A housing for a stator of an electric machine

Abstract

The invention describes a housing (2) for a stator (4) of an electric machine (6), wherein the housing (2) has a stator core (10), a stator core bar (12) and a flange (14). The stator core (10) is connected with the flange (14) via the stator core bar (12) and the stator core bar (12) is connected to the flange (14). Furthermore, the invention describes a stator (4) of an electric machine (6) having such a housing (2) and an electric machine (6) having such a stator (4).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a housing for a stator of an electric motor. Furthermore, this invention relates to a stator of an electric motor having such a housing. Additionally, this invention relates to an electric motor having such a stator. Background Technology

[0002] The stator housing for generators is known from existing technology. When a generator is in operation, heat is generated due to the current flowing in the stator's conductors. To increase the current flow and thus the power output, this generated heat must be dissipated.

[0003] US 2022 / 0200371 A1 describes how heat generated in the stator can be removed by means of oil cooling. Alternatively, it is known to remove the generated heat by means of air cooling. Summary of the Invention

[0004] A first aspect of the invention relates to a housing for a stator of an electric motor. The housing can include the stator. The housing can surround the stator. The housing can be cylindrically shaped. The housing can surround the electrical conductors of the stator. The housing can contribute to the mechanical stability of the stator. The electric motor can be, for example, an electric motor or a generator.

[0005] The housing has a stator core, stator rods, and flanges. The housing can have exactly one or more flanges. The flanges can be used for modular connections between the housing, and thus the motor, and other components, such as transmission devices. The stator core can be composed of layers of material and alternatively or additionally of laminations of material, such as steel. The layers or laminations can be interconnected, for example, by welding. The stator rods can be rods that connect the stator cores to each other and hold the stator core together. For example, the layers of the stator core can be held together by means of stator rods. For example, the stator rods can be welded to the layers of the stator core. The housing can have multiple stator rods, such as 6, 8, 10, or 12. The stator rods can be arranged circumferentially along the stator core such that the individual stator rods are spaced apart from each other and extend parallel to each other.

[0006] The stator core is connected to the flange via a stator stem. The stator core can be connected to the flange solely via the stator stem, and can alternatively or additionally be connected to the flange primarily via the stator stem in a mechanical force transmission manner. Force transmission between the stator core and the flange can, for example, be partially or entirely via the stator stem. The stator stem is connected to the flange. For example, the stator stem is directly connected to the flange, i.e., directly connected to the flange. For example, the stator stem is screwed and / or welded to the flange. Direct connections can exist between the flange and the stator stem, and between the stator stem and the stator core.

[0007] By connecting the stator core to the flange via a stator mandrel, better force transmission to the housing can be provided. Here, the stator mandrel can transmit all or at least most of the force between the stator core and the flange. The possible outer wall of the housing does not necessarily need to be designed for force transmission between the flange and the stator core. Therefore, such an outer wall can be designed to be thinner and thus lighter. This saves material and weight. Nevertheless, by connecting the flange and stator core via the stator mandrel, the housing can be designed to be more rigid, where the stability and rigidity of the stator mandrel ensure the stability and rigidity of the housing. The stator mandrel required to connect the layers of the stator core can thus also be used to improve the stability and rigidity of the housing. The possible outer wall can be connected to the stator mandrel to further improve the rigidity and stability of the housing.

[0008] According to another embodiment, the housing is characterized in that it can have an axial direction. The stator core rod can extend in the axial direction. The housing can have end plates, for example, the housing can have two end plates. The end plates can define the stator core at its upper limit in the axial direction. By means of the end plates (which are connected to the stator core rod, for example, by welding), a uniform clamping force can be applied from the stator core rod to the layer of the stator core. The end plates can also be fixed to the outer wall of the housing, for example, by screws or by welding. Furthermore, the stator core rod can extend beyond at least one end plate and the stator core in the axial direction. For example, some or all of the stator core rods extend beyond the end plate and the stator core on one side, or even unilaterally. Alternatively, some or all of the stator core rods can extend beyond two end plates and the stator core on both sides in the axial direction. For example, when the stator core rods extend on both sides, their lengths extending beyond the end plates and the stator core can be the same or different. The end plates can have openings through which the stator core rods can pass.

[0009] With the end plate and stator extending axially from the stator mandrel, the flange can be directly connected to the stator via the stator mandrel. Here, the flange can be arranged axially offset from the stator. For example, no other components are needed to connect the flange and stator. Therefore, the expense of connecting the stator and flange via an outer wall (where the outer wall primarily facilitates force transmission between the stator and flange) can be eliminated. Thus, the outer wall does not need to be designed to transmit the weight and forces of the stator and housing. This allows for a lighter structure and / or higher forces at the stator and motor.

[0010] According to another embodiment, the housing is characterized in that an element can be connected to the stator core, wherein the element can be connected to a mechanical brake of the motor. Here, the mechanical brake (e.g., a brake caliper) can be connected to some or all of the stator cores via the element. Alternatively, the mechanical brake can be directly connected to the stator core, and in such embodiments, the stator core can extend through the element, for example. The brake disc of the brake can be attached to the rotor of the motor. The element can be a generator cover or an end cover. The element can be a flange to which the generator cover, end cover, or brake caliper can be connected. For example, the flange can be arranged at one end of the stator core, and such an element can be arranged at the other end of the stator core.

[0011] Therefore, the mechanical brake can be connected to the housing in a particularly stable structural manner. This allows for the provision of a mechanical brake for the motor without requiring any other structural modifications to the housing or the motor.

[0012] According to another embodiment, the housing is characterized in that it can have channels for coolant. The coolant can be, for example, water or oil. The channels can be pipes, such as straight or curved pipes. A flange can have a first opening and a second opening; for example, a flange can have exactly one first opening and one second opening. Alternatively, a flange can have more than one first and one second opening. The openings and channels can, for example, have similar or identical diameters, such as similar or identical inner diameters. Alternatively, a portion of a section and an opening can have an inner diameter different from other channels or openings. The channels (e.g., some channels in the housing) can extend through the stator core. Holes can be provided in the layers of the stator core, for example, by means of stamping. The stator core, composed of layers, can form channels within the stator core by arranging the perforated layers to one another. The layers of the stator core can, for example, be bonded together to ensure fluid tightness of the channels within the stator core. The channels can provide fluid connection from the first opening to the second opening. For example, all channels in the housing can provide fluid connection from the first opening to the second opening. Through a fluid connection, fluid that reaches the housing and channel through the first opening can flow through the channel and out of the channel and housing again through the second opening.

[0013] Therefore, the stator core can be cooled by the coolant. A cooler located outside the housing can cool the coolant. In addition, a pump located outside the housing can pump the coolant through openings and channels. Thus, heat can be removed from the housing and, consequently, from the stator. By cooling the housing and the stator core, a higher current density through the stator conductors can be achieved. This results in a higher torque density in the motor. This also improves motor efficiency by extending the motor space. By cooling the stator core, cooling can be achieved spatially near the stator itself, near the conductors, and therefore near the heat source. This provides efficient heat transfer and transport between the stator and the coolant, since heat transport between the heat source and the coolant does not have to pass through the entire stator core and possibly other components. By cooling the stator, cooling the rotor can be optional, for example, because cooling the stator can be more efficient than cooling the rotor. Furthermore, by using channels extending in the stator core, it is possible to avoid the wasteful installation of pipes that can be attached to the outside of the stator core and the housing. By providing fluid connections, the coolant can be confined to specific spatial sections of the housing. This protects the housing and some components of the motor from the coolant and direct contact with it. It eliminates the need for open-type cooling, such as that using oil. Therefore, this type of housing can be combined with additional air cooling (e.g., for the motor rotor). This improves housing safety because oil, for example, as a coolant, is only present in specific sections of the housing. For instance, oil may be absent in certain other locations (e.g., in the air gap between the rotor and stator), thus preventing oil leakage from the housing. This reduces the risk of fire at and within the housing.

[0014] According to another embodiment, the housing is characterized in that the fluid connection is closed and accessible via two openings. For example, the fluid connection may be accessible only via two openings. In addition to these two openings, other openings may be provided at this flange or on another flange. For example, instead of an element that can be connected to a mechanical brake, another flange may be provided on the other side, and another flange may be provided opposite the first flange at the other end of the stator rod. There, or in the first flange, other openings may be provided, which can also provide fluid connection to the channels, such as closed fluid connections. The fluid connection may be closed in such a way that the fluid connection is accessible via the aforementioned openings. For example, via a closed fluid connection, all coolant can pass through all channels from the first opening and then be transported to the second opening.

[0015] A closed fluid connection further reduces fire risk because it ensures that all coolant (e.g., oil) remains within the casing's channels, preventing it from reaching potentially hazardous areas of the casing (due to higher temperatures) outside the channels. Other connection points (e.g., other openings) can be eliminated because the flange can have all the openings needed for fluid connection. This provides relatively simple positioning of the opening relative to other openings in adjacent elements (e.g., at the flange adjacent to the drive unit). Coolant can be easily transported to and from the opening, for example, via the opening of the flange adjacent to the drive unit.

[0016] According to another embodiment, the housing is characterized in that the channels can extend through the stator center in the axial direction. The channels extending through the stator center in the axial direction can extend straight through the stator center. All channels can extend through the stator center in the axial direction. Thus, all channels can extend through the stator center parallel to each other in the axial direction.

[0017] Therefore, the channel passing through the stator center can transport coolant in the axial direction. Thus, the coolant, transported in the axial direction through the channel, can cool the housing in the axial extension direction.

[0018] According to another embodiment, the housing is characterized in that a plurality of channels can be arranged circumferentially through the stator center. All channels passing through the stator center can be arranged circumferentially through the stator center. The channels passing through the stator center can be equidistant from each other circumferentially through the stator center. For example, a constant spacing can exist between adjacent channels passing through the stator center. This spacing can be the same among all channels passing through the stator center and can also be constant in the axial direction.

[0019] This allows for the cooling of the stator core along its entire circumference, thereby cooling the stator and its electrical conductors.

[0020] According to another embodiment, the housing is characterized in that the first stator core can have a channel for supplying coolant. Different second stator cores can have additional channels for discharging coolant. The supply and discharge of coolant can be defined relative to the stator core. If the flange includes a plurality of first openings and, alternatively, a plurality of second openings, then the plurality of stator cores can each have a channel for supplying or discharging coolant. The channels of the second stator cores can be larger than the channels of the first stator cores.

[0021] By providing channels through the stator core, coolant can be supplied and discharged. No other pipes or structures are needed for supplying or discharging coolant. Thus, the stator core contributes to both the mechanical stability of the housing and the supply and discharge of coolant. The second stator core, used for discharging coolant, has a larger inner diameter than the first stator core, resulting in a more uniform coolant flow rate along the fluid connection. For example, the second stator core can be positioned lower than the first stator core. Here, the coolant in the channels of the second stator core can have a greater hydrostatic pressure due to gravity than the coolant in the channels of the first stator core. This allows for better heat transfer from the motor by the heat generated by the stator conductors. Therefore, no other pipes are needed for heat transport.

[0022] According to another embodiment, the housing is characterized in that the channels of the first stator core and the second stator core can extend in the axial direction. The channels of the first and second stator cores can extend parallel to each other. For example, the channels of the first and second stator cores can extend parallel to the channels in the stator core.

[0023] The channels in the first and second stator cores extend axially, enabling particularly efficient delivery and discharge of coolant because the liquid can be delivered and discharged via the shortest path between the stator core and the flange. This eliminates the need for unnecessary channels.

[0024] According to another embodiment, the housing is characterized in that the channels can have a first annular channel and a second annular channel. The annular channels can be circular. The first and alternatively or additionally second annular channels can be fixed to the end plate and alternatively or additionally disposed there. The first and second annular channels can have the same or different inner diameters. The first annular channel can be connected to a first opening via a channel. The channel that can be connected to the annular channel and the first opening can be at least partially included by the first stator core and alternatively or additionally extend at least partially in the axial direction. The second annular channel can be connected to a second opening via a channel. Those channels by which the second annular channel can be connected to the second opening can be at least partially included by the second stator core and alternatively or additionally extend at least partially in the axial direction. The two annular channels can be interconnected via a channel passing through the stator core. For example, the annular channels are interconnected along the circumference of the stator core via a plurality of channels of the stator core.

[0025] Therefore, coolant can be supplied to the channels passing through the stator core via two annular channels along the entire circumference of the stator core. Additionally, coolant can be discharged from the channels within the stator core.

[0026] According to another embodiment, the housing is characterized in that the annular channels extend radially spaced from the axis of the motor. The axis can correspond to the axis of the motor rotor. For example, the annular channels can extend radially at a constant distance from the axis of the motor. The annular channels can be spaced apart from each other in the axial direction. The annular channels can be spaced apart from the axis of the motor in the radial direction, as is the case with the stator center.

[0027] With the help of such annular channels, coolant can be transported and discharged over a particularly short path. At the same time, the annular channels can be arranged outside the circumference of the actual stator, which can be included by the housing. Thus, the rotor can rotate unimpeded within the stator without colliding with the annular channels.

[0028] According to another embodiment, the housing is characterized in that the annular channel can be formed by connecting at least two parts. For example, some or all of the annular channels can be formed by connecting at least two parts. The two parts can be formed, for example, by deep drawing. The two parts can be welded together and alternatively or additionally screwed together. The annular channel can have a U-shape. For example, the annular channel can have a curved or angular U-shape. Here, the two parts that can form the annular channel can each have a U-shape. The annular channel can have openings or holes, and the annular channels can be interconnected via said openings or holes through channels passing through the stator center. The openings can, for example, have different inner diameters to achieve the previously described effect of uniform flow rate for fluid connection.

[0029] Therefore, annular channels can be manufactured in a particularly simple manner and method. The annular channel can be part of an end plate or at least arranged at an end plate, wherein the annular channel can be arranged separately at the end plate and alternatively or additionally can be part of the end plate.

[0030] According to another embodiment, the shell is characterized in that the annular channel is formed by a forming method. For example, the annular channel can be formed by 3D printing and alternatively or additionally by casting.

[0031] A second aspect of the invention relates to a stator of an electric motor, wherein the stator has a housing according to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention. The stator may have electrical conductors.

[0032] A third aspect of the invention relates to an electric motor having a stator according to an embodiment of the second aspect of the invention. The electric motor can be a generator, or alternatively, an electric motor.

[0033] A fourth aspect of the invention relates to a wind turbine having an electric motor according to an embodiment of the third aspect of the invention. In addition to the electric motor configured as a generator, the wind turbine can also have a transmission and a rotor, wherein the rotor can be mechanically connected to the electric motor via the transmission. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Figure 1 A housing according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown schematically.

[0035] Figure 2 A housing according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown in perspective.

[0036] Figure 3 An electric motor according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown schematically.

[0037] Figure 4 A housing according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown schematically.

[0038] Figure 5 A cross-sectional view is shown of a housing according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 6 The housing according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown in perspective and in cross-section.

[0040] Figure 7 The annular channel of the housing in the aforementioned figures is shown in perspective and in cross-section. Detailed Implementation

[0041] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a housing 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Housing 2 is a housing 2 for the stator 4 of a motor 6, wherein the motor... Figure 3 The diagram is schematically shown. The motor 6 here, in addition to the stator 4, also has a rotor 8. The housing 2 has an axial direction A, wherein the axial direction A and the axis a of the motor 6 are centrally located relative to the components of the motor 6, the housing 2, the stator 4, and the rotor 8. The radial direction R is orthogonal to the axis a and the axial direction A, and extends outward from the center of the rotor 8 through the stator 4 to the housing 2.

[0042] In addition, Figure 1 The schematically shown housing 2 has a stator 10, a stator rod 12, and a flange 14. The housing 2 can be connected to another component (e.g., a transmission device) via the flange 14. The stator 10 is connected to the flange 14 via the stator rod 12, and the stator rod 12 is connected to the flange 14. The stator rod 12 is welded to the flange 14 and to the stator 10. The housing 2 also has end plates 16 and 18. The end plates 16 and 18 define the stator 10 at its upper limit in the axial direction A. The stator rod 12 extends beyond the end plates 16 and 18 and the stator 10 in the axial direction A. This is also true in… Figure 2 As shown in the figure, Figure 2 A perspective view of housing 2 is shown. Furthermore, in Figure 1 and Figure 2The diagram shows the electrical conductors 22 of the stator 4. These conductors are arranged inside the stator 4 and stator core 10. Additionally, element 20 is shown, which is connected to and welded to the stator core rod 12. Element 20 can be connected to the mechanical brake of the motor 6. The mechanical brake is not shown in detail in the diagram. In one embodiment, element 20 is another flange to which a generator cover, end cover, or brake caliper of the mechanical brake can be connected. In another embodiment, element 20 itself is such a generator cover or end cover.

[0043] Figure 4 A housing 2 according to one embodiment is schematically shown. Here, housing 2 has channels 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, and 36. Housing 2 has channels 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, and 36 for coolant. Channel 26 is part of end plate 16, and channel 24 is part of another end plate 18. Flange 14 has a first opening 38 and a second opening 40, wherein the second opening 40 is, for example, in… Figure 5 As shown in the image. Figure 4 , 5 As can be seen from section 6, multiple channels 28 extend through the stator center 10. The channels 28 extending through the stator center 10 extend in the axial direction A. The channels 28 are arranged circumferentially around the stator center 10, for example in… Figure 6 The channel 28 in the upper part of the housing 2 has a smaller inner diameter than the channel 28 in the lower part of the housing 2. This results in a uniform coolant flow rate in the channel 28. Channels 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, and 36 provide fluid connection from the first opening 38 to the second opening 40. The fluid connection is closed and accessible only through the two openings 38 and 40.

[0044] First stator rod 12a (e.g. in...) Figure 5 and 6 (As shown in the figure) It has a channel 30 for conveying coolant. A different second stator core 12b has an additional channel 34 for discharging coolant. Channels 30 and 34 have different lengths, and channel 34 is approximately longer than channel 30 by the length of stator core 10 in the axial direction A.

[0045] like Figure 5 It can be seen that the first opening 38 is located at a higher position on the shell 2 than the second opening 40. Furthermore, in Figure 5 As can be seen, channels 30 and 34 of the first stator core rod 12a and the second stator core rod 12b extend in the axial direction A. Channels 32 and 36 are arranged orthogonally to this and serve to connect channels 30 and 34 with channel 28 passing through the stator core 10. Furthermore, the housing 2 has... Figure 6The diagram shows a first annular channel 24 and a second annular channel 26. The first annular channel 24 is connected to the first opening 38 via channels 30 and 32. The second annular channel 26 is connected to the second opening 40 via channels 34 and 36. The two annular channels 24 and 26 are interconnected via channel 28 passing through the stator core 10. Channels 32 and 36 are neither completely surrounded by the stator core rod 12 nor by the annular channels 24 and 26.

[0046] The annular channels 24 and 26 extend radially R at a constant interval from the axis a of the motor 6. The annular channels are also spaced apart from each other axially A.

[0047] Figure 7 The annular channel 24 is shown in perspective. Annular channel 26 is constructed similarly but is not explicitly shown in the figures. The annular channel 24 is formed by connecting two portions 24a and 24b. These portions 24a and 24b each form angular U-shaped grooves, which are joined together to form an annular channel 24 with a rectangular cross-section. Portions 24a and 24b are welded together. Furthermore, the annular channel 24 has another portion 24c, which extends radially in the direction R spaced apart from portion 24a. In an embodiment not shown, portion 24c is part of end plate 18. Additionally, an aperture 24d is provided in the annular channel 24. Through aperture 24d, the annular channel 24 connects to a channel 28 passing through the stator center 10. Here, in one embodiment, aperture 24d is smaller at the upper end and near the first opening 38 than at the lower end and near the second opening 40. This provides a uniform coolant flow rate in the fluid connection.

[0048] List of reference numerals

[0049] 2. Shell

[0050] 4. Stator

[0051] 6 motors

[0052] 8 rotors

[0053] 10. Stabilizer

[0054] 12, 12a, 12b Stator core rods

[0055] 14 Flange

[0056] 16 and 18 end plates

[0057] 20 components

[0058] 22. Stator conductors

[0059] Channels 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, and 36

[0060] Parts of the annular channel, 24a, 24b, and 24c.

[0061] 24d annular channel hole

[0062] 38, 40 opening

[0063] Axial direction

[0064] R radial direction

[0065] a axis

Claims

1. A housing (2) for a stator (4) of an electric motor (6), wherein the housing (2) has a stator core (10), a stator core rod (12) and a flange (14), wherein the stator core (10) is connected to the flange (14) via the stator core rod (12) and wherein the stator core rod (12) is connected to the flange (14).

2. The housing (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing (2) has an axial direction (A), the housing (2) has end plates (16, 18), the end plates limit the stator center (10) in the axial direction (A), and the stator center rod (12) extends at least one end plate (16; 18) and the stator center (10) in the axial direction (A).

3. The housing (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, Component (20) is connected to stator rod (12), wherein the component (20) is capable of being connected to the mechanical brake of the motor (6).

4. The housing (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The housing (2) has channels (24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36) for coolant, and the flange (14) has a first opening (38) and a second opening (40), the channel (28) extending through the stator (10), and the channel (24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36) providing fluid connection from the first opening (38) to the second opening (40).

5. The housing (2) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The fluid connection is closed and accessible via the two openings (38, 40).

6. The housing (2) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The channel (28) extends through the stator center (10) in the axial direction (A).

7. The housing (2) according to claim 6, characterized in that, Multiple channels (28) are arranged along the circumference of the stator center (10) and through the stator center (10).

8. The housing (2) according to any one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that, The first stator core (12a) has a channel (30) for supplying the coolant, and the other second stator core (12b) has an additional channel (34) for discharging the coolant.

9. The housing (2) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The channels (30, 34) of the first stator core (12a) and the second stator core (12b) extend in the axial direction (A).

10. The housing (2) according to any one of claims 4 to 9, characterized in that, The channels (24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36) have a first annular channel (24) and a second annular channel (26). The first annular channel (24) is connected to the first opening (38) via channels (30, 32), and the second annular channel (26) is connected to the second opening (40) via channels (34, 36). The two annular channels (24, 26) are interconnected via a channel (28) passing through the stator center (10).

11. The housing (2) according to claim 10, characterized in that, The annular channels (24, 26) extend radially (R) spaced apart from the axis (a) of the motor (6) and are spaced apart from each other in the axial direction (A).

12. The housing (2) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, The annular channel (24; 26) is formed by connecting at least two parts (24a, 24b).

13. The housing (2) according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that, The annular channels (24; 26) are formed by a forming method.

14. A stator (4) of an electric motor (6), said stator having a housing (2) according to any one of the preceding claims.

15. An electric motor (6) having a stator (4) according to the preceding claim.

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