region including the region to be punched out as the second electrical steel sheet (separation plate 131a to 131d) is designated as the region to which the volatile material is supplied. Furthermore, instead of or in addition to the region of the surface of the electrical steel sheet M that includes the region punched out as the second electrical steel sheet (separation plate 131a to 131d), the region of the surface of the electrical steel sheet M that includes the region facing the second electrical steel sheet among the regions punched out as the first electrical steel sheet may be designated as the region to be supplied with volatile material.

[0133] After the volatile material is supplied as described above, the volatile material 620a to 620d is attached to at least one of the two surfaces of the second electrical steel sheet (separation plate 131a to 131d) punched by the third punch 111c and the third die 121c (sixth punch 111f and sixth die 121f), and the temporary bonding described in the first embodiment is performed. Therefore, the timing at which the insulating material formed on the surface of the first electrical steel sheet opposite to the surface to which the volatile material 620a to 620d is attached begins to exhibit its adhesive properties can be delayed. As a result, the adhesive properties of the insulating material formed on the surface of the first electrical steel sheet can not be fully exhibited. For example, if the insulating material has a thermosetting resin, the timing at which the curing reaction of the thermosetting resin begins can be delayed. Therefore, the separation of the laminates 130a to 130c and 130d to 130f can be achieved more easily and reliably. Therefore, for example, if ensuring the separation of laminates 130a-130c and 130d-130f is a priority, the configuration of this embodiment may be adopted. However, in this embodiment, additional equipment for supplying volatile materials is required. Therefore, for example, if reducing equipment costs is a priority, the configuration of the first embodiment may be adopted.

[0134] (Third embodiment) Next, a third embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, an example is given in which the separating material has a volatile material without a separating plate. Thus, this embodiment differs from the first and second embodiments mainly in its configuration and processing due to the different separating material. Therefore, in the description of this embodiment, parts that are the same as those in the first and second embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals as those in Figures 1 to 6, and detailed explanations will be omitted.

[0135] Figure 7 shows an example of the configuration of the press device 700 and nozzle 610. In Figure 7, this embodiment illustrates a case where the press device 700 comprises an upper die 710 and a lower die 720.

[0136] In this embodiment, we illustrate a case where the upper die 710 is the upper die 110 shown in Figures 1 and 6, with the second punch 111b and the fifth punch 111e, and the configuration necessary for installing the second punch 111b and the fifth punch 111e removed. In this embodiment, we also illustrate a case where the lower die 720 is the lower die 120 shown in Figures 1 and 6, with the second die 121b and the fifth die 121e, and the configuration necessary for installing the second die 121b and the fifth die 121e removed.

[0137] As described in the first embodiment, the second punch 111b and the second die 121b are used to manufacture the separator plates 131a to 131b used to manufacture the rotor core. The fifth punch 111e and the fifth die 121e are used to manufacture the separator plates 131c to 131d used to manufacture the stator core. Therefore, this embodiment illustrates a case in which the press device 700 does not manufacture the separator plates.

[0138] In this embodiment, we illustrate a case in which the operation of the press device 700 as described above is controlled by the control device 200. The control device 200 selects a punch to operate from among the first punch 111a, the third punch 111c, the fourth punch 111d, and the sixth punch 111f based on the transport speed of the electrical steel sheet M and the punching pattern, and operates the selected punch.

[0139] Furthermore, in Figure 7, this embodiment illustrates a case where, similar to the second embodiment, the nozzle 610 is installed upstream of the press device 700. The nozzle 610 supplies a volatile material that volatilizes upon heating and does not react with the insulating material upon heating to the surface of the electromagnetic steel sheet M that has not been punched by the press device 100. The volatile material may be the same as that described in the second embodiment.

[0140] In this embodiment, an example is given where the volatile material supply area is a region of the electrical steel sheet M's surface, including the region that constitutes the upper surface of the laminate 130a to 130f, which is punched out as the first electrical steel sheet. In this case, the volatile material supply area is the surface of the electrical steel sheet M (the surface on the positive z-axis side). Also in this embodiment, as in the second embodiment, an example is given where the nozzle 610 does not supply volatile material to areas other than the region pre-set as the volatile material supply area. The timing of starting and stopping the supply of volatile material by the nozzle 610 may be, for example, the timing described in the second embodiment. Also in this embodiment, as in the second embodiment, an example is given where the operation of the nozzle 610 is controlled by the control device 200. The control device 200 may control the operation of the nozzle 610 based, for example, the transport speed of the electrical steel sheet M and the punching pattern.

[0141] As described above, this embodiment illustrates a case in which a separation material is realized by using volatile materials 730a to 730h. Furthermore, it illustrates a case in which the separation plate arrangement process and the separation material arrangement means are realized by supplying the volatile material by the nozzle 610.

[0142] Furthermore, the area to which the volatile material is supplied may include the area of ​​the surface of the electrical steel sheet M that constitutes the lower surface of the laminate 130a to 130f. In this case, a nozzle for supplying the volatile material is installed on the back surface of the electrical steel sheet M. Alternatively, the area to which the volatile material is supplied may include both the area constituting the upper surface of the laminate 130a to 130f and the area constituting the lower surface of the laminate 130a to 130f.

[0143] In this embodiment, although it is necessary to install the nozzle 610, the second die 121b and the fifth die 121e, and the second die 121b and the fifth die 121e are unnecessary. Therefore, the man-hours (processing time) in the press device 700 can be shortened. In addition, the equipment cost can be reduced. Therefore, for example, if these factors are important, the configuration of this embodiment may be adopted.

[0144] (Examples) Next, examples will be described. However, this disclosure is not limited to the following examples. That is, the various conditions shown in these examples are examples of conditions adopted to confirm the feasibility and effectiveness of this disclosure. Therefore, this disclosure is not limited to the examples of conditions shown in these examples. Furthermore, this disclosure may adopt various conditions as long as they do not depart from the gist of this disclosure and achieve the objectives of this disclosure. ((Common matters)) First, we will explain the points that are common to each embodiment. The rotor core and stator core of the inner rotor type IPM motor were manufactured as described in the first to third embodiments. The specifications of the IPM motor are as follows. Note that specifications unrelated to this disclosure, such as operating conditions, are omitted here. Outer diameter (diameter): 220mm Height: 69.5mm Number of poles: 8 poles Permanent magnet dimensions: 2mm (W) x 5mm (D) x 68mm (H) Number of permanent magnets per pole: 2 Flux barrier: None Number of slots: 48

[0145] The soft magnetic plates that make up the rotor core and stator core are as follows: Thickness: 0.25mm Number of layers: 278 Steel type: Non-oriented electrical steel sheet (manufactured by Nippon Steel Corporation, grade: 25HX1300)

[0146] By applying an epoxy-based or acrylic-based insulating material to the surface of such a non-oriented electrical steel sheet, an insulating material that exhibits adhesive properties upon heating was formed on the surface of the non-oriented electrical steel sheet.

[0147] The following heating device was used as the first heating device (heating device for temporary bonding). Near-infrared heater (manufactured by Hybec Co., Ltd., model number: HYP8NS) Two near-infrared heaters were prepared and arranged roughly as shown in Figure 3. Temporary bonding was performed by heating under conditions that raised the laminate (non-oriented electrical steel sheet) to 120°C to 160°C in 60 seconds. During this process, the temperature difference between the unheated and heated areas was maintained at 25°C or more.

[0148] The following heating device was used as the second heating device (heating device for the main bonding process). Near-infrared heater (manufactured by Hybec Co., Ltd., model number: HYP28Ns) Two near-infrared heaters were prepared and arranged roughly as shown in Figure 5. The bond was then performed by raising the temperature of the laminate to 160°C to 200°C and maintaining that temperature for 60 seconds to 1 hour. During this process, the temperature difference between the unheated and heated areas was maintained at 20°C or more.

[0149] Furthermore, we confirmed whether temporary bonding had been performed by checking whether the height of the laminate removed from the press machine met the aforementioned IPM motor specifications (height: 69.5 mm). We also confirmed whether the laminated core was permanently bonded after manufacturing by performing the tests required for the IPM motor.

[0150] ((First Example)) In this embodiment, the rotor core and stator core were manufactured using the method described in the first embodiment. The method in the first embodiment uses a separation plate as a separation material and does not use volatile materials. In this embodiment, a press device having the same function as the press device 100 shown in Figure 1 was used. Based on the results of a heat transfer analysis during temporary bonding, a separation plate for manufacturing the rotor core and a separation plate for manufacturing the stator core were designed, having the same function as the separation plates shown in Figures 2D and 3. Punch and dies (second punch, fifth punch, second die, fifth die) for manufacturing these separation plates were manufactured. In addition, punch and dies (first punch, third punch, fourth punch, sixth punch, first die, third die, fourth die, sixth die) for manufacturing the rotor core and stator core that satisfy the specifications of the IPM motor described above were manufactured. Then, with a punching speed of 300 spm, 20 laminates each for the rotor core and stator core were manufactured using the press device as described in the first embodiment. For each of these 20 laminates, it was checked whether or not temporary bonding had been performed. As a result, it was confirmed that temporary bonding had been performed in all of the laminates.

[0151] Furthermore, a laminated core for the rotor core was manufactured using 20 laminated bodies for the rotor core, as described in the first embodiment. Similarly, a laminated core for the stator core was manufactured using 20 laminated bodies for the stator core, as described in the first embodiment. The laminated cores manufactured in this manner were then checked to see whether or not the bonding process had been completed. As a result, it was confirmed that the bonding process had been completed in all of the laminated cores.

[0152] ((Second Example)) In this embodiment, the rotor core and stator core were manufactured using the method described in the second embodiment. The method in the second embodiment uses a separation plate and a volatile material as the separation material. In this embodiment, a press device and nozzle having the same functions as the press device 100 and nozzle 610 shown in Figure 6 were used. The following volatile materials were supplied (sprayed) to the area of ​​the surface of the non-oriented electrical steel sheet that included the area to be punched out as a separation plate. Pressing oil (manufactured by Nippon Kogyo Oil Co., Ltd., model number: G-6376FX) The other manufacturing conditions were the same as those for the first embodiment, and the laminated cores for the rotor core and the laminated cores for the stator core were manufactured accordingly.

[0153] We checked whether temporary bonding had been performed on the same number of laminates as in the first embodiment. As a result, we confirmed that temporary bonding had been performed on all laminates. We also checked whether temporary bonding had been performed on the same number of laminated cores as in the first embodiment. As a result, we confirmed that permanent bonding had been performed on all laminated cores.

[0154] ((Third Example)) In this embodiment, the rotor core and stator core were manufactured using the method described in the third embodiment. The method in the third embodiment uses a volatile material as the separating material, instead of using a separating plate. In this embodiment, a press device and nozzle having the same functions as the press device 700 and nozzle 610 shown in Figure 7 were used. The same volatile material (pressing oil) as in the second embodiment was supplied (injected) to the region of the surface of the non-oriented electrical steel sheet, including the region that constitutes the upper surface of the laminate.

[0155] Laminated cores for the rotor core and stator core were manufactured under the same manufacturing conditions as in the first embodiment, except that punches and dies (second punch, fifth punch, second die, fifth die) for manufacturing the separation plates were not used.

[0156] We checked whether temporary bonding had been performed on the same number of laminates as in the first embodiment. As a result, we confirmed that temporary bonding had been performed on all laminates. We also checked whether temporary bonding had been performed on the same number of laminated cores as in the first embodiment. As a result, we confirmed that permanent bonding had been performed on all laminated cores.

[0157] (Other embodiments) Furthermore, the embodiments and examples of this disclosure described above are merely examples of concrete implementations of this disclosure, and the technical scope of this disclosure should not be interpreted as being limited by them. In other words, this disclosure can be implemented in various ways without departing from its technical concept or its main features. [Industrial applicability]

[0158] This disclosure can be used, for example, to manufacture a stacked core.

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a laminated core for a rotating electric machine, using a soft magnetic plate as the base material, A punching process in which the first soft magnetic plate is sequentially punched out from the base material using a mold, A temporary bonding step is performed in which the plurality of first soft magnetic plates punched out in the punching step are temporarily bonded together by heating them in the lower die of the mold, Following the aforementioned temporary bonding step, a separation step is performed to separate the laminate from subsequent laminates. The bonding step involves bonding the plurality of first soft magnetic plates constituting the laminate by heating them outside the mold, It has, An insulating material that exhibits adhesive properties upon heating is formed on at least one of the two surfaces of the soft magnetic plate. Within the lower die, the plurality of first soft magnetic plates move downward in response to punching by the punching process, with at least a portion of the outer edge area being supported. The laminate is constructed by stacking the first soft magnetic plates in a number corresponding to the height of one of the laminated cores. A method for manufacturing a laminated core, wherein, after the first soft magnetic plate enters a device for punching out the first soft magnetic plate, no insulating material that exhibits adhesive properties upon heating is formed on the surface of the first soft magnetic plate.

2. Prior to the aforementioned temporary bonding step, the process further includes a separating material placement step in which a separating material is placed at a position between the laminate and a subsequent laminate within the lower mold. The method for manufacturing a laminated core according to claim 1, wherein the separating material does not exhibit adhesive ability in the temporary bonding step, or exhibits an adhesive ability in the temporary bonding step that is lower than the adhesive ability exhibited by the insulating material.

3. The method for manufacturing a laminated core according to claim 2, wherein the separating material includes a separating plate.

4. The separation plate is a second soft magnetic plate punched out from the base material by the mold, The method for manufacturing a laminated core according to claim 3, wherein the separation material placement step involves placing the second soft magnetic plate at a position between the two laminated bodies within the lower mold.

5. A method for manufacturing a laminated core according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first heating device used for heating in the temporary bonding step comprises at least two first heating devices positioned to sandwich the laminate when viewed along the center line of the laminate.

6. The method for manufacturing a laminated core according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first heating device used for heating in the temporary bonding step includes a near-infrared heater.

7. The method for manufacturing a laminated core according to claim 6, wherein the near-infrared heater concentrates near-infrared rays linearly along the lamination direction of the laminate.

8. The process further includes an insulating material forming step in which, before the soft magnetic plate enters the mold, an insulating material that exhibits adhesive properties upon heating is formed on at least one of the two surface surfaces of the soft magnetic plate. The method for manufacturing a laminated core according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the insulating material that exhibits adhesive properties upon heating is not formed on at least one of the two surface surfaces of the soft magnetic plate after the soft magnetic plate has entered the mold.

9. The process further includes an insulating material forming step, in which an insulating material that exhibits adhesive properties upon heating is continuously formed on at least one of the two surfaces of the soft magnetic plate before the soft magnetic plate enters the mold. An insulating material that does not exhibit adhesive properties when heated is formed on at least one of the two surfaces of the soft magnetic plate. The method for manufacturing a laminated core according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein in the insulating material forming step, an insulating material that exhibits adhesive properties upon heating is formed on top of an insulating material that does not exhibit adhesive properties upon heating.

10. The method for manufacturing a laminated core according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the insulating material that exhibits adhesive properties upon heating is of one type.

11. A laminated core manufacturing apparatus that uses a soft magnetic plate as a base material to manufacture laminated cores for rotating electric machines, A die for sequentially punching out the first soft magnetic plate from the aforementioned base material, A first heating device for locally heating a plurality of first soft magnetic plates punched out by the mold in order to temporarily bond them within the lower mold of the mold, After heating by the first heating device, a separation means for separating the laminate from subsequent laminates, Outside the mold, a second heating device is provided for heating the plurality of first soft magnetic plates constituting the laminate in order to bond them together. It has, An insulating material that exhibits adhesive properties upon heating is formed on at least one of the two surfaces of the soft magnetic plate. Within the lower mold, the plurality of first soft magnetic plates move downward in response to punching by the mold, with at least a portion of the outer peripheral edge area being supported. The laminate is constructed by stacking the first soft magnetic plates in a number corresponding to the height of one of the laminated cores. A laminated core manufacturing apparatus wherein, after the first soft magnetic plate enters the apparatus for punching out the first soft magnetic plate, no insulating material that exhibits adhesive properties upon heating is formed on the surface of the first soft magnetic plate.

12. The device further includes a separating material placement means for placing a separating material at a position between the laminate and a subsequent laminate within the lower mold before heating by the first heating device is performed. The apparatus for manufacturing a laminated core according to claim 11, wherein the separating material does not exhibit adhesive properties when heated locally by the first heating device, or exhibits an adhesive property lower than that exhibited by the insulating material when heated locally by the first heating device.

13. The apparatus for manufacturing a laminated core according to claim 12, wherein the separating material includes a separating plate.

14. The separation plate is a second soft magnetic plate punched out from the base material by the mold, The apparatus for manufacturing a laminated core according to claim 13, wherein the separation material placement means places the second soft magnetic plate at a position between the two laminates within the lower mold.

15. The apparatus for manufacturing a laminated core according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the first heating device comprises at least two first heating devices positioned to sandwich the laminate when viewed along the center line of the laminate.

16. The apparatus for manufacturing a laminated core according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the first heating device includes a near-infrared heater.

17. The apparatus for manufacturing a laminated core according to claim 16, wherein the near-infrared heater concentrates near-infrared rays linearly along the lamination direction of the laminate.

18. The system further includes an insulating material forming means for forming an insulating material that exhibits adhesive properties upon heating on at least one of the two surfaces of the soft magnetic plate before the soft magnetic plate enters the mold. The apparatus for manufacturing a laminated core according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the insulating material that exhibits adhesive properties upon heating is not formed on at least one of the two surface surfaces of the soft magnetic plate after the soft magnetic plate has entered the mold.

19. The system further includes an insulating material forming means for continuously forming an insulating material that exhibits adhesive properties upon heating on at least one of the two surfaces of the soft magnetic plate before the soft magnetic plate enters the mold. An insulating material that does not exhibit adhesive properties when heated is formed on at least one of the two surfaces of the soft magnetic plate. The apparatus for manufacturing a laminated core according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the insulating material forming means forms an insulating material that exhibits adhesive properties upon heating on an insulating material that does not exhibit adhesive properties upon heating.

20. The apparatus for manufacturing a laminated core according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the insulating material that exhibits adhesive properties upon heating is of one type.

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