Laminated core and method for sealing at least one liquid channel in said laminated core

Abstract

The invention relates to a laminated core (3) and to a method for sealing at least one liquid channel (2) in said laminated core (3). In order to achieve a high degree of reproducibility, a first liquid fluid (6), having silane, is introduced into the at least one liquid channel (2), the first liquid fluid (6) is kept in the liquid channel (2) under a first pressure (p1) for a first dwell time and is then discharged out of the liquid channel (2), in particular by means of a blowing process, and a second liquid fluid (8) which contains at least one amino group is then introduced into the at least one liquid channel (2).

Description

[0001] Laminated core and method for sealing at least one liquid channel in this laminated core

[0002] Technical area

[0003] The invention relates to a laminated core and a method for sealing at least one liquid channel in this laminated core, which comprises sheet metal parts bonded to one another by at least one adhesive layer, in particular a hot-melt adhesive lacquer layer, in particular over the entire surface, wherein the liquid channel penetrates at least several of these sheet metal parts.

[0004] State of the art

[0005] Laminated cores with bonded sheet metal parts made of electrical steel or sheet are often liquid-cooled in high-performance applications to minimize heat dissipation. For this purpose, a cooling fluid flows through fluid channels in the laminated core – usually under relatively high pressure. For this reason, the bonding of the sheet metal parts must be relatively stable against hydraulic loads to achieve pressure resistance and leak-free performance. Laminated cores that do not meet these requirements cannot be used and are subsequently rejected.

[0006] Description of the invention

[0007] The invention therefore aims to create a method for sealing a fluid channel in a laminated core comprising bonded sheet metal parts. Furthermore, the method should be quick and easy to handle. The invention achieves this objective by the features of claim 1.

[0008] If a first liquid fluid comprising silane is introduced into the at least one liquid channel, this first liquid fluid is held in the liquid channel for a first holding time under a first pressure and then discharged from the liquid channel, measures and preparations can already be taken to seal this liquid channel. Due to its comparatively low surface tension, the pressurized silane can penetrate even the smallest spaces between the sheet metal parts, such as gaps or cracks, and thus prepare them for sealing and / or seal them. This can also be used to reliably fill and repair unexpectedly occurring bonding defects, such as unbonded areas, even between two adhesive layers. The first liquid fluid is preferably discharged from the at least one liquid channel by blowing it out, which can be carried out quickly.In addition, blowing out the silane that has penetrated between the sheet metal parts for sealing purposes also prevents unwanted reflow, for example, due to surface tension. This allows any silane that has penetrated into a gap created, for example, by a bonding defect, to remain more reliably at the point to be sealed.

[0009] The sealing of the fluid channel can be further improved by introducing a second fluid containing at least one amino group into the at least one fluid channel in a further step. Due to an interaction (e.g., chemical reaction and / or change in pH) of the amino group with the silane, a highly viscous mass can be created at the defect areas, reliably sealing the fluid and achieving this in a comparatively rapid process.

[0010] In this way, the penetration of coolant into areas between the sheet metal parts can be reliably prevented.

[0011] In addition, a further chemical reaction between the adhesive and the amino group can potentially improve the bonding of the highly viscous mass to the adhesive. This is particularly true if the adhesive is a hot-melt adhesive, especially a self-bonding varnish. For example, this could be a bisphenol-based epoxy resin system with a hardener, such as a dicyandiamide-based one.

[0012] According to the invention, a liquid channel of a laminated core can be sealed reproducibly and quickly - and this is also comparatively easy to handle.

[0013] Even the smallest gaps between the sheet metal parts, originating from the fluid channel, can be successfully sealed if, for example, the first liquid fluid is a low-molecular, particularly partially hydrolyzed, silane or a mixture of, particularly such a silane and triethylene glycol. For example, this silane is GLYEO (3-glycidyloxypropyltriethoxysilane) or AMEO (3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane).

[0014] Preferably, the second liquid fluid containing at least one amino group is urea, which can lead to a comparatively rapid reaction with the first liquid fluid. For example, urea can lead to accelerated thickening of the silane in the first liquid fluid, which can significantly reduce the cycle time of the process.

[0015] The above is even more efficient if the first liquid fluid is introduced into the at least one liquid channel, completely filling it. This also eliminates increased costs, especially since the discharged first liquid fluid, minus the amount that has penetrated between the sheet metal parts, can be reused. The method according to the invention is therefore also comparatively cost-effective.

[0016] The process can be further improved if the introduced first liquid fluid is maintained at a first pressure in the range of 1 to 10 bar. For example, this allows the first liquid fluid to penetrate into the spaces to be sealed in sufficient quantities. This is even better if the first liquid fluid is maintained at a first pressure in the range of 2 to 6 bar.

[0017] If the introduced first liquid fluid is kept under first pressure with a first holding time in the range of 0.5 to 5 seconds, this can reliably ensure penetration into defects with a comparatively short cycle time.

[0018] For example, an initial hold time in the range of 1 to 3 seconds may be sufficient for the above-mentioned purposes.

[0019] For example, a viscosity level that depends on the interaction, e.g., reaction, of the amino group with silane can be advantageously adjusted by holding the introduced second liquid fluid in at least one liquid channel with a second holding time in the range of 0.5 to 10 seconds. For this purpose, a second holding time in the range of 2 to 5 seconds may already be sufficient.

[0020] Preferably, the second liquid fluid is introduced into the at least one liquid channel so as to completely fill it in order to achieve a reliable seal.

[0021] For example, the second liquid fluid is discharged from the liquid channel, for example by blowing out, in order to ensure a high cycle rate in the process.

[0022] For example, by performing a pressure test for leakage of the liquid channel after the second liquid has been dispensed, the reproducibility of the process can be further increased.

[0023] If the first and / or second liquid fluid is introduced into the at least one fluid channel of a heated laminated core, this can further promote the filling of even the smallest gaps between the sheet metal parts. The compressive strength of the laminated core can thus be further increased, for example. This can be further improved if the heated laminated core has a temperature greater than the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the hot-melt adhesive and lower than the bonding temperature of the hot-melt adhesive.

[0024] The invention also aims to create a laminated core that is more stable in the event of a liquid leak.

[0025] The invention solves the problem by the features of claim 13.

[0026] According to the invention, a liquid channel can be sealed particularly reliably against leakage by having a free space filled with silane between the sheet metal parts in the laminated core. In addition, such a laminated core can be suitable for liquid cooling with comparatively high hydraulic pressures.

[0027] The above can be further improved if the free space is filled with a high-molecular silane or a high-molecular silane compound. If necessary, the laminated core can also contain urea between the sheet metal parts.

[0028] The laminated core according to the invention can be particularly suitable for an electrical machine.

[0029] Short description of the drawings

[0030] The figures show, for example, the subject matter of the invention in more detail using an exemplary embodiment.

[0031] Fig. 1 shows a device for carrying out the method according to the invention,

[0032] Fig. 2 a torn-off detail view of Fig. 1 and

[0033] Fig. 3 is a fragmentary detailed view of Fig. 1 during the implementation of another step of the method according to the invention. Way of implementing the invention

[0034] Fig. 1 shows a device 1 used to seal a fluid channel 2 in a laminated core 3. The laminated core 3 consists of sheet metal parts 4 that are bonded together over their entire surface in the exemplary embodiment. For this purpose, an adhesive layer 5, namely a hot-melt adhesive layer, is provided between each successive sheet metal part 4, over the entire surface, by means of which the sheet metal parts 4 made of an electrical strip or sheet are firmly bonded to one another. These sheet metal parts 4 are often also referred to as laminations.

[0035] The hot-melt adhesive layer is a bonding layer. The adhesive in adhesive layer 5 can be partially or fully cured, which is also known as the C-state or caking.

[0036] The preferably thermosetting and thus thermally activatable hot-melt adhesive can, for example, be based on an epoxy resin. The hot-melt adhesive is preferably a bisphenol-based epoxy resin system with a hardener, for example, a dicyandiamide-based system. In particular, the hot-melt adhesive mentioned can be a bisphenol A-epichlorohydrin resin system with dicyandiamide as the hardener. The glass transition temperature Tg of the hot-melt adhesive used, for example, is in the range of 65 to 85 °C (degrees Celsius), measured according to ISO 11357-2. Its bonding temperature is in the range of greater than or equal to 180 degrees Celsius.

[0037] In addition, at least one fluid channel 2 can be seen in Figures 1 to 3, which completely penetrates the laminated core 3 and thus all sheet metal parts 4. In the exemplary embodiment, the fluid channel 2 extending in the laminated core 3 runs in the longitudinal direction of the laminated core, i.e. in the axial direction. For example, recesses in the sheet metal parts 4 of the laminated core 3 delimit this fluid channel 2. The fluid channel 2 serves to liquid-cool the laminated core, which is advantageous, for example, in the high-performance sector. The bonded laminated core 3 is subjected to a leak test. For this purpose, the laminated core 3 is clamped in the device, as shown in Fig. 1, and the fluid channel 2 is flooded with compressed gas, for example. If a pressure drop is detected, the fluid channel 2 is sealed using the device 1.

[0038] For this purpose, according to the invention, in a first step, a first liquid fluid 6, namely silane, is introduced into the liquid channel 2, namely the liquid channel

[0039] 2 completely, as can be seen in Figures 1 and 2. GLYEO (3-glycidyloxypropyltriethoxysilane) is preferably used as the silane. The silane has a low surface tension and can thus penetrate and fill at least one, for example, very fine, free space 7 between the sheet metal parts 4, starting from the liquid channel 2, as can be seen more clearly in Fig. 2.

[0040] Any silane escaping from the free space 7 and thus from the laminated core 3 can be removed, for example, using a separation process. The silane shown in Fig. 2 and

[0041] The free space 7 shown in Figure 3 is located in the adhesive layer 5 itself. However, this can also be located between the adhesive layer 5 and the adjoining sheet metal part 4, which has not been shown in more detail.

[0042] The first liquid fluid 6 is held in the liquid channel 2 for a first holding time t1 under a first pressure p1 in the liquid channel 2, such that at least one free space 7 extending from the liquid channel 2 and located between the sheet metal parts 4 is filled at least partially with the first liquid fluid 6, as shown. The first liquid 6 is then discharged from the liquid channel 2 and can, if necessary, be reused to seal another subsequent sheet metal package 3, which is not shown in detail here. This discharge takes place by blowing out of the liquid channel 2, which quickly empties the liquid channel 2, but nevertheless keeps or minimizes any outflow from the filled free space 7. Thus, after the first liquid 6 has been discharged from the liquid channel 2, the remainder of the first liquid fluid 6 remains more reliably in the respective free space 7.The first liquid fluid 6 can already begin to react in the free space 7, for example with the adhesive layer 5, in order to seal this free space 7.

[0043] According to the invention, a second, liquid fluid 8 containing at least one amino group, namely urea, is subsequently introduced into this liquid channel 2, directly thereafter, as shown in Fig. 3. The second fluid 8 interacts, for example, reacts chemically, with the first liquid fluid 6 and forms a highly viscous mass 9, at least in the connection region between the liquid channel 2 and the free space 7. It is also conceivable that the second fluid 8 changes the pH value of the first liquid fluid 6, thereby further accelerating the polycondensation of its silane. This creates a type of closure in this region, which securely and quickly seals the liquid channel 2.

[0044] This allows the first liquid fluid 6 to continue reacting, for example, hardening, independently of any pressurization in the fluid channel 2. This further improves the sealing and thus the stability of the laminated core 3 against comparatively high hydraulic pressures. Furthermore, a fluid channel 2 that is leak-free with respect to cooling fluid is created.

[0045] The second liquid fluid 8 is also introduced into the liquid channel 2 and subsequently expelled from this liquid channel 2 by blowing. It goes without saying that the expelled second liquid fluid 8 is a residue of the introduced second liquid fluid 8, which interacts with the first liquid fluid 6 (e.g., through a chemical reaction and / or by changing the pH value).

[0046] The following process conditions in the order mentioned have been found to be advantageous for a laminated core 3 bonded (C-state) with a bonding varnish based on an epoxy resin (namely EB549 from Rembrandtin) with a cross-linked adhesive layer 5 in the height of 10 pm (micrometers) between the sheet metal parts 4 each with a thickness of 0.25 mm (millimeters):

[0047] First liquid fluid: Silane GLYEO (3-glycidyloxy-propyl-triethoxysilane) first pressure p1: 2 bar first holding time: 2 seconds

[0048] Second liquid fluid: urea second pressure p2: no additional pressurization second holding time: 3 seconds

[0049] The first and second liquid fluids 6, 8 were introduced into the liquid channel 2, completely filling it, and were discharged from this liquid channel 2 by blowing it out.

[0050] This completely eliminated an initially measured leakage of 5 ml per minute, which was shown by a pressure test with ATF oil at a test pressure of 1.5 bar carried out after sealing.

[0051] The pressure resistance could be further increased to over 20 bar by performing the process on a heated lamination stack 3. The lamination stack 3 was heated to 90 degrees Celsius, and then the steps were performed with the first and second liquid fluids 7 and 8.

[0052] The glass transition temperature Tg of the hot melt adhesive used, for example, is in the range of 65 to 85 °C (degrees Celsius), measured according to ISO 11357-2. Its bonding temperature is in the range of greater than or equal to 180 degrees Celsius.

[0053] The device 1 shown in Fig. 1 is mounted on the end faces of the laminated core 3 with two plates 10a, 10b, which are clamped together via several clamping devices, namely screw connections 11. The plates 10a, 10b carry connections 12 for introducing the first and second liquid fluids 6, 8 into the respective liquid channels 2 of the laminated core 3.

[0054] Preferably, the invention seals a free space 7 that exists in the adhesive layer 5 itself and / or between the adhesive layer 5 and the adjoining sheet metal part 4. Thus, the laminated core 3 comprises silane or a silane compound and optionally also urea between the sheet metal parts 4, specifically in the free space 7 in the adhesive layer 5 itself and / or in the free space 7 between the adhesive layer 5 and the adjoining sheet metal part 4. This can be a high-molecular silane or a high-molecular silane compound, for example a polycondensed silane.

[0055] In general, it is noted that "in particular" can be translated into English as "more particularly." A feature preceded by "in particular" is to be considered an optional feature that can be omitted and thus does not constitute a limitation, for example, of the claims. The same applies to "vorzugsweise," translated into English as "preferably."

Claims

Patent claims:

1. Method for sealing at least one liquid channel (2) in a laminated core (3) which has sheet metal parts (4) bonded to one another by at least one adhesive layer (5), in particular a hot-melt adhesive layer, in particular over the entire surface, wherein the liquid channel (2) penetrates at least several of these sheet metal parts (4), in which method a first liquid fluid (6) comprising silane is introduced into the at least one liquid channel (2), this first liquid fluid (6) is held in the liquid channel (2) for a first holding time under a first pressure (p1) and is then discharged from the liquid channel (2), in particular by blowing out, and subsequently a second liquid fluid (8) containing at least one amino group is introduced into the at least one liquid channel (2).

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the first liquid fluid (6) is a low molecular weight, in particular partially hydrolyzed, silane or a mixture of, in particular such a, silane and triethylene glycol.

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the second liquid fluid (8) containing at least one amino group is urea.

4. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first liquid fluid (6) is introduced into the at least one liquid channel (2) so as to completely fill it.

5. Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the introduced first liquid fluid (6) is kept under the first pressure (p1) in the range from 1 to 10 bar, in particular in the range from 2 to 6 bar.

6. Method according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the introduced first liquid fluid (6) is held for a first holding time under a first pressure (p1 ) in the range of 1 to 10 bar, in particular in the range of 2 to 6 bar, in the liquid channel (2).

7. Method according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the introduced first liquid fluid (6) is held under the first pressure (p1) with a first holding time in the range of 0.5 to 5 seconds, in particular in the range of 1 to 3 seconds.

8. Method according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the introduced second liquid fluid (8) is held in the at least one liquid channel (2) with a second holding time in the range of 0.5 to 10 seconds, in particular in the range of 2 to 5 seconds.

9. Method according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the second liquid fluid (8) is introduced into the at least one liquid channel (2) so as to completely fill it and / or that the second liquid fluid (8) is discharged from the at least one liquid channel (2), in particular by blowing out.

10. Method according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that after the discharge of the second liquid fluid (8) a pressure test for leakage of the liquid channel (2) is carried out.

11. Method according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the first and / or second liquid fluid (6, 8) is introduced into the at least one liquid channel (2) of a heated laminated core (3).

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that the heated laminated core (3) has a temperature greater than the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the hot-melt adhesive lacquer and less than the caking temperature of the hot-melt adhesive lacquer.

13. Laminated core, in particular sealed using a method according to one of claims 1 to 12, with sheet metal parts (4) bonded to one another by an adhesive layer (5), in particular a hot-melt adhesive layer, and with at least one liquid channel (2) which penetrates at least several sheet metal parts (4) of the laminated core (3), wherein the laminated core (3) has a free space (7) filled with silane between the sheet metal parts (4).

14. Laminated core according to claim 13, characterized in that the free space (7) is filled with a high-molecular silane or with a high-molecular silane compound.

15. Electrical machine with a laminated core according to claim 13 or 14.

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