Progressive die device and method for manufacturing laminated iron core

Abstract

To restrict flapping of a metal plate inside a die device.SOLUTION: A progressive die device comprises: an upper die and a lower die; a lifter; and a pressing member. The upper die and the lower die apply pressing work to a belt-like metal plate which is progressively fed in a prescribed direction. The lifter is provided in the lower die to lift a metal plate when the metal plate is being progressively fed. The pressing member is provided in the upper die to press a metal plate from above when the lifter lifts the metal plate.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8A

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The disclosed embodiments relate to a progressive die apparatus and a method for manufacturing a laminated core. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, laminated iron cores that make up the stators and rotors of motors are manufactured by feeding a strip of metal plate into a die device, sequentially punching it out at processing stations positioned in a row along the feeding direction of the metal plate to form iron core pieces of the desired shape, and then stacking the resulting iron core pieces. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-200296 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the manufacturing process of this laminated core, the more core pieces are sequentially punched out of a wide metal plate, the more the rigidity of the metal plate gradually decreases. Therefore, in the above-mentioned conventional technology, the metal plate tends to flutter up and down as it moves to the downstream processing station, and this fluttering can easily cause the metal plate to get caught in the die device. This can lead to problems such as insufficient progressive movement and deformation of the metal plate.

[0005] One aspect of the embodiment has been made in consideration of the above, and aims to provide a progressive die device and a method for manufacturing a laminated iron core that can suppress flapping of metal plates within the die device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A progressive die device according to one aspect of the embodiment includes an upper die, a lower die, a lifter, and a pressing member. The upper die and the lower die press a strip-shaped metal plate that is fed progressively in a predetermined direction. The lifter is provided on the lower die and lifts the metal plate as it is fed progressively. The pressing member is provided on the upper die and presses the metal plate from above as the lifter lifts the metal plate.

[0007] A method for manufacturing a laminated core according to one aspect of the embodiment includes a press-forming step, a lifting step, and a pressing step. In the press-forming step, a strip-shaped metal plate fed forward in a predetermined direction is pressed with an upper die and a lower die. In the lifting step, the metal plate is lifted by a lifter provided in the lower die when the metal plate is fed forward. In the pressing step, the metal plate is pressed from above by a pressing member provided in the upper die when the lifter lifts the metal plate. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to one aspect of the embodiment, it is possible to suppress the metal plate from flapping in the mold device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a manufacturing apparatus for a laminated iron core according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of a laminated core according to the embodiment. [Figure 3A] FIG. 3A is a plan view showing an example of an electromagnetic steel sheet to be punched by the stamping device according to the embodiment. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B is a plan view showing an example of a lower mold according to the embodiment. [Figure 4A] FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a lifter according to the embodiment. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a guide according to the embodiment. [Figure 5A] FIG. 5A is a plan view showing an example of an upper mold according to an embodiment. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a pressing member according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of each manufacturing process executed by the stamping device according to the embodiment. [Figure 7A] FIG. 7A is a diagram for explaining an example of a manufacturing process for the laminated core according to the embodiment. [Figure 7B] FIG. 7B is a diagram for explaining an example of a manufacturing process of the laminated core according to the embodiment. [Figure 8A] FIG. 8A is a diagram for explaining an example of a manufacturing process for the laminated core according to the embodiment. [Figure 8B] FIG. 8B is a diagram for explaining an example of a manufacturing process of the laminated core according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining an example of a manufacturing process for a laminated core according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The progressive die device and the manufacturing method of the laminated iron core disclosed in the present application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0011] It should also be noted that the drawings are schematic and that the dimensional relationships and ratios of elements may differ from reality. Furthermore, the drawings may contain parts whose dimensional relationships and ratios differ from one another.

[0012] For example, laminated iron cores that make up the stators and rotors of motors are manufactured by feeding a strip of metal plate into a die device, sequentially punching it out at processing stations positioned in a row along the feeding direction of the metal plate to form iron core pieces of the desired shape, and then stacking the resulting iron core pieces.

[0013] In this case, to prevent a portion of the metal plate being punched from sagging during progressive feeding and interfering with the lower mold of the mold device, a known technique is to lift the metal plate from the lower mold using a lifter provided on the lower mold and then feed it progressively.

[0014] However, in the manufacturing process of this laminated core, the more core pieces are successively punched out of a wide metal plate, the more the metal plate loses its rigidity. Therefore, in the above-mentioned conventional technology, the metal plate tends to flutter up and down as it moves to the downstream processing station, and this fluttering makes the metal plate more likely to get caught in the die device.

[0015] This fluttering is particularly noticeable, for example, when the metal plate is lifted from the lower die by a lifter. If the metal plate gets caught in the die device, problems such as insufficient forward movement or deformation of the metal plate may occur. Metal plates used as raw materials for laminated cores are becoming thinner and thinner in response to demands for higher motor efficiency, making them particularly susceptible to fluttering.

[0016] Therefore, there is a need for a technology that can overcome the above problems and prevent the metal plate from flapping inside the mold device.

[0017] <Manufacturing equipment> First, a laminated iron core manufacturing apparatus 100 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a laminated iron core manufacturing apparatus 100 according to an embodiment. The manufacturing apparatus 100 according to an embodiment is configured to manufacture a laminate of iron core pieces from a strip-shaped electromagnetic steel sheet MS.

[0018] In order to make the explanation easier to understand, the drawings referred to below may show an orthogonal coordinate system in which the X-axis direction, Y-axis direction, and Z-axis direction, which are perpendicular to each other, are defined, the positive Z-axis direction is the vertically upward direction, the positive X-axis direction is the forward feed direction of the electromagnetic steel sheet MS, and the Y-axis is the width direction of the electromagnetic steel sheet MS.

[0019] 1, the manufacturing apparatus 100 includes an uncoiler 110, a feed device 120, a press working device 130, and a controller Ctr (control unit). The press working device 130 is an example of a progressive die device.

[0020] The uncoiler 110 is configured to rotatably hold the coil material 111. The coil material 111 is an electromagnetic steel sheet MS wound in a coil shape (spiral shape). The electromagnetic steel sheet MS is an example of a metal sheet.

[0021] The feed-out device 120 includes a pair of rollers 121, 122 that sandwich the electromagnetic steel sheet MS from above and below. The pair of rollers 121, 122 are configured to rotate and stop based on command signals from the controller Ctr, and to intermittently and sequentially feed out the electromagnetic steel sheet MS toward the press processing device 130 (hereinafter also referred to as "sequential feeding"). In other words, the pair of rollers 121, 122 function as a conveying means for conveying the electromagnetic steel sheet MS.

[0022] The press working device 130 is configured to operate based on an instruction signal from the controller Ctr. The press working device 130, for example, operates a plurality of punches (not shown) to sequentially perform press working (for example, punching or half-punching) on ​​the electromagnetic steel sheets MS delivered by the delivery device 120.

[0023] In this way, the press processing device 130 is configured to form a plurality of punched members W (see FIG. 2). The press processing device 130 may also be configured to form a laminate by sequentially stacking a plurality of punched members W obtained by punching.

[0024] The press working device 130 includes a lower die 140, an upper die 150, and a press 160. The lower die 140 is positioned below the electromagnetic steel sheet MS being fed forward and supports the electromagnetic steel sheet MS from below. The upper die 150 is positioned above the electromagnetic steel sheet MS being fed forward and presses the electromagnetic steel sheet MS by moving up and down. Details of the lower die 140 and the upper die 150 will be described later.

[0025] The press 160 is located above the upper die 150. The piston of the press 160 is connected to a punch holder (not shown) that holds a plurality of punches provided in the upper die 150, and operates based on a command signal from the controller Ctr. When the press 160 operates, the piston expands and contracts, causing the entire upper die 150 to move up and down.

[0026] The controller Ctr is configured to generate instruction signals for operating the feeding device 120 and the press working device 130 based on, for example, a program recorded on a recording medium (not shown) or an operation input from an operator. The controller Ctr is configured to transmit these instruction signals to the feeding device 120 and the press working device 130, respectively.

[0027] <Laminated iron core> Next, the configuration of the laminated core 1 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the laminated core 1 according to the embodiment. The laminated core 1 is, for example, a stator laminated core, and is part of a stator.

[0028] The stator is a laminated core 1 to which windings are attached. A motor is formed by combining the stator with a rotor.

[0029] 2, the laminated core 1 has a cylindrical shape. That is, a through hole 1a (center hole) extending along the central axis Ax is provided in the central portion of the laminated core 1. A rotor can be placed inside the through hole 1a.

[0030] The laminated core 1 is a laminated body formed by stacking a plurality of punched members W. The punched members W are plate-like bodies obtained by punching out strip-shaped electromagnetic steel sheets MS (see FIG. 1) into a predetermined shape.

[0031] The laminated core 1 according to the embodiment may be constructed by so-called "rolling." This "rolling" refers to stacking a plurality of punched members W while shifting the angles between the punched members W relative to each other. The rolling is performed mainly for the purpose of offsetting the thickness deviation of the laminated core 1. The rolling angle may be set to any size.

[0032] The laminated core 1 includes a yoke portion 2, a plurality of teeth 3, and a plurality of crimped portions 4. The yoke portion 2 has an annular shape and extends to surround the central axis Ax. The radial width, inner diameter, outer diameter, and thickness of the yoke portion 2 can each be set to various values ​​depending on the application and performance of the motor.

[0033] Each tooth 3 extends radially from the inner edge of the yoke 2 toward the central axis Ax. That is, each tooth 3 protrudes from the inner edge of the yoke 2 toward the central axis Ax.

[0034] For example, in the example of Fig. 2, twelve teeth 3 are formed integrally with the yoke part 2. The teeth 3 are arranged at approximately equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the yoke part 2. Slots 5 are defined between adjacent teeth 3, which function as spaces for arranging windings (not shown).

[0035] The crimping portions 4 may be provided on the yoke portion 2, on each tooth portion 3, or on both the yoke portion 2 and each tooth portion 3. Adjacent punched members W in the height direction are fastened together by the crimping portions 4.

[0036] Specifically, the crimped portion 4 includes a crimp (not shown) formed in a punched member W that constitutes a layer other than the bottom layer of the laminated core 1, and a through hole (not shown) formed in the punched member W that constitutes the bottom layer of the laminated core 1.

[0037] The convex portion of the crimp is joined to the concave portion or through-hole of another adjacent crimp. The through-hole has the function of preventing a subsequently formed punched member W from being fastened by crimping to an already manufactured laminated core 1 when laminated cores 1 are manufactured successively.

[0038] In the laminated core 1 according to the embodiment, the multiple punched members W may be fastened together by various known methods instead of the crimped portions 4. For example, the multiple punched members W may be joined together using an adhesive or a resin material, or may be joined together by welding.

[0039] Alternatively, temporary crimps may be provided on the punched members W, multiple punched members W are fastened together via the temporary crimps to obtain a laminated body, and then the temporary crimps may be removed from this laminated body to obtain the laminated core 1. Note that the term "temporary crimps" refers to crimps that are used to temporarily unite multiple punched members W together and that are removed in the process of manufacturing the product (laminated core 1 or stator).

[0040] <Press processing equipment> Next, details of the stamping apparatus 130 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 3A to 5B. Figure 3A is a plan view showing an example of an electromagnetic steel sheet MS that is subjected to punching by the stamping apparatus 130 according to the embodiment.

[0041] For ease of understanding, the following Figures 3A, 3B, and 5A show the electromagnetic steel sheet MS (Figure 3A), lower die 140 (Figure 3B), and upper die 150 (Figure 5A), which correspond to the final part of the punching process.

[0042] 3A are parts that have been punched before reaching stations Sa and Sb. That is, as shown in FIG. 3A, when the magnetic steel sheet MS according to the embodiment reaches station Sa where punching is performed, all parts other than the through hole 1a (see FIG. 2) have been punched out.

[0043] Pilot holes H are formed in both edge portions of the electromagnetic steel sheet MS by punching in an upstream station (not shown). These pilot holes H are formed in each station provided in the press processing device 130 so that the electromagnetic steel sheet MS can be positioned by pilot pins 152 (see FIG. 5A) when the electromagnetic steel sheet MS is punched by a punch.

[0044] Then, the press processing device 130 (see FIG. 1) punches out a portion Sa1 corresponding to the through hole 1a at station Sa. In FIG. 3A, the portions hatched in dots are the portions that are punched out at stations Sa and Sb.

[0045] Next, the press working device 130 punches out a portion Sb1 corresponding to the entire punched member W from the electromagnetic steel sheet MS that has been fed progressively from station Sa to station Sb along a predetermined direction D. In this way, one punched member W is formed in the press working device 130.

[0046] 3B is a plan view showing an example of the lower mold 140 according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3B, the lower mold 140 according to the embodiment has a die plate 141, a pilot hole 142, a lifter 143, and a guide 144. In addition, in the lower mold 140, a die hole Sa2 is formed in the station Sa, and a die hole Sb2 is formed in the station Sb.

[0047] The die plate 141 has a function of forming the punched member W together with a plurality of punches provided in the upper die 150. The die plate 141 is supported by, for example, a base (not shown) and a die holder 145 (see FIG. 4A).

[0048] The pilot hole 142 is provided to extend in the vertical direction and is formed, for example, in the die plate 141. The pilot hole 142 is a hole that serves as a reference for positioning the electromagnetic steel sheet MS with a pilot pin 152 (see FIG. 5A) when the electromagnetic steel sheet MS is punched out with a punch.

[0049] When the electromagnetic steel sheet MS is fed forward, the lifter 143 lifts the electromagnetic steel sheet MS from the upper surface 141a (see FIG. 4A) of the die plate 141. A plurality of lifters 143 are provided at positions in the lower die 140 through which the electromagnetic steel sheet MS passes. The arrangement of the lifters 143 is not particularly limited, but in the present disclosure, they are provided at positions through which at least the central portion in the width direction of the electromagnetic steel sheet MS passes.

[0050] 4A is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a lifter 143 according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4A, the lifter 143 has a pin portion 143a and an elastic member 143b.

[0051] When punching of the electromagnetic steel sheet MS is performed by lowering the upper die 150 (see Figure 1), the elastic member 143b of the lifter 143 contracts downward, allowing the tip of the pin portion 143a to become approximately flush with the upper surface 141a of the die plate 141.

[0052] This allows the electromagnetic steel sheet MS to be pressed against the upper surface 141a of the die plate 141 during punching.

[0053] On the other hand, when the electromagnetic steel sheet MS is fed forward, the elastic member 143b extends upward, so that the pin portion 143a can support the electromagnetic steel sheet MS in a state separated from the upper surface 141a of the die plate 141.

[0054] This makes it possible to prevent a part of the electromagnetic steel sheet MS in the middle of punching from sagging down during forward feeding and interfering with the lower die 140.

[0055] Furthermore, a tapered portion 143a1 is provided at the tip of the pin portion 143a on the side opposite to the forward feeding direction D. By providing such tapered portion 143a1 on the pin portion 143a, it is possible to prevent the electromagnetic steel sheet MS from getting caught on the pin portion 143a when the electromagnetic steel sheet MS is fed forward. Note that the configuration of the lifter 143 is not limited to the example in FIG. 4A .

[0056] Returning to the explanation of Figure 3B, the guides 144 are provided in proximity to both edges of the electromagnetic steel sheet MS being fed forward, and have the function of restricting the electromagnetic steel sheet MS from shifting in the Y-axis direction as it is fed forward. That is, the guides 144 support both edges of the electromagnetic steel sheet MS and guide the electromagnetic steel sheet MS along the direction D of forward feeding of the electromagnetic steel sheet MS.

[0057] 4B is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a guide 144 according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4B, the guide 144 has a restricting portion 144a, a lifting portion 144b, and an elastic member 144c (see FIG. 7A). The restricting portion 144a has a first restricting portion 144a1 and a second restricting portion 144a2.

[0058] The first restricting portion 144a1 is located close to the side of the edge of the electromagnetic steel sheet MS and restricts the electromagnetic steel sheet MS from shifting in the Y-axis direction. The first restricting portion 144a1 is located close to the above the edge of the electromagnetic steel sheet MS and restricts the edge of the electromagnetic steel sheet MS from rising excessively in the vertical direction.

[0059] When punching of the electromagnetic steel sheet MS is performed by lowering the upper die 150 (see FIG. 1), the elastic member 144c of the lifting section 144b contracts downward, so that the tip of the lifting section 144b becomes approximately flush with the upper surface 141a of the die plate 141.

[0060] This allows the electromagnetic steel sheet MS to be pressed against the upper surface 141a of the die plate 141 during punching.

[0061] On the other hand, when the electromagnetic steel sheet MS is fed forward, the elastic member 144c extends upward, allowing the lifting section 144b to support the electromagnetic steel sheet MS in a state separated from the upper surface 141a of the die plate 141.

[0062] This makes it possible to prevent a portion of the electromagnetic steel sheet MS in the middle of punching from sagging down during forward feeding and interfering with the lower die 140. In this manner, in the embodiment, the lifting portion 144b of the guide 144 moves up and down in conjunction with the pin portion 143a of the lifter 143.

[0063] Returning to the explanation of Fig. 3B, the die holes Sa2 and Sb2 are provided to extend vertically and are formed, for example, in the die plate 141 and the die holder 145. The die holes Sa2 and Sb2 are provided at positions corresponding to the punches Sa3 and Sb3 (see Fig. 5A) provided in the upper die 150, respectively. Core pieces (for example, punched members W) punched out of the electromagnetic steel sheet MS by the punches Sa3 and Sb3 pass through the die holes Sa2 and Sb2.

[0064] Fig. 5A is a plan view showing an example of an upper mold 150 according to an embodiment, as viewed from below the upper mold 150. Note that Fig. 5A also shows a corresponding guide 144 of the lower mold 140.

[0065] 5A, the upper die 150 according to the embodiment has a stripper 151, a pilot pin 152, and a pressing member 153. In addition, the upper die 150 is provided with a punch Sa3 at the station Sa and a punch Sb3 at the station Sb.

[0066] The stripper 151 has the function of clamping the electromagnetic steel sheet MS between itself and the die plate 141 (FIG. 3B) when punching the electromagnetic steel sheet MS with the multiple punches provided in the upper die 150, and the function of removing the electromagnetic steel sheet MS that has bitten into the punch from the punch after punching.

[0067] The stripper 151 is supported, for example, by a punch holder (not shown) positioned above the stripper 151 so as to be movable up and down.

[0068] When punching the electromagnetic steel sheet MS, the pilot pin 152 is inserted into a pilot hole H formed in the electromagnetic steel sheet MS to position the electromagnetic steel sheet MS at a desired position. The pilot pin 152 is supported by, for example, a punch holder located above the stripper 151.

[0069] The pressing members 153 press the electromagnetic steel sheets MS from above when the electromagnetic steel sheets MS are lifted by the lifters 143. The pressing members 153 are, for example, pin-shaped, and a plurality of pressing members 153 are provided at positions in the upper mold 150 through which the electromagnetic steel sheets MS pass. The arrangement of the pressing members 153 is not particularly limited, but in the present disclosure, for example, they are provided at positions facing the plurality of lifters 143 provided in the lower mold 140. Note that the pressing members 153 are not limited to being pin-shaped.

[0070] Fig. 5B is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the pressing member 153 according to the embodiment. As shown in Fig. 5B, the pressing member 153 has a pin portion 153a and an elastic member 153b.

[0071] When punching of the electromagnetic steel sheet MS is performed by lowering the upper mold 150, the elastic member 153b of the pressing member 153 contracts upward, allowing the tip portion 153a1 of the pin portion 153a to become approximately flush with the lower surface 151a of the stripper 151.

[0072] This allows the electromagnetic steel sheet MS to be pressed against the lower surface 151a of the stripper 151 during punching.

[0073] On the other hand, when the upper die 150 retreats upward while feeding the electromagnetic steel sheet MS forward, the elastic member 153b extends downward, thereby making it possible to press the electromagnetic steel sheet MS downward in a state in which the pin portion 153a is separated from the lower surface 151a of the stripper 151. Note that the configuration of the pressing member 153 is not limited to the example in FIG. 5B .

[0074] Returning to the explanation of FIG. 5A, the punches Sa3 and Sb3 have the function of punching out predetermined positions of the electromagnetic steel sheets MS located at the stations Sa and Sb. The punches Sa3 and Sb3 have dimensions slightly smaller than the die holes Sa2 and Sb2 and are provided at positions that allow them to be inserted through the die holes Sa2 and Sb2. The punches Sa3 and Sb3 are supported by a punch holder located above the stripper 151, for example.

[0075] <Manufacturing process> Next, the manufacturing process of the laminated core 1 by the stamping device 130 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6 to Fig. 8B. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of each manufacturing process performed by the stamping device 130 according to the embodiment, and Figs. 7A to 8B are diagrams for explaining an example of the manufacturing process of the laminated core 1 according to the embodiment.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 6, the controller Ctr (see FIG. 1) first controls the feeding device 120 (see FIG. 1) and the like to feed the electromagnetic steel sheet MS (see FIG. 1) into the press processing device 130 (see FIG. 1) along the direction D (see FIG. 1) (step S101).

[0077] Next, the controller Ctr controls the press working device 130 to lower the upper die 150 so that the electromagnetic steel sheet MS is sandwiched between the upper die 150 and the lower die 140, and press working is performed on the electromagnetic steel sheet MS (step S102).

[0078] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7A, when performing press working such as punching on an electromagnetic steel sheet MS, the electromagnetic steel sheet MS is sandwiched between a die plate 141 of a lower die 140 and a stripper 151 of an upper die 150.

[0079] That is, when punching the electromagnetic steel sheet MS, the lower surface of the electromagnetic steel sheet MS contacts the upper surface 141a of the die plate 141 and the upper surface of the electromagnetic steel sheet MS contacts the lower surface 151a of the stripper 151.

[0080] At this time, the upper surface 141a of the die plate 141 is approximately flush with the tip of the pin portion 143a of the lifter 143 and the tip of the lifting portion 144b of the guide 144. Furthermore, at this time, the lower surface 151a of the stripper 151 is approximately flush with the tip 153a1 of the pin portion 153a of the pressing member 153 (see FIG. 5B).

[0081] In the press processing device 130, after the electromagnetic steel sheet MS has been punched, the state in which the electromagnetic steel sheet MS is clamped between the die plate 141 and the stripper 151 must be released in order to feed the electromagnetic steel sheet MS forward.

[0082] Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6, after processing step S102, the controller Ctr controls the press processing device 130 to lift the upper die 150 and operate the lifter 143, etc., thereby lifting the electromagnetic steel sheet MS from the lower die 140 (step S103).

[0083] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7B, the controller Ctr (see FIG. 1) operates the press machine 160 (see FIG. 1) to gradually move the upper die 150 upward.

[0084] Then, the elastic force of the elastic member 143b causes the lifter 143 to start lifting the electromagnetic steel sheet MS, separating the electromagnetic steel sheet MS from the upper surface 141a of the die plate 141. Similarly, the elastic force of the elastic member 144c causes the lifting part 144b of the guide 144 to start lifting the electromagnetic steel sheet MS, separating the electromagnetic steel sheet MS from the upper surface 141a of the die plate 141.

[0085] 7B, when the lifter 143 or the like starts to lift the electromagnetic steel sheet MS, the electromagnetic steel sheet MS and the lower surface 151a of the stripper 151 are in contact with each other. This is because the elastic force of the elastic member 153b in the pressing member 153 is set smaller than the elastic force of the elastic member 143b in the lifter 143.

[0086] 8A, the controller Ctr further operates the press machine 160 to move the upper die 150 further upward. As a result, the lifter 143 and the lifting / lowering part 144b of the guide 144 lift the electromagnetic steel sheet MS to a predetermined elevated position (a position where the electromagnetic steel sheet MS abuts against the second restricting part 144a2 of the restricting part 144a) for forward feeding by the elastic force of the elastic members 143b, 144c. At this point, the electromagnetic steel sheet MS and the lower surface 151a of the stripper 151 are separated from each other.

[0087] Furthermore, in parallel with the processing of step S103 in FIG. 6 described above, the controller Ctr raises the upper die 150 to cause the pressing member 153 to protrude from the upper die 150, thereby pressing the electromagnetic steel sheet MS from above (step S104).

[0088] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8A, the electromagnetic steel sheet MS is pressed from above by a pressing member 153 provided on an upper die 150 until the electromagnetic steel sheet MS is lifted to a predetermined elevated position by a lifter 143 or the like.

[0089] This makes it possible to prevent the electromagnetic steel sheet MS from flapping upward due to the upward inertial force generated in the electromagnetic steel sheet MS when it is lifted to a predetermined elevated position. That is, in the embodiment, by providing the pressing member 153 to the upper die 150, it is possible to prevent the electromagnetic steel sheet MS from flapping in the stamping device 130.

[0090] In addition, in the embodiment, it is preferable that the pressing member 153 presses the center portion in the width direction of the electromagnetic steel sheet MS. In this way, by pressing the center portion in the width direction of the electromagnetic steel sheet MS, where fluttering is most likely to occur, with the pressing member 153, fluttering of the electromagnetic steel sheet MS in the press processing device 130 can be further suppressed.

[0091] In addition, in the embodiment, the pressing member 153 may be provided at a position facing the lifter 143. This allows the pressing member 153 to directly press the portion of the electromagnetic steel sheet MS that is likely to be given upward momentum by the lifter 143 and that comes into contact with the lifter 143.

[0092] Therefore, according to the embodiment, the electromagnetic steel sheets MS can be further prevented from flapping in the stamping device 130.

[0093] In the above embodiment, an example is shown in which at least one of the multiple pressing members 153 presses the central portion of the electromagnetic steel sheet MS in the width direction, but the present disclosure is not limited to such an example, and all of the pressing members 153 may press portions other than the central portion of the electromagnetic steel sheet MS in the width direction.

[0094] In addition, in the above embodiment, an example is shown in which all of the pressing members 153 are provided in positions facing the lifter 143, but the present disclosure is not limited to such an example, and some or all of the pressing members 153 may be provided in positions that do not face the lifter 143.

[0095] In this case, it is preferable that the pressing member 153 is provided in a position close to the lifter 143. This allows the pressing member 153 to press the vicinity of the portion of the electromagnetic steel sheet MS that comes into contact with the lifter 143, which is likely to be given upward momentum by the lifter 143, and therefore it is possible to further prevent the electromagnetic steel sheet MS from flapping inside the press processing device 130.

[0096] Returning to the description of Fig. 6, after the processes of steps S103 and S104 are completed and the electromagnetic steel sheet MS is raised to a predetermined raised position, the controller Ctr controls the stamping device 130 to move the upper die 150 away from the electromagnetic steel sheet MS (step S105).

[0097] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8B, even after the electromagnetic steel sheet MS has been lifted to a predetermined elevated position by the lifter 143 or the like, the controller Ctr further operates the press machine 160 to move the upper die 150 further upward.

[0098] As a result, the pressing member 153 moves away from the upper surface of the electromagnetic steel sheet MS. Furthermore, although not shown in Fig. 8B, the pilot pin 152 (see Fig. 5A) provided on the upper die 150 also moves up and comes out of the pilot hole H (see Fig. 3A) of the electromagnetic steel sheet MS.

[0099] Therefore, the electromagnetic steel sheet MS is no longer constrained by the upper die 150, and can be fed forward. Then, as shown in Fig. 6, the controller Ctr operates the feeding device 120 and the like to feed the electromagnetic steel sheet MS forward a predetermined distance along the direction D (step S106).

[0100] Next, the controller Ctr determines whether the press working process of the electromagnetic steel sheet MS has been completed (step S107). If the press working process of the electromagnetic steel sheet MS has been completed (step S107, Yes), the series of manufacturing processes is completed. On the other hand, if the press working process of the electromagnetic steel sheet MS has not been completed (step S107, No), the process returns to step S102.

[0101] Specifically, the controller Ctr operates the press machine 160 to move the upper die 150 downward, whereby the pilot pins 152 are inserted into the pilot holes H of the electromagnetic steel sheets MS, and the electromagnetic steel sheets MS are positioned at a predetermined position.

[0102] Then, the controller Ctr further operates the press machine 160 to move the upper die 150 downward. As a result, the stripper 151 and the pressing member 153 of the upper die 150 come into contact with the electromagnetic steel sheet MS, and the electromagnetic steel sheet MS is sandwiched between the die plate 141 of the lower die 140 and the stripper 151 of the upper die 150.

[0103] In this state, the controller Ctr operates the press machine 160 to perform punching on the electromagnetic steel sheet MS with a plurality of punches provided on the upper die 150. Then, the state returns to that shown in FIG. 7A.

[0104] In the embodiment, it is preferable that the tip 153a1 of the pressing member 153 in the upper mold 150 is positioned higher than the tip of the pilot pin 152. This makes it possible to prevent the pressing member 153 from coming into contact with the electromagnetic steel sheet MS when the electromagnetic steel sheet MS is positioned by the pilot pin 152.

[0105] Therefore, when positioning the electromagnetic steel sheet MS with the pilot pin 152, it is possible to prevent the horizontal movement of the electromagnetic steel sheet MS from being restricted by the pressing member 153. Therefore, according to the embodiment, the positioning of the electromagnetic steel sheet MS with the pilot pin 152 can be smoothly performed.

[0106] <Modification> Next, a modified example of the stamping device 130 and the manufacturing process of the laminated core 1 according to the above embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a diagram for explaining an example of the manufacturing process of the laminated core 1 according to the modified example.

[0107] 9, the stamping device 130 according to the modified example differs from the above-described embodiment in the configuration of the guide 144. Specifically, the guide 144 according to the modified example has a lifting restriction portion 144d and an elastic member 144c.

[0108] The elevation restricting portion 144d has a generally U-shape in cross section and supports the edge of the electromagnetic steel sheet MS on the inside of the U-shape, restricting the electromagnetic steel sheet MS from shifting in the Y-axis direction and the vertical direction.

[0109] The elevation restriction portion 144d is configured to be able to move up and down by the elastic force of the elastic member 144c. Note that the guide 144 does not have the restriction portion 144a described in the above embodiment. Therefore, the elevation restriction portion 144d can be raised to a position within the reach of the elastic force of the elastic member 144c.

[0110] In the modified example, the elevation restricting portion 144d has a generally U-shape in cross section, which allows the guide 144 to support the lower surface of the electromagnetic steel sheet MS in surface contact. Therefore, according to the modified example, it is possible to further prevent the electromagnetic steel sheet MS from flapping inside the stamping device 130.

[0111] In the modified stamping apparatus 130 shown in FIG. 9, the manufacturing process of the laminated core 1 is the same as that of the embodiment described above with reference to FIGS. 6 to 8B, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0112] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, while the above-described embodiments illustrate a press processing apparatus 130 that punches out an electromagnetic steel sheet MS, the present disclosure is not limited to such an example. For example, the electromagnetic steel sheet MS may be subjected to half-punching, or a metal sheet other than the electromagnetic steel sheet MS may be punched or half-punched.

[0113] As described above, the progressive die device (pressing device 130) according to the embodiment includes upper die 150, lower die 140, lifter 143, and pressing member 153. Upper die 150 and lower die 140 press a strip-shaped metal plate (electromagnetic steel sheet MS) that is fed progressively in a predetermined direction D. Lifter 143 is provided on lower die 140, and lifts the metal plate (electromagnetic steel sheet MS) as it is fed progressively. Pressing member 153 is provided on upper die 150, and presses the metal plate (electromagnetic steel sheet MS) from above as lifter 143 lifts the metal plate (electromagnetic steel sheet MS). This makes it possible to prevent the electromagnetic steel sheet MS from flapping within press working device 130.

[0114] Furthermore, in the progressive die device (pressing device 130) according to the embodiment, the pressing member 153 presses the central portion in the width direction of the metal plate (electromagnetic steel sheet MS). This makes it possible to further suppress the electromagnetic steel sheet MS from flapping within the press working device 130.

[0115] Furthermore, in the progressive die device (pressing device 130) according to the embodiment, the pressing member 153 is provided at a position facing the lifter 143. This makes it possible to further prevent the electromagnetic steel sheet MS from flapping in the press working device 130.

[0116] Moreover, the progressive die device (press processing device 130) according to the embodiment further includes a pilot pin 152 that is provided on the upper die 150 and positions the metal plate (electromagnetic steel plate MS). Furthermore, the tip 153a1 of the pressing member 153 is positioned higher than the tip of the pilot pin 152. This allows the pilot pin 152 to smoothly position the electromagnetic steel plate MS.

[0117] Moreover, the progressive die device (pressing device 130) according to the embodiment further includes a guide 144 that supports both edges of the metal plate (electromagnetic steel sheet MS) and guides the metal plate (electromagnetic steel sheet MS) along the direction D in which the metal plate (electromagnetic steel sheet MS) is progressively fed. The guide 144 has a substantially U-shape in cross section. This further prevents the electromagnetic steel sheet MS from flapping within the press working device 130.

[0118] Furthermore, the manufacturing method of the laminated core 1 according to the embodiment includes a press process (step S102), a lifting process (step S103), and a pressing process (step S104). In the press process (step S102), a strip-shaped metal plate (electromagnetic steel sheet MS) that is fed forward in a predetermined direction D is pressed using an upper die 150 and a lower die 140. In the lifting process (step S103), when the metal plate (electromagnetic steel sheet MS) is fed forward, a lifter 143 provided on the lower die 140 lifts the metal plate (electromagnetic steel sheet MS). In the pressing process (step S104), when the lifter 143 lifts the metal plate (electromagnetic steel sheet MS), a pressing member 153 provided on the upper die 150 presses the metal plate (electromagnetic steel sheet MS) from above. This makes it possible to prevent the electromagnetic steel sheet MS from flapping within the press device 130.

[0119] Moreover, the manufacturing method of the laminated core 1 according to the embodiment further includes a step (step S105) of separating the pressing member 153 from the metal plate (magnetic steel plate MS) after the metal plate (magnetic steel plate MS) has been lifted by the lifter 143. This allows the step of feeding the magnetic steel plate MS forward to be carried out smoothly.

[0120] Further advantages and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments shown and described above. Accordingly, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0121] 1 Laminated core 100 Manufacturing equipment 130 Press processing equipment (an example of a progressive die device) 140 Lower mold 143 Lifter 150 upper mold 152 Pilot pin 153 Pressing member 153a1 Tip D direction MS: Electromagnetic steel sheet (an example of a metal sheet)

Claims

1. an upper die and a lower die for pressing a strip-shaped metal plate fed in a predetermined direction; a lifter provided in the lower die for lifting the metal plate when the metal plate is fed forward; a stripper provided in the upper die and configured to sandwich the metal plate between the upper die and the lower die when the metal plate is press-formed; a pressing member that is provided to the upper die, that presses the metal plate from above even after the lower die separates from the metal plate and the stripper subsequently separates from the metal plate when the lifter lifts the metal plate, and that separates from the upper surface of the metal plate after the lifter lifts the metal plate to a predetermined elevated position for feeding the metal plate forward; A progressive die device comprising:

2. The pressing member is provided at a position facing the lifter. The progressive die device according to claim 1 .

3. a pilot pin provided in the upper die for positioning the metal plate; Furthermore, The tip of the pressing member is positioned above the tip of the pilot pin. The progressive die device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. a guide that guides the metal plate along a direction in which the metal plate is fed forward while supporting both edges of the metal plate; Furthermore, The guide has a substantially U-shaped cross section. The progressive die device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. a step of pressing a strip-shaped metal plate fed in a predetermined direction with an upper die and a lower die; a step of lifting the metal plate with a lifter provided on the lower die when the metal plate is fed forward; a step of pressing the metal plate from above with a stripper and a pressing member provided in the upper mold when lifting the metal plate with the lifter; a step of pressing the metal plate from above with the pressing member even after the lower die is separated from the metal plate and subsequently the stripper is separated from the metal plate when the metal plate is lifted by the lifter; a step of moving the pressing member away from the upper surface of the metal plate after the lifter has lifted the metal plate to a predetermined elevated position for feeding the metal plate forward; A method for manufacturing a laminated core, comprising:

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