Adhesive application device and adhesive application method for laminated iron cores, and laminated iron core manufacturing device and manufacturing method

Abstract

[Problem] To change, by means of a simple configuration, the application amount of adhesive according to the shape of thin iron core plates constituting a laminated iron core. [Solution] An adhesive application device 2 comprises: an adhesive discharge head 60 in which are formed a plurality of discharge ports that discharge respective adhesives toward a plurality of adhesive application points E set at locations corresponding to thin iron core plates W in a band-shaped thin steel plate F; and an adhesive application control device 90 that controls the discharge of adhesive from the plurality of discharge ports 58A, 58B in the adhesive discharge head 60. The plurality of adhesive application points E are respectively arranged at the same position in the lamination direction of the thin iron core plates W regardless of the type of each of the thin iron core plates W. The adhesive application control device 90 is configured to control the discharge of adhesive from the plurality of discharge ports 58A, 58B so as to change the application amount of adhesive on at least some of the plurality of adhesive application points E according to the type of each of the thin iron core plates W.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an adhesive application device and adhesive application method for laminated cores used in motor cores and the like, and to an apparatus and method for manufacturing laminated cores. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a progressive die has been known as a manufacturing device for laminated cores. In the progressive die, a strip of thin steel sheet (hoop material) made of electromagnetic steel is sequentially punched to form internal shapes such as pilot holes (positioning holes), slots, and teeth. This allows the shapes of the thin core sheets that make up the laminated core to be continuously formed in the strip of thin steel sheet. After that, a predetermined number of thin core sheets, whose outer shapes have been punched out from the strip of thin steel sheet, are fixed together in a stacked state.

[0003] Known methods for fastening the thin core plates include the laminated crimping method, in which each thin core plate is formed with crimping grooves and then pressed together while stacked (the grooves on adjacent thin core plates are crimped to join), the laminated welding method, in which multiple thin core plates are stacked and then joined by laser welding or the like, and the laminated bonding method, in which an adhesive is applied to the surface of a strip of thin steel plate and the thin core plates are stacked and bonded at the same time as the outer shape is punched out. In particular, the adhesive lamination method has the advantage that it is less likely to cause deterioration of the magnetic properties at the joints of the thin core plates than other methods.

[0004] As a manufacturing device for laminated cores using the adhesive lamination method, for example, one that manufactures laminated cores composed of multiple types of thin core plates with different external shapes based on the adhesive lamination method is known (see Patent Document 1). In this manufacturing device for laminated cores, when the type of thin core plate is changed during the manufacture of one laminated core, the supply of adhesive to at least one of multiple adhesive reservoir chambers is interrupted so that adhesive is applied to the thin core plate whose type has changed only in the area that overlaps with the thin core plate from immediately before the type change in the stacked state. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6445042 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In a laminated core made up of multiple types of thin core plates with different shapes (at least one of the external and internal shapes), the stress distribution in the laminated core changes depending on the shape of the thin core plates when an external force is applied during use of the laminated core or after it is ejected from the squeeze ring.

[0007] Therefore, after careful consideration, the inventors of the present application discovered that in a laminated core made up of such multiple types of iron core thin plates, if adhesive is applied evenly (i.e., with the same amount applied) to each iron core thin plate, there may be areas where the amount of adhesive applied (i.e., the bonding strength between the iron core thin plates) is insufficient to withstand the action of external forces, or areas where the amount of adhesive applied is excessive.

[0008] In such laminated cores, if there is insufficient adhesive applied to each thin core plate, there is a greater chance of problems such as peeling or damage to the thin core plates due to the action of external forces, and if there is too much adhesive, the manufacturing costs of the laminated core will increase.

[0009] In the prior art described in Patent Document 1, when the type of core thin plates is changed in the manufacture of one laminated core, the flow rate of adhesive discharged from the adhesive applicator is adjusted so that adhesive is applied only to the areas that overlap with the core thin plates immediately before the type change in the laminated state (i.e., application of adhesive to areas where adjacent core thin plates do not overlap is avoided). However, Patent Document 1 does not disclose details of the configuration or method for changing the amount of adhesive applied depending on the type of core thin plates in the manufacture of a laminated core.

[0010] The present invention was devised in consideration of the problems with the conventional technology, and its main object is to provide an adhesive application device and adhesive application method for laminated cores, as well as an adhesive manufacturing device and method for laminated cores, which are made up of multiple types of core thin plates having different shapes, and which are capable of changing the amount of adhesive applied depending on the type of each core thin plate with a simple configuration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] In a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an adhesive application device for a laminated iron core, wherein the laminated iron core includes a plurality of types of iron core thin plates having different shapes each punched out from a strip-shaped thin steel plate, and the device comprises an adhesive discharge head having a plurality of outlets formed therein which discharge adhesive toward a plurality of adhesive application points set at locations on the strip-shaped thin steel plate corresponding to each of the iron core thin plates, and an adhesive application control device which controls the discharge of the adhesive from the plurality of outlets in the adhesive discharge head, wherein the plurality of adhesive application points are arranged at the same positions in the stacking direction of each of the iron core thin plates regardless of the type of each of the iron core thin plates, and the adhesive application control device is configured to control the discharge of the adhesive from the plurality of outlets so as to change the amount of adhesive applied to at least some of the plurality of adhesive application points depending on the type of each of the iron core thin plates.

[0012] This makes it possible to change the amount of adhesive applied in accordance with the type of each thin core plate with a simple configuration when manufacturing a laminated core made up of multiple types of thin core plates having mutually different shapes.

[0013] In a second aspect of the present invention, the adhesive application control device is configured to sequentially acquire punching signals synchronized with the punching of each of the iron core thin plates from the strip-shaped thin steel plate, and control the discharge of the adhesive from the multiple discharge ports based on the number of acquired punching signals.

[0014] This makes it possible to more reliably change the amount of adhesive applied in accordance with the type of each thin core plate, based on a punching signal synchronized with the punching of each thin core plate.

[0015] In a third aspect of the present invention, the apparatus further includes an adhesive supply device that continuously supplies the adhesive to the adhesive discharge head, and the adhesive application control device is configured to control the discharge of the adhesive from the multiple discharge ports by changing the amount of adhesive supplied per unit time by the adhesive supply device.

[0016] This allows the adhesive to be stably supplied to the adhesive discharge head, while the amount of adhesive to be applied can be changed depending on the type of each iron core thin plate.

[0017] In a fourth aspect of the present invention, the apparatus further includes an adhesive supplying device that intermittently supplies the adhesive to the adhesive dispensing head.

[0018] This allows the amount of adhesive to be easily changed depending on the type of each iron core thin plate.

[0019] In a fifth aspect of the present invention, the adhesive supply device includes an adhesive transfer pump, and the adhesive application control device is configured to change the rotation speed of the adhesive transfer pump when the type of iron core thin plate to which the adhesive is to be applied changes, based on the punching signal corresponding to another iron core thin plate that was punched out before the punching signal corresponding to the iron core thin plate to which the adhesive is to be applied.

[0020] This allows the amount of adhesive applied to be more reliably changed according to the type of each iron core thin plate, even if there is a time lag between a change in the amount of adhesive supplied by the adhesive transfer pump (i.e., the rotation speed of the adhesive transfer pump) and a change in the amount of adhesive applied to the iron core thin plate.

[0021] In a sixth aspect of the present invention, the adhesive supply device includes an adhesive transfer pump, and the adhesive application control device is configured to change the discharge pressure of the adhesive transfer pump when the type of iron core thin plate to which the adhesive is to be applied changes, based on the punching signal corresponding to another iron core thin plate that was punched out before the punching signal corresponding to the iron core thin plate to which the adhesive is to be applied.

[0022] This allows the amount of adhesive applied to be more reliably changed according to the type of each iron core thin plate, even if there is a time lag between a change in the amount of adhesive supplied by the adhesive transfer pump (i.e., the discharge pressure of the adhesive transfer pump) and a change in the amount of adhesive applied to the iron core thin plate.

[0023] In a seventh aspect of the present invention, the multiple types of iron core thin plates include a first iron core thin plate and a second iron core thin plate having an outer diameter smaller than that of the first iron core thin plate, and the adhesive application control device is configured to control the discharge of the adhesive from the multiple discharge ports so that the amount of adhesive applied to at least some of the multiple adhesive application points is greater for the second iron core thin plate than for the first iron core thin plate.

[0024] This increases the bonding strength between the second core thin plates, which have smaller outer dimensions, in the laminated core, preventing problems such as peeling or breakage in the areas made up of the second core thin plates when an external force acts on the laminated core.It also prevents the first core thin plates from using too much adhesive (which would increase the manufacturing costs of the laminated core) when the amount of adhesive applied to each adhesive application point on the first core thin plates is the same as that on the second core thin plates.

[0025] In an eighth aspect of the present invention, the first iron core thin plate and the second iron core thin plate each have an approximately circular outer shape, and at least some of the multiple adhesive application points are arranged in a circular pattern at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction along the outer peripheral edges of each of the first iron core thin plate and the second iron core thin plate.

[0026] This makes it possible to more reliably increase the bonding strength between the second core thin plates, thereby more reliably preventing problems such as peeling or breakage in the areas made up of the second core thin plates when an external force acts on the laminated core.

[0027] In a ninth aspect of the present invention, the laminated core includes a plurality of iron core thin plate blocks formed by a plurality of the iron core thin plates having the same shape, and the adhesive application control device is configured to control the dispensing of the adhesive from the adhesive dispensing head for each of the iron core thin plate blocks.

[0028] This makes it possible to change the amount of adhesive applied in accordance with the type of iron core thin plates that make up each iron core thin plate block with a simple configuration.

[0029] In a tenth aspect of the present invention, the multiple types of iron core thin plates include a third iron core thin plate having an opening or a notch formed therein and a fourth iron core thin plate that does not include a shape corresponding to the opening or the notch, and the adhesive application control device is configured to control the discharge of the adhesive from the multiple discharge ports so that the amount of adhesive applied to at least some of the multiple adhesive application points adjacent to the opening or the notch is greater for the fourth iron core thin plate than for the third iron core thin plate.

[0030] As a result, even if it is difficult to apply adhesive to the area where an opening or notch is formed in the third core thin plate in a laminated core, the amount of adhesive applied to the fourth core thin plate can be increased, thereby minimizing a lack of adhesive (i.e., bonding strength) in the laminated core as much as possible.

[0031] In an eleventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for applying adhesive to a laminated iron core, the laminated iron core including a plurality of types of iron core thin plates having different shapes each punched out from a strip-shaped thin steel plate, and comprising an adhesive application process for ejecting adhesive from a plurality of outlets toward a plurality of adhesive application points set at locations on the strip-shaped thin steel plate corresponding to each of the iron core thin plates, the plurality of adhesive application points being arranged at the same positions in the stacking direction of each of the iron core thin plates regardless of the type of each of the iron core thin plates, and in the adhesive application process, the ejection of the adhesive from the plurality of outlets is controlled so as to change the amount of adhesive applied to at least some of the plurality of adhesive application points depending on the type of each of the iron core thin plates.

[0032] A twelfth aspect of the present invention provides a laminated core manufacturing device comprising an adhesive application device for the laminated core according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, and a punching device for sequentially punching out the multiple types of core thin plates from the strip-shaped thin steel plate.

[0033] In a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for manufacturing a laminated core, the laminated core including a plurality of types of core thin plates having different shapes each punched out from a strip-shaped thin steel plate, the method comprising: a punching process for sequentially punching out the plurality of types of core thin plates from the intermittently transported strip-shaped thin steel plate; and an adhesive application process for ejecting adhesive from a plurality of outlets toward a plurality of adhesive application points set at locations on the strip-shaped thin steel plate corresponding to each of the core thin plates, the plurality of adhesive application points being arranged at the same positions in the stacking direction of the core thin plates regardless of the type of each of the core thin plates, and in the adhesive application process, the ejection of the adhesive from the plurality of outlets is controlled so as to change the amount of adhesive applied to at least some of the plurality of adhesive application points depending on the type of each of the core thin plates.

[0034] According to the above 11th to 13th aspects of the present invention, in the manufacture of a laminated core composed of multiple types of core thin plates having different shapes, the amount of adhesive to be applied can be changed depending on the type of each core thin plate using a simple configuration.

[0035] In a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the method further comprises a press oil application step of applying press oil to one or both sides of the strip-shaped thin steel plate before the punching step, and the press oil contains a hardening accelerator for the adhesive.

[0036] According to this method, by applying press working oil to the strip-shaped thin steel plate, the thin iron core plates are quickly and firmly bonded to each other. [Effects of the Invention]

[0037] Thus, according to the present invention, in the manufacture of a laminated core made up of multiple types of core thin plates having different shapes, it is possible to change the amount of adhesive applied depending on the type of each core thin plate using a simple configuration. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0038] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a laminated core manufacturing apparatus according to a first embodiment; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a side view showing an example of a laminated core manufactured by the manufacturing apparatus shown in FIG. [Figure 3] 3 is a plan view of a first core thin plate constituting the laminated core shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 3 is a plan view of the second core thin plate that constitutes the laminated core shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a detailed configuration of an adhesive application device according to a first embodiment; [Figure 6] A perspective view of the front side of the nozzle block of the adhesive application device. [Figure 7] A perspective view of the back side of the nozzle block of the adhesive application device. [Figure 8] Enlarged view of the adhesive application device [Figure 9] 1 is a flow chart showing the flow of adhesive application control processing in an adhesive application device. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a signal used in adhesive application control processing in an adhesive application device. [Figure 11] 1 is a plan view of a main portion of a first core thin plate according to a first modified example of a laminated core; [Figure 12] 10 is a plan view of a main portion of a second thin core plate according to a first modified example of a laminated core; [Figure 13] 3 is a side view of a second modified example of the laminated core shown in FIG. 2; [Figure 14] 10 is a plan view of a main portion of a third thin core plate according to a second modified example of the laminated core; [Figure 15] 4 is a plan view of a main part of a fourth thin core plate according to a second modified example of the laminated core; [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a laminated core manufacturing apparatus according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0039] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. For convenience of explanation, directions are set as shown by arrows in the drawings (see FIGS. 1 and 5). However, the actual arrangement of the laminated iron core manufacturing apparatus 1 is not limited to these directions.

[0040] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a laminated core manufacturing apparatus 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] As shown in Fig. 1, laminated core manufacturing apparatus 1 is composed of a progressive die equipped with a laminated core adhesive applicator 2. Laminated core C manufactured by this laminated core manufacturing apparatus 1 includes multiple types of core thin plates (see first and second core thin plates W1 and W2 shown in Figs. 2 to 4) having different shapes (at least one of the outer shape and the inner shape) that are each punched out from hoop material F. Hereinafter, the multiple types of core thin plates W1, W2, etc. will be collectively referred to as core thin plates W when there is no need to particularly distinguish between them.

[0042] In the laminated core manufacturing apparatus 1, a pilot hole punching station I, an inner shape punching station II, an idle station III, an adhesive application station IV, an idle station V, an outer shape punching station VI, and an idle station VII are provided in this order in the forward feed direction of a hoop material F (a thin steel strip) (see the arrow in Figure 1). The hoop material F is made of an electromagnetic steel sheet. In the laminated core manufacturing apparatus 1, the hoop material F is intermittently transferred, and the punching process is carried out at stations I, II, and VI, and the adhesive application process is carried out at station IV.

[0043] The laminated iron core manufacturing apparatus 1 has a plate-shaped upper holder 5 fixed to an upper ram (not shown) of a press machine, and a plate-shaped lower holder 6 fixed to a lower table (not shown) of the press machine so as to face the upper holder 5.

[0044] A pilot hole punch 11, an inner shape punch 12, and an outer shape punch 13 are attached to the lower part of the upper holder 5 by a backing plate 8 and a punch plate 9 at positions corresponding to each of stations I, II, and VI. The upper holder 5, backing plate 8, and punch plate 9 constitute the upper die of the laminated core manufacturing apparatus 1, and can move back and forth up and down in response to the operation of the press machine. However, the components of the upper die of the laminated core manufacturing apparatus 1 are not limited to these and may be changed to other known components.

[0045] A stripper 17 is attached below the upper holder 5. The stripper 17 is provided so as to be displaceable in the vertical direction relative to the upper holder 5. The stripper 17 is suspended by a suspension bolt (not shown) and has its lowest position set relative to the upper holder 5.

[0046] The stripper 17 includes a plate-shaped stripper body 18 and a stripper plate 19 fixed to the lower part of the stripper body 18. A lower surface 20 of the stripper plate 19 faces the upper surfaces of a die plate 22, a pilot hole punching die 24, an inner shape punching die 25, and an outer shape punching die 26, which will be described later. The upper surfaces of the die plate 22 and the dies 24, 25, and 26 form a single flat surface without any steps, and therefore, hereinafter, these upper surfaces will be collectively referred to as an upper surface 27 of the die plate 22. The stripper plate 19 is formed with punch insertion holes 31, 32, and 33 through which the punches 11, 12, and 13 pass, respectively. The punches 11, 12, and 13 are provided so as to be displaceable relative to the stripper plate 19 in the up-and-down direction.

[0047] The die plate 22 is attached to the upper surface of the lower holder 6. Dies 24, 25, and 26 are attached to the die plate 22 at positions corresponding to punching stations I, II, and VI, respectively. The dies 24, 25, and 26 cooperate with the corresponding punches 11, 12, and 13 in punching the hoop material F. The lower holder 6 is provided with a squeeze ring 29 connected to the lower side of the outer shape punching die 26. The lower holder 6, the die plate 22, and the dies 24, 25, and 26 constitute a lower die that pairs with the upper die in the laminated core manufacturing apparatus 1. However, the components of the lower die of the laminated core manufacturing apparatus 1 are not limited to these and may be changed to other known components.

[0048] The adhesive applicator 2 is provided in the lower mold of the adhesive applicator station IV of the laminated core manufacturing apparatus 1. The adhesive applicator 2 has an applicator table 37 that dispenses adhesive toward the hoop material F, a cam mechanism 39 that moves the applicator table 37 up and down, and a drive device 41 that drives the cam mechanism 39. In this embodiment, the adhesive applicator 2 is integrally incorporated into a punching device (here, a progressive press die) that can sequentially punch out the iron core thin plates W that make up the laminated core C from a workpiece such as the hoop material F. However, the adhesive applicator 2 may also be provided as a separate device that can cooperate with the punching device.

[0049] In the laminated core manufacturing apparatus 1, the rotational motion of a crankshaft 44 of a press machine driven by an upper die drive motor 43 is converted into vertical reciprocating motion of an upper holder 5 (upper ram of the press machine) via a connecting rod (not shown). The laminated core manufacturing apparatus 1 is provided with an encoder 47 that detects the rotational phase of the crankshaft 44 (the rotational angle from a reference rotation position of the crankshaft 44) and generates an encoder signal indicative of the detection result.

[0050] The operation of the laminated iron core manufacturing apparatus 1 is controlled by a main control device 50. Although not shown in detail, the main control device 50 includes known hardware such as one or more processors, a driver for the upper die drive motor 43, a display device (such as a liquid crystal monitor), an input device (such as a touch panel), storage, and memory (such as RAM and ROM). The processor can comprehensively control the punching operation (see FIG. 9) performed by the laminated iron core manufacturing apparatus 1 based on a predetermined control program. As will be described in detail later, the main control device 50 can generate operation signals, punching signals, and reset signals for the number of laminated sheets based on encoder signals and send them to the adhesive application device 2 as appropriate.

[0051] In the pilot hole punching station I, a pilot hole (not shown) is punched in the hoop material F by the pilot hole punching punch 11 and the pilot hole punching die 24 for each press operation of the press machine, in other words, for each intermittent transfer of the hoop material F. The pilot holes are provided, for example, near the edges on both the left and right sides of the hoop material F in the forward feed direction.

[0052] In the inner shape punching station II, an inner shape IS (see FIGS. 3 and 4) is punched into the hoop material F by the inner shape punching punch 12 and the inner shape punching die 25 for each intermittent transfer of the hoop material F. The inner shape IS punched out in the inner shape punching station II forms the internal shape of the core thin plate W. In the inner shape punching station II, openings 95 and 195 (see FIGS. 11 and 12) and notches (not shown), which will be described later, may be formed as the internal shape of the core thin plate W.

[0053] At adhesive application station IV, adhesive is applied in dot form by adhesive application device 2 to a plurality of adhesive application points (see application points E1 and E2 shown in Figures 3 and 4) set in areas of hoop material F that correspond to the iron core thin plates (i.e., areas that will later be punched out at outline punching station VI). Hereinafter, the plurality of application points E1 and E2 will be collectively referred to as application points E unless there is a need to distinguish between them.

[0054] In this embodiment, the multiple application points E are set on the lower surface of the hoop material F, which is the adhesive application surface. However, the adhesive application surface of the hoop material F may also be the upper surface. When the application table 37 is in the raised position, the adhesive application device 2 applies (transfers) adhesive in dots to multiple locations (application points E) on the lower surface of the hoop material F with each press operation (reciprocating movement of the upper die). However, for the portion corresponding to the iron core thin plate W (so-called iron core thin plate for measurement) located at the bottom layer of the laminated core C, application of adhesive to the hoop material F is paused when the application table 37 descends to the lowered position. A known hardening accelerator for accelerating the hardening of the adhesive can be applied to the upper surface of the hoop material F. Such a hardening accelerator may be applied, for example, together with the press processing oil when (or before) introducing the hoop material F into the laminated core manufacturing apparatus 1. An adhesive hardening accelerator may also be added to the press processing oil.

[0055] At the outline punching station VI, the outline OS (see Figures 3 and 4) of the core thin plates W is punched out of the hoop material F using the outline punching punch 13 and the outline punching die 26. This outline punching completes the core thin plates W. The punched core thin plates W are stacked on top of the previously punched core thin plates W inside the outline punching die 26. The core thin plates W are then stacked one on top of the other as they move downward inside the outline punching die 26. The core thin plates W are then sequentially pushed into the squeeze ring 29 below the outline punching die 26. Inside the squeeze ring 29, the overlapping core thin plates W, except for the measuring core thin plates that do not have adhesive applied, are bonded to each other with adhesive. At this time, the adhesive dots spread around the application points E between adjacent core thin plates W (i.e., in a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction of the core thin plates W). In the outer shape punching station VI, the iron core thin plates W may be rotationally stacked (stacking while rotated at a predetermined angle) within the outer shape punching die 26.

[0056] The laminate of iron core thin plates W, which have been integrated with adhesive, is discharged downward from a discharge hole 45 formed in the lower holder 6 (squeeze ring 29) at the outline punching station VI, and then, if necessary, a post-processing step is carried out to heat and harden the adhesive.

[0057] Fig. 2 is a side view showing an example of a laminated core C manufactured by the laminated core manufacturing apparatus 1 shown in Fig. 1. Figs. 3 and 4 are plan views of a first core thin plate W1 and a second core thin plate W2, respectively, which constitute the laminated core C shown in Fig. 2.

[0058] As shown in Figure 2, the laminated core C includes a first thin-plate core block B1 composed only of the first thin-plate core W1 and a second thin-plate core block B2 composed only of the second thin-plate core W2. The thin-plate core blocks B1 and B2 are each composed of multiple thin-plate cores having the same shape. The second thin-plate core block B2 has a smaller outer diameter than the first thin-plate core block B1.

[0059] In this embodiment, the laminated core C has a configuration in which a second core thin plate block B2 is located in the vertical center and is sandwiched between two first core thin plate blocks B1. As a result, the laminated core C has a shape in which the vertical center is constricted in a side view. In a laminated core C having such a constricted portion (small diameter portion), the amount of adhesive applied to the constricted portion (i.e., the bonding strength between the core thin plates W2) may be insufficient to withstand the action of external forces, so it is desirable to apply a larger amount of adhesive to the constricted portion than to the first core thin plates W1.

[0060] 3, the first core thin plate W1 includes an annular yoke portion 51 having a substantially circular outer shape OS (outer periphery) formed by outer shape punching. The first core thin plate W1 also includes a plurality of teeth 53 (magnetic pole portions) protruding radially inward from the yoke portion 51 as an inner shape IS formed by inner shape punching.

[0061] On the adhesive application surface (here, the lower surface) of the first core thin plate W1, a plurality of application points E1 are set on the yoke portion 51 at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction along the outer periphery, arranged in a substantially circular pattern (i.e., along an imaginary circle not shown). Each tooth portion 53 is also set with one application point E2. The size of each application point E1, E2 in FIG. 3 indicates the size of the adhesive application area (corresponding to the amount of adhesive applied) (the same applies to FIG. 4). Here, the application area of ​​each application point E1 is larger than the application area of ​​each application point E2. Each application point E1 is positioned radially outward of the corresponding application point E2. Therefore, the number of application points E1 is the same as the number of application points E2. The number of application points E1 and E2 does not have to be the same.

[0062] 4, the second core thin plate W2 has an annular yoke portion 151 whose outer shape OS (outer periphery) is formed by punching. Similarly to the first core thin plate W1 (tooth portions 53), the second core thin plate W2 also has a plurality of teeth 153 protruding radially inward from the yoke portion 151. The radial width of the yoke portion 151 is smaller than that of the yoke portion 51 of the first core thin plate W1.

[0063] In the second core thin plate W2, the application points E1 are set in the yoke portion 151 at the same positions in the stacking direction as the application points E1 on the first core thin plate W1. However, the application area (i.e., the application amount) of each application point E1 on the second core thin plate W2 is larger than the application area of ​​each application point E1 on the first core thin plate W1 (see FIG. 3). This increases the bonding strength between the second core thin plate W2, which has a smaller outer diameter, in the laminated core C, preventing problems such as peeling or breakage in the area formed by the second core thin plate W2 when an external force is applied to the laminated core C. In particular, because each application point E1 with an increased application amount is arranged along the outer periphery of the second core thin plate W2, the bonding strength of the second core thin plate W2 can be more reliably increased.

[0064] Furthermore, in the second core thin plate W2, one application point E2 is set on each tooth portion 53. The application area of ​​each application point E2 on the second core thin plate W2 is set to be the same as that of each application point E2 on the first core thin plate W1 arranged at the same position in the stacking direction.

[0065] Since the second core thin plate W2 has a smaller outer diameter than the first core thin plate W1, its outer diameter is smaller than the inner diameter of the outer shape punching die 26 and squeeze ring 29, which are set according to the outer diameter of the first core thin plate W1, in the above-mentioned outer shape punching station VI (see FIG. 1). Therefore, the second core thin plate W2 may not be stably held in the outer shape punching die 26 and squeeze ring 29. Therefore, for example, the second core thin plate W2 may be provided with multiple protrusions (not shown) extending outward from its outer peripheral edge (outer shape OS) at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction, thereby making the effective outer diameter of the second core thin plate W2 (i.e., the outer diameter based on the position of the tip of each protrusion) approximately the same as the outer diameter of the first core thin plate W1. A punching station for forming the protrusions of the second core thin plate W2 may be provided between the pilot hole punching station I and the adhesive application station IV.

[0066] Fig. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a detailed configuration of the adhesive applicator 2 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figs. 6 and 7 are perspective views of the front side (upper surface side) and rear side (lower surface side), respectively, of the nozzle block 60 of the adhesive applicator 2. Fig. 8 is an enlarged view of a main part of the adhesive applicator 2.

[0067] As shown in Figure 5, the application table 37 of the adhesive application device 2 has an upper block 55 and a lower block 56 that are connected to each other in the vertical direction. The upper block 55 is provided with a nozzle block 60 (adhesive discharge head) that has multiple discharge ports 58A, 58B formed therein, each of which discharges adhesive toward an application point E set on the hoop material F (see also Figures 6 and 7). In the upper block 55, the nozzle block 60 is attached to the top surface of an internal block 61 located below it. The application table 37 is fitted into holding holes 62 formed in the lower holder 6 and the die plate 22 so as to be movable up and down.

[0068] The cam mechanism 39 includes a fixed cam 64, which is a plate cam fixed to the bottom of the lower block 56, and a movable cam 66, which is a plate cam movably provided on the bottom of the lower block 56. The movable cam 66 is connected to the drive device 41 and is driven to reciprocate in the left-right direction by the drive device 41. The fixed cam 64 includes a sawtooth-shaped portion on its lower surface, which has sawtooth crests and sawtooth valleys alternating in the left-right direction. The movable cam 66 also includes a sawtooth-shaped portion on its upper surface, which has sawtooth crests and sawtooth valleys alternating in the left-right direction. As a result, when the sawtooth crests of the fixed cam 64 and the sawtooth crests of the movable cam 66 are aligned in the left-right direction, the application table 37 is positioned at the raised position (transfer position) shown in FIG. 5.

[0069] 6, the nozzle block 60 is made of a substantially annular plate. The nozzle block 60 has a plurality of discharge ports 58A arranged at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction on the outer periphery side, and a plurality of discharge ports 58B arranged on the inner periphery side.

[0070] More specifically, three discharge ports 58A (a group of holes on the outer periphery) aligned along the radial direction are arranged at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction on the outer periphery of the nozzle block 60. Similarly, three discharge ports 58B (a group of holes on the inner periphery) aligned along the radial direction are arranged at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction on the inner periphery of the nozzle block 60.

[0071] Here, three outlets 58A are arranged to correspond to each application point E1. That is, adhesive is discharged from the three outlets 58A toward one application point E1, and the adhesive spreads (combines) to form one adhesive application area. Similarly, three outlets 58B are arranged to correspond to each application point E2. That is, adhesive is discharged from the three outlets 58B toward one application point E2, and the adhesive spreads (combines) to form one adhesive application area. However, the number and arrangement of the application points E and the corresponding outlets 58A and 58B on the hoop material F (the portion corresponding to the iron core thin plate W) can be changed in various ways as needed.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 7 , adhesive reservoirs 71 and 72, each consisting of annular grooves, are formed on the underside of the nozzle block 60. Adhesive reservoir 71 is disposed on the outer periphery of the nozzle block 60 so as to surround adhesive reservoir 72. Adhesive reservoir 71 has the same depth as adhesive reservoir 72 in the vertical direction. Meanwhile, adhesive reservoir 71 has a greater width in the radial direction than adhesive reservoir 72. This allows adhesive reservoir 71 to store more adhesive than adhesive reservoir 72. Note that the shapes of adhesive reservoirs 71 and 72 are not limited to annular. For example, at least a portion of adhesive reservoirs 71 and 72 may be formed in a radial or angular shape.

[0073] Each of the discharge ports 58A and each of the discharge ports 58B penetrates the nozzle block 60 in the vertical direction. More specifically, each of the discharge ports 58A communicates with an adhesive reservoir 71 and opens to an upper surface 68 of the nozzle block 60 (upper block 55). Similarly, each of the discharge ports 58B communicates with an adhesive reservoir 72 and opens to an upper surface 68 of the nozzle block 60 (upper block 55).

[0074] An adhesive supply passage 75 is formed in the lower block 56 and the internal block 61 to supply adhesive to the adhesive reservoir 71. The downstream end of a flexible adhesive supply tube 79 is connected to the upstream end of the adhesive supply passage 75. The upstream end of the adhesive supply tube 79 is connected to a first adhesive supply device 85. Similarly, an adhesive supply passage 76 is formed in the lower block 56 and the internal block 61 to supply adhesive to the adhesive reservoir 72. The upstream end of the adhesive supply passage 76 is connected to the downstream end of a flexible adhesive supply tube 80. The upstream end of the adhesive supply tube 80 is connected to a second adhesive supply device 86.

[0075] A first adhesive tank 88 is attached to the first adhesive supply device 85. The first adhesive supply device 85 pressurizes the adhesive in the first adhesive tank 88 to a predetermined pressure, and continuously supplies the pressurized adhesive at a predetermined flow rate (amount supplied per unit time) to the adhesive reservoir 71 via the adhesive supply tube 79 and the adhesive supply passage 75. The adhesive supplied to the adhesive reservoir 71 is then discharged from each discharge port 58A. The pressure and flow rate of the adhesive supplied from the first adhesive supply device 85 to the adhesive reservoir 71 can be changed as appropriate.

[0076] Similarly, a second adhesive tank 89 is attached to the second adhesive supply device 86. The second adhesive supply device 86 pressurizes the adhesive in the second adhesive tank 89 to a predetermined pressure and continuously supplies the pressurized adhesive at a predetermined flow rate to the adhesive reservoir 72 via the adhesive supply tube 80 and the adhesive supply passage 76. The adhesive supplied to the adhesive reservoir 72 is then discharged from each discharge port 58B. The pressure and flow rate of the adhesive supplied from the second adhesive supply device 86 to the adhesive reservoir 72 can be changed as appropriate.

[0077] The adhesive application device 2 is provided with an adhesive application control device 90 that controls the discharge of adhesive from each of the discharge ports 58A, 58B in the nozzle block 60. The adhesive application control device 90 controls the discharge of adhesive from the multiple discharge ports 58A, 58B so as to change the amount of adhesive applied to at least some of the multiple application points E depending on the type of each iron core thin plate W. In this embodiment, the adhesive application control device 90 can control the discharge of adhesive from the discharge ports 58A, 58B by changing the flow rate of adhesive (amount supplied per unit time) from the first and second adhesive supply devices 85, 86 to the nozzle block 60. This allows the adhesive application device 2 to change the amount of adhesive applied depending on the type of each iron core thin plate W to be applied using a simple configuration.

[0078] The operation of the first and second adhesive supply devices 85, 86 is controlled based on control signals sent from an adhesive application control device 90. In this embodiment, adhesive transfer pumps having a known configuration are used as the first and second adhesive supply devices 85, 86. The adhesive application control device 90 can change the amount of adhesive supplied from the first and second adhesive supply devices 85, 86 to the nozzle block 60, for example, by sending a control signal to change the rotation speed of the adhesive transfer pump. Furthermore, changing the rotation speed of the adhesive transfer pump can change the adhesive discharge pressure (i.e., the pressure of the adhesive supplied from the first and second adhesive supply devices 85, 86).

[0079] The adhesive application control device 90 includes one or more processors, a display device (such as a liquid crystal monitor), an input device (such as a touch panel), storage, memory (such as a RAM or ROM), and a communication interface. The processor can comprehensively control the adhesive application control process (see FIG. 9) performed by the adhesive application device 2 based on a predetermined control program. The adhesive application control device 90 is connected to the main control device 50 and the first and second adhesive supply devices 85, 86 so as to be able to communicate with them.

[0080] In this embodiment, the first adhesive supply device 85 is configured to continuously supply adhesive to the adhesive reservoir 71 via the adhesive supply tube 79 and the adhesive supply passage 75. However, the adhesive may be supplied intermittently by changing the pressure applied to the adhesive in the first adhesive tank 88 (the same applies to the second adhesive supply device 86). Furthermore, instead of the transfer-type device described above, the first and second adhesive supply devices 85 and 86 may be devices having adhesive discharge heads that discharge adhesive based on a known inkjet system. For example, the first and second adhesive supply devices 85 and 86 may be configured to discharge adhesive by the movement of a piezoelectric element provided in the adhesive discharge head, thereby changing the amount of adhesive applied to the application point.

[0081] In addition, in this embodiment, two adhesive supply devices 85 and 86 are provided, but they may be provided as a single device that performs the same function. The same applies to the first and second adhesive tanks 88 and 89 attached thereto.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 8, in the adhesive application device 2, when the application table 37 is in the raised position, the upper surface 68 of the upper block 55 (nozzle block 60) is positioned below the upper surface 27 of the die plate 22 by a step α. The adhesive in the adhesive reservoir 71 is dispensed from each outlet 58A above the application table 37. Because the pressure of the adhesive in the adhesive reservoir 71 is maintained at a predetermined value and the adhesive has a predetermined viscosity, the adhesive dispensed from each outlet 58A forms a droplet N1 that is approximately hemispherically raised above the upper surface 68 of the upper block 55. The height of the droplet N1 is slightly greater than the step α. As a result, when the application table 37 is in the raised position and the hoop material F descends to a position where its lower surface contacts the upper surface 27 of the die plate 22, the adhesive droplet N1 from each outlet 58A contacts the lower surface of the hoop material F. As a result, the adhesive from the droplet N1 is transferred in a dot-like manner to each application point E1. Similarly, the adhesive in the adhesive reservoir 72 forms droplets N2 on the top surface 68 of the upper block 55, and the adhesive in the droplets N2 is transferred in a dot shape to each application point E2.

[0083] The amount of adhesive applied (transferred amount) from the application table 37 to each application point E1, E2 is controlled by the step α and the size (volume) of the droplets N1, N2. The size of the droplets N1, N2 can be adjusted by changing the flow rate of the adhesive in the adhesive reservoirs 71, 72, the adhesive pressure, the adhesive viscosity, the inner diameter of the discharge ports 58A, 58B, etc.

[0084] Fig. 9 is a flow chart showing the flow of adhesive application control processing in the adhesive application device 2. Fig. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of signals used in the adhesive application control processing in the adhesive application device 2.

[0085] 9, in the adhesive application control process, first, the adhesive application control device 90 sets the amount of adhesive to be applied in association with the number of stacked iron core thin plates W (ST101). At this time, the adhesive application device 2 is on standby.

[0086] Step ST101 will now be described using the application of adhesive to the laminated core C shown in FIG. 2 as an example. For example, assume that the laminated core C is configured by stacking, from bottom to top, N core thin plates W1 (lower first core thin plate block B1), M core thin plates W2 (second core thin plate block B2), and L core thin plates W1 (upper first core thin plate block B1). In the laminated core manufacturing apparatus 1, the multiple core thin plates that make up the laminated core C are punched and stacked in order from the bottom core thin plate W1 through the middle core thin plate W2 to the top core thin plate W1. In this case, in step ST101, first application amounts (reference values) are set as the amounts of adhesive to be applied to application points E1 and E2 on the first to Nth core thin plate W1 from bottom to top (lower first core thin plate block B1). Furthermore, the amount of adhesive applied to the application point E1 on the core thin plates W2 of the (N+1)th to (N+M)th sheets counting from the bottom (second core thin plate block B2) is set to a second application amount that is increased from the first application amount. In this laminated core C, the amount of adhesive applied to the application point E2 on the core thin plates W2 (first application amount) remains unchanged (see Figures 3 and 4). Furthermore, a first application amount (reference value) is set as the amount of adhesive applied to the application point E1 on the (N+M+1)th to (N+M+L)th core thin plates W1 counting from the bottom (first lower core thin plate block B1). Note that the "first application amounts" set for the application point E1 and the application point E2 do not necessarily have to be the same.

[0087] In step ST101, in order to set such amounts of adhesive to be applied (first application amount, second application amount), the rotation speed of the adhesive transfer pump corresponding to the first and second application amounts, respectively, is set in the adhesive application control device 90.

[0088] Next, the adhesive application control device 90 starts receiving an operation signal (see FIG. 10) for the progressive die (press machine) from the main control device 50 (Yes in ST102), and then starts operation of the adhesive application device 2 (adhesive application operation) at a predetermined timing (ST103). The operation signal is continuously sent from the main control device 50 to the adhesive application control device 90 from the start to the end of operation of the progressive die. Also, in step ST103, the adhesive application control device 90 starts receiving a punching signal (see FIG. 10) for the progressive die. As a result, the adhesive application control device 90 counts the acquired punching signals for the progressive die using the counter function of the processor, and treats the number of punching signals as the current number of laminated iron core thin plates W in the laminated iron core C (i.e., it estimates the current number of laminated sheets from the number of punching signals). The adhesive application control device 90 controls the discharge of adhesive from the multiple discharge ports 58A, 58B based on the acquired number of punching signals. This allows the adhesive application device 2 to more reliably change the amount of adhesive applied depending on the type of each iron core thin plate W. The punching signals are generated at a predetermined cycle in synchronization with each punching operation (reciprocating movement of the upper die) of the iron core thin plate W from the start to the end of operation of the progressive die. These punching signals are sent sequentially from the main control device 50 to the adhesive application control device 90.

[0089] Thereafter, the adhesive application control device 90 determines whether or not to start changing the amount of adhesive to be applied, based on the current number of stacked iron core thin plates W (the number of punching signals) and the amount of adhesive to be applied set in step ST101 (here, the number of stacked iron core thin plates W for which the amount to be applied should be changed) (ST104). At this time, if the current number of stacked sheets matches the number of stacked sheets for which the amount to be applied should be changed, the adhesive application control device 90 determines that it should start changing the amount of adhesive to be applied (Yes in ST104), and transmits a control signal to at least one of the first and second adhesive supply devices 85, 86 to change (increase or decrease) the amount of adhesive to be supplied (i.e., the amount to be applied) (ST105).

[0090] Here, step ST105 will be described using the example of applying adhesive to the laminated iron core C shown in Fig. 2, as in step ST101. When the current number of laminated iron core thin plates W reaches the number of laminated plates (N+1th plate) at which the amount of adhesive to be applied should be increased, the adhesive application control device 90 sends a control signal to the first adhesive supply device 85 to increase the amount of adhesive to be supplied. Upon receiving this control signal, the first adhesive supply device 85 increases the amount of adhesive to be supplied (the rotation speed of the adhesive transfer pump) to a value corresponding to the amount of adhesive to be applied set in step ST101.

[0091] However, even if the amount of adhesive supplied to the nozzle block 60 in the first adhesive supply device 85 changes, there may be a slight delay before the amount of adhesive dispensed from the nozzle block 60 changes (the same applies to the second adhesive supply device 86). Therefore, the adhesive application control device 90 may send a control signal to the first adhesive supply device 85 to increase the amount of adhesive supplied when the current number of stacked core thin plates W reaches a predetermined number (N+1-Xth plate) obtained by subtracting a predetermined number from the N+1th plate (i.e., X plates corresponding to the time lag between when the amount of adhesive supplied to the application table 37 increases and when the amount of adhesive applied actually increases) (i.e., based on a punching signal corresponding to the other core thin plates punched out before the iron core thin plate whose type (shape) is changing).

[0092] Next, when the adhesive application control device 90 determines that the change in the amount of adhesive to be applied should be terminated based on the current number of stacked iron core thin plates W and the amount of adhesive to be applied set in step ST101 (ST106), it sends a control signal to at least one of the first and second adhesive supply devices 85, 86 to return the amount of adhesive supplied (i.e., the amount to be applied) to the reference value (ST107).

[0093] Here, step ST107 will be described using the application of adhesive to the laminated iron core C shown in Fig. 2 as an example, as with steps ST101 and ST105. When the current number of laminated iron core thin plates W reaches the number of laminated plates (N+M+1) at which the change in the application amount should be ended, the adhesive application control device 90 sends a control signal to the first adhesive supply device 85 to return the amount of adhesive supplied to a reference value. Upon receiving this control signal, the first adhesive supply device 85 returns the amount of adhesive supplied (the rotation speed of the adhesive transfer pump) to a value corresponding to the application amount (reference value) set in step ST101.

[0094] Also in step ST107, the adhesive application control device 90 takes into account the time lag between when the amount of adhesive supplied to the nozzle block 60 changes and when the amount of adhesive applied changes, and sends a control signal to the first adhesive supply device 85 when the number of stacked sheets reaches N+M+1 minus a predetermined number.

[0095] Although step ST107 shows an example in which the amount of adhesive supplied is returned to the reference value, the adhesive application control device 90 may send a control signal to increase the amount of adhesive supplied, as in step ST105, depending on the configuration of the laminated core C. Alternatively, in step ST107, the adhesive application control device 90 may send a control signal to decrease the amount of adhesive supplied to a value other than the reference value.

[0096] 2, the amount of adhesive applied to each application point E1 was changed, but the amount of adhesive applied to each application point E2 may also be changed in a similar manner. In other words, the adhesive application control device 90 only needs to control the discharge of adhesive from the multiple discharge ports 58A, 58B so as to change the amount of adhesive applied to at least some of the multiple adhesive application points E1, E2.

[0097] Thereafter, when the adhesive application control device 90 receives a reset signal (see FIG. 10) for the number of stacked sheets of the progressive die (press machine) from the main control device 50 (Yes in ST108), it determines whether the operation signal for the progressive die has stopped (ST109). The reset signal for the number of stacked sheets is generated in synchronization with the punching operation (reciprocating movement of the upper die) of the iron core thin plate W located at the bottom layer of one laminated core, and is sent from the main control device 50 to the adhesive application control device 90. If the operation signal for the progressive die has not stopped (No) in step ST109, the process returns to step ST103 again, and the same processing as described above is executed. Note that if the operation of the adhesive application device 2 has already started in step ST103, only the counting of the newly acquired punching signal is executed.

[0098] Finally, when the adhesive application control device 90 stops receiving the operation signal from the progressive die (Yes in ST109), the application control process ends.

[0099] Figures 11 and 12 are plan views of the main parts of first and second core thin plates according to a first modified example of the laminated core C shown in Figure 2. In Figures 11 and 12, the same components as those in the laminated core C shown in Figures 3 and 4 are given the same reference numerals. Furthermore, with regard to the first modified example, matters that are not specifically mentioned below are the same as those in the laminated core C shown in Figures 2 to 4, and therefore detailed explanations will be omitted.

[0100] As shown in FIG. 11, in the first core thin plate W1 according to the first modification, openings 95 (long holes extending in the radial direction) are formed on the radially outer sides of each tooth portion 53.

[0101] On the adhesive application surface (here, the lower surface) of the first core thin plate W1, a plurality of application points E101 are set on the yoke portion 51, arranged in a substantially circular shape at predetermined intervals along the outer peripheral edge. Furthermore, application points E102 are set in the spaces between circumferentially adjacent openings 95. Furthermore, two application points E103, E104 are set on each tooth portion 53. Here, the size of the application area (i.e., the amount of application) of each application point E101 is the same as the application area of ​​each application point E102. Each application point E101 is positioned radially outward from each application point E102. Furthermore, the application area of ​​each application point E103 is the same as the application area of ​​each application point E104. Each application point E103 is positioned radially outward from each application point E104. Meanwhile, the application areas of each application point E101, E102 are larger than the application areas of each application point E103, E104.

[0102] 12, in the second core thin plate W2 according to the first modification, similarly to the first core thin plate W1 shown in Fig. 11, openings 195 (long holes extending in the radial direction) are formed on the radial outside of each tooth portion 153. Also, the radial width of the yoke portion 151 is smaller than that of the yoke portion 51 of the first core thin plate W1.

[0103] On the adhesive application surface (here, the lower surface) of the second core thin plate W2, a plurality of application points E101 are set in a substantially circular arrangement at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction along the outer peripheral edge of the yoke portion 151. However, the application area (i.e., the amount of application) of each application point E101 on the second core thin plate W2 is set larger than that of each application point E101 on the first core thin plate W1 (see FIG. 11) arranged at the same position in the stacking direction. Also, application points E102, E103, and E104 are set on the adhesive application surface of the second core thin plate W2, similar to the first core thin plate W1 shown in FIG. 11.

[0104] In the first modified example, the openings 95 and 195 are formed in the first and second iron core thin plates W1 and W2, respectively. However, notches may be formed instead of (or together with) the openings 95 and 195. In this case, the adhesive application control device 90 can control the amount of adhesive applied to the application points adjacent to the notches in the same way as the application points E102 adjacent to the openings 95 and 195 described above.

[0105] Fig. 13 is a side view of a second modified example of the laminated core C shown in Fig. 2. Figs. 14 and 15 are plan views of the main parts of the third and fourth core thin plates W3 and W4 according to the second modified example of the laminated core C, respectively. In Figs. 13 to 15, the same components as those in the laminated core C shown in Figs. 2 to 4 or their first modified examples (Figs. 11 and 12) are denoted by the same reference numerals. Furthermore, with regard to the second modified example, matters not specifically mentioned below are the same as those in the laminated core C shown in Figs. 2 to 4 or their first modified examples (Figs. 11 and 12), and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0106] As shown in Fig. 13, the laminated core C according to the second modification is composed of a third core thin plate W3 and a fourth core thin plate W4 that have the same outer diameter. Similar to the laminated core C shown in Fig. 2, the laminated core C according to the second modification includes a first core thin plate block B1 composed only of the fourth core thin plate W4, and a second core thin plate block B2 composed only of the third core thin plate W3. The third core thin plate W3 and the fourth core thin plate W4 have the same outer diameter.

[0107] As shown in FIG. 14, on the adhesive application surface (here, the lower surface) of the third core thin plate W3 according to the second modification, two application points E101, E102 are set radially adjacent to each other on the yoke portion 51. These two application points E101, E102 are arranged in a substantially circular pattern at a predetermined interval in the circumferential direction. Two application points E103, E104 are set radially adjacent to each other on each tooth portion 53. The size of the application area (i.e., the amount of application) of each application point E101 is the same as the application area of ​​each application point E102. Each application point E101 is positioned radially outward from each application point E102. The size of the application area of ​​each application point E103 is the same as the application area of ​​each application point E104. Each application point E103 is positioned radially outward from each application point E103. On the other hand, the application area of ​​each of the application points E101 and E102 is larger than the application area of ​​each of the application points E103 and E104.

[0108] As shown in Fig. 15, in the fourth core thin plate W4 according to the second modification, openings 195 (radially extending elongated holes) that are not formed in the third core thin plate W3 (see Fig. 14) are formed on the radial outside of each tooth portion 153, similar to the first modification shown in Fig. 12. Also, the radial width of the yoke portion 151 is the same as that of the yoke portion 51 of the third core thin plate W3.

[0109] On the adhesive application surface (here, the lower surface) of the fourth iron core thin plate W4, a plurality of application points E101 are set in the yoke portion 151 along the outer periphery at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction in a substantially circular pattern. 195 In the spaces between the teeth, application points E102 are set. 153Two application points E103, E104 are set on each of the fourth core thin plates W4. The size of the application area (i.e., the amount of application) of each of the application points E101, E103, and E104 on the fourth core thin plate W4 is set to be the same as that of each of the application points E101, E103, and E104 on the third core thin plate W3, which is arranged at the same position in the stacking direction. On the other hand, the application area of ​​each application point E102 on the fourth core thin plate W4 is set to be smaller than that of each application point E102 on the third core thin plate W3 (see FIG. 14), which is arranged at the same position in the stacking direction.

[0110] Fig. 16 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a laminated iron core manufacturing apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment. In Fig. 16, the same components as those in the laminated iron core manufacturing apparatus 1 shown in Fig. 1 are given the same reference numerals. Furthermore, with regard to the second embodiment, matters that are not particularly mentioned below are the same as those in the first embodiment described above, and therefore detailed explanations will be omitted.

[0111] In the first embodiment described above, the adhesive application device 2 is integrally incorporated into the punching device (here, a progressive press die). On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 16, in the laminated core manufacturing apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment, the adhesive application device 2 is provided separately from the punching device 100.

[0112] The adhesive application device 2 is disposed upstream of the punching device 100 with respect to the transfer of the hoop material F. The hoop material F unwound from the coil 120 is introduced into the punching device 100 after adhesive is applied thereto in the adhesive application device 2.

[0113] The adhesive application device 2 applies adhesive to a plurality of application points E set on the adhesive application surface (here, the lower surface) of the hoop material F. In addition to applying the adhesive, the adhesive application device 2 may also apply a known hardening accelerator to the upper surface of the hoop material F to promote hardening of the adhesive.

[0114] In this case, as in the first embodiment described above, the adhesive application device 2 is not limited to a transfer type device, but can be, for example, a device having an adhesive ejection head that ejects adhesive based on a known inkjet method.

[0115] Furthermore, the punching device 100 may have a configuration in which the adhesive application device 2 is removed from the laminated iron core manufacturing device 1 (see FIG. 1) according to the first embodiment described above.

[0116] While the present invention has been described above based on specific embodiments, these embodiments are merely illustrative and the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. For example, the adhesive application device and adhesive application method for laminated cores and the laminated core manufacturing device and manufacturing method according to the present invention are not limited to laminated cores composed of multiple types of core thin plates having different shapes, but may also be applied to laminated cores composed of core thin plates having the same shape. Note that not all of the components of the adhesive application device and adhesive application method for laminated cores and the laminated core manufacturing device and manufacturing method according to the present invention shown in the above embodiments are necessarily required, and can be selected as appropriate as long as they do not deviate from the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0117] 1: Laminated core manufacturing equipment 2: Adhesive application device 5: Upper holder 6: Lower holder 11: Pilot hole punch 12: Punch for punching out inner shape 13: Outer shape punch 17: Stripper 22: Die plate 24: Pilot hole punching die 25: Inner shape punching die 26: Outer shape punching die 29: Squeeze ring 37: Application table 39: Cam mechanism 41: Drive unit 43: Upper die drive motor 44: Crankshaft 45: Discharge hole 47: Encoder 50: Main control unit 51, 151: York 53, 153: Teeth 55: Upper block 56: Lower block 58A:Discharge port 58B: Discharge port 60: Nozzle block (adhesive discharge head) 61: Internal block 62: Retention hole 71: Adhesive reservoir 72: Adhesive reservoir 75: Adhesive supply passage 76: Adhesive supply passage 79: Adhesive supply tube 80: Adhesive supply tube 85: First adhesive supply device 86: Second adhesive supply device 88: First adhesive tank 89: Second adhesive tank 90: Adhesive application control device 95, 195: Aperture 100: Punching equipment 120: Coil C: Laminated core E: Application point F: Hoop material IS: Internal shape N1, N2: Droplet part OS: External shape W: Thin iron core plate

Claims

1. An adhesive application device for laminated cores, The laminated core includes a plurality of types of thin core plates having different shapes each of which is punched out from a strip-shaped thin steel plate, an adhesive discharge head having a plurality of discharge ports formed therein, each of which discharges adhesive toward a plurality of adhesive application points set at portions of the strip-shaped thin steel plate corresponding to each of the iron core thin plates; an adhesive application control device that controls the discharging of the adhesive from the plurality of discharge ports in the adhesive discharging head; Equipped with the plurality of adhesive application points are arranged at the same positions in the stacking direction of the core thin plates, regardless of the type of the core thin plates; The adhesive application control device is an adhesive application device for laminated iron cores that applies adhesive to the surfaces of all of the multiple types of iron core thin plates except for the iron core thin plate located in the lowest layer in the laminated iron core, and controls the discharge of the adhesive from the multiple discharge ports so as to change the amount of adhesive applied to at least some of the multiple adhesive application points depending on the type of each iron core thin plate.

2. The adhesive application control device includes: Sequentially acquiring punching signals synchronized with punching of each of the iron core thin plates from the strip-shaped thin steel plate; 2. The adhesive applicator for a laminated core according to claim 1, wherein the discharge of the adhesive from the plurality of discharge ports is controlled based on the number of the acquired punching signals.

3. The adhesive supply device further includes an adhesive supply device that continuously supplies the adhesive to the adhesive discharge head, 3. The adhesive application device for a laminated core according to claim 2, wherein the adhesive application control device controls the discharge of the adhesive from the plurality of discharge ports by changing the amount of adhesive supplied per unit time by the adhesive supply device.

4. 3. The adhesive application device for a laminated core according to claim 2, further comprising an adhesive supply device that intermittently supplies the adhesive to the adhesive discharge head.

5. the adhesive supply device includes an adhesive transfer pump; 4. The adhesive application device for laminated iron cores as described in claim 3, wherein when the type of iron core thin plate to be coated with the adhesive changes, the adhesive application control device changes the rotation speed of the adhesive transfer pump based on the punching signal corresponding to another iron core thin plate that was punched out before the punching signal corresponding to the iron core thin plate to be coated with the adhesive.

6. the adhesive supply device includes an adhesive transfer pump; 4. An adhesive application device for laminated iron cores as described in claim 3, wherein when the type of iron core thin plate to be coated with the adhesive changes, the adhesive application control device changes the discharge pressure of the adhesive transfer pump based on the punching signal corresponding to another iron core thin plate that was punched out before the punching signal corresponding to the iron core thin plate to be coated with the adhesive.

7. the plurality of types of iron core thin plates include first iron core thin plates and second iron core thin plates having an outer diameter smaller than that of the first iron core thin plates, An adhesive application device for a laminated core as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the adhesive application control device controls the discharge of the adhesive from the multiple discharge ports so that the amount of adhesive applied to at least some of the multiple adhesive application points is greater for the second iron core thin plate than for the first iron core thin plate.

8. the first core thin plate and the second core thin plate each have a substantially circular outer shape, 8. An adhesive application device for a laminated core according to claim 7, wherein at least some of the plurality of adhesive application points are arranged in a circular pattern at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction along the outer peripheral edges of each of the first iron core thin plate and the second iron core thin plate.

9. the laminated core includes a plurality of thin core blocks each formed of a plurality of the thin core plates having the same shape; 9. The adhesive applicator for a laminated core according to claim 1, wherein the adhesive application control device controls the dispensing of the adhesive from the adhesive dispensing head for each of the iron core thin plate blocks.

10. the plurality of types of iron core thin plates include a third iron core thin plate and a fourth iron core thin plate, The fourth core thin plate has an opening or a notch formed therein, the third core thin plate does not include a shape corresponding to the opening or notch, The adhesive application control device for a laminated core described in any one of claims 1 to 6 controls the discharge of the adhesive from the multiple discharge ports so that the amount of adhesive applied to the adhesive application points on the third core thin plate corresponding to at least a portion of the multiple adhesive application points adjacent to the opening or the notch in the fourth core thin plate is greater than the amount of adhesive applied to at least a portion of the multiple adhesive application points adjacent to the opening or the notch in the fourth core thin plate.

11. A method for applying adhesive to a laminated core, comprising: The laminated core includes a plurality of types of thin core plates having different shapes each of which is punched out from a strip-shaped thin steel plate, an adhesive application step of discharging adhesive from a plurality of discharge ports toward a plurality of adhesive application points set at portions of the strip-shaped thin steel plate corresponding to each of the iron core thin plates, the plurality of adhesive application points are arranged at the same positions in the stacking direction of the core thin plates, regardless of the type of the core thin plates; In the adhesive application process, adhesive is applied to the surfaces of all of the plurality of types of iron core thin plates except for the iron core thin plate located in the lowest layer in the laminated iron core, and the discharge of the adhesive from the plurality of discharge ports is controlled so as to change the amount of adhesive applied to at least some of the plurality of adhesive application points depending on the type of each iron core thin plate.

12. A laminated core manufacturing device comprising: an adhesive application device for the laminated core according to any one of claims 1 to 10; and a punching device that sequentially punches out the plurality of types of thin core plates from the strip-shaped thin steel plate.

13. A method for manufacturing a laminated core, comprising: The laminated core includes a plurality of types of thin core plates having different shapes each of which is punched out from a strip-shaped thin steel plate, a punching process step of sequentially punching the plurality of types of iron core thin plates from the intermittently transferred strip-shaped thin steel plate; an adhesive application step of discharging adhesive from a plurality of discharge ports toward a plurality of adhesive application points set on the strip-shaped thin steel plate at positions corresponding to the respective iron core thin plates; and the plurality of adhesive application points are arranged at the same positions in the stacking direction of the core thin plates, regardless of the type of the core thin plates; A method for manufacturing a laminated core, wherein in the adhesive application process, adhesive is applied to the surface of all of the multiple types of iron core thin plates except for the iron core thin plate located in the lowest layer in the laminated core, and the discharge of the adhesive from the multiple discharge ports is controlled so as to change the amount of adhesive applied to at least some of the multiple adhesive application points depending on the type of each iron core thin plate.

14. The method further includes a press oil application step of applying press oil to one side or both sides of the strip-shaped thin steel plate before the punching step, The method for manufacturing a laminated core according to claim 13 , wherein the press processing oil contains a hardening accelerator for the adhesive.

Images