Method for conveying core and method for producing core

Abstract

In this method for conveying a core, a plurality of pressing members which are disposed with a core interposed therebetween and which are moveable in the radial direction of the core press against a region which includes at least a corner part that is close to an upper end of the core, and the core is conveyed in a state in which the plurality of pressing parts are pressing against the region.

Description

Method for transporting core and method for manufacturing core

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for transporting a core and a method for manufacturing a core.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a stator core support device including: two support members that face the stator core in the radial direction across the central axis of the stator core and hold the stator core; and a reversing mechanism that reverses the direction of the central axis of the stator core by rotating the two support members together while holding the stator core. Each support member has a radial facing surface that faces the stator core in the radial direction, a first axial facing surface that faces the stator core in the axial direction on the first side of the stator core in the axial direction, and a second axial facing surface that faces the stator core in the axial direction on the second side of the stator core in the axial direction and is disposed at a position where the axial distance from the first axial facing surface is longer than the axial dimension of the stator core. During the reversal of the two support members while holding the stator core, the stator core is relatively moved in the axial direction with respect to the two support members. The first axial facing surface contacts the first side of the stator core in the axial direction to restrict the relative movement of the stator core to the first side in the axial direction with respect to the support member, and the second axial facing surface contacts the second side of the stator core in the axial direction to restrict the relative movement of the stator core to the second side in the axial direction with respect to the support member.

[0003] Japanese Patent No. 7272317

[0004] However, in Patent Document 1, there is room for improvement in easily transporting the core.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a method for transporting a core and a method for manufacturing a core that facilitate the transportation of the core.

[0006] A method for transporting a core according to an aspect of the present disclosure presses a plurality of pressing members that are arranged sandwiching the core and are movable in the radial direction of the core against a region including at least a corner portion near the upper end of the core, and transports the core while pressing the plurality of pressing members against the region.

[0007] According to the present invention, a method for transporting cores and a method for manufacturing cores are provided that can facilitate the transport of cores.

[0008] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the core 1 according to an embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example configuration of the core transport device 100-1 according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example configuration of the core transport device 100-1 according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example configuration of the core transport device 100-1 according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example configuration of the core transport device 100-1 according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 6 is a flowchart for explaining the method of transporting the core 1 by the core transport device 100-1 according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 7 is a diagram for explaining the method of transporting the core 1 by the core transport device 100-1 according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 8 is a diagram for explaining the method of transporting the core 1 by the core transport device 100-1 according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 9 is a diagram for explaining the method of transporting the core 1 by the core transport device 100-1 according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 10 is a diagram for explaining the method of transporting the core 1 by the core transport device 100-1 according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating the method of transporting the core 1 by the core transport device 100-1 according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating an example configuration of the core transport device 100-2 according to the second embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 13 is a diagram illustrating an example configuration of the core transport device 100-2 according to the second embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 14 is a flowchart illustrating the method of transporting the core 1 by the core transport device 100-2 according to the second embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 15 is a diagram illustrating the method of transporting the core 1 by the core transport device 100-2 according to the second embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 16 is a diagram illustrating the method of transporting the core 1 by the core transport device 100-2 according to the second embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 17 is a diagram illustrating the method of transporting the core 1 by the core transport device 100-2 according to the second embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 18 is a diagram illustrating the method of transporting the core 1 by the core transport device 100-2 according to the second embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 19 is a diagram illustrating the method of transporting the core 1 by the core transport device 100-2 according to the second embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 20 is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a core according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0009] The following describes an embodiment of the present invention. In this specification, components having substantially the same function are given the same reference numerals throughout the drawings, and redundant descriptions may be omitted. In each drawing, the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions are perpendicular to each other, the X-axis and Y-axis directions are horizontal, and the Z-axis direction is equal to the vertical or axial direction.

[0010] (First Embodiment) The core 1 shown in Figure 1 is, for example, a rotor core for a rotating electric machine. The core 1 is formed by stacking a plurality of electromagnetic steel sheets 1A in the axial direction AXD without any fixing means such as crimping, bonding, or welding. In other words, the core 1 includes a plurality of electromagnetic steel sheets 1A stacked in the axial direction AXD in a non-bonded state. The core 1 may have a plurality of slots, not shown, which each extend in the radial direction RD of the core 1 and are spaced apart in the circumferential direction CD of the core 1. Permanent magnets may be inserted into each of the plurality of slots.

[0011] The configuration of the conveying device according to the first embodiment of this disclosure for conveying such a core 1 will be described with reference to Figures 2 to 5. Figures 2 to 5 are diagrams showing an example configuration of the core conveying device 100-1 according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. Figures 2 and 4 show the core conveying device 100-1 before it holds the core 1, Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the pressing member 13A, and Figure 5 shows the core conveying device 100-1 holding the core 1.

[0012] As shown in Figure 2, the core transport device 100-1 may include a plurality of main body parts 10A, 10B, a connecting part 9, a plurality of support parts 11A, 11B, a plurality of shafts 12A, 12B, a plurality of pressing members 13A, 13B, a plurality of springs 14, and a plurality of holding members 16A, 16B.

[0013] The main body parts 10A and 10B are arranged apart from each other, for example, in the X-axis direction, and the connecting part 9 extends, for example, in the X-axis direction to connect the main body parts 10A and 10B. The connecting part 9 is provided with a guide 9a that guides the main body parts 10A and 10B so that they can slide in the X-axis direction. The main body parts 10A and 10B are installed in the connecting part 9 by the guide 9a so that they can move in the direction of extension of the guide 9a.

[0014] (Configuration of the main body 10A) Two support parts 11A are fixed to the end of the main body 10A in the positive Z-axis direction. The two support parts 11A are arranged apart from each other in the Y-axis direction, and each of the two support parts 11A has a through hole (not shown) through which the shaft 12A passes.

[0015] One end of the shaft 12A is inserted into the through hole and held by the support portion 11A so as to be movable in the X-axis direction. Pressing members 13A are provided at the tips of the two shafts 12A, that is, at the ends of each shaft 12 opposite to the support portion 11A.

[0016] The pressing member 13A is positioned opposite the region near the upper end of the core 1. The region near the upper end includes the corner of the core 1. The corner is the angle between the side surface and the top surface when the core 1 is viewed radially. The region near the upper end also includes, for example, the upper half of the axial height of the core 1.

[0017] Specifically, the pressing member 13A extends in the Y-axis direction, and is supported by two shafts 12A, which are inserted near the ends in each Y-axis direction. The two shafts 12A are movably held by the support portion 11A as described above. Therefore, the pressing member 13A is made movable in the same direction as the extension direction of the shafts 12A by the two shafts 12A. In addition, the pressing member 13A is indirectly supported by the support portion 11A.

[0018] Two springs 14A are provided between the pressing member 13A and the two support parts 11A. The springs 14A are, for example, coil springs that receive a compressive load. A shaft 12A is inserted into each spring 14A, with one end of each spring 14A in contact with the support part 11A and the other end in contact with the pressing member 13A. Each of the two springs 14A can be interpreted as a biasing member that supports the inclined surface (see Figure 3). In other words, each of the two springs 14A biases the inclined surface toward the core 1.

[0019] In this way, the pressing member 13A is supported so as to be movable, and a spring 14A is provided between the pressing member 13A and the two support parts 11A. As a result, as shown in Figure 5, when the pressing member 13A and the pressing member 13B contact a region including the corner near the upper end of the core 1, the pressing force of the pressing member 13A and the pressing member 13B holds the core 1 in the radial direction RD and axial direction AXD, while mitigating the impact force when the pressing member 13A contacts the core 1. In other words, even if the pressing member 13A is pressed against a region near the upper end of the core 1, it is possible to prevent excessive pressing force from being applied to the electromagnetic steel sheet 1A located in that region. Therefore, damage to the electromagnetic steel sheet 1A can be suppressed. In addition, it is possible to suppress the electromagnetic steel sheet 1A from lifting outwards in the axial direction of the core 1 or from deforming into a curved shape that is convex outwards in the axial direction due to excessive pressing force.

[0020] As shown in Figure 3, the pressing member 13A may have a curved surface 13a1 and an inclined surface 13a2 formed on the opposing surface 13a facing the core 1. The opposing surface 13a is the outer surface of the pressing member 13A that is opposite to the support portion 11A side of the pressing member 13A.

[0021] The curved surface 13a1 is formed in the region CR of the opposing surface 13a, near the center in the Y-axis direction. The curved surface 13a1 curves along the outer circumferential surface 1c of the core 1 (see Figures 4 and 5), and its curvature corresponds, for example, to the curvature of the outer circumferential surface 1c of the core 1. The curved surface 13a1 forms a recess on the opposing surface 13a of the pressing member 13A that is concave in the positive X-axis direction.

[0022] The inclined surface 13a2 is a surface formed such that its distance from the outer peripheral surface 1c of the core 1 increases in the direction from the upper end to the lower end of the core 1. The inclined surface 13a2 is adjacent to the curved surface 13a1 and extends from the curved surface 13a1 to the lower surface 13b of the pressing member 13A. The inclined surface 13a2 may be formed to curve along the outer peripheral surface 1c of the core 1, similar to the curved surface 13a1.

[0023] By providing the inclined surface 13a2, when the pressing member 13A presses the outer circumferential surface 1c of the core 1, pressing force can be applied to the multiple laminated electromagnetic steel sheets 1A in the axial direction AXD and radial direction RD. Furthermore, by curving the inclined surface 13a2 along the outer circumferential surface 1c of the core 1, the contact area between the outer circumferential surface 1c of the core 1 and the pressing member 13A is increased, allowing the core 1 to be held stably.

[0024] Furthermore, the pressing member 13B may have a curved surface and an inclined surface on the surface facing the core 1, similar to those of the pressing member 13A shown in Figure 3.

[0025] (Configuration of the main body 10B) Two support parts 11B are fixed to the end of the main body 10B in the positive Z-axis direction. The two support parts 11B are arranged apart from each other in the Y-axis direction, and each of the two support parts 11B has a through hole (not shown) through which the shaft 12B passes.

[0026] One end of the shaft 12B is inserted into the through hole and held by the support portion 11B so as to be movable in the X-axis direction. Pressing members 13B are provided at the tips of the two shafts 12B, that is, at the ends of each shaft 12 opposite to the support portion 11B.

[0027] The pressing member 13B extends in the Y-axis direction, and is supported by two shafts 12B, which are inserted near each of its ends in the Y-axis direction. As described above, the two shafts 12B are movably held by the support portion 11B, so the pressing member 13B is indirectly supported by the support portion 11B by the two shafts 12B, so as to be movable in the same direction as the extension direction of the shafts 12B.

[0028] Two springs 14B are provided between the pressing member 13B and the two support parts 11B. The springs 14B are, for example, coil springs that receive a compressive load. A shaft 12B is inserted into each spring 14B, with one end of each spring 14B in contact with the support part 11B and the other end in contact with the pressing member 13B. Each of the two springs 14B can be interpreted as a biasing member that supports the inclined surface (see Figure 3), similar to the two springs 14A. In other words, each of the two springs 14B biases the inclined surface toward the core 1.

[0029] In this way, the pressing member 13B is supported so as to be movable, and a spring 14B is provided between the pressing member 13B and the two support parts 11B. As a result, as shown in Figure 5, when the pressing members 13A and 13B contact the region near the upper end of the core 1, the pressing force of the pressing members 13A and 13B holds the core 1 in the radial direction RD and axial direction AXD, while mitigating the impact force when the pressing member 13B contacts the core 1. In other words, even if the pressing member 13B is pressed against the region near the upper end of the core 1, it is possible to prevent excessive pressing force from being applied to the electromagnetic steel sheet 1A located in that region, thereby suppressing damage to the electromagnetic steel sheet 1A and preventing the electromagnetic steel sheet 1A from lifting outwards in the axial direction of the core 1.

[0030] As shown in Figure 4, the holding members 16A and 16B face each other in the radial direction RD with respect to the outer circumferential surface 1c of the core 1, which is stacked on the base 15, with respect to the central axis AX of the core 1, and move radially relative to each other to hold the area near the lower end of the core 1. The area near the lower end may include, for example, the area from the center of the axial direction AXD of the core 1 to the lower end of the core 1, and may also include a part of the area on the upper end side of the core 1 from the center of the axial direction AXD of the core 1.

[0031] When transporting the core 1, as shown in Figure 4, the core 1 stacked on the base 15 is placed in the area where the main body 10A and main body 10B connected to the connecting part 9 face each other. Then, as the holding members 16A and 16B move radially RD so that they move closer to each other, the tip surfaces of the holding members 16A and 16B press against the outer circumferential surface 1c of the core 1, as shown in Figure 5. At this time, the pressing members 13A and 13B come into contact with the area near the upper end of the core 1, and the pressing force of the pressing members 13A and 13B presses the core 1 radially RD and axially AXD. Furthermore, the holding members 16A and 16B hold the area near the lower end of the core 1, allowing the core 1 to be transported stably. Furthermore, compared to the case where the core 1 is held in the radial RD and axial AXD directions by only the pressing members 13A and 13B, the phase shift in the circumferential CD direction and the positional shift in the radial RD direction of the multiple electromagnetic steel sheets 1A located in the region near the lower end of the core 1 can be suppressed even more effectively. This is particularly effective when reversing the top and bottom of the core 1. Phase shift is a phenomenon such as the orientation of holes shifting due to the relative rotational displacement of the single sheets in the circumferential CD direction.

[0032] Next, the method of transporting the core 1 by the core transport device 100-1 will be explained with reference to Figures 6 to 11. Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating the method of transporting the core 1 by the core transport device 100-1 according to the first embodiment of this disclosure, and Figures 7 to 11 are diagrams illustrating the method of transporting the core 1 by the core transport device 100-1 according to the first embodiment of this disclosure.

[0033] In step S1, as shown in Figure 7, the core 1 stacked on the base 15 is positioned in the area where the main body 10A and the main body 10B face each other.

[0034] In step S2, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, the main body portion 10A and the main body portion 10B move closer to each other toward the core 1. As a result, as shown in Figure 9, the inclined surfaces 13a2 formed on each of the pressing members 13A and 13B come into contact with the corner portion 1e between the upper end 1d and the outer peripheral surface 1c of the core 1. As shown in Figure 10, when the main body portion 10A and the main body portion 10B move even closer to each other, as shown in Figure 11, the pressing force of the pressing members 13A and 13B acts on the core 1 with pressing forces in the radial direction RD and the axial direction AXD as indicated by the arrows.

[0035] In step S3, for example, the processing from step S2 onward is repeated until the current value flowing to the motors that drive the main body 10A and the main body 10B exceeds a specific predetermined value. If the current value exceeds the specific predetermined value, in step S4, the movement of the main body 10A and the main body 10B is stopped. Alternatively, instead of the current flowing to the motors, for example, the power driving the motors, the torque, or the amount of movement of the main body 10A and the main body 10B may be detected, and the operation of the main body 10A and the main body 10B may be stopped if these detected values ​​exceed a specific value.

[0036] In step S5, with pressing forces acting on the core 1 in the radial direction RD and axial direction AXD, the core transport device 100-1 holding the core 1 moves, i.e., the core 1 is transported, for the manufacturing process of the core 1. The manufacturing process of the core 1 includes, for example, the work of assembling a shaft to the core 1 and the work of assembling permanent magnets into each of the multiple slots. Even after the operation of the main body 10A and the main body 10B stops, pressing forces are still acting on the core 1 in the radial direction RD and axial direction AXD, so even when the core transport device 100-1 moves, positional displacement of the multiple stacked electromagnetic steel sheets 1A in the axial direction AXD and radial direction RD, and phase displacement in the circumferential direction CD are suppressed.

[0037] For example, in the manufacturing process of core 1, when it is no longer necessary to hold core 1, in step S6, the main body portion 10A and the main body portion 10B move away from each other.

[0038] As described above, in the first embodiment, by pressing the inclined surfaces 13a2 formed on the pressing members 13A and 13B against the corners 1e of the core 1, pressing forces are applied to the core 1 in the radial direction RD and axial direction AXD. This suppresses phase shifts in the circumferential direction CD and positional shifts in the radial direction RD of the multiple electromagnetic steel sheets 1A stacked in an unjointed state. This makes it easier to transport the core 1, including the electromagnetic steel sheets 1A stacked in an unjointed state.

[0039] In other words, by pressing the inclined surface 13a2 against the region near the upper end of the core 1, a pressing force is applied from the inclined surface 13a2 to the core 1. Because this contact point is inclined, the pressing force includes a radial component RD and an axial component AXD. The radial component RD of the pressing force contributes to holding the electrical steel sheet 1A in the radial direction RD, and the axial component AXD contributes to holding the electrical steel sheet 1A in the axial direction AXD. This makes it possible to suppress phase shifts in the circumferential direction CD and positional shifts in the radial direction RD of multiple electrical steel sheets 1A stacked in a non-bonded state.

[0040] Furthermore, in the manufacturing process of the core 1, permanent magnets or shafts may be inserted into the core 1. In these cases, the phase and position of the magnet insertion holes and shaft insertion holes formed in the core 1 must be appropriately maintained. As described above, the core 1 according to this embodiment includes electromagnetic steel sheets 1A that are laminated in a non-bonded state. Therefore, during transport between manufacturing processes, the electromagnetic steel sheets 1A that are laminated in a non-bonded state may move. However, in this embodiment, since a configuration that holds the core 1 is adopted as described above, phase shifts in the circumferential direction CD and positional shifts in the radial direction RD of the multiple electromagnetic steel sheets 1A can be suppressed. As a result, transport of the core 1 including the multiple electromagnetic steel sheets 1A that are laminated in a non-bonded state becomes easier.

[0041] As described above, in the present embodiment, it is possible to suppress the phase shift in the circumferential direction CD and the positional shift in the radial direction RD of the plurality of electromagnetic steel sheets 1A. Therefore, one or more electromagnetic steel sheets 1A that are not held by the pressing members 13A and 13B can be prevented from falling during the conveyance or inversion of the core 1 from the portion of the outer peripheral surface 1c of the core 1 where the support portions 11A and 11B do not face each other.

[0042] (Second Embodiment) FIGS. 12 and 13 are diagrams showing a configuration example of a core conveying device 100-2 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. The difference from the core conveying device 100-1 according to the first embodiment is that in the core conveying device 100-2, a plurality of pressing members 20A_1, 20A_2, 20B_1, 20B_2 and a plurality of flexible members 22A, 22B are used instead of the plurality of support portions 11A, 11B, the plurality of shafts 12A, 12B, the plurality of springs 14, and the plurality of pressing members 13A, 13B.

[0043] The pressing members 20A_1 and 20A_2 are installed on, for example, the holding member 16A. The pressing members 20A_1 and 20A_2 are arranged apart from each other in the Y-axis direction on the facing surface 16a of the holding member 16A with the holding member 16B. Specifically, two depressions 2A that are recessed in the plus X-axis direction are formed on the facing surface 16a of the holding member 16A, and these depressions 2A are formed apart from each other in the Y-axis direction, and the pressing members 20A_1 and 20A_2 are fitted and fixed in these depressions 2A.

[0044] The pressing members 20A_1 and 20A_2 each extend at least over the width from the upper end 1d to the lower end 1f of the core 1 shown in FIG. 9, for example, and have a facing surface 21A that faces the outer peripheral surface 1c of the core 1.

[0045] A flexible member 22A that extends at least over the width (core height) from the upper end 1d to the lower end 1f of the core 1, for example, is provided on each facing surface 21A of the pressing members 20A_1 and 20A_2. The flexible member 22A is, for example, a urethane rubber-like member. The flexible member 22A is formed in a square shape, for example, and is embedded in a depression provided on each facing surface 21A of the pressing members 20A_1 and 20A_2.

[0046] When the flexible member 22A contacts the outer peripheral surface 1c of the core 1, the contact portion of the flexible member 22A with the core 1 is slightly bent. For example, even if the widths (outer diameters) in the radial direction RD of each of the plurality of electromagnetic steel sheets 1A included from the upper end 1d to the lower end 1f of the core 1 are slightly different, when the core 1 is sandwiched in the radial direction RD by the pressing members 20A_1, the pressing member 20A_2, the pressing member 20B_1, and the pressing member 20B_2, the flexible member 22A bends, so that the flexible member 22A contacts each electromagnetic steel sheet 1A and a pressing force can be applied in the radial direction RD.

[0047] The pressing members 20B_1 and the pressing member 20B_2 are installed on, for example, the holding member 16B. The pressing members 20B_1 and the pressing member 20B_2 are arranged apart from each other in the Y-axis direction on the opposing surface 16b of the holding member 16B with the holding member 16A. Specifically, two depressions 2B that are recessed in the minus X-axis direction are formed on the opposing surface 16b of the holding member 16B, and these depressions 2B are formed apart from each other in the Y-axis direction, and the pressing members 20B_1 and the pressing member 20B_2 are fitted and fixed in these depressions 2B.

[0048] Each of the pressing members 20B_1 and the pressing member 20B_2 extends at least over the width from the upper end 1d to the lower end 1f of the core 1 shown in, for example, FIG. 9, and has an opposing surface 21B that faces the outer peripheral surface 1c of the core 1.

[0049] Flexible members 22B are provided on the opposing surfaces 21B of the pressing members 20B_1 and 20B_2, extending at least to a width greater than, for example, the width from the upper end 1d to the lower end 1f of the core 1. The flexible members 22B are made of, for example, urethane rubber, similar to the flexible members 22A. The flexible members 22B are formed, for example, in a rectangular shape and are embedded in recesses provided on the opposing surfaces 21B of the pressing members 20B_1 and 20B_2. When the flexible members 22B come into contact with the outer circumferential surface 1c of the core 1, the portion of the flexible members 22B that is in contact with the core 1 flexes slightly. For example, even if the radial RD widths of the multiple electromagnetic steel sheets 1A included from the upper end 1d to the lower end 1f of the core 1 are slightly different, when the core 1 is sandwiched between the pressing members 20A_1, 20A_2, 20B_1, and 20B_2 along the radial RD, the flexible member 22B bends, causing the flexible member 22B to contact each electromagnetic steel sheet 1A and apply a pressing force along the radial RD.

[0050] Furthermore, the flexible members 22A and 22B are not limited to urethane rubber, but may also be members containing flexible materials such as synthetic rubber, natural rubber, or silicone rubber.

[0051] Next, the method of transporting the core 1 by the core transport device 100-2 will be explained with reference to Figures 14 to 19. Figure 14 is a flowchart illustrating the method of transporting the core 1 by the core transport device 100-2 according to the second embodiment of this disclosure, and Figures 15 to 19 are diagrams illustrating the method of transporting the core 1 by the core transport device 100-2 according to the second embodiment of this disclosure.

[0052] In step S11, as shown in Figure 15, the core 1 stacked on the base 15 is positioned in the area where the main body 10A and the main body 10B face each other.

[0053] In step S12, as shown in Figure 16, when the main body portion 10A and the main body portion 10B move closer to each other toward the core 1, as shown in Figure 17, the flexible members 22A and 22B provided on each of the four pressing members 20A_1, 20A_2, 20B_1, and 20B_2 come into contact with the outer circumferential surface 1c of the core 1. As shown in Figure 18, when the main body portion 10A and the main body portion 10B move even closer to each other, as shown in Figures 18 and 19, the pressing force of the flexible members 22A and 22B acts on the core 1 with a pressing force in the radial direction RD as indicated by the arrows.

[0054] In step S13, for example, the processing from step S12 onward is repeated until the current value flowing to the motors that drive the main body 10A and the main body 10B exceeds a specific predetermined value. If the current value exceeds the specific predetermined value, in step S14, the movement of the main body 10A and the main body 10B is stopped. Alternatively, instead of the current flowing to the motors, the power driving the motors, the torque, or the amount of movement of the main body 10A and the main body 10B may be detected, and the operation of the main body 10A and the main body 10B may be stopped if these detected values ​​exceed a specific value.

[0055] In step S15, with a pressing force acting on the core 1 in the radial direction RD, the core transport device 100-2, which holds the core 1, moves, i.e., the core 1 is transported, for the rotor manufacturing process (for example, the work of assembling the shaft to the core 1, the work of assembling the permanent magnets into each of the multiple slots, etc.). Even after the operation of the main body 10A and the main body 10B stops, a pressing force acting on the entire axial direction AXD of the core 1 in the radial direction RD is still acting, so even when the core transport device 100-2 moves, misalignment of the multiple stacked electromagnetic steel sheets 1A in the axial direction AXD and radial direction RD is suppressed.

[0056] For example, once the rotor manufacturing process is complete and it is no longer necessary to hold the core 1, in step S16 the main body 10A and the main body 10B move away from each other.

[0057] As described above, in the second embodiment, flexible members 22A and 22B extending at least from the upper end 1d to the lower end 1f of the core 1 can be pressed against the outer peripheral surface 1c of the core 1 from at least from the upper end 1d to the lower end 1f. By pressing the flexible members 22A and 22B against the outer peripheral surface 1c of the core 1, a pressing force is applied to the core 1. This pressing force includes an axial component AXD. The axial component AXD contributes to holding the electrical steel sheets 1A in the axial direction AXD. This makes it possible to suppress phase shifts in the circumferential direction CD and positional shifts in the radial direction RD of the multiple electrical steel sheets 1A stacked in a non-joined state. As a result, even if the radial RD widths of each of the multiple electromagnetic steel sheets 1A included from the upper end 1d to the lower end 1f of the core 1 are slightly different, that is, even if there is variation in the outer diameter of each of the multiple electromagnetic steel sheets 1A, the flexible members 22A and 22B can bend by sandwiching the core 1 radially RD with the multiple pressing members 20A_1, 20A_2 and the multiple pressing members 20B_1, 20B_2, thereby stably holding the multiple electromagnetic steel sheets 1A.

[0058] Furthermore, the flexibility of the flexible members 22A and 22B allows them to absorb variations in the outer diameter of the electromagnetic steel sheet 1A. This prevents, for example, a concentration of radial pressure RD on only a specific electromagnetic steel sheet 1A located axially outward from the core 1, which would cause the electromagnetic steel sheet 1A to lift up in the axial direction AXD.

[0059] Furthermore, in the manufacturing process of the core 1, permanent magnets or shafts may be inserted into the core 1. In these cases, the position of the magnet insertion holes and the phase and position of the shaft insertion holes formed in the core 1 must be appropriately maintained. As described above, the core 1 according to the second embodiment includes electromagnetic steel sheets 1A that are laminated in a non-bonded state. Therefore, during transport between manufacturing processes, the electromagnetic steel sheets 1A that are laminated in a non-bonded state may move. However, in the second embodiment, since a configuration that holds the core 1 is adopted as described above, phase shifts in the circumferential direction CD and positional shifts in the radial direction RD of the multiple electromagnetic steel sheets 1A can be suppressed. As a result, transport of the core 1 including multiple electromagnetic steel sheets 1A that are laminated in a non-bonded state becomes easier.

[0060] Furthermore, the prior art described in Patent Document 1 mentioned above does not consider transporting a core containing multiple electromagnetic steel sheets stacked in a non-joined state. If a core containing multiple electromagnetic steel sheets stacked in a non-joined state is to be transported, it is difficult to easily transport the core because the phase of some of the multiple electromagnetic steel sheets will shift during transport if it is not held by the cylindrical holding member disclosed in Patent Document 1. In contrast, the first and second embodiments of this disclosure allow the core to be easily transported.

[0061] Furthermore, in the core 1 to be transported according to this disclosure, some of the electromagnetic steel sheets 1A may be joined together, while the remaining electromagnetic steel sheets 1A are not joined. For example, in the core 1, electromagnetic steel sheets 1A may be joined together in groups of several sheets (several to several dozen sheets), and these may be stacked to form the core 1. Alternatively, in the core 1, the middle portion in the height direction may be formed from electromagnetic steel sheets 1A that are stacked in a joined state, while the upper or lower portion (for example, several to several dozen sheets) may be formed from electromagnetic steel sheets 1A that are stacked in an unjoined state.

[0062] The method of joining the electrical steel sheets 1A is not particularly limited and may be mechanical joining (e.g., riveting), adhesive bonding, or welding, or a combination thereof.

[0063] Figure 20 is a flowchart illustrating the manufacturing method of a core according to the embodiment of this disclosure. In step S30, an adhesive for fixing permanent magnets (not shown) is applied to a plurality of slots of the core 1. In step S31, the plurality of permanent magnets are assembled into each of the plurality of slots of the core 1. Furthermore, the transport described above (see Figure 6 or Figure 14) is performed during transport between step S30 and step S31. It should be noted that here, an example of how the transport method of this disclosure is used for transport between step S30 and step S31 is shown, but this is merely one example. It goes without saying that the transport method of this disclosure may be used in places other than between step S30 and step S31.

[0064] Furthermore, the core transport method of this disclosure is not limited to rotor cores but can also be applied to stator cores. For example, the core transport method of this disclosure may be used for transport between processes in the manufacturing process of stator cores. The core transport devices 100-1 and 100-2 of this disclosure may be adapted to a robot arm. In the first embodiment of this disclosure, an example of a configuration of two pressing members 13A and 13B that move in two directions, namely in the positive X-axis direction and the negative X-axis direction, was described, but these pressing members may operate in three directions, four directions, or the like. For example, two or more sets of pressing members 13A and 13B may be provided so as not to interfere with each other on the XY plane. Also, the second embodiment of this disclosure may be combined with the first embodiment of this disclosure. For example, the core 1 may be held in the radial direction RD and axial direction AXD by the pressing force of the pressing members 13A and 13B shown in Figure 5, while the core 1 may be held in the radial direction RD by the pressing members 20A_1, 20A_2, 20B_1, and 20B_2 and the flexible members 22A and 22B shown in Figure 19. This further suppresses phase shifts in the circumferential direction CD and positional shifts in the radial direction RD of the multiple electromagnetic steel sheets 1A.

[0065] The following additional information is disclosed regarding the above-described embodiments.

[0066] (Note 1) A method for transporting a core, comprising: pressing a plurality of pressing members, which are arranged on either side of the core and are movable in the radial direction of the core, onto a region including at least the corners near the upper end of the core; and transporting the core while the plurality of pressing members are pressed against the region. (Note 2) The method for transporting a core according to Note 1, wherein the plurality of pressing members have inclined surfaces that increase in distance from the outer circumferential surface of the core in the direction from the upper end to the lower end of the core, and the inclined surfaces press against the region to hold the core in the axial and radial directions. (Note 3) The method for transporting a core according to Note 1 or 2, wherein the inclined surfaces are curved along the outer circumferential surface. (Note 4) The method for transporting a core according to any one of Notes 1 to 3, further comprising a biasing member that supports the inclined surfaces. (Note 5) A method for transporting a core according to any one of Notes 1 to 4, further comprising a plurality of holding members that are radially opposed to the core on either side of it, movable in the radial direction, and holding a region of the core near the lower end, wherein the core is transported with the plurality of holding members pressed against the region. (Note 6) A method for transporting a core according to any one of Notes 1 to 5, wherein the plurality of pressing members extend from the upper end to the lower end of the core and have opposing surfaces that face the outer circumferential surface of the core, and a flexible member is provided on the opposing surface that extends from the upper end to the lower end of the core, and the flexible member contacts the outer circumferential surface of the core, thereby pressing the core in the radial direction. (Note 7) A method for transporting a core according to any one of Notes 1 to 6, wherein the core includes a plurality of electromagnetic steel sheets stacked axially in an unjoined state. (Note 8) A method for manufacturing a core using the method for transporting a core according to any one of Notes 1 to 7 in transport between processes. Cross-reference of related applications

[0067] This application is based on patent application no. 2025-010906, filed on 24 January 2025, and claims the benefit of priority thereunder, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0068] 1 Core 1 1A Electromagnetic steel sheet 1A 1c Outer surface 1c 1d Upper end 1d 1e Corner 1e 1f Lower end 1f 2A Recess 2A 2B Recess 2B 9 Connecting part 9 9a Guide 9a 10A, 10B Main body 11A, 11B Support part 12A, 12B Shaft 13A, 13B Pressing member 13a Opposing surface 13a1 Curved surface 13a2 Inclined surface 13b Lower side surface 14A, 14B Spring 15 Base 16A, 16B Holding member 16a, 16b Opposing surfaces 20A_1, 20A_2, 20B_1, 20B_2 Pressing member 21A, 21B Opposing surfaces 22A, 22B Flexible member 100-1, 100-2 Core transfer device AX Central axis AXD Axial direction CD Circumferential direction CR Region CR RD Radial direction

Claims

1. A method for transporting a core, comprising: pressing a plurality of pressing members, which are arranged on either side of the core and are movable in the radial direction of the core, onto a region including at least the corners near the upper end of the core; and transporting the core while the plurality of pressing members are pressed against the region.

2. The method for transporting a core according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of pressing members have inclined surfaces that increase in distance from the outer circumferential surface of the core in the direction from the upper end to the lower end of the core, and the inclined surfaces press against the area to hold the core in the axial and radial directions.

3. The method for transporting a core according to claim 2, wherein the inclined surface is curved along the outer circumferential surface.

4. The core transport method according to claim 3, further comprising a biasing member that supports the inclined surface.

5. The method for transporting a core according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of holding members that are radially opposed to the core on either side of it, are movable in the radial direction, and hold a region of the core near the lower end, wherein the core is transported with the plurality of holding members pressed against the region.

6. The method for transporting a core according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of pressing members extend from the upper end to the lower end of the core and have opposing surfaces facing the outer circumferential surface of the core, and a flexible member extending from the upper end to the lower end of the core is provided on the opposing surface, and the flexible member contacts the outer circumferential surface of the core to press the core in the radial direction.

7. The method for transporting a core according to claim 1, wherein the core comprises a plurality of electromagnetic steel sheets stacked axially in a non-bonded state.

8. A method for manufacturing a core, using the core transport method described in any one of claims 1 to 7 for transport between processes.

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