Fixing mask for stator pins of a stator of an electric drive motor

The fixing mask with sliding parts addresses the issue of stress and vibration-induced failure in stator pins by securing them through force-transmitting contact, offering stable and cost-effective assembly without potting processes.

DE102024136286A1Pending Publication Date: 2026-06-11SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO KG

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
DE · DE
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO KG
Filing Date
2024-12-05
Publication Date
2026-06-11

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing solutions for fixing stator pins in electric drive motors face issues with stress and vibration-induced failure of metallurgical connections, particularly when high-voltage terminals are not bolted due to space constraints, requiring costly and complex potting processes.

Method used

A fixing mask with sliding parts that allow stator pins to be inserted with play and then fixed via force-transmitting contact, eliminating the need for potting, ensuring secure fixation and easy assembly.

Benefits of technology

The fixing mask provides stable and reliable fixation of stator pins, reducing mechanical stress and vibrations while allowing for simple and cost-effective assembly, without the need for additional manufacturing steps like potting.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The invention relates to a fixing mask (1) for stator pins (2) of a stator (3) of an electric drive machine (4), wherein A disk (5) with at least one opening (6) for receiving and fixing stator pins (2) is provided. The fixing mask (1) is characterized in particular by the fact that the disk (5) comprises two sliding parts (7, 8) which are displaceable relative to each other from a mounting position to a fixing position, while the stator pins (2) are received in the at least one opening (6). wherein the stator pins (2) can be inserted into at least one opening (6) with some play in the mounting position, wherein in the fixing position the stator pins (2) are brought into force-transmitting contact with at least one wall (9,10,11,12) and are thus fixed at least uni-axially. With the fixing mask proposed here, the stator pins are securely fixed during operation, and at the same time, assembly is not very complex.
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Description

[0001] The invention relates to a fixing mask for stator pins of a stator of an electric drive machine.

[0002] High-voltage terminals (HV terminals) and / or busbars for connecting power electronics to the stator of an electric drive motor are primarily known from the field of electrified vehicles. In these applications, the stator pins are typically bonded to the HV terminal by a metallurgical connection, such as welding or soldering. Vibrations during operation can excite the stator pins or the HV terminal, potentially leading to the failure of the metallurgical connection if the load becomes too high. The HV terminal's high stiffness and / or low mass can limit its vibration. Often, the HV terminal is bolted to the stator to prevent vibration under certain excitation conditions, thus directing the force transmission via the bolting points.

[0003] In some applications, however, it is not possible to fix the HV terminal (for example, due to limited installation space), meaning it is only attached via the points of material bonding or the screw points of the busbars. In this case, the force is transmitted via these connection points to the stator pins, which places them under particular stress. Solutions for fixing the stator pins in a mask are already known, for example DE 10 2020 132 455 A1 and DE 10 2023 121 319 A1. However, these require clearance to allow assembly and an additional manufacturing step in which a thermoset, such as an epoxy resin, is filled into the clearance gap using a process called potting.

[0004] The aim is to reduce the excitation or stress on the connection points via a fixing, while at the same time ensuring simple and inexpensive (cost-effective) assembly as well as a permanently secure fixing.

[0005] Based on this, the present invention aims to overcome, at least partially, the disadvantages known from the prior art. The features of the invention are defined in the independent claims, for which advantageous embodiments are shown in the dependent claims. The features of the claims can be combined in any technically meaningful way, whereby the explanations in the following description and features from the figures, which comprise supplementary embodiments of the invention, can also be used.

[0006] The invention relates to a fixing mask for stator pins of a stator of an electric drive machine, wherein a disk with at least one opening for receiving and fixing stator pins is provided.

[0007] The fixing mask is characterized primarily by the fact that the disc comprises two sliding parts which can be moved relative to each other from a mounting position to a fixing position, while the stator pins are received in at least one opening. where the stator pins in the mounting position have play and can be inserted into at least one opening, in the fixing position the stator pins are brought into force-transmitting contact with at least one wall and are thus fixed at least uni-axially.

[0008] Unless explicitly stated otherwise, ordinal numbers used in the preceding and following descriptions serve solely for unambiguous differentiation and do not indicate any order or ranking of the components referred to. An ordinal number greater than one does not necessarily imply the presence of another such component.

[0009] The fixing mask proposed here is functionally equivalent to the mask described earlier, in which the stator pins are fixed using a process called potting. In contrast, however, potting is not necessary, yet secure fixation is achieved, along with easy assembly. It should be noted that in one embodiment, not all stator pins of a stator, nor all stator pins located within the area of ​​the fixing mask (in its fixing position) and potentially protruding through it, are fixed by the fixing mask (in its fixing position). Hereinafter, only those stator pins that are to be received and fixed, and thus extend through the opening of the fixing mask and are in force-transmitting contact with a wall in the fixing position, are referred to as such.In most applications, the stator pins are designed to be rigid for the purpose of mounting the fixing mask, or rather, they are not intended to be deformed. Their orientation is then straight (for example, parallel to the rotation axis of the stator in question) and is referred to as the pin axis; movement along this pin axis is called pin-axial movement.

[0010] In one embodiment, a single opening or an opening for a plurality of stator pins is provided, wherein the opening(s) then have a structured contour adapted to the number of stator pins (to be fixed). For example, such an opening has a sawtooth contour.

[0011] It is therefore proposed that instead of a single component, the disk comprises two sliding parts which are movable relative to each other to fix the respective stator pins. The opening is thus divided between the two sliding parts as a stator-side through-opening and a terminal-side through-opening. The two corresponding through-openings of the two sliding parts are aligned in both the mounting and fixing positions such that a stator pin can be guided through them or, protruding through them, can be fixed to the corresponding walls.

[0012] The two corresponding through-openings of the two sliding parts are aligned in the assembly position such that an overlapping contour is formed through which a stator pin can be inserted with play, i.e., without significant friction. Friction is significant if the required hand force within a manufacturing and / or assembly tolerance could be unacceptably high, and / or if the load on the stator pin could become so great that it could be damaged (for example, an insulating varnish could be partially removed) and / or deformed. In one embodiment, at least one of the sliding parts is also provided with an insertion funnel or at least an insertion ramp, which facilitates the correct insertion of the stator pins or the correct positioning of the fixing mask.

[0013] In the fixed position, the overlap contour of the two through-openings of a disk opening is altered by the relative displacement of the sliding parts such that at least one of the walls of the respective through-opening is brought into force-transmitting contact with the corresponding stator pin. Any play is then either eliminated or sufficiently reduced, for example, to a so-called transition fit. It should be noted that in one embodiment, force-transmitting contact on one side with a stator pin is sufficient if a counter-bearing is formed elsewhere, for example, with another stator pin (e.g., on an antagonistic side). Preferably, at least two antagonistic walls are in force-transmitting contact with the stator pin.

[0014] The force-transmitting contact is oriented perpendicular to the pin axis of a stator pin. With two or more antagonistic walls (i.e., walls with opposing force directions on the respective stator pin in the fixed position), the at least uniaxial fixation (i.e., the antagonistic force directions) is aligned in a plane to which the pin axis (and optionally the stator's axis of rotation) is normal or slightly inclined (for example, at less than 15° [fifteen degrees of 360°]). In one embodiment, the disk as a whole is fixed biaxially to the stator pins in the fixed position by means of the walls. In a preferred embodiment, a single stator pin (especially preferably each of the stator pins) is fixed biaxially in its (respective) opening in the fixed position, preferably radially and tangentially with respect to the axis of rotation of the respective stator.It should be noted that in one embodiment the disk is fixed in the pin-axial direction by friction and / or force-fit over at least one of the stator pins.

[0015] In one embodiment, more than two sliding parts are provided. However, an embodiment with two sliding parts is particularly simple in design and handling. For other applications, more than two sliding parts are required, for example, where greater stability is needed and / or the stator pins have a more complex geometry. In one embodiment, the sliding parts are arranged in a series, transverse to the respective sliding direction, between the mounting position and the fixing position, so that several force-transmitting contact points are formed in a series in the fixing position.In one embodiment, more than two sliding parts are provided in the respective sliding direction, or at least one of two (or more) sliding parts is designed in multiple parts, wherein the further sliding parts or the subcomponents of a sliding part can be brought into the fixing position independently of one another, i.e., can be moved relative to at least one other sliding part.

[0016] In a further advantageous embodiment of the fixing mask, it is proposed that an opening is provided for each stator pin.

[0017] It is proposed here that a separate opening be provided for each of the (to be accommodated) stator pins. This results in increased stability of the disk compared to a disk with a single opening or multiple openings for several stator pins each, and also provides a mounting template to prevent errors (poka-yoke).

[0018] In an advantageous embodiment of the fixing mask, it is further proposed that the fixing mask can be used to fix stator pins designed exclusively as interconnection pins for connecting to an HV terminal.

[0019] In one embodiment, the fixing mask is (at least also) designed for stator pins that are welded together at the stator end, thus forming part of the closed stator winding. Preferably, the fixing mask is provided exclusively for the so-called interconnection pins, i.e., those stator pins that are directly connected to an HV terminal and thus form an open end of the stator winding.

[0020] In an advantageous embodiment of the fixing mask, it is further proposed that at least one of the sliding parts has an axial support, wherein the axial support is designed to abut at least one of the following components of a stator of an electric drive machine: - one or more of the end tips of the stator pins; - on the cooling jacket of the stator of the electric drive motor; and - at the HV terminal of the electric drive motor.

[0021] An axial support provides even greater stabilization of the stator pins, especially during the manufacturing step where the stator pins are connected to the HV terminal and are still freely cantilevered. This also ensures that the stator pins are particularly well supported against disruptive vibrations during operation.

[0022] In one embodiment, the so-called interconnection pins are fixed by means of the fixing mask, and the other stator pins (within the stator winding) can be used as contact points. With a large number of stator pins and / or a sufficiently close spacing and / or a sufficiently short free path (axially projecting from the stator lamination stack), a sufficiently stable contact surface is formed by these other stator pins.

[0023] A cooling jacket is arranged over as much of the axial extent of the stator as possible and is usually located radially outside the stator and thus radially outside the stator pins. Contact with the cooling jacket therefore provides a particularly wide and stable support.

[0024] For a fixing mask used exclusively for the so-called interconnection pins, it is essential to prevent any movement relative to the HV terminal. Therefore, the HV terminal is particularly suitable, even with a potentially smaller and less robust contact surface (compared to a stator-side contact surface), because any movement of the HV terminal is transferred to the fixing mask and thus to the fixed stator pins (and vice versa). This reduces harmful relative movement.

[0025] In a further advantageous embodiment of the fixing mask, it is proposed that the sliding parts of the disc are displaceable relative to each other along a circular path.

[0026] For many applications, it is advantageous if the sliding elements are circumferentially displaceable around the rotational axis of the stator in question relative to the stator pins to be fixed, i.e., one sliding element in the positive direction of rotation and the other in the negative direction. This allows for efficient use of the available space and thus achieves high rigidity of the fixation during operation. It should be noted that this is not always necessary. For example, a disk shape formed in the fixing position, preferably the entire fixing mask, may offer good space utilization, while in the assembly position, for instance, a space that is too large for a final state may be required. However, the latter is not critical during assembly.

[0027] In a further advantageous embodiment of the fixing mask, it is proposed that the sliding parts are connected to each other in such a way that they can be moved relative to each other exclusively along a single direction of movement, preferably along a circular path, between the mounting position and the fixing position. preferably the two sliding parts are clipped together.

[0028] In one embodiment, a rail system is provided by which the sliding parts are guided to one another. Preferably, the sliding parts are also connected to each other pin-axially, at least securely, during handling (i.e., before they are positioned at the assembly location), and preferably with sufficient strength to withstand the forces expected during operation.

[0029] In an advantageous embodiment, the sliding parts are clipped together, for example by means of snap hooks on one of the sliding parts engaging behind an undercut of the other sliding part. In another embodiment, a bayonet fitting is formed alternatively or additionally. Alternatively, one sliding part can be slid onto the other sliding part or onto its rail system in the sliding plane.

[0030] In a further advantageous embodiment of the fixing mask, it is proposed that the sliding parts are blocked against movement out of the fixing position by means of a detent mechanism. where the locking mechanism is preferably formed by at least: - a snap hook; - a bayonet fitting; and / or - a multi-grip element.

[0031] A detent mechanism offers the advantage that, firstly, a set relative position is securely maintained, and secondly, the installer receives feedback when detent has occurred, preferably as soon as the required relative position has been set by means of the detent. This also enables, for example, blind assembly. It should be noted that in one embodiment, the relationship between a (manufacturing-related or cost-effective) clearance and a window for a permissible minimum and maximum preload on a stator pin to be fixed correlates so favorably that a single detent position is sufficient and thus suitable as feedback for a technician confirming correct assembly.

[0032] Alternatively, the window is mounted on a stator pin to be fixed, allowing for a permissible minimum and maximum preload, such that a fitter's hand force serves as a measure for correct installation. In this case, a multi-latch element (for example, designed with a so-called Christmas tree structure) is advantageous, ensuring that the mounting position is always securely fixed by means of one of the many detent positions.

[0033] A snap hook provides an elegant and simple locking mechanism with audible feedback for the installer. It should be noted that this snap hook is preferably different from one (or the majority) of snap hooks used for a sliding connection of the sliding parts to one another, as described previously.

[0034] A bayonet fitting is also a good solution for providing feedback on correct assembly. Furthermore, a different or additional orientation of the wall relative to the force-transmitting contact with a stator pin can be achieved, for example, by means of a final movement of the bayonet fitting transversely to a circumferential direction, such as radially to the rotational axis of the stator in question. In one embodiment, the bayonet fitting is a combination component consisting of a rail system (e.g., in the circumferential direction) and a locking mechanism (e.g., with a snap hook or projection), wherein the first bayonet travel (e.g., in the radial direction relative to the rotational axis of the stator in question) is provided for initial assembly to move the separate sliding parts into the assembly position, and the second bayonet travel (e.g., in the circumferential direction) is provided for moving them into the fixed position.

[0035] In an advantageous embodiment of the fixing mask, it is further proposed that the sliding parts have walls corresponding to each other for force-transmitting contact with one of the stator pins in the fixing position. wherein at least one, preferably all, of the walls is formed as follows: - ramp-shaped; - tiered; or - pocket-shaped.

[0036] A ramped wall has the advantage that a precise force transmission can be adjusted by varying the relative path between the mounting position and the fixing position, depending on the available clearance, until contact is achieved. Furthermore, excessive fixing force is mitigated because the walls exert a frictional force component on the relevant stator pin, instead of a purely counter-locking position.

[0037] With a stepped design, variability in adaptation to the respective stator pin (for example, for different designs) and / or a two-sided corner connection with the relevant stator pin can be ensured for each wall.

[0038] With a pocket-shaped wall, a three-sided connection over two corners with the relevant stator pin can be ensured for each wall, thus achieving an exact relative geometric positioning.

[0039] In an advantageous embodiment of the fixing mask, it is further proposed that at least one, preferably both, of the sliding parts is a one-piece injection-molded element.

[0040] For mass production, a sliding part manufactured as an injection-molded element is particularly cost-effective. Furthermore, a suitable property of an injection-molded element can be adjusted over a wide range, for example, by adding additives such as fibers. In addition, the plastic is generally electrically insulating and / or softer than the stator pin, preferably soft enough to reliably prevent damage to the insulating varnish of the stator pin. At the very least, an injection-molded element can be designed to be soft enough to reliably prevent damage to the cross-section of the stator pin relevant to the current density. In a preferred embodiment, both (or all) sliding parts are manufactured as injection-molded elements.In one embodiment, the injection-molded elements for the sliding parts are identical, allowing them to be rotated so that their contact surfaces are aligned and then slid against each other. This enables significant repetition rates to be achieved for a single injection mold, even for small production runs. Furthermore, this results in an advantageous complementary shape of the through-hole walls, which act antagonistically on the respective stator pin.

[0041] In a further advantageous embodiment of the fixing mask, it is proposed that the fixing mask be arranged such that material of the fixing mask is arranged in an optical line for on-top laser welding in front of the rest of the stator for shielding.

[0042] Stator pins are often laser-welded axially relative to the rotational axis of the stator in question. With a continuous laser beam, a (potentially sacrificial) shield is provided by means of a fixation mask, which protects sensitive components from thermal influence or damage caused by the passing laser beam. Damage to the fixation mask caused by a passing laser beam, however, is usually harmless to its function.

[0043] The invention described above is explained in detail below against the relevant technical background with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show preferred embodiments. The invention is in no way limited by the purely schematic drawings, although it should be noted that the drawings are not dimensionally accurate and are not suitable for defining size relationships. It is illustrated in Fig. 1: in a spatial view a section of an electric drive motor with HV terminal; Fig. 2: a fixing mask in axial top view; Fig. 3: in a top view a section of a stator with fixing mask in the mounting position; Fig. 4: the stator according to Fig. 3 with the fixation mask in the fixation position; Fig. 5: in a sectional view, a section of a fixing mask on a stator; Fig. 6: in a schematic top view, a stator pin between two stepped walls of a fixing mask; and Fig. 7: In a schematic top view, a stator pin between two pocket-shaped walls of a fixing mask.

[0044] In Fig. Figure 1 shows a section of an electric drive machine 4 with an HV terminal 14 in a spatial view, in which a fixing mask 1 is provided for fixing the connection pins 13. At the center of the illustration is a fixing mask 1, which serves to fix the stator pins 2. These stator pins 2 are shown as approximately vertical (i.e., axially extending) rods that protrude from the stator 3. A pin axis 27 is defined for the stator pins 2, which, in the illustrated embodiment, is aligned parallel to a rotation axis (not shown here) of the stator 3. The fixing mask 1 has several openings 6 through which the stator pins 2 are passed.

[0045] The fixing mask 1 comprises two parts: a stator-side sliding part 7 and a terminal-side sliding part 8. These two sliding parts 7 and 8 are movable relative to each other by means of a rail system 28 comprising several snap hooks 29 (here on the terminal-side sliding part 8) and several undercuts 31 (here on the stator-side sliding part 7). Above the fixing mask 1 is the HV terminal 14, by means of which the stator pins 2 are connected to high-voltage power electronics (not shown here). The fixing mask 1 ensures that the stator pins 2 and their electrical (and mechanical, welded) connections to the HV terminal 14 remain stable during operation and are not damaged by vibrations or mechanical stresses.

[0046] Additionally, an axial support 15 (for example, for resting on an end tip 16 of the remaining stator pins 2 not fixed by means of the fixing mask 1) is shown, which stabilizes the fixing mask 1 and thus the stator pins 2 and / or provides an axial stop for correct (axial) assembly. Furthermore, a snap hook 21 of a detent 20 for the two sliding parts 7, 8 is shown. This holds the two sliding parts 7, 8 in their relative position to each other and ensures secure fixing of the stator pins 2. In one embodiment, the snap hook 21 shown is designed as a multi-detent element, whereby several (discrete) relative positions ensure secure relative fixing.Preferably, the snap hook 21 shown (here a component of the stator-side sliding part 7) of the locking mechanism 20 is also designed as a bayonet fitting 22, which is first guided axially through a passage in the terminal-side sliding part 8 and then locks into place circumferentially or tangentially with the terminal-side sliding part 8. Before the snap hook 21 of the locking mechanism 20 is locked, a transport lock is preferably formed by means of the bayonet fitting 22, so that the disk 5 can be easily handled as a complete (i.e., pre-assembled) assembly.

[0047] Furthermore, it is indicated here that the drawn pin axis 27 is aligned (at least approximately) parallel to an optical line 23 for laser welding of the interconnection pins 13 to the HV terminal 14. The fixing mask 1 thus provides a shielding position for the components axially behind (i.e., on the stator side) the fixing mask 1 for a continuous laser beam.

[0048] In Fig. 2 shows a fixing mask 1 in axial top view, for example as in Fig. 1. It is used purely for better understanding and without excluding the general public, referring to the description of Fig. 1 Reference is made to this and only some special features of the embodiment shown are discussed here.

[0049] The fixing mask 1 has several openings 6, namely (purely optionally) a single opening for each stator pin 2, through which the stator pins 2 are passed during assembly. Each of the openings 6 comprises several walls 9, 10, 11, 12, which are each ramp-shaped. The terminal-side sliding part 8 comprises a (terminal-side) through-opening 25 with a first terminal-side wall 11 and a second terminal-side wall 12. The stator-side sliding part 7 comprises a (stator-side) through-opening 24 with a first stator-side wall 9 and a second stator-side wall 10. Together, these complementary walls 9, 10, 11, 12 form an overlap contour 26 in which a received (i.e., pin-axially projecting) stator pin 2 can be brought into force-transmitting contact by moving the two sliding parts 7, 8 relative to each other, i.e., into the fixing position.In the fixing position, the stator pins 2 are thus brought into force-transmitting contact and fixed, thereby reducing mechanical stress and vibrations, especially at the connection points to the HV terminal 14 (compare . Fig. 1) are reduced.

[0050] Previously in the assembly position, the stator-side through-openings 24 and the terminal-side through-openings 25 are aligned relative to each other in such a way that the stator pins 2 can be inserted with play relative to the walls 9, 10, 11, 12 into the overlap contour 26 which is enlarged in this state (compared to the fixing position).

[0051] The fixing position is secured by means of the snap hooks 21 of the locking mechanism 20. These are shown in the lower left of the illustration: a snap hook 21 of the stator-side sliding part 7, which also forms a bayonet lock 22 for securing it in the mounting position; and two radial-inner snap hooks 21 of the terminal-side sliding part 8, one at the row of radial-inner openings 6 and one at the row of radial-outer openings 6 for the stator pins 2. An undercut 32 is provided on the stator-side sliding part 7 for the terminal-side snap hooks 21, and a similar undercut (here concealed) is provided on the terminal-side sliding part 8 for the stator-side snap hook 21 of the locking mechanism 20.

[0052] The fixing mask 1 thus allows for easy and quick assembly, while at the same time ensuring high stability and reliability of the (e.g., welded) connection of the stator pins 2 in the fixing position.

[0053] In Fig. Figure 3 shows a top view of a section of a stator 3 with a fixing mask 1. The description is limited to the following for better understanding and without excluding general application: Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 Reference is made to this and only some special features of the embodiment shown are discussed here.

[0054] The sliding parts 7, 8 are designed such that they can be displaced relative to each other in a movement direction 19 guided along a circular path 18, so that in the (here shown) assembly position the stator pins 2 can be easily guided through a large overlap contour 26 of the openings 6. It can be seen here that the snap hooks 21 of the locking mechanism 20 are not yet guided behind the corresponding undercuts 32 of the locking mechanism 20. Preferably, the respective undercut 32 of the locking mechanism 20 is designed such that haptic feedback is generated before a transition from the assembly position to the fixing position. Here, this haptic feedback is (purely optionally) generated by means of a projection which must first be overcome by the respective snap hook 21 of the locking mechanism 20 by means of deflection before the fixing position is assumed. The projection then preferably has a corresponding length.Alternatively or additionally, a further undercut is provided by means of which the two sliding parts 7,8 are secured relative to each other in the mounting position by means of the snap hooks 21 of the locking mechanism 20.

[0055] In Fig. 4 is the stator 3 according to Fig. Figure 3 shows the fixing mask 1 in the fixing position. Here, the snap hooks 21 of the locking mechanism 20 are guided behind their respective corresponding undercuts 32, thus securing the fixing position. From the now reduced overlap contour 26, a force-transmitting contact is established via its walls 9, 10, 11, 12 to the respective stator pin 2, thus fixing it in place.

[0056] In Fig. Figure 5 shows a section view of a fixing mask 1 on a stator 3. This is purely for better understanding and without excluding generality, but refers to the description of... Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3 to Fig. 4 Reference is made to this section, and only some special features of the illustrated embodiment are discussed here. The section is, for example, radial at the stator-side snap hook 21 of the detent 20.

[0057] Radially outward (left in the illustration) a (terminal-side) snap hook 29 of the rail system 28 can be seen, by means of which the two sliding parts 7, 8 are axially secured to each other along a direction of movement 19 (compare for example Fig. 3 and Fig. 4) are movable relative to each other.

[0058] Here, the stator pins 2, designed as connection pins 13, are guided through the openings 6 along their (here purely optionally straight) pin axis 27. The other stator pins 2 of the stator winding, which are not to be connected to the HV terminal 14, have their end tips 16 here.

[0059] Here, a receiving recess 33 is provided (purely optionally) for some or all of these end tips 16, into which the respective end tips 16 are inserted and the fixing mask 1 can thus be supported. In one embodiment, axial contact is formed to create an axial support 15. In another embodiment, a gap is provided between one or more of the receiving recesses 33 (as shown here), with the respective receiving recess 33 being provided for lateral positioning (in the radial direction and / or in the circumferential direction with respect to the axis of rotation of the stator 3) and, if necessary, stabilization of the fixing mask 1.

[0060] Here (purely optionally) a radial-outer flange is formed by the stator-side sliding part 7, from which an axial contact is formed to create an axial support 15 to the stator lamination stack 34 and / or to a cooling jacket 17 of the stator 3.

[0061] In Fig. Figure 6 shows a schematic top view of a stator pin 2 between two stepped walls 9, 11 of a fixing mask 1 in its fixed position. It should be noted that the stator pin 2 is shown here with an insulating layer 35, which should not be damaged by the fixing mask 1 if possible.

[0062] The opening 6 for the stator pin 2 to be received and fixed is formed here by two walls 9, 11. The wall 11 (shown with a dash and dotted line) located at the top left of the illustration corresponds to the terminal-side sliding part 8, and the wall 9 (shown with a dashed line) located at the bottom right of the illustration corresponds to the stator-side sliding part 7. By sliding the two walls 9, 11 (with the sliding parts 7, 8) towards each other, the opening 6 is reduced in size, and a fixing force is exerted on the stator pin 2 from the fixing mask 1 via a fixing diagonal 30. The walls 9, 11 are each stepped, so that the stator pin 2 is received at an angle at the fixing diagonal 30.

[0063] In one embodiment, clearance is maintained in one direction (for example, radially and, in the illustration, vertically), while clearance in a direction perpendicular to this (corresponding, for example, to the tangential or circumferential direction and, in the illustration, horizontally) is eliminated as a result of the sliding together, and a force-transmitting contact is established. Alternatively, an interference fit or transition fit is formed in the first-mentioned direction, and thus (at least as a rule) a force-transmitting contact is also established.

[0064] In Fig. Figure 7 shows a schematic top view of a stator pin 2 between two pocket-shaped walls 9, 11 of a fixing mask 1 in its fixed position. The description is limited to the following for better understanding and without exclusion of the general principles. Fig. 1 Reference is made to this and only some special features of the embodiment shown are discussed here.

[0065] The opening 6 for the stator pin 2 to be received and fixed is formed here by six walls 9, 10, 11, 12, of which the walls 9, 10 (shown with dashed lines) on the left belong to the stator-side sliding part 7, and the walls 11, 12 (shown with dotted lines) on the right belong to the terminal-side sliding part 8. As the stator-side walls 9, 10 and the terminal-side walls 11, 12 are pushed towards each other along a (horizontal) direction of movement 19, the opening 6 is reduced in size. A fixing force from the fixing mask 1 is then exerted on the stator pin 2 in the fixed position shown. The walls 9, 10, 11, 12 are each formed in a pocket shape, so that the stator pin 2 is received at all its corners.

[0066] In one embodiment, a clearance is maintained in the transverse direction (vertical in the illustration), while the clearance in the direction of movement 19 (horizontal in the illustration) is eliminated as a result of the sliding together, thus establishing a force-transmitting contact. Alternatively, an interference fit or transition fit is formed in the transverse direction, and thus (at least as a rule) a force-transmitting contact is also established.

[0067] With the fixing mask proposed here, the stator pins are securely fixed during operation, and at the same time, assembly is not very complex. Reference symbol list 1 Fixing mask 2 stator pin 3 Stator 4 electric drive motor 5 slices 6 Opening 7 stator-side sliding part 8 terminal-side sliding part 9 first stator-side wall 10 second stator-side wall 11 first terminal-side wall 12 second terminal-side wall 13 Interlocking pin 14 HV terminal 15 Axial support 16 End tip 17 Cooling jacket 18 circular track 19 Direction of movement 20 Locking 21 snap hooks of the locking mechanism 22 Bayonet lock 23 optical line 24 stator-side through-hole 25 terminal-side through-hole 26 Overlap contour 27-pin axis 28 rail system 29 snap hooks of the rail system 30 Fixing diagonal 31 Undercut of the rail system 32 Undercut of the locking mechanism 33 Receiving trough 34 Stator lamination stack 35 Insulation layer QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2020 132 455 A1

[0003] DE 10 2023 121 319 A1

[0003]

Claims

[1] Fixing mask (1) for stator pins (2) of a stator (3) of an electric drive machine (4), wherein a disk (5) with at least one opening (6) for receiving and fixing stator pins (2) is provided, characterized by , that the disk (5) comprises two sliding parts (7, 8) which are displaceable relative to each other from a mounting position to a fixing position, while the stator pins (2) are received in the at least one opening (6), wherein the stator pins (2) can be inserted into the at least one opening (6) with play in the mounting position, wherein in the fixing position the stator pins (2) are brought into force-transmitting contact with at least one wall (9,10,11,12) and are thus fixed at least uni-axially. [2] Fixing mask (1) according to claim 1, wherein an opening (6) is provided for each stator pin (2). [3] Fixing mask (1) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein stator pins (2) designed exclusively as interconnection pins (13) for connecting to an HV terminal (14) can be fixed by means of the fixing mask (1). [4] Fixing mask (1) according to claim 3, wherein at least one of the sliding parts (7) has an axial support (15), wherein the axial support (15) is configured to bear against at least one of the following components of a stator (3) of an electric drive machine (4): - one or more of the end tips (16) of the stator pins (2); - on the cooling jacket (17) of the stator (3) of the electric drive motor (4); and - at the HV terminal (14) of the electric drive motor (4). [5] Fixing mask (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sliding parts (7, 8) of the disk (5) are displaceable relative to each other along a circular path (18). [6] Fixing mask (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sliding parts (7, 8) are connected to each other in such a way that they are displaceable relative to each other exclusively along a single direction of movement (19), preferably along a circular path (18), between the mounting position and the fixing position, wherein preferably the two sliding parts (7, 8) are clipped together. [7] Fixing mask (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sliding parts (7, 8) are blocked against movement in the direction out of the fixing position by means of a detent (20), wherein preferably the detent (20) is formed by at least: - a snap hook (21); - a bayonet fitting (22); and / or - a multi-grip element. [8] Fixing mask (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sliding parts (7, 8) have mutually corresponding walls (9, 10, 11, 12) for force-transmitting contact with one of the stator pins (2) in the fixing position, wherein at least one, preferably all, of the walls (9, 10, 11, 12) is formed as follows: - ramp-shaped; - tiered; or - pocket-shaped. [9] Fixing mask (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one, preferably both, of the sliding parts (7, 8) is a one-piece injection molded element. [10] Fixing mask (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fixing mask (1) is arranged such that material of the fixing mask (1) is arranged in an optical line (23) in front of the remaining stator (3) for shielding purposes for an on-top laser welding.