Segment coil removal device and method

Abstract

Provided is a segment coil removal device by which it is possible to suppress deformation and damage of segment coils when removing the segment coils one at a time. A segment coil 9 removal device 1 for removing a plurality of the segment coils 9 one at a time for a downstream process comprises: a holder 3 that holds the plurality of segment coils 9 such that the coils are sequentially removable from an end part thereof; and a suction part 5 for suctioning the segment coil 9 positioned at the end part of the holder 3 and moving said segment coil 9 to a prescribed position for the downstream process.

Description

Segment coil extraction device and method

[0001] The present invention relates to a segment coil extraction device and method for extracting a plurality of segment coils used in a stator of a rotating electrical machine one by one for subsequent processing.

[0002] In the manufacture of stators for rotating electrical machines, 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 the manufacture of such stators, the segment coils are pushed out one by one from a stocker, which poses a problem in that the segment coils are prone to deformation and damage.

[0004] This problem is not limited to when aligning the segment coils, but also occurs when the segment coils are removed from the stocker for subsequent processing such as shape inspection.

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

[0006] The problem to be solved is that the segment coils are prone to deformation and damage when they are removed one by one.

[0007] The present invention provides a segment coil removal device that includes a holding section that holds multiple segment coils used in the stator of a rotating electric machine so that they can be removed sequentially from their ends, and an adsorption section that adsorbs the segment coil located at the end of the holding section and moves it to a predetermined position for subsequent processing.

[0008] The present invention also provides a method for removing segment coils, which holds multiple segment coils used in the stator of a rotating electric machine so that they can be removed sequentially from their ends, adsorbs the segment coil located at the end, and moves it to a predetermined position for subsequent processing.

[0009] The present invention can prevent deformation or damage to the segment coils when they are removed one by one.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a segment coil removal device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a suction unit used in the removal device of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a schematic side view of the removal device of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a plan view with a portion of the pusher shown in FIG. 3 in cross section. FIGS. 5(A) to 5(E) are schematic side views showing the operation of the removal device of FIG. 1, with FIG. 5(A) showing the initial state, FIG. 5(B) showing the state when multiple segment coils are pressed, FIG. 5(C) showing the state when segment coils are removed, FIG. 5(D) showing the state when the removed segment coils fall, and FIG. 5(E) showing the state after returning from FIG. 5(D) to the initial state. FIGS. 6(A) to 6(C) are schematic side views showing different adsorption states of the segment coils at the adsorption unit in FIG. 5. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of a segment coil alignment device using the segment coil removal device of FIG. 1. FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a jig for the segment coil alignment device of FIG. 7. 9 is a perspective view from the front side showing a portion of a segment coil removal device according to Example 2 of the present invention. FIG. 10(A) is a schematic side view of an adsorption unit according to a comparative example not provided with the stopper of FIG. 9, and FIG. 10(B) is a schematic side view of an adsorption unit according to Example 2 provided with the stopper of FIG. 9. FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a portion of a segment coil removal device according to Example 3 of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a perspective side view showing a portion of the removal device of FIG. 11. FIG. 13 is a schematic front view showing the swinging of a segment coil according to a comparative example with respect to Example 4 of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a schematic front view showing a segment coil removal device according to Example 4. FIG. 15 is a schematic front view showing a segment coil removal device according to a modified example of Example 4. FIG. 16 is a schematic front view showing a segment coil removal device according to a modified example of Example 4. FIG. 17 is a schematic front view showing a segment coil removal device according to a modified example of Example 4.

[0011] In one embodiment, a segment coil 9 removal device 1 removes multiple segment coils 9 used in the stator of a rotating electric machine one by one for subsequent processing. This removal device 1 includes a holding unit 3 and an adsorption unit 5. The holding unit 3 holds multiple segment coils 9 so that they can be removed sequentially from their ends. The adsorption unit 5 adsorbs the segment coil 9 located at the end of the holding unit 3 and moves it to a predetermined position for subsequent processing. The type of subsequent processing can be any type, such as a segment coil alignment process or an inspection process.

[0012] The suction portion 5 may have suction surfaces 15a and 15b that suction at least one of the pair of legs 9a and 9b of the segment coil 9. In this case, the suction surfaces 15a and 15b are flat surfaces that abut the legs 9a and 9b of the segment coil 9, which are formed by bending a rectangular wire, when suctioned.

[0013] The suction unit 5 may have a plurality of holes 17a, 17b, and 17c provided on the suction surfaces 15a and 15b, and may be configured to perform suction by suctioning air through the plurality of holes 17a, 17b, and 17c. However, the suction unit 5 may be configured to be a sheet of electrorheological gel that generates an adhesive force when a voltage is applied, as long as it can adsorb the segment coil 9.

[0014] The suction surfaces 15a and 15b may be provided on only one or both of the pair of legs 9a and 9b.

[0015] The spacing between the holes 17a, 17b, and 17c may be different for each of the suction surfaces 15a and 15b of the suction unit 5. Furthermore, the spacing between the holes 17a, 17b, and 17c may be varied along the leg on at least one of the suction surfaces 15a and 15b of the suction unit 5. Although the holes 17a, 17b, and 17c are formed with a uniform diameter, the diameter may be changed instead of or in addition to changing the spacing between the holes.

[0016] The holes 17a, 17b, and 17c may be divided into a plurality of blocks, and each block may perform independent air suction.

[0017] The suction unit 5 may drop the attracted segment coil 9 at a predetermined position. In this case, it is preferable to provide a push-down unit 23a that pushes down the upper end of the attracted segment coil 9 to encourage it to drop.

[0018] The suction portion 5 may include a retractable stopper 43 that prevents the suction portion 5 from falling away from the suction surfaces 15a and 15b of the attracted segment coil 9. The stopper 43 preferably retracts in conjunction with the pressing operation of the pressing portion 23a.

[0019] The take-out device 1 may include a pressing unit 7 that presses the plurality of segment coils 9 on the holding unit 3 toward the end of the holding unit 3. It is preferable that the pressing by the pressing unit 7 be stopped or released when the suction unit 5 that has adsorbed the segment coils 9 starts to move.

[0020] The extraction device 1 may be provided with a pressing member 47 that presses the next segment coil 9 after the first segment coil 9 of the plurality of segment coils 9 .

[0021] Furthermore, the holding portion 3 may be provided with guides 47, 49, and 51 that regulate the swinging of the segment coil 9.

[0022] The segment coils are removed by holding the multiple segment coils 9 so that they can be removed one by one from the end, suctioning the segment coils 9 at the end and moving them to a predetermined position for subsequent processing. In this way, the multiple segment coils 9 used in the stator of a rotating electrical machine are removed one by one for subsequent processing.

[0023] [Removal device] Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a segment coil removal device according to Example 1. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a suction unit used in the removal device of Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a schematic side view of the removal device of Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is a plan view with a portion of the pusher shown in Fig. 3 in cross section.

[0024] 1, the removal device 1 is an unloader used in the manufacturing process of a stator for a rotating electrical machine, and removes a plurality of segment coils 9 one by one for subsequent processing. The removal device 1 of this embodiment includes a holder 3 as a holding part, a suction part 5, and a pusher 7 as a pressing part.

[0025] The holder 3 holds a plurality of segment coils 9 so that they can be removed one after the other from their ends. The holder 3 holds a plurality of segment coils 9 together, regardless of the holding form. However, the suction part 5 holding the segment coils 9 moves so that the holder 3 does not interfere with the removal of the segment coils 9.

[0026] In this embodiment, each segment coil 9 is formed by bending a cut wire made of rectangular wire into a U-shape, for example, a hairpin shape. Each segment coil 9 has a pair of legs 9a. The holder 3 has a bar 3a over which multiple segment coils 9 are hung.

[0027] The multiple segment coils 9 are arranged in a row on the holder 3 so that they can slide freely along the bar 3a. The holder 3 is positioned at an appropriate position relative to the suction unit 5 using a base or the like. The multiple segment coils 9 are separated from the holder 3 by the suction unit 5 and removed one by one from the end of the row.

[0028] The suction unit 5 suctions the segment coil 9 located at the end of the holder 3 and moves the suctioned segment coil 9 to a predetermined position for the subsequent alignment process. The alignment process is a process of aligning multiple segment coils 9 in a ring shape. The suction unit 5 is made up of, for example, a suction block, and is supported on a machine frame (not shown) so that it can move between an extraction position and a release position.

[0029] The suction unit 5 may be moved by an appropriate actuator such as a cylinder device. In this embodiment, the direction of movement of the suction unit 5 is the direction in which the plurality of segment coils 9 are arranged on the holder 3.

[0030] The removal position is a position where one segment coil 9 can be sucked and removed from the end of the holder 3. In this embodiment, the removal position is adjacent to the end of the holder 3 and is a position where the legs 9a and 9b of the segment coil 9 located forward in the pressing direction among the multiple segment coils 7 on the holder 3 pressed by the pusher 7 abut.

[0031] The release position is a position where one removed segment coil 9 is released, and is a predetermined position for the alignment process. In this embodiment, at the release position, the segment coil 9 is dropped downward from the suction portion 23. The release position is set appropriately depending on the subsequent process.

[0032] The dropped segment coils 9 are held by a jig for aligning them in a ring shape. Note that the dropped segment coils 9 may be aligned on a stator core instead of using a jig.

[0033] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the suction portion 5 has a pair of suction surfaces 15a and 15b and a plurality of holes 17a, 17b, and 17c.

[0034] The pair of suction surfaces 15a and 15b respectively suction the pair of legs 9a and 9b of the segment coil 9. However, it is also possible to provide only one of the suction surfaces 15a and 15b. Therefore, it is sufficient for the suction surfaces 15a and 15b to suction at least one of the pair of legs 9a and 9b. In this embodiment, the suction surfaces 15a and 15b are flat surfaces that abut against the segment coil 9, which is formed by bending a rectangular wire, when suctioned.

[0035] The suction surfaces 15a and 15b are each formed at the tip of a protrusion 5b of the suction part 5. The protrusion 5b independently protrudes in the thickness direction from the plate-like base 5a of the suction part 5. However, the suction surfaces 15a and 15b may also be configured as the same continuous flat surface.

[0036] The holes 17a, 17b, and 17c are formed with the same diameter and are provided on the suction surfaces 15a and 15b. The suction unit 5 positions the legs 9a and 9b by sucking air through the holes 17a, 17b, and 17c to the suction surfaces 15a and 15b.

[0037] These holes 17a, 17b, and 17c are divided into a plurality of blocks, three blocks in this embodiment, and air is sucked independently for each block.

[0038] The holes 17a of the first block are formed in the adsorption surface 15a, and the holes 17b and 17c of the second and third blocks are formed in the adsorption surface 15b. The holes 17a of the first block are arranged in a line above and below the adsorption surface 15a. The holes 17b and 17c of the second and third blocks are arranged in a line above and below the adsorption surface 15b.

[0039] Any or all of the holes 17a, 17b, and 17c in the first, second, and third blocks may be arranged in multiple rows, or the number of arrangements of any or all of the holes 17a, 17b, and 17c in the first, second, and third blocks may be changed midway.

[0040] The spacing between the holes 17a, 17b, and 17c of the suction surface 15a and 15b of the suction unit 5 is different. The spacing between the holes 17a of the first block that sucks the leg 9a is wider than the spacing between the holes 17b and 17c of the second and third blocks that suck the other leg 9b.

[0041] Furthermore, the spacing between the holes 17b and 17c of the second and third blocks on the suction surface 15b of the suction unit 5 varies in the direction along the other leg 9b. The spacing between the holes 17b of the second block is narrower than the spacing between the holes 17c of the third block, and the spacing between the holes 17c of the third block is narrower than the spacing between the holes 17a of the first block.

[0042] The total number of holes 17b and 17c in the second and third blocks is greater than the number of holes 17a in the first block, depending on the spacing between them. Note that the relative arrangement ranges and numbers of holes 17a, 17b, and 17c in the first, second, and third blocks are arbitrary.

[0043] In this embodiment, the segment coil 9 is dropped at the release position and the leg 9b is inserted into the through-hole of the alignment device described later, so the configuration places relatively more emphasis on gripping and positioning at the suction surface 15b by the holes 17b and 17c on the leg 9b side.

[0044] A vacuum pump (not shown) is connected to each of the three blocks of the suction unit 5. By controlling these vacuum pumps, air is sucked from holes 17a, 17b, and 17c for each of the first, second, and third blocks. The holes 17a, 17b, and 17c can also be configured to suck air independently.

[0045] The holes 17a, 17b, and 17c can be freely set according to the specifications. Therefore, the holes 17a, 17b, and 17c are not limited to being divided into three blocks, and can also be divided into other numbers of blocks.

[0046] 1 and 3, the pusher 7 presses the plurality of segment coils 9 on the holder 3 toward the end of the holder 3 where the segment coils 9 are removed. In this embodiment, the pusher 7 is a block that can move along the bar 3a of the holder 3. The movement of the pusher 7 can be performed by an appropriate actuator such as a cylinder device.

[0047] As shown in Figure 4, the pusher 7 includes a main body 19 and a rod 21. The main body 19 has a tip 19a that can come into contact with the legs 9a and 9b of the segment coils 9 on the other end side of the multiple segment coils 9. The rod 21 is connected to an actuator such as a hydraulic cylinder, pneumatic cylinder, or solenoid. By controlling the actuator, the tip 19a of the main body 19 presses against the legs 9a and 9b of the segment coil 9.

[0048] The main body 19 has a pair of abutment portions 19c attached to a base portion 19b to which the rod 21 is connected. The abutment portions 19c are formed of a cushioning material such as urethane resin, and prevent damage or deformation of the legs 9a and 9b due to excessive force being applied. The abutment portions 19c have a tip end 19a, which is wider than the width of the legs 9a. However, the width of the abutment portions 19c may be the same as or narrower than the width of the legs 9a. The abutment portions 19c are preferably attached to the base portion 19b in a replaceable manner.

[0049] The shape, pressing position, etc. of the pusher 7 are preferably set in accordance with the suction portion 5. Furthermore, the pressing load applied by the actuator to the pusher 7 is set to prevent deformation of the segment coil 9 in accordance with the shape, pressing position, etc. of the pusher 7. Furthermore, the pressing load of the pusher 7 may be variable in accordance with the number of segment coils 9 remaining in the holder 3.

[0050] [Removal method] Figures 5(A) to (E) are schematic side views showing the operation of the removal device of Figure 1, with Figure 5(A) showing the initial state, Figure 5(B) showing when multiple segment coils are pressed, Figure 5(C) showing when the segment coils are removed, Figure 5(D) showing when the removed segment coils fall, and Figure 5(E) showing the initial state returned from Figure 5(D). Figures 6(A) to (C) are schematic side views showing different adsorption states of the segment coils at the adsorption section in Figure 5.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 5A, when removing the segment coil 9, the suction portion 5 is positioned at the removal position, which is the initial position.

[0052] Next, the pusher 7 operates. As shown in FIG. 5B , the pusher 7 presses the plurality of segment coils 9, which are held in a row on the holder 3, toward the suction portion 5 via the rod 21, with the main body 19 as shown by the arrow.

[0053] This causes the segment coil 9 located at the front to come into contact with the suction portion 5. The "front" refers to the segment coil 9 that is closest to the suction portion 5 of the multiple segment coils 9 on the holder 3. Conversely, the segment coil 9 that is farthest from the suction portion 5 of the multiple segment coils 9 on the holder 3 is called the rearmost. The suction portion 5 adsorbs the segment coil 9 that has come into contact by suctioning air from holes 17a, 17b, and 17c. Therefore, the pusher 7 can reliably adsorb the segment coil 9 to the suction portion 5.

[0054] In this embodiment, one leg 9a of the segment coil 9 is attracted to the attraction surface 15a by air suction through the hole 17a in the first block, and the other leg 9b is attracted to the attraction surface 15b through the holes 17b and 17c in the second and third blocks. This positions the legs 9a and 9b of the segment coil 9 on the attraction surfaces 15a and 15b.

[0055] At this time, because the attraction surfaces 15a and 15b are flat surfaces that abut against the legs 9a and 9b of the segment coil 9 made of rectangular wire, deformation and damage to the legs 9a and 9b due to the abutment can be suppressed and the legs 9a and 9b can be reliably positioned. Furthermore, because the attraction surfaces 15a and 15b attract both legs 9a and 9b, attraction of the segment coil 9 can be more reliably performed and deformation and damage to the legs 9a and 9b can be more reliably suppressed.

[0056] If the legs 9a and 9b are not deformed, the holes 17a, 17b, and 17c on the adsorption surfaces 15a and 15b will adsorb the entire upper and lower surfaces of the adsorption surfaces 15a and 15b as shown in Fig. 6(A). If either the legs 9a or 9b is not deformed, the undeformed leg will be adsorbed as shown in Fig. 6(A).

[0057] On the other hand, if there is deformation in the legs 9a and 9b, the spacing of the multiple holes 17a, 17b, and 17c can be made different for each of the suction surfaces 15a and 15b, so that the leg 9b, which is given relatively more importance, can be actively adsorbed.

[0058] At this time, as shown in Fig. 6(B), suction is achieved by the suction of the hole 17b of the second block above the suction surface 15b of Fig. 2, or as shown in Fig. 6(C), suction is achieved by the suction of the hole 17c of the third block below the suction surface 15b of Fig. 2. In this way, in this embodiment, the segment coil 9 can be gripped and positioned by being suctioned to the suction surfaces 15a and 15b by the suction of any of the holes 17a, 17b, and 17c of the multiple blocks. This makes it possible to relax the molding precision of the segment coil 9 itself.

[0059] In this embodiment, the spacing between the multiple holes 17b and 17c is changed in the direction along the leg 9b, so that active adsorption can be performed in the part of the leg 9b where adsorption is easier, which in this embodiment is the upper part of the adsorption surface 15b.

[0060] Next, as shown in Figure 5(C), the suction unit 5 that has adsorbed the segment coil 9 moves to the release position. In this way, one segment coil 9 is simultaneously adsorbed (held) and separated for removal. Therefore, in this embodiment, the segment coil 9 can be easily removed while suppressing deformation and damage due to suction, and the processing speed can also be increased. Therefore, the removal device 1 used in the stator manufacturing process can improve the stator manufacturing speed.

[0061] When the suction portion 5 starts to move, the actuator controls the main body 19 via the rod 21 of the pusher 7 to stop pressing the multiple segment coils 9, or to return it in the opposite pressing direction as shown by the arrow toward the end of the multiple segment coils 9.

[0062] This operation of the pusher 7 can prevent the segment coil 9 next to the leading segment coil 9 from being removed together with the leading segment coil 9.

[0063] Next, as shown in Figure 5 (D), in the release position, the segment coil 9 is dropped from the suction portion 5 in the release position. This drop makes it easy to release the segment coil 9. The drop of the segment coil 9 can be achieved by pressing the segment coil 9 with the pressing portion 23. However, it is also possible to drop the segment coil 9 by releasing the suction.

[0064] The push-down portion 23 may be a rod-shaped, block-shaped member that can push down the segment coil 9 by lowering it. The push-down portion 23 is lowered by an appropriate actuator such as a cylinder device. When the segment coil 9 is pushed down, the suction of the upper holes 17a and 17b in the first and second blocks is released. This causes the suction force created by the combined action of holes 17a, 17b, and 17c to decrease. Therefore, the segment coil 9 can be easily and reliably dropped from its position relative to the suction surfaces 15a and 15b. At this time, the suction may be released in combination.

[0065] Next, as shown in Figure 5(E), after the segment coil 9 has fallen, the suction unit 5 is returned to the initial position, the removal position, and the next segment coil 9 is removed. By repeating this removal process, multiple segment coils 9 can be removed.

[0066] [Alignment device] Fig. 7 is an explanatory diagram of a segment coil alignment device to which the segment coil extraction device of Fig. 1 is applied. Fig. 8 is a plan view of the segment coil alignment device of Fig. 7.

[0067] The alignment device 25 in Fig. 7 has an alignment jig 27 together with the removal device 1 in Fig. 1, and aligns the segment coils 9 in a circular shape. Note that Fig. 7 shows an example in which the leg 9b of the segment coil 9 is longer than the leg 9a, but the legs 9a and 9b may be the same length, or the leg 9a may be longer than the leg 9b.

[0068] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the alignment jigs 27 are formed in the same shape and are arranged concentrically above and below. Each alignment jig 27 has circular through-holes 29 and grooves 31 arranged adjacent to each other in the radial direction on the outer periphery. The through-holes 29 and grooves 31 of each alignment jig 27 are arranged at the same positions in the circumferential and radial directions. The circumferential direction means the rotation direction of the alignment jig 27. The radial direction means the direction along the diameter of the alignment jig 27.

[0069] The alignment jigs 27 are connected together by a connecting shaft 33. The upper end of a drive shaft 35 is connected to the axial center of the lower alignment jig 27. The drive shaft 35 is rotatably supported by a support base 37. A motor 39 is attached to the underside of the support base 37, and the drive shaft 35 is connected to the motor 39 so as to be rotatable.

[0070] A guide tube 41 is concentrically arranged on the outer periphery of each alignment jig 27. The guide tube 41 is fixed on the support base 37. A slit 41a is formed in the guide tube 41. The slit 41a exposes a plurality of, for example, seven, groove portions 31 in the circumferential direction.

[0071] 5(D), when the segment coil 9 drops from the suction unit 5 of the take-out device 1 at the release position, one leg 9b is inserted directly into the through-hole 29 of each of the upper and lower alignment jigs 27. Note that although the relatively long leg 9b is inserted into the through-hole 29 of the alignment jig 27, the relatively short leg 9b may also be inserted into the through-hole 29. Therefore, either leg 9a or 9b may be inserted into the through-hole 29.

[0072] At this time, the suction unit 5 actively suctions the legs 9b, allowing the legs 9b to be accurately positioned. This positioning allows the segment coil 9 to be accurately inserted into the alignment jig 27 onto which it is dropped. In addition, the suction surfaces 15a and 15b also serve as guides for the dropped segment coil 9, allowing the legs 9b to be reliably inserted into the penetrations 29 of the alignment jigs 27.

[0073] In this way, when one leg 9 b of one segment coil 9 is inserted into the through-hole 29 of the alignment jig 27 , the other leg 9 a of the segment coil 9 is positioned on the outer periphery of the guide tube portion 41 .

[0074] Next, the alignment jig 27 of the alignment device 25 rotates by one pitch of the through-hole 29. This rotation positions the next through-hole 29 as a receiving position for one leg 9b of the dropped segment coil 9.

[0075] On the other hand, when the suction portion 5 of the removal device 1 removes the next segment coil 9 and drops it at the release position, one leg portion 9b is inserted directly into the next through-hole 29 of each of the upper and lower alignment jigs 27 in the same manner as above.

[0076] By repeating this series of operations, it is possible to take out the segment coils 9 one by one from the plurality of segment coils 9 of the take-out device 1 and align them in a circular shape on the alignment jig 27.

[0077] During such alignment, when the alignment jig 27 rotates to one side, the segment coil 9 rotates relatively by inertia around one leg 9b inserted into the through-hole 29 as an axis. This relative rotation causes the other leg 9a of the segment coil 9 to be accommodated in the groove 31 that is radially adjacent to the through-hole 29, for example, the sixth through-hole 29 counting in the counter-rotational direction from the through-hole 29 into which the one leg 9b is inserted. Note that the groove 31 into which the other leg 9a is inserted can be set arbitrarily, not limited to the sixth. Even if the segment coil 9 is not completely accommodated in the groove 31, it will be completely accommodated if it moves along the inner circumferential surface of the guide tube 41.

[0078] Fig. 9 is a front perspective view showing a portion of a segment coil extraction device according to Example 2 of the present invention. Fig. 10(A) is a schematic side view of a suction unit according to a comparative example not provided with the stopper of Fig. 9, and Fig. 10(B) is a schematic side view of a suction unit according to Example 2 provided with the stopper of Fig. 9. Note that, since Example 2 has the same basic configuration as Example 1, the same reference numerals are used to designate components corresponding to those of Example 1, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0079] The take-out device 1 of the second embodiment shown in Figures 9 and 10(B) is the same as that of the first embodiment except that a stopper 43 for the segment coil 9 is added.

[0080] The stoppers 43 are provided on the suction portion 5 and prevent the attracted segment coil 9 from falling away from the suction surfaces 15a and 15b. The material, shape, size, placement position, number, retraction mechanism, etc. of the stoppers 43 are not limited, but in this embodiment, they are made of a metal plate.

[0081] The tip of the stopper 43 faces the suction surface 15b. Specifically, the stopper 43 allows the leg 9b of the segment coil 9 that is attracted to the suction surfaces 15a and 15b of the suction unit 5 to be sandwiched between the suction surface 15b and the tip of the stopper 43. The stopper 43 is disposed only on the suction surface 15b side of the suction unit 5, but may be provided on both the suction surfaces 15a and 15b sides.

[0082] The stopper 43 can be retracted from the position shown in Figure 9 where it prevents the segment coil 9 from tipping over. In this embodiment, the stopper 43 is connected to a link mechanism 45 and is linked to the push-down portion 23a via the link mechanism 45. Specifically, the push-down portion 23a has an upper portion 23aa and a lower portion 23ab. The upper portion 23aa presses down on the segment coil 9. The lower portion 23ab presses down on a first trigger portion 45a formed by a protrusion on the link mechanism 45.

[0083] When the upper part 23aa of the push-down part 23a pushes down the segment coil 9, the lower part 23ab of the push-down part 23a pushes down the first trigger part 45a of the link mechanism 45, activating the link mechanism 45. As a result, the stopper 43 moves in conjunction with the pushing down of the segment coil 9, retracting from the restricting position shown in Figure 9 relative to the leg 9b. Therefore, interference between the falling segment coil 9 and the stopper 43 can be prevented.

[0084] The stopper 43 in the retracted state is displaced so that the second trigger portion 45b, which is a protrusion of the link mechanism 45, approaches the cylinder device 46. When the second trigger portion 45b is pressed down by the cylinder device 46, the stopper 43 is again positioned in the restricting position. Note that the operation of the stopper 43 may be performed by an appropriate actuator without using the link mechanism 45.

[0085] As shown in Figure 10 (A), in the case of a segment coil 9 with low molding precision and warped legs 9a or 9b, the warping may prevent sufficient adhesive force from being obtained, causing the segment coil 9 to fall over.

[0086] In contrast to this, in this embodiment, as shown in Figures 9 and 10 (B), the stopper 43 prevents the segment coil 9 from falling over, ensuring that the suction portion 5 can suction the segment coil 9 reliably.

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

[0088] Fig. 11 is a plan view showing a part of a segment coil extraction device according to Example 3 of the present invention. Fig. 12 is a side perspective view showing a part of the extraction device of Fig. 11. Note that Example 3 has a basic configuration in common with Example 1, and therefore, the configuration corresponding to Example 1 is indicated by the same reference numerals and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0089] 11 and 12, in this embodiment, a pressing plate 47 is added as a pressing member to the extraction device 1 for the segment coils 9. The rest is the same as in Example 1. Note that the pressing plate 47 can also be applied to Example 2.

[0090] The pressure plate 47 is fixed to a frame 48 or the like on the holder 3 side. The pressure plate 47 may be configured to be retractable. The pressure plate 47 may be made of any material, shape, size, placement position, number, etc., as long as it can prevent the next segment coil 9 from being pulled out together with the leading segment coil 9.

[0091] The pressing plate 47 in this embodiment has an arc-shaped tip and is bent when viewed from the plane of Fig. 11. The bent tip side of the pressing plate 47 extends obliquely relative to the base end side so as to gradually approach the end sides of the multiple segment coils 9 on the holder 3.

[0092] The tip of the pressing plate 47 contacts and holds the segment coil 9 next to the leading segment coil 9. This holding is done to the extent that the next segment coil 9 will not be damaged even if it is forcibly pushed out toward the end.

[0093] As a result, the pressure plate 47 prevents the segment coil 9 next to the first segment coil 9 being removed from being taken out. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to easily and reliably remove only the end segment coil 9 from the holder 3 with a simple configuration. In addition, this embodiment can also achieve the same effects as in Example 1.

[0094] Fig. 13 is a schematic front view showing the swinging of a segment coil according to a comparative example of Example 4 of the present invention. Fig. 14 is a schematic front view showing a segment coil removal device according to Example 4. Figs. 15 to 17 are schematic front views showing segment coil removal devices according to modified examples of Example 4. Note that, since Example 4 has the same basic configuration as Example 1, components corresponding to those in Example 1 are indicated by the same reference numerals and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0095] 13, when the segment coil 9 of the holder 3 has a single bar 3a, it tends to swing left and right around the bar 3a. Note that left and right refer to the left and right of the segment coil 9 when viewed from the suction direction of the suction part 5.

[0096] 14, the holder 3 of this embodiment supports the segment coils 9 using a pair of bars 3a on the left and right, and is provided with a pair of rails 49 on the left and right as guides. The rails 49 are installed parallel to the bars 3a and movably guide the lower ends of the legs 9a and 9b.

[0097] Therefore, the bar 3a and the pair of left and right rails 49 cooperate to suppress the left and right swinging of the segment coil 9. By suppressing the swinging of the segment coil 9 on the holder 3 in this way, the segment coil 9 can be reliably attracted to the suction portion 5.

[0098] The modified example of Fig. 15 is obtained by omitting the rails 49 from the fourth embodiment of Fig. 14. In this modified example, the presence of a pair of bars 3a on the left and right makes it possible to suppress the swinging of the segment coil 9 on the holder 3.

[0099] The modified example of Fig. 16 has one bar 3a in comparison with the fourth embodiment of Fig. 14. Even in this modified example, it is possible to suppress the swinging of the segment coil 9 on the holder 3.

[0100] In the modified example of Fig. 17, a guide 51 is installed on the inside of the segment coil 9 for a single bar 3a. The guide 51 has a width corresponding to the distance between the legs 9a and 9b, and a height corresponding to the vertical length of the legs 9a and 9b.

[0101] Such inner guide 51 can suppress the left and right swinging of the segment coil 9.

[0102] The guides may be provided on the lower outer or inner sides of the legs 9 a and 9 b as long as they are capable of suppressing the left-right swinging of the segment coil 9. The guides may also be applied to the second or third embodiment.

[0103] In addition, the present embodiment can also achieve the same effects as those of the first embodiment.

[0104] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Removal device 3 Holder (holding portion) 5 Suction portion 7 Pusher (pressing portion) 9 Segment coil 9a, 9b Leg portion 15a, 15b Suction surface 17a, 17b, 17c Hole 23a Pushing portion 25 Alignment device 43 Stopper 47 Pressing plate (pressing member) 49 Rail (guide) 51 Guide

Claims

1. A segment coil removal device comprising: a holding section that holds multiple segment coils used in the stator of a rotating electric machine so that they can be removed sequentially from their ends; and an attraction section that attracts the segment coils located at the end of the holding section and moves them to a predetermined position for subsequent processing.

2. A segment coil removal device according to claim 1, wherein the suction portion has an suction surface that adsorbs at least one of a pair of legs of the segment coil, and the suction surface is a flat surface against which the legs of the segment coil abut when adsorbed.

3. A segment coil removal device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the suction section has a plurality of holes provided on the suction surface, and the suction is performed by suctioning air through the plurality of holes.

4. A segment coil removal device according to claim 3, wherein the suction portion has an suction surface for each of the pair of legs.

5. A segment coil removal device according to claim 4, wherein the spacing between the plurality of holes is different for each of the suction surfaces.

6. A segment coil removal device according to claim 3, wherein the suction part varies the spacing of the plurality of holes in the direction along the leg portion.

7. A segment coil removal device according to claim 3, wherein the plurality of holes are divided into a plurality of blocks, and the air is suctioned independently for each block.

8. A segment coil removal device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the suction unit drops the adsorbed segment coil at the predetermined position.

9. A segment coil removal device according to claim 8, comprising a depression section that presses down the upper end of the adsorbed segment coil to encourage it to fall.

10. A segment coil removal device according to claim 2, wherein the suction portion is provided with a retractable stopper that prevents the attracted segment coil from falling away from the suction surface.

11. A segment coil removal device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the suction part is provided with a retractable stopper that prevents the adsorbed segment coil from falling away from the suction surface, and the stopper retracts in conjunction with the pressing action of the pressing part.

12. A segment coil removal device according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a pressing section that presses the plurality of segment coils on the holding section toward the end of the holding section.

13. A segment coil removal device according to claim 12, wherein the pressure is stopped or released when the movement of the suction part that has adsorbed the segment coil begins.

14. A segment coil removal device according to claim 12, comprising a pressing member for pressing down the segment coil next to the leading segment coil of the plurality of segment coils.

15. A segment coil removal device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the holding section is provided with a guide that restricts the swinging of the plurality of segment coils.

16. A method for removing segment coils, comprising holding a plurality of segment coils used in the stator of a rotating electric machine so that they can be removed sequentially from their ends, and adsorbing the segment coil located at the end and moving it to a predetermined position for subsequent processing.

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