Self-retaining compression diaphragm spring

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a rotor assembly including a diaphragm spring for holding other components of the rotor assembly. The rotor assembly includes a rotor, a rotor carrier supporting the rotor, at least one spacer arranged on a radially inner side of the rotor, and a diaphragm spring. The diaphragm spring includes a first end formed on a radially outer end of the diaphragm spring, the first end engaging against the at least one spacer, and a second end formed on a radially inner end of the diaphragm spring, the second end engaging against the rotor carrier.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. non-provisional application No. 16 / 870,252, filed May 8, 2020, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to a retaining device for a rotor assembly. Background Technology

[0004] Electric motors are used in a wide range of industries. An electric motor typically consists of a stator and a rotor, along with various other components. Sometimes a rotor carrier is used to support the rotor. Various techniques and configurations are currently employed to connect the rotor to the rotor carrier. One such technique requires shrink fitting or thermal shrinkage. Existing configurations have various drawbacks, particularly due to imprecise tolerances or insufficient durability.

[0005] It is difficult to clamp the rotor to the rotor carrier through sufficient connection and cooperation between components, so that the torque can be reliably transmitted from the rotor to the rotor carrier.

[0006] It is desirable to have a more durable and reliable connection between the rotor and the rotor carrier, and that the connection is also easy to assemble. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This paper discloses an improved rotor assembly that is durable, provides reliable configuration retention, and is easy to assemble.

[0008] The rotor assembly includes a rotor, a rotor carrier supporting the rotor, at least one spacer disposed on the radially inner side of the rotor, and a diaphragm spring. The diaphragm spring includes: a first end formed on the radially outer end of the diaphragm spring, the first end engaging against the at least one spacer; and a second end formed on the radially inner end of the diaphragm spring, the second end engaging against the rotor carrier.

[0009] In one embodiment, a first end of the diaphragm spring includes a base edge, and a second end of the diaphragm spring includes a plurality of fingers. The plurality of fingers are evenly spaced apart from each other and arranged around the entire circumference of the diaphragm spring. In one embodiment, the plurality of fingers includes more than twenty fingers.

[0010] The rotor carrier includes a groove defining an end face configured to engage with a second end of a diaphragm spring. The at least one spacer includes a shoulder configured to engage with a first end of the diaphragm spring. The shoulder has an angled contact surface configured to engage with the first end of the diaphragm spring. In one embodiment, the first end of the diaphragm spring contacts the entire angled contact surface of the shoulder of the at least one spacer.

[0011] In one embodiment, the diaphragm spring has a single curvature when viewed in a cross-section along the circumferential direction, and the diaphragm spring has a uniform thickness.

[0012] In the assembled configuration, an angle of 105 to 120 degrees is defined between the first and second ends of the diaphragm spring.

[0013] In one embodiment, the at least one spacer includes a second spacer disposed between the radially outer surface of the rotor and the radially inner surface of the rotor carrier.

[0014] The at least one spacer contacts both of the following: (i) the radial inner surface of the rotor, and (ii) the radial outer surface of the first end of the diaphragm spring.

[0015] The rotor, rotor carrier, and at least one spacer are held together by a biasing force provided by a diaphragm spring.

[0016] Additional implementation methods are disclosed in this document. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The foregoing overview and the following detailed description will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate preferred embodiments of the present disclosure. In the drawings:

[0018] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional view of the fully assembled rotor assembly.

[0019] Figure 2A yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the fully assembled rotor assembly.

[0020] Figure 2B yes Figure 1 Another cross-sectional perspective view of the fully assembled rotor assembly.

[0021] Figure 3A yes Figure 1 A side cross-sectional view of the fully assembled rotor assembly.

[0022] Figure 3B yes Figure 1 An enlarged side cross-sectional view of the radial inner region of the fully assembled rotor assembly.

[0023] Figure 4A It comes from Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the diaphragm spring of the fully assembled rotor assembly.

[0024] Figure 4B yes Figure 4A An enlarged view of a portion of a diaphragm spring.

[0025] Figure 4C yes Figure 4A and Figure 4B A side view of a diaphragm spring.

[0026] Figure 4D yes Figures 4A to 4C Front view of a diaphragm spring.

[0027] Figure 5A This is a cross-sectional view of the rotor assembly before the diaphragm spring is installed.

[0028] Figure 5B This is a perspective view showing a cross-section of a partially assembled rotor assembly.

[0029] Figure 5C This is another cross-sectional view of the rotor assembly before the diaphragm spring is installed. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The following description uses certain terms for convenience only and not for limitation. “Axially” means along the axis (X) of the component. “Radially” means inward and outward from the axis (X) of the component. “Circumferentially” means the direction along the curve or circumference of the corresponding element relative to the axis (X) of the component.

[0031] A reference to a list of items referred to as "at least one of a, b, or c" (where a, b, and c represent the listed items) means any single item a, b, or c, or a combination of a, b, or c. Terms include those specifically indicated above, their derivatives, and words with similar meanings.

[0032] Figure 1 , Figure 2A , Figure 2B , Figure 3A as well as Figure 3B The rotor assembly 10 is shown in general. The rotor assembly 10 includes a rotor 15 and a rotor carrier 20 that supports the rotor 15.

[0033] At least one spacer 25a is arranged on the radially inner side 15a of the rotor 15. In one embodiment, the at least one spacer 25a includes a first spacer 25a and a second spacer 25b.

[0034] A diaphragm spring 30 is positioned generally between the rotor support 20 and the at least one spacer 25a. Figures 4A to 4D More details of the diaphragm spring 30 are shown in general. The diaphragm spring 30 includes: a first end 32 formed on the radially outer end of the diaphragm spring 30, which engages against the at least one spacer 25a; and a second end 34 formed on the radially inner end of the diaphragm spring 30, which engages against the rotor carrier 20. The rotor 15, the rotor carrier 20, and the at least one spacer 25a are held together by a biasing force provided by the diaphragm spring 30.

[0035] In one embodiment, the diaphragm spring 30 is formed of steel. In another embodiment, the diaphragm spring 30 is formed of 6150 surface-hardened steel. In yet another embodiment, the diaphragm spring 30 has a uniform thickness. Those skilled in the art will understand based on this disclosure that other materials can be used to form the spring 30, and that the spring 30 can have varying shapes depending on the specific requirements of a particular application.

[0036] The first end 32 of the diaphragm spring 30 includes a base edge 33, and the second end 34 of the diaphragm spring 30 includes a plurality of fingers 35. In one embodiment, the plurality of fingers 35 are evenly spaced apart from each other and arranged around the entire circumference of the diaphragm spring 30. In one embodiment, the plurality of fingers 35 includes more than twenty fingers. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the configuration of the fingers 35 can vary according to the specific requirements of a particular application.

[0037] In one embodiment, the rotor carrier 20 includes a recess 22 defining an end face 22' configured to engage with a second end portion 34 of the diaphragm spring 30. The recess 22 is formed as an axially extending recess on the rotor carrier 20. The axial extent of the recess 22 (i.e., the dimension extending parallel to the axis (X)) is dimensioned to receive the second end portion 34 of the diaphragm spring 30. The axial extent of the recess 22 is at least equal to the extent of the second end portion 34 of the diaphragm spring 30. In one embodiment, the radial depth of the recess 22 is less than the thickness of the diaphragm spring 30, such as... Figure 3B It is best shown in the middle.

[0038] In one embodiment, at least one spacer 25a includes a shoulder 26 configured to engage with a first end 32 of the diaphragm spring 30. In one embodiment, the shoulder 26 has an angled contact surface 26' configured to engage with the first end 32 of the diaphragm spring 30. As used in this context, the term angled means that the surface 26' is not perpendicular to the axis (X), such as... Figure 3B The dashed line intersecting the axis (X) is shown in the middle.

[0039] like Figure 3B As shown, the angled contact surface 26' tapers axially outward in a radially outward direction. Figure 3B As shown, the first end 32 of the diaphragm spring 30 contacts the entire angled contact surface 26' of the shoulder 26 of the at least one spacer 25a. In one embodiment, the depth of the shoulder 26 is greater than the depth of the groove 22.

[0040] When viewed in cross-section along the circumferential direction, the diaphragm spring 30 has a single curvature. In the assembled configuration, an angle (θ) between 105 and 120 degrees is defined between the first end 32 and the second end 34 of the diaphragm spring 30. The angle (θ) between the first end 32 and the second end 34 can vary. The characteristics of the diaphragm spring 30 can be modified according to a specific configuration of the rotor carrier 20 and the spacer 25a.

[0041] The at least one spacer also includes a second spacer 25b disposed between the radially outer surface 15b of the rotor 15 and the radially inner surface of the rotor carrier 20. The at least one spacer 25a contacts: (i) the radially inner surface 15a of the rotor 15, and (ii) the radially outer surface of the first end 32 of the diaphragm spring 30.

[0042] This article also discloses the assembly method of rotor assembly 10, such as Figures 5A to 5C As shown in the diagram, the method generally involves positioning a diaphragm spring 30 between a first spacer 25a and a rotor carrier 20. Next, the diaphragm spring 30 is engaged by hand or with an installation tool 40 until it snaps into place between the end face 22' of the groove 22 on the rotor carrier 20 and the angled contact surface 26' of the shoulder 26 of the first spacer 25a.

[0043] In one embodiment, in the installed state, the clamping or retaining force from the diaphragm spring 30 is at least 30 kN. In another embodiment, the clamping force from the diaphragm spring 30 is 60 kN.

[0044] The diaphragm spring 30 provides a compressive clamping or holding force to hold the rotor 15, the rotor carrier 20, and the spacers 25a, 25b. This configuration does not require any additional components to achieve the holding device.

[0045] Therefore, this disclosure has been described in detail, and it will be understood and apparent to those skilled in the art that a variety of physical changes can be made without altering the inventive concept and principles embodied herein, of which only a few are exemplified in the detailed description of the invention.

[0046] It should also be understood that multiple embodiments are possible in combination with only a portion of the preferred embodiments, and these multiple embodiments do not change the inventive concept and principles embodied herein with respect to those portions.

[0047] Therefore, this embodiment and alternative configuration are to be regarded in all respects as exemplary and / or illustrative rather than restrictive, and the scope of the embodiment is indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and thus all alternative embodiments and modifications that fall within the meaning and equivalence of the claims are included in the scope of the embodiment.

[0048] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0049] Rotor assembly 10

[0050] Rotor 15

[0051] The radial inner surface 15a of the rotor

[0052] The radial outer surface 15b of the rotor

[0053] Rotor bearing 20

[0054] Groove 22

[0055] End face 22'

[0056] Spacers 25a, 25b

[0057] Shoulder 26

[0058] Angled contact surface 26'

[0059] Diaphragm spring 30

[0060] First end 32

[0061] 33 base edge

[0062] Second end 34

[0063] finger-like part 35

[0064] Installation tools 40

Claims

1. A rotor assembly comprising: Rotor; A rotor support member that supports the rotor; At least one spacer is arranged on the radially inner side of the rotor; as well as A diaphragm spring, the diaphragm spring including a first end formed on the radially outer end of the diaphragm spring and a second end formed on the radially inner end of the diaphragm spring, the first end engaging against the at least one spacer, and the second end engaging against the rotor carrier; wherein the first end and the second end are angled together.

2. The rotor assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The first end of the diaphragm spring includes a base edge, and the second end of the diaphragm spring includes a plurality of fingers.

3. The rotor assembly according to claim 2, wherein, The plurality of finger-like portions are evenly spaced apart from each other and arranged around the entire circumference of the diaphragm spring.

4. The rotor assembly according to claim 2, wherein, The plurality of finger-like parts includes more than twenty finger-like parts.

5. The rotor assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The rotor carrier includes a groove that defines an end face configured to engage with the second end of the diaphragm spring.

6. The rotor assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one spacer includes a shoulder configured to engage with the first end of the diaphragm spring.

7. The rotor assembly according to claim 6, wherein, The shoulder has an angled contact surface configured to engage with the first end of the diaphragm spring.

8. The rotor assembly according to claim 7, wherein, The first end of the diaphragm spring contacts the entire angled contact surface of the shoulder of the at least one spacer.

9. The rotor assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The diaphragm spring has a single curvature when viewed in cross-section along the circumferential direction.

10. The rotor assembly according to claim 1, wherein, In the assembled configuration, the first end of the diaphragm spring engages with the tapered shoulder of the at least one spacer, and the second end of the diaphragm spring engages with the end face of the groove of the rotor carrier, defining an angle of 105 to 120 degrees between the first end and the second end of the diaphragm spring.

11. The rotor assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one spacer includes a second spacer disposed between the radially outer surface of the rotor and the radially inner surface of the rotor carrier.

12. The rotor assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one spacer contacts: (i) the radial inner surface of the rotor, and (ii) the radial outer surface of the first end of the diaphragm spring.

13. The rotor assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The diaphragm spring has a uniform thickness.

14. The rotor assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The rotor, the rotor carrier, and the at least one spacer are held together by a biasing force provided by the diaphragm spring.

15. A rotor assembly comprising: Rotor; A rotor support member configured to support the rotor; A first spacer abuts against the radial inner surface of the rotor; A second spacer abuts against the radial outer surface of the rotor; as well as A diaphragm spring includes a first end portion formed as a continuous circular edge and a second end portion having a plurality of finger-like portions extending around the entire periphery of the diaphragm spring and spaced apart from each other. The first end abuts against an angled contact surface formed on the shoulder of the first spacer, and the second end abuts against the end face of the groove of the rotor carrier.

16. The rotor assembly of claim 15, wherein, The diaphragm spring has a uniform thickness and a single curvature when viewed in a cross-section along the circumferential direction.

17. The rotor assembly of claim 15, wherein, In the installed state, the clamping force from the diaphragm spring is at least 30 kN.

18. The rotor assembly of claim 15, wherein, In the installed state, an angle between 105 degrees and 120 degrees is defined between the first end and the second end of the diaphragm spring.

19. The rotor assembly of claim 15, wherein, The first end of the diaphragm spring contacts the entire angled contact surface of the shoulder of the at least one spacer.

20. The rotor assembly of claim 15, wherein, The second spacer is disposed between the radial outer surface of the rotor and the radial inner surface of the rotor carrier.

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