Support structure for use during transportation of shaftless rotating electrical machine

Abstract

A shaftless rotating electrical machine (1) is described. The electric machine (1) has a stator (4) supported by a stator frame (8) and a rotor (2) which can be mechanically connected to a shaft system and is positioned radially inward of the stator (4). The electric machine (1) is ready for transportation and comprises a support structure for stably supporting the rotor (2) inside the stator frame (8). The support structure comprises one or more supports (14) positioned in an air gap between the stator (4) and the rotor (2), and one or more transport brackets (16). The transport support (16) is fixedly connected between the stator frame (8) and the rotor (2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a support structure used during the transportation of a rotating electrical machine, and in particular when transporting a shaftless rotating electrical machine.

[0002] The invention also relates to a shaftless rotating electrical machine comprising a support structure. Background Art

[0003] Rotating electrical machines (e.g., motors and generators) are typically supplied to customers with a rotor shaft. The assembled electric motor has a stator supported by a stator frame and a rotor mechanically fixed to the rotor shaft. The electric machine can be shipped to the customer in a suitable packaging (e.g., a container or crate) with the rotor shaft locked in place so that the rotor is secured inside the surrounding stator. In particular, the rotor shaft can be secured to the stator frame by a rigid beam or bracket. Locking or securing the rotor shaft to the stator frame prevents any radial or axial movement of the rotor relative to the stator during transportation of the electric machine.

[0004] Rotating electric machines for power take-off / power input (PTO / PTI) applications are generally not supplied to customers with a rotor shaft. Such shaftless rotating electric machines are designed to be inserted into an existing shaft system (e.g., a propulsion shaft of a marine vessel). The propulsion shaft can be driven by the main engine of the marine vessel. In PTO mode, the conventional generator set of the marine vessel can be stopped, and electrical power is supplied by an electric motor operating as a generator. The rotor of the electric motor is driven by the propulsion shaft. In PTI mode, if necessary, a conventional generator set is operated, and additional mechanical propulsion power is supplied to the propulsion shaft by an electric motor operating as a motor. The rotor of the electric motor and the main engine drive the propulsion shaft.

[0005] A shaftless rotating electrical machine cannot be shipped in its assembled state (i.e. with its rotor positioned inside the stator) because there is no rotor shaft that can be locked or secured to the stator frame. Therefore, the rotor and stator frame are shipped separately (i.e. in separate packaging). If the rotor is a permanent magnet rotor, its packaging will generally be a steel crate due to the presence of a strong magnetic field. After delivery to the customer, the shaftless rotating electrical machine must first be assembled by inserting the rotor into the stator (a very delicate and time-consuming process when dealing with permanent magnet electrical machines) before the rotor is mechanically connected to the shafting, e.g. using one or more mechanical fasteners (such as bolts or screws).

[0006] The invention allows a shaftless rotating electrical machine to be shipped in its assembled state (ie with the rotor stably supported inside the stator) and ready for installation in an existing shafting. Summary of the invention

[0007] The present invention provides a support structure for the transportation of a shaftless rotating electrical machine (e.g., a motor or a generator), the shaftless rotating electrical machine comprising a stator supported by a stator frame, and a rotor capable of being mechanically connected to a shafting (e.g., using one or more mechanical fasteners, such as screws or bolts) and positioned radially inside the stator, the support structure comprising:

[0008] one or more supports positionable in the air gap between the stator and the rotor; and

[0009] One or more transport brackets that can be fixedly connected between the stator frame and the rotor.

[0010] The present invention further provides a shaftless rotating electrical machine comprising the support structure described above, wherein one or more supports are positioned in the air gap, and one or more transport brackets are fixedly connected between the stator frame and the rotor. As used herein, "capable of being fixedly connected" and "fixedly connected" mean that the components are firmly or firmly connectable or connected (or attachable or attached) to each other in use, for example, to prevent relative movement between the rotor and the stator in the case of one or more transport brackets, but it does not necessarily mean that the components are permanently connected or attached. The components may be removably or releasably connectable or connected (or attached) and still be fixedly connected.

[0011] The electric machine may have any suitable configuration. The rotor may be a permanent magnet rotor and include a plurality of permanent magnets spaced circumferentially around the rotor. The permanent magnets may be positioned on the surface of the rotor, for example using a magnet bearing assembly fixed to the rotor surface, or held in place using a sleeve or band. The permanent magnets may be embedded within the rotor.

[0012] A plurality of separate supports (or "fillers") may be capable of being positioned or positioned in the air gap between the rotor and the stator. The supports are generally spaced circumferentially around the air gap. Each support may extend substantially along the entire axial length of the rotor and may be inserted into the air gap from one axial end of the motor, or each support may extend only partially along the axial length of the rotor. In the latter case, a first plurality of supports may be inserted into the air gap from one axial end of the motor, and a second plurality of supports may be inserted into the air gap from the other axial end of the motor so that the rotor is supported at both axial ends. Each support may be made of any suitable non-magnetic material (e.g., a synthetic polymer material) and have any suitable configuration. Any suitable number of supports may be used. If each support extends substantially along the entire axial length of the rotor so that both axial ends of the rotor are supported by each support, the minimum number of supports may be three. In one arrangement, four to seven supports may be used. In one arrangement, eight or more supports may be used.

[0013] The one or more supports provide radial support to the rotor and maintain a radial air gap, i.e., they are designed to prevent the radial outer surface of the rotor from contacting the radial inner surface of the stator during transport and installation to an existing shafting. When the one or more supports are no longer required, the one or more supports are removed from the air gap. This is generally after the rotor of the electric machine is mechanically connected to the shafting.

[0014] The one or more shipping brackets provide axial support to the rotor, ie they are designed to prevent the rotor from moving in the axial direction relative to the stator and the stator frame. The one or more shipping brackets may also prevent the rotor from rotating within the stator.

[0015] For example, the support structure can support the rotor inside the stator when the axis of the motor is substantially horizontal (which may be how the motor is typically shipped and oriented for installation) and when the axis is substantially vertical (which may be how the motor may be oriented during manufacturing or assembly). The support structure can support the rotor during lifting and rotation of the motor. Although the support structure is primarily designed to support the rotor during transportation of the motor, it can also provide support in other situations (e.g., during manufacturing or assembly, or after the motor is delivered and installed).

[0016] One or more transport brackets may be provided at one or both axial ends of the rotor. One or more transport brackets may be fixedly connected between the stator frame and a first axial end of the rotor, and one or more transport brackets may be fixedly connected between the stator frame and a second axial end of the rotor.

[0017] Each transport support may have any suitable rigid construction and is suitable for preventing at least axial movement between the rotor and the stator frame. Each transport support will typically be configured to withstand any loads that may be expected during transportation, such as acceleration and impact loads, so that the rotor always remains properly supported. When one or more transport supports are no longer required to support the rotor, one or more transport supports may be removed from the motor after transportation. However, one or more parts of each transport support may remain in place in the motor and may subsequently be used to fix the rotor relative to the stator frame. One or more parts designed to remain in place may be integrally formed as part of the stator frame or rotor, or may be permanently fixed to the stator frame or rotor. One or more parts designed to remain in place may also be removably connectable or connected to the stator frame or rotor, but only without removal or release after the installation process is completed. One or more parts of each transport support designed to be removed may be removably connectable or connected to the stator frame or rotor, and / or any other part of each transport support, such as a fixed part, for example, using one or more mechanical fasteners (such as bolts, studs or screws). Such parts may be fixedly connectable or connected to the stator frame or rotor and / or another part of the transport bracket by inserting and tightening one or more mechanical fasteners, and then released or removed by loosening and removing them. Such parts may also be designed to be removably connectable or connected without the need for one or more mechanical fasteners, for example, the parts may be shaped to receive or engage with the stator frame or rotor. During transportation of the electric machine, one or more parts of each transport bracket typically define a rigid support member that extends between the rotor and the stator frame to prevent relative movement in the axial direction.

[0018] In one arrangement, the transport support or each transport support may include at least one first part fixedly connectable or connected to the stator frame, and at least one second part fixedly connectable or connected to the rotor. The at least one first part may be fixedly connectable or connected to the at least one second part, or the transport support or each transport support may include at least one third part fixedly connectable or connected between the at least one first part and the at least one second part. The third part or each third part may be removably connectable or connected to the first part and / or the second part. For example, this allows one or both of the first part and the second part to be permanently fixed to the stator frame and the rotor. More particularly, even if one or both of the first part and the second part are permanently fixed to the stator frame and the rotor, releasing and removing the third part allows the rotor to move relative to the stator frame. The third part or each third part may extend substantially axially. The third part or each third part may be formed as a tie rod, wherein optionally at least the end of the tie rod has an external thread. The external thread may extend substantially along the entire length of the tie rod. In one arrangement, each tie rod may be threaded into an internally threaded opening provided in one of the first and second parts of each transport bracket and received through an opening in the other of the first and second parts and fixedly connected to the opening using one or more mechanical fasteners (e.g., nuts).

[0019] The at least one first portion may be permanently connectable or connected to the stator frame, ie it may be designed not to be removed.The at least one first portion may extend substantially radially.

[0020] At least one second portion may be designed to be removably connectable or attached to the rotor. Each second portion may be substantially U-shaped and include a channel designed to receive or engage with a portion of the rotor to make it removably connectable or attached to the rotor without the need for one or more mechanical fasteners. This may make it easier to fit the second portion(s) of each transport bracket.

[0021] It will be readily appreciated that several different arrangements of the transport support are possible. For example, in one arrangement, there may be a first portion that is fixedly connectable or connected to the stator frame (e.g., an annular first portion extending around the circumference of the stator frame, or a linear first portion extending across the axial end of the stator frame along a diameter) and a plurality of second portions that are fixedly connectable or connected to the rotor. The plurality of second portions may be spaced circumferentially around the rotor. Each second portion may be fixedly connectable or connected to the first portion via a corresponding third portion, i.e., so that there are a plurality of third portions, and each of the second portions is connected to the same first portion. In another arrangement, there may be a plurality of first portions that are fixedly connectable or connected to the stator frame and a plurality of second portions that are fixedly connectable or connected to the rotor. The plurality of first portions may be spaced circumferentially around the stator frame, and the plurality of second portions may be spaced circumferentially around the rotor. Each second portion may be fixedly connectable or connected to the corresponding first portion via a corresponding third portion, i.e., so that there are a plurality of third portions, and each of the second portions is connected to a separate first portion. In this case, there may be a plurality of shipping supports spaced circumferentially around the stator frame, wherein each shipping support comprises a first portion, a second portion and a third portion.

[0022] How the one or more transport supports are configured may depend on how the rotor is received in the stator during manufacturing. For example, if the rotor is inserted radially into the stator frame, e.g. from above, the one or more transport supports may extend into or across an axial end of the stator frame. However, if the rotor is inserted axially into the stator, the one or more transport supports may have to be designed to allow such axial insertion of the rotor, or be fixedly connectable or connected to the stator frame after the rotor is inserted.

[0023] The one or more shipping brackets may be fixedly connectable or attached to any suitable portion of the stator frame, for example, an inner cylindrical surface or inner barrel, or an axial end surface thereof. The stator frame may include one or more mounting members for each shipping bracket. Each mounting member may include one or more internally threaded openings for receiving one or more externally threaded mechanical fasteners, such as bolts, studs or screws, for fixedly attaching the shipping bracket(s) to the stator frame.

[0024] The one or more transport supports may be fixedly attachable or connected to any suitable portion of the rotor.

[0025] The present invention further provides a method of preparing a shaftless rotating electric machine for transport, the shaftless rotating electric machine comprising a stator supported by a stator frame, and a rotor mechanically connectable to a shafting and positioned radially inwardly of the stator, the method comprising:

[0026] positioning one or more supports in an air gap between the stator and the rotor; and

[0027] One or more shipping brackets are fixedly connected between the stator frame and the rotor.

[0028] The one or more supports and one or more transport brackets that provide a support structure to the shaftless rotating electrical machine during transport may be as described above.

[0029] Technical Solution 1. A support structure for transporting a shaftless rotating electric machine (1), the shaftless rotating electric machine comprising a stator (4) supported by a stator frame (8), and a rotor (2) capable of being mechanically connected to a shaft system and positioned radially inward of the stator (4), the support structure comprising:

[0030] one or more supports (14) positionable in an air gap (10) between the stator (4) and the rotor (2); and

[0031] One or more transport brackets (16) which can be fixedly connected between the stator frame (8) and the rotor (2).

[0032] Technical Solution 2. According to the support structure described in Technical Solution 1, the support structure includes a plurality of support members (14) which can be positioned in the air gap (10) with circumferentially spaced gaps.

[0033] Technical Solution 3. A support structure according to Technical Solution 1 or Technical Solution 2, wherein each support member (14) is made of non-magnetic material.

[0034] Technical Solution 4. According to the support structure of any of the aforementioned technical solutions, the support structure further includes: one or more transport brackets that can be fixedly connected between the stator frame (8) and the first axial end of the rotor (2), and one or more transport brackets that can be fixedly connected between the stator frame (8) and the second axial end of the rotor (2).

[0035] Technical Solution 5. A supporting structure according to any of the preceding technical solutions, wherein the transport bracket (16) or each transport bracket (16) includes at least one first part (18) that can be fixedly connected to the stator frame (8), and at least one second part (32) that can be fixedly connected to the rotor (2).

[0036] Technical Solution 6. A supporting structure according to Technical Solution 5, wherein the transport bracket (16) or each transport bracket (16) includes at least one third part (42) fixedly connected to the at least one first part (18) and the at least one second part (32).

[0037] Technical Solution 7. A supporting structure according to Technical Solution 6, wherein the at least one third part (42) is removably connected to the at least one first part (18) and the at least one second part (32).

[0038] Technical Solution 8. A support structure according to any Technical Solution 6 or Technical Solution 7, wherein the third part (42) or each third part (42) extends substantially axially between the at least one first part (18) and the at least one second part (32).

[0039] Technical Solution 9. A supporting structure according to any one of Technical Solutions 6 to 8, wherein the first end of the third part (42) or each third part (42) is screwed into an internal threaded opening (40) provided in one of the at least one first part (18) and the at least one second part (32), and is received by an opening (30) in the other of the at least one first part (18) and the at least one second part (32), and is fixedly connected to the opening (30) using one or more mechanical fasteners (46, 48).

[0040] Technical Solution 10. A support structure according to any one of Technical Solutions 5 to 9, wherein the first portion (18) or each first portion (18) is suitable for being permanently connected to the stator frame (8).

[0041] Technical Solution 11. A support structure according to any one of Technical Solutions 5 to 10, wherein the second part (32) or each second part (32) is suitable for being removably connected to the rotor (2).

[0042] Technical Solution 12. A support structure according to any one of Technical Solutions 5 to 11, wherein the second part (32) or each second part (32) is substantially U-shaped and includes a part (44) suitable for receiving the rotor (2) or a channel engaged therewith.

[0043] Technical Solution 13. A shaftless rotating electric machine (1), comprising:

[0044] A stator (4) supported by a stator frame (8);

[0045] a rotor (2) which can be mechanically connected to the shafting and is positioned radially inside the stator (4); and

[0046] The support structure according to any of the above technical solutions;

[0047] The one or more supports (14) are positioned in the air gap (10) between the stator (4) and the rotor (2), and the one or more transport brackets (16) are fixedly connected between the stator frame (8) and the rotor (2).

[0048] Technical Solution 14. A shaftless rotating electrical machine (1) according to Technical Solution 13, wherein the rotor (2) is a permanent magnet rotor.

[0049] Technical solution 15. A method for preparing a shaftless rotating electric machine (1) for transportation, the shaftless rotating electric machine (1) comprising a stator (4) supported by a stator frame (8), and a rotor (2) capable of being mechanically connected to a shaft system and positioned radially inside the stator (4), the method comprising:

[0050] positioning one or more supports (14) in an air gap (10) between the stator (4) and the rotor (2); and

[0051] One or more transport brackets (16) are fixedly connected between the stator and frame (8) and the rotor (2).

[0052] The support structure according to the present invention provides a number of technical and commercial advantages, including:

[0053] Significant reduction in shipping costs - by using a support structure, the motor can be shipped in its assembled state, thus reducing the volume to be shipped and no additional packaging is required to transport the rotor separately,

[0054] Reduced assembly time after shipping - the motor can be shipped with its longitudinal axis substantially horizontal, thereby avoiding the need to lift and turn the motor, and the rotor does not need to be inserted into the stator frame at the delivery site, instead the customer only needs to position the motor so that the rotor can be mechanically connected to the existing shafting, and

[0055] Reduce manufacturing time before testing and shipping. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0056] Figure 1 is an axial end view of an electric machine including a support structure according to the present invention;

[0057] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A perspective end view of the motor shown in FIG.

[0058] Figure 3 is a detailed view of an air gap filler forming part of a support structure according to the present invention;

[0059] Figure 4 is a top view of the air gap filler;

[0060] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 An end view of the air gap filler shown in FIG.

[0061] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a transport bracket forming part of a support structure according to the present invention;

[0062] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A rear perspective view of a first portion of the transport bracket shown in FIG.

[0063] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A front perspective view of the first portion shown in FIG.

[0064] Fig. 9 yes Figure 7 A side view of the first portion shown in FIG.

[0065] Fig.10 yes Figure 7 A rear view of the first portion shown in FIG.

[0066] Fig.11 yes Figure 7 A top view of the first portion shown in FIG.

[0067] Fig.12 yes Figure 6 A perspective view of a second portion of the transport bracket shown in FIG.

[0068] Fig.13 yes Fig.12 A side view of the second portion shown in FIG.

[0069] Fig.14 yes Fig.12 an end view of the second portion shown in;

[0070] Fig.15 yes Figure 6 A side view of a third portion of the transport bracket shown in FIG.

[0071] Fig.16 is a perspective end view of an electric machine including an alternative support structure according to the present invention;

[0072] Fig.17 is a perspective end view of an electric machine including an alternative support structure according to the present invention; and

[0073] Fig.18 is a perspective end view of an electric machine including an alternative support structure according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0074] Reference Figures 1 to 3, a shaftless rotating electrical machine 1, such as a permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM), comprises a rotor 2, a stator 4 having a stator winding 6, and a stator frame 8 supporting the stator.

[0075] The rotor 2 and the stator 4 are separated by an annular air gap 10 .

[0076] The rotor 2 comprises a rotor flange 12 allowing the rotor to be mechanically connected to a shafting (not shown), such as a propulsion shaft of a marine vessel.

[0077] The electric machine 1 is shown ready for transport, with the rotor 2 supported by a support structure within a stator frame 8 .

[0078] The support structure includes a plurality of air gap fillers 14 positioned in the air gaps 10. Figure 3 and Figure 6 Only a single filler 14 is shown in detail, but it will be readily appreciated that the fillers are spaced circumferentially around the air gap 10. In one arrangement, eight fillers 14 may be used and are equally spaced around the rotor 2. Each filler 14 extends substantially along the entire axial length of the rotor 2 and may be inserted into the air gap 10 from one axial end of the motor 1. Each filler 14 is typically several millimeters thick (e.g., about 2 to 6 mm) and may be made of a suitable non-magnetic material, such as a synthetic polymer like Nylatron GS, which includes molybdenum disulfide added to a nylon base. Nylatron GS has excellent mechanical strength, stiffness, hardness, good sliding properties, wear resistance and machinability. The fillers 14 provide radial support to the rotor 2 and maintain a radial air gap, i.e., they are designed to prevent the radial outer surface of the rotor 2 from contacting the radial inner surface of the stator 4 during transport. In Figure 4 and Figure 5 In FIG. 1 , a single filler 14 is shown in more detail and separated from the rest of the electric machine.

[0079] Reference Figure 1 , 2 and 6 , the support structure further comprises a plurality of transport brackets 16 , which provide axial support to the rotor 2 , ie they are designed to prevent the rotor from moving in the axial direction relative to the stator 4 and the supporting stator frame 8 .

[0080] In one arrangement, four transport supports 16a, 16b, ..., 16d are provided at a first axial end of the stator frame 8. Another four transport supports are similarly provided at a second axial end of the stator frame 8, and one of them may be Figure 2 As shown, the shipping brackets 16 are circumferentially spaced around each axial end of the stator frame 8 .

[0081] Reference Figures 6 to 11, each transport bracket 16 includes a first part 18, which is made of a low carbon steel plate having a generally L-shape, with a base plate 20 and a support plate 22. The base plate 20 and the support plate 22 are arranged substantially perpendicular to each other. A triangular reinforcing rib 24 extends between the base plate 20 and the support plate 22. The base plate 20 includes four openings 26 for receiving externally threaded bolts 29. The base plate 20 of each transport bracket 16 is positioned on a mounting 28 formed on the inner cylindrical surface of the stator frame 8. Each mounting 28 includes four internally threaded openings. Therefore, each transport bracket 16 is fixedly connected to the stator frame 8 by inserting the bolts 29 through the openings 26 in the base plate 20 and screwing them into the aligned internally threaded openings in the corresponding mounting 28.

[0082] The distal portion of each support plate 22 includes an opening 30 .

[0083] like Figure 6 , the support plate 22 of each transport bracket 16 extends radially inwards when mounted on the stator frame 8 and passes over the air gap 10. After the rotor 2 is axially inserted into the stator 4 during the assembly process, the first part 18 of each transport bracket 16 is fixedly connected to the stator frame 8. The first part 18 of each transport bracket 16 is designed to be permanently fixed to the stator frame 8.

[0084] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 12 to Figure 14 Each shipping bracket 16 includes a second portion 32 formed from mild steel plate having a generally U-shape with a pair of flanges 34, 36 defining a passage 38 therebetween. The flange 34 includes an internally threaded opening 40.

[0085] Reference Figure 6 and Fig.15 Each transport bracket 16 includes a third portion 42 (or external threaded tie rod) made of mild steel.

[0086] To fit each transport bracket 16, the second portion 32 fits over a portion of an annular rib 44 of the rotor 2. In particular, the second portion 32 fits over the annular rib 44 so that the rib is received in the channel 38 between the flanges 34, 36 and wherein the flange 34 faces toward the corresponding first portion 18 of the transport bracket 16. When the second portion 32 is properly fitted, the openings 30, 40 in the first and second portions are substantially axially aligned. From the adjacent axial end of the stator frame 8, the first end of the third portion 42 passes through the opening 30 in the first portion 18 toward the second portion 32. The first end of the third portion 42 is screwed into the first nut 46 and then screwed into the internally threaded opening 40 in the flange 34 of the second portion 32. As shown in FIG. Figure 6As best shown in FIG. 1 , a second nut 48 is threaded onto a second opposite end of the third portion 42 extending outwardly from the support plate 22. The first nut 46 and the second nut 48 are tensioned against the facing surface of the support plate 22 of the first component 18.

[0087] This mating process is repeated for all eight transport brackets 16. When all transport brackets 16 are mated, the rotor 2 is firmly positioned inside the stator 4 and cannot move relative to the stator frame 8 in the axial direction.

[0088] In order to properly install the transport bracket 16, it may be necessary to first rotate the rotor 2 relative to the stator frame 8 so that the second portion 32 can fit properly over the annular ribs 44, i.e. so that they are not obstructed by the axial ribs of the rotor 2. For example, one such axial rib is Figure 6 It is shown immediately adjacent to the shipping bracket 16.

[0089] With the supports 14 and shipping brackets 16 properly installed to provide radial and axial support to the rotor 2 , the electric machine 1 may be shipped to the customer in a suitable packaging (eg, a container or crate).

[0090] When the motor 1 is delivered to the customer, the third portion 42 of each shipping bracket 16 can be released from the first portion 18 by loosening the first nut 46 and the second nut 48. When there is sufficient clearance between the first nut 46 and the support plate 22, the first end of the third portion 42 can be unscrewed from the second portion 32 of each shipping bracket 16, and then, the second portion 32 can be removed from the annular rib 44 of the rotor 2. The nut 46 is completely unscrewed from the third portion 42 so that the third portion can be released from the first portion 18, i.e., by removing the third portion through the opening 30 in the support plate 22. As mentioned above, the first portion 18 of each shipping bracket 16 can remain fixedly connected to the stator frame 4. Therefore, the rotor 2 can be supported or secured in the future by re-fitting and reconnecting the second portion 32 and the third portion 42 of the shipping bracket 16 and / or reinserting the support 14 into the air gap 10.

[0091] After the rotor flange 12 is mechanically connected to the existing shafting (e.g. a propulsion shaft of a marine vessel), and alignment is performed, the filler 14 can be removed from the air gap 10. This is because the rotor 2 is then properly supported by the shafting and will not move radially towards the stator 4. The design of the shipping bracket 16 is such that any part of the stator frame 4 that remains fixed will not interfere with the shafting connection.

[0092] Although Figure 1 and Figure 2The support structure shown in has four shipping supports 16 at each axial end of the stator frame 8, but it will be readily appreciated that, alternatively, a shipping support may be provided at only one axial end of the stator frame. Any suitable number of shipping supports may be provided, with a single shipping support at one axial end of the stator frame being an absolute minimum. Preferably, the rotor 2 will be axially supported by one or more shipping supports at a plurality of locations around its circumference.

[0093] Figures 16 to 18 Some alternative arrangements are shown. In particular, Fig.16 An arrangement is shown with a single linear first portion 50 at one axial end of the stator frame 8. The first portion 50 extends across the stator frame 8 along a diameter and is fixedly connected to the stator frame at its ends. As described above, the two second portions 32 are fixedly connected to the first portion 50, i.e., by means of the respective third portions 42. In particular, the first portion 50 comprises two openings, each of which receives an end of a respective third portion 42. The openings in the first portion 50 correspond to the openings 30 in the support plate 22 of the transport bracket 16 described above. As shown, the other end of each third portion 42 is screwed into the respective second portion 32 that fits on the annular rib 44 of the rotor 2. The arrangement can be described as a single transport bracket with one first portion 50 and two second and third portions 32, 42.

[0094] Fig.17 An arrangement is shown with two linear first portions 50, 52 at one axial end of the stator frame 8. Each first portion 50, 52 extends across the stator frame 8 along a diameter and is fixedly connected to the stator frame at its ends. The first portions 50, 52 may be fixedly connected together where they overlap or intersect. As described above, the four second portions 32 are fixedly connected to the first portions 50, 52, i.e., by respective third portions 42. In particular, the first portion 50 includes two openings and the second portion 52 includes two openings, each of which receives an end of a respective third portion 42. The openings in the first portion 50 and the second portion 52 correspond to the openings 30 in the support plate 22 of the transport bracket 16 described above. As shown, the other end of each third portion 42 is screwed into a respective second portion 32 that fits on an annular rib 44 of the rotor 2. The arrangement may be described as a single transport bracket having two first portions and four second and third portions 32, 42.

[0095] Fig.18An arrangement is shown with a single annular first portion 54 at one axial end of the stator frame 8. The first portion 54 is fixedly connected to the stator frame 8 at a plurality of mounting locations around its circumference. As described above, the four second portions 32 are fixedly connected to the first portion 54, i.e., by means of respective third portions 42. In particular, the first portion 54 comprises four openings spaced circumferentially around the stator frame 8, wherein each opening receives an end of a respective third portion 42. The openings in the first portion 54 correspond to the openings 30 in the support plate 22 of the transport bracket 16 described above. As shown, the other end of each third portion 42 is screwed into a respective second portion 32 fitted on an annular rib 44 of the rotor 2. The arrangement can be described as a single transport bracket having one first portion and four second and third portions 32, 42.

Claims

1. A support structure for transporting a shaftless rotating electrical machine (1), the shaftless rotating electrical machine comprising a stator (4) supported by a stator frame (8), and a rotor (2) mechanically connectable to a shaft system and positioned radially inward of the stator (4), the support structure comprising: one or more supports (14) positionable in an air gap (10) between the stator (4) and the rotor (2); as well as One or more transport brackets (16) which can be fixedly connected between the stator frame (8) and the rotor (2).

2. A support structure according to claim 1, comprising a plurality of supports (14) positionable in the air gap (10) at circumferentially spaced intervals.

3. A support structure according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: Each support member (14) is made of non-magnetic material.

4. A support structure according to any preceding claim, further comprising: One or more transport brackets that can be fixedly connected between the stator frame (8) and a first axial end of the rotor (2), and one or more transport brackets that can be fixedly connected between the stator frame (8) and a second axial end of the rotor (2).

5. A support structure according to any preceding claim, wherein: The or each transport support (16) comprises at least one first portion (18) that can be fixedly connected to the stator frame (8), and at least one second portion (32) that can be fixedly connected to the rotor (2).

6. The support structure according to claim 5, wherein: The or each transport bracket (16) comprises at least one third portion (42) fixedly connected to the at least one first portion (18) and the at least one second portion (32).

7. The support structure according to claim 6, wherein: The at least one third portion (42) is removably connected to the at least one first portion (18) and the at least one second portion (32).

8. A support structure according to any one of claims 6 or 7, wherein: The or each third portion (42) extends substantially axially between the at least one first portion (18) and the at least one second portion (32).

9. The support structure according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein: The first end of the or each third portion (42) is threaded into an internally threaded opening (40) provided in one of the at least one first portion (18) and the at least one second portion (32) and is received through an opening (30) in the other of the at least one first portion (18) and the at least one second portion (32) and fixedly connected to the opening (30) by means of one or more mechanical fasteners (46, 48).

10. A support structure according to any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein: The or each first portion (18) is adapted to be permanently connectable to the stator frame (8).

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