AXIAL FLOW MACHINE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an axial flux machine (electric motor). The axial flux machine has a stator located between a first rotor disk and a second rotor disk.

[0002] German patent application DE 10 2005 023 492 A1 discloses a disc rotor for a flat motor for driving an adjustment device in a motor vehicle. The flat motor is provided with an armature disk, which has a coil system and is designed and intended to interact with permanent magnets of a stator of the flat motor. A commutator is connected radially inward to the coil system of the armature disk.

[0003] German patent application DE 10 2014 221 648 A1 discloses an electrical machine which can be designed, in particular, as a disc rotor. Heat-generating components, such as coils, are provided on the stator of the electrical machine. A rotor is rotatable relative to the stator and spaced from it by an air gap. The cooling channel arrangement has a cooling channel through which a cooling fluid can flow circumferentially along the stator. The cooling arrangement extends along an outer surface of the heat-generating components of the stator. The cooling channel arrangement is designed in two parts, wherein a first part can consist, for example, of a die-cast component made of metal with good thermal conductivity and can be closed with a second component acting as a cover. Webs or swirling elements can ensure improved cooling performance inside the cooling channel.

[0004] According to the state of the art, a cooling concept for an axial flux machine can be implemented in such a way that the iron cores, which represent the laminated cores for the coils, are composed of two halves. The iron core halves are enclosed as a single unit between an outer and an inner retaining ring. This is achieved either by laser welding and / or by means of complex adhesive bonds.

[0005] From US 6 304 011 B1 an axial flow machine according to the preamble of claim 1 is known.

[0006] For further prior art, reference is made to US 9 496 776 B2, US 9 287 755 B2 and WO 2019 / 171318 A1.

[0007] The invention is based on the object of creating an axial flux machine which enables optimal coil cooling and thus a high power density (high current) for operation and at the same time provides a simplified design of the axial flux machine which is also more cost-effective.

[0008] The above object is achieved by an axial flow machine comprising the features of claim 1.

[0009] The axial flux machine according to the invention has a stator located between a first rotor disk and a second rotor disk. Each of the rotor disks carries permanent magnets in the form of circular ring segments that face the stator. A central support flange is provided that defines a first side surface and a second side surface. The support flange divides the stator into a first stator half and a second stator half. Furthermore, the support flange has flow openings that lead from the second stator half to the first stator half. A first, left stator cover is mounted on the first side surface of the support flange. The first, left stator cover has a collecting channel formed on its outer circumference. A second, right stator cover is mounted on the second side surface of the support flange. The second, right stator cover has a distribution channel formed on its outer circumference.A coolant flow is defined from the distribution channel through the flow openings to the collection channel.

[0010] The advantage is that the inventive design of the axial flux machine achieves optimal cooling of the coil windings. This enables a high power density (high current) for the operation of the axial flux machine. Furthermore, the removal of the axial flux machine is simplified.

[0011] Several iron cores are mounted on the support flange, extending equally into the first stator half and the second stator half. Each of the iron cores is enclosed by a wound coil in the first stator half and the second stator half, such that the radially successive coils are spaced apart from each other by a gap. The distribution channel of the second, right-hand stator cover, the gaps between the successive coils of the second stator half, the flow openings in the support flange, the gaps between the successive coils of the first stator halves, and the collection channel of the first, left-hand stator cover are in fluid communication with each other.

[0012] The advantage of the inventive design is that a cold coolant (such as oil) flows into the second stator half of the stator's interior via the inlet connection of the second, right-hand stator cover. The circumferential distribution channel of the second, right-hand stator cover ensures that the "fresh" coolant reaches all coils equally.

[0013] The design of the axial flux machine provides that each coil is spaced from its neighboring coil, so that there is always a gap between two coils. The cooling medium flows through these gaps from radially outside to radially inside. Once radially inside, the cooling flow enters the first stator half through the designated flow opening in the central support flange, from where it flows radially outward again through the gaps between the coils of the first stator half. The now heated cooling medium then flows via the collecting channel to the return connection.

[0014] According to one possible embodiment of the invention, the central support flange can have several window recesses in the shape of circular ring segments. The window recesses are separated from each other by webs and arranged evenly distributed around a central opening for a stator hub. The iron cores, which are designed in the shape of circular ring segments according to one possible embodiment, are held centrally in the support flange by means of a groove over the webs.

[0015] According to the invention, the central element of the stator is the support flange with the continuous iron cores arranged thereon. The iron cores form a positive fit with their slots and the webs of the support flange. Due to the design, this results in a division of the coils, which are arranged in the first stator half and the second stator half. The slot can be provided with an insulator.

[0016] According to a further possible embodiment of the invention, the support flange with the mounted iron cores is overmolded with a plastic. This fixes the iron cores in the support flange. Due to the overmold, the plastic rests on both sides against an outer ring, on both sides against the webs, and on both sides against an inner ring of the support flange. The plastic also rests on an upper side surface, a lower side surface, and the lateral surfaces of the iron core. The flow openings on the inner ring are left free of the plastic.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment, each of the wound coils can have a circular ring-segment-like shape that surrounds the plastic-overmolded, circular ring-segment-like iron cores. As already mentioned, the radially arranged coils define the gap that communicates with one of the many flow openings in the inner ring of the support flange. It is particularly advantageous if the coils, the associated phase rings, and the phase terminals form a preassembled assembly. This assembly then only needs to be pushed onto the iron cores on both sides of the support flange.

[0018] According to another possible embodiment of the invention, the first, left stator cover and the second, right stator cover can have multiple sealing geometries in the form of elastomer seals. The first circumferential elastomer seal is provided in the region of the outer periphery of the two stator covers. The second circumferential elastomer seal is provided in the region of an opening for the hub. Another elastomer seal is formed in each of the receptacles for a phase connection. Several screw connections extending through the central support flange press the first, left stator cover and the second, right stator cover against each other at the central support flange.

[0019] According to a further embodiment of the axial flow machine, a further sealing means can be provided which surrounds the recesses defined by spokes of the first, left stator cover and the second, right stator cover.

[0020] The axial flow machine described in the present patent application is designed to be absolutely tight (e.g. for dry applications).

[0021] If such an axial flux machine were integrated into a wet space (such as a gearbox), the transmission oil could also be used as a cooling medium. In this application, many of the seals and the adhesive bonds of the stator covers could be eliminated. While the axial flux machine would then have some leakage, the targeted flow of the cooling medium through the interior of the stator would be maintained.

[0022] According to a further possible embodiment, the axial flux machine can be designed as a stand-alone solution. This means that the rotor disks are centered both axially and radially via the stator by means of ball bearings. The output or transmission input shaft can thus also be supported by the bearings of the axial flux machine.

[0023] However, if the transmission input shaft were to have its own bearings, the two rotor disks would already be radially centered by the shaft. In this case, the rotor disks would only need to be mounted axially relative to the stator, i.e., the support flange, to maintain the air gap on both sides between the magnets of the rotor disks and the iron core. This can be achieved by installing one axial bearing each between the left and right rotor disks and the support flange. The required bearing sleeve can then be eliminated.

[0024] The invention and its advantages will now be explained in more detail by means of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, without thereby limiting the invention to the exemplary embodiment shown. The proportions in the figures do not always correspond to the actual proportions, as some shapes are simplified and others are shown enlarged relative to other elements for better illustration. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an axial flux machine. Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the axial flow machine from Fig. 1 in partial section. Figure 3 shows an enlarged perspective view of the axial flow machine from Fig. 1 in partial section. Figure 4 shows a perspective view of an iron core which is installed in the axial flux machine according to the invention. Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the iron core from Fig. 4, which has an insulator applied to a central groove. Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a support flange for a variety of iron cores. Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a support flange with the iron core made of Fig. 5 in the insertion position. Figure 8 shows an enlarged perspective sectional view along the Fig. 7 shown line AA. Figure 9 shows a perspective view of the beam flange with the iron core in the fully inserted position in the beam flange. Figure 10 shows an enlarged perspective sectional view along the Fig. 9 shown line AA. Figure 11 shows a perspective view of the support flange with the iron core in the working position. Figure 12 shows an enlarged perspective sectional view along the Fig. 11 shown line AA. Figure 13shows a perspective view of the support flange, where the iron core is secured in the working position with a locking element. Figure 14 shows a perspective view of the securing element. Figure 15 shows a partial perspective view of the support flange with the multitude of mounted iron cores. Figure 16 shows a partial perspective view of the support flange with the multitude of mounted iron cores that are overmolded with a plastic. Figure 17 shows an enlarged sectional view along the Fig. 16 shown section line BB. Figure 18 shows an enlarged sectional view along the Fig. 16 shown section line CC. Figure 19 shows a partial perspective view of the overmolded support flange on a hub. Figure 20 shows a partial perspective view of the pre-assembled coils that are mounted on the component made of Fig. 19 be postponed. Figure 21shows a partial perspective view of the coils mounted on the component. Figure 22 shows a perspective external view of the stator cover. Figure 23 shows a perspective inside view of the stator cover. Figure 24 shows a perspective partial view of the stator cover in partial section. Figure 25 shows a partial perspective view of the stator structure with stator cover. Figure 26 shows a perspective partial view of a section along the axis of the structure of Fig. 25 . Figure 27 shows an enlarged sectional view along the Fig. 25 shown section line DD. Figure 28 shows a perspective partial view of a section along the axis of the structure of Fig. 25 . Figure 29 shows a perspective partial view of a section through the stator structure along a coil body. Figure 30 shows a perspective partial view of a section through the stator structure along an iron core. Figure 31shows a partial perspective view of the axial flow machine with parts broken away to illustrate the internal structure.

[0025] Identical reference numerals are used for identical or equivalently functioning elements of the invention. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, only reference numerals necessary for describing the respective figure are shown in the individual figures. The figures merely illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention, without, however, limiting the invention to the illustrated exemplary embodiments. The illustrated figures do not claim to be a complete representation of the design of an axial flux machine (electric motor). For example, no speed sensors are shown, which typically "read" the angular position and direction of rotation from at least one of the rotor disks in order to then control the motor appropriately. Additional insulation material (such as electrically insulating foil between the individual phase rings to prevent arcing) is also omitted.

[0026] Figure 1shows a perspective view of an axial flow machine 1. The axial flow machine 1 comprises a first rotor disk 2 (see Fig. 2 and 3 ) and a second rotor disk 3, which are mounted on a central drive shaft 5 (or transmission input shaft). Between the first rotor disk 2 and the second rotor disk 3 there is a single central support flange 4 for a stator 6 (see Fig. 2). The central support flange 4 has several connection holes 7 for fastening the axial flux machine 1 (electric motor) to a gearbox housing (not shown). A first, left stator cover 8 and a second, right stator cover 9 are fastened to the central support flange 4. The first, left stator cover 8 has a first connection 11 for cooling medium and the second, right stator cover 9 has a second connection 12 for cooling medium. Furthermore, the axial flux machine 1 has three phase connections 13 1 , 13 2 , and 13s for the power supply. The first rotor disk 2 and the second rotor disk 3 have ventilation openings 18 for cooling iron cores 10 (see e.g. Fig. 2 ) of the stator 6.

[0027] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the axial flow machine 1 from Fig. 1in partial section. The partial section is positioned such that it passes through the second phase connection 13 2 , an iron core 10 of the stator 6, the drive shaft 5, and one of the wound coils 25. The wound coils 25 are provided in the first stator half 6 1 and the second stator half 6 2 . Between the first rotor disk 2 and the second rotor disk 3 is the single central support flange 4 with the held iron cores 10 for the stator 6. The first connection 11 for the coolant or cooling medium can also be seen in this illustration.

[0028] Figure 3 shows an enlarged perspective view of the axial flow machine 1 from Fig. 1in partial section. In this illustration, the drive shaft 5 has been removed. The first, left stator cover 8 and the second, right stator cover 9 are seated on a bearing sleeve 30 in this embodiment. In the event that small bearing forces occur in the axial flux machine 1, the bearing sleeve 30 or hub can be omitted as an additional component. The required seats for bearings and shaft seals can then be integrated in the first, left stator cover 8 and the second, right stator cover 9. The first rotor disk 2 and the second rotor disk 3 each carry a plurality of magnets 21 (permanent magnets) which are arranged on both sides in the direction of axis A opposite the iron cores 10 of the stator 6. The first, left stator cover 8 and second, right stator cover 9 have the phase connections 13 1 , 13 2 , or 13s and the corresponding number of phase rings 14 1 , 14 2 or 14 3 , which corresponds to the number of three-phase phases of the axial flux machine 1.Although three phase connections 13 1 , 13 2 , or 13s and three corresponding phase rings 14 1 , 14 2 , or 14s are illustrated here, this should not be construed as a limitation of the invention. According to one possible embodiment of the invention, a first rotor disk 2 and the second rotor disk 3 can be aligned with each other via at least one locating pin 31. The first rotor disk 2 and the second rotor disk 3 are rotatably movable relative to the stator 6 via bearings 32.

[0029] In Figure 4 and Figure 5 are perspective views of an iron core 10 as installed in the axial flux machine 1 according to the invention. From the perspective view of the Figure 4It can be seen that the iron core 10 has the shape of a circular ring sector. The iron core 10 itself is constructed from several sheets (electrical sheets) 10 1 , 10 2 ,..., 10 N. The individual sheets 10 1 , 10 2 ,..., 10 N consist of a baked enamel coating. In the stacked state, the individual sheets 10 1 , 10 2 ,..., 10 N are baked to form the solid iron core 10 in the shape of the circular ring sector. Each iron core 10 defines two lateral side surfaces 33, an upper side surface 33O and a lower side surface 33U, which connect the two lateral side surfaces 33 to each other. In the middle, the iron core 10 has a groove 34 on both lateral side surfaces 33. The illustration of the Figure 5 It can be seen that the central groove 34 of the iron core 10 has an insulator 35 applied. The insulator 35 in the area of ​​the groove 34 can be an abrasion-resistant insulator 35, such as a single-sided adhesive Kevlar tape.

[0030] Figure 6shows a perspective view of the single support flange 4 that can be installed in the stator 6 of the axial flux machine 1. The support flange 4 serves to hold the plurality of iron cores 10. For this purpose, the support flange 4 has a plurality of identical window recesses 36. The iron cores 10 (see Figures 7 to 15 ) are mounted or held in the window recesses 36 of the one-piece support flange 4 and are thus arranged homogeneously distributed around a central opening 17 of the support flange 4. The central opening 17 serves to accommodate the support flange 4 on a hub 50 (see Fig. 19 ).

[0031] The window cutouts 36 are separated from one another by webs 37. The webs 37 run in the radial direction R from an outer ring 22A to an inner ring 22B. Some of the webs 37 are separated from one another by an air gap 38. Without the air gaps 38, the webs 37 would represent closed rings enclosing the iron cores 10. This would then correspond to a coil with exactly one turn enclosing each of the iron cores 10. Due to the changing magnetic field, a high current would be induced in these rings in the respective iron cores 10, which would lead to significant heating and high efficiency losses. The air gaps 38 in the webs 37 prevent such an effect.

[0032] The exemplary embodiment described here is a 3-phase three-phase motor (axial flux machine 1). Since the sum of the inductions of the three phases is again zero, every third web 37 can be designed without an air gap 38. To additionally prevent the formation of eddy currents in the support flange 4, the latter is preferably made of a weakly to non-magnetic material which also has a high specific electrical resistance. Chromium-nickel steels, such as V2A or V4A steel, have these corresponding properties. The support flange 4 has the plurality of connection bores 7 for attaching the axial flux machine 1 (electric motor) to a gear housing (not shown) on the outer ring 22A.

[0033] In the representations of the Figures 7 to 14The assembly of the individual iron cores 10 in the respective window recesses 36 of the support flange 4 is shown. The window recesses 36 are designed such that the webs 37 engage positively in the two central grooves 34 of the respective iron core 10. To ensure that the iron cores 10 can be inserted into the window recesses 36 with sufficient clearance, the window recesses 36 are slightly extended or enlarged outwards in the radial direction R.

[0034] Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the support flange 4 with the iron core 10 from Fig. 5 in the insertion position of one of the window recesses 36. The Figure 8 The illustration shown is an enlarged, perspective sectional view along the Fig. 7shown line AA. The iron core 10 has a clearance 20 at least relative to the webs 37, so that it can be easily inserted into the window recesses 36 without damage. The iron core 10 is inserted into the window recesses 36 in the direction of arrow P1.

[0035] Figure 9 shows a perspective view of the support flange 4 with the iron core 10 in the fully inserted position in the support flange 4. The iron core 10 has reached the position where the webs 37 are aligned with the groove 34. In this position, the iron cores 10 are pressed inward in the radial direction R. Figure 10 shows an enlarged perspective sectional view along the Fig. 9 shown line AA. The groove 34 is aligned with the webs 37 and the clearance 20 (see Fig. 8 ) between the iron core 10 and the webs 37 is reduced.

[0036] Figure 11shows a perspective view of the support flange 4 with the iron core 10 in the working position. The iron core 10 is pressed in the direction of arrow P2 towards the center of the support flange 4. Figure 12 The illustration shown is an enlarged, perspective sectional view along the Fig. 11 shown line AA. Here it can be clearly seen that, due to the wedge-shaped geometry of the window recesses 36, the webs 37 rest against the recessed groove 34 of the iron core 10. The insulator 35 (insulating tape) in the groove 34 prevents direct contact of the webs 37 with the sheets 10 1 , 10 2 ,...,10 N of the iron core 10. This ensures that the individual sheets 10 1 , 10 2 ,...,10 N of the iron core 10 are not short-circuited with one another.

[0037] Figure 13shows a perspective view of the support flange 4, in which the iron core 10 is secured in the working position in the support flange 4 with a securing element 40. Figure 14 shows a perspective and enlarged view of the securing element 40. The securing element 40 can be implemented, for example, by a leaf spring, which is inserted after the positioning of the iron core 10 and fixes the iron core 10 under prestressing force in the radial direction R. In the embodiment shown here, the securing element 40 is H-shaped. The securing element 40 has a positioning element 41, which interacts in a form-fitting manner with a corresponding counterpart 42 on the circular ring-segment-shaped window recess 36 of the support flange 4.

[0038] Figure 15shows a partial perspective view of the support flange 4 with the plurality of mounted iron cores 10. Each of the iron cores 10 is secured by a securing element 40 in the support flange 4.

[0039] Figure 16 shows a partial perspective view of the support flange 4 with the mounted iron cores 10, which are at least partially overmolded with a plastic 45. Overmolded iron cores 10 result in 100% tightness, which is required for the cooling concept. The overmold permanently "freezes" all iron cores 10 and their securing elements 40 in their position in the support flange 4. Figure 17 shows an enlarged sectional view along the Fig. 16 shown section line BB. Figure 18 shows an enlarged sectional view along the Fig. 16 shown section line CC. From the Figures 17 and 18It can be seen that the overmolded plastic 45 rests on the side surfaces 33 of the iron cores 10 as well as on the upper side surfaces 33O and the lower side surfaces 33U of the iron cores 10. Likewise, the overmolded plastic 45 rests on the two sides 4A and 4B of the support flange 4.

[0040] Figure 19 shows a perspective partial view of the overmolded support flange 4 on a hub 50. The hub 50 or the bearing sleeve 30 (see Fig. 3 ) can be mounted, for example, with a laser seam 52 on the support flange 4. The overmolded support flange 4 has flow openings 54 for the cooling medium.

[0041] Figure 20 shows a perspective partial view of a coil unit 23 of the pre-assembled coils 25, which are mounted on the component (overmolded support flange 4 with iron cores 10) made of Fig. 19The pre-assembled coils 25 also have three phase terminals 13 1 , 13 2 and 13s and the three associated phase rings 14 1 , 14 2 and 14s. The coils 25 can preferably be made of edge-wound flat wire. As can be seen from the Figure 21 As can be seen, each of the coils 25 surrounds an iron core 10 and rests against the plastic 45. The wound coils 25 are shaped such that they encompass the shape of the circular ring sector of the iron cores 10. The pre-assembled coils 25 are attached to both sides of the support flange 4 with the iron cores 10. The coils 25 mounted on the component (overmolded support flange 4 with iron cores 10) leave the flow openings 54 for the cooling fluid in the support flange 4 free.

[0042] Figure 22 and Figure 23 show different perspective views of the first, left stator cover 8 and the second, right stator cover 9. Figure 22shows a perspective external view of the first, left stator cover 8 and the second, right stator cover 9 and Figure 23 shows a perspective interior view of one of the two stator covers 8 or 9. Each of the stator covers 8 or 9 is made of plastic, preferably using a two-component injection molding process. Thus, sealing geometries 56 in the form of elastomer regions can be integrated into the two-component injection molding process. The sealing geometries 56 can be complex. Likewise, the first connection 11 or the second connection 12 for the cooling medium is also formed during the injection molding process of the stator cover 8 or 9. Figure 24shows a perspective partial view of the first stator cover 8 in partial section. The first stator cover 8 has a collecting channel 58S for the return of the cooling liquid or cooling medium. The second stator cover 9 (not shown here) has a distribution channel 58V for the inflow of the cooling liquid or cooling medium (see Figure 26 ). The sealing geometries 56 are arranged on the side of the stator cover 8 or 9 facing the stator 6. At least a first circumferential elastomer seal 56 1 runs in the region of the outer circumference of the stator cover 8 or 9. A second circumferential elastomer seal 56 2 is arranged around an opening 59 for the hub 50 (see Fig. 19 ). A further elastomer seal 56s is formed in the stator cover 8 or 9 in each receptacle 16 such that, when the stator covers 8 and 9 are mounted, it rests around the respective phase connection 13 1 , 13 2 and 13s.

[0043] Figure 25shows a partial perspective view of the structure of the stator 6 with the mounted first, left stator cover 8 and the second, right stator cover 9. The two stator covers 8 and 9 are pushed onto both sides of the central support flange 4 in such a way that the two stator covers 8 and 9, which rest on the central support flange 4, enclose the phase connections 13 1 , 13 2 and 13 3 . The spokes 60 of each stator cover 8 and 9 come to lie between the individual iron cores 10 of the stator 6. The first, left stator cover 8 has the first connection 11 for cooling medium (such as a return line for cooling medium). The second, right stator cover 9 has the second connection 12 for cooling medium (such as an inlet for cooling medium). The first, left stator cover 8 and the second, right stator cover 9 are screwed together with several screw connections 62 and thus securely held on the stator 6.This also supports the sealing effect of the first circumferential elastomer seal 56 1 , the second circumferential elastomer seal 56 2 and the further elastomer seal 56s of the first, left stator cover 8 and the second, right stator cover 9.

[0044] Figure 26 shows a perspective partial view of a section along the axis A of the structure of Fig. 25, from which the sealing effect of the first circumferential elastomer seal 56 1 , the second circumferential elastomer seal 56 2 and the further elastomer seals 56s of the first, left stator cover 8 and the second, right stator cover 9 can be seen. The first circumferential elastomer seal 56 1 and the second circumferential elastomer seal 56 2 rest circumferentially on the plastic 45 with which the support flange 4 is overmolded. The second circumferential elastomer seal 56 2 seals the flow openings 54 in the support flange 4. The further elastomer seals 56 3 enclose the phase connections 13 1 , 13 2 and 13s, respectively. To seal the two stator covers 8 and 9 in the areas of the iron cores 10 which are overmolded with the plastic 45, circumferential grooves / notches can be formed into which a sealing agent 57 (such as sealing adhesive) is subsequently introduced.The collecting channel 58S of the first left stator cover 8 functions as a collecting channel for the return flow of the cooling medium. The distribution channel 58V of the second, right stator cover 9 functions as a distribution channel for the inflow of the cooling medium.

[0045] Figure 27 shows an enlarged sectional view along the Fig. 25 shown section line DD. Figure 28 shows a perspective partial view of a section along the axis A of the structure analogous to Fig. 26 . The two sectional views of the Fig. 27 and Fig. 28 show the application of a sealant 57 for sealing the first, left stator cover 8 and the second, right stator cover 9. The sealant 57 is provided around recesses 64 of the first, left stator cover 8 and the second, right stator cover 9. As can be seen from Fig. 27As can be seen, gaps 27 between the coils 25 serve as cooling channels. According to one possible embodiment of the present invention, the sealing agent 57 can be designed as a sealing adhesive. A negative pressure can be applied to the interior of the stator 6 defined by the first, left stator cover 8 and the second, right stator cover 9 via the first connection 11 for the cooling medium and the second connection 12. In this way, the sealing agent 57 designed as a sealing adhesive is "sucked" into the root of the circumferential grooves / notches 61 (adhesive grooves), thereby achieving the best possible wetting of the gaps 27. Likewise, the sealing agent 57 (such as a sealing adhesive) is introduced into the grooves / notches 61 of the spokes 60 of the two stator covers 8 and 9 and into the areas of the iron cores 10 that are overmolded with the plastic 45. According to a possible further embodiment, it is conceivable that the sealing means 57 is designed in the form of an elastomer seal.This would then also be realized during the production of the stator covers 8 and 9 by injection molding - but not as in . Fig. 27 shown, on the outside of the stator covers 8 and 9, but on the side of the stator covers 8 and 9 facing the interior of the stator 6.

[0046] Figure 29 shows a perspective partial view of a section through the structure of the stator 6 along a coil 25 of the stator 6. Figure 30 shows a perspective partial view of a section through the structure of the stator 6 along an iron core 10. Due to several screw connections 62 between the first stator cover 8 and the second stator cover 9, as well as the connections through sealing geometries 56, the stator 6 becomes a solid and resilient structure. The stator 6 can thus absorb all bearing forces.

[0047] Figure 31shows a perspective partial view of the axial flow machine 1, with parts broken away to illustrate the internal structure and a coolant flow 53 (flow path of the cooling medium) in the stator 6. The cold cooling medium (such as oil) reaches the second half of the interior of the stator 6 via the second connection 12 of the second, right-hand stator cover 9. The circumferential distribution channel 58V of the second, right-hand stator cover 9 ensures that the "fresh" cooling medium reaches all coils 25 equally. The design of the stator 6 provides that each coil 25 is spaced from its neighboring coils 25 such that there is always a gap 27 between two coils 25. The cooling medium now flows through this gap 27 from radially outside to radially inside.Arriving radially inward, the cooling medium passes through the provided flow opening 54 of the central support flange 4 into the first stator half 6 1 of the stator 6, from where it flows radially outwards again through the gaps 27 between the coils 25 of the second stator half 6 2 of the stator 6.

[0048] The cooling medium, which has now been heated, then passes via the collecting channel 58S of the first left stator cover 8 to the first connection 11 (not visible) of the first left stator cover 8.

[0049] The above-described embodiment of the invention was designed as an axial flux machine 1 with absolute tightness (i.e., for dry application). For an embodiment of the axial flux machine 1 being used in a wet space (e.g., integrated in the transmission), the transmission oil could be used as the cooling medium. Consequently, many of the sealing geometries 56 or sealing means 57, such as the adhesive bonds between the two stator covers 8 and 9, could be eliminated. While the axial flux machine 1 (motor) would then have certain leaks, the targeted flow of the cooling medium through the interior of the stator 6 would still be maintained.

[0050] It is believed that the present disclosure and many of the advantages recited therein will be understood from the foregoing description. It will be apparent that various changes in form, construction, and arrangement of components may be made without departing from the disclosed subject matter. The form described is merely illustrative, and it is the intent of the appended claims to encompass and embrace such changes. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be limited only by the appended claims. Reference sign list

[0051] 1Axial flux machine 2First rotor disk 3Second rotor disk 4Central support flange 4AFirst side surface 4BSecond side surface 5Drive shaft 6Stator 6 1 First stator half 6 2 Second stator half 7Connection hole 8First, left stator cover 9Second, right stator cover 10Iron core 10 1 , 10 2 ,...,10 N Sheet 11First connection 12Second connection 13 1 , 13 2 , 13 3 Phase connection 14 1 , 14 2 , 14 3 Phase ring 16Receptacle 17Central opening 18Ventilation opening 20Clearance 21Magnet 22Outer ring 22Inner ring 23Coil unit 25Coil 27Gap 30Bearing sleeve 31Dowel pin 32Bearing 33Side surface 33Upper surface 33Lower surface 34Groove 35Insulator 36Window recess 37Web 38Air gap 40Securing element 41Positioning element 42Counterpart 45Plastic 50Hub 52Laser seam 53Coolant flow 54Flow opening 56Sealing geometry 56 1 first circumferential elastomer seal 56 2 second circumferential elastomer seal 56 3 further elastomer seal 57Sealant 58SCollecting channel 58VDistribution channel 59Opening 60Spoke 61Grooves / notches 62Screw connections 64Recess AAxis A-ASection line B-BSection line C-CSection line D-DSection line P1Arrow P2Arrow RRadial direction.

Claims

1. An axial flux machine (1), having: a first rotor disk (2) and a second rotor disk (3), a stator (6), which is located in the direction of an axis (A) of the axial flux machine (1) between the first rotor disk (2) and the second rotor disk (3), a central support flange (4), which defines a first side surface (4A) and a second side surface (4B) in the direction of the axis (A), divides the stator (6) in the direction of the axis (A) into a first stator half (61) and a second stator half (62) and has flow openings (54) formed from the second stator half (62) to the first stator half (61); a first, left stator cover (8) which is mounted on the first side surface (4A) of the support flange (4) and has a collection channel (58S) formed on the outer circumference; and a second, right stator cover (9) which is mounted on the second side surface (4A) of the support flange (4) and has a distribution channel (58V) formed on the outer circumference, wherein a coolant flow (53) is defined from the distribution channel (58V) through the flow openings (54) to the collection channel (58S), characterised in that multiple iron cores (10) are held on the support flange (4) and extend in equal parts into the first stator half (61) and the second stator half (62), and each of the iron cores (10) in the first stator half (61) and the second stator half (62) is enclosed by a wound coil (25) such that each coil (25) is spaced apart from an adjacent coil (25) so that there is always a gap (27) between two coils (25) through which a coolant flows in the second stator half (62) from radially outside to radially inside and in the first stator half (61) from radially inside to radially outside.

2. The axial flux machine (1) according to claim 1, wherein the distribution channel (58V) of the second, right stator cover (9), gaps (27) between the coils (25) of the second stator half (62), the flow openings (54), gaps (27) between the coils (25) of the first stator halves (61) and the collection channel (58S) of the first, left stator cover (8) are in fluid communication with each other.

3. The axial flux machine (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the central support flange (4) has multiple circular ring segment-like window cut-outs (36) formed which are separated from one another by ribs (37), are arranged homogeneously distributed around a central opening (17) for a hub (50) of the stator (6) and in which the circular ring segment-like iron cores (10) are held centrally by means of a groove (34) via the webs (37).

4. The axial flux machine (1) according to claim 3, wherein the groove (34) is provided with an insulator (35).

5. The axial flux machine (1) according to claim 4, wherein the support flange (4) with mounted iron cores (10) is overmoulded with a plastic (45) such that the plastic (45) bears against both sides of an outer ring (22A), against the ribs (37) and against both sides of an inner ring (22B) of the support flange (4), against an upper side surface (330), against a lower side surface (33U) and against lateral side surfaces (33) of the iron cores 10 and flow openings (54) in the inner ring (22B) are left free of the plastic (45).

6. The axial flux machine (1) according to claim 5, wherein each of the wound coils (25) has a circular ring segment-like shape and surrounds the circular ring segment-like iron cores (10) overmoulded with plastic (45) and the gap (27) communicates with the associated flow opening (54) in the inner ring (22B) of the support flange (4).

7. The axial flux machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first, left stator cover (8) and the second, right stator cover (9) have multiple sealing geometries (56) in the form of elastomer seals (561, 562 and 563) and a first circumferential elastomer seal (561) is formed in the region of the outer circumference of the stator cover 8 or 9, a second circumferential elastomer seal (562) is formed in the region of an opening (59) for the hub (50) and a further elastomer seal (563) is formed in each receptacle (16) for a phase connection (131, 132 and 133).

8. The axial flux machine (1) according to claim 7, wherein multiple screw connections (62) extending through the central support flange (4) press the first, left stator cover (8) and the second, right stator cover (9) against each other onto the central support flange (4).

9. The axial flux machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 7 or 8, wherein a further sealing means (57) is provided which surrounds cut-outs (64), defined by spokes (60), of the first, left stator cover (8) and the second, right stator cover (9).