Stacked package assembly equipment for electrical applications

Abstract

1. An assembly apparatus (10) for assembling laminated packages for electrical applications in electrical machines such as motors, generators, transformers, meters, ignition coils, and similar electrical equipment by bonding with a single-component or two-component adhesive, the assembly apparatus being located inside or outside a cutting die (30), and comprising a device for applying a predetermined amount of adhesive (33) to the underside (32') of a sheet (32) in accordance with a pitch corresponding to the advancement pitch of the sheet (32), the device comprising: a means for drawing the adhesive from a storage means; and an adhesive applying means operating simultaneously and synchronously with the advancement of the sheet (32) by a transmission means (11) to apply the adhesive and cut the layer material.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to stack package assembly equipment for electrical applications. [Background technology]

[0002] More particularly, the present invention relates to an assembly apparatus for assembling laminated packages manufactured from metal sheets in which magnetic laminations are packed, i.e., cut and formed, in an overlapping state, to form laminated packages for use in electrical machines such as motors, generators, transformers, meters, ignition coils, and similar electrical equipment.

[0003] More specifically, the present invention relates to an apparatus suitable for manufacturing stacked packages that, through a bonding process in which layers of material are superimposed on one another, become magnetic circuits for, for example, electric motors (rotors, stators), transformers, etc., as described above.

[0004] As is known, a "stack package" is formed by stacking individual layers of material so that they are in direct contact with each other without any intermediate air spaces between them, which can lead to so-called spring effects that not only deteriorate the electrical properties but also affect both the dimensional and mechanical characteristics of the electrical machine that includes the stack package.

[0005] Conventionally, stacked packages are formed by overlapping and bonding individual layers, e.g., obtained from a cutting die, which uses a punch to form the individual layers, e.g., from strips of layer material, or by laser cutting or other known methods. After forming the individual layers, the individual layers are overlapped and bonded to one another in a machine that forms an integrated laminate, or in a machine that overlaps and bonds the layers to one another in an assembly machine.

[0006] Traditionally, the above-mentioned layers are joined together using joining or fastening members called "staples," which deform the layers themselves at specific locations, and the layer components are inserted or forced into corresponding recesses in the underlying layer during the joining process, thereby forming a stacked package in successive overlaps.

[0007] As an alternative to the above-mentioned method of using "staples" to restrain the layers, the layers may be restrained together by embossments formed on the surfaces of the layers.

[0008] In conventional manufacturing techniques, the layers of material are packed together and held together using adhesive or other known rigid restraining means.

[0009] A conventional technique for assembling laminated packages using adhesive utilizes a pressure nozzle (typically for two-component adhesives) connected to an adhesive pumping system that applies the adhesive to the sheets to be cut at the inlet side of the cutting die. More specifically, the adhesive is applied using a spray or nozzle so that a first adhesive component is applied to the upper surface of the sheet in multiple locations and a second adhesive component is evenly applied to the lower surface of the sheet in multiple locations. Adhesion occurs at a sheet removal station by adhering the upper surface of a ply having a first adhesive layer to the lower surface of the next ply, which is covered with the second adhesive component.

[0010] In another prior art technique for assembling laminated packages using adhesives (of the two-component type), the first adhesive component is applied by a pressure spray connected to an adhesive pumping system at the inlet side of the cutting die, and the second adhesive component is applied at a special dedicated station located below the cutting die. In this case too, the laminated package is formed by adhering a layer of material with a first adhesive component to a subsequent layer of material with a second adhesive component.

[0011] For example, techniques are known for applying adhesive that adheres to the sheet at the inlet side of the cutting die using a device for applying a two-component adhesive such that the first component (i.e., component A) is applied to the upper surface of the sheet and the second component (i.e., component B) is always applied to the lower surface of the sheet at the inlet side of the cutting die, or using nozzles located in a dedicated spray station located below the cutting die so that the adhesive application and formation of the laminated package occurs at the sheet removal station by adhering the upper surface of one layer (covered with the first adhesive component) to the lower surface of the next layer (covered with the second adhesive component).

[0012] These known solutions, which utilize adhesive supply nozzles and pumps, have significant problems associated with the need to shut down the machine for maintenance, adjustments, etc. This obviously increases production times and the associated costs.

[0013] Another problem is the maintenance issues associated with having a nozzle or spray located within the cutting die (as discussed above with respect to the application of the second adhesive component, ie, component B).

[0014] Another problem with conventional devices is that the nozzles or sprays "atomize" the adhesive onto the sheets, creating problems associated with cleaning the bonding process and wasting adhesive.

[0015] US Patent Publication No. 2015 / 0097463 describes a known solution for a gluing device comprising an adhesive and an applicator for applying the adhesive to a metal sheet by means of overlapping rollers. One of the overlapping rollers is rubberized and impregnated with adhesive, and recesses are formed on the outer surface of the roller. The recesses serve to prevent the impregnation of parts or areas of the connecting net suitable for positioning the layers cut from a sheet passing between the upper and lower rollers. However, this solution also suffers from the problems mentioned above. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0016] An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0017] More specifically, it is an object of the present invention to provide a stacked package assembly apparatus for electrical applications that can form stacked packages with more accurate and cleaner bonding than conventional methods, without wasting or spreading adhesive.

[0018] Another object of the present invention is to provide a stack package assembly machine that does not require frequent and extended machine shutdowns for maintenance and adjustment work.

[0019] Another object of the present invention is to provide a stack package assembly apparatus that is free from the constraints of the fluid dynamic parameters that characterize the above-mentioned prior art apparatus.

[0020] Another object of the present invention is to provide a stack package assembly apparatus that can produce a final product with high performance in terms of yield and efficiency.

[0021] Another object of the present invention is to provide the user with a stack package assembly machine for electrical applications that is durable and long-lasting in use. [Means for solving the problem]

[0022] These and other objects are achieved according to the invention by the structural features set forth in claim 1.

[0023] According to the present invention, there is provided an assembly apparatus for assembling laminated packages for electrical applications in electrical machines such as motors, generators, transformers, meters, ignition coils, and similar electrical equipment by bonding using a single-component adhesive or a two-component adhesive, the apparatus comprising: means for applying a predetermined amount of adhesive to the underside of a sheet in accordance with a pitch corresponding to the advancement pitch of the sheet; and means for applying the predetermined amount of adhesive comprising means for drawing the adhesive from a storage means and means for applying the adhesive by means of a transmission means, which operates simultaneously and synchronously with the advancement of the sheet. wear An assembly apparatus is provided that includes means for

[0024] Preferred embodiments of the invention are set out in the dependent claims.

[0025] The structural and operational features of the assembly apparatus for assembling stacked packages for electrical applications according to the present invention will be better understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings showing preferred, non-limiting embodiments. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view of an apparatus for assembling stacked packages for electrical applications according to the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the assembly device shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the operation of the assembly device according to the present invention in the first embodiment for carrying out the assembly method according to the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of an assembly apparatus according to the present invention in a second embodiment for assembling a stack package for electrical applications according to the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of an assembly apparatus according to the present invention in a third embodiment for assembling a stack package for electrical applications according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] Referring to the drawings, an assembly apparatus for assembling laminated packages for electrical applications according to the present invention is generally designated by the reference numeral 10 and is provided inside or outside a cutting die. The assembly apparatus according to the present invention comprises a first body 12 (the first wheel 14 and the first roller 16 are rotatable about a horizontal rotation axis) that rotatably supports a first wheel 14 and a first roller 16 (i.e., a draft roller, described below) that is provided on the opposite side of the first wheel 14 and has the same axis as the first wheel 14; a second body 18 (the second wheel 20 and the second roller 22 are rotatable about a horizontal rotation axis) that rotatably supports a second wheel 20 and a second roller 22 (i.e., a mold roller, described below); and a tray 24 that cooperates with the first roller 16 to perform a function described below. Preferably, the first wheel 14 and the second wheel 20 are composed of gears that mesh with each other, constituting a transmission means 11 that functions to rotate the first roller 16 and the second roller 22.

[0028] In some alternative embodiments, the transmission means 11 consists of other transmission means or belt or chain transmission means.

[0029] Preferably, the first wheel 14 is a driven wheel, receiving rotational motion from a second wheel 20 (drive wheel) which is driven in rotation by a motor (or gear motor) 26 .

[0030] In an alternative embodiment, the motor 26 is directly coupled to the first wheel 14 to provide a drive configuration for driving the first wheel 14 .

[0031] In another alternative embodiment, the first wheel 14 and the second wheel 20 are each driven to rotate by a separate motor.

[0032] The assembly device according to the present invention is provided with a safety means (such safety means may be of any known type and therefore the structural features will not be described) consisting of a safety actuator 27 which has the function of stopping the assembly device in the event of a malfunction or the like.

[0033] A tray 24 is provided below the first roller 16 and serves to contain adhesive to be applied, as described below, to the sheets passing through the cutting dies, which separate the passing sheets into individual plies and combine the individual plies into a laminated package.

[0034] Tray 24 contains the adhesive for assembling the laminated package, as described above, but assembly using assembly equipment in accordance with the present invention may also use a two-component adhesive, with the first component (i.e., component A) contained in tray 14 and the second component (i.e., component B) applied by a separate assembly equipment, as described below.

[0035] The first roller 16 constitutes a draft roller that is arranged to come into contact with the adhesive contained in the tray 24; more specifically, a portion of the first roller 16 is immersed in the adhesive contained in the tray and rotates around the horizontal rotation axis of the first roller, drawing out a predetermined amount of adhesive from the tray 24 so that it covers the outer surface of the first roller 16.

[0036] The rotation of the first roller 16 is controlled by the first wheel 14, which has the same rotational axis as the first roller 16 and receives rotational motion from a second wheel 20, which is a drive wheel.

[0037] The second roller 22 constitutes a molding roller and preferably has a plurality of protrusions 28 that protrude outward (relative to the outer circumferential surface of the second roller 22) and are formed from the peripheral side surface of the second roller 22. The protrusions 28 are equally spaced apart and extend along the entire circumferential surface of the second roller. The pitch of the protrusions 28 is determined depending on the progress of the sheet on the molding roller. The shape and number of the protrusions 28 vary depending on the type of layer material to be formed into a laminate package.

[0038] In another alternative embodiment, the second roller 22 is configured with a plurality of notches or recesses formed on the peripheral side surface of the second roller and extending through the thickness of the second roller, the notches or recesses being equally spaced apart from one another and extending along the entire peripheral surface of the second roller.

[0039] The second roller 22 receives rotational motion from a second wheel 20 (the second roller has the same axis of rotation as the second wheel) driven by a motor 26 .

[0040] By transmitting power between the first wheel 14 and the second wheel 20, the first roller and the second roller can rotate simultaneously and synchronously depending on the sheet advance speed in the cutting die and the cutting pitch described below.

[0041] 3, 4 and 5 show the operation of the assembly device of the present invention when using a single component adhesive (FIG. 3) and when using a two component adhesive (FIGS. 4 and 5).

[0042] 3, a sheet 32 ​​advances (as indicated by arrow X) through a cutting die 30 (equipped with a plurality of cutting punches 34). During the advance of the sheet at a pitch depending on the type of cutting die, the assembly device according to the present invention is driven by a motor 26 equipped with a transmission means 11, which causes the rotation of the first wheel 14 through the second wheel 20, and thus the rotation of the first roller 16 (i.e., draft roller). The second wheel 20 in turn causes the rotation of the second roller 22 (i.e., mold roller), so that the outwardly projecting protrusions 28 of the second roller 22 advance at an amount equal to the advance of the sheet 32 ​​within the cutting die (therefore, the assembly device according to the present invention and the advance of the sheet are synchronized).

[0043] While the assembly device according to the invention is driven in synchronism with the advancement of the sheet 32, the first roller 16(i.e., the drafting roller) draws a quantity of adhesive from the tray 24 and deposits it on the outwardly projecting protrusions 28 of the second roller 22 (note that the first and second rollers are in contact along their circumferential surfaces), which deposit a quantity of adhesive 33 (in the form of notches or depressions in the second roller 22) on the underside 32' of the sheet 32 ​​as it advances at a pitch corresponding to the advancement pitch of the sheet. The sheet advances in stages and is acted upon by punches 34 of the cutting die (successive sheets are used to obtain a single layer of material according to the desired shape to suit the specific function of the laminated package), and with each stroke of the cutting die a quantity of adhesive is applied to the underside of the sheet 32 ​​(in other words, the second roller 22 rotates at a rate dependent on the advancement pitch of the sheet and the adhesive applied by the first roller 16).

[0044] During the die cutting process (i.e., when the individual layers 36 are cut from the sheet 32 ​​at the outer shape of the individual layers 36), the individual layers 36 are assembled to form the stacked package 38 with a predetermined layer of adhesive on the underside of each layer 36 adhering to the top surface of the already cut layer.

[0045] Referring to FIG. 4, the operation of the assembly device according to the present invention when using a two-component adhesive is illustrated.

[0046] In this case, the operation of the assembly apparatus according to the present invention is the same as that described with respect to FIG. 3 (using a single-component adhesive), in particular, tray 24 contains a first adhesive component (i.e., component A) which is applied to lower surface 32′ of sheet 32 ​​as already described. A second adhesive component (i.e., component B or activating component) is applied to upper surface 32″ of sheet 32 ​​(forming adhesive layer 42), for example, by a spray 40 (or a submerged idle or motor-driven roller, etc.) suitable for forming a second adhesive component layer on upper surface 32″. Application of the second adhesive component may occur both inside and outside the cutting die, and further, before or after the assembly apparatus according to the present invention.

[0047] During the separation / removal operation of the stacked package 38, the assembly apparatus according to the present invention stops operation and discontinues application of adhesive to the underside of the sheets.

[0048] 5, a third alternative embodiment is shown in which the formation of the laminated package 38 is always accomplished using a two-component adhesive that includes a second adhesive component (i.e., component B). Instead of being applied by a spray 40, the two-component adhesive is applied by a separate assembly device 44, similar to assembly device 10 described above, that applies the adhesive to the underside 32' of the sheet 32. In particular, this separate assembly device 44 includes a tray 46 that contains a predetermined amount of the second adhesive component.

[0049] As can be seen from the above description, the effects brought about by the stack package assembling apparatus according to the present invention are clear.

[0050] The apparatus for forming laminated packages for electrical applications according to the present invention is advantageous in that it forms laminated packages by bonding adhesives using mechanical devices rather than by application using nozzles, which reduces machine downtime and maintenance time and associated costs.

[0051] Another advantage of the assembly apparatus of the present invention is that by using draft rollers and mold rollers, the adhesive can be applied (to the underside of the sheet) in a much cleaner manner than application by nozzle or spray, since the adhesive is deposited or placed on the sheet rather than sprayed onto the sheet.

[0052] The assembly device according to the present invention is also significantly advantageous in that it is not restricted by fluid dynamics parameters, unlike when using a nozzle or spray.

[0053] Although the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments as non-limiting examples, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art based on the description of the embodiments that various modifications and variations may occur. Therefore, the present invention encompasses all modifications and variations that fall within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. 1. An assembly apparatus (10) for assembling laminated packages for electrical applications in electrical machines such as motors, generators, transformers, meters, ignition coils and similar electrical equipment by bonding with a single-component adhesive or a two-component adhesive, the assembly apparatus being located inside or outside a cutting die (30); a device having means for applying a predetermined amount of adhesive (33) to the underside (32') of the sheet (32) at a pitch corresponding to the advancement pitch of the sheet (32); The means for applying a predetermined amount of adhesive comprises: a means for drawing adhesive from a storage means, the means for drawing adhesive from the storage means having a first roller (i.e., draft roller) (16) rotatably supported on a first body (12); and a means for applying adhesive, the means for applying adhesive having a second roller (i.e., mold roller) (22) rotatably supported on a second body (18); The first roller (16) and the second roller (22) have parallel rotation axes and are driven by a transmission means (11) to operate simultaneously and synchronously with the advancement of the sheet (32), so that the first roller and the second roller come into contact with each other at their circumferential surfaces to transfer the adhesive from the first roller to the second roller. The transmission means includes a first wheel (14) provided on the opposite side of the first roller (16) and having the same axis as the first roller and a common rotation axis, and a second wheel (20) provided on the opposite side of the second roller (22) and having the same axis as the second roller and a common rotation axis, One of the first wheel (14) and the second wheel (20) is a driving wheel; The other of the first wheel (14) and the second wheel (20) is driven to rotate by a driving means having a motor (26).

2. 2. The assembly apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first roller (16) is partially immersed in adhesive containing means, the adhesive containing means comprising a tray (24) provided below the first roller (16) for applying a layer of adhesive along the entire periphery of the first roller (16).

3. 2. An assembly device according to claim 1, characterized in that the second roller (i.e., mold roller) (22) is provided with adhesive application means formed and extending along the entire circumference of the second roller (22).

4. 4. The assembly device according to claim 3, wherein the adhesive applying means comprises a plurality of protrusions (28) protruding outward from the entire circumferential surface of the second roller (22), the pitch of the plurality of protrusions (28) protruding outward is determined in accordance with the progress of the sheet in the cutting die (30), and the plurality of protrusions (28) protruding outward constitute receiving portions for a predetermined amount (33) of adhesive transferred from the first roller (16) and formed on the underside (32') of the sheet (32) in accordance with the progress pitch of the sheet (32).

5. 4. The assembly device according to claim 3, wherein the adhesive applying means comprises a plurality of notches or depressions starting from the circumferential side surface of the second roller and extending in the thickness direction of the second roller, the notches or depressions being equally spaced from one another and provided along the entire circumferential contour of the second roller, the pitch of the notches or depressions being determined in accordance with the progress of the sheet within the cutting die, and the notches or depressions constitute receiving portions for a predetermined amount (33) of adhesive to be transferred from the first roller (16) and formed on the underside (32') of the sheet (32) in accordance with the progress pitch of the sheet (32).

6. 6. An assembly device according to claim 1, further comprising a supply means for the second adhesive component of the two-component adhesive, located inside or outside the cutting die, and applied to the upper surface (32") of the sheet (32).

7. 7. An assembly device according to claim 6, characterized in that the supply means for the second adhesive component consist of a spray suitable for applying a layer of the second adhesive component to the upper surface (32") of the sheet (32).

8. 7. An assembly device according to claim 6, characterized in that the supply means for the second adhesive component comprises a tray (46) containing a predetermined amount of the second adhesive component and is constituted by means (44) similar to the application means described in claims 1 to 7.

Images