Insertion method of U-shaped conductors

An insertion method of inserting substantially U-shaped electrical conductors, each of which is constructed with a turn portion installed at a substantially apex portion and linearly shaped leg portions installed at two ends of the turn portion, into slots aligned in a ring shape in a core, the insertion method comprising:

• a gripping process of gripping the leg portions of the U-shaped electrical conductors utilizing a gripping mechanism;
• an assembling process of forming an assembly body by assembling the plurality of electrical conductors in a ring shape in a state where the turn portions alternately overlap each other;
• a supporting process of supporting the assembly body by supporting the turn portions from lower portions thereof utilizing a supporting mechanism;
• a releasing process of releasing the leg portions of the U-shaped electrical conductors by retracting the gripping mechanism;
• and
• an insertion process of allowing the assembly body and the core to be close to each other and inserting the leg portions of the electrical conductors of the assembly body into the slots while maintaining the support of the supporting mechanism so that the turn portions are supported from lower portions thereof.