GRIPPING APPARATUS AND GRIPPING METHOD FOR HAIRPINS

Abstract

A gripping apparatus for gripping at least one of several conductive members. The gripping apparatus is configured to grip different geometries of conductive members. The conductive member includes a first and a second conductive member end portion. The gripping apparatus includes a basic body, a first gripping device having a first gripper, wherein the first gripping device is configured to grip the first conductive member end portion or the second conductive member end portion of a predetermined conductive member via the first gripper. The gripping apparatus further has a second gripping device including a second gripper disposed to be movable relative to the basic body. The second gripping device is configured to move the second gripper relative to the first gripper such that the second gripper grips the predetermined conductive member at the second conductive member end portion or at the first conductive member end portion.

Claims

1-16. (canceled)

17. A gripping apparatus for gripping at least one conductive member of several conductive members, wherein the gripping apparatus is configured to grip different geometries of conductive members, wherein the conductive member comprises a first conductive member end portion and a second conductive member end portion, comprising: a basic body, a first gripping device comprising a first gripper, wherein the first gripping device is configured to grip the first conductive member end portion or the second conductive member end portion of a predetermined conductive member by means of the first gripper, and a second gripping device comprising a second gripper disposed so as to be movable relative to the basic body, wherein the second gripping device is configured to move the second gripper relative to the first gripper such that the second gripper grips the predetermined conductive member at the second conductive member end portion or at the first conductive member end portion.

18. The gripping apparatus according to claim 17, wherein at least one of 18.1 the first gripper is configured to be stationary relative to the basic body, 18.2 the gripping apparatus is configured to grip a coil member bent in a U-shape, 18.3 the gripping apparatus is configured to grip an electrically conductive pin, or 18.4 the gripping apparatus is configured to grip a hairpin.

19. The gripping apparatus according to claim 17, wherein at least one of 19.1 at least one of the first gripper, the first gripping device, or a first arm member, on which the first gripper is disposed, is disposed to be movable relative to at least one of the basic body or the second gripper; 19.2 at least one of the first gripper, the first gripping device, or a first arm member, on which the first gripper is disposed, are disposed so as to be linearly movable; 19.3 at least one of the first gripper, the first gripping device, or a first arm member is rotatably mounted about a pivot axle; 19.4 the first gripper is rotatable about a center of the first conductive member end portion or second conductive member end portion to be gripped; 19.5 the first gripper and the second gripper, with respect to their heights in a vertical direction of the gripping apparatus, are arranged with an offset relative to each other; 19.6 the gripping apparatus is configured to grip a coil member bent in a U-shape, 19.7 the gripping apparatus is configured to grip an electrically conductive pin, or 19.8 the gripping apparatus is configured to grip a hairpin.

20. The gripping apparatus according to claim 17, wherein 20.1 the second gripping device comprises a moving unit configured to move the second gripper relative to the basic body; 20.2 the second gripping device comprises a moving unit configured to move at least one of the second gripper or a second aim member, on which the second gripper is disposed, relative to the basic body along a circular path; or 20.3 at least one of the second gripper or a second arm member, on which the second gripper is disposed, is rotatably mounted particularly about a pivot axle, wherein the second gripping device comprises a moving unit configured to rotate the at least one of the second gripper or the second arm member.

21. The gripping apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the basic body comprises a base plate, wherein a first arm member and a second arm member are arranged on the base plate, wherein the first and second arm members extend vertically with respect to the base plate, and wherein the first gripping device is disposed on the first arm member and the second gripping device is disposed on the second arm member.

22. The gripping apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the first gripper and the second gripper each have two gripping jaws, and wherein a respective gripping surface of the respective gripping jaws has a concave configuration.

23. The gripping apparatus according to claim 22, wherein at least one of 23.1 one gripping jaw of the first gripper in each case comprises two gripping jaw members, wherein a first gripping jaw member of a first gripping jaw is associated with a first gripping jaw member of a second gripping jaw, and a second gripping jaw member of the first gripping jaw is associated with a second gripping jaw member of the second gripping jaw, wherein the first gripping jaw members and the second gripping jaw members are arranged opposite each other; or 23.2 the first gripper is configured as a double gripper.

24. The gripping apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the basic body can be hinged to a transport device for moving the gripping apparatus.

25. A hairpin handling device for handling hairpins for manufacturing a coil winding of a component of an electric machine, comprising: a gripping apparatus according to claim 24, a transport device for moving the gripping apparatus, and a control system.

26. A method for gripping at least one conductive member by means of a gripping apparatus having a basic body, a first gripping device comprising a first gripper, and a second gripping device having a second gripper disposed to be movable relative to the basic body, comprising the steps: gripping a first conductive member end portion or a second conductive member end portion of each predetermined conductive member by means of the first gripper of the first gripping device at a predetermined position; moving the second gripper relative to the first gripper for adjustment to a position of the second conductive member end portion of the predetermined conductive member or of the first conductive member end portion of the predetermined conductive member; and gripping the second conductive member end portion of the conductive member or the first conductive member end portion of the conductive member by means of the second gripper.

27. The method according to claim 26, wherein the second gripper is moved along a predetermined circular path towards the second conductive member end portion or the first conductive member end portion to grip the second conductive member end portion of the predetermined conductive member or the first conductive member end portion of the predetermined conductive member.

28. The method according to claim 26, wherein several conductive members are gripped one after the other in time with the gripping apparatus, and wherein, prior to the gripping of the respective conductive member end portion, the conductive member is rotated about a limb axis of one of the two conductive member end portions, so that the other conductive member end portion is disposed on a circular path.

29. The method according to claim 26, wherein several conductive members are gripped one after the other in time with the gripping apparatus, and wherein, prior to the gripping of the respective conductive member, the gripping apparatus is orientated relative to the conductive member to be respectively gripped and the second gripper is moved relative to the first gripper such that the first and the second conductive member portion of the conductive member is respectively gripped by the first and the second gripper at the same time.

30. The method according to claim 26, wherein subsequent to the gripping of the predetermined conductive member, the conductive member is pre-fitted into an adapter nest by means of the gripping apparatus.

31. The method according to claim 30, wherein several conductive members are pre-fitted one after the other in time to form a crown.

32. The method according to claim 30, wherein the first gripping device and the second gripping device, for pre-fitting, are positioned so that the first gripper is disposed inside a circular path and the second gripper outside the circular path.

33. The method according to claim 30, wherein the first gripper is disposed outside a circular path and the second gripper inside the circular path.

34. The method according to claim 30, wherein the first gripper is disposed outside a circular path and the second gripper outside the circular path.

35. The method according to claim 30, wherein the first gripper is disposed inside the circular path and the second gripper inside the circular path.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0092] An exemplary embodiment will be explained in more detail below with reference to the attached drawings. In the drawings:

[0093] FIG. 1a shows a schematic representation of an assembly of several conductive members of a stator with two crowns in a side view;

[0094] FIG. 1b shows a schematic representation of an assembly of several conductive members of a stator with two crowns in a top view;

[0095] FIG. 1c shows a schematic representation of an assembly of several conductive members of a stator with two crowns in a view from below;

[0096] FIG. 2a shows a schematic representation of another assembly of several conductive members of a stator with two crowns in a side view;

[0097] FIG. 2b shows a schematic representation of another assembly of several conductive members of a stator with two crowns in a top view;

[0098] FIG. 2c shows a schematic representation of another assembly of several conductive members of a stator with two crowns in a view from below;

[0099] FIG. 3 shows a schematic representation of a gripping apparatus with a basic body, a first gripping device comprising a first gripper, and a second gripping device comprising a second gripper and a moving unit for moving the second gripper, in a perspective view;

[0100] FIG. 4 shows a schematic representation of the gripping apparatus with the basic body, the first gripping device comprising the first gripper, and the second gripping device comprising the second gripper and the moving unit for moving the second gripper, in another perspective view;

[0101] FIG. 5 shows a schematic representation of the gripping apparatus of FIG. 4 in a view from below;

[0102] FIG. 6 shows a schematic representation of a gripper with two gripping jaws;

[0103] FIG. 7 shows a schematic representation of the gripping apparatus of FIG. 4 in a view from below, with a moving unit being visible;

[0104] FIG. 8 shows a schematic representation of the second gripper with a visible moving unit, which comprises a first gear and a second gear;

[0105] FIG. 9 shows a schematic representation in a perspective view of the gripping apparatus while gripping a first conductive member;

[0106] FIG. 10 shows a schematic representation in a perspective view of the gripping apparatus while gripping a second conductive member;

[0107] FIG. 11 shows a schematic representation in a perspective view of the gripping apparatus while gripping a third conductive member;

[0108] FIG. 12 shows a schematic representation in a perspective view of the gripping apparatus while gripping a fourth conductive member;

[0109] FIG. 13 shows a schematic representation in a perspective view of the gripping apparatus while gripping a fifth conductive member;

[0110] FIG. 14 shows a schematic representation of the gripping apparatus while pre-fitting the individual conductive members into a pre-fitting nest; and

[0111] FIG. 15 shows a schematic representation of the gripping apparatus with positioning options of the first and second grippers;

[0112] FIG. 16 shows a schematic representation of a gripping apparatus with a basic body, an alternative first gripping device comprising a first gripper, and an alternative second gripping device comprising a second gripper and a moving unit for moving the second gripper, while gripping a conductive member from one side, in a perspective view;

[0113] FIG. 17 shows a schematic representation in a perspective view of the gripping apparatus of FIG. 16 while gripping the conductive member from opposite sides;

[0114] FIG. 18 shows a schematic representation of the gripping apparatus of FIG. 16 in a view from below onto the first gripper and the second gripper;

[0115] FIG. 19 shows a schematic representation of the gripping apparatus of FIG. 17 in a view from below onto the first gripper and the second gripper;

[0116] FIG. 20 shows a schematic representation of four gripping positions of the first gripper and/or the second gripper; and

[0117] FIG. 21 shows a schematic representation of another embodiment of the first gripper as a double gripper.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0118] The exemplary embodiments explained below are preferred embodiments of the invention. In the exemplary embodiments, the described components of the embodiments each constitute individual features of the invention, which are to be considered independently of each other and which also develop the invention independently from each other in each case, and are thus to be deemed constituent elements of the invention individually or in a combination other than that which is shown. Moreover, the described embodiments can also be supplemented with further features of the invention already described.

[0119] FIGS. 1a to 1c and 2a to 2c depict several conductive members, particularly for a stator of an electric machine, in different views—in a side view, a top view and from below. The conductive members are configured as electrical conductors, particularly as hairpins. FIGS. 1a to 1c show six conductive members—a first conductive member 10, a second conductive member 11, a third conductive member 12, a fourth conductive member 13, a fifth conductive member 14 and a sixth conductive member 15—and FIGS. 2a to 2c show five conductive members—the first through fifth conductive member 10 through 14. Though the respective conductive members are shown together in the FIGS. 1a to 1c and 2a to 2c in order to illustrate the different configurations of the conductive members, for gripping, however, the individual conductive members are successively, particularly successively in time, disposed on the predefined or predetermined position and there are individually gripped by a gripping apparatus. After they have been manufactured in a manufacturing device and/or bending device, the individual conductive members are individually provided to the gripping apparatus via a transport system and then gripped individually.

[0120] The shape of the individual conductive members is to be addressed in more detail below. The conductive members have a 3-dimensional shape or 3D shape. The conductive members are configured with a U-shaped bend. The conductive members have several angles resulting in a roof shape, which is also referred to as a house roof shape. In this case, the angles and the limb lengths of the conductive member may vary depending on the required shape. In their roof-shaped regions, the conductive members are preferably bent in a direction extending perpendicularly to the plane of the conductive member, so that a curvature is formed in the roof-shaped region. With respect to further details regarding the shape of the respective conductive members, reference is made here to WO 2018/233774 A1.

[0121] The respective conductive members have two conductive member end portions—a first conductive member end portion 16 and a second conductive member end portion 17. The conductive member end portion may also be referred to as a limb end. In FIGS. 1a to 1c and 2a to 2c, the respective conductive members have a rectangular cross-section or rectangular cross-sectional shape. Alternatively, the conductive members may also have a round or oval or square or polygonal cross-section.

[0122] Though FIGS. 1a to 1c and 2a to 2c show several conductive members at the same time, the illustrations in FIGS. 1a to 1c and 2a to 2c are supposed to show how the individual conductive members are disposed one after the other, in particular in time, for gripping with a gripping apparatus. The depicted conductive members are shown to be placed one above the other in a congruent manner at one of the two conductive member end portions, in this case the first conductive member end portion 16, in order to illustrate the identical pick-up position for the first conductive member end portions 16. The other conductive member end portions, in this case the second conductive member end portions 17, have positions that are different from each other. Comparing FIGS. 1a to 1c with FIGS. 2a to 2c, the second conductive member end portions 17 in FIGS. 2a to 2c are disposed on a circle line 18, in particular side-by-side. Six positions are apparent in FIGS. 1a to 1c, in particular gripping positions that deviate from one another both in the x- and the y-direction.

[0123] In order to obtain such an arrangement of the second conductive member end portions 17 as it is shown in FIGS. 2a to 2c, the respective conductive members are rotated about a limb axis 19, in particular of the first conductive member end portion 16. In particular, “limb axis” refers to an axis about which the respective conductive member is turned or rotated. In particular, one of the two conductive member end portions has the limb axis. In the process, the first conductive member end portions 16 of the respective conductive members are successively, in particular in time, placed congruently one above the other, and then individually rotated about the limb axis 19 of the first conductive member end portion 16, so that the result is a common diameter at the second conductive member end portions 17, or the second conductive member end portions 17 are located on a common circular path or circle line or radius. In the practical application, by moving the transport device, e.g., a robot, to which the gripping apparatus 20 is attached, the gripping apparatus 20 is positioned, relative to the conductive members to be gripped, in such a way that the second conductive member end portions 17 are located on a common circular path or circle line or radius relative to the gripping apparatus 20.

[0124] The orientation of the respective conductive members as shown in FIGS. 2a to 2c forms the starting point for gripping the respective conductive members for the gripping apparatus, which will be addressed in detail below.

[0125] The gripping apparatus 20 for gripping the individual conductive members is shown in a perspective view in FIGS. 3 and 4. The gripping apparatus 20 may be installed on a robot, for example. The gripping apparatus 20 comprises a basic body 21 having a base plate 22, a first arm member 23 and a second arm member 24. The gripping apparatus 20 further comprises a first gripping device 25 and a second gripping device 26. The base plate 22 is configured as a plate-shaped workpiece or as a plate. The first arm member 23 is disposed on the base plate 22, on a surface at an end portion of the base plate 22, and the second arm member 24 is disposed at an opposite end portion on the surface of the base plate 22. In other words, the first arm member 23 and the second arm member 24 are disposed opposite each other, in particular parallel to each other, on the base plate 22. In this case, the first arm member 23 and the second arm member 24 are fixed to the base plate, in particular screw-connected therewith or connected therewith positively or by substance-to-substance connection. Here, the two arm members—the first arm member 23 and the second arm member 24—extend perpendicularly or vertically to the base plate 22. The two aim members 23, 24 may be configured, for example, as a bar or rod or rail.

[0126] The first gripping device 25 is disposed on or fixed to the first arm member 23. In other words, the first arm member 23 holds or supports the first gripping device. In this case, the first arm member 23 is disposed on or attached to the base plate 22 with one end. The first gripping device 25 is arranged on an end of the first arm member 23 opposite the one end, or opposite the base plate 22. In other words, the first arm member 23 is disposed between the base plate 22 and the first gripping device 25. Furthermore, the second arm member 24 is disposed on or attached to the base plate 22 with one end. The second gripping device 26 is arranged on or attached to an end of the second arm member 24 opposite the one end, or opposite the base plate 22. In other words, the second aim member 24 is disposed between the base plate 22 and the second gripping device 24. In other words, the gripping apparatus 20 includes the base plate 22, to which two arms or arm members 23, 24 are screwed. A gripping device 25, 26, each of which is supposed to grip one of the two conductive member end portions 16, 17, is installed on each of these arms.

[0127] FIG. 5 shows the gripping apparatus 20 in a perspective view from below. As is apparent from FIG. 5, the first gripping device 25 has a first gripper 27, and the second gripping device 26 has a second gripper 28. One of the two grippers is shown in more detail in FIG. 6. The two grippers—first gripper 27 and second gripper 28—each have two gripping jaws—a first gripping jaw 29 and a second gripping jaw 30. Preferably, the two gripping jaws 29, 30 of the first gripper 27 and the second gripper 28 have an analogous or identical structure. Both gripping jaws 29, 30 have one gripping surface 31 each. In this case, the gripping surface 31 of the gripping jaw 29, 30 is curved inward or configured to be concave. The first gripping device 27 is configured for gripping, in particular with its gripping jaws, the conductive member at the first conductive member end portion 16. The second gripper 28 is configured for gripping, in particular with its gripping jaws, the conductive member at the second conductive member end portion 17. In this case, the gripping surface 31 of the respective grippers 27, 28 grasps the conductive member end portion. For example, the first gripper 27 and/or the second gripper 28 are configured as parallel grippers.

[0128] Moreover, the first gripper 27 or the first gripping device 25 are configured in a stationary manner. In this case, the first gripper 27 is attached to the first arm member 23. The second gripper 28 is configured to be movable. In order to move the second gripper 28, the second gripping device 26 comprises a moving unit 32. The second gripper 27 is movable relative to the base plate 22 or the basic body 21 and/or the first gripper 27 or the first gripping device 25. The moving unit 32 for moving the second gripper 28 is to be explained in more detail in connection with FIGS. 7 and 8.

[0129] The moving unit 32 has a first gear 33, a second gear 34 and a drive unit 35 (not shown in FIGS. 7 and 8). The first gear 33 is configured as an externally toothed gear. The second gear 34 is configured as an internally toothed gear. In this case, the first gear meshes 33 with the second gear 34. The first gear 33 is driven by the drive unit 35. Thus, the drive unit 35 is configured for driving the first gear 33, i.e., cause it to execute a rotary movement. The drive unit 35 may be a stepping motor, for example. The first gear 33 may also be referred to as a drive wheel or drive gear. The second gear 34 is driven, i.e., caused to move, by the first gear 33. Thus, the second gear 34 may also be referred to as the output gear or output wheel or output plate. As is apparent from FIGS. 7 and 8, the second gear 34 does not have a round or wheel-shaped shape, but constitutes a toothed segment. The second gear 34 is configured as a plate-shaped workpiece or a toothed plate, with which the teeth of the first gear 33 mesh. Moreover, the second gripper 28 is arranged on or attached to the second gear 34. Therefore, the second gripper 28 is automatically moved along due to the movement of the second gear 34.

[0130] Furthermore, the second gripping device 26 comprises an accommodating unit 36 on which the second gear 34 is arranged or mounted. The accommodating unit 36 may be configured as a support. The accommodating unit 36 is configured as a plate-shaped component or as a plate. Further, the accommodating unit 36 comprises at least one accommodating portion 37. The accommodating unit 36 may also have several accommodating portions. The accommodating portion 37 is configured as a groove or elongated hole or furrow or channel. The accommodating portion 37 has a circle line-shaped or rounded or semi-circular shape. Moreover, the second gear 34 has at least one guide member 38. In other words, at least one guide member 38 is disposed on the second gear 34. Also, several guide members may be disposed on the second gear 34. The guide member may 38 be configured as a pin or bolt or appendage, for instance. In this case, the at least one guide member 38 reaches into the accommodating portion 37. In other words, the guide member is disposed at least partially, i.e., completely or partially, in the accommodating portion 37. A trajectory is defined for the second gripper 28 by the guide member 38 arranged in the accommodating portion 37.

[0131] During the movement of the second gear 34, the guide member 38 is guided in such a way in the accommodating portion 37 that the second gripper moves 28 at least partially along a circular path 39. In particular, “circular path” refers to a circle line along which the second gripper is at least partially moved.

[0132] A specific exemplary embodiment shall be described below:

[0133] The mechanism of the second gripping device 26 comprises the driven gear 33, which is operated by a stepping motor. The teeth of the externally toothed driven gear 33, which may also be referred to as a drive gear, mesh with a section of the internally toothed gear 34, which may also be referred to as the output plate, which constitutes the output gear. One or several guide members are attached to the output plate. The guide members guide the output plate on a defined diameter in the accommodating portion 37 or the accommodating section. Accommodating sections for the guide members are provided in the accommodating section. The second gripper 28 with its gripping jaws 29, 30 is installed on the output plate. If the drive unit 35, i.e., the stepping motor, drives the drive gear 33, the second gripper 28 is thereby moved on the diameter path or circle path defined by the guide members 38 and the accommodating section 37. The advantage of the toothed transmission is that a point of rotation N of the second gear 34 or of the output plate, and thus a point of rotation of the second gripper 28, does not have to be congruent with the center P of the drive unit. This results in a compact system, which is required, because there is very little space within the adapter nest. Moreover, the gear transmission also entails an advantageous power transmission.

[0134] FIGS. 9 to 13 successively show the gripping of the five conductive members—the first conductive member 10, the second conductive member 11, the third conductive member 12, the fourth conductive member 13 and the conductive member 14—as is shown in FIGS. 2a to 2c.

[0135] In order for the conductive members to be oriented as it is shown in FIGS. 2a to 2c, the conductive members are rotated about the first conductive member end portion 16, so that all other limb ends, i.e., the second conductive member end portions 17 of a conductive member, are situated on an identical radius that the second gripper can drive along. For this purpose, the basic body 21 of the gripping apparatus 20, which is attached to a robot, for example, is rotated and/or pivoted accordingly. In particular, the non-movable first gripper 25 thus also rotates. Prior to the gripping of the respective conductive member, the gripping apparatus, in practice, is orientated relative to the conductive member to be respectively gripped and the second gripper is moved relative to the first gripper in such a way that the first and the second conductive member portion of the conductive member can be respectively gripped by the first and the second gripper at the same time. In this case, the control system of the gripping apparatus, for example, obtains from a feeding device for feeding the conductive members to the gripping apparatus, for example, information on the specific geometry of a conductive member to be respectively gripped, e.g., the spacing between the two conductive member portions and its position on the feeding device. The control system then orientates the gripping apparatus relative to the conductive member to be gripped and positions the second gripper relative to the first gripper in such a way that then, the first conductive member portion can be gripped by the first gripper and, simultaneously, the second conductive member portion by the second gripper.

[0136] In FIGS. 9 to 13, the first gripper 27 with its gripping jaws grips the first conductive member end portion 16, and the second gripper 28 with its gripping jaws grips the second orientated conductive member end portion 17. During the gripping process, the first gripper 27 and/or the second gripper 28 close and clamp the conductive member between their gripping jaws 29, 30, which may also be referred to as clamping jaws. Thus, the conductive member is held, in particular, at its two spaced-apart conductive member end portions 16, 17. When gripping the respective conductive members, the first gripper 27 remains stationary, i.e., does not move, and the second gripper 28 moves relative to the first gripper 27 or the basic body 21 towards the respective second conductive member end portion 17 of the respective conductive member along the predetermined circular path 39. In this example, this results in five different gripping points for the gripper 28, towards which the second gripper 28 has to move. In order to grip the second conductive member end portion 17, the second gripper 28 moves in the counter-clockwise direction along the circular path 39. In FIG. 9, the gripping apparatus 20 grips the first conductive member 10, in FIG. 10 the second conductive member 11, in FIG. 11 the third conductive member 12, in FIG. 12 the fourth conductive member 13, and in FIG. 13 the fifth conductive member 14. FIGS. 9 to 13 are supposed to illustrate that, if the different conductive members are rotated about the limb axis 19 or the gripping apparatus has been orientated accordingly towards the conductive member to be gripped, the second conductive member end portions 17 or second limbs are always situated on the circle radius relative to the gripping apparatus, and that thus, the conductive members, despite their different geometries, can be gripped at the second conductive member end portion 17 or end by simple kinematics of the second gripping device 26.

[0137] The gripping apparatus is used for pre-fitting the conductive members, particularly after a bending process. Pre-fitting is understood to be the positioning of the individual conductive members to form crowns. The crowns or hairpin crowns are then introduced into the stator and/or rotor by one or more joining processes. The positioning of the conductive members to form crowns is carried out by means of an adapter nest 40 into which the conductive members are pre-fitted.

[0138] The pre-fitting of the gripped conductive member into the adapter nest 40 is shown in FIG. 14. For further details of pre-fitting, reference is made here to WO 2018/233774 A1 and WO 2018/233771 A1. The adapter nest 40 in FIG. 14 is configured for forming two crowns from the conductive members. However, more than two crowns may also be formed. During assembly, one conductive member is gripped individually and fitted into the adapter nest or pre-fitting device or accommodating section. Depending on the configuration of the stator and/or rotor, different pre-fitting movements with the gripping apparatus 20 are required to be able to realize the weaving of the crowns or of the conductive members to form crowns. Thus, different positions of the two grippers—first gripper 27 and second gripper 28—or of the gripping devices 25, 26 are necessary.

[0139] FIG. 15 shows positioning options of the first gripper 27 and the second gripper 28 relative to the circular path 39. The first gripper 27 may be arranged inside the circular path 39 at the position z, and the second gripper 29 may be arranged outside the circular path 39 at the position w. In addition or as an alternative, the first gripper 27 may be arranged outside the circular path 39 at the position y, and the second gripper 28 may be arranged inside the circular path 39 at the position x. In addition or as an alternative, the first gripper 27 may be arranged outside the circular path 39 at the position y, and the second gripper 28 may be arranged outside the circular path at the position w. In addition or as an alternative, the first gripper 27 may be arranged inside the circular path 39 at the position z, and the second gripper 28 may be arranged inside the circular path 39 at the position x. In FIG. 15, the first gripper is arranged at the position y outside the circular path 39, and the second gripper 28 at the position x inside the circular path 39.

[0140] The gripping apparatus 20 with another embodiment of the first gripping device 25 and the second gripping device 26 is described in connection with FIGS. 16 to 19.

[0141] Also in this case, the gripping apparatus 20 comprises the basic body 21 having a base plate 22, a first arm member 23 and a second arm member 24. The gripping apparatus 20 further comprises a first gripping device 25 and a second gripping device 26. The base plate 22 is configured as a plate-shaped workpiece or as a plate. The first arm member 23 is disposed on the base plate 22, on a surface at a predetermined portion of the base plate 22, particularly at an end portion, and the second arm member 24 is disposed at another predetermined portion, in particular an opposite end portion, on the surface of the base plate 22. In other words, the first arm member 23 and the second arm member 24 are disposed at a predetermined distance from each other, in particular opposite each other, particularly preferably parallel to each other, on the base plate 22. Here, the two arm members—the first arm member 23 and the second arm member 24—extend perpendicularly or vertically to the base plate 22, particularly to the surface of the base plate 22 against which the two arm members 23, 24 rest. The two aim members 23, 24 may be configured, for example, as a bar or rod or rail.

[0142] In other words, the gripping apparatus 20 comprises two gripping arms, which are referred to as arm members 23, 24, on each of which one gripper—first gripper 27 and second gripper 28—is installed. The gripping arms are installed on the base plate 22. This base plate is installed on a handling device, such as a robot or the like, and moved by it.

[0143] The first gripping device 25 is disposed on or fixed to the first arm member 23. In other words, the first arm member 23 holds or supports the first gripping device 25. In this case, the first arm member 23 is disposed on the base plate 22 with one end. The first gripping device 25 is arranged on an end of the first arm member 23 opposite the one end, or opposite the base plate 22. In other words, the first arm member 23 is disposed between the base plate 22 and the first gripping device 25.

[0144] Furthermore, the second arm member 24 is disposed on or attached to the base plate 22 with one end. The second gripping device 26 is arranged on or attached to an end of the second arm member 24 opposite the one end, or opposite the base plate 22. In other words, the second arm member 24 is disposed between the base plate 22 and the second gripping device 24. In other words, the gripping apparatus 20 includes the base plate 22, on which two arms or arm members 23, 24 are arranged. A gripping device 25, 26, each of which is supposed to grip one of the two conductive member end portions 16, 17, or, together, one of the two conductive member end portions 16, 17, is installed on each of these arms.

[0145] The first gripping device 25 includes the first gripper 27, and the second gripping device 26 includes the second gripper 28. For example, the first gripper 27 and/or the second gripper 28 are configured as, in particular pneumatic, parallel grippers.

[0146] The second gripper 28 is built or configured similar to the grippers described in connection with FIG. 6. The second gripper 28 is configured for gripping, in particular with its gripping jaws, the conductive member at the second conductive member end portion 17, or also at the first conductive member end portion 16. In this case, the gripping surface 31 of the second gripper 28 grasps the second conductive member end portion 17 or the first conductive member end portion 16. As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the second gripper 28 has two gripping jaws—a first gripping jaw 29 and a second gripping jaw 30. Both gripping jaws 29, 30 have one gripping surface 31 each. In this case, the gripping surface 31 of the gripping jaw 29, 30 is curved inward or configured to be concave or moon-shaped. Unlike the gripping jaws of the second gripper 28 in FIG. 6, the first gripping jaw 29 has an appendage F. The appendage F extends from the first gripping jaw 29 in the direction of the second gripping jaw 30. The appendage F includes or forms a part of the gripping surface 31. Due to the appendage F, the first gripping jaw 29 overlaps the second gripping jaw 30. The second conductive member end portion 17 or first conductive member end portion 16 accommodated between the gripping jaws 29, 30 is enclosed by the appendage F and/or the gripping surface 31. In addition or as an alternative, the second gripping jaw 30 may also have this appendage. In that case, the appendage F extends from the second gripping jaw 30 in the direction of the first gripping jaw 29. The appendage F includes a part of the gripping surface 31. Due to the appendage F, the first gripping jaw 29 overlaps the second gripping jaw 30.

[0147] The second gripper 28 is configured to be movable. The second gripper 28 is movable relative to the base plate 22 or the basic body 21 and/or the first gripper 27 or the first gripping device 25. In order to move the second gripper 28, the second gripping device 26 comprises a second moving unit 32b. The second moving unit 32b is configured differently than the moving unit 32 as it was described in connection with FIGS. 7 and 8. The second moving unit 32b comprises a mechanism for rotating the second gripper 28. In particular, the second moving unit 32b has a rotating mechanism. In other words, the second gripper 28 can be rotated. For this purpose, the second moving unit 32b or the second gripping device 26 has a pivot axle D. In this case, the second gripping arm 24 has a pivot axle D, which is configured for moving or rotating the second gripper 28, at an end portion, particularly the one on which the second gripper 28 is disposed, particularly preferably opposite the base plate 22. In particular, “pivot axle” refers to an axis about which a rotation takes place. In particular, this pivot axle D makes it possible to grip different geometries of hairpins, e.g., different limb spacings of the hairpins, with this gripping apparatus 20.

[0148] The first gripper 27 is configured for gripping, in particular with its gripping jaws, the conductive member at the first conductive member end portion 16 or at the second conductive member end portion. In this case, the gripping surface 31 of the first gripper 27 grasps the first conductive member end portion 16 or the second conductive member end portion 17.

[0149] Furthermore, the first gripper 27 and/or the first arm member 23 and/or the first gripping device 25 are disposed so as to be linearly movable. In other words, the first gripper 27 and/or the first arm member 23 and/or the first gripping device 25 are configured for carrying out a linear movement. For moving the first gripper 27 and/or the first arm member 23 and/or the first gripping device 25 or for carrying out the linear movement thereof, the gripping apparatus 20 preferably has a first moving unit 32a. The first moving unit 32a is configured for moving the first gripper 27 and/or the first arm member 23 and/or the first gripping device 25 relative to the basic body 21 and/or the second gripper 28. In other words, the first gripper 27 and/or the first arm member 23 of the first gripping device 25 and/or the first gripping device 25 can be moved by means of the first moving unit 32a. In other words, the first gripper 27 and/or the first arm member 23 and/or the first gripping device 25 can be installed on the first moving unit 32a, which permits a linear movement, particularly as a relative movement relative to the base plate 22.

[0150] Due to this linear movement, a hairpin can be gripped in various manners. If the first arm member 23, i.e., the first gripping arm, is located in its left-hand position as shown in FIGS. 16 and 18, a hairpin can be gripped from one side; that is, relative to the hairpin, the two grippers, i.e., the first gripper 27 and the second gripper 28, are located on one hairpin side. If the first arm member 23, i.e., the first gripping arm, is located in its right-hand position as shown in FIGS. 17 and 19, a hairpin can be gripped from both sides; that is, relative to the hairpin, one gripper is located on the one hairpin side, whereas the other gripper is located on the other hairpin side.

[0151] The first moving unit 32a may have a rail, for example, which is arranged on a surface or side of the base plate 22 facing towards the first gripper 27 and the second gripper 28. In this case, the first arm member 23 can be moved along the rail. Moreover, the first moving unit 32a for moving or displacing the first arm member 23 may comprise a cylinder. For example, the first moving unit 32a may comprise a lifting cylinder or gas pressure spring.

[0152] Furthermore, the first gripper 27 and the second gripper 28, with respect to their heights, are arranged with an offset relative to each other. In other words, the first gripper 27 and the second gripper 28 can be arranged differently or with an offset relative to each other in the vertical direction of the gripping apparatus 20.

[0153] FIG. 20 schematically shows the two limbs of a hairpin, i.e., a conductive member, with the first conductive member end portion 16 and the second conductive member end portion 17 in a sectional view and four possible positions 1, 2, 3, 4 of one gripper or of the two grippers 27, 28 of the gripping apparatus 20. The combination of a handling device and a gripping apparatus 20, i.e., a system comprising the handling device and the gripping apparatus 20, permits all imaginable variants of gripping positions. That means that each of the two grippers 27, 28 in any combination can move to any gripping position 1, 2, 3, 4. If, for example, the first gripper 27 assumes the gripping position 1, the second gripper 28 can then move towards all four possible gripping positions 1, 2, 3, 4. Alternatively, for example, the second gripper 28 may move towards the gripping position 1, and the first gripper 27 towards all four possible gripping positions 1, 2, 3, 4. In the process, the second gripper 28 may also move towards the identical gripping position of the first gripper 27, or the first gripper 27 may move towards the identical gripping position of the second gripper 28. It is thus possible for the first gripper 27 and the second gripper 28 to be arranged with an offset relative to each other with respect to their heights. It is thus possible that only one limb, i.e., conductive member end portion, e.g., the first conductive member end portion 16 or the second conductive member end portion 17, is gripped by both grippers 27, 28. This flexibility affords the greatest advantages with regard to loading and unloading of the hairpin, i.e., the conductive member, into or from various (production) units. Thus, the hairpin does not have to be transferred from a (production) unit to the gripping apparatus in a defined manner, because the gripping apparatus is capable of adapting to the respective (production) unit. This results in a considerably simplified construction effort for the individual (production) units and, at the same time, provides considerable cycle time advantages in the production of hairpins and the transport of hair pins.

[0154] As is apparent from FIG. 21, the first gripper 27 in the embodiments of FIGS. 16 to 19 has a different configuration from that of the first gripper 27 in the embodiments of FIGS. 3 to 15. Apart from the fact that the first gripper 27 is configured to be movable, the first gripper 27 has two gripping points. The first gripper 27 has two gripping jaws 29′, 30′ for this purpose. The two gripping jaws 29′, 30′ comprise two gripping jaw members 29a′, 30a′, 29b′, 30b′. The gripping jaw members 29a′, 30a′, 29b′, 301b′ are arranged opposite each other. The first gripping jaw member 29a′ of the first gripping jaw 29′ is assigned or allocated to the first gripping jaw member 30a′ of the second gripping jaws 30′. Each gripping jaw member 29a′, 30a′, 29b′, 30b′ has a gripping surface. The first gripping jaw member 29a′ of the first gripping jaw 29′ and the first gripping jaw member 30a′ of the second gripping jaw 30′ each have a first gripping surface 31′. The second gripping jaw member 29b′ of the first gripping jaw 29′ and the second gripping jaw member 30b″ of the second gripping jaw 30′ each have a second gripping surface 31″. Together, the first gripping jaw member 29a′ of the first gripping jaw 29′ and the first gripping jaw member 30a′ of the second gripping jaws 30′ form or comprise a first gripping point. The second gripping jaw member 29b′ of the first gripping jaw 29′ is assigned or allocated to the second gripping jaw member 30b′ of the second gripping jaws 30′. Together, the second gripping jaw member 29a′ of the first gripping jaw 29′ and the second gripping jaw member 30b′ of the second gripping jaw 30′ form or comprise a second gripping point. In particular, the two gripping points are formed thereby. The first gripping surface 31′ and the second gripping surface 31″ are arranged so as to be opposite or facing towards each other. The first gripping jaw member 29a′ of the first gripping jaw 29′ and the first gripping jaw member 30a′ of the second gripping jaw 30′ as well as the second gripping jaw member 29b′ of the first gripping jaw 29′ and the second gripping jaw member 30b′ of the second gripping jaw 30′ may be configured like the second gripper 28, or its gripping jaws with the appendage F, which was already described in connection with FIGS. 18 and 19. Only, the first gripper has two pairs of these gripping jaws, which are arranged opposite each other. The gripping jaws or jaws of the first gripper 27 formed in this manner make it possible that both gripping points can be closed or opened with only a single gripper, and that it is not necessary to install two actuators or grippers—which would result in considerable problems regarding space and weight. Depending on the position of the right arm, i.e., the first arm member 23, either the gripping point 1 or the gripping point 2 is in the active position—i.e., arranged such that it is able to grip a hairpin limb.

[0155] Alternatively, the first gripper 27 may be configured like the second gripper 28. Instead of the first gripper 27 being linearly displaced, the first gripper 27 and/or the first arm member 23 may then be rotated about a pivot axle.

[0156] On the whole, the gripping of hairpins by means of a gripping apparatus is described by embodiments of the invention.

[0157] The gripping concept entails the gripping of all hairpins at the limbs by means of a stationary or non-movable gripper. Then, five gripping positions result on the other side.

[0158] First, one limb each of all the different hairpins are placed one above the other in a congruent manner. Then, all hairpins are rotated about the limb axis M so as to result in a common diameter D at all other limb ends. Then, only one actuator moves towards all the different limb positions of the other limbs. Thus, the device is made cost-effective and, above all, compact.

[0159] The entire gripping system may be installed on a robot, for example. The gripping system comprises a base plate, which is screwed-connected with or to a robot and to which two arms are screwed. One gripper, which is supposed to grip one of the two hairpin limbs in each case, is installed on each of these arms. The movable gripper is installed on the second arm, and the stationary arm is installed on the first arm. In the present case, two parallel grippers are used for gripping the limbs. At their gripping surfaces, the gripping jaws of the parallel gripper have a round configuration. Thus, a rotation in the respective parallel gripper is prevented only by the fact that each hairpin is also gripped at its second limb by the other parallel gripper. The one parallel gripper is stationary or non-movable. The other parallel gripper can move towards the different positions of the second limbs. The accommodating section of the movable gripper contains the mechanism for the movement.

[0160] A mechanism moves the second gripper. The mechanism comprises a driven gear, which may be operated by a stepping motor, for instance. The teeth of the externally toothed driven gear or drive gear mesh with a section of the internally toothed gear or output plate, which constitutes the driven gear. One or several guide members are attached to the output plate. The guide members guide the output plate on a defined diameter in the accommodating section. Accommodating sections for the guide members are provided in the accommodating section. The accommodating sections may be realized by means of grooves. The second gripper with its gripping jaws is installed on the output plate. If the drive unit drives the drive gear, the parallel gripper is thereby moved on the diameter path defined by the guide members and their accommodating section. Thus, all of the different hairpins of a stator can be picked up and gripped in a defined manner by the predetermined or specific arrangement of the hairpins.

[0161] The advantage of the gear transmission is that the point of rotation and thus the point of rotation of the gripper do not have to be congruent with the center of the drive unit P. This results in a very compact system, because P is much closer to the dashed line than N. Moreover, the gear transmission also entails an advantageous power transmission. At present, the gripping system is used for pre-fitting hairpins after the bending process. Pre-fitting is understood to be the positioning of individual hairpins to form hairpin crowns. The hairpin crowns are then inserted into the stator and/or rotor by one or more joining processes. The positioning of the hairpins to form crowns is carried out using adapter nests, into which the hairpins are pre-fitted. Depending on the configuration of the stator, different pre-fitting movements with the gripping system are required to be able to realize the weaving of the hairpins or of the crowns. This requires different positions of the two gripping arms with a stationary and a movable gripper. However, all other combinations of positions relative to the diameter are conceivable for the two grippers.

[0162] In addition to the pre-fitting of the hairpins, however, the device can also be conceivably used for all other handling processes of items having two limbs, whose positions vary.

[0163] According to an alternative embodiment, the gripping apparatus has two gripping arms or arm members on which one gripper, e.g., a pneumatic parallel gripper or the like, is installed in each case. The gripping arms are installed on a base plate. This base plate is installed on a handling device, e.g., a robot or the like, and moved by it.

[0164] In the lower region, the second gripping arm has a pivot axle which is able to move the gripper of the second arm. This pivot axle makes it possible to grip different geometries of hairpins, e.g., different limb spacings, with this gripping system.

[0165] The first gripping arm or the first gripper of the first gripping arm is installed on a moving unit, which permits a linear movement, particularly a relative movement relative to the base plate. The same effect can be obtained if the first gripping arms can be rotated about the limb center of the right-hand limb. Due to this linear movement, a hairpin can be gripped in various manners. If the first gripping arm is located in its left-hand position, a hairpin can be gripped from one side; that is, relative to the hairpin, the two grippers, i.e., the gripper of the second gripping arm and the gripper of the first gripping arm, are located on one hairpin side. If the second gripping arm is located in its right-hand position, a hairpin can be gripped from both sides; that is, relative to the hairpin, one gripper is located on the one hairpin side, whereas the other gripper is located on the other hairpin side. The linear movement of the first arm member makes the gripping system extremely flexible.

[0166] In summary, it can be said that the combination of a handling device, particularly a robot or the like, on which the above-described gripping apparatus is mounted, with the above-described gripping apparatus permits hairpins to be gripped in an extremely flexible manner. The combination of a handling device and a gripping apparatus permits all imaginable variants of gripping positions. That means that each of the two grippers in any combination can move to any gripping position. If, for example, a gripper assumes one gripping position, the other gripper can then move towards four possible gripping positions—even the identical gripping position of the other gripper. This is possible because the two grippers are arranged with an offset relative to each other with respect to their heights. It is thus possible that only one limb of the hairpin, i.e., one conductive member end portion, is gripped by both grippers. This flexibility affords the greatest advantages with regard to loading and unloading of the hairpin into or from various (production) units. Thus, the hairpin does not have to be transferred from a (production) unit to the gripping system in a defined manner, because the gripping system is capable of adapting to the respective (production) unit. This results in a considerably simplified construction effort for the individual (production) units and, at the same time, provides considerable cycle time advantages in the production of hairpins and the transport of hair pins.

[0167] The gripping jaws of the first gripper are formed in a special manner. Said gripping jaws haven not only a single gripping point, as is the case for the second gripper, but two gripping points. The jaws formed in this manner make it possible that both gripping points can be closed or opened with only a single gripper, e.g., a pneumatic gripper, and that it is not necessary to install two actuators—which would result in considerable problems regarding space and weight. Depending on the position of the first arm, either the gripping point 1 or the gripping point 2 is in the active position—i.e., arranged such that it is able to grip a hairpin limb.

[0168] While at least one exemplary embodiment of the present invention(s) is disclosed herein, it should be understood that modifications, substitutions and alternatives may be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art and can be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. This disclosure is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the exemplary embodiment(s). In addition, in this disclosure, the terms “comprise” or “comprising” do not exclude other elements or steps, the terms “a” or “one” do not exclude a plural number, and the term “or” means either or both. Furthermore, characteristics or steps which have been described may also be used in combination with other characteristics or steps and in any order unless the disclosure or context suggests otherwise. This disclosure hereby incorporates by reference the complete disclosure of any patent or application from which it claims benefit or priority.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0169] 10 First conductive member [0170] 11 Second conductive member [0171] 12 Third conductive member [0172] 13 Fourth conductive member [0173] 14 Fifth conductive member [0174] 15 Sixth conductive member [0175] 16 First conductive member end portion [0176] 17 Second conductive member end portion [0177] 18 Circle line [0178] 19 Limb axis [0179] 20 Gripping apparatus [0180] 21 Basic body [0181] 22 Base plate [0182] 23 First arm member [0183] 24 Second arm member [0184] 25 First gripping device [0185] 26 Second gripping device [0186] 27 First gripper [0187] 28 Second gripper [0188] 29 First gripping jaw [0189] 29′ First gripping jaw [0190] 29a′ First gripping jaw member [0191] 29b′ Second gripping jaw member [0192] 30 Second gripping jaw [0193] 30′ Second gripping jaw [0194] 30a′ First gripping jaw member [0195] 30b′ Second gripping jaw member [0196] 31 Gripping surface [0197] 31′ First gripping surface [0198] 31″ Second gripping surface [0199] 32 Moving unit [0200] 32a First moving unit [0201] 32b Second moving unit [0202] 33 First gear [0203] 34 Second gear [0204] 35 Drive unit [0205] 36 Accommodating unit [0206] 37 Accommodating portion [0207] 38 Guide member [0208] 39 Circular path [0209] 40 Adapter nest [0210] D Pivot axle [0211] F Appendage