Motor with integrated inductive position sensor with contactless power transmission

Abstract

The present invention relates to an electric motor having an integrated inductive position sensor with contactless power transmission. An electric motor includes a rotor assembly having a rotor shaft arranged along a central axis. The electric motor includes an inductive position sensor having a sensor target operatively connected to the rotor shaft. The sensor target is fixed relative to the rotor shaft so that the sensor target rotates with the rotor shaft. The electric motor includes a fixed member and a rotating member operatively connected to the rotor shaft. The rotating member is separated from the fixed member by an air gap. The fixed member and the rotating member are configured to enable contactless power transmission from the fixed member to the rotating member through the air gap. The contactless power transmission can be inductive power transmission or capacitive power transmission.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electric machine having an integrated inductive position sensor with contactless power transmission. Background Art

[0002] An electric machine generally includes a stator having a plurality of stator windings and a rotor capable of rotating within the stator. In generator mode, the rotation of the rotor induces a voltage in the stator windings, which powers an external load. Alternatively, if current is passed through the stator windings, the energized windings cause the rotor to rotate, and the machine will function as a motor. Separately excited electric machines generally employ a rotary transformer to determine the position and speed of the rotor. In addition, an external device is typically required to transfer power to the rotor in a separately excited electric machine. Accommodating a rotary transformer and external power transfer equipment in an electric machine is a challenging problem. Summary of the invention

[0003] Disclosed herein is an electric machine having a rotor assembly having a rotor shaft disposed along a central axis. The electric machine includes an inductive position sensor having a sensor target operatively connected to the rotor shaft. The sensor target is fixed relative to the rotor shaft so that the sensor target rotates with the rotor shaft. The electric machine includes a fixed member operatively connected to the rotor shaft and a rotating member. The rotating member is separated from the fixed member by an air gap. The fixed member and the rotating member are configured to enable contactless power transmission from the fixed member to the rotating member through the air gap.

[0004] The inductive position sensor may include an inductive sensor board adapted to detect movement of a sensor target. The inductive sensor board is fixed. The inductive sensor board includes a plurality of windings having a transmitting coil and a receiving coil. The receiving coil may include a positive first coil, a negative first coil, a positive second coil, and a negative second coil. The motor may include a rectifier circuit directly connected to the rotating member. The rotor assembly includes a rotor winding electrically coupled to the rectifier circuit.

[0005] In one embodiment, the fixed member includes a fixed core embedded with a first set of coils, the rotating member includes a rotating core embedded with a second set of coils, and the non-contact power transmission between the fixed member and the rotating member is an inductive power transmission. Here, the sensor target can be directly positioned on the rotor shaft along the central axis. Alternatively, the sensor target can be positioned circumferentially around the rotor shaft. In another example, the sensor target can be positioned circumferentially around the rotating core, the rotating core is positioned circumferentially around the rotor shaft, and the sensor target is etched on the rotating core.

[0006] In another embodiment, the stationary member and the rotating member include a stationary plate and a rotating plate, respectively, which are positioned close enough together to form a capacitor so that the non-contact power transmission between the stationary member and the rotating member is a capacitive power transmission. Here, the sensor target can be positioned directly on the rotor shaft along the central axis. Alternatively, the sensor target can be positioned circumferentially around the rotor shaft. In some embodiments, the sensor target is positioned circumferentially around the rotating plate, the rotating plate is positioned circumferentially around the rotor shaft, and the sensor target is etched on the rotating plate.

[0007] Disclosed herein is a vehicle having an electric motor having a rotor assembly having a rotor shaft disposed along a central axis. An inductive position sensor having a sensor target is operatively connected to the rotor shaft and an inductive sensor board adapted to detect movement of the sensor target. The sensor target is fixed relative to the rotor shaft so that the sensor target rotates with the rotor shaft. A fixed member is operatively connected to the rotor shaft, the fixed member comprising a fixed core embedded with a first set of coils. A rotating member is operatively connected to the rotor shaft, the rotating member being separated from the fixed member by an air gap, the rotating member comprising a rotating core embedded with a second set of coils. The inductive sensor board is fixed and comprises a plurality of windings having a transmitting coil and a receiving coil. The fixed member and the rotating member are configured to enable contactless power transmission from the fixed member to the rotating member through an air gap.

[0008] The present invention provides the following technical solutions.

[0009] Technical Solution 1. A motor, comprising:

[0010] a rotor assembly having a rotor shaft disposed along a central axis;

[0011] an inductive position sensor having a sensor target operatively connected to the rotor shaft, the sensor target being fixed relative to the rotor shaft such that the sensor target rotates with the rotor shaft;

[0012] a stationary member operatively connected to the rotor shaft;

[0013] a rotating member operatively connected to the rotor shaft, the rotating member being spaced apart from the stationary member by an air gap; and

[0014] The fixed component and the rotating component are configured to enable contactless power transmission from the fixed component to the rotating component through the air gap.

[0015] Technical Solution 2. The motor according to Technical Solution 1, wherein:

[0016] The inductive position sensor includes an inductive sensor plate adapted to detect motion of the sensor target, the inductive sensor plate being stationary; and

[0017] The inductive sensor board includes a plurality of windings including a transmitting coil and a receiving coil.

[0018] Technical Solution 3. The motor according to Technical Solution 2, wherein the receiving coil includes a positive first coil, a negative first coil, a positive second coil and a negative second coil.

[0019] Technical Solution 4. The motor according to Technical Solution 1 further comprises:

[0020] a rectifier circuit directly connected to the rotating member; and

[0021] Wherein, the rotor assembly includes a rotor winding electrically connected to the rectifier circuit.

[0022] Technical Solution 5. An electric motor according to Technical Solution 1, wherein the fixed component includes a fixed core embedded with a first set of coils, the rotating component includes a rotating core embedded with a second set of coils, and the non-contact power transmission between the fixed component and the rotating component is inductive power transmission.

[0023] Technical Solution 6. An electric motor according to Technical Solution 5, wherein the sensor target is positioned directly on the rotor shaft along the central axis.

[0024] Technical Solution 7. An electric motor according to Technical Solution 5, wherein the sensor target is positioned circumferentially around the rotor shaft.

[0025] Technical Solution 8. The electric motor according to Technical Solution 5, wherein the sensor target is positioned circumferentially around the rotating core, the rotating core is positioned circumferentially around the rotor shaft, and the sensor target is etched on the rotating core.

[0026] Technical Solution 9. An electric motor according to Technical Solution 1, wherein the fixed component and the rotating component respectively include a fixed plate and a rotating plate, and the fixed plate and the rotating plate are positioned close enough together to form a capacitor, so that the non-contact power transmission between the fixed component and the rotating component is capacitive power transmission.

[0027] Technical Solution 10. An electric machine according to Technical Solution 9, wherein the sensor target is positioned directly on the rotor shaft along the central axis.

[0028] Technical Solution 11. An electric motor according to Technical Solution 9, wherein the sensor target is positioned circumferentially around the rotor shaft.

[0029] Technical Solution 12. An electric motor according to Technical Solution 9, wherein the sensor target is positioned circumferentially around the rotating plate, the rotating plate is positioned circumferentially around the rotor shaft, and the sensor target is etched on the rotating plate.

[0030] Technical Solution 13. A motor, comprising:

[0031] a rotor assembly having a rotor shaft disposed along a central axis;

[0032] an inductive position sensor having a sensor target operatively connected to the rotor shaft, the sensor target being fixed relative to the rotor shaft such that the sensor target rotates with the rotor shaft;

[0033] a stationary member operatively connected to the rotor shaft;

[0034] a rotating member operatively connected to the rotor shaft, the rotating member being spaced apart from the stationary member by an air gap;

[0035] an inductive sensor board directly connected to the fixed member, the inductive sensor board being adapted to detect motion of the sensor target;

[0036] a rectifier circuit directly connected to the rotating member, the rectifier circuit being adapted to convert an AC voltage into a DC voltage;

[0037] wherein the rotor assembly includes a rotor winding electrically coupled to the rectifier circuit; and

[0038] The fixed component and the rotating component are configured to enable contactless power transmission from the fixed component to the rotating component through the air gap.

[0039] Technical Solution 14. An electric motor according to Technical Solution 13, wherein the fixed component includes a fixed core embedded with a first set of coils, the rotating component includes a rotating core embedded with a second set of coils, and the non-contact power transmission between the fixed component and the rotating component is inductive power transmission.

[0040] Technical Solution 15. An electric motor according to Technical Solution 14, wherein the sensor target is positioned directly on the rotor shaft along the central axis.

[0041] Technical Solution 16. An electric motor according to Technical Solution 14, wherein the sensor target is positioned circumferentially around the rotating core, the rotating core is positioned circumferentially around the rotor shaft, and the sensor target is etched on the rotating core.

[0042] Technical Solution 17. An electric motor according to Technical Solution 13, wherein the fixed component and the rotating component include corresponding metal plates, and the corresponding metal plates are positioned close enough together to form a capacitor, so that the non-contact power transmission between the fixed component and the rotating component is capacitive power transmission.

[0043] Technical Solution 18. An electric motor according to Technical Solution 17, wherein the sensor target is positioned directly on the rotor shaft along the central axis.

[0044] Technical Solution 19. An electric motor according to Technical Solution 17, wherein the sensor target is positioned circumferentially around the rotor shaft.

[0045] Technical Solution 20. A means of transport, comprising:

[0046] An electric machine including a rotor assembly having a rotor shaft disposed along a central axis;

[0047] an inductive position sensor having a sensor target operatively connected to the rotor shaft and an inductive sensor plate adapted to detect movement of the sensor target, the sensor target being fixed relative to the rotor shaft such that the sensor target rotates with the rotor shaft;

[0048] a stationary member operatively connected to the rotor shaft, the stationary member comprising a stationary core having a first set of coils embedded therein;

[0049] a rotating member operatively connected to the rotor shaft, the rotating member being spaced apart from the stationary member by an air gap, the rotating member comprising a rotating core having a second set of coils embedded therein;

[0050] wherein the inductive sensor board is stationary and includes a plurality of windings including a transmitting coil and a receiving coil; and

[0051] The fixed component and the rotating component are configured to enable contactless power transmission from the fixed component to the rotating component through the air gap.

[0052] The above features and advantages and other features and advantages of the present disclosure are readily apparent from the following detailed description of the best modes for carrying out the disclosure when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0053] Figure 1 is a schematic partial block diagram of a vehicle having a propulsion system with an electric motor;

[0054] Figure 2 According to the first embodiment Figure 1A schematic partial cross-sectional view of a motor;

[0055] Figure 3 According to the second embodiment Figure 1 A schematic partial cross-sectional view of a motor;

[0056] Figure 4A According to the third embodiment Figure 1 A schematic partial cross-sectional view of a motor;

[0057] Figure 4B yes Figure 4A A schematic partial side view of a motor;

[0058] Figure 5 According to the fourth embodiment Figure 1 A schematic partial cross-sectional view of a motor;

[0059] Figure 6 According to the fifth embodiment Figure 1 A schematic partial cross-sectional view of a motor;

[0060] Figure 7 According to the sixth embodiment Figure 1 A schematic partial cross-sectional view of a motor;

[0061] Figure 8 is available in Figure 1 A partial schematic diagram of an example position sensor used in an electric motor; and

[0062] Fig. 9 yes Figure 8 Schematic perspective view of a portion of a position sensor.

[0063] Representative embodiments of the present disclosure are shown in the accompanying drawings by way of non-limiting examples and are described in further detail below. However, it should be understood that the novel aspects of the present disclosure are not limited to the specific forms illustrated in the drawings listed above. On the contrary, the present disclosure encompasses modifications, equivalents, combinations, sub-combinations, permutations, groupings, and alternatives that fall within the scope of the present disclosure as, for example, contained in the appended claims. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0064] Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts, Figure 1 1 is a partial schematic diagram of an electric motor / generator or electric traction machine, referred to herein as an electric machine 10. The electric machine 10 is configured to generate electric machine torque by, for example, converting electrical energy into rotational motion. The electric machine 10 includes a rotor assembly 12 having a rotor shaft 14 disposed along a central axis A. The rotor assembly 12 is at least partially positioned within a stator core 16. The electric machine 10 may be a single-field electric machine.

[0065] Electric motors often use resolvers to determine the rotational position and speed of the rotor relative to the stator. Additionally, external equipment is often required to transfer power to the rotor in a separately excited motor. Accommodating both in a motor is a challenging problem. Figure 1 , the motor 10 includes an inductive position sensor 40 integrated into the structure of the motor 10. As described below, the motor 10 has an integrated structure that has position sensing capabilities and wireless power transfer.

[0066] Various embodiments of the motor 10 are Figure 2 , Figure 3 Figure 4 to Figure 7 In the first, second and third embodiments (in Figure 2 , Figure 3 , FIG. 4A to FIG. 4B In the fourth, fifth and sixth embodiments (shown in Figures 5 to 7 In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the motor utilizes a capacitive power transfer mechanism based on changes in capacitance. The illustrated embodiment minimizes the effective length of the motor and reduces the total number of parts, thereby optimizing efficiency.

[0067] refer to Figure 1 , the motor 10 may be part of a propulsion system 18 in a vehicle 20. The vehicle 20 may be a mobile platform such as, but not limited to, a passenger car, a sport utility vehicle, a light truck, a heavy vehicle, an all-terrain vehicle (ATV), a minivan, a bus, a transit vehicle, a bicycle, a robot, a farm implement, sports-related equipment, a boat, an airplane, a train, or other equipment. The vehicle 20 may take many different forms and include multiple and / or alternative components and facilities.

[0068] refer to Figure 1 The propulsion system 18 includes at least one energy source 22, such as a high voltage battery, and at least one inverter 24. The energy source 22 is adapted to provide direct current (DC) power to the inverter 24, which converts the DC power into alternating current (AC) power. The electric machine 10 is configured to use the AC voltage from the inverter 24 to generate a rotational motion that is subsequently transmitted to the wheels 26 of the vehicle 20. Figure 1 The vehicle 20 includes a controller C having a processor 28 and a tangible, non-transitory memory 30 on which are recorded instructions for controlling the operation of the electric machine 10 based on a torque demand of the vehicle 20 .

[0069] Figures 8 to 9 It is shown that Figure 1 An example inductive position sensor 40 used in the motor 10 of FIG. Figure 8, the inductive position sensor 40 includes a sensor target 42 and an inductive sensor plate 44. In each of the illustrated embodiments, the position of the inductive position sensor 40 within the motor 10 varies. The inductive sensor plate 44 is stationary and adapted to detect movement of the sensor target 42.

[0070] refer to Figure 8 , the inductive sensor board 44 includes a plurality of windings 46 and a microcircuit 48. The microcircuit 48 is adapted to calculate position information of the sensor target 42. It should be understood that the inductive sensor board 44 may include other components available to those skilled in the art. Fig. 9 The inductive position sensor 40 is shown with the microcircuit 48 omitted. Fig. 9 , the plurality of windings 46 includes a set of transmitting coils 60 and a set of receiving coils 62. The receiving coils 62 may include a positive first coil 62A, a negative first coil 62B, a positive second coil 62C, and a negative second coil 62D. The total number of receiving coils 62 is an even number, which may vary depending on the application at hand.

[0071] The sensor target 42 and the inductive sensor plate 44 are integrated into the motor 10. In each of the embodiments described herein, the sensor target 42 is made of a conductive material. For example, the sensor target 42 can be made of a ferrous material such as steel. The sensor target 42 can be made of a non-ferrous material such as aluminum and copper. Fig. 9 In the example shown in FIG. 4 , the sensor target 42 includes a plurality of spaced-apart wings 64 extending from a central base 66. In each of the illustrated embodiments, the shape of the sensor target 42 may vary.

[0072] The inductive position sensor 40 relies on changes in the induced voltage in the receiving coil 62 to determine the position of the sensor target 42 and, therefore, the rotor shaft 14. Due to the high frequency signal in the transmitting coil 60, eddy currents flow in the target sensor 42. This causes an opposing magnetic field to be generated in the receiving coil 62. The net induced voltage change in the receiving coil 62 is based on the position of the sensor target 42.

[0073] Figure 8 The microcircuit 48 is adapted to perform post-processing of the data to convert the induced voltage measurements from the plurality of windings 46 into tangible position signals. The microcircuit 48 may be an assembly of electronic components, such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The microcircuit 48 may include a core implemented by a microcontroller and a wireless communication interface and other circuits available to those skilled in the art.

[0074] Reference now Figure 2, shows an electric machine 110 according to a first embodiment. The electric machine 110 includes a rotor assembly 112 having a rotor shaft 114 disposed along a central axis A. The rotor assembly 112 may include rotor poles 102, rotor windings 104, and rotor teeth 106. A stationary member 120 and a rotating member 130 are operatively connected to the rotor shaft 114. The rotating member 130 is spaced apart from the stationary member 120 by an air gap G.

[0075] refer to Figure 2 In a first embodiment, the fixed member 120 includes a fixed core 122 embedded with a first set of coils 124. The fixed member 120 can be supported or held in place by one or more support structures from the drive unit housing, such as a first mount 126 and a second mount 128. The rotating member 130 includes a rotating core 132 embedded with a second set of coils 134. The first set of coils 124 and the second set of coils 134 are conductive windings having turns.

[0076] refer to Figure 2 , the motor 110 includes or integrates an inductive position sensor 140 having a sensor target 142 operatively connected to the rotor shaft 114. The sensor target 142 is fixed relative to the rotor shaft so that the sensor target 42 rotates with the rotor shaft 114. The inductive position sensor 40 includes an inductive sensor board 144 directly (on the axis) connected to the sensor target 142 along the central axis A. As in each of the embodiments herein, the inductive sensor board 144 is suitable for determining the position of the sensor target 142 and includes a plurality of windings 46 and a microcircuit 48 (see Figure 8 ).

[0077] exist Figure 2 In a first embodiment of the present invention, the sensor target 142 is positioned directly on the rotor shaft 114 along the central axis. In other words, the sensor target 142 is located on the axis relative to the central axis A. The rotating component 130 includes a rectifier circuit 150 that is electrically coupled to the rotor winding 104 via a connector 152. In each of the embodiments described herein, the rectifier circuit 150 converts an alternating current (AC) voltage to a direct current (DC) voltage using a combination of electronic components such as switches, diodes, transistors, or other components.

[0078] refer to Figure 2, the fixed component 120 and the rotating component 130 are configured to enable non-contact power transmission from the fixed component 120 to the rotating component 130 through the air gap G. In the first embodiment, the non-contact power transmission between the fixed component 120 and the rotating component 130 is inductive power transmission. Alternating current (AC) can be transmitted to the fixed component 120 through one or more inverters 24 in the vehicle 20, and the inverter 24 converts the direct current provided by the energy source 22 (see Figure 1 ). AC flowing through the stationary member 120 (the first set of coils 124 embedded in the stationary core 122) causes the generation of a magnetic field, which moves across the gap G to the rotating member 130 (the second set of coils 134 embedded in the rotating core 122). The magnetic field generates AC in the second set of coils 134, which is converted from AC to DC by the rectifier circuit 150. The DC is transmitted from the rectifier circuit 150 to the rotor winding 104, resulting in the generation of a rotor magnetic field. The interaction of the rotor magnetic field with the stator magnetic field results in the generation of torque by the motor 110.

[0079] Reference now Figure 3 , shows an electric machine 210 according to a second embodiment. The electric machine 210 includes a rotor assembly 212 having a rotor shaft 214 disposed along a central axis A. The rotor assembly 212 may include rotor poles 202, rotor windings 204, and rotor teeth 206. A stationary member 220 and a rotating member 230 are operatively connected to the rotor shaft 214. The rotating member 230 is spaced apart from the stationary member 220 by an air gap G.

[0080] In the second embodiment, the fixed member 220 includes a fixed core 222 embedded with a first set of coils 224. The fixed member 220 can be supported or held in place by one or more support structures (such as a first mount 226) from the drive unit housing. Figure 3 The rotating member 230 includes a rotating core 232 in which a second set of coils 234 are embedded.

[0081] refer to Figure 3 , the motor 210 includes an inductive position sensor 240 having a sensor target 242 made of a conductive material and an inductive sensor plate 244 adapted to detect movement of the sensor target 242. The sensor target 242 is fixed relative to the rotor shaft 214 so that the sensor target 242 rotates with the rotor shaft 214.

[0082] In addition to the positioning of the sensor target 242 and the inductive sensor plate 244, Figure 3 The second embodiment is similar to Figure 2Here, the sensor target 242 and the inductive sensor plate 244 are positioned circumferentially around the rotor shaft 214. In other words, both the sensor target 242 and the inductive sensor plate 244 are radially outward (i.e., offset from the axis) relative to the central axis A. The sensor target 242 may be in direct contact with the rotor shaft 214. The inductive sensor plate 244 is adjacent to the sensor target 242 along the central axis A.

[0083] The fixed member 220 and the rotating member 230 are configured to enable non-contact power transmission from the fixed member 220 to the rotating member 230 through the air gap G. Similar to the first embodiment, the non-contact power transmission between the fixed member 220 and the rotating member 230 in the second embodiment is inductive power transmission. The alternating current (AC) flowing through the fixed member 220 (the first set of coils 224 embedded in the fixed core 222) causes the generation of a magnetic field, which moves across the gap G to the rotating member 230 (the second set of coils 234 embedded in the rotating core 232). The magnetic field generates an alternating current in the second set of coils 234, which is converted from AC to direct current (DC) by the rectifier circuit 250. The rectifier circuit 250 can be electrically connected to the rotor winding 204 via the connector 252.

[0084] Reference now FIG. 4A to FIG. 4B , shows a motor 310 according to a third embodiment. Figure 4A The motor 310 includes a rotor assembly 312 having a rotor shaft 314 along a central axis A. The rotor assembly 312 may include rotor poles 302, rotor windings 304, and rotor teeth 306. A stationary member 320 and a rotating member 330 are operatively connected to the rotor shaft 314. The rotating member 330 is separated from the stationary member 320 by an air gap G. The stationary member 320 includes a stationary core 322 in which a first set of coils 324 are embedded. The stationary member 320 may be supported or held in place by one or more support structures (such as a first mount 326 and a second mount 328) from a drive unit housing. Reference Figure 4A The rotating member 330 includes a rotating core 332 in which a second set of coils 334 are embedded.

[0085] refer to Figure 4A , the motor 310 includes an inductive position sensor 340 having a sensor target 342 operatively connected to the rotor shaft 314. The sensor target 342 is fixed relative to the rotor shaft so that the sensor target 342 rotates with the rotor shaft 314. Figure 4AIn the example shown in , the sensor target 342 is in the shape of a ring having an annular cross-section. The rotating core 322 is positioned circumferentially around the rotor shaft 314. The sensor target 342 is positioned circumferentially around the rotating core 232 so that the sensor target 342 is radially outside relative to the rotor shaft 314. In some embodiments, the sensor target 342 can be etched on the outer surface of the rotating core 322.

[0086] refer to Figure 4A , the inductive position sensor 340 includes an inductive sensor plate 344 positioned circumferentially around or radially outside of a sensor target 342. The inductive sensor plate 344 is fixed relative to the rotor shaft. Figure 4B A side view of sensor target 342 is shown, showing an outline 308 of a metal recess in sensor target 342 . Figure 4B Also shown is an inductive sensor board 344 having a plurality of windings 346 and a microcircuit 348 .

[0087] Similar to the first and second embodiments, the rotating member 330 includes a rectifier circuit 350 for converting an AC voltage into a DC voltage. The rectifier circuit 350 may be electrically coupled to the rotor winding 304 via a connector 352.

[0088] Reference now Figure 5 , shows an electric machine 410 according to a fourth embodiment. The electric machine 410 includes a rotor assembly 412 having a rotor shaft 414 disposed along a central axis A. The rotor assembly 412 may include rotor poles 402, rotor windings 404, and rotor teeth 406. A stationary member 420 and a rotating member 430 are operatively connected to the rotor shaft 414. The rotating member 430 is spaced apart from the stationary member 120 by an air gap G. The stationary member 320 may be supported or held in place by one or more support structures (such as a first mount 326 and a second mount 328) from a drive unit housing.

[0089] refer to Figure 5 , the motor 410 includes an inductive position sensor 440 having a sensor target 442 made of a conductive material and an inductive sensor plate 444 adapted to detect movement of the sensor target 442. The sensor target 442 is fixed relative to the rotor shaft 414 so that the sensor target 442 rotates with the rotor shaft 414.

[0090] exist Figure 5In the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the sensor target 442 is positioned directly (on axis) on the rotor shaft 414 along the central axis A. The inductive sensor board 444 is adjacent (on axis) to the sensor target 442 along the central axis A. The inductive sensor board 444 is fixed and is adapted to detect movement of the sensor target 442. It should be understood that the inductive sensor board 444 may include detection and processing components available to those skilled in the art.

[0091] refer to Figure 5 , the fixed member 420 and the rotating member 430 are configured to enable non-contact power transmission from the fixed member 420 to the rotating member 430 through the air gap G. In the fourth, fifth and sixth embodiments, the non-contact power transmission between the fixed member 420 and the rotating member 430 is capacitive power transmission. Figure 5 , the fixed member 420 includes a first plate 425, and the rotating member 430 includes a second plate 435. The first plate 425 and the second plate 435 are metallic and are positioned close enough to each other to form a capacitor, enabling capacitive power transfer between the fixed member 420 and the rotating member 430.

[0092] Alternating current (AC) may be transmitted to the stationary component 420 via one or more inverters 24 in the vehicle 20, which convert the direct current provided by the energy source 22 (see Figure 1 ). AC causes the generation of a magnetic field that moves across the gap G. The rotating member 430 includes a rectifier circuit 450 for converting an AC voltage into a DC voltage. The rectifier circuit 450 can be electrically coupled to the rotor winding 404 via a connector 452. The DC power is transmitted from the rectifier circuit 450 to the rotor winding 404, resulting in the generation of a rotor magnetic field. The interaction of the rotor magnetic field with the stator magnetic field results in the generation of torque by the motor 410.

[0093] Reference now Figure 6 , shows an electric machine 510 according to a fifth embodiment. The electric machine 510 includes a rotor assembly 512 having a rotor shaft 514 disposed along a central axis A. The rotor assembly 512 may include rotor poles 502, rotor windings 504, and rotor teeth 506. A stationary member 520 and a rotating member 530 are operatively connected to the rotor shaft 514. The rotating member 530 is spaced apart from the stationary member 520 by an air gap G. The stationary member 520 may be supported or held in place by one or more support structures (such as a first mount 526) from a drive unit housing.

[0094] refer to Figure 6, the motor 510 includes an inductive position sensor 540 having a sensor target 542 made of a conductive material and an inductive sensor plate 544 adapted to detect movement of the sensor target 542. The sensor target 542 is fixed relative to the rotor shaft 514 so that the sensor target 542 rotates with the rotor shaft 514.

[0095] refer to Figure 6 , the fixed member 520 and the rotating member 530 are configured to allow non-contact capacitive power transmission from the fixed member 520 to the rotating member 530 through the air gap G. The fixed member 520 includes a first plate 525, and the rotating member 530 includes a second plate 535. The first plate 525 and the second plate 535 are metallic and are close enough to each other to form a capacitor, so that capacitive power transmission can be performed between the fixed member 520 and the rotating member 530.

[0096] In addition to the positioning of the sensor target 542 and the inductive sensor plate 544, Figure 6 The fifth embodiment is similar to Figure 5 Here, the sensor target 542 and the inductive sensor plate 544 are positioned circumferentially around the rotor shaft 514. In other words, both the sensor target 542 and the inductive sensor plate 544 are radially outside (or off-axis) relative to the central axis A. The sensor target 542 may be in direct contact with the rotor shaft 514. The inductive sensor plate 544 is adjacent to the sensor target 542 along the central axis A.

[0097] Similar to the fourth embodiment, the rotating member 530 in the fifth embodiment includes a rectifier circuit 550 for converting an AC voltage into a DC voltage. The rectifier circuit 550 may be electrically coupled to the rotor winding 504 via a connector 552.

[0098] Reference now Figure 7 , shows an electric machine 610 according to a sixth embodiment. The electric machine 610 includes a rotor assembly 612 having a rotor shaft 614 disposed along a central axis A. The rotor assembly 112 may include rotor poles 602, rotor windings 604, and rotor teeth 606. A stationary member 620 and a rotating member 630 are operatively connected to the rotor shaft 614. The rotating member 630 is spaced apart from the stationary member 620 by an air gap G. The stationary member 620 may be supported or held in place by one or more support structures (such as a first mount 626 and a second mount 628) from a drive unit housing.

[0099] refer to Figure 7, the fixed member 620 includes a fixed plate 625, and the rotating member 630 includes a rotating plate 635. The plates 625, 635 are metal and are positioned close enough to each other to form a capacitor, so that the non-contact power transmission between the fixed member 620 and the rotating member 630 is capacitive power transmission. The rotating member 630 includes a rectifier circuit 650 for converting an AC voltage into a DC voltage. The rectifier circuit 650 can be electrically coupled to the rotor winding 604 via a connector 652.

[0100] refer to Figure 7 , the motor 610 includes an inductive position sensor 640 having a sensor target 642 and an inductive sensor plate 644 operatively connected to the rotor shaft 614. The sensor target 642 is fixed relative to the rotor shaft so that the sensor target 642 rotates with the rotor shaft 614. The rotating plate 635 and the rectifier circuit 650 are positioned circumferentially around the rotor shaft 614.

[0101] In the sixth embodiment, the inductive position sensor 640 has a radial arrangement. Here, the sensor target 642 is positioned circumferentially around the rotating member 630. In other words, the sensor target 642 is radially outside relative to the rotor shaft 614, the rotating plate 635, and the rectifier circuit 650. In some embodiments, the sensor target 642 can be etched on the outer surface of the rotating plate 635. Figure 7 In the example shown in FIG. 6 , the sensor target 642 is in the shape of a ring having an annular cross-section. The inductive sensor plate 644 is positioned radially outside of the sensor target 642 or circumferentially surrounding the sensor target 642 .

[0102] In summary, various embodiments of electric machines having integrated inductive position sensors with contactless power transfer are disclosed. A technical advantage herein is optimizing the efficiency and packaging of inductive sensors in contactless power transfer arrangements.

[0103] Figure 1The controller C includes a computer-readable medium (also referred to as a processor-readable medium), which includes a non-temporary (e.g., tangible) medium that participates in providing data (e.g., instructions) that can be read by a computer (e.g., a processor of a computer). This medium can take a variety of forms, including but not limited to non-volatile media and volatile media. Non-volatile media can include, for example, optical or magnetic disks and other permanent memories. Volatile media can include, for example, dynamic random access memory (DRAM), which can constitute a main memory. Such instructions can be transmitted by one or more transmission media, including coaxial cables, copper wires, and optical fibers, including lines that include a system bus connected to a processor of a computer. Some forms of computer-readable media include, for example, floppy disks, floppy disks, hard disks, tapes, other magnetic media, CD-ROMs, DVDs, other optical media, physical media, RAM, PROMs, EPROMs, FLASH-EEPROMs, other memory chips or cassettes, or other media that can be read by a computer.

[0104] Lookup tables, databases, data repositories or other data storage described herein may include various types of mechanisms for storing, accessing and retrieving various types of data, including hierarchical databases, a group of files in a file storage system, application databases in proprietary formats, relational database management systems (RDBMS), etc. Each such data storage may be included in a computing device that employs a computer operating system such as one of the above-mentioned operating systems, and may be accessed through a network in a variety of ways. The file system may be accessible from a computer operating system, and may include files stored in various formats. In addition to the language used to create, store, edit and execute stored procedures, RDBMS may also use structured query language (SQL), such as the PL / SQL language mentioned above.

[0105] The numerical values ​​of parameters (e.g., amounts or conditions) in this specification, including the appended claims, should be understood as being modified by the word "about" in each corresponding case, whether or not "about" actually appears before the numerical value. "About" means that the numerical value allows some slight imprecision (close to the exact value to a certain extent; approximately or reasonably close to the value; almost). If the imprecision provided by "about" is not understood in the art to have such ordinary meaning, then "about" as used herein at least indicates the variation that may occur due to the ordinary methods of measuring and using such parameters. In addition, the disclosure of a range includes the disclosure of each value within the entire range and the further divided range. Each value within the range and the endpoints of the range are disclosed here as separate embodiments.

[0106] The detailed description and the accompanying drawings or figures are support and description of the present disclosure, but the scope of the present disclosure is limited only by the claims. Although the best mode and some of the other embodiments for implementing the claimed disclosure have been described in detail, there are various alternative designs and embodiments for practicing the disclosure defined in the appended claims. In addition, the embodiments shown in the drawings or the features of the various embodiments mentioned in this specification are not necessarily to be understood as embodiments independent of each other. On the contrary, it is possible that each feature described in one of the examples of an embodiment can be combined with one or more other desired features from other embodiments, resulting in other embodiments that are not described in words or by reference to the drawings. Therefore, these other embodiments fall within the framework of the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A motor, comprising: a rotor assembly having a rotor shaft disposed along a central axis; an inductive position sensor having a sensor target operatively connected to the rotor shaft, the sensor target being fixed relative to the rotor shaft such that the sensor target rotates with the rotor shaft; a stationary member operatively connected to the rotor shaft; a rotating member operatively connected to the rotor shaft, the rotating member being spaced apart from the stationary member by an air gap; and The fixed component and the rotating component are configured to enable contactless power transmission from the fixed component to the rotating component through the air gap.

2. The electric machine according to claim 1, wherein: The inductive position sensor includes an inductive sensor plate adapted to detect motion of the sensor target, the inductive sensor plate being stationary; and The inductive sensor board includes a plurality of windings including a transmitting coil and a receiving coil.

3. The motor according to claim 2, wherein: The receiving coil includes a positive first coil, a negative first coil, a positive second coil and a negative second coil.

4. The electric machine according to claim 1, further comprising: a rectifier circuit directly connected to the rotating member; and Wherein, the rotor assembly includes a rotor winding electrically connected to the rectifier circuit.

5. The motor according to claim 1, wherein: The stationary member includes a stationary core having a first set of coils embedded therein, the rotating member includes a rotating core having a second set of coils embedded therein, and the non-contact power transmission between the stationary member and the rotating member is an inductive power transmission.

6. The motor according to claim 5, wherein: The sensor target is positioned directly on the rotor shaft along the central axis.

7. The motor according to claim 5, wherein: The sensor targets are positioned circumferentially about the rotor shaft.

8. The motor according to claim 5, wherein: The sensor target is positioned circumferentially around the rotating core, the rotating core is positioned circumferentially around the rotor shaft, and the sensor target is etched on the rotating core.

9. A motor, comprising: a rotor assembly having a rotor shaft disposed along a central axis; an inductive position sensor having a sensor target operatively connected to the rotor shaft, the sensor target being fixed relative to the rotor shaft such that the sensor target rotates with the rotor shaft; a stationary member operatively connected to the rotor shaft; a rotating member operatively connected to the rotor shaft, the rotating member being spaced apart from the stationary member by an air gap; an inductive sensor board directly connected to the fixed member, the inductive sensor board being adapted to detect motion of the sensor target; a rectifier circuit directly connected to the rotating member, the rectifier circuit being adapted to convert an AC voltage into a DC voltage; wherein the rotor assembly includes a rotor winding electrically coupled to the rectifier circuit; and The fixed component and the rotating component are configured to enable contactless power transmission from the fixed component to the rotating component through the air gap.

10. A means of transport, comprising: An electric machine including a rotor assembly having a rotor shaft disposed along a central axis; an inductive position sensor having a sensor target operatively connected to the rotor shaft and an inductive sensor plate adapted to detect movement of the sensor target, the sensor target being fixed relative to the rotor shaft such that the sensor target rotates with the rotor shaft; a stationary member operatively connected to the rotor shaft, the stationary member comprising a stationary core having a first set of coils embedded therein; a rotating member operatively connected to the rotor shaft, the rotating member being spaced apart from the stationary member by an air gap, the rotating member comprising a rotating core having a second set of coils embedded therein; wherein the inductive sensor board is stationary and includes a plurality of windings including a transmitting coil and a receiving coil; and The fixed component and the rotating component are configured to enable contactless power transmission from the fixed component to the rotating component through the air gap.

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