Measurement meter for the stator of an electric motor having epoxy-coated

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a measurement meter for a stator of an electric motor having epoxy coated hairpins. A measurement gauge for a stator includes a height gauge part having at least one base surface, a leg, and a height check surface. The base surface faces a first direction to define a reference plane configured to abut an end surface of a core of the stator. The legs are spaced about an axis in a circumferential direction and extend from the base surface in the first direction. The leg is configured to be received in a bore defined by the core of the stator. The height inspection surface is parallel to and spaced apart from the reference plane by a predetermined distance. The height inspection surface has an annular shape disposed about the axis.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a measurement gauge for a stator, and more particularly to a measurement gauge for a stator having epoxy-coated electrical components. Background Art

[0002] The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.

[0003] Electric machines (e.g., electric motors and generators) may be used in vehicles such as all-electric vehicles or hybrid electric vehicles. The electric machine includes, among other things, a stator and a rotor. The rotor is supported for rotation within an aperture of the stator and includes windings or permanent magnets that interact with windings of the stator to produce rotation of the rotor when the motor is energized. The rotor may be supported on a drive shaft that is configured to couple to a load such as a drive train of the vehicle.

[0004] The stator may undergo a manufacturing process in which a portion of the electrical components (i.e., an end portion of the hairpin winding, a portion of the terminal, and a portion of the neutral connection) are coated with an epoxy material to form an electrical insulation layer. After the coating process is completed, the dimensions of the epoxy-coated electrical components are measured to provide the epoxy-coated electrical components within a predetermined tolerance range. A gauge may be used to measure the dimensions of the epoxy-coated electrical components. Summary of the invention

[0005] This section provides a general summary of the disclosure and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.

[0006] In one form, the present disclosure provides a measuring gauge for a stator, the measuring gauge comprising a height gauge part having at least one base surface, a leg, and a first height check surface. The base surface faces in a first direction to define a reference plane, the reference plane being configured to abut an end surface of a core of the stator. The legs are spaced apart around an axis in a circumferential direction and extend from the base surface in the first direction. The legs are configured to be received in a hole defined by the core of the stator. The first height check surface is parallel to the reference plane and spaced apart from the reference plane by a predetermined distance. The first height check surface has an annular shape disposed around the axis.

[0007] In a variation of the measuring gauge of the above paragraphs that can be implemented individually or in any combination: the height gauge part includes at least one second height check surface that is recessed in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the second height check surface extending in a circumferential direction; the second height check surface is parallel to the reference plane; the height gauge part includes an inner flange that extends around an inner periphery of the first height check surface and extends from the inner periphery of the first height check surface in the first direction; the height gauge part includes an outer flange that extends around an outer periphery of the first height check surface and extends from the outer periphery of the first height check surface in the first direction; the height gauge part includes an outer flange that extends from the outer periphery of the first height check surface in the first direction and extends in the circumferential direction, the outer flange including a first end and a second end, the second end being spaced apart from the first end to define an opening; a wing plate in which the second gauge a height gauge part pivotally coupled to the height gauge part between an open position in which the gauge part is removed from the opening and a closed position in which the second gauge part closes the opening; an inner diameter gauge part slidably engaged in a circular path along an inner periphery of the first height inspection surface; the inner diameter gauge part comprising a first portion extending in the first direction of the height gauge part and a second portion extending from the first portion in a second direction of the height gauge part perpendicular to the first direction, the first portion extending beyond the first height inspection surface; a first diameter gauge part having an annular shape; the first diameter gauge part having a variable thickness; the first diameter gauge part comprising a first end and a second end, the second end being spaced apart from the first end to define an opening; and a second diameter gauge part disposed within the opening and slidably engaged with the core of the stator, the second diameter gauge part being movable in the circumferential direction within the opening.

[0008] In another form, the present disclosure provides a measuring gauge for a stator, the measuring gauge comprising a first diameter gauge part having a base surface of an annular shape, legs, and first and second diameter inspection surfaces. The base surface of the annular shape faces in a first direction and is configured to abut an end surface of a core of the stator. The legs are spaced apart around an axis in a circumferential direction and extend from the base surface in the first direction. The legs are configured to be received in a hole defined by the core of the stator. The first diameter inspection surface extends in the circumferential direction. The second diameter inspection surface extends in the circumferential direction and is recessed in a second direction relative to the first diameter inspection surface. The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

[0009] In a variation of the measuring gauge of the above paragraphs that may be implemented individually or in any combination: the first diameter gauge part has a variable thickness; the first diameter gauge part includes a first end and a second end, the second end being spaced apart from the first end to define an opening; a second diameter gauge part, the second diameter gauge part being disposed within the opening and slidably engaging the core of the stator, the second diameter gauge part being movable within the opening in the circumferential direction; and the first diameter gauge part includes a third diameter inspection surface, the third diameter inspection surface extending in the circumferential direction and being recessed a greater distance in the second direction than the second inner circumferential surface.

[0010] In yet another form, the present disclosure provides a measuring gauge for a stator, the measuring gauge comprising a first gauge part and a second gauge part. The first gauge part comprises at least one base surface, a leg, and a first height check surface and a second height check surface. The base surface faces in a first direction to define a reference plane, the reference plane being configured to abut against an end surface of a core of the stator. The legs are spaced apart around an axis in a circumferential direction and extend from the base surface in the first direction. The legs are configured to be received in a hole defined by the core of the stator. The first height check surface is parallel to the reference plane and spaced apart from the reference plane by a first predetermined distance. The first height check surface has an annular shape disposed around the axis. The second height check surface is parallel to the reference plane and spaced apart from the reference plane by a second predetermined distance, the second predetermined distance being greater than the first predetermined distance. The second gauge part is slidably engaged along a periphery of the first gauge part in a circumferential direction.

[0011] In a variation of the measuring gauge of the above paragraphs that may be implemented individually or in any combination: the second gauge part extends beyond the first height inspection surface in the first direction, and the first gauge part includes a post extending radially outward from an outer circumferential surface of the first gauge part, and wherein the legs extend from the respective posts in the first direction.

[0012] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein.It should be understood that the description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] In order that the present disclosure may be better understood, various forms of the present disclosure will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0014] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an electric machine including a stator and a rotor according to the principles of the present disclosure;

[0015] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of a stator;

[0016] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a measurement gauge including a height gauge component and a diameter gauge component according to the principles of the present disclosure;

[0017] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A perspective view of the height gauge parts of the measuring gauge;

[0018] Figure 5 is fixed to the Figure 1 The stator Figure 3 A perspective view of a measuring gauge of FIG. 1 with a portion of the stator removed for clarity;

[0019] Fig. 6A is fixed to Figure 1 The stator Figure 3 A side view of a measuring gauge of FIG. 1 with a portion of the stator removed for clarity;

[0020] Figure 6B yes Fig. 6A An enlarged view of region 6B shown in FIG.

[0021] Figure 7 is fixed to the Figure 1 A perspective view of yet another measuring gauge including a first gauge part and a second gauge part of a stator of a device with a portion of the stator removed for clarity;

[0022] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A perspective view of a measuring gauge of FIG. 1 , wherein the first gauge part is in an open position;

[0023] Fig. 9 yes Figure 7 Another perspective view of the measuring gauge of FIG. 1 , wherein the first gauge part is in a closed position;

[0024] Fig.10 is fixed to the Figure 1 The stator Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of a measuring gauge of FIG. 1 with a portion of the stator removed for clarity;

[0025] Fig.11 is fixed to the Figure 1 a perspective view of yet another measuring gauge including a first diameter gauge part and a second diameter gauge part of a stator of FIG. 1 , wherein a portion of the stator is removed for clarity;

[0026] Fig.12 yes Fig.11 A top view of a first diameter gauge;

[0027] Fig.13 is a cross-sectional view of yet another measurement gauge according to the principles of the present disclosure;

[0028] Fig.14 is a perspective view of another measurement meter in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.

[0029] The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate the same or corresponding parts and features.

[0031] refer to Figure 1 , the electric machine 10 may be used in a vehicle (not shown) such as an all-electric vehicle or a hybrid electric vehicle. The electric machine 10 may be referred to as an electric motor, a traction motor, a generator, etc. The electric machine 10 may be a permanent magnet motor, an induction motor, etc. In the example shown, the electric machine 10 is a three-phase alternating current (AC) motor, but other types may be used, such as, for example, a direct current (DC) motor or a single-phase AC motor. In the example provided, the electric machine 10 is a traction motor, which is capable of acting both as a motor for propelling the vehicle and as a generator, such as during regenerative braking, but the electric machine 10 may be used for other purposes as a motor and / or a generator.

[0032] The electric machine 10 may be powered by a traction battery (not shown) in the vehicle. The traction battery may provide a high voltage direct current (DC) output from one or more battery cell arrays (sometimes referred to as battery cell stacks) within the traction battery. The battery cell array may include one or more battery cells that convert stored chemical energy into electrical energy. The battery cell may include a housing, a positive electrode (cathode), and a negative electrode (anode). The electrolyte allows ions to move between the anode and cathode during discharge and then back during recharging. The terminals allow current to flow out of the battery cell for use by the vehicle.

[0033] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The motor 10 particularly includes a stator 12 and a rotor 14 ( Figure 1 The stator 12 includes a cylindrical core 16 having an inner diameter 18 and an outer diameter 22 defining an aperture 20. The core 16 may be formed from a plurality of stacked laminations 24 ( Figure 2 ) is formed. The rotor is supported for rotation within the aperture 20 and includes windings or permanent magnets (not shown) that interact with the windings of the stator 12 to produce rotation of the rotor 14 when the motor 10 is energized. The rotor 14 may be supported on a drive shaft 28 that is configured to be coupled to a load such as a drive train of a vehicle.

[0034] The stator core 16 defines stator slots 34, which are arranged circumferentially around the inner diameter 18 and formed in the inner diameter. The slots 34 can be equally spaced around the circumference and extend axially from the first end 36 of the core 16 to the second end 38 of the core 16. The motor 10 includes a winding 40 placed in the slot 34 of the core 16. In the example provided, the winding 40 is a hairpin winding, which increases efficiency by the following operations: providing a larger amount of stator conductor to reduce the resistance of the winding 40 without encroaching on the space reserved for electrical steel and magnetic flux paths. Therefore, the winding 40 is also referred to as a hairpin winding 40 in this article. The hairpin winding 40 can be a wave winding, in which the winding 40 is woven pole to pole in a wavy pattern. The motor 10 can be a three-phase AC motor, in which the hairpin winding 40 is arranged in a U phase, a V phase, and a W phase. In the form shown, each phase includes an associated conductor (also called a pin, a hairpin, or a bar conductor) arranged in two parallel paths of the winding. Each phase (i.e., U-phase, V-phase, and W-phase) includes a respective path starting at a respective terminal 50, 64, 78 and ending at a neutral connection 52. The neutral connection 52 may be a single neutral connection, such as a single metal sheet, for connecting all six paths, or multiple neutral connections may be used. The terminals 50, 64, 78 may be connected to an inverter and receive voltage from the inverter, which creates a torque-generating current in the winding path, thereby causing the rotor 14 to rotate within the stator 12. An example of such a three-phase motor including the terminals 50, 64, 78 and the neutral connection 52 is described in U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 358,489 entitled "HAIRPIN WINDING ELECTRIC MACHINE WITH MULTI-CONDUCTOR HAIRPIN ASSEMBLIES," which is commonly owned with the present application and the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0035] The stator 12 undergoes a manufacturing process in which a portion of the electrical component (i.e., the end portion of the hairpin winding 40, a portion of the terminal 50, 64, 78, and a portion of the neutral connection 52) is coated with an epoxy material to form an electrical insulation layer. In one example, the manufacturing process includes immersing the portion of the electrical component in epoxy powder when hot. The latent heat in the stator 12 causes the epoxy powder to change from a solid to a liquid form, wherein the epoxy adheres to the portion of the electrical component and begins to cure on the portion of the electrical component. The stator 12 including the electrical component partially coated with epoxy is then positioned in one or more furnaces, wherein the epoxy is completely cured and solidified on the portion of the electrical component. After the coating process is completed, the size of the electrical component coated with epoxy is measured to provide an electrical component coated with epoxy within a predetermined tolerance range. A meter can be used to measure the size of the electrical component coated with epoxy.

[0036] refer to Figures 3 to 5 , Fig. 6A and Figure 6B , a measuring gauge 100 is provided, the measuring gauge comprising a height gauge part 102 and a diameter gauge part 104. The height gauge part 102 is configured to be fixed to the stator 12 and is configured to measure the height ( Fig. 6A and Figure 6B ). In the example shown, the height gauge component 102 is secured to the outer lamination 24a of the stacked laminations 24 of the stator 12 and includes a body 106, a post 108, and a plurality of legs 110. When the height gauge component 102 is secured to the stator 12, the body 106 and the post 108 are substantially located above the epoxy-coated electrical component 80 ( Fig. 6A and Figure 6B ).

[0037] The body 106 is arranged around the central axis 112 and has an annular shape. The body 106 includes an inner side 114 ( Figure 4 and Fig. 6A ) and the outer side 116 ( Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Fig. 6A The inner side 114 includes a height inspection surface 118 ( Figure 4 and Fig. 6A ) and the recessed area 120 ( Figure 4). The recessed area 120 spans an angle β of less than or equal to 122 degrees along the circumference of the inner side 114 around the central axis 112. It should be understood that the recessed area 120 can span different angles based on the size of the stator 12. The recessed area 120 also includes a plurality of height check surfaces 122 that are recessed in the second direction -X relative to the height check surface 118. The outer side 116 includes an outer surface 124 that extends around substantially the entire circumference of the body 106 (i.e., extends 360 degrees around the body 106). The height check surface 122 is located between the outer surface 124 and the height check surface 118.

[0038] The posts 108 are spaced apart from one another around the body 106 and extend radially outward from an outer circumferential surface 126 of the body 106. The posts 108 include corresponding lug holes 128 ( Figure 2 ) vertically aligned (and concentric) openings. Each post 108 has a surface 130 that is coplanar with the surface 124 of the body 106. A plurality of legs 110 are fixed to the respective posts 108 and are configured to be received in the lug holes 128 of the stator core 16. In this manner, the height gauge part 102 is fixed to the stator 12. In the example shown, the legs 110 are removably fixed to the respective posts 108. In another form, the legs 110 are fixed to the respective posts 108. The legs 110 extend from the respective posts 108 in a first direction +X and are spaced apart from each other in a circumferential direction around the axis 112.

[0039] In the example shown, each leg 110 is configured to secure the body 106 of the height gauge component 102 to the stator 12 and includes a body portion 110a and an end portion 110b. The body portion 110a has a generally cylindrical shape and includes a first axial end surface 132 ( Fig. 6A ) and a second axial end surface 134 ( Fig. 6A ). The first axial end surface 132 of the leg 110 defines a reference plane Z( Fig. 6A ) and is configured to abut against the end surface 136 of the outermost lamination 24a of the stator core 16. The reference plane Z is parallel to the height inspection surface 118. Figures 3 to 5 , Fig. 6A and Figure 6B In the example provided in , the height check surface 122 is also planar and parallel to the reference plane Z. In other configurations, such as Fig.14, for example, one or more of the height inspection surfaces 122a of the measuring gauge 100a may be non-planar or non-parallel to the reference plane Z. The second axial end surface 134 of each leg 110 abuts the corresponding post 108. The end portion 110b of each leg 110 extends from the first axial end surface 132 in the first direction +X and is configured to be received in the corresponding lug hole 128. For example, a fastener 110c such as a bolt or screw may extend at least partially through the corresponding post 108 and at least partially through the corresponding leg 110, thereby securing the corresponding leg 110 to the body 106. In some forms, each leg 110 may include another end portion (not shown) extending from the second axial end surface 134 and extending into the corresponding post 108 in the second direction -X. When the height gauge part 102 is secured to the stator 12 as described above, the height inspection surfaces 118, 122 are spaced a predetermined distance from the reference plane Z. In the example shown, the distance between the reference plane Z and any of the height check surfaces 122 is greater than the distance between the reference plane Z and the height check surface 118. In the example shown, the distance between the reference plane Z and the height check surface 118 is determined by the length of the body portion 110a.

[0040] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 5 , the diameter gauge part 104 is slidably engaged in a circular path along the inner circumferential surface 140 of the height gauge part 102, and is configured to measure the inner diameter of the epoxy-coated electrical component 80. The diameter gauge part 104 includes a first body portion 104a extending in the axial direction of the height gauge part 102 and a second body portion 104b extending perpendicularly from the first body portion 104a in the radial direction of the height gauge part 102. The first body portion 104a has a shape corresponding to the shape of the inner circumferential surface 140 of the height gauge part 102, and is slidably engaged with the inner circumferential surface 140 of the height gauge part 102. When the diameter gauge part 104 moves around the height gauge part 102 in the circular path, the second body portion 104b is slidably engaged with the outer surface 124 of the body 106. The height of the first body portion 104a is such that the first body portion 104a extends axially beyond the height check surface 114 (in the X+ direction) when the second body portion 104b is slidably engaged with the outer surface 124 of the body 106. In the example provided, the height of the first body portion 104a is such that when the second body portion 104b is slidably engaged with the outer surface 124 of the body 106, the first body portion 104a extends axially to an axial position between the height check surface 114 and the first axial end surface 132.

[0041] Continue to refer Figures 3 to 5 , Fig. 6A and Figure 6B , the operation of the measuring gauge 100 will be described in detail. First, as described above, the height gauge part 102 is fixed to the stator 12. Once the height gauge part 102 is fixed to the stator 12, the height gauge part 102 is visually inspected to determine whether the epoxy coating is within a predetermined height tolerance range. That is, if the first axial end surface 132 of each leg 110 engages the outermost lamination 24a of the stator 12, the epoxy-coated electrical component 80 is within the predetermined height tolerance range. If the first axial end surface 132 of each leg 110 does not engage the outermost lamination 24a of the stator 12, the epoxy-coated electrical component 80 may extend beyond the predetermined height tolerance range in the second direction -X. The predetermined height tolerance range may be between 33 millimeters (mm) and 48 millimeters (mm).

[0042] If the first axial end surface 132 of each leg 110 engages the outermost lamination 24a of the stator 12, the inner diameter of the epoxy-coated electrical component 80 is checked to determine whether the epoxy coating is within the predetermined inner diameter tolerance range. That is, as described above, the diameter gauge part 104 moves along the inner circumferential surface 140. If the diameter gauge part 104 moves along the inner circumferential surface 140 without being hindered by the epoxy-coated electrical component 80, the epoxy-coated electrical component 80 is within the predetermined inner diameter tolerance range. If the diameter gauge part 104 is hindered by the epoxy-coated electrical component 80, the epoxy-coated electrical component 80 may not be within the predetermined inner diameter tolerance range (i.e., the epoxy-coated electrical component 80 may extend radially inward toward the axis 112 beyond the predetermined inner diameter tolerance range).

[0043] Reference now Figures 7 to 10 , another measurement gauge 200 is provided. The structure and function of the measurement gauge 200 can be similar or identical to the structure and function of the gauge 100 described above, except for any exceptions noted below. The measurement gauge 200 includes a first gauge part 202 and a second gauge part or wing 204. The first gauge part 202 is configured to be fixed to the stator 12 and is configured to measure the height and the inner and outer diameters of the epoxy-coated electrical component 80. In the example shown, the first gauge part 202 is configured to be fixed to the outer lamination 24a of the stacked laminations 24 of the stator 12 and includes a body 206, an inner flange 208 ( Fig. 9 and 10 ), outer flange 210, column 212 and a plurality of legs 214 ( Fig. 9 When the measurement gauge 200 is secured to the stator 12 , the body 206 is positioned above the epoxy coated electrical component 80 .

[0044] The body 206 is arranged around the central axis 213 and has an annular shape. The body 206 includes an inner side 215 facing the epoxy-coated electrical component 80 in the first direction +X and an outer side 216 facing away from the epoxy-coated electrical component 80 in the second direction -X. The inner side 215 includes a height inspection surface 218 and a recessed area 220. Fig. 9 As shown, the recessed area 220 spans an angle β less than or equal to 122 degrees along the circumference of the inner side 215 about the central axis 213. The recessed area 220 also includes a plurality of height inspection surfaces 222 recessed relative to the height inspection surface 218 in the second direction -X.

[0045] refer to Fig. 9 and Fig.10 , the inner flange 208 extends around the inner periphery of the body 206 and extends from the inner periphery of the body 206 in the first direction +X. The outer flange 210 extends around the outer periphery of the body 206 and extends from the outer periphery of the body 206 in the first direction +X. The outer flange 210 includes a first end 210a and a second end 210b spaced apart from each other, thereby forming an opening 211. The outer flange 210 is configured to abut against the outer laminations 24a of the stacked laminations 24 of the stator 12 when the measuring gauge 200 is fixed to the stator 12. In some forms, when the measuring gauge 200 is fixed to the stator 12, the inner flange 208 may contact the outer laminations 24a of the stator 12. In other forms, when the measuring gauge 200 is fixed to the stator 12, the inner flange 208 may not contact the outer laminations 24a of the stator 12 (spaced apart from the outer laminations 24a). The body 206 and the inner and outer flanges 208 and 210 cooperate to form an annular compartment 230 ( Fig. 9 and Fig.10 ), the annular compartment is configured to receive the epoxy-coated electrical component 80 when the measurement gauge 200 is fixed to the stator 12. In this way, the inner flange 208 is positioned radially inwardly relative to the epoxy-coated electrical component 80, and it is possible to measure whether the epoxy-coated electrical component 80 is within the inner diameter tolerance range. Similarly, the outer flange 210 is positioned radially outwardly relative to the epoxy-coated electrical component 80, and it is possible to measure whether the epoxy-coated electrical component 80 surrounded by the outer flange 210 is within the outer diameter tolerance range. If the end surface 232 of the post 212 engages the outermost lamination 24a of the stator 12, the portion of the epoxy-coated electrical component 80 surrounded by the first gauge part 202 is within the predetermined height tolerance range, outer diameter tolerance range, and inner diameter tolerance range.

[0046] The posts 212 are spaced apart from one another around the outer flange 210 and extend radially outward from the outer flange 210. The posts 212 are vertically aligned (and concentric) with the corresponding lug holes 128 of the stator core 16. A plurality of legs 214 are fixed to the corresponding posts 212 and are configured to be received in the lug holes 128 of the stator core 16. In this manner, the first meter part 202 is fixed to the stator 12. The legs 214 extend from the corresponding posts 212 in the first direction +X and are spaced apart in the circumferential direction around the axis 213.

[0047] The end surface 232 of the leg 212 defines a reference plane Z and is configured to abut the end surface 136 of the outermost lamination 24a of the stator core 16. The reference plane Z is parallel to the height check surface 218. In the example provided, the height check surface 222 is also planar and parallel to the reference plane Z, but other configurations may be used, such as, for example, one or more of the height check surfaces 222 being non-planar or non-parallel to the reference plane Z. When the first gauge part 202 is fixed to the stator 12 as described above, the height check surfaces 218, 222 are spaced apart from the reference plane Z by a predetermined distance. In the example shown, the distance between the reference plane Z and any of the height check surfaces 222 is greater than the distance between the reference plane Z and the height check surface 218.

[0048] The flap 204 is in an open position ( Figure 8 ) and a closed position in which the flap 204 closes the opening 211 of the first meter part 202 ( Figure 7 , Fig. 9 and Fig.10 ) are pivotally coupled to a post 212 between the first meter part 202 and the stator 12 to form a continuous closed profile of the outer flange 210. If the flaps 204 are closed to form a continuous closed profile of the outer flange 210 when the first meter part 202 is fixed to the stator 12, the epoxy-coated electrical component 80 surrounded by the flaps 204 is within the outer diameter tolerance range.

[0049] The flap 204 includes an attachment portion 204a and a flange portion 204b. The attachment portion 204a may be arcuate and pivotally fixed to the post 212. The thickness of the attachment portion 204a may be greater than the thickness of the flange portion 204b. The flange portion 204b is arcuate and extends from the attachment portion 204a. When the flap 204 is in the closed position, the first end 234a of the flange portion 204b is adjacent to or abuts the end 210a of the outer flange 210, and the second end 234b of the flange portion 204b is adjacent to or abuts the end 210b of the outer flange 210, thereby forming a continuous closed profile of the outer flange 210.

[0050] Reference now Fig.11 and Fig.12 , another measuring gauge 300 is provided. The structure and function of the measuring gauge 300 can be similar or identical to the structure and function of the above-described gauges 100, 200, except for any exceptions noted below. The measuring gauge 300 includes a first gauge part 302 and a second gauge part 304. The first gauge part 302 is configured to be fixed to the stator 12 and is configured to measure the outer diameter of the epoxy-coated electrical component 80. In the example shown, the first gauge part 302 is configured to be fixed to the outer lamination 24a of the stacked laminations 24 of the stator 12, and includes an annular body 306, a post 312, and a plurality of legs 314 ( Fig.11 When the measurement gauge 300 is secured to the stator 12 , the measurement gauge 300 is positioned radially outward relative to the epoxy-coated electrical component 80 .

[0051] The body 306 includes a middle portion 306a and end portions 306b, 306c. The middle portion 306a is disposed between the end portions 306b, 306c and includes an inner circumferential surface 320. The end portion 306b includes one or more inner circumferential surfaces 322 that are radially concave outwardly relative to the inner circumferential surface 320. Fig.12 As shown, each inner circumferential surface 322 of the end portion 306b is recessed radially outwardly by a different distance from the inner circumferential surface 320 of the middle portion 306a. The end portion 306c includes one or more inner circumferential surfaces 324 that are recessed radially outwardly relative to the inner circumferential surface 320. Each inner circumferential surface 324 of the end portion 306c can be recessed radially outwardly by a different distance from the inner circumferential surface 320 of the middle portion 306a. In this way, the end portions 306b, 306c have a thickness that is different from the thickness of the body 306, thereby providing a first gauge part 302 with a variable thickness. The end portion 306b has an end surface 328 that is spaced apart from the end surface 330 of the end portion 306c, thereby forming an opening 332 therebetween. When the first gauge part 302 is fixed to the stator 12, the lower surface 315 of the body 306 abuts the outermost lamination 24a of the stator 12.

[0052] The posts 312 are spaced apart from each other around the body 306 (i.e., around the middle portion 306a and / or the end portions 306b, 306c) and extend radially outward from the body 306. The posts 312 are vertically aligned (and concentric) with the corresponding lug holes 128 of the stator core 16. A plurality of legs 314 are fixed to the corresponding posts 312 and are configured to be received in the lug holes 128 of the stator core 16. In this manner, the first meter part 302 is fixed to the stator 12. The legs 314 extend from the corresponding posts 312 in the axial direction and are spaced apart in the circumferential direction around the axis 313.

[0053] The second gauge part 304 is configured to be received in the opening 332 between the end portions 306b, 306c and to be slidably engaged with the outer laminations 24a of the stator 12. In this manner, the second gauge part 304 is configured to measure the outer diameter of a portion of the epoxy-coated electrical component 80. The second gauge part 304 includes a first body portion 304a and a second body portion 304b. When the second gauge part 304 is received in the opening 332, the second gauge part 304 can move in the circumferential direction within the opening 332. The first body portion 304a extends beyond the lower surface 315 of the first gauge part 302 and is configured to be slidably engaged with the outer circumferential surface 317 of the laminations 24. The second body portion 304b is configured to be slidably engaged with the end surface 136 of the outermost lamination 24a and can move in the circumferential direction. The second body portion 304b may abut the end portion 306b to inhibit further movement in a first circumferential direction, and may abut the end portion 306c to inhibit further movement in a second circumferential direction opposite the first circumferential direction.

[0054] Continue to refer Fig.11 and Fig.12 , the operation of the measuring gauge 300 will be described in detail. First, the first gauge part 302 is fixed to the stator 12 as described above (i.e., the legs 314 are received in the lug holes 128 of the stator core 16). If the first gauge part 302 is fixed to the stator 12 so that it is leveled on the stator 12, the epoxy-coated electrical component 80 surrounded by the first gauge part 302 is within a predetermined outer diameter tolerance range. If the first gauge part 302 cannot be fixed to the stator 12 (i.e., the legs 314 are not received in the holes 128), the epoxy-coated electrical component 80 may extend radially outward beyond the predetermined outer diameter tolerance range.

[0055] If the first gauge part 302 is fixed to the stator 12, the outer diameter of a portion of the epoxy-coated electrical component 80 not surrounded by the first gauge part 302 is measured to determine whether the epoxy coating is within the predetermined outer diameter tolerance range. That is, as described above, the second gauge part 304 moves in the circumferential direction in the opening 332. If the second gauge part 304 moves along the opening 332 without being hindered by the portion of the epoxy-coated electrical component 80, the portion of the epoxy-coated electrical component 80 is within the predetermined outer diameter tolerance range. If the diameter gauge part 104 is hindered by the epoxy-coated electrical component 80, the epoxy-coated electrical component 80 may not be within the predetermined outer diameter tolerance range.

[0056] In some forms, such as Fig.13As shown, a first gauge part 402 is provided. The structure and function of the first gauge part 402 can be similar or identical to the structure and function of the first gauge part 302 described above, except for any exceptions noted below. The first gauge part 402 includes a lip 404 extending radially inward from an upper surface 405 of a body 406. The lip 404 can include a structure and function similar to that of the body 106 described above (i.e., the lip 404 can include a plurality of height measurement surfaces (not shown) that are recessed relative to the height measurement surface 418). In this manner, when the first gauge part 402 is secured to the stator 12, the lip 404 extends over the epoxy-coated electrical component 80 and can measure the height of the epoxy-coated electrical component 80, as described above.

[0057] Unless otherwise expressly indicated herein, all numerical values ​​indicating mechanical / thermal properties, composition percentages, dimensions and / or tolerances or other characteristics when describing the scope of the present disclosure should be understood to be modified by the word "about" or "approximately". Such modifications are desirable for a variety of reasons, including: industrial practice; material, manufacturing and assembly tolerances; and testing capabilities.

[0058] As used herein, the phrase at least one of A, B, and C should be construed to mean a logical (A or B or C), using a non-exclusive logical "or", and should not be construed to mean "at least one of A, at least one of B, and at least one of C."

[0059] In this application, the terms "controller" and / or "module" may refer to, be part of, or include: an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC); a digital, analog, or mixed analog / digital discrete circuit; a digital, analog, or mixed analog / digital integrated circuit; a combinatorial logic circuit; a field programmable gate array (FPGA); a processor circuit (shared, dedicated, or group) that executes code; a memory circuit (shared, dedicated, or group) that stores code executed by the processor circuit; other suitable hardware components that provide the described functionality (e.g., an operational amplifier circuit integrator as part of a heat flux data module); or a combination of some or all of the above, such as in a system on a chip.

[0060] The term memory is a subset of the term computer-readable medium. The term computer-readable medium as used herein does not encompass transient electrical or electromagnetic signals propagated through a medium (such as on a carrier wave); therefore, the term computer-readable medium may be considered to be tangible and non-transitory. Non-limiting examples of non-transitory tangible computer-readable media are non-volatile memory circuits (such as flash memory circuits, erasable programmable read-only memory circuits, or mask read-only circuits), volatile memory circuits (such as static random access memory circuits or dynamic random access memory circuits), magnetic storage media (such as analog or digital tape or hard drives), and optical storage media (such as CDs, DVDs, or Blu-ray discs).

[0061] The apparatus and methods described in this application may be implemented partially or completely by a special-purpose computer, which is created by configuring a general-purpose computer to perform one or more specific functions embodied in a computer program. The functional blocks, flow chart components, and other elements described above are used as software specifications, which can be translated into a computer program by routine work of a technician or programmer.

[0062] The description of the present disclosure is merely exemplary in nature, and thus, variations that do not depart from the essence of the present disclosure are intended to be within the scope of the present disclosure. Such variations should not be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0063] According to the present invention, a measuring gauge for a stator is provided, the measuring gauge having: a first diameter gauge part, the first diameter gauge part including: an annular base surface, the annular base surface facing a first direction and configured to abut against an end surface of a core of the stator; a plurality of legs, the plurality of legs being spaced apart around an axis in a circumferential direction and extending from the base surface in the first direction, the legs being configured to be received in a hole defined by the core of the stator; a first diameter inspection surface, the first diameter inspection surface extending in the circumferential direction; and a second diameter inspection surface, the second diameter inspection surface extending in the circumferential direction and being recessed in a second direction relative to the first diameter inspection surface, the second direction being perpendicular to the first direction.

[0064] According to one embodiment, said first diameter gauge part has a variable thickness.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the first diameter gauge part includes a first end and a second end, the second end being spaced apart from the first end to define an opening.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the invention is also characterized by a second diameter gauge part disposed within the opening and slidably engaging the core of the stator, the second diameter gauge part being movable within the opening in the circumferential direction.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the first diameter gauge part comprises a third diameter checking surface extending in the circumferential direction and recessed a greater distance in the second direction than the second diameter checking surface.

[0068] According to the present invention, there is provided a measuring gauge for a stator, the measuring gauge having: a first gauge part, the first gauge part including: at least one base surface, the at least one base surface facing in a first direction to define a reference plane, the reference plane being configured to abut against an end surface of a core of the stator; a plurality of legs, the plurality of legs being spaced apart around an axis in a circumferential direction and extending from the at least one base surface in the first direction, the legs being configured to be received in a hole defined by the core of the stator; and a first height check surface, the first height check surface being parallel to the reference plane and spaced apart from the reference plane by a first predetermined distance, the first height check surface having an annular shape arranged around the axis; at least one second height check surface, the at least one second height check surface being parallel to the reference plane and spaced apart from the reference plane by a second predetermined distance greater than the first predetermined distance; and a second gauge part, the second gauge part being slidably engaged along the periphery of the first gauge part in the circumferential direction.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the second gauge part extends beyond the first height inspection surface in the first direction.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the first gauge part comprises a post extending radially outwardly from an outer circumferential surface of the first gauge part, and wherein the legs extend from the respective post in the first direction.

Claims

1. A measuring meter for a stator, the measuring meter comprising: A height gauge component, the height gauge component comprising: at least one base surface facing in a first direction to define a reference plane configured to abut an end surface of a core of the stator; a plurality of legs spaced circumferentially about an axis and extending from the at least one base surface in the first direction, the legs being configured to be received in apertures defined by the core of the stator; and A first height check surface is parallel to the reference plane and spaced apart from the reference plane by a predetermined distance, the first height check surface having an annular shape disposed around the axis.

2. The measuring gauge of claim 1, wherein the height gauge part includes at least one second height inspection surface recessed in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the at least one second height inspection surface extending in a circumferential direction.

3. The measuring gauge of claim 2, wherein the at least one second height inspection surface is parallel to the reference plane.

4. The measuring gauge of claim 2, wherein the at least one second height inspection surface is not parallel to the reference plane.

5. The measuring gauge of claim 1, wherein the height gauge part includes an inner flange extending around an inner periphery of the first height inspection surface and extending from the inner periphery of the first height inspection surface in the first direction.

6. The measuring gauge of claim 5, wherein the height gauge part includes an outer flange extending around an outer periphery of the first height inspection surface and extending from the outer periphery of the first height inspection surface in the first direction.

7. The measuring meter of claim 5, wherein: The height gauge part includes an outer flange extending from an outer periphery of the first height inspection surface in the first direction and extending in the circumferential direction, the outer flange including a first end and a second end, the second end being spaced apart from the first end to define an opening; as well as A flap is pivotally coupled to the height gauge part between an open position in which the flap is removed from the opening and a closed position in which the flap closes the opening.

8. The measuring gauge of claim 1 further comprising an inner diameter gauge part slidably engaged in a circular path along an inner periphery of the first height inspection surface.

9. The measuring gauge of claim 8, wherein the inner diameter gauge part includes a first portion extending in the first direction of the height gauge part and a second portion extending from the first portion in a second direction of the height gauge part perpendicular to the first direction, the first portion extending beyond the first height inspection surface.

10. The measuring gauge of claim 1, further comprising a first diameter gauge part having an annular shape.

11. The measuring gauge of claim 10, wherein the first diameter gauge part has a variable thickness.

12. The measuring meter of claim 10, wherein: the first diameter gauge part including a first end and a second end, the second end being spaced from the first end to define an opening; as well as A second diameter gauge part is disposed within the opening and slidably engages the core of the stator, the second diameter gauge part being movable within the opening in the circumferential direction.

13. The measuring gauge of claim 1, wherein the height gauge part includes an outer flange extending around an outer periphery of the first height inspection surface and extending from the outer periphery of the first height inspection surface in the first direction.

Images