Highly conductive split rings of omnidirectional elastic material

Abstract

The present invention discloses a highly conductive split ring of an omnidirectional elastic member. The highly conductive split ring of an omnidirectional elastic member according to the present invention solves the problem of corrosion of peripheral components caused by axial current in high-speed electric motors, which directly affects the operating stability of bearings mounted on the main shaft, thereby affecting the stability of the electric motor under conditions of high rotational speed, high power, and high torque. It also overcomes the state-of-the-art technical challenge of limiting the output of the electric motor, which belongs to the problem of axial current that needs to be resolved quickly, otherwise it may cause a potential safety hazard. The multiple fan-shaped lip edges used in the present invention not only ensure good electrical contact and sufficient contact area with the main shaft, but also move synchronously with the radial or axial movement of the main shaft, demonstrating excellent performance in following the main shaft operation and ensuring good instantaneous electrical contact between the conductive silicone adhesive and the main shaft. [Solution] The split ring comprises an outer frame, a support ring, and a conductive assembly, and the conductive assembly includes a conductive ring, multiple lip edges, a conductive silicone adhesive after it has solidified from a liquid state, and a conductive elastic member that is integrally attached to the conductive silicone adhesive.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of electric motor components, and more particularly to a highly conductive split ring of an omnidirectional elastic member. [Background technology]

[0002] Currently, the EV market is experiencing fierce competition, with the "three electrics" for EVs being rapidly developed, and many EV companies gradually increasing their R&D investment in electrical machinery, batteries, and electronic controls. Of these, electrical machinery, the most important technology, is currently a challenge that needs to be overcome.

[0003] Currently, the obstacles facing EV electric motor technology lie in the limitations on motor output, torque, and speed. The currently achieved maximum output is barely more than 400 kW, and the maximum torque is barely more than 800 Nm. Among these, the technical difficulties that need to be overcome lie in the stability, reliability, and safety of the motor spindle at high speeds.

[0004] A known problem is the generation of axial current in the main shaft of an electric machine at high speeds due to static and dynamic friction between the various stators and rotors within the machine. This axial current is particularly pronounced in high-voltage 800V EV powertrains. The corrosion caused by axial current on surrounding components directly affects the operational stability of the bearings mounted on the main shaft, which in turn impacts the stability of the machine under conditions of high rotational speed, high power, and high torque. The higher the power output, the greater the axial current, which poses a serious risk, forcing most electric machine manufacturers to set an upper limit on power output. While it is possible to further increase the input power and increase the rotational speed of the machine, the generation of axial current also accelerates wear and corrosion of the moving parts within the machine, directly shortening the machine's lifespan by half.

[0005] To address the axial current problem, many EV companies have explored, designed, and demonstrated various technical solutions. One currently adopted solution involves placing metal electric brushes at the bearing position to conduct and release the current generated by the main shaft at high rotational speeds. However, the actual effectiveness of conducting current through metal electric brushes is limited by the water or oil cooling method used in the electric motor. Therefore, metal electric brushes can only function if they are isolated from water or oil. Furthermore, metal electric brushes themselves can cause wear on the main shaft, and the greater the contact pressure, the greater the impact on the main shaft rotation speed. Furthermore, metal electric brushes can rapidly heat up the main shaft, increasing the internal heat of the entire electric motor powertrain, affecting the heat exchange of the powertrain and causing unstable operating conditions.

[0006] Therefore, in EV electric motor technology or various technical fields that require the use of electric motors, it is necessary to provide a technical solution that not only solves the problem of how to discharge axial current as quickly as possible, but also does not cause wear or corrosion on the main shaft and may affect the water cooling means or oil cooling means of the internal stator and rotor. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] In high-speed electric motors, corrosion of surrounding parts caused by axial current directly affects the stability of the operating state of the bearings fitted to the main shaft, which in turn affects the stability of the electric motor under conditions of high rotational speed, high power, and high torque. To solve this problem, the present invention designs an electric motor component that can quickly conduct and release axial current without affecting the circulation of water or oil in the water-cooled or oil-cooled system, and while contacting the main shaft to release current, it applies a small radial force to the outer periphery of the main shaft, which greatly reduces sliding friction and does not affect the rotational speed of the main shaft, thereby effectively reducing the energy consumption of the electric motor, ensuring stable and safe operation of the electric motor, and reliably increasing the output of the electric motor, thereby enabling the EV electric motor to generate high rotational speed, power, and torque. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] We offer the following technical solutions to solve the above technical problems: The highly conductive split ring of the omnidirectional elastic member comprises an outer skeleton made of a metal material, a support ring made of a metal material, and a conductive assembly firmly pressed by the outer skeleton and the support ring, the conductive assembly including the conductive ring, a plurality of lip edges arranged in a fan-shaped ring shape along the outer edge of the main shaft, a conductive silicone adhesive that directly contacts the outer edge of the main shaft after solidifying from a liquid state, and a conductive elastic member that is integrally attached to the conductive silicone adhesive and can move along the radial direction of the main shaft.

[0009] The conductive silicone adhesive is placed inside the lip edge, and the lip edge stabilizes the structure of the conductive silicone adhesive, and the elastic member conducts the current conducted from the main shaft through the conductive silicone adhesive to the conductive ring and releases it outward along the outer skeleton and the support ring via the conductive ring.

[0010] The outer frame, the support ring and the conductive ring are all formed into a ring shape and fitted onto the high-speed rotating main shaft with a gap. The conductive hole into which the elastic member is fitted is opened on the outer edge surface of the lip edge. The elastic member passes through the conductive hole, and one end of the inner side of the elastic member enters the circulation groove of the lip edge and directly adheres to and comes into contact with the conductive silicone adhesive before it solidifies from its liquid state, and becomes one with the conductive silicone adhesive after it solidifies from its liquid state.

[0011] The outer end of the elastic member is passed through an adjustment hole disposed on the conductive ring.

[0012] An adjustable positioning pin is disposed between the elastic member and the conductive ring, and the positioning pin is disposed in the adjustment hole. The positioning pin adjusts the pressing elastic force of the elastic member against the conductive silicone adhesive along the radial direction of the main shaft, and the positioning pin can adapt to various radii of the main shaft and adjust the contact pressure.

[0013] Preferably, the outer contour of the outer skeleton is tightly fitted to the metal housing, and the inner contour of the outer skeleton is fitted with the support ring by an interference fit, so that they are electrically conductive together and conduct and discharge current to the outside.

[0014] Preferably, the inner contours of the lip edge and the conductive silicone adhesive both have arcuate curved surfaces that contact the outer contour of the main shaft, and the arcuate curved surfaces contact the main shaft and maintain a slight clamping force to maintain electrical conductivity.

[0015] Preferably, the lip edge is made of rubber or silicone.

[0016] Preferably, the elastic member is provided as a metal spring, and the lip edge and the conductive silicone adhesive can press the outer edge of the main shaft along the radial direction under the elastic force of the metal spring to maintain electrical conduction, and can bounce radially with the rebound of the main shaft, or move slightly with slight movement of the main shaft along the axial direction, so that even if the outer edge of the main shaft is conical, it can stably contact the main shaft in all directions and conduct axial current.

[0017] Preferably, the elastic member is provided as a metal guide rod to increase the efficiency of outward discharge through the conductive silicone adhesive, the metal guide rod passes through a through hole in the center of the positioning pin, and a spring is further fitted to one end of the metal guide rod facing the positioning pin to allow the metal guide rod to slide radially. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] The present invention has the following beneficial effects: 1. The highly conductive split ring of the omnidirectional elastic member of the present invention solves the problem that in high-speed electric motors, corrosion of peripheral parts caused by axial current directly affects the stability of the operating state of the bearings fitted to the main shaft, which in turn affects the stability of the electric motor under conditions of high rotational speed, high power, and high torque. It overcomes the cutting-edge technical challenge of having to limit the output of the electric motor, and belongs to the problem of axial current that needs to be solved in a short time, otherwise it may cause a potential safety hazard. 2. The multiple fan-shaped lip edges used in the present invention not only ensure good electrical contact with the main shaft and a sufficient contact area, but also move synchronously with the radial or axial movement of the main shaft, demonstrating excellent performance in operating in accordance with the main shaft, and ensuring good instantaneous electrical contact between the conductive silicone adhesive and the main shaft. 3. The positioning pin, which is placed in the conductive ring according to the airtightness required to screw in the elastic member, can freely adjust the strength of the conductive silicone adhesive surrounding the main shaft, reducing the sliding friction between the lip edge and the conductive silicone adhesive against the outer edge of the main shaft, reducing heat generation, lowering the damping of the motor, saving electrical energy, and extending the service life of the motor when applied to electric vehicles. 4. Liquid conductive silicone adhesives, which are used to compensate for the high resistivity defects of conventional conductive resin materials, can increase the conductive contact area between the conductive ring and the inner frame, making it easier to conduct current, reducing the technical requirements for the conductive resin material of the conductive ring, and reducing costs. 5. By shortening the electrical conduction distance between the conductive silicone adhesive and the main shaft after it has solidified from a liquid state, the axial current can be rapidly conducted and released, and once the axial current is generated, it is immediately conducted outward from the elastic member, improving the operational stability of the motor at high output. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] 1 shows a three-dimensional view of a highly conductive divided ring of an omnidirectional elastic member according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2]1 shows a three-dimensional view of the highly conductive divided rings of the omnidirectional elastic member of Example 1, excluding the support ring. [Figure 3] 1 shows a three-dimensional view of the highly conductive divided ring of the omnidirectional elastic member of Example 1, excluding the conductive ring and the support ring. [Figure 4] 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of a highly conductive divided ring of an omnidirectional elastic member according to a first embodiment. [Figure 5] 5 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. [Figure 6] 10 is a cross-sectional view of a highly conductive divided ring of an omnidirectional elastic member according to a second embodiment. [Figure 7] 10 is a cross-sectional view of a highly conductive divided ring of an omnidirectional elastic member according to a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] We will clearly and completely describe the technical solutions of the present invention by giving several embodiments in combination with the following drawings.

[0021] Example 1 As shown in FIGS. 1-5, the highly conductive split ring of the omnidirectional elastic member disclosed in this embodiment comprises an outer frame 1 made of a metal material, a support ring 2 made of a metal material, and a conductive assembly firmly pressed together by the outer frame 1 and the support ring 2. The conductive assembly includes a conductive ring 4, eight lip edges 3 arranged in a fan-shaped ring shape along the outer edge of the main shaft 16, a conductive silicone adhesive 12 that directly contacts the outer edge of the main shaft 16 after solidifying from a liquid state, and a conductive metal spring 6 that is integrally attached to the conductive silicone adhesive 12 and can move along the radial direction of the main shaft 16.

[0022] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the conductive silicone adhesive 12 is placed inside the lip edge 3, which stabilizes the structure of the conductive silicone adhesive 12, and the metal spring 6 conducts the current conducted from the main shaft 16 through the conductive silicone adhesive 12 to the conductive ring 4, and then discharges it outward along the outer frame 1 and support ring 2 via the conductive ring 4.

[0023] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the outer frame 1, the support ring 2, and the conductive ring 4 are all formed into a ring shape and fitted onto the high-speed rotating main shaft 6 with a gap 14. A conductive hole 15 into which a metal spring 6 is fitted is opened on the outer surface of the lip edge part 3. The metal spring 6 passes through the conductive hole 15, and one end of the inner side of the metal spring 6 enters the circulation groove 5 of the lip edge part 3 and directly adheres to and comes into contact with the conductive silicone adhesive 12 before it hardens from its liquid state, becoming one with the conductive silicone adhesive 12 after it hardens from its liquid state.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 5, one outer end of the metal spring 6 passes through an adjustment hole arranged on the conductive ring 4; an adjustable positioning pin 9 is arranged between the metal spring 6 and the conductive ring 4, and the positioning pin 9 is screwed into the adjustment hole. The positioning pin 9 adjusts the compressive elastic force of the metal spring 6 against the conductive silicone adhesive 12 along the radial direction of the main shaft 16. The positioning pin 9 can adapt to various main shaft radii and adjust the contact pressure.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 5, the outer contour of the outer frame 1 is tightly fitted to the metal housing, and the inner contour of the outer frame 1 is tightly fitted with the support ring 2 to achieve electrical conduction together, and conduct and discharge current to the outside.

[0026] As shown in Figures 3 and 5, the inner contours of the lip edge 3 and the conductive silicone adhesive 12 both have arcuate curved surfaces 7 that contact the outer contour of the main shaft 16, and the arcuate curved surfaces 7 contact the main shaft 16, maintaining a slight clamping force to maintain electrical conductivity.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the lip edge 3 is made of rubber or silicone.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the lip edge 3 and the conductive silicone adhesive 12 can press against the outer edge of the main shaft 16 in the radial direction under the elastic force of the metal spring 6 to maintain electrical conduction, and can bounce back in the radial direction with the rebound of the main shaft 16, or move slightly with the slight movement of the main shaft 16 along the axial direction. Even if the outer edge of the main shaft 16 is conical, the lip edge 3 and the conductive silicone adhesive 12 can stably contact the main shaft 16 in all directions and conduct axial current.

[0029] Example 2 As shown in FIG. 6 , the highly conductive split ring of the omnidirectional elastic member disclosed in this embodiment includes an outer frame 1 made of a metal material, a support ring 2 made of a metal material, and a conductive assembly firmly pressed between the outer frame 1 and the support ring 2. The conductive assembly includes a conductive ring 4, eight lip edges 3 arranged in a fan-shaped ring shape along the outer edge of the main shaft 16, a conductive silicone adhesive 12 that directly contacts the outer edge of the main shaft 16 after solidifying from a liquid state, and a conductive metal spring 6 that is integrally attached to the conductive silicone adhesive 12 and can move along the radial direction of the main shaft 16. Example 2 differs from Example 1 in the following respects: the outer surface of the lip edges 3 is integral with the metal spring 6 instead of having a conductive hole 15 that fits the metal spring 6; and one inner end of the metal spring 6 directly adheres to and contacts the conductive silicone adhesive 12 before it solidifies from a liquid state, and is integral with the conductive silicone adhesive 12 after it solidifies from a liquid state. The advantages of this embodiment are as follows: The metal spring 6 is more firmly connected to the lip edge 3, and one end of the metal spring 6 is not integrated with the through hole as in Example 1. Therefore, the metal spring 6 reduces vibrations caused by high-frequency rebound along the radial direction of the main shaft, which may reduce debris caused by the conductive silicone adhesive 12 after it solidifies from its liquid state, and ensure the stability and safety of the main shaft 16 of the electric machine in the external environment.

[0030] Example 3 As shown in FIG. 7 , the highly conductive split ring of the omnidirectional elastic member disclosed in this embodiment includes an outer frame 1 made of a metal material, a support ring 2 made of a metal material, and a conductive assembly firmly pressed between the outer frame 1 and the support ring 2. The conductive assembly includes a conductive ring 4, eight lip edges 3 arranged in a fan-shaped ring shape along the outer edge of the main shaft 16, a conductive silicone adhesive 12 that directly contacts the outer edge of the main shaft 16 after solidifying from a liquid state, and a conductive metal spring 6 that is integrally attached to the conductive silicone adhesive 12 and can move along the radial direction of the main shaft 16. Example 2 differs from Example 1 in the following respects: The elastic member is provided as a metal guide rod 17 to enhance the efficiency of outward discharge through the conductive silicone adhesive 12. The metal guide rod 17 passes through a through hole 18 in the center of the positioning pin 9, and a spring is fitted to one end of the metal guide rod 17 facing the positioning pin 9. The advantages of this embodiment are as follows: A metallic guide rod 17 slides along the radial direction, maintaining pressure on the conductive silicone adhesive 12 and ensuring that the conductive silicone adhesive 12 tightly encases the main shaft 16 .

[0031] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above in combination with the drawings, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and those skilled in the art can make various changes, modifications, substitutions and variations without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Furthermore, the scope of the present invention is limited by the appended claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0032] 1 - outer frame; 2 - support ring; 3 - lip edge; 4 - conductive ring; 5 - circulating groove; 6 - metal spring; 7 - arc curved surface; 9 - locating pin; 12 - conductive silicone adhesive; 14 - gap; 15 - conductive hole; 16 - main shaft; 17 - metal guide rod; 18 - through hole.

Claims

1. A highly conductive split ring of an omnidirectional elastic member, comprising an outer frame made of a metal material, a support ring made of a metal material, and a conductive assembly firmly pressed by the outer frame and the support ring, wherein the outer frame, the support ring, and the conductive assembly are all formed into a ring shape and fitted onto a main shaft with a gap, The conductive assembly includes a conductive ring, a plurality of lip edges arranged in a fan-shaped ring shape along the outer edge of the main shaft, a conductive silicone adhesive that directly contacts the outer edge of the main shaft after solidifying from a liquid state, and a conductive elastic member that is integrally attached to the conductive silicone adhesive and can move along the radial direction of the main shaft. A highly conductive split ring of an omnidirectional elastic member.

2. The conductive silicone adhesive is placed inside the lip edge, and the lip edge stabilizes the structure of the conductive silicone adhesive, and the elastic member conducts the current conducted from the main shaft through the conductive silicone adhesive to the conductive ring and discharges it outward along the outer framework and the support ring via the conductive ring.

2. The highly conductive split ring of the omnidirectional elastic member according to claim 1.

3. The inner contours of the lip edge and the conductive silicone adhesive both have arcuate curved surfaces that contact the outer contour of the main shaft, and the arcuate curved surfaces contact the main shaft and maintain a slight clamping force to maintain electrical conductivity.

3. The highly conductive split ring of the omnidirectional elastic member according to claim 2.

4. A conductive hole into which the elastic member is fitted is opened in the outer edge surface of the lip edge portion, the elastic member passes through the conductive hole, and one end of the inner side of the elastic member enters the circulation groove of the lip edge portion and directly adheres to and comes into contact with the conductive silicone adhesive before it solidifies from a liquid state, and becomes one with the conductive silicone adhesive after it solidifies from a liquid state.

4. The highly conductive split ring of the omnidirectional elastic member according to claim 3.

5. 5. The highly conductive split ring of an omnidirectional elastic member according to claim 4, wherein one outer end of the elastic member is passed through an adjustment hole disposed on the conductive ring.

6. an adjustable positioning pin is disposed between the elastic member and the conductive ring, the positioning pin is provided in the adjustment hole, and the positioning pin adjusts the pressing elastic force of the elastic member against the conductive silicone adhesive along a radial direction of the main axis; 6. The highly conductive split ring of the omnidirectional elastic member according to claim 5.

7. The elastic member is provided as a metal spring, and the lip edge and the conductive silicone adhesive press against the outer edge of the main shaft in a radial direction under the elastic force of the metal spring so as to maintain electrical conduction.

5. The highly conductive split ring of the omnidirectional elastic member according to claim 4.

8. The elastic member is provided as a metal guide rod, the metal guide rod passes through a through hole in the center of the positioning pin, and a spring is further fitted to one end of the metal guide rod facing the positioning pin.

5. The highly conductive split ring of the omnidirectional elastic member according to claim 4.

9. The outer contour of the outer frame is tightly fitted to the metal housing, and the inner contour of the outer frame is fitted to the support ring by an interference fit, thereby achieving electrical conduction together and conducting and dissipating current to the outside.

2. The highly conductive split ring of the omnidirectional elastic member according to claim 1.

Images