ENGINE ASSEMBLY WITH ENDFRAME COOLING SYSTEM

Abstract

A motor assembly is provided, comprising a housing and a mounting bracket attached to one end of the housing. The mounting bracket and the housing form a first chamber. The motor assembly also includes a motor located within the first chamber and a heat sink housing attached to the housing opposite the mounting bracket. The heat sink housing includes several heat sink protrusions arranged within the heat sink housing. Additionally, the motor assembly includes a cover positioned adjacent to the heat sink housing opposite the mounting bracket, the cover defining a second chamber. The motor assembly also includes a shaft connected to the motor, extending axially through the heat sink housing and the second chamber.Furthermore, the motor assembly includes a fan connected to the shaft, which is positioned within the second space between the cover and the several heat sink protrusions arranged within the heat sink housing.

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] The scope of the disclosure relates generally to an engine assembly and in particular to an engine assembly with an end frame cooling system.

[0002] At least some well-known electric motor assemblies include various components that generate heat during operation, as well as fans to cool these components. However, directing the airflow with sufficient volume to a desired location relative to the electric motor assembly can be challenging. Typical electric motor assemblies use components to help direct the airflow to the desired location. However, these additional components necessitate a larger assembly and increase costs. Therefore, there is a need for a simplified electric motor assembly that effectively directs the airflow to the desired location.

[0003] This background section aims to familiarize the reader with various aspects of the technology that may be related to different aspects of the present disclosure described and / or claimed below. This discussion is intended to provide the reader with supporting information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it should be noted that these statements are to be understood in this sense and not as an endorsement of the prior art. SHORT DESCRIPTION

[0004] In one aspect, a motor assembly is provided, comprising a housing and a bracket attached to one end of the housing. The bracket and housing form a first space, hereinafter also referred to as a compartment or section. The motor assembly further comprises a motor located within the first space and a heat sink housing attached to the housing opposite the bracket. The heat sink housing includes a plurality of heat sink protrusions arranged within the heat sink housing and configured to receive the airflow surrounding the housing. Additionally, the motor assembly includes a cover positioned adjacent to the heat sink housing opposite the bracket, the cover defining a second space. The motor assembly also includes a shaft connected to the motor and configured to rotate about an axis.The shaft extends axially through the heatsink housing and the second chamber defined by the cover. The motor assembly also includes a fan coupled to the shaft, located within the second chamber between the cover and the multiple heatsink protrusions arranged within the heatsink housing. The fan is configured to draw airflow from the multiple heatsink protrusions.

[0005] In another aspect, a motor assembly is provided, comprising a housing that defines a first space, a mounting bracket coupled to one end of the housing, and a motor positioned within the first space. The motor assembly also includes a heat sink housing coupled to the housing opposite the mounting bracket. The heat sink housing includes several heat sink protrusions arranged within it, configured to capture the airflow surrounding the housing. The motor assembly further includes a cover located adjacent to the heat sink housing opposite the mounting bracket, the cover defining a second space. Additionally, the motor assembly includes a fan located within the second space between the cover and the plurality of heat sink protrusions arranged within the heat sink housing.The fan is configured to draw in an airflow from the multitude of heatsink protrusions.

[0006] In a further aspect, a method for operating a motor assembly is provided, wherein the motor assembly comprises a housing defining a first chamber, a mounting bracket coupled to one end of the housing, a motor arranged within the first chamber, and a heat sink housing coupled to the housing opposite the mounting bracket. The heat sink housing includes several heat sink protrusions arranged within the heat sink housing. The motor assembly also includes a cover positioned next to the heat sink housing opposite the mounting bracket, the cover defining a second chamber.The motor assembly also includes a shaft connected to the motor, extending axially through the heat sink housing and the second compartment defined by the cover, and a fan connected to the shaft, positioned within the second compartment between the cover and the multiple heat sink protrusions arranged within the heat sink housing. The operating method comprises drawing airflow from outside the motor assembly through the plurality of heat sink protrusions contained within the heat sink housing and directing the airflow from the plurality of heat sink protrusions to the fan, which is positioned within the second compartment defined by the cover. The method also includes circulating the airflow within the second compartment of the cover based on rotation of the fan and directing the airflow from the second compartment of the cover to an exterior surface of the housing.

[0007] As used here, “ein”, “eine” and “das” refer to both singular and plural references, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0008] As used herein, the term "approximately" refers to a measurable value such as a parameter, a quantity, a duration, and the like, and is intended to denote deviations of + / - 15% or less, preferably deviations of + / - 10% or less, more preferably deviations of + / - 5% or less, more preferably deviations of + / - 1% or less, and more preferably deviations of + / - 0.1% or less from the specifically stated value, insofar as such deviations are suitable for carrying out the one or more embodiments of the disclosure described herein. Furthermore, it is also to be understood that the value to which the modifier "approximately" refers is itself specifically disclosed herein.

[0009] As used here, spatially relative terms such as "under," "below," "below," "above," "above," "front," "back," "sideways," "left," "right," "behind," "above," "below," and the like are used to simplify the description and to describe the relationship of one element or feature to one or more other elements or features. It is further understood that the terms "front," "back," "left," and "right" are not meant to be restrictive and may be used interchangeably. Furthermore, it should be noted that the terms "first," "second," and the like do not denote any order, quantity, or relative importance, but rather serve to distinguish one element from another.

[0010] As used herein, the terms “include”, “comprehensive” and the like denote the presence of the specified features, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and / or groups thereof.

[0011] As used herein, the terms “configure”, “configuration” and the like refer to the capability of a component and / or assembly, but do not preclude the presence or addition of other capabilities, features, components, elements, operations and any combination thereof.

[0012] All areas disclosed herein include the endpoints, and the endpoints are independently combinable with one another. Each area disclosed herein constitutes a disclosure of every point or sub-area that lies within the disclosed area.

[0013] All methods described herein may be carried out in any suitable order unless otherwise specified herein or clearly contradicted by the context. The use of examples or illustrative phrases (e.g., "as") serves only to better illustrate the embodiments of the disclosure and does not constitute a limitation of the scope of the disclosure or of any embodiment, unless otherwise claimed.

[0014] Any combination or permutation of features, functions, and / or embodiments as disclosed herein is provided for. Further advantageous features, functions, and applications of the disclosed systems, methods, and arrangements of this disclosure will become apparent from the following description, especially when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. All references cited in this disclosure are hereby incorporated in their entirety by reference. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Features and aspects of embodiments are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the elements are not necessarily shown to scale. Corresponding reference numerals denote corresponding parts in the various views of the drawings.

[0016] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are further described with reference to the accompanying figures. It should be noted that the various features, steps, and combinations of features / steps described below and illustrated in the figures can be arranged and organized differently to obtain embodiments that are still within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0017] To facilitate the manufacture and use of the disclosed assemblies and systems for experts in this field, reference is made to the accompanying figures, which: Fig. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an exemplary engine assembly with a cooling system; Fig. 2 a cross-sectional view of the in Fig. The motor assembly shown in 1 is; Fig. 3 a partially exploded perspective view of the in Fig. The motor assembly shown in 1 is; Fig. Figure 4 shows an exploded view of a heat sink housing and a heat sink cover, which is shown in Fig. The motor assembly shown in section 1 can be used; Fig. Figure 5 is a partially exploded perspective view of the cooling system of the [unclear text]. Fig. 1 shown engine assembly; Fig. Figure 6 is a perspective view of a fan and a cover of the cooling system, which is shown in Fig. The motor assembly shown in section 1 can be used; Fig. 7 is a subpage view of the in Fig. 1 shown engine assembly; Fig. Figure 8 is a perspective view of another exemplary engine assembly with a cooling system. Fig. Figure 9 is a partially disassembled perspective view of the in Fig. 8 shown engine assembly. Fig. Figure 10 is a perspective view of a fan and a cover of the cooling system, which is shown in Fig. The motor assembly shown in section 8 can be used; Fig. 11 is a subpage view of the in Fig. 8 engine assembly shown; Fig. Figure 12 is a perspective view of another exemplary engine assembly with a cooling system; Fig. 13 is a partially disassembled rear view of the in Fig. 12 shown engine assembly; Fig. 14 is a partially exploded front view of the in Fig. 12 shown engine assembly; Fig. Figure 15 is a perspective view of another exemplary engine assembly with a cooling system and a fan motor; and Fig. 16 is a partially exploded perspective view of the in Fig. 15 shown engine assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary engine assembly 10 and Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the in Fig. 1 depicted engine assembly 10. Fig. 3 is a partial exploded view of the in Fig. Figure 1 shows the motor assembly 10. In an exemplary embodiment, the motor assembly 10 comprises a housing 12 connected to a mounting bracket 14. The housing 12, the mounting bracket 14, and the intermediate housing 24 together form a cavity. The housing cavity is referred to as the first compartment or chamber 16. The first compartment 16 is dimensioned and shaped such that it can accommodate at least a portion of a motor 18. That is, at least a portion of the motor 18 of the motor assembly 10 is positioned within the first compartment 16. The motor 18 comprises a rotor 20 and a stator 22 surrounding the rotor 20. In the exemplary embodiment, the rotor 20 and the stator 22 are positioned within the housing 12 and / or the first compartment 16 of the motor assembly 10.

[0019] An intermediate housing 24 is positioned near the motor 18 and connected to the housing 12. The intermediate housing 24 is attached to at least one of the elements, housing 12 and / or heat sink housing 102, as described herein. The intermediate housing 24 can be attached to the housing 12 and / or the heat sink housing 102 either directly or indirectly by means of fasteners, fixings, adhesives, and combinations thereof. However, it is understood that alternative fastening methods may be used without departing from the spirit / scope of this disclosure. The intermediate housing 24 and the heat sink housing 102 define a cavity 26 which can accommodate and / or contain additional components of the motor assembly 10, including, but not limited to, electrical control components, electrical connections, wires, and the like.

[0020] In the exemplary embodiment, at least a portion of a shaft 28 extends through the intermediate housing 24. More precisely, the shaft 28 of the motor 18 extends through axially aligned openings provided in the mounting bracket 14, the rotor 20, the stator 22, and the intermediate housing 24. The motor assembly 10 defines an axis A1 that extends through the entire assembly 10 via the aligned openings in the bracket 14, the rotor 20, the stator 22, and the intermediate housing 24. The shaft 28 is aligned with the axis A1. As explained herein, the shaft 28 of the motor 18 also extends through various parts or components of an end-frame cooling system 100 (e.g., heat sink housing 102, cover 106, heat sink cover 110, etc.).

[0021] The motor assembly 10 also includes an end-frame cooling system 100. The end-frame cooling system 100 (hereinafter referred to as "cooling system 100") is formed or positioned at one end 30 of the motor assembly 10 opposite the support 14. In an exemplary embodiment, the cooling system 100 includes a heat sink housing 102. The heat sink housing 102 is connected to the motor assembly 10. More precisely, the heat sink housing 102 is connected to the intermediate housing 24, such that the intermediate housing 24 is arranged or positioned between the housing 12 and the heat sink housing 102. In one embodiment, the heat sink housing 102 is detachably and / or removablely connected to the housing 12 and / or the intermediate housing 24 of the motor assembly 10 using a suitable connection component and / or technique. For example, the heat sink housing 102 can be detachably connected to the housing 12 and / or the intermediate housing 24 using screws and nuts. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, and in combination with the intermediate housing 24, the heat sink housing 102 defines a cavity 26 within the motor assembly 10. As explained herein, the heat sink housing 102 comprises a plurality of heat sink projections 104 arranged within the heat sink housing 102 and configured to receive the airflow surrounding the heat sink housing 102 for cooling the motor assembly 10.

[0022] The cooling system 100 also includes a cover 106, which is arranged next to the heat sink housing 102. In the exemplary embodiment, the cover 106 is arranged next to the heat sink housing 102 at the end 30 of the motor assembly 10 opposite the mounting bracket 14. In the exemplary embodiment, the cover 106 is detachably connected directly to the heat sink housing 102 using a suitable connecting component and / or connection technology. With reference to the Fig. As described herein, two opposing side walls of the cover 106 may be adjacent, substantially parallel to, and / or extend at least partially around at least one section of the heat sink housing 102, the housing 12, and / or the intermediate housing 24 to facilitate the supply of airflow to the housing 12. The various parts (e.g., side walls, end wall, etc.) of the cover 106 together form a cavity. The cavity of the cover is referred to as the second compartment or space 108. The second compartment 108 is dimensioned and shaped to accommodate various components of the cooling system 100. For example, as described herein, the second compartment 108 is dimensioned and / or shaped to accommodate a fan 112 of the cooling system 100.

[0023] A heat sink cover 110 is detachably connected to the heat sink housing 102 of the motor assembly 10. As shown, the heat sink cover 110 is arranged and / or positioned between the heat sink housing 102 and the cover 106 of the cooling system 100. As explained herein, the heat sink cover 110 includes an inlet to expose the plurality of heat sink projections 104 to the airflow surrounding the motor assembly 10, in order to facilitate cooling of the heat sink projections 104 and the housing 12. In one embodiment, the second compartment 108 of the cooling system 100 is defined by the heat sink cover 110, the heat sink housing 102, and the cover 106. Additionally, as shown and described herein, both the heat sink housing 102 and the heat sink cover 110 can have an opening, a recess, and / or a aperture to accommodate at least a portion of the shaft 28.Thus, the shaft 28 extends axially through the cooling sink housing 102, the cooling sink cover 110 and into the second compartment 108, which is defined at least partially by the cover 106.

[0024] The cooling system 100, located at end 30 of the motor assembly 10, also includes a fan 112. The fan 112 is coupled to the shaft 28. More precisely, the fan 112 is coupled to a section or end of the shaft 28 that is positioned within or extends into the second compartment 108. Thus, the fan 112 is also positioned within the second compartment 108, which is defined at least partially by the cover 106, and is located next to and / or between the cover 106 and the heat sink cover 110. The fan 112 is also located between the cover 106 and the multiple heat sink projections 104, which are arranged within the heat sink housing 102. In the exemplary embodiment, the heat sink cover 110 is located between the multiple heat sink projections 104 of the heat sink housing 102 and the fan 112, separating them from each other.The fan 112 of the cooling system 100 is configured to draw in an airflow from the multiple heat sink protrusions 104 and then direct the airflow towards the housing 12 of the motor assembly 10.

[0025] The motor assembly 10 also includes a terminal box 32. The terminal box 32 comprises a base 34, which is connected to the heat sink housing 102, and a cover 36, which is detachably connected to the base 34. The base 34 and the cover 36 define an interior 38 in which several electrical control components are housed. Additionally, and as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the inner compartment 38 of the terminal box 32 can be connected to and / or accessible through the cavity 26, which is defined by the intermediate housing 24 and the heat sink housing 102.

[0026] Fig. Figure 4 is a partial exploded view of the heat sink housing 102 and the heat sink cover 110 of the cooling system 100 for the motor assembly 10 from the Fig. 1-3, and Fig. Figure 5 is a partial exploded view of the cooling system 100 of the engine assembly 10 from the Fig. 1-3. Additionally, Fig. 6 a perspective view of the cover 106 and the fan 112 of the cooling system 100 for the motor assembly 10 from the Fig. 1-3 and Fig. 7 a bottom view of the engine assembly 10 from the Fig. 1-3. It is understood that similarly numbered and / or named components can function essentially the same way. For the sake of clarity, a redundant explanation of these components has been omitted.

[0027] The heat sink housing 102 includes several heat sink projections 104. The multiple heat sink projections 104 extend from a surface 116 of the heat sink housing 102. In the non-restrictive example, the multiple heat sink projections 104 are configured as multiple parallel fins 118 extending substantially perpendicularly from the surface 116 of the heat sink housing 102. Each of the multiple parallel fins 118 forming the multiple heat sink projections 104 is separated from adjacent fins 118 by a gap 120. The gap 120 allows the airflow surrounding the motor assembly 10 to flow through and / or between each of the multiple parallel fins 118 forming the multiple heat sink projections 104.In the non-restrictive example, the multiple heat sink projections 104 are formed on a lower section of the heat sink housing 102, wherein the heat sink housing 102 has a through-section 122 between the interior 38 of the terminal box 32 (see . Fig. 2) and the cavity 26 defined by the intermediate housing 24 and the heat sink housing 102. As explained herein, the multiple heat sink protrusions 104 are exposed during operation to the airflow surrounding the heat sink housing 102 adjacent to a lower section 124 of the heat sink housing 102 in order to receive the airflow (AF).

[0028] The heat sink housing 102 also includes an opening 126 that extends through the heat sink housing 102. More precisely, the opening 126 extends through the heat sink housing 102 and is essentially surrounded by the plurality of heat sink projections 104. The opening 126 is axially aligned with the shaft 28 and configured to accommodate a portion of the shaft 28 and / or allow the shaft 28 to pass through it. In the exemplary embodiment, the opening 126 of the heat sink housing 102 supports the shaft 28 of the motor 18 and facilitates the rotation of the shaft 28 during operation.

[0029] The heat sink housing 102 also comprises substantially curved side walls 128, which in one embodiment correlate with, correspond to, and / or are substantially similar (e.g., concentric) to the curvature of the outer surface 40 of the housing 12. As explained herein, air (AF) flows over the side walls 128 of the heat sink housing 102 to flow, interact with, and / or contact the outer surface 40 and / or the plurality of fins 42 formed on the outer surface 40 of the housing 12 during operation of the motor assembly 10.

[0030] In the exemplary embodiment, the heat sink cover 110 comprises opposing side walls 130, which are positioned directly next to the heat sink housing 102. More precisely, and with reference to Fig. 5. The opposing side walls 130 are positioned directly adjacent to the curved side walls 128 of the heat sink housing 102 and can abut them. Additionally, as shown, the opposing side walls 130 of the heat sink cover 110 are substantially curved. The curvature of the opposing side walls 130 of the heat sink cover 110 can correlate with, coincide with, and / or be substantially similar (e.g., concentric) to the curvature of the curved side walls 128 of the heat sink housing 102.

[0031] The heat sink cover 110 also includes a wall section 132 that extends between the opposing side walls 130. The wall section 132 is positioned directly next to the multiple heat sink protrusions 104 and / or between the multiple heat sink protrusions 104 and the fan 112 when the heat sink cover 110 is connected to the heat sink housing 102 (see Fig. 5) In the exemplary embodiment, the wall section 132 of the heat sink cover 110 is designed, dimensioned, and / or shaped such that it is axially aligned with, covers, and / or surrounds the multiple heat sink projections 104. Additionally, the wall section 132 may also contact and / or abut the passage section 122 of the heat sink housing 102. As explained herein, the wall section 132 of the heat sink cover 110 covers or surrounds the plurality of heat sink projections 104 to ensure that the airflow passes through the plurality of heat sink projections 104 and / or the plurality of parallel fins 118 (e.g., between the gaps 120) before flowing to the fan 112 of the cooling system 100.

[0032] As in the Fig. 4 and Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the cover 110 also includes a recess 134 formed in the wall section 132. In the exemplary embodiment, the recess 134 is formed in and / or through the wall section 132 of the heat sink cover 110. The recess 134 allows the shaft 28 to pass through the heat sink cover 110 and extend into the second compartment 108 defined by the cover 106. Additionally, the recess 134 formed in the wall section 132 of the cover 110 facilitates and / or enables fluid communication between the plurality of heat sink projections 104 and the fan 112 during operation. In particular, the wall section 132 ensures that air flows between the multiple projections 104 and / or within the spaces 120 formed between the multiple parallel fins 118.Additionally, the recess 134 allows the airflow that previously flowed over the multiple heat sink projections 104 to subsequently flow to the fan 112. In the exemplary embodiment, the recess 134 is axially aligned with the shaft 28 and the center of the fan 112 in order to provide, supply, and / or allow an airflow (AF) from the multiple heat sink projections 104 to the center of the fan 112 of the cooling system 100.

[0033] With brief reference to Fig. 7 and with continued reference to the Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 The heat sink cover 110 also includes an inlet 136, which is defined by opposing side walls 130 and a wall section 132. In a non-restrictive example, the inlet 136 is a gap, a cavity, and / or a break in the heat sink cover 110 that allows air to flow to the multiple heat sink projections 104. The inlet 136 can be located adjacent to the bottom section 124 of the heat sink housing 102 to expose at least a portion of the multiple heat sink projections 104.

[0034] Back to the Fig. 4 and Fig. 5: The cooling system 100 comprises several guide vanes 138. The several guide vanes 138 help to direct the airflow from the fan 112 to the housing 12. In the exemplary embodiment, the several guide vanes 138 are integrally formed with and / or connected to the heat sink cover 110. More precisely, the several guide vanes 138 are arranged circumferentially over at least a portion of the curved, opposing side walls 130 of the heat sink cover 110. In addition, the several guide vanes 138 shown can extend axially beyond the heat sink cover 110 and contact and / or be arranged above a section of the side walls 128 of the heat sink housing 102. During operation, the cover 106 of the cooling system 100 can cover and / or contact substantially any of the several guide vanes 138 formed on the heat sink cover 110.

[0035] The fan 112 of the cooling system 100 is arranged between the cover 106 and the several heat sink projections 104, which are located inside the heat sink housing 102. The fan 112 is also rotatably coupled to the shaft 28. As shown in the Fig. 5 and Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the fan 112 includes a shaft opening 140 for receiving the shaft 28. The shaft opening 140 is axially aligned with the shaft 28 within the motor assembly 10. During operation, the fan 112 of the cooling system 100 rotates within the second compartment 108 as the shaft 28 of the motor 18 rotates. As explained herein, the rotation of the fan 112 draws or induces an airflow (AF) from the plurality of heat sink projections 104 and directs the airflow through the cover 106 and toward the housing 12.

[0036] The fan 112 also comprises several blades 142 extending radially from the shaft opening 140. Additionally, the multiple blades 142 are positioned radially and / or extend radially from the axis (A1) along which the shaft 28 of the motor 18 rotates within the motor assembly 10. The number of blades and / or the airfoil shape of the plurality of blades 142 are shown as examples. Therefore, the fan 112 may have more or fewer blades than shown and / or airfoil shapes or curvatures other than those shown to facilitate the airflow (AF) through the cooling system 100 to the housing 12.

[0037] As shown, the fan 112 also includes a fan cover 144. The fan cover 144 is connected to each of the multiple blades 142 of the fan 112. That is, each of the multiple blades 142 of the fan 112 is connected to and / or attached to the fan cover 144. Additionally, the fan cover 144 is aligned concentrically with the shaft opening 140 and / or with the axis (A1) of the motor assembly 10. In the exemplary embodiment, the fan cover 144 is a solid element that extends radially and circumferentially outward from the shaft opening 140 to the tips 146 of each blade of the multiple blades 142. In other non-limiting examples, the fan cover 144 may have an opening extending through it (see, for example, Figure 1). Fig. 9) As shown, the fan 112 within the cooling system 100 is oriented such that the fan shroud 144 is positioned between the multiple blades 142 and the shroud 106. More precisely, the fan blades 142 are positioned directly next to the heatsink cover 110, so that the fan blades 142 are positioned between the heatsink cover 110 and the fan shroud 144. In addition, part of the multiple blades 142 extends radially beyond the outer circumference 148 of the fan shroud 144. That is, the tips 146 of each blade 142 extend radially beyond the outer circumference 148 of the fan shroud 144.

[0038] As shown here, the cover 106 is positioned opposite the bracket 14 and connected to the heat sink housing 102 to form a second compartment 108. The cover 106 includes an end wall 150, which is positioned next to the fan 112. The end wall 150 is formed opposite the bracket 14 of the motor assembly 10 and / or next to the end 30 of the motor assembly 10. The cover 106 also includes two opposing side walls 152, which extend from the end wall 150 to the housing 12. As shown in Fig. 5 shown and briefly on Fig. Returning to section 1, the side walls 152 of the cover 106 are adjacent to and / or substantially surround the fan 112, the heat sink cover 110, the heat sink housing 102, and / or the intermediate housing 24. In the exemplary embodiment, the multiple guide vanes 138 are formed on opposite side walls 130 of the heat sink cover 110, and the side walls 152 of the cover 106 also extend adjacent to and / or substantially surround the multiple guide vanes 138. As explained herein, the multiple guide vanes 138 and side walls 152 of the cover 106 facilitate the airflow (AF) from the cover 106 to the housing 12 of the motor assembly 10.

[0039] The cover 106 also comprises an upper wall 154 and a lower wall 156. The upper wall 154 extends towards the heat sink housing 102, contacts it, and / or is connected to it above the fan 112. In the exemplary embodiment, the upper wall 154 contacts the passage section 122 of the heat sink housing 102 and / or is directly connected to it. Additionally, the upper wall 154 covers and / or surrounds at least a portion of the fan 112. The lower wall 156 extends from the end wall 150 towards the heat sink housing 102 and is located below the fan 112. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the bottom wall 156 of the cover 106 extends towards the housing 102, but does not obstruct the inlet 136 of the heat sink cover 110 and does not cover or obstruct the multiple heat sink protrusions 104 contained in the heat sink housing 102. Thus, the multiple heat sink protrusions 104 adjacent to the bottom wall 156 of the cover 106 are exposed to facilitate airflow through the multiple heat sink protrusions 104 during operation.

[0040] Back to Fig. 5: The airflow path (AF) is shown using reference arrows (AF1-AF4). As explained herein, the airflow surrounds the motor assembly 10 and is used by the cooling system 100 to cool both the heat sink housing 102 with the multiple heat sink protrusions 104 and the housing 12 containing the motor 18. Initially, the airflow passes through the plurality of heat sink projections 104 of the cooling system 100 and flows under the motor assembly 10 and / or flows radially (upwards) through the exposed plurality of heat sink projections 104 from the lower section 124 of the heat sink housing 102. As the airflow (AF1) passes through the multiple heat sink projections 104 and, in particular, through the spaces 120 formed between the multiple parallel fins 118, the heat sink housing 102 and / or the multiple heat sink projections 104 are cooled.

[0041] The airflow is then supplied to the fan 112 of the cooling system 100. In the exemplary embodiment, the airflow (AF2) flows from the multiple heat sink projections 104 through the recess 134 formed in the heat sink cover 110 and is directed axially towards the center of the fan 112 (e.g., to the shaft opening 140), which is positioned within the second compartment 108 defined by the cover 106. Since the fan 112 rotates with the shaft 28, the airflow (AF2) can also be induced and / or drawn into the fan 112 through the recess 134 and / or from the multiple heat sink projections 104. As explained herein, the wall section 132 of the heat sink cover 110 ensures that the airflow (AF1) does not flow prematurely to the fan 112 and / or that the plurality of heat sink protrusions 104 is exposed to the airflow (AF1) before the airflow (AF2) is supplied to the fan 112 of the cooling system 100.

[0042] The airflow (AF3) circulates within the second compartment 108 due to the rotation of the fan 112, which moves and / or circulates the airflow (AF3) within the second compartment 108, defined by the cover 106. The cover 106 and the heat sink cover 110 prevent the airflow (AF3) from circulating back into the heat sink housing 102 via the recess 134 formed in the heat sink cover 110. As explained herein, the airflow (AF2) is directed through the recess 134 to the center of the fan 112, and the rotation of the fan 112 causes the airflow (AF3) to move in the direction of rotation of the fan 112 and / or radially outward toward the tips 146 of each of the multiple blades 142 of the fan 112.

[0043] After circulation within the second compartment 108 defined by the cover 106, the airflow (AF4) is directed from the second compartment 108 to the outer surface 40 and / or to the louvers 42 of the housing 12. In the exemplary embodiment, the airflow (AF4) moves along the side walls 152 of the cover 106 and / or is supplied along them. The side walls 152 of the cover 106 direct the airflow (AF4) towards the outer surface 40 and / or the fins 42 of the housing 12 for the motor assembly 10. Additionally, and as explained herein, the multiple guide vanes 138, arranged above the heat sink cover 110 and / or positioned between the heat sink cover 110 and the side walls 152 of the cover 106, further direct, supply and / or facilitate the movement of the airflow (AF4) towards the housing 12.The airflow (AF4) that reaches the housing 12, comes into contact with it and / or flows over it, cools the housing 12 and thus also the first compartment 16 and / or the motor 18 arranged therein.

[0044] The Fig. Figures 8-11 show another, non-restrictive example of a 10A motor assembly with a 100A cooling system. More precisely, they show Fig. 8 a perspective view of the motor assembly 10A with cooling system 100A. Fig. Figure 9 shows a partial exploded view of the cooling system 100A for the [unclear text]. Fig. 8 Motor assembly 10A shown, Fig. Figure 10 shows a perspective view of the cover 106A and the fan 112A of the cooling system 100A and Fig. Figure 11 shows a bottom view of the Fig. Motor assembly 10A is shown in Figure 8. It is understood that similarly numbered and / or named components can function in essentially the same way. For the sake of clarity, a redundant explanation of these components has been omitted.

[0045] The in the Fig. Motor assembly 10A shown in Figures 8-11 includes a cooling system 100A with different configurations and / or features. For example, the cover 106A includes two opposing side walls 152A that extend toward the housing 12A and cover and / or surround only a portion of the heat sink housing 102A. Compared to the side walls 152 of the motor assembly shown herein and in relation to the Fig. The opposite side walls 152A of the cover discussed in 1-7 extend into the Fig. The cover 106A shown in 8-11 extends only to the extent that it covers and / or surrounds part of the heat sink housing 102A near the intermediate housing 24A.

[0046] As in the Fig. As shown in Figures 8-10, two opposing side walls 152A of the cover 106A also have a curvature and / or a curved profile. In this embodiment, the curvature of the opposing side walls 152A can correlate with, coincide with, and / or be substantially similar (e.g., concentric) to the curvature in the side walls 128A of the heat sink housing 102A, the intermediate housing 24A, and / or the outer surface 40A of the housing 12A for the motor assembly 10A. As also discussed herein, the curvature of the opposing side walls 152A and the channel formed between the side walls 152A and the portion of the heat sink housing 102A covered by the opposing side walls 152A facilitate the airflow from the cover 106A to the housing 12A during operation.

[0047] In relation to Fig. 9 excludes this embodiment the heat sink cover 110 (see e.g. Fig. 4 and Fig. 5) Instead, the fan 112A is located and / or positioned within the second compartment 108A directly next to the multiple heatsink protrusions 104A. However, as shown, the fan 112A is positioned within the cooling system 100A in a different orientation than shown in the Fig. embodiment shown in 1-7. In the embodiment shown in the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figures 8-10, the fan cover 144A is positioned directly adjacent to the plurality of heat sink projections 104A and / or between the plurality of heat sink projections 104A of the heat sink housing 102A and the plurality of blades 142A. Thus, the multiple blades 142A are positioned directly adjacent to the end wall 150A of the cover 106A. In this exemplary embodiment, the multiple blades 142A are arranged radially within the outer circumference 148A of the fan cover 144A. That is, the tips 146A of each blade 142A are arranged, aligned, and / or positioned radially within and / or adjacent to the outer circumference 148A of the fan cover 144A.

[0048] Additionally, the fan cover 144A, as shown, includes an opening 158A through its center, which is aligned concentrically with the shaft opening 140A of the fan 112A. The opening 158A is defined, at least partially, between the shaft opening 140A and an inner circumference 160A of the fan cover 144A. This is similar to the recess 134 of the heat sink cover 110 (see Fig. 4) The opening 158A formed in the center of the fan cover 144A allows airflow to the fan 112A during operation. More precisely, the fan cover 144A, which is positioned directly next to and / or aligned with the multiple heat sink protrusions 104A within the heat sink housing 102A, ensures that the multiple heat sink protrusions 104A receive the desired amount of air and / or that the airflow does not prematurely flow to the fan 112A – similar to the wall section 132 of the heat sink cover 110, which here refers to the Fig. 4 and Fig. As explained in section 5, the opening 158A allows the airflow that previously flowed over the multiple heat sink projections 104A to subsequently flow to the fan 112A. In this embodiment, the opening 158A is axially aligned with the shaft 28A and the center of the fan 112A in order to provide, supply, and / or direct an airflow (AF) from the multiple heat sink projections 104A through the opening 158A and towards the center of the fan 112A of the cooling system 100A.

[0049] In addition to the shortened, curved side walls 152A, the cover 106A also comprises a substantially curved upper wall 154A and / or a substantially curved lower wall 156A. In this embodiment, the curvature of the upper wall 154A and the lower wall 156A can correspond to the curvature of the fan 112A. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 10, the curvature or curved profile of the upper wall 154A and the lower wall 156A is substantially similar (e.g., concentric) to the curvature of the multiple blades 142A and / or the fan cover 144A of the fan 112A. Fig. As shown in Figure 10, the curvatures of the upper wall 154A, the lower wall 156A, and the fan cover 144A can form a minimum gap (G) between the curved upper wall 154A / curved lower wall 156A and the fan cover 144A. The minimum gap (G) between the curved upper wall 154A and / or the curved lower wall 156A and the fan cover 144A prevents unwanted backflow or backflow of air (AF) from entering the heat sink housing 102.

[0050] Back to Fig. 9: The heat sink housing 102A also includes the multiple guide vanes 138A (shown as dashed lines). As shown, the multiple guide vanes 138A are positioned and / or formed directly on the curved side wall 128A of the heat sink housing 102A. In the non-restrictive example, the curved opposing side walls 152A of the cover 106A substantially cover and / or surround the multiple guide vanes 138A during operation. As also explained herein, during operation the multiple guide vanes 138A assist in guiding and / or flowing the airflow from the cover 106A to the outer surface 40A and / or to the vanes 42A of the housing 12A.

[0051] Additionally, the multiple heat sink protrusions 104A within the heat sink housing 102A are configured as multiple pins 162A extending from the surface 116A of the heat sink housing 102A. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 9, the multiple parallel pins 162A extend substantially perpendicularly from the surface 116A of the heat sink housing 102A. Each of the multiple parallel pins 162A, which form the multiple heat sink protrusions 104A, is separated from adjacent fins 118A to allow air to flow through and / or between each of the multiple parallel pins 162A to cool the heat sink housing 102A.

[0052] The Fig. Figures 12 to 14 show another embodiment of the motor assembly 10B with cooling system 100B. More precisely, it shows Fig. 12 a perspective view of the motor assembly 10B with cooling system 100B, Fig. Figure 13 shows a partially exploded rear view of the 100B cooling system for the [unclear text] Fig. 12 shown engine assembly 10B and Fig. Figure 14 shows a partially exploded front view of the 100B cooling system for the [unclear text] Fig. 12 Motor assembly 10B shown.

[0053] In this embodiment, the motor assembly 10B does not include a terminal box 32B located above and connected to the heat sink housing 102B. Thus, the multiple heat sink projections 104B contained within the heat sink housing 102B are exposed above and below the motor assembly 10B. More precisely, an upper section 164B and a lower section 124B of the heat sink housing 102B can expose a portion of the multiple heat sink projections 104B. By accommodating the plurality of heat sink projections 104B exposed in both the upper section 164B and the lower section 124B of the heat sink housing 102B, the volume of air (AF1) flowing into the heat sink projections 104B can be increased. With regard to Fig. 13 The heat sink housing 102B also lacks a through-section 122 (see Fig. 5) In this embodiment, the multiple heat sink projections 104B, which extend between the upper section 164B and the lower section 124B of the heat sink housing 102B, can also substantially surround the shaft 28B, which extends into the second compartment 108B defined by the cover 106B.

[0054] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 14, the multiple guide vanes 138B (shown with dashed lines) are positioned on an inner surface of the opposing side walls 152B of the cover 106B. In this embodiment, the multiple guide vanes 138B are arranged during operation between the curved opposing side walls 152B of the cover 106B and the curved side walls 128B of the heat sink housing 102B. As also explained herein, during operation the multiple guide vanes 138B assist in guiding and / or flowing the airflow from the cover 106B to the outer surface 40B and / or to the fins 42B of the housing 12B.

[0055] The Fig. 15 and Fig. Figure 16 shows another embodiment of the motor assembly 10C with cooling system 100C. Fig. Figure 15 shows a perspective view of the engine assembly 10C and Fig. Figure 16 shows a partially exploded perspective view of motor assembly 10C. It is understood that similarly numbered and / or named components may function in essentially the same way. Redundant explanations of these components have been omitted for clarity.

[0056] As in the Fig. 15 and Fig. As shown in Figure 16, the motor assembly 10C comprises a motor 18C with a shaft 28C, as well as a separate fan motor 166C and a separate fan shaft 168C coupled to the fan motor 166C. As described herein, the fan motor 166C and the fan shaft 168C can drive and / or rotate the fan 112C of the cooling system 100C independently of the motor 18C and the shaft 28C. As shown, the fan motor 166C is coupled to and / or adjacent to the end face 150C of the cover 106C for the cooling system 100C. The fan motor 166C can comprise any suitable motor structure or assembly configured to rotate the fan shaft 168C and, consequently, the fan 112C coupled to the fan shaft 168C. For example, the 166C fan motor can include a rotor and a stator surrounding the rotor.

[0057] Additionally, the fan 112C is coupled to a section or end of the fan shaft 168C, which is positioned within or extends into the second compartment 108C. The fan shaft 168C extends into the second compartment 108C, defined by the cover 106C, and also extends through and / or is received by an opening 170C formed in the end wall 150C of the cover 106C to be coupled to the fan motor 166C. Thus, the fan 112C is also positioned within the second compartment 108C, which is at least partially defined by the cover 106C, and is adjacent to and / or positioned between the cover 106C and the heat sink housing 102C, which includes the plurality of heat sink projections 104C.In this embodiment, and due to the fact that the shaft 28C does not extend into the second compartment 108C and / or the fan 112C is coupled to the separate fan shaft 168C, the multiple heat sink projections 104C extend over the entire surface of the heat sink housing 102C. Additionally, the heat sink housing 102C does not have a through opening 126C.

[0058] As similarly described herein, the cooling system fan 112C is configured to draw in an airflow from the multitude of heat sink protrusions 104C and then direct the airflow towards the housing 12C of the motor assembly 10C. In contrast to the descriptions herein relating to the Fig. In the non-restrictive examples described in 1 to 14, the motor assembly 10C, which includes the fan motor 166C and the fan shaft 168C, can operate and / or rotate the fan 112C at a speed that is independent of the speed of the shaft 28C for the motor 18C. Thus, the Fig. 15 and Fig. The motor assembly 10C shown in Figure 16 rotates the fan 112C at an increased speed and ultimately generates additional and / or improved cooling for the housing 12C when the motor 18C is not in operation and / or is operating at a reduced speed (e.g. a lower speed of the shaft 28C).

[0059] One of the many advantages of the described motor assembly 10C with cooling system 100C is that the multiple heat sink protrusions 104C of the heat sink housing 102C and the fan 112C are configured to jointly direct the airflow into the fan 112C. Specifically, the fan cover 144C of the fan 112C is positioned adjacent to the spaces 120C defined by the multiple heat sink protrusions 104C of the heat sink housing 102C within the second compartment 108C, which is at least partially defined by the cover 106C. The airflow flows from outside the heat sink housing 102C through the multiple protrusions 104C and is then directed into the fan 112C through the recess 134C and / or the opening 158C formed by the fan cover 144C.The fan 112C circulates the airflow and directs it, with the help of the cover 106C, along the outer surface 40C and / or the fins 42C of the housing 12C and / or into the first chamber 16C of the motor assembly 10C.

[0060] This written description uses examples to disclose the embodiment, including the best embodiment, and to enable a person skilled in the art to put the invention into practice, including the manufacture and use of devices or systems and the performance of methods contained therein. The patentable scope of the embodiment is defined by the claims and may include other examples that might occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples shall fall within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the wording of the claims or if they contain equivalent structural elements with insignificant differences from the wording of the claims.

Claims

[1] Engine assembly comprising: a case; a bracket attached to one end of the housing, wherein the bracket and the housing form a first space; a motor located in the first room; a heat sink housing connected to the housing and located opposite the mounting, wherein the heat sink housing comprises a plurality of heat sink protrusions arranged within the heat sink housing and configured to capture the airflow surrounding the housing; a cover positioned next to the heat sink housing opposite the mounting, the cover defining a second space; a shaft connected to the motor and configured to rotate about an axis, the shaft extending axially through the heat sink housing and the second space defined by the cover; and a fan connected to the shaft, positioned within the second space between the cover and the plurality of heat sink protrusions arranged within the heat sink housing, the fan being configured to draw in an airflow from the plurality of heat sink protrusions. [2] Motor assembly according to claim 1, wherein the fan comprises: a wave opening configured to receive the wave; a multitude of wings arranged radially around the axis; and a fan shroud connected to each of the multiple blades, the fan shroud being aligned concentrically to the shaft opening. [3] Motor assembly according to claim 2, wherein the fan hood comprises an opening which is aligned concentrically to the shaft opening and enables a fluid connection between the plurality of heat sink projections and the second compartment of the hood. [4] Motor assembly according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the fan hood of the fan is positioned either directly between the plurality of heat sink projections and the plurality of blades or between the plurality of blades and the hood. [5] Motor assembly according to one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the multiple vanes either extend radially beyond an outer circumference of the fan hood or are arranged within the outer circumference of the fan hood. [6] Motor assembly according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the multiple heat sink projections are designed as at least one of the following: a multitude of radial lamellae, a multitude of parallel slats and a variety of pens. [7] Motor assembly according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a heat sink cover connected to the heat sink housing, the heat sink cover comprising: opposite side walls, located directly next to the heat sink housing; a wall section extending between the opposite side walls, with the wall section positioned between the multitude of heat sink protrusions and the fan; a recess formed in the wall section to allow a fluid connection between the multitude of heat sink protrusions and the fan; and an inlet defined by the opposite side walls and the wall section, wherein the inlet is formed directly next to and exposes at least one section of the multiple heat sink protrusions. [8] Motor assembly according to claim 7, further comprising a plurality of guide vanes formed at at least one of the following locations: the opposite side walls of the heat sink cover, an outer surface of the heat sink housing and an inner surface of the cover that borders the heat sink cover or the heat sink housing. [9] Engine assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover further comprises: an end wall positioned adjacent to the fan; two opposing side walls extending from the end wall towards the housing, wherein the two opposing side walls extend adjacent to at least one of the heat sink housings and the housing and at least partially surround it; an upper wall extending from the end wall towards the heatsink housing and positioned above the fan; and a bottom wall extending from the end wall to the heat sink housing and positioned below the fan, with the multiple heat sink protrusions being exposed adjacent to at least one of the upper wall and the bottom wall. [10] Motor assembly according to claim 9, wherein the upper wall of the cover contacts the heat sink housing. [11] Motor assembly according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the upper wall and the lower wall of the cover are substantially curved to correlate concentrically with the fan. [12] The motor assembly according to one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the two opposite side walls of the cover are substantially curved and correlate concentrically with at least one of the heat sink housings and the housing. [13] Engine assembly comprising: a housing that defines a first space; a bracket attached to one end of the housing; a motor that is positioned within the first compartment; a heat sink housing connected to the housing and located opposite the mounting, wherein the heat sink housing has several heat sink protrusions arranged inside the heat sink housing and configured to capture the airflow surrounding the housing; a cover located adjacent to the heat sink housing opposite the mounting bracket, the cover defining a second space; and a fan located within the second space between the cover and the plurality of heat sink protrusions located within the heat sink housing, the fan being configured to draw in an airflow from the plurality of heat sink protrusions. [14] Motor assembly according to claim 13, further comprising a shaft coupled to the motor, configured to rotate about an axis, the shaft extending axially through the heat sink housing and the second space defined by the cover, the fan being coupled to the shaft. [15] Motor assembly according to claim 13 or 14, further comprising: a motor shaft coupled to the motor, configured to rotate around an axis; and a fan shaft coupled to the fan, configured to rotate, the fan shaft extending through the second space defined by the cover and being received by a hole formed in the cover. [16] Motor assembly according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the fan comprises: a multitude of wings arranged radially around the axis; and a fan shroud connected to each of the multiple blades, the fan shroud being aligned concentrically to the shaft opening. [17] The motor assembly according to any one of claims 13 to 16, further comprising a heat sink cover connected to the heat sink housing, wherein the heat sink cover comprises: opposite side walls, located directly next to the heat sink housing; a wall section extending between the opposite side walls, with the wall section positioned between the multitude of heat sink protrusions and the fan; a recess formed in the wall section to allow a fluid connection between the multitude of heat sink protrusions and the fan; and an inlet defined by the opposite side walls and the wall section, wherein the inlet is formed directly next to and exposes at least one section of the multiple heat sink protrusions. [18] Motor assembly according to any one of claims 13 to 17, wherein the cover further comprises: a front wall; two opposing side walls extending from the end wall towards the housing, wherein the two opposing side walls extend adjacent to at least one of the two elements, namely the heat sink housing and the housing, and at least partially surround it; an upper wall extending from the front wall towards the heatsink housing and positioned above the fan; and a bottom wall extending from the end wall to the heat sink housing and positioned below the fan, with the multiple heat sink protrusions being exposed adjacent to at least one of the upper wall and the bottom wall. [19] Method for operating a motor assembly, wherein the motor assembly comprises: a housing defining a first space; a mounting bracket connected to one end of the housing; a motor positioned within the first space; a heat sink housing connected to the housing opposite the mounting bracket, the heat sink housing comprising several heat sink projections arranged within the heat sink housing; a cover arranged adjacent to the heat sink housing opposite the mounting bracket, the cover defining a second space; a shaft connected to the motor extending axially through the heat sink housing and the second space defined by the cover;and a fan connected to the shaft and arranged within the second space between the cover and the plurality of heat sink protrusions arranged within the heat sink housing, the method comprising:; Drawing in an airflow from outside the motor assembly through the multitude of heat sink protrusions contained within the heat sink housing; Directing the airflow from the multiple heat sink protrusions to the fan, which is positioned within the second space defined by the cover; Circulating the airflow within the second chamber of the cover based on a rotation of the fan; and Directing the airflow from the second compartment of the cover outwards, away from the housing. [20] Method according to claim 19, wherein guiding the airflow from the multiple heat sink projections to the fan arranged within the second space defined by the cover further comprises inducing the airflow through an opening formed by a fan cover of the fan in order to come into contact with multiple blades of the fan, wherein the fan cover is connected to each of the multiple blades of the fan.

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