End cover for motor and motor
By designing the shaft hole and channel structure in the motor end cover and combining the on-break mechanism, the seal is conveniently removed, which solves the problem that the seal is difficult to remove the motor end cover, and improves the maintenance efficiency and the service life of the motor.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202422396345.5
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-09-30
- Publication Date
- 2025-07-25
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-09-30
AI Technical Summary
In the prior art, the end cover of the motor is difficult to remove the seal easily, resulting in difficulty in repairing and replacing, and may damage the seal or bearing.
An end cap is designed, including a shaft hole and a hole. The shaft hole is divided into three sections to accommodate the bearing and a seal. The hole is extended from the outside around the seal section to the third section, and selectively switches on or blocks the hole through an on-off mechanism, allowing fluid to enter the third section to push out the seal.
It realizes convenient disassembly of seals in the assembly state of the motor, improves maintenance efficiency, reduces seal damage, avoids bearing displacement or damage, and improves the after-sales efficiency of the motor.
Smart Images
Figure CN223156836U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to the technical field of electric motors, and more particularly to an end cover for an electric motor and an electric motor including such an end cover. Background Art
[0002] Electric motors are widely used in applications such as power generation and driving, and operate by utilizing the interaction of magnetic fields of a rotor and a stator that rotate relative to each other. Depending on the relative positions of the rotor and the stator, electric motors can be classified into outer-rotor electric motors and inner-rotor electric motors.
[0003] A hub motor is a typical outer-rotor electric motor and is increasingly widely used in electric vehicles such as electric scooters, electric bicycles, electric motorcycles, or electric cars. A hub motor generally includes a fixed shaft extending axially, a stator fixedly disposed around the shaft on the shaft, a rotor disposed radially outside the stator around the shaft, and an end cover rotatably supported on the shaft by a bearing. The shaft extends axially through a shaft hole of the end cover, and the bearing is disposed in the shaft hole and between the end cover and the shaft. The end cover is fixedly connected to a rotor housing to rotatably support the rotor on the shaft. A hub is disposed radially outside the rotor and rotates with the rotor. A seal is disposed in the shaft hole and axially outside the bearing to seal a gap between the shaft and the end cover, thereby preventing external contaminants from entering the interior of the hub motor.
[0004] In such a configuration of the hub motor, the seal rotates relative to the shaft together with the end cover, and thus is prone to wear. After the hub motor has been operating for a period of time, it is necessary to remove the seal from the end cover for repair and replacement. One existing way to remove the seal from the end cover is to keep the end cover mounted on the rotor housing and pry the seal out of the shaft hole from the outside of the shaft hole by a tool. This way is time-consuming and laborious, and may damage the seal, making it lose its repair value. If the tool is not operated properly, it may cause the bearing to shift or even damage the bearing. Another existing way to remove the seal from the end cover is to remove the end cover from the rotor housing and remove the seal from the shaft hole. This way is also time-consuming and laborious. Thus, there is a problem in the hub motor that it is difficult to remove the seal from the end cover.
[0005] Such problems also exist in other types of outer-rotor electric motors.
[0006] Unlike an outer rotor type motor, in an inner rotor type motor, the shaft is configured to be rotatable while the end cover is fixed. The shaft is rotatably supported by bearings provided in the shaft hole of the end cover. The rotor is fixedly provided around the shaft on the shaft to rotate together with the shaft, and the stator is provided around the shaft on the radially outer side of the rotor. The end cover can be fixedly connected to or integrally formed with the stator housing. In the inner rotor type motor, a seal is provided in the shaft hole of the end cover and is axially outside the bearings. Similar to the outer rotor type motor, there is also a problem in the inner rotor type motor that it is difficult to disassemble the seal from the end cover.
[0007] Therefore, it is urgently necessary to improve the end cover of the motor to facilitate the disassembly of the seal. Summary of the Utility Model
[0008] In view of this, the present disclosure aims to provide a new end cover for a motor to facilitate the disassembly of the seal.
[0009] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an end cover for a motor. The motor includes a shaft extending along an axial direction, as well as bearings and a seal. The end cover includes: a cover body, the cover body including: an inner side and an outer side opposite to each other in the axial direction; a shaft hole, the shaft hole extending from the outer side through the cover body along the axial direction to the inner side, and being configured to receive the shaft. The shaft hole includes a first section adjacent to the inner side in the axial direction, a second section adjacent to the outer side in the axial direction, and a third section between the first section and the second section. The first section is configured to accommodate the bearing therein, so that the bearing can be disposed between the cover body and the shaft and allow the cover body and the shaft to rotate relative to each other. The second section is configured to accommodate the seal therein, so that the seal can be clamped between the cover body and the shaft and seal the gap between the cover body and the shaft; and a hole passage, the hole passage extending from the outer side around the second section through the cover body to the third section; and a switching mechanism, the switching mechanism being configured to be operable to selectively connect and block the hole passage.
[0010] In some embodiments, the switching mechanism is a plug, the plug being configured to be inserted into the hole passage from the outer side and removed from the outer side of the hole passage. When the plug is inserted into the hole passage, it blocks the hole passage, and when it is removed from the hole passage, it connects the hole passage.
[0011] In some embodiments, the plug includes a wider head and a thinner neck extending from the head. The passage includes a wider first passage segment and a thinner second passage segment. The first passage segment is located at an end of the passage and opens towards the outer side. The second passage segment extends from the first passage segment towards the third segment. The head of the plug is wider than the second passage segment of the passage. When the plug is inserted into the passage, the neck is received in the second passage segment, and the head is received in the first passage segment.
[0012] In some embodiments, the on-off mechanism is a flap. The flap is fixed in the passage and is configured to be released from the passage into the third segment. When the flap is disposed in the passage, it blocks the passage, and when it is released into the third segment, it connects the passage.
[0013] In some embodiments, the on-off mechanism is a one-way valve. The one-way valve is disposed in the passage and is configured to allow fluid to be filled into the third segment from the outer side via the passage at a predetermined pressure and prevent the fluid from flowing from the third segment to the outer side via the passage.
[0014] In some embodiments, the passage extends straight from the outer side through the cover body to the third segment.
[0015] In some embodiments, the passage extends straight from the outer side along a first central axis through the cover body to the third segment. The shaft hole extends along a second central axis parallel to the axial direction, and the first central axis intersects the second central axis.
[0016] In some embodiments, the passage is sized to receive the nozzle of a blow gun to allow the blow gun to inflate the third segment.
[0017] In some embodiments, the number of the passages is single.
[0018] In some embodiments, the cover body includes a first cylindrical part extending along the axial direction and a second disc-shaped part extending radially outward from the first part. The shaft hole is formed in the first part. The second part includes an outer surface located on the outer side. The first part includes a first sub-part protruding axially beyond the outer surface of the second part. The passage extends from the radially outer surface of the first sub-part to the third segment.
[0019] The first section has a first inner diameter in the radial direction, the second section has a second inner diameter in the radial direction, and the third section has a third inner diameter in the radial direction. In some embodiments, the first inner diameter is greater than the third inner diameter. In some embodiments, the second inner diameter is greater than the third inner diameter. In some embodiments, the first inner diameter is greater than the third inner diameter and the second inner diameter is greater than the third inner diameter.
[0020] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an electric machine. The electric machine includes: the aforementioned end cover; a shaft that axially extends through the shaft hole of the cover body of the end cover; a bearing that is disposed between the cover body and the shaft and is received in the first section of the shaft hole to allow the cover body and the shaft to rotate relative to each other; and a seal that is disposed between the cover body and the shaft and is received in the second section of the shaft hole to seal the gap between the cover body and the shaft.
[0021] In some embodiments, the electric machine is an outer rotor type electric machine and further includes: a stator fixedly disposed on the shaft around the shaft; a rotor disposed radially outside the stator around the shaft, the rotor including a rotor housing; wherein, the shaft serves as a fixed shaft, the end cover is rotatably supported on the shaft by the bearing, and is fixedly connected or integrally formed with the rotor housing to rotatably support the rotor on the shaft.
[0022] In some embodiments, the electric machine is a hub motor and further includes a hub. The hub is disposed radially outside the rotor and rotates with the rotor.
[0023] These techniques can be used alone or in any suitable combination. The foregoing summary is provided by way of illustration and is not meant to be limiting. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] The above and other aspects of the present disclosure will be more thoroughly understood and recognized in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the drawings are only schematic and not drawn to scale. In different drawings, the same components or parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. In addition, for the sake of brevity, not all components or parts of the electric machine according to the present disclosure are shown or marked in the drawings. It should be understood that the dimensions, proportional relationships, and the number of components in the drawings are not limitations to the present disclosure.
[0025] In the drawings:
[0026] Figure 1A is a perspective view of an electric machine according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0027] Figure 1B is Figure 1A Another perspective view of the motor of
[0028] Figure 1C is Figure 1A The side view of the motor of
[0029] Figure 2 is Figure 1A The partially exploded view of the motor of , which shows the first type of on-off mechanism of the end cover of the motor;
[0030] Figure 3A is the cross-sectional view taken along the line I-I of Figure 1C ;
[0031] Figure 3B is Figure 3A The enlarged view of the area 3B circled by a dashed line in
[0032] Figure 3C is a cross-sectional view similar to Figure 3A , but the shaft, bearings and seals of the motor and the on-off mechanism of the end cover are removed to show the structure of the shaft hole and the passage of the end cover;
[0033] Figure 4A is Figure 2 The perspective view of the on-off mechanism of
[0034] Figure 4B is Figure 4A Another perspective view of the on-off mechanism of
[0035] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view similar to Figure 3A , which shows the second type of on-off mechanism of the end cover of the motor;
[0036] Figure 6A is a cross-sectional view similar to Figure 3A , which shows the third type of on-off mechanism of the end cover of the motor, and the on-off mechanism is in the blocking state;
[0037] Figure 6B is a cross-sectional view similar to Figure 6A , but the on-off mechanism is in the conducting state; and
[0038] Figure 7 shows an exemplary tool that can be used to inflate the third section of the shaft hole from the outside of the end cover through the passage to remove the seal from the shaft hole. Detailed Description of the Invention
[0039] Some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these embodiments do not impose any limitation on the present disclosure. In addition, the features in the embodiments of the present disclosure can be combined with each other without conflict.
[0040] Figures 1A to 4B The motor 1 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is schematically shown. As Figures 1A to 3A shown, the motor 1 is an outer rotor motor, specifically a hub motor. This hub motor can be used in electric vehicles such as electric scooters, electric bicycles, electric motorcycles or electric cars. The configuration of the end cover according to the present disclosure will be specifically described below by taking the example that the motor 1 is a hub motor, but it should be understood that the configuration of the end cover according to the present disclosure is not limited to being used for a hub motor.
[0041] As Figures 1A to 3A shown, the motor 1 includes a shaft 10 extending along the axial direction, a stator 20 fixedly arranged on the shaft 10 around the shaft 10, and a rotor 30 arranged on the radially outer side of the stator 20 around the shaft 10. The shaft 10 is a fixed shaft, and both ends thereof can be fixed to a support structure (not shown) such as a vehicle frame. The shaft 10 defines a rotation axis 10a. The central axis of the shaft 10 coincides with this rotation axis 10a. As will be specifically described below, the rotor 30 is configured to be able to rotate around the rotation axis 10a.
[0042] In the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified, "axial direction" refers to the extending direction of the rotation axis 10a, "radial direction" refers to the radial direction with respect to the rotation axis 10a, that is, the direction perpendicular to the axial direction, and "circumferential direction" refers to the circumferential direction with respect to the rotation axis 10a, that is, the direction surrounding the rotation axis 10a. The radial direction includes the radially outward direction and the radially inward direction. Among them, the radially outward direction is the radial direction pointing away from the rotation axis 10a, and the radially inward direction is the radial direction pointing towards the rotation axis 10a.
[0043] The rotor 30 includes a rotor housing 31 and rotor magnets 33. The rotor housing 31 can be in an annular shape around the stator 20. The rotor magnets 33 are arranged around the stator 20 on the radially outer side of the stator 20. For example, as Figure 3A shown, the rotor magnets 33 can be arranged on the radially inner side of the rotor housing 31. It should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In some other embodiments, the rotor magnets 33 can be embedded in the rotor housing 31.
[0044] The motor 1 further includes a first end cover 100 located on the first axial side ( Figure 3A the left side inFigure 3A a second end cap 200 which is disposed on the right side (in the figure) and fixedly connected (e.g., by bolts 40) to the rotor housing 31 of the rotor 30. The first end cap 100 is rotatably supported on the shaft 10 by a first bearing 41, and the second end cap 200 is rotatably supported on the shaft 10 by a second bearing 42. In this way, the first end cap 100 and the second end cap 200 rotatably support the rotor housing 31 on the shaft 10, thereby rotatably supporting the rotor 30 on the shaft 10.
[0045] The hub 50 is disposed radially outside the rotor 30 and rotates with the rotor 30. For example, the hub 50 can be fixedly disposed (e.g., by welding or a tight fit) on the rotor housing 31. It should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In other exemplary embodiments, the hub 50 can be integrally formed with the rotor housing 31.
[0046] The rotor housing 31, the first end cap 100, and the second end cap 200 jointly define the internal space S of the motor 1. In other words, the rotor housing 31, the first end cap 100, and the second end cap 200 together enclose the internal space S of the motor 1. The rotor housing 31 bounds the internal space S radially, and the first end cap 100 and the second end cap 200 bound the internal space S axially.
[0047] The stator 20 is disposed in the internal space S. The stator 20 includes a stator core 21 and a support portion 23. The stator core 21 has an annular yoke portion 21a and a plurality of tooth portions 21b that extend radially outward from the yoke portion 21a and are spaced apart from each other circumferentially. The support portion 23 is located radially inside the yoke portion 21a and fixedly supports the yoke portion 21a on the shaft 10. As Figure 2 and Figure 3A shown, the support portion 23 can be in a disc shape and can be connected to the yoke portion 21a by a connection means such as welding or a tight fit. The stator 20 further includes a stator winding 25 that is wound around the tooth portions 21b of the stator core 21.
[0048] As Figure 3A shown, the shaft 10 includes a passage 11 that extends from the outside of the first end cap 100 through the shaft 10 into the internal space S of the motor 1. A power supply cable (not shown) can extend from the outside of the first end cap 100 through the passage 11 in the shaft 10 into the internal space S to be connected to the stator winding 25. When the stator winding 25 is energized via the power supply cable, the rotor magnet 33 can drive the rotor housing 31 to rotate about the rotation axis 10a through the interaction of its magnetic field with the magnetic field of the stator winding 25, thereby driving the first end cap 100, the second end cap 200, and the hub 50 to rotate about the rotation axis 10a together.
[0049] Figures 3A to 3CSpecifically shows the configuration of the electric machine 1 at the first end cover 100. The first end cover 100 is configured to axially delimit the internal space S of the electric machine 1 and provide protection for the components located in the internal space S. As Figures 3A to 3C shown, the first end cover 100 includes a cover body 110, which includes an inner side and an outer side that are opposite to each other axially. As used in the present disclosure, the "inner side" of the end cover refers to the side of the end cover facing the internal space S of the electric machine 1, and the "outer side" of the end cover refers to the side of the end cover facing away from the internal space S of the electric machine 1.
[0050] As Figure 3B and Figure 3C shown, the cover body 110 of the first end cover 100 further includes a shaft hole 111. The shaft hole 111 extends axially from the outer side of the cover body 110 through the cover body 110 to the inner side of the cover body 110. The shaft hole 111 extends along a central axis parallel to the axial direction, and this central axis coincides with the rotation axis 10a, so it is also labeled as "10a" in the figure. The shaft hole 111 is configured to receive the shaft 10. The shaft 10 is arranged to extend axially through the shaft hole 111. The shaft hole 111 includes a first section 1111 adjacent to the inner side of the cover body 110 axially, a second section 1112 adjacent to the outer side of the cover body 110 axially, and a third section 1113 between the first section 1111 and the second section 1112.
[0051] The first section 1111 of the shaft hole 111 is configured to accommodate the first bearing 41 therein, so that the first bearing 41 can be arranged between the cover body 110 and the shaft 10. That is to say, the first section 1111 serves as a bearing seat. The cover body 110 is rotatably supported on the shaft 10 through the first bearing 41. In other words, the first bearing 41 allows the cover body 110 to rotate relative to the shaft 10. The first bearing 41 can be, for example, a ball bearing. It should be understood that the specific form of the first bearing 41 is not limited thereto, and it can be any suitable type of bearing.
[0052] As Figures 2 to 3A shown, the electric machine 1 further includes a seal 61 for sealing the gap between the first end cover 100 and the shaft 10. Specifically, as Figure 3B and Figure 3C shown, the second section 1112 of the shaft hole 111 of the first end cover 100 is configured to accommodate the seal 61 therein, so that the seal 61 can be clamped between the cover body 110 and the shaft 10 and seal the gap between the cover body 110 and the shaft 10. That is to say, the seal 61 serves as a seal seat. For example, as Figure 3BAs best shown, the seal 61 may be a rotary shaft lip seal and includes an outer ring portion 61a located radially outside and a lip portion 61b located radially inside. The seal 61 is received in the second segment 1112 and surrounds the shaft 10. The seal 61 is clamped between the radially inner surface 1112a of the second segment 1112 and the radially outer surface 10b of the shaft 10 and is elastically compressed and deformed to seal the gap between the cover body 110 and the shaft 10. The outer ring portion 61a of the seal 61 is in interference fit with the radially inner surface 1112a of the second segment 1112 so that the seal 61 rotates relative to the shaft 10 together with the cover body 110. The lip portion 61b of the seal 61 engages with the radially outer surface 10b of the shaft 10, and grease may be provided between the lip portion 61b and the radially outer surface 10b to ensure the sealing effect and reduce the wear on the seal 61. The seal 61 may also be referred to as an "oil seal", and the second segment 1112 may also be referred to as an "oil seal seat". It should be understood that the specific form of the seal 61 is not limited thereto and may be any suitable type of seal. In addition, although the seal 61 is shown as a single piece, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and in other partial embodiments, the seal 61 may be composed of multiple sub-pieces or sub-parts.
[0053] Since the seal 61 rotates relative to the shaft 10 together with the cover body 110 of the first end cap 100, it is easily worn, and it is necessary to disassemble the seal 61 from the first end cap 100 for repair and replacement. To this end, the cover body 110 of the first end cap 100 includes a passage 120 that extends from the outside of the cover body 110 around the second segment 1112 through the cover body 110 to the third segment 1113. That is, the passage 120 is a part different from the second segment 1112 and is bypassed relative to the second segment 1112. The passage 120 fluidly connects the outside of the first end cap 100 to the third segment 1113 of the shaft hole 111.
[0054] By providing the passage 120, it is possible to facilitate the disassembly of the seal 61 from the first end cap 100. Specifically, as Figure 3A and Figure 3BAs shown and described above, when the electric machine 1 is in the assembled state, the first bearing 41 is disposed in the first section 1111 of the shaft hole 111, between the cover body 110 and the shaft 10, and the seal 61 is disposed in the second section 1112 of the shaft hole 111, between the cover body 110 and the shaft 10 and axially outside the first bearing 41. Due to the blocking of the seal 61 and the first bearing 41, the space in the third section 1113 of the shaft hole 111 is a relatively enclosed space. The space in the third section 1113 is sealed relative to the outside of the first end cover 100 through the seal 61 and is spaced apart from the internal space S of the electric machine 1 through the first bearing 41. The first bearing 41 may have a very small gap or even no gap. Therefore, when a fluid is filled into the third section 1113, the pressure in the space in the third section 1113 can be increased to push the seal 61 out of the shaft hole 111 from the second section 1112 away from the third section 1113. Since the passage 120 fluidly connects the outside of the first end cover 100 to the third section 1113 of the shaft hole 111, when it is necessary to disassemble the seal 61 from the first end cover 100, a fluid (such as a gas, especially air) can be filled into the third section 1113 from the outside of the first end cover 100 via the passage 120 to push the seal 61 out of the shaft hole 111 in the direction from the second section 1112 away from the third section 1113 by increasing the pressure in the space in the third section 1113, thereby removing the seal 61 from the shaft hole 111. In this way, the seal 61 can be easily disassembled from the first end cover 100 without removing the first end cover 100 from the rotor housing 31. That is to say, by providing the passage 120, it is possible to allow the seal 61 to be easily disassembled from the first end cover 100 when the electric machine 1 is in the assembled state. This can improve the maintenance and replacement efficiency of the seal 61, thereby improving the after-sales efficiency of the electric machine 1. In addition, this configuration of the first end cover 100 can prevent the first bearing 41 from shifting or being damaged when the seal 61 is disassembled. In addition, this configuration of the first end cover 100 can reduce or even eliminate damage to the seal 61 when the seal 61 is disassembled.
[0055] The first end cover 100 further includes a switching mechanism 130 configured to be operable to selectively connect and block the passage 120. When the electric machine 1 is in normal use, the switching mechanism 130 can be operated to block the passage 120 to ensure the sealing performance of the first end cover 100. When it is necessary to disassemble the seal 61, the switching mechanism 130 can be operated to connect the passage 120 to allow a fluid to be filled into the third section 1113 from the outside of the first end cover 100 via the passage 120.
[0056] In some embodiments, as Figure 3B and Figure 3CAs shown, the passage 120 can extend straight through the cover body 110 from the outside of the cover body 110 to the third section 1113. This configuration can facilitate the machining of the passage 120 in the cover body 110 (e.g., by a drilling process). The passage 120 can be machined when the cover body 110 is produced, or the cover body 110 can be retrofitted after-sales to machine the passage 120. The passage 120 extends straight along the central axis 120a( Figure 3B ).
[0057] In one of these embodiments, as Figure 3B and Figure 3C shown, the central axis 120a of the passage 120 of the cover body 110 can intersect with the central axis of the shaft hole 111( Figure 3B "10a" in). This configuration can enable the fluid to be evenly distributed into the third section 1113 when the fluid is filled into the third section 1113 from the outside of the first end cover 100 via the passage 120. The central axis 120a of the passage 120 can intersect with the central axis of the shaft hole 111 at any suitable angle.
[0058] It should be understood that in other partial embodiments, the passage 120 can also extend from the outside of the cover body 110 bendedly through the cover body 110 to the third section 1113.
[0059] As Figure 3B and Figure 3C shown, the number of the passages 120 of the cover body 110 is preferably single. It should be understood that it is also possible to provide more than one passage in the cover body 110. In this case, the cover body 110 can include an on-off mechanism 130 corresponding to each passage.
[0060] In some embodiments, the size of the passage 120 of the cover body 110 can be designed to be suitable for receiving the nozzle of a blowing gun to allow the blowing gun to inflate the third section 1113. Figure 7An exemplary blowing gun 300 is schematically shown. The blowing gun 300 can be used to input compressed air from the outside of the first end cap 100 into the third section 1113 of the shaft hole 111 via the duct 120, so as to increase the pressure in the third section 1113 to push the seal 61 out of the shaft hole 111 from the second section 1112 away from the third section 1113, thereby removing the seal 61 from the shaft hole 111. Specifically, the blowing gun 300 can include a nozzle 301, a connector 302, and a switch in the form of a trigger 303 disposed between the nozzle 301 and the connector 302. The connector 302 can be connected to a compressed air source (not shown) such as an air pump through a pipeline and is in fluid communication with the nozzle 301 via an internal passage (not shown) of the blowing gun 300. The trigger 303 can be used to control the opening and closing of the internal passage of the blowing gun 300. When the trigger 303 is pulled, the internal passage of the blowing gun 300 is opened to allow compressed air to flow from the connector 302 to the nozzle 301, and when released, the internal passage of the blowing gun 300 is closed. The nozzle 301 is configured to eject compressed air. The size of the duct 120 of the cover 110 can be designed to be suitable for receiving the nozzle 301 of the blowing gun 300 to allow the blowing gun 300 to inflate the third section 1113 of the shaft hole 111. It should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In other partial embodiments, the third section 1113 of the shaft hole 111 can be inflated through any other suitable tool, for example, through a gas conduit. It should also be understood that the fluid filled into the third section 1113 is not limited to compressed air.
[0061] In some embodiments, as Figures 2 to 3C shown, the cover 110 can include a first part 113 and a second part 114. The first part 113 extends axially and is cylindrical. The shaft hole 111 is formed in the first part 113. The second part 114 extends from the first part 113 in a radially outward direction and is disc-shaped. The second part 114 can be fixedly connected (e.g., by bolts 40) to the rotor housing 31 of the rotor 30 at its radially outer edge. The second part 114 includes an inner surface 114a and an outer surface 114b that are opposite to each other axially. The inner surface 114a is located inside the cover 110, and the outer surface 114b is located outside the cover 110. As Figure 3C best shown, the first part 113 can include a first sub-part 113a that protrudes axially from the outer surface 114b of the second part 114. The duct 120 can extend from the radially outer surface 113b of the first sub-part 113a into the third section 1113.
[0062] As Figure 3CAs shown, the first segment 1111 of the shaft hole 111 has a first inner diameter ID1 in the radial direction, the second segment 1112 has a second inner diameter ID2 in the radial direction, and the third segment 1113 has a third inner diameter ID3 in the radial direction.
[0063] In some embodiments, as Figure 3C shown, the first inner diameter ID1 can be greater than the third inner diameter ID3. This configuration can help position the first bearing 41 in the first segment 1111 and prevent the first bearing 41 from being accidentally moved into the third segment 1113 to block the passage 120.
[0064] In some embodiments, as Figure 3C shown, the second inner diameter ID2 can be equal to the third inner diameter ID3. It should be understood that in other partial embodiments, the second inner diameter ID2 can be greater than the third inner diameter ID3. This configuration can help position the seal 61 in the second segment 1112 and prevent the seal 61 from being accidentally moved into the third segment 1113 to block the passage 120.
[0065] Figure 2 , Figure 3B , Figure 4A and Figure 4B show the first type of on-off mechanism 130. As Figure 2 , Figure 3B , Figure 4A and Figure 4B shown, the on-off mechanism 130 can be a plug. The plug is configured to be inserted into the passage 120 from the outside of the cover 110 and removed from the outside of the cover 110 from the passage 120. As Figure 3B shown, the plug blocks the passage 120 when inserted into the passage 120. As Figure 3C shown, when the plug is removed from the passage 120, the passage 120 is opened. The on-off mechanism 130 in the form of a plug has a simple structure and low manufacturing cost. The plug can be formed of a flexible polymer.
[0066] In some embodiments, as Figure 3B , Figure 4A and Figure 4B shown, the plug can include a wider head 131 and a thinner neck 132 extending from the head 131. As Figure 3C shown, the passage 120 can include a wider first passage segment 121 and a thinner second passage segment 122. The first passage segment 121 is located at the end of the passage 120 and opens towards the outside of the cover 110. The second passage segment 122 extends from the first passage segment 121 towards the third segment 1113. The first passage segment 121 and the second passage segment 122 of the passage 120 can form a counterbore-shaped structure. As Figure 3BAs shown, the head 131 of the plug is wider than the second channel section 122 of the channel 120. When the plug is inserted into the channel 120, the neck 132 is received in the second channel section 122, and the head 131 is received in the first channel section 121. The neck 132 can be elastically deformed to block the second channel section 122. Since the head 131 is wider than the second channel section 122, the head 131 does not enter the second channel section 122. The head 131 is received in the first channel section 121 and can thus be protected by the first channel section 121, preventing the plug from detaching from the channel 120 due to accidental contact with the head 131. This configuration can improve the reliability of the on-off mechanism 130.
[0067] Figure 5 is similar to Figure 3A and shows a second type of on-off mechanism in a cross-sectional view. The on-off mechanism is labeled as "130'" in Figure 5 . As Figure 5 shown, the on-off mechanism 130' can be a flap. The flap is fixed in the channel 120 and is configured to be released from the channel 120 into the third section 1113. As Figure 5 shown, the flap blocks the channel 120 when it is disposed in the channel 120. The flap allows the channel 120 to be connected when it is released into the third section 1113. The flap can be formed of a flexible polymer. The flap can be fixed in the channel 120 by adhesion. It should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In other partial embodiments, a retaining structure can be formed in the channel 120 to retain the flap in the channel 120. The flap can be engaged by a specific tool (e.g., a thimble) or by the nozzle 301 of a blow gun 300 as described above to be released from the fixed position into the third section 1113. After the removal of the seal 61 is completed, the flap or a new flap can be fixed in the channel 120 to block the channel 120 again. The on-off mechanism 130' in the form of a flap has a simple structure and low manufacturing cost. In some other embodiments, the flap 130 can be released from the channel 120 into the third section 1113 by utilizing the airflow provided by the blow gun 300.
[0068] Figure 6A and Figure 6B are similar to Figure 3A and show a third type of on-off mechanism in a cross-sectional view. The on-off mechanism is labeled as "130''" in Figure 6A and Figure 6B . As Figure 6A and Figure 6BAs shown, the on-off mechanism 130" can be a one-way valve. The one-way valve is disposed in the passage 120 and configured to allow fluid to be filled into the third section 1113 from the outside of the cover body 110 via the passage 120 at a predetermined pressure and prevent the fluid from flowing from the third section 1113 to the outside of the cover body 110 via the passage 120, that is, prevent the reverse flow of the fluid. The configuration with the one-way valve serving as the on-off mechanism 130" can improve the integration of the first end cap 100.
[0069] In some embodiments, as Figure 6A and Figure 6B shown, the one-way valve includes a support member 135 fixed in the passage 120, a valve core 136 disposed in the passage 120 and capable of moving between a closed position as Figure 6A shown and an open position as Figure 6B shown, and a biasing member 137 disposed in the passage 120. The support member 135 can be fixed to the passage 120 by a suitable manner known in the art (e.g., snap or welding) and still allow fluid to pass through the passage 120. The passage 120 can be formed with a throat 123. The shape of the valve core 136 is designed to cooperate with the shape of the throat 123 such that the valve core 136 can engage with the throat 123 to block the passage 120 when in the closed position as Figure 6A shown and can disengage from the throat 123 to connect the passage 120 when in the open position as Figure 6B shown. When the valve core 136 is in the closed position, the on-off mechanism 130" is in a blocked state, and when the valve core 136 is in the open position, the on-off mechanism 130" is in a connected state.
[0070] As Figure 6A and Figure 6B shown, the valve core 136 can be spherical in shape and is disposed downstream of the throat 123. It should be understood that the shape of the valve core 136 is not limited thereto. The support member 135 can also be disposed downstream of the throat 123. The biasing member 137 can be in the form of a compression spring. One end of the biasing member 137 is mounted on the support member 135 and the other end is connected to the valve core 136, thereby applying a biasing force to the valve core 136. With this arrangement, when fluid is filled into the third section 1113 from the outside of the cover body 110 via the passage 120 at a predetermined pressure (as indicated by the dotted arrow in Figure 6B ), the valve core 136 moves downstream away from the throat 123 against the biasing force under the action of the fluid to disengage from the throat 123, thus connecting the passage 120, and when the pressure of the fluid is less than a predetermined threshold or the input of the fluid stops, the valve core 136 moves upstream towards the throat 123 against the acting force of the fluid under the action of the biasing force to engage with the throat 123, thereby blocking the passage 120.
[0071] It should be understood that Figure 6A and Figure 6B the one-way valve configuration shown is merely an exemplary type of one-way valve that can be used as the on-off mechanism 130". In other partial embodiments, any suitable type of one-way valve can be employed as the on-off mechanism 130" to selectively connect and block the passage 120.
[0072] It should also be understood that the on-off mechanisms 130, 130', and 130" described above are merely exemplary types of on-off mechanisms that can be used for the end caps according to the present disclosure. In other partial embodiments, the on-off mechanism can adopt any suitable type that can be operated to selectively connect and block the passage 120.
[0073] Please return to refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3A , the structures and the mating manners of the second end cap 200 and the second bearing 42 can be substantially the same as those of the first end cap 100 and the first bearing 41. Therefore, these details will not be elaborated herein. The motor 1 further includes a seal 62. Similar to the arrangement of the seal 61, the seal 62 can be disposed in the shaft hole 211 of the second end cap 200 and seal the gap between the second end cap 200 and the shaft 10. Although not shown, it can be envisioned that the second end cap 200 can be configured to have a passage and an on-off mechanism similar to the passage 120 and the on-off mechanism 130 of the first end cap 100 to provide the various benefits described above. Therefore, these details will not be elaborated herein.
[0074] In the present disclosure, the "first" and "second" in the "first end cap" and "second end cap" are merely used for convenience of description and do not constitute a special limitation on the end cap itself. For example, the first end cap can also be the end cap located on the axial right side of the stator 20. In this case, the second end cap can be the end cap located on the axial left side of the stator 20, that is, the positions of the first end cap and the second end cap can be interchanged.
[0075] Although the first end cap 100 and the second end cap 200 described above are separately formed from the rotor housing 31 and fixedly connected to the rotor housing 31, it should be understood that in other partial embodiments, one of the first end cap 100 and the second end cap 200 can be integrally formed with the rotor housing 31.
[0076] Although the configuration of the end cap according to the present disclosure has been specifically described above in connection with the example where the electric machine 1 is a hub motor, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In other partial embodiments, the configuration of the end cap according to the present disclosure can also be used for other types of outer rotor electric machines to provide the various benefits described above. In these outer rotor electric machines: the stator is fixedly arranged on the shaft around the axis; the rotor is arranged on the radial outer side of the stator around the axis and includes a rotor housing; the shaft serves as a fixed shaft; the end cap is rotatably supported on the shaft by a bearing and is fixedly connected or integrally formed with the rotor housing to rotatably support the rotor on the shaft. The bearing is accommodated in the first section of the shaft hole of the end cap body as described above, and the seal is accommodated in the second section of the shaft hole as described above. The duct extends from the outside of the cap body around the second section through the cap body to the third section. The on-off mechanism (for example, the three types described above) is configured to be operable to selectively connect and block the duct.
[0077] It should also be understood that in other partial embodiments, the configuration of the end cap according to the present disclosure can also be used for inner rotor electric machines to provide the various benefits described above. Different from the outer rotor electric machine, in the inner rotor electric machine, the shaft is configured to be rotatable while the end cap is fixed. The shaft is rotatably supported by a bearing disposed in the shaft hole of the end cap, the rotor is fixedly arranged on the shaft around the axis to rotate together with the shaft, and the stator is arranged on the radial outer side of the rotor around the axis. The end cap is fixedly connected or integrally formed with the stator housing. The bearing is accommodated in the first section of the shaft hole of the end cap body as described above, and the seal is accommodated in the second section of the shaft hole as described above. The duct extends from the outside of the cap body around the second section through the cap body to the third section. The on-off mechanism (for example, the three types described above) is configured to be operable to selectively connect and block the duct.
[0078] As can be seen, the present disclosure provides an end cap applicable to an electric motor (including an outer-rotor type electric motor and an inner-rotor type electric motor). The electric motor includes a shaft extending axially, as well as bearings and seals. The end cap includes a cap body and a switching mechanism. The cap body includes: an inner side and an outer side that are opposite to each other axially; a shaft hole that extends axially from the outer side through the cap body to the inner side and is configured to receive the shaft. The shaft hole includes a first section adjacent to the inner side axially, a second section adjacent to the outer side axially, and a third section between the first section and the second section. The first section is configured to accommodate a bearing therein so that the bearing can be disposed between the cap body and the shaft and allow the cap body and the shaft to rotate relative to each other. The second section is configured to accommodate a seal therein so that the seal can be clamped between the cap body and the shaft and seal the gap between the cap body and the shaft; and a passage that extends from the outer side around the second section through the cap body to the third section. The switching mechanism is configured to be operable to selectively connect and block the passage. The configuration of the end cap according to the present disclosure can provide the various benefits described above.
[0079] It should be understood that the terms "first", "second", and "third" are only used to distinguish one element, component, or part from another element, component, or part, but these elements, components, and parts should not be limited by such terms.
[0080] The present disclosure has been described in detail above in conjunction with specific embodiments. Obviously, the above description and the embodiments shown in the drawings should be understood as exemplary and do not constitute a limitation on the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art can make various variations or modifications to it without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure, and these variations or modifications do not depart from the scope of the present disclosure.
Claims
1. An end cover for an electric motor, characterized in that, The motor includes a shaft (10) extending along an axial direction, as well as a bearing (41) and a seal (61). The end cover (100) includes: A cover body (110), and the cover body includes: An inner side and an outer side that are opposite to each other in the axial direction; A shaft hole (111), the shaft hole extends along the axial direction from the outer side through the cover body to the inner side, and is configured to receive the shaft. The shaft hole includes a first section (1111) adjacent to the inner side in the axial direction, a second section (1112) adjacent to the outer side in the axial direction, and a third section (1113) between the first section and the second section. The first section is configured to accommodate the bearing therein, so that the bearing can be arranged between the cover body and the shaft and allow the cover body and the shaft to rotate relative to each other. The second section is configured to accommodate the seal therein, so that the seal can be clamped between the cover body and the shaft and seal the gap between the cover body and the shaft; and A duct (120), the duct extends from the outer side around the second section through the cover body to the third section; and An on-off mechanism (130, 130’, 130”), the on-off mechanism is configured to be operable to selectively connect and block the duct.
2. The end cap according to claim 1, characterized in that, The on-off mechanism is a plug, the plug is configured to be inserted into the duct from the outer side and removed from the duct from the outer side. When the plug is inserted into the duct, it blocks the duct, and when it is removed from the duct, it connects the duct.
3. The end cover according to claim 2, wherein: The plug includes a wider head (131) and a thinner neck (132) extending from the head; The duct includes a wider first duct section (121) and a thinner second duct section (122). The first duct section is located at the end of the duct and opens towards the outer side. The second duct section extends from the first duct section towards the third section; And The head of the plug is wider than the second duct section of the duct. When the plug is inserted into the duct, the neck is received in the second duct section, and the head is received in the first duct section.
4. The end cap according to claim 1, characterized in that, The on-off mechanism is a flap, the flap is fixed in the duct, and is configured to be released from the duct into the third section. When the flap is arranged in the duct, it blocks the duct, and when it is released into the third section, it connects the duct.
5. The end cap according to claim 1, characterized in that, The on-off mechanism is a check valve, the check valve is arranged in the duct, and is configured to allow fluid to be filled into the third section from the outer side via the duct at a predetermined pressure, and prevent the fluid from flowing from the third section to the outer side via the duct.
6. The end cover according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The duct extends straight through the cover body from the outer side to the third section; and / or The duct extends straight through the cover body from the outer side along a first central axis (120a) to the third section, the shaft hole extends along a second central axis (10a) parallel to the axial direction, and the first central axis intersects the second central axis; and / or The duct is sized to receive the nozzle (301) of a blowing gun (300) to allow the blowing gun to inflate the third section; and / or The number of the ducts is single.
7. The end cap according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The cover body includes a first part (113) extending along the axial direction and having a cylindrical shape, and a second part (114) extending radially outward from the first part and having a disc shape. The shaft hole is formed in the first part. The second part includes an outer surface (114b) located on the outer side. The first part includes a first sub-part (113a) protruding axially beyond the outer surface of the second part. The duct extends from the radially outer surface (113b) of the first sub-part into the third section; and / or The first section has a first inner diameter (ID1) in the radial direction, and the third section has a third inner diameter (ID3) in the radial direction, and the first inner diameter is greater than the third inner diameter; and / or The second section has a second inner diameter (ID2) in the radial direction, and the third section has a third inner diameter (ID3) in the radial direction, and the second inner diameter is greater than the third inner diameter.
8. A motor, characterized in that, The motor includes: The end cap (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7; A shaft (10) extending axially through the shaft hole (111) of the cover body (110) of the end cap; A bearing (41) disposed between the cover body and the shaft and received in the first section (1111) of the shaft hole to allow the cover body and the shaft to rotate relative to each other; and A seal (61) disposed between the cover body and the shaft and received in the second section (1112) of the shaft hole to seal the gap between the cover body and the shaft.
9. The motor according to claim 8, characterized in that, The motor is an outer rotor type motor and further includes: A stator (20) fixedly disposed around the shaft on the shaft; A rotor (30) disposed radially outside the stator around the shaft, and the rotor includes a rotor housing (31); Wherein, the shaft serves as a fixed shaft, the end cap is rotatably supported on the shaft by the bearing, and is fixedly connected or integrally formed with the rotor housing to rotatably support the rotor on the shaft.
10. The motor according to claim 9, characterized in that, The motor is a hub motor and further includes a hub (50) disposed radially outside the rotor and rotating together with the rotor.