Vehicle motor rotor shaft

Abstract

A rotor shaft for an electric motor assembly of a vehicle, the rotor shaft defining an axis of rotation and forward and rearward directions along the axis of rotation and including a shaft body having an inner bore therethrough defined by an inner surface of the shaft body; a first shaft channel extending radially outward from an inner surface of the shaft body; a second shaft channel positioned in a rearward direction of the first shaft channel and extending radially outward from an inner surface of the shaft body; a fluid source fluidly coupled to the inner bore to supply fluid to the inner bore; and a flow separator disposed in the inner bore, forming a first separated flow path and a second separated flow path. A fluid flow from a fluid source is separated by a flow separator between a first separation flow path and a second separation flow path.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The subject disclosure relates to vehicles, and in particular, to a motor rotor shaft for a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] A vehicle motor may generate heat during use. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide an effective cooling system for one or more components of the motor. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In one exemplary embodiment, a rotor shaft of an electric motor assembly for a vehicle defines an axis of rotation and forward and rearward directions along the axis of rotation, and includes a shaft body having an inner bore defined by an inner surface of the shaft body; a first shaft passage extending radially outward from the inner surface of the shaft body; a second shaft passage positioned in a rearward direction of the first shaft passage and extending radially outward from the inner surface of the shaft body; a fluid source fluidly coupled to the inner bore to supply fluid to the inner bore; and a flow separator disposed in the inner bore to form a first separation flow path and a second separation flow path. A fluid flow from the fluid source is separated by the flow separator between the first separation flow path and the second separation flow path. Fluid passing through the first separation flow path bypasses the first shaft passage and enters the second shaft passage. At least a portion of the fluid passing through the second separation flow path enters the first shaft passage.

[0004] In addition to one or more features described herein, the rotor shaft includes an additional first shaft channel and an additional second shaft channel. The flow separator further forms a third separation flow path and a fourth separation flow path. Fluid passing through the third separation flow path bypasses the first shaft channel and the additional first shaft channel and enters the additional second shaft channel. At least a portion of the fluid passing through the fourth separation flow path enters the additional first shaft channel.

[0005] In addition to one or more features described herein, the flow separator includes a plurality of fins forming a first separation flow path and a second separation flow path.

[0006] In addition to one or more features described herein, the fins are helical structures.

[0007] In addition to one or more features described herein, an outer radial end of each fin abuts an inner surface of the shaft body.

[0008] In addition to one or more features described herein, the inlet of the first axial channel is disposed between the front end and the rear end of the flow separator.

[0009] In addition to one or more features described herein, the flow separator includes a baffle disposed on at least a portion of a periphery of the inner hole. The baffle is located at a rear end of the flow separator. The opening is formed on a radially inner side of the baffle.

[0010] In addition to one or more features described herein, the second shaft passage is circumferentially offset from the first shaft passage.

[0011] In addition to one or more features described herein, the inner hole includes an upstream portion and a downstream portion behind the upstream portion. The diameter of the inner hole is larger at the downstream portion than at the upstream portion. The flow separator extends through both the upstream portion and the downstream portion.

[0012] In addition to one or more features described herein, the inner hole has a constant diameter. The flow separator includes a baffle disposed on at least a portion of a periphery of the inner hole. The baffle is located at a front end of the flow separator. The opening is formed on a radially inner side of the baffle.

[0013] In addition to one or more features described herein, the fluid source is a snoot tube.

[0014] In addition to one or more features described herein, a plug is disposed on the front end of the shaft body around the fluid source.

[0015] In addition to one or more features described herein, a plug is disposed on the rearward end of the shaft body.

[0016] In another exemplary embodiment, a rotor assembly for an electric motor assembly for a vehicle defines a forward direction and a rearward direction and includes a rotor core including a rotor body defining a first rotor core passage and a second rotor core passage positioned rearward of the first rotor core passage; a rotor shaft at least partially disposed within the rotor core and defining a rotational axis extending in the forward and rearward directions. The rotor shaft includes a shaft body having an inner bore therethrough defined by an inner surface of the shaft body; a first shaft passage extending radially outward from the inner surface of the shaft body and fluidically coupled to the first rotor core passage; a second shaft passage positioned rearward of the first shaft passage and extending radially outward from the inner surface of the shaft body and fluidically coupled to the second rotor core passage; a fluid source fluidly coupled to the inner bore to supply fluid to the inner bore; and a flow separator disposed in the inner bore to form a first separate flow path and a second separate flow path. A fluid flow from a fluid source is separated by a flow separator between a first separation flow path and a second separation flow path. The fluid passing through the first separation flow path bypasses the first axial channel and enters the second axial channel. At least a portion of the fluid passing through the second separation flow path enters the first axial channel.

[0017] In addition to one or more features described herein, the rotor shaft includes an additional first shaft channel and an additional second shaft channel. The flow separator further forms a third separation flow path and a fourth separation flow path. Fluid passing through the third separation flow path bypasses the first shaft channel and the additional first shaft channel and enters the additional second shaft channel. At least a portion of the fluid passing through the fourth separation flow path enters the additional first shaft channel.

[0018] In addition to one or more features described herein, the flow separator includes a plurality of fins forming a first separation flow path and a second separation flow path.

[0019] In addition to one or more features described herein, the inlet of the first axial channel is disposed between the front end and the rear end of the flow separator.

[0020] In addition to one or more features described herein, the flow separator includes a baffle disposed on at least a portion of a periphery of the inner hole. The baffle is located at a rear end of the flow separator. The opening is formed on a radially inner side of the baffle.

[0021] In addition to one or more features described herein, the inner hole has a constant diameter. The flow separator includes a baffle disposed on at least a portion of a periphery of the inner hole. The baffle is located at a front end of the flow separator. The opening is formed on a radially inner side of the baffle.

[0022] In another exemplary embodiment, a vehicle includes an electric motor assembly including a rotor assembly. The rotor assembly includes a rotor core including a rotor body defining a first rotor core passage and a second rotor core passage positioned rearward of the first rotor core passage; and a rotor shaft at least partially disposed within the rotor core and defining a rotational axis extending in forward and rearward directions. The rotor shaft includes a shaft body having an inner bore therethrough defined by an inner surface of the shaft body; a first shaft passage extending radially outward from the inner surface of the shaft body and fluidically coupled to the first rotor core passage; a second shaft passage positioned rearward of the first shaft passage and extending radially outward from the inner surface of the shaft body, the second shaft passage fluidically coupled to the second rotor core passage; a fluid source fluidly coupled to the inner bore to supply fluid to the inner bore; and a flow separator disposed in the inner bore to form a first separate flow path and a second separate flow path. A fluid flow from a fluid source is separated by a flow separator between a first separation flow path and a second separation flow path. The fluid passing through the first separation flow path bypasses the first axial channel and enters the second axial channel. At least a portion of the fluid passing through the second separation flow path enters the first axial channel.

[0023] The above features and advantages and other features and advantages of the present disclosure are readily apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Additional features, advantages, and details appear, by way of example only, in the following detailed description, which refers to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0025] Figure 1 is a left side view of a vehicle including an electric motor assembly according to one or more embodiments;

[0026] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an electric motor assembly according to one or more embodiments;

[0027] Figure 3A is Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the electric motor assembly taken at 3A-3A in FIG;

[0028] Figure 3B is Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the electric motor assembly taken at 3B-3B in FIG.

[0029] Figure 4A is a perspective view of a rotor shaft according to one or more embodiments;

[0030] Figure 4B is a perspective view of a Snout tube and a flow separator within an internal bore defined in a rotor shaft according to one or more embodiments;

[0031] Figure 5A is a cross-sectional view illustrating an exemplary flow path of a fluid defined within an inner bore in a rotor shaft according to one or more embodiments;

[0032] Figure 5B It shows Figure 5A A perspective view of the bracket portion of the apparatus;

[0033] Figure 5C is shown rotated 90 degrees Figure 5A A cross-sectional view of the stent portion in FIG.

[0034] Figure 6A is a perspective view of a flow separator according to one or more embodiments;

[0035] Figure 6B is a radial view of a flow separator according to one or more embodiments;

[0036] Figure 6C is a front view of a flow separator according to one or more embodiments;

[0037] Figure 7A is a perspective view of a rotor shaft with half of the rotor shaft removed to illustrate a flow separator and a Snout tube disposed therein, according to one or more embodiments;

[0038] Figure 7B is a cross-sectional view of a rotor shaft according to one or more embodiments, wherein a flow separator and a Snout tube are provided;

[0039] Figure 8A is a cross-sectional view of a rotor shaft with a flow separator and a Snout tube provided therein according to one or more embodiments; and

[0040] Figure 8B is a cross-sectional view of a rotor shaft with a flow separator and a Snout tube disposed therein, according to one or more embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the present disclosure, its application, or uses. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate like or corresponding parts and features.

[0042] Figure 1 , a vehicle 10 according to a non-limiting example is shown. Vehicle 10 includes a body 12 supported on a plurality of wheels 16. One or more of the plurality of wheels 16 are steerable. Body 12 partially defines a passenger compartment 20 having seats 23 positioned behind an instrument panel 26. A steering controller 30 is disposed between seat 23 and instrument panel 26. Steering controller 30 is operated to control the orientation of steerable wheels 16.

[0043] The vehicle 10 includes an electric motor assembly 34 connected to a gear system 36 that provides power to one or more of the plurality of wheels 16. A rechargeable energy storage system 38 is disposed in the vehicle body 12 and provides power to the electric motor assembly 34. Figure 1 Specific locations of the electric motor assembly 34 , gear system 36 , and rechargeable energy storage system 38 are shown in FIG, but these locations are merely exemplary and not limiting, and the locations of these structures may vary.

[0044] Figure 2 A perspective view of an electric motor assembly 34 according to a non-limiting example is shown in FIG. Figure 3A It is shown in Figure 2 3A-3A in FIG. 3A, and a cross-sectional view of the electric motor assembly 34 , and Figure 3B It is shown in Figure 23B-3B in the figure shows a cross-sectional view of the electric motor assembly 34. The electric motor assembly 34 includes a stator 51 and a winding 53, which are annular structures defining a space therein. The stator 51 and the winding 53 can be fixed to be stationary. The rotor assembly 100 is disposed in the space defined by the stator 51 and the winding 53, such that the stator 51 and the winding 53 surround at least a portion of the rotor assembly 100. The electric motor assembly 34 defines a rotation axis Ax, and the rotor assembly 100 rotates around the rotation axis Ax. Figures 5A-5C As shown, a forward direction F and a rearward direction R defined relative to the flow direction of the fluid 60 extend along the rotation axis Ax, and a radial direction extends perpendicular to the rotation axis Ax.

[0045] Rotor assembly 100 includes rotor core 200 and rotor shaft 300. Rotor core 200 surrounds at least a portion of rotor shaft 300 and is fixed to rotor shaft 300 such that rotation of rotor core 200 rotates rotor shaft 300. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that rotor core 200 can be rotated by supplying power to winding 53, and the rotation is transferred to rotor shaft 300.

[0046] The rotor core 200 may include a rotor core body 210. The rotor core body 210 may define a plurality of first rotor core passages 220 therein extending from an inner surface of the rotor core body 210 to an axial front surface of the rotor core body 210. Although two first rotor core passages 220 disposed diametrically opposite to each other are shown, the present application is not limited thereto.

[0047] The rotor shaft 300 is an annular structure surrounding the rotation axis Ax. The rotor shaft 300 includes a shaft body 310. The shaft body 310 may include a first portion 320, a gear portion 325 surrounding the first portion 320, a second portion 330, and a tapered portion 329 extending between the first and second portions 320, 330. The second portion 330 may have a larger outer diameter than the first portion 320. The rotor core 200 may be disposed around the second portion 330. Alternatively, the shaft body 310 may have a constant outer diameter without a tapered portion. The gear portion 325 may mesh with a gear of another component within the vehicle 10 to transmit rotation thereto.

[0048] When the electric motor assembly 34 operates, components of the electric motor assembly 34 (e.g., the rotor core 200 and / or the rotor shaft 300 and / or the windings 53) may generate heat and / or heat may be transferred to the rotor core 200 and / or the rotor shaft 300. To remove heat from the rotor core 200 and / or the rotor shaft 300 and / or the windings 53, the fluid 60 (see Figures 5A to 5C) may be supplied through the rotor core 200 and / or the rotor shaft 300. To accommodate the flow of the fluid 60 for cooling, the shaft body 310 defines an inner bore 350 therethrough, which is defined by the inner surface 315 of the shaft body 310. The inner bore 350 may be formed by drilling through the shaft body 310. The rotation axis Ax may pass through the inner bore 350. Figure 4B The profile of the inner bore 350 is shown, in which the flow separator 500 and the Snout tube 410 are located. The Snout tube 410 is an example of a fluid source.

[0049] According to one or more embodiments, the inner bore 350 may include an upstream portion 351 and a downstream portion 355. The downstream portion 355 may have a larger diameter than the upstream portion 351, and the diverging portion 353 may connect the upstream portion 351 and the downstream portion 355.

[0050] A plurality of first shaft channels 340 may extend radially through the shaft body 310. The first shaft channels 340 may be formed, for example, by drilling through the shaft body 310. The first shaft channels 340 may be disposed at a downstream portion 355 of the inner bore 350. The first shaft channels 340 may be disposed immediately downstream of the diverging portion 353 of the inner bore 350. An inner end of each of the first shaft channels 340 opens into the inner bore 350, and an outer end of each of the first shaft channels 340 may be fluidly coupled to one of the first rotor core channels 220. The first shaft channels 340 and the first rotor core channels 220 coupled together may be referred to as first rotor channels. Figures 5A to 5C Fluid 60, shown in FIG. 1 and described in detail below, may flow from inner bore 350 through an inner end of first shaft passage 340, through first shaft passage 340 and first rotor core passage 220 into the first rotor passage, and exit from an outlet formed at the front surface of rotor core 210. Fluid 60 may then be collected at a sump (not shown).

[0051] The flow separator 500 is disposed within the inner bore 350. According to one or more embodiments, the flow separator 500 can extend at least partially through both the upstream portion 351 and the downstream portion 355. The flow separator 500 can be positioned such that the inlet of the first axial passage 340 is disposed radially outward of the flow separator 500. As will be described in detail below, the flow separator 500 can direct a portion of the flow of the fluid 60 toward the first axial passage 340.

[0052] A plurality of second shaft channels 345 may extend radially through the shaft body 310. The second shaft channels 345 may be formed, for example, by drilling through the shaft body 310. The second shaft channels 345 may be disposed at a downstream portion 355 of the inner bore 350, rearward of the first shaft channel 340. The second shaft channels 345 may be circumferentially offset from the first shaft channel 340. For example, the second shaft channels 345 may be circumferentially offset 90 degrees from the first shaft channel 340. The inner end of each second shaft channel 345 opens into the inner bore 350, and the outer end of each second shaft channel 345 may be fluidly coupled to a second rotor core channel 225 extending to the rear surface of the rotor core 210. The second shaft channels 345 and the second rotor core channels 225 coupled together may be referred to as second rotor channels. In Figures 5A to 5C Fluid 60, shown in FIG. 3 and described in detail below, may flow from inner bore 350 through an inner end of second shaft passage 345, through second shaft passage 345 and second rotor core passage 225, into the second rotor passage, and exit from an outlet formed at the rear surface of rotor core 210. Fluid 60 may then be collected at a sump (not shown).

[0053] The Snout tube 410 is fluidly coupled to the inner bore 350. For example, the Snout tube 410 can be inserted into the front end of the inner bore 350. At least a portion of the Snout tube 410 can extend into the inner bore 350 such that the Snout tube outlet 415 is disposed within the inner bore 350. At least a portion of the Snout tube 410 can extend outside the inner bore 350 such that the Snout tube inlet 411 is disposed outside the inner bore 350. An upstream plug 420 can be disposed around the Snout tube 410 at the front end of the inner bore 350. The upstream plug 420 can block the fluid 60 (see FIG. 1 ). Figures 5A-5C ) escapes from the front end of the inner hole 350. The downstream plug 430 may be provided at the rear end of the inner hole 350. The downstream plug 430 may prevent the fluid 60 (see Figures 5A-5C ) escapes from the rear end of the inner hole 350.

[0054] like Figure 4B As shown, the flow separator 500 may include a flow separator body 501. The flow separator body 501 may be, for example, a cylindrical structure. The flow separator body 501 may include a leading edge surface 503 provided on the front end of the flow separator body 501. The first fin 511, the second fin 513, the third fin 515, and the fourth fin 517 may terminate radially outward from the flow separator body 501. The radial end of each of the first fin 511, the second fin 513, the third fin 515, and the fourth fin 517 may abut against the inner surface 315 of the shaft body 310 to divide the inner hole 350 into a plurality of flow paths. For example, as Figure 4B and 5BAs shown, the first fin 511 and the second fin 513 may define a first separation flow path 561 therebetween, the second fin 513 and the third fin 515 may define a second separation flow path 563 therebetween, the third fin 515 and the fourth fin 517 may define a third separation flow path 565 therebetween, and the fourth fin 517 and the first fin 511 may define a fourth separation flow path 567 therebetween. Figure 4B As shown, the first fin 511, the second fin 513, the third fin 515 and the fourth fin 517 can be spiral-shaped and extend obliquely relative to the rotation axis Ax. The spiral structure of the first fin 511, the second fin 513, the third fin 515 and the fourth fin 517 can reduce the momentum of the fluid 60 passing therethrough. Although four fins are shown that divide the inner hole 350 into four separate flow paths, the present application is not limited thereto. For example, the flow separator 500 may include any number of fins that define separate flow paths, for example, two fins that define two separate flow paths, three fins that define three separate flow paths, five fins that define five separate flow paths, etc.

[0055] According to one or more embodiments, the inlet of the first shaft channel 340 may be provided at the second separation flow path 563 between the second fin 513 and the third fin 515 and at the fourth separation flow path 567 between the fourth fin 517 and the first fin 511 .

[0056] The flow separator 500 may include a downstream baffle 521, which is an annular structure formed at the rear end of the flow separator 500. The downstream baffle 521 may abut the inner surface 315 of the shaft body 310. A downstream opening 523 may be defined between the downstream baffle 521 and the flow separator body 501. The first fin 511, the second fin 513, the third fin 515, and the fourth fin 517 may extend to the downstream baffle 521 to divide the downstream opening 523 into four openings.

[0057] Figure 5A An exemplary flow path of fluid 60 within an inner bore 350 defined by shaft body 310 of a rotor shaft is shown, according to one or more embodiments. Figure 5B It shows Figure 5A A perspective view of the bracket part in Figure 5C It shows Figure 5A The cross-sectional view of the bracket portion in FIG. 6 is a 90-degree rotation of the bracket portion. The fluid 60 may be, for example, automatic transmission fluid (ATF).

[0058] like Figure 5AAs shown, the Snout tube 410 can supply the fluid 60 from the Snout tube outlet 415 into the inner bore 350. The fluid 60 can exit the Snout tube outlet 415 at a relatively high flow velocity and momentum, causing the fluid 60 to impinge on the leading edge surface 503 of the flow separator 500. When the shaft body 310, in which the inner bore 350 is defined, rotates about the rotation axis Ax during operation of the electric motor assembly 34, the fluid 60 impinging on the leading edge surface 503 is directed radially outward by centrifugal force to flow around the flow separator body 501. Figure 5B As shown, when the fluid 60 flows around the flow separator body 501 , the first fin 511 , the second fin 513 , the third fin 515 and the fourth fin 517 separate the flow of the fluid 60 into a first separation flow path 561 , a second separation flow path 563 , a third separation flow path 565 and a fourth separation flow path 567 .

[0059] As described above, the diameter of the downstream portion 355 of the inner bore 350 can be larger than the diameter of the upstream portion 351. Therefore, after the fluid 60 flows from the upstream portion 351 of the inner bore 350 to the diverging portion 353 and the downstream portion 355 of the inner bore 350, the distance between the flow separator body 501 and the inner surface 315 of the shaft body 310 (i.e., the outer periphery of the inner bore 350) increases. Figure 5C As shown, when the fluid 60 passes through each of the first separation flow path 561, the second separation flow path 563, the third separation flow path 565, and the fourth separation flow path 567 within the downstream portion 355 of the inner bore 350, the centrifugal force acting thereon forces the fluid to flow against the inner surface 315 of the shaft body 310 (i.e., the outer periphery of the inner bore 350). The centrifugal force of the rotating rotor shaft 300 can form a fluid layer on the inner surface 315 of the shaft body 310. When the fluid 60 reaches the downstream baffle 521, the fluid 60 is collected by the downstream baffle 521 and collected at a position in front of the downstream baffle 521. When the fluid layer is formed on the inner surface 315 of the shaft body 310, the collection occurs as the fluid layer is on the inner surface 315 of the shaft body 310.

[0060] As described herein, the inlet of the first shaft channel 340 is disposed at the second separation flow path 563 and the fourth separation flow path 567 in front of the downstream baffle 521. Figure 5B and Figure 5C As shown, fluid 60 gathered in front of downstream baffle 521 at second separation flow path 563 and fourth separation flow path 567 may flow into first shaft passage 340 , which flows into first rotor core passage 220 and may exit from the front surface of rotor core 210 as described above.

[0061] On the other hand, Figure 5A and5B As shown, the fluid 60 pooled in front of the downstream baffle 521 at the first separation flow path 561 and the third separation flow path 565 continues to pool until it reaches the downstream opening 523 at the depth of the pool from the inner surface 315 of the shaft body 310 (i.e., the periphery of the inner hole 350) and flows backward through the downstream opening 523. In addition, if the flow rate of the fluid 60 entering the second separation flow path 563 and the fourth separation flow path 567 exceeds the flow rate of the fluid 60 leaving the second separation flow path 563 and the fourth separation flow path 567 through the first shaft passage 340, then once the fluid 60 pools and reaches the downstream opening 523, the fluid 60 pooled in the second separation flow path 563 and the fourth separation flow path 567 may also flow backward through the downstream opening 523.

[0062] like Figure 5A As shown, the fluid 60 flowing through the downstream opening 523 may flow to the rear end of the inner bore 350 and form a pool in front of the downstream plug 430. The fluid 60 collected in front of the downstream plug 430 flows out of the inner bore 350 through the second shaft passage 345. The fluid 60 may then flow through the second shaft passage 345 and the second rotor core passage 225 and exit from an outlet formed at the rear surface of the rotor core 210.

[0063] According to one or more embodiments, the second axial passage 345 is axially aligned with the downstream opening 523 at the first separation flow path 561 and the third separation flow path 565. Therefore, the fluid 60 that bypasses the first axial passage 340 via the first separation flow path 561 and the third separation flow path 565 and flows through the downstream opening 523 can flow directly to the second axial passage 345.

[0064] As described above, fluid 60 for cooling rotor core 200 and / or rotor shaft 300 may enter inner bore 350 within rotor shaft 300 and, as needed, be separated between first shaft passage 340, which passes through first rotor core passage 220 to cool a forward portion of rotor core 200, and second shaft passage 345, which passes through second rotor core passage 225 to cool a rearward portion of rotor core 200. This deterministic separation may allow for more precise control of the cooling of rotor core 200 and / or rotor shaft 300.

[0065] For example, the ratio of the flow rate of the fluid 60 supplied to the first axial channel 340 to the flow rate of the fluid 60 supplied to the second axial channel 345 can be controlled by adjusting the positions of the first fin 511, the second fin 513, the third fin 515, and the fourth fin 517. For example, to increase the ratio, the positions of the first fin 511, the second fin 513, the third fin 515, and the fourth fin 517 can be adjusted to increase the widths of the second separation flow path 563 and the fourth separation flow path 567, which in turn decreases the widths of the first separation flow path 561 and the third separation flow path 565. To decrease the ratio, the positions of the first fin 511, the second fin 513, the third fin 515, and the fourth fin 517 can be adjusted to decrease the widths of the second separation flow path 563 and the fourth separation flow path 567, which in turn increases the widths of the first separation flow path 561 and the third separation flow path 565.

[0066] According to one or more embodiments, the first fin 511, the second fin 513, the third fin 515 and the fourth fin 517 are positioned so that the ratio of the flow rate of the fluid 60 supplied to the first axial channel 340 to the flow rate of the fluid 60 supplied to the second axial channel 345 can be in the range of 10% to 20% to 30%, 30% to 40%, 40% to 50%, 50% to 60%, 60% to 70%, 70% to 80% or 80%-90%.

[0067] Figures 6A-6C A flow separator 500 is shown in accordance with one or more embodiments. Figures 6A-6C The flow separator 500 shown in FIG is similar to Figure 4B and 5B , except that the first fin 511 , the second fin 513 , the third fin 515 and the fourth fin 517 extend straight along the rotation axis Ax rather than extending obliquely relative to the rotation axis Ax.

[0068] Figure 7A and 7B A flow separator 500 is shown disposed within an inner bore 350 having an upstream portion 351 and a downstream portion 355 with corresponding diameters, according to one or more embodiments. Figure 7A and 7B The flow separator 500 shown in FIG is similar to Figures 6A-6C , except that the height of each of the first fin 511, the second fin 513, the third fin 515, and the fourth fin 517 is substantially constant to correspond to the constant diameter inner hole 350. In addition, Figures 7A-7BThe flow separator 500 in FIG. 5 includes an upstream baffle 525 and an upstream opening 527. The upstream baffle 525 and the upstream opening 527 operate similarly to the downstream baffle 521 and the downstream opening 523, except that the confluence of the fluid 60 occurs in front of the flow separator 500. According to one or more embodiments, the upstream baffle 525 has a larger dimension in the radial direction than the downstream baffle 521.

[0069] like Figure 8A As shown, for an inner bore 350 having a downstream portion 355 having a larger diameter than the upstream portion 351, the distance between the rotation axis Ax and the radially inner end of the downstream baffle 521 can be defined as a first downstream radius r d1 The distance between the rotation axis Ax and the inner surface 315 of the shaft body 310 (ie, the periphery of the inner hole 350 at the upstream portion 351) may be defined as a first upstream radius r u1 According to one or more embodiments, the first downstream radius r d1 Set to be larger than the first upstream radius r u1 to prevent the fluid 60 from flowing back toward the front end of the inner hole 350.

[0070] like Figure 8B As shown, for an inner bore 350 having a downstream portion 355 having a diameter corresponding to that of the upstream portion 351, the distance between the rotation axis Ax and the radially inner end of the downstream baffle 521 can be defined as a second downstream radius r d2 The distance between the rotation axis Ax and the radially inner end of the upstream baffle 525 can be defined as the second downstream radius r u2 According to one or more embodiments, the second downstream radius r d2 Set to be larger than the second upstream radius r u2 to prevent the fluid 60 from flowing back toward the front end of the inner hole 350.

[0071] According to one or more embodiments, the structure of the inner bore 350 and the flow separator 500 can allow for a more balanced delivery of the flow of the fluid 60 between the first axial channel 340 and the second axial channel 345. The flow separator 500 is a relatively small component that can achieve the above-described more balanced delivery while adding minimal mass and / or occupying minimal space, while being relatively inexpensive to manufacture and / or install.

[0072] Additionally, the flow separator 500 may allow for control of the separation of the fluid 60 between the first axial channel 340 and the second axial channel 345 by adjusting the position, shape, and / or size of the first fin 511, the second fin 513, the third fin 515, and the fourth fin 517, the flow separator body 501, the downstream baffle 521, the downstream opening 523, the upstream baffle 525, and / or the upstream opening 527.

[0073] The terms "a" and "an" do not indicate a limitation of quantity, but rather indicate the presence of at least one of the referenced item. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the term "or" means "and / or." References to "aspects" throughout this specification mean that a particular element (e.g., a feature, structure, step, or characteristic) described in conjunction with that aspect is included in at least one aspect described herein and may or may not be present in other aspects. In addition, it should be understood that the described elements may be combined in any suitable manner in the various aspects.

[0074] When an element such as a layer, film, region, or substrate is referred to as being "on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on" another element, there are no intervening elements present.

[0075] Unless otherwise indicated herein, all test standards are the most current standards in effect as of the filing date of this application, or, if priority is claimed, the filing date of the earliest priority application in which the test standards appear.

[0076] Unless defined otherwise, technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

[0077] Although the above disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope thereof. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the basic scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but is intended to include all embodiments falling within its scope.

Claims

1. A rotor shaft for an electric motor assembly of a vehicle, the rotor shaft defining a rotational axis and a forward direction and a rearward direction along the rotational axis, and comprising: a shaft body having an inner bore therethrough, the inner bore being defined by an inner surface of the shaft body; a first shaft passage extending radially outward from an inner surface of the shaft body; a second shaft passage located in a rearward direction of the first shaft passage and extending radially outward from the inner surface of the shaft body; a fluid source fluidly coupled to the inner bore to supply fluid to the inner bore; as well as a flow separator disposed in the inner bore to form a first separate flow path and a second separate flow path, wherein a flow of fluid from the fluid source is separated by the flow separator between a first separation flow path and a second separation flow path, wherein fluid passing through the first separation flow path bypasses the first axial channel and enters the second axial channel, and At least a portion of the fluid passing through the second separation flow path enters the first axial channel.

2. The rotor shaft according to claim 1, wherein the rotor shaft further comprises an additional first shaft channel and an additional second shaft channel, wherein the flow separator further forms a third separation flow path and a fourth separation flow path, wherein fluid passing through the third separate flow path bypasses the first axial channel and the additional first axial channel and enters the additional second axial channel, and At least a portion of the fluid passing through the fourth separate flow path enters the additional first axial channel. 3 . The rotor shaft of claim 1 , wherein the flow separator comprises a plurality of fins forming a first separation flow path and a second separation flow path. The rotor shaft according to claim 3 , wherein the fins are of a helical structure. 5 . The rotor shaft of claim 3 , wherein an outer radial end of each of the fins abuts an inner surface of the shaft body.

6. The rotor shaft of claim 1, wherein an inlet of the first shaft passage is disposed between a front end and a rear end of the flow separator.

7. The rotor shaft according to claim 1, wherein the flow separator comprises a baffle disposed on at least a portion of the periphery of the inner bore, wherein the baffle is positioned at the rear end of the flow separator, and The opening is formed on the radial inner side of the baffle.

8. The rotor shaft of claim 1, wherein the second shaft passage is circumferentially offset from the first shaft passage.

9. The rotor shaft according to claim 1, wherein the inner hole comprises an upstream portion and a downstream portion behind the upstream portion, wherein the diameter of the inner bore is larger at the downstream portion than at the upstream portion, and wherein the flow separator extends through both the upstream portion and the downstream portion.

10. The rotor shaft according to claim 1, wherein the inner bore has a constant diameter, wherein the flow separator comprises a baffle disposed on at least a portion of the periphery of the inner bore, wherein the baffle is positioned at the front end of the flow separator, and The opening is formed on the radial inner side of the baffle.

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