Loading device and method for segment coil

Abstract

Provided is a loading device for a segment coil capable of shortening a time for loading a predetermined number of segment coils into a stocker for a post-process. A loading device 9 for a segment coil 7 for loading a predetermined number of segment coils 7 to be used for a stator 1 of a rotary electric machine into a stocker 11 for a post-process comprises: a cartridge 15 for collectively holding a predetermined number of segment coils 7; and a pusher 19 for pushing out a set 8 of the predetermined number of segment coils 7 from the cartridge 15 and transferring the same to the stocker 11 in a state where the cartridge 15 is connected to the stocker 11.

Description

Segment coil loading device and method

[0001] The present invention relates to a segment coil loading device and method for loading segment coils used in the stators of rotating electrical machines into a stocker for subsequent processing.

[0002] When manufacturing a stator for a rotating electrical machine, for example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, a predetermined number of segment coils are aligned in a circular shape on a stator core. The segment coils to be aligned are pushed out one by one from a stocker and aligned in a circular shape on a jig. The aligned segment coils are then pulled out of the jig and attached to the stator core.

[0003] In this manufacturing process, the segment coils to be aligned must be loaded into a stocker in advance. This loading is typically done manually by a worker, one coil at a time, which is a time-consuming process.

[0004] Such problems are not limited to when aligning the segment coils, but also occur when loading the segment coils into a stocker for subsequent processes such as shape inspection.

[0005] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-173357

[0006] The problem to be solved was the time it took to load the segment coils into a stocker for subsequent processing.

[0007] The present invention provides a segment coil loading device that loads a predetermined number of segment coils used in the stator of a rotating electric machine into a stocker for subsequent processing, comprising: a cartridge that holds the predetermined number of segment coils together; and an extrusion section that, when the cartridge is connected to the stocker, pushes the group of the predetermined number of segment coils out of the cartridge and transfers them to the stocker.

[0008] The present invention also provides a segment coil loading method for loading a predetermined number of segment coils used in the stator of a rotating electric machine into a stocker for subsequent processing, in which the predetermined number of segment coils are held together in a cartridge, and when the cartridge is connected to the stocker, the group of the predetermined number of segment coils is pushed out of the cartridge and transferred to the stocker.

[0009] In the present invention, the time required to load a predetermined number of segment coils into a stocker for subsequent processing can be reduced.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a stator of a rotating electrical machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the stator of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a segment coil used in the stator of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view showing a segment coil loading device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a schematic side view showing the relationship between the feed section of the loading device and the cartridge of FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a front view of the feed section of FIG. 5. FIG. 7 is a front view of the cartridge of FIG. 5. FIG. 8 is a side view showing the connection portion between the feed section and the cartridge of FIG. 5. FIG. 9 is a schematic side view showing the relationship between the cartridge and the stocker of the loading device of FIG. 4. FIG. 10 is a front view of the stocker of FIG. 9. FIG. 11 is a side view showing the connection portion between the cartridge and the stocker of FIG. 9. FIGS. 12(A) to 12(D) are schematic plan views showing the holding of a segment coil from the feed section to the cartridge according to the first embodiment. FIGS. 13(A) to 13(D) are schematic side views showing the holding of a segment coil from the feed section to the cartridge according to the first embodiment. Figures 14(A) to 14(C) are schematic plan views showing the transfer of segment coils from a cartridge to a stocker according to Example 1. Figures 15(A) to 15(C) are schematic side views showing the transfer of segment coils from a cartridge to a stocker according to Example 1. Figure 16 is a schematic plan view showing a part of a segment coil loading device according to Example 2 of the present invention.

[0011] The segment coil loading device 9 of one embodiment loads a predetermined number of segment coils 7 used in a stator 1 of a rotating electric machine into a stocker 11 for subsequent processing. The loading device 9 includes a cartridge 15 and an extrusion unit 19.

[0012] The cartridge 15 holds a predetermined number of segment coils 7 together. When the cartridge 15 is connected to the stocker 11, the pusher 19 pushes out the predetermined number of segment coils 7 together from the cartridge 15 and transfers them to the stocker 11.

[0013] The loading device 9 may include a feeding section 13 that holds a plurality of segment coils 7 in advance and sequentially feeds them to the cartridge 15 until the number of segment coils 7 held in the cartridge 15 reaches a predetermined number.

[0014] The cartridge 15 may be either integral with or separate from the stocker 11. When the cartridge 15 and the stocker 11 are separate, a moving unit 17 may be provided to move and position the cartridge 15.

[0015] In this case, the feeding unit 13 may have a plurality of lanes 37 that can sequentially feed a plurality of pre-held segment coils 7. When forming a group of a predetermined number of segment coils 7, the cartridge 15 is individually positioned in one or more lanes 37 by the moving unit 17, and the segment coils 7 are fed from the positioned lane 37 and held therein.

[0016] Any suitable configuration can be adopted for sending the segment coils 7 from the feed unit 13 to the cartridge 15. In one embodiment, the feed unit 13 may include a shooter 21 that slides the sequentially fed segment coils 7 according to the inclination. In this case, the cartridge 15 includes a slide unit 27 and a retaining stopper 29.

[0017] When the slide section 27 is connected to the chute 21 of the feed section 13, it takes over the sequentially fed segment coils 7 from the chute 21 and slides them in accordance with the inclination. The holding stopper 29 is provided so as to be retractable relative to the slide section 27, and stops the sliding segment coils 7 so that they can be held by the slide section 27.

[0018] Any suitable configuration can be adopted for sequentially feeding the segment coils 7 from the feeding unit 13. In one embodiment, the feeding unit 13 may include a first stopper 23 that is retractable relative to the chute 21 and positioned relatively forward in the sliding direction, and a second stopper 25 that is positioned relatively rearward in the sliding direction.

[0019] In this case, the leading segment coil 7 and the following segment coil 7 in the sliding direction of the multiple segment coils 7 are supported by the first stopper 23 and the second stopper 25, which are in a non-retracted state, and the first stopper 23 is set in a retracted state to slide the leading segment coil 7 from the shooter 21.

[0020] The method of loading the segment coils is to hold a predetermined number of segment coils 7 together in a cartridge 15, and when the cartridge 15 is connected to the stocker 11, push the group of the predetermined number of segment coils 7 out of the cartridge 15 and transfer it to the stocker 11.

[0021] In the method of loading the segment coils, a plurality of segment coils 7 may be sequentially sent to the cartridge 15 until the number of segment coils 7 held in the cartridge 15 reaches a predetermined number.

[0022] It is possible to sequentially send multiple segment coils from each of multiple lanes 37, and when forming a group of a predetermined number of segment coils, the cartridge 15 may be individually positioned on one or more lanes and may send and hold the segment coils from the positioned lanes 37.

[0023] The method for feeding the segment coils 7 to the cartridge 15 can be set as appropriate. In one embodiment, the slide portion 27 of the cartridge 15 is connected to the chute 21, which slides the sequentially fed segment coils 7 according to the inclination, and the sequentially fed segment coils 7 may be taken over from the chute 21 and slid according to the inclination. In this case, the sliding segment coils 7 are stopped by a retractable holding stopper 29 and held in the slide portion 27.

[0024] The method of sequentially feeding the segment coils 7 can be set as appropriate. In one embodiment, the leading segment coil 7 in the sliding direction of the plurality of segment coils 7 and the following segment coil 7 are received by the first stopper 23 and the second stopper 25, which can be retracted relative to the chute 21, and the leading segment coil 7 may be slid from the chute 21 with the first stopper 23 in the retracted state.

[0025] [Stator] The segment coil manufacturing apparatus and method of the present embodiment are used in the manufacturing process of a stator for a rotating electrical machine. An example of the stator will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0026] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a stator of a rotating electrical machine according to Example 1. Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the stator of Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a segment coil used in the stator of Fig. 1.

[0027] 1 and a rotor (not shown) constitute a rotating electric machine, which is configured as, for example, a three-phase (U-phase, V-phase, and W-phase) eight-pole AC permanent magnet synchronous motor.

[0028] Fig. 1 shows the state in which the stator coil 5 is assembled into the stator core 3 from the state in Fig. 2. From the state in Fig. 1, the leg portion 7a including the coil end 7aa of the stator coil 5 protrudes from the stator core 3, and this protruding portion is subjected to diameter expansion and twisting processing.

[0029] The coil ends 7aa are welded to other coil ends 7aa adjacent in the radial direction and are then coated with an insulating paint. The stator coil 5 is then sealed with resin or the like to obtain the stator 1 for the rotating electric machine. For convenience, the following description will be made as if it were the stator 1 shown in FIG.

[0030] The stator core 3 is formed by laminating, for example, a plurality of annular electromagnetic steel plates, and includes a plurality of teeth 3a and slots 3b arranged alternately at equal intervals in the circumferential direction.

[0031] The stator coil 5 is configured to have a wave-wound shape with multiple layers in the radial direction relative to the stator core 3. This stator coil 5 is made up of multiple segment coils 7. The multiple segment coils 7 are aligned in an annular shape along the circumferential direction relative to the stator core 3.

[0032] Each segment coil 7 is formed by bending a rectangular wire with a rectangular cross section into a U-shape, for example, a hairpin shape. As described above, the leg portions 7a of this segment coil 7, including the coil ends 7aa, are inserted into the slots 3b of the stator core 3 and protrude from the opposite side of the stator core 3. Each segment coil 7 is shifted to the adjacent layer at its apex portion 7b.

[0033] [Loading Device] Fig. 4 is a schematic plan view showing a loading device 9 for a segment coil 7 according to Example 1 of the present invention. Fig. 5 is a schematic side view showing the relationship between the feeding section 13 of the loading device 9 in Fig. 4 and the cartridge 15. Fig. 6 is a front view of the feeding section 13 in Fig. 5. Fig. 7 is a front view of the cartridge 15 in Fig. 5. Note that Fig. 7 shows the cartridge 15 when not tilted.

[0034] The loading device 9 loads a predetermined number of segment coils 7 into a stocker 11 for subsequent processing. As shown in FIG. 4 , the loading device 9 of this embodiment includes a feed unit 13, a cartridge 15, a moving unit 17, a pusher 19 as an extrusion unit, and the stocker 11.

[0035] 4 to 6, the feeding unit 13 is a feeder that holds a plurality of segment coils 7 in advance and sequentially feeds the segment coils 7 to the cartridge 15 until the number of segment coils 7 held in the cartridge 15 reaches a predetermined number. The configuration of the feeding unit 13 can be set as appropriate. The feeding unit 13 in this embodiment includes a chute 21, a first stopper 23, and a second stopper 25.

[0036] The chute 21 slides the sequentially fed segment coils 7 in accordance with the inclination. The chute 21 has a linear member, a bar 21a in this embodiment, and the segment coils 7 are hung across the bar 21a. The chute 21 also has a plate-shaped guide 21b located inside the leg 7a of the segment coil 7. This guide 21b suppresses the vibration of the segment coils 7.

[0037] The chute 21 is arranged at an angle so that one axial end of the bar 21a is positioned downward and the other end is positioned upward, and the segment coil 7 can slide along the axial direction of the bar 21a under its own weight. On the chute 21, a plurality of segment coils 7 are held in a row in the axial direction by first and second stoppers 23 and 25. The operation of the first and second stoppers 23 and 25 allows the segment coils 7 to be fed sequentially.

[0038] The first stopper 23 is provided so as to be retractable relative to the chute 21, and is located forward in the sliding direction relative to the second stopper 25. The movement of the first stopper 23 relative to the chute 21 can be performed by an actuator such as a cylinder device.

[0039] When the first stopper 23 is in a non-retracted state relative to the chute 21, it receives the leading segment coil 7 in the sliding direction of the multiple segment coils 7 on the chute 21. The shape, etc. of the first stopper 23 is not limited as long as it can receive the leading segment coil 7.

[0040] The first stopper 23 in this embodiment has a plate-shaped portion 23a that is located on the sliding path of the leg 7a of the leading segment coil 7 on the chute 21. Therefore, the first stopper 23 in this embodiment is in a non-retracted state when the plate-shaped portion 23a is located on the path of the leg 7a, and in a retracted state when the plate-shaped portion 23a is located outside the path of the leg 7a. Note that the first stopper 23 only needs to be located on the path of the leading segment coil 7 when it slides, and may also be located on the path of the vertex 7b or other part other than the leg 7a.

[0041] The second stopper 25 is provided so as to be retractable relative to the chute 21, and is located rearward in the sliding direction relative to the first stopper 23. The movement of the second stopper 25 relative to the chute 21 can be performed by an actuator such as a cylinder device.

[0042] When the second stopper 25 is in a non-retracted state relative to the chute 21, it receives the segment coil 7 following the leading segment coil 7 in the sliding direction of the plurality of segment coils 7 on the chute 21. The shape, etc. of the second stopper 25 is not limited as long as it can receive the leading segment coil 7.

[0043] The second stopper 25 in this embodiment abuts laterally against the leg 7a of the leading segment coil 7 on the chute 21. The second stopper 25 is a block of resin or the like, and abuts against at least the leg 7a of the leading segment coil 7, in this embodiment, the legs 7a of several segment coils 7 including the leading segment coil 7.

[0044] This contact allows the second stopper 25 to hold and receive the segment coil 7 following the leading one. Therefore, in this embodiment, the second stopper 25 is in a non-retracted state when it is in contact with the leg 7 a, and in a retracted state when it is not in contact with the leg 7 a.

[0045] In addition, the second stopper 25 of this embodiment may abut against the vertex 7b or other portion other than the leg 7a. Also, the second stopper 25 may have a plate-like portion or the like inserted between the leading segment coil 7 and the segment coil 7 following the leading segment coil 7.

[0046] When the second stopper 25 is in the non-retracted state, the first stopper 23 can be retracted to allow the leading segment coil 7 to slide from the chute 21. The segment coil 7 sliding down the chute 21 is sent to the cartridge 15. In this way, the segment coils 7 can be sent to the cartridge 15 one by one.

[0047] 4, 5, and 7, the cartridge 15 collectively holds a predetermined number of segment coils 7 that are sequentially fed from the feed section 13. The cartridge 15 of this embodiment includes a slide section 27 and a holding stopper 29.

[0048] Like the chute 21 of the feed unit 13, the slide unit 27 has a linear member, a bar 27a in this embodiment, and the segment coil 7 is hung so as to straddle the bar 27a. The slide unit 27 also has wall-like guides 27b interposed between the legs 7a of the segment coil 7. The presence of these guides 27b suppresses the swinging of the segment coil 7.

[0049] This slide portion 27 can be tilted by an actuator such as a cylinder device (not shown) so that one end of the bar 27a is positioned downward and the other end is positioned upward in the axial direction. This tilt allows the segment coil 7 to slide axially on the slide portion 27 due to its own weight. It is also possible to provide a blower 31 to promote the sliding of the segment coil 7.

[0050] When connected to the chute 21 of the feed unit 13, the slide unit 27 takes over the sequentially fed segment coils 7 from the chute 21 and slides them according to the inclination. The connection is such that the segment coils 7 do not fall when they are transferred from the feed unit 13 to the cartridge 15. Therefore, connection includes not only a connection with no gap between the feed unit 13 and the cartridge 15, but also a connection with a gap large enough to prevent the coils from falling. The slide unit 27 is configured separately from the chute 21 and is connected separably. However, the slide unit 27 may be configured integrally with the chute 21.

[0051] 8 is a side view showing the connecting portion between the feeding section and the cartridge in FIG. 5. FIG.

[0052] Although various structures can be employed for the detachable connection, in this embodiment, one end of the bar 21a of the chute 21 rides up onto the other end of the bar 27a of the slide portion 27. Notches 33a and 33b are provided below the bar 21a of the chute 21 and above the bar 27a of the slide portion 27, respectively, to prevent the ride-up portion from protruding in the vertical direction.

[0053] 4, 5, and 7, the holding stopper 29 is provided so as to be retractable relative to the slide portion 27, and stops the sliding segment coil 7 so that it can be held in the slide portion 27. The movement of the holding stopper 29 relative to the slide portion 27 can be performed by an actuator such as a cylinder device.

[0054] When the holding stopper 29 is in a non-retracted state relative to the sliding portion 27, it receives the leading segment coil 7 in the sliding direction of the multiple segment coils 7 on the sliding portion 27. The shape, etc. of the holding stopper 29 is not limited as long as it can receive the segment coil 7 to be held.

[0055] The holding stopper 29 of this embodiment has a plate-shaped portion 29a that is located on the path of the leg 7a of the leading segment coil 7 on the sliding portion 27 when it slides. Therefore, the holding stopper 29 of this embodiment is in a non-retracted state when the plate-shaped portion 29a is located on the path of the leg 7a, and in a retracted state when the plate-shaped portion 29a is located outside the path of the leg 7a. Note that the holding stopper 29 only needs to be located on the path of the leading segment coil 7 when it slides, and may also be located on the path of the vertex 7b or other part other than the leg 7a.

[0056] 4, the moving unit 17 moves and positions the cartridge 15. This movement connects and disconnects the cartridge 15 to and from the feed unit 13. The moving unit 17 is formed of, for example, a linear actuator, and in this embodiment, moves the cartridge 15 in a direction perpendicular to the sliding direction.

[0057] The intersecting direction is the width direction perpendicular to the sliding direction of the segment coil 7 in a plan view, but may be the vertical direction perpendicular to the sliding direction in a side view. Note that the intersecting direction does not have to be perpendicular to the sliding direction.

[0058] In this embodiment, the moving unit 17 moves between a holding position and a loading position to position the cartridge 15 at those positions. The holding position is a position where the cartridge 15 is connected to the feed unit 13 and the segment coil 7 is held, as shown by the two-dot chain line in Figure 4. The loading position is a position where the cartridge 15 is connected to the stocker 11 and the segment coil 7 is loaded by the pusher 19, as shown by the solid line in Figure 4. The connection is such that the segment coil 7 does not fall when it is transferred from the cartridge 15 to the stocker 11. Therefore, the connection includes not only a connection where there is no gap between the cartridge 15 and the stocker 11, but also a connection where there is a gap large enough to prevent the segment coil 7 from falling.

[0059] Fig. 9 is a schematic side view showing the relationship between the cartridge 15 and the stocker 11 of the loading device 9 in Fig. 4. Fig. 10 is a front view of the stocker 11 in Fig. 9.

[0060] 4 and 9 , when the cartridge 15 is connected to the stocker 11, the pusher 19 pushes out a predetermined number of bundles 8 of segment coils 7 from the cartridge 15 and transfers them to the stocker 11. The pusher 19 is configured to be movable in the sliding direction of the cartridge 15. The movement of the pusher 19 may be performed by an appropriate actuator such as a cylinder device.

[0061] As the pusher 19 moves, it pushes and slides the group 8 of segment coils 7 from the rear in the sliding direction toward the stocker 11 in the front. The pusher 19 in this embodiment has a contact portion 19a made of a resin block. The contact portion 19a contacts the segment coils 7 when pushing out the group 8 of segment coils 7. This prevents damage to the segment coils 7.

[0062] 4, 9, and 10, the stocker 11 holds a plurality of segment coils 7. The stocker 11 holds a plurality of segment coils 7 together, regardless of the holding form.

[0063] The stocker 11 of this embodiment has a linear member, a bar 11a in this embodiment, similar to the slide portion 27 of the cartridge 15, and the segment coil 7 is hung across the bar 11a. The bar 11a is arranged horizontally. The stocker 11 also has a wall-shaped guide 11b located inside the leg 7a of the segment coil 7. This guide 11b suppresses the swinging of the segment coil 7.

[0064] The stocker 11 is detachably connected to a cartridge 15 configured as a separate body, and transfers and loads the bundles 8 of segment coils 7. The stocker 11 may be configured integrally with the slide portion 27.

[0065] Although various structures can be adopted for the detachable connection, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 11, one end of the bar 27a of the slide portion 27 of the cartridge 15 rides up on the other end of the bar 11a of the stocker 11. When riding up, the bar 27a of the slide portion 27 of the cartridge 15 is aligned with the bar 11a of the stocker 11. This can be done while the cartridge 15 is moving. Notches 35a and 35b are provided below the bar 27a of the slide portion 27 of the cartridge 15 and above the bar 11a of the stocker 11 in the riding up portion, to prevent the riding up portion from protruding in the vertical direction.

[0066] [Loading method] Figures 12(A) to 12(D) are schematic plan views showing the holding of the segment coil 7 from the feed unit 13 to the cartridge 15, and Figures 13(A) to 13(D) are schematic side views of the same. Figures 14(A) to 14(C) are schematic plan views showing the transfer of the segment coil 7 from the cartridge 15 to the stocker 11, and Figures 15(A) to 15(C) are schematic side views of the same.

[0067] The loading method in this embodiment is to hold a predetermined number of segment coils 7 together in a cartridge 15, as shown in Figures 12 (A) to 15 (C), and then push out the group 8 of the predetermined number of segment coils 7 held in the cartridge 15 from the cartridge 15 and transfer it to the stocker 11.

[0068] 12(A) and 13(A), first, a plurality of segment coils 7 are held in advance in the chute 21 of the feed unit 13. This advance holding is performed by hanging the segment coils 7 on the chute 21 of the feed unit 13, for example, manually by an operator or by a robot hand.

[0069] At this time, the first stopper 23 of the feed unit 13 is in a non-retracted state, and the second stopper 25 is in a retracted state. Then, with the segment coil 7 held at least up to the holding range of the second stopper 25, the second stopper 25 is put in a non-retracted state as shown in Figures 12(B) and 13(B).

[0070] In this state, the feeding unit 13 can sequentially feed the plurality of segment coils 7 that have been held in advance. The feeding of the segment coils 7 can be performed after the number of segment coils 7 held in the feeding unit 13 reaches a predetermined number or more, or in parallel with the segment coils 7 that have been held in advance.

[0071] When feeding the segment coils 7, the cartridge 15 is positioned at the holding position by the moving unit 17 (see FIG. 4 ), and the cartridge 15 is tilted along the chute 21 of the feeding unit 13. In this state, the slide unit 27 of the cartridge 15 is detachably connected to the chute 21 of the feeding unit 13. The cartridge 15 may be positioned at the holding position before, after, or simultaneously with the plurality of segment coils 7 being held in the feeding unit 13 in advance.

[0072] The segment coils 7 are fed by retracting the first stopper 23 of the feed section 13, as shown in Figures 12(C) and 13(C). That is, the leading segment coil 7 is allowed to slide, and the following segment coils 7 are held by the second stopper 25. As a result, only the leading segment coil 7 slides along the chute 21 in accordance with the inclination, and is then passed from the chute 21 to the slide section 27 of the cartridge 15, where it slides further.

[0073] At this time, the holding stopper 29 is set in the non-retracted state in the cartridge 15. This allows the sliding segment coil 7 to be stopped by the holding stopper 29 and held in the sliding portion 27.

[0074] 12(D) and 13(D), while or after this segment coil 7 is being held, preparations are made for feeding the next segment coil 7. That is, in the feeding unit 13, the first stopper 23, which was in the retracted state, is again put into the non-retracted state, while the second stopper 25, which was in the non-retracted state, is put into the retracted state. As a result, the plurality of segment coils 7 previously held in the chute 21 of the feeding unit 13 slide as a whole, and the leading segment coil 7 is received by the first stopper 23.

[0075] In this state, as explained in Figures 12(B) and 13(B), the second stopper 25 is set to the non-retracted state to hold the next segment coil 7. Then, as explained in Figures 12(C) and 13(C), the first stopper 23 is set to the retracted state to feed the next segment coil 7. By repeating this process, it is possible to sequentially feed the segment coils 7 into the cartridge 15 until a predetermined number of segment coils 7 have been fed.

[0076] When the number of segment coils 7 held in the cartridge 15 reaches a predetermined number, the cartridge 15 is moved to the loading position by the moving unit 17, as shown in Figures 4 and 14A. During this movement, the cartridge 15 is moved from an inclined state to a state aligned with the stocker 11, or in this embodiment, a state aligned horizontally, as shown in Figure 15A.

[0077] When the cartridge 15 is positioned at the loading position, the cartridge 15 is connected to the stocker 11. In this connected state, the holding stopper 29 of the cartridge 15 is in the retracted state as shown in Figures 14(B) and 15(B).

[0078] Then, as shown in Figures 14 (C) and 15 (C), the pusher 19 is moved to push out the bundle 8 of a predetermined number of segment coils 7 from the cartridge 15 and transfer it to the stocker 11.

[0079] In this way, a predetermined number of bundles 8 of segment coils 7 can be loaded into the stocker 11 at once, thereby shortening the time required to load the segment coils 7 into the stocker 11. The segment coils 7 loaded into the stocker 11 are then subjected to an alignment process in which they are aligned in a ring shape on the jig 30 shown in Figure 4 as a subsequent process.

[0080] In the alignment process, the segment coils 7 are placed one by one on the jig 30. In parallel with this alignment process, a predetermined number of segment coils 7 can be held in the cartridge 15 in the same manner as described above. Therefore, in this embodiment, overall work efficiency can be improved.

[0081] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the segment coils 7 held in advance are sequentially sent from the feed unit 13 to the cartridge 15 until a predetermined number is reached, so that the predetermined number of segment coils 7 can be accurately held in the cartridge 15. As a result, it is not necessary to manage the number of segment coils 7 held in advance in the feed unit 13, and workability can be improved.

[0082] 16 is a schematic plan view showing a part of a segment coil loading device according to Example 2 of the present invention. Since Example 2 has the same basic configuration as Example 1, the components corresponding to those in Example 1 are designated by the same reference numerals and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0083] 16, the loading device 9 of the second embodiment has a feed section 13 that includes a plurality of lanes 37. The rest of the loading device 9 is the same as that of the first embodiment.

[0084] Each of the multiple lanes 37 has the same configuration as the feeding unit 13 of Example 1. That is, each lane 37 is equipped with a shooter 21 and first and second stoppers 23 and 25. This allows the lanes 37 of the feeding unit 13 to sequentially feed multiple segment coils 7 that have been previously held.

[0085] In Example 2 having such a configuration, when forming a group 8 of a predetermined number of segment coils 7, the cartridge 15 is individually positioned in one or more lanes by the moving unit 17, and the segment coils 7 are sequentially sent from the positioned lanes 37 to the cartridge 15 and held there until the predetermined number is reached.

[0086] For example, different types of segment coils 7 with legs 7a of different lengths are held in the shooters 21 of each lane 37. Then, by positioning the cartridges 15 in different lanes 37 and holding the segment coils 7, different segment coils 7 can be combined to form a group 8 of a predetermined number of segment coils 7.

[0087] In addition, the present embodiment can also achieve the same effects as those of the first embodiment.

[0088] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 stator 7 segment coil 7a leg 8 bundle 9 loading device 11 stocker 13 feeding section 15 cartridge 17 moving section 19 extrusion section (pusher) 21 shooter 23 first stopper 25 second stopper 27 slide section 29 holding stopper 37 lane

Claims

1. A segment coil loading device that loads a predetermined number of segment coils used in the stator of a rotating electric machine into a stocker for subsequent processing, comprising: a cartridge that holds the predetermined number of segment coils together; and an extrusion section that, when the cartridge is connected to the stocker, pushes the group of the predetermined number of segment coils out of the cartridge and transfers them to the stocker.

2. A segment coil loading device according to claim 1, comprising a feed section that holds a plurality of segment coils in advance and sequentially feeds the plurality of segment coils held in advance into the cartridge until the number of segment coils held in the cartridge reaches the predetermined number.

3. A segment coil loading device as claimed in claim 2, comprising a moving unit that moves and positions the cartridge, the feed unit having a plurality of lanes that can sequentially feed the plurality of pre-held segment coils, and the cartridge is individually positioned in one or more lanes by the moving unit when forming a group of the predetermined number of segment coils, and the cartridge feeds and holds the segment coils from the positioned lanes.

4. A segment coil loading device according to claim 1, wherein the feed section is equipped with a chute that slides the sequentially fed segment coils in accordance with the inclination, and the cartridge is equipped with a slide section that, when connected to the chute of the feed section, takes over the sequentially fed segment coils from the chute and slides them in accordance with the inclination, and a holding stopper that is retractable relative to the slide section and stops the sliding segment coil so that it can be held in the slide section.

5. A segment coil loading device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the feed section comprises a first stopper that is retractable relative to the chute and positioned relatively forward in the sliding direction, and a second stopper that is positioned relatively rearward in the sliding direction, and the leading segment coil and the following segment coil of the plurality of segment coils in the sliding direction are received by the first stopper and the second stopper, which are in a non-retracted state, respectively, and the first stopper is placed in a retracted state to slide the leading segment coil out of the chute.

6. A method for loading a predetermined number of segment coils used in the stator of a rotating electric machine into a stocker for subsequent processing, comprising: holding the predetermined number of segment coils together in a cartridge; and, with the cartridge connected to the stocker, pushing the group of the predetermined number of segment coils out of the cartridge and transferring them to the stocker.

7. A segment coil loading method according to claim 6, comprising sequentially feeding a plurality of segment coils into the cartridge until the number of segment coils held in the cartridge reaches the predetermined number.

8. A segment coil loading method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the plurality of segment coils can be sequentially fed from each of a plurality of lanes, and when forming a group of the predetermined number of segment coils, the cartridge is individually positioned on one or more lanes and holds the segment coils fed from the positioned lanes.

9. A method for loading segment coils as claimed in claim 6, wherein, in a state where the slide portion of the cartridge is connected to a chute that slides the sequentially fed segment coils in accordance with the inclination, the slide portion takes over the sequentially fed segment coils from the chute and slides them in accordance with the inclination, and the sliding segment coils are stopped by a retractable holding stopper and held in the slide portion.

10. A method for loading a segment coil as claimed in claim 9, comprising receiving the leading segment coil and the following segment coil in the sliding direction of the plurality of segment coils with a first stopper and a second stopper that can be retracted relative to the chute, respectively, and sliding the leading segment coil from the chute by placing the first stopper in a retracted state.

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