E-machine with alternative coolant channel arrangement

Abstract

An e-machine (110) includes a plurality of fluid channels (201) at least partly defined by the stator member (119). The plurality of fluid channels (201) include a manifold channel (202) that extends about the axis (109, 214). The plurality of fluid channels (201) include a first elongate channel (230) and a second elongate channel (240) that are fluidly connected to the manifold channel (202). The first elongate channel (230) and the second elongate channel (240) are spaced apart in a circumferential direction about the axis (109). The first elongate channel (230) extends from the manifold channel (202) toward the first end (160), turns to extend along the axis (109) toward the second end (162), and terminates at a first outlet (238) at the second end (162) of the stator member (119). The second elongate channel (240) extends from the manifold channel (202) toward the second end (162), turns to extend along the axis (109) toward the first end (160), and terminates at a second outlet (248) at the first end (160) of the stator member (119).

Description

PATENT APPLICATIONATTORNEY DOCKET NO. G001531 (123.1569GB)E-MACHINE WITH ALTERNATING COOLANT CHANNEL ARRANGEMENTTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The technical field generally relates to an electric machine (i.e., an e-machine) and, more particularly, relates to an e-machine with an alternating coolant channel arrangement.BACKGROUND

[0002] E-machines, such as electric motors, electric generators, and combination motor / generators, are provided for a variety of uses. For example, electric traction motors are proposed for electric vehicles, locomotives, and the like.

[0003] Preferably, e-machines operate within a predetermined temperature range. Also, it is preferable for temperatures throughout the e-machine to be substantially uniform. However, it remains challenging to ensure that the e-machine operates within these thermal parameters. Cooling features may be included, however, there may be detrimental increases in costs, part count, device complexity, size, bulkiness, and / or weight if these cooling features are included.

[0004] Thus, there remains a need for an e-machine system that effectively manages thermal performance of the e-machine. There remains a need for these e-machine systems, wherein the thermal management features are provided in a relatively compact, low-weight package. There is also a need for such an e-machine system that also provides high manufacturing efficiency for reduced costs and manufacturing time. Other desirable features and characteristics will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and this background.BRIEF SUMMARY

[0005] According to a first aspect of the invention, an e-machine is disclosed that includes an e-machine housing and a rotor member disposed within the e-machine housing and supported for rotation about an axis therein. Furthermore, the e-machine includes a stator member disposed within the e-machine housing and operatively coupled with the rotor member. The stator member has a first end and a second end separated apart along the axis. Moreover, the e-machine includes a plurality of fluid channels at least partly defined by the stator member. The plurality of fluid channels include a manifold channel that extends about the axis. The plurality of fluid channels include a first elongate channel and a second elongate channel that are fluidly connected to the manifold channel and configured to receive a flowPATENT APPLICATIONATTORNEY DOCKET NO. G001531 (123.1569GB) therefrom. The first elongate channel and the second elongate channel are spaced apart in a circumferential direction about the axis. The first elongate channel extends from the manifold channel toward the first end, where the first elongate channel turns to extend along the axis toward the second end. The first elongate channel terminates at a first outlet at the second end of the stator member. The second elongate channel extends from the manifold channel toward the second end, where the second elongate channel turns to extend along the axis toward the first end. The second elongate channel terminates at a second outlet at the first end of the stator member.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0006] The various embodiments will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the following drawing figures, wherein like numerals denote like elements, and wherein:

[0007] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of an e-machine system according to example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0008] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an e-machine of the system of FIG. 1 according to example embodiments;

[0009] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the e-machine of FIG. 2 according to example embodiments;

[0010] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a stator member of the e-machine of FIG. 2;

[0011] FIG. 5 is a longitudinal section view of a portion of the stator member of FIG. 4; and

[0012] FIG. 6 is a longitudinal section view of another portion of the stator member of FIG. 4.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] The following Detailed Description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the various embodiments or the application and uses thereof. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any theory presented in the preceding background or the following detailed description.

[0014] Broadly, example embodiments disclosed herein include an e-machine, such as an electric motor, with a stator member that is housed within an e-machine housing, wherein a plurality of coolant channels are included and arranged about the stator member and within the housing. More specifically, the coolant channels may include at least one manifold channel and a plurality of elongate channels that extend in a downstream direction from thePATENT APPLICATIONATTORNEY DOCKET NO. G001531 (123.1569GB) manifold channel. In some embodiments, the manifold channel and a portion of the elongate channels are cooperatively defined by the stator member and the e-machine housing to provide coolant to the interface therebetween and to cool both the stator member and the e- machine housing. The elongate channels may extend substantially along (e.g., substantially parallel to) the axis of rotation of a rotor member of the e-machine. Also, the elongate channels may extend from the manifold channel to one end, extend radially inward and may turn back toward the opposite end of the stator member. The elongate channels may be spaced apart in the circumferential direction. Neighboring ones of the elongate channels may extend in opposite longitudinal directions along the axis. Fluid coolant may flow through the coolant channels, and the alternating arrangement of the coolant channels may provide effective cooling for the stator member. Also, coolant flow through the fluid channels may also provide beneficial cooling directly to the e-machine housing.

[0015] In some embodiments, the fluid coolant system provides fluid coolant to the manifold channel for distribution about and along the radial interface between the stator core and the e-machine housing. The elongate channels direct this flow axially toward the first end and the second end of the stator core. Further downstream, stator core internal fluid channels may re-direct coolant at the first and second ends of the stator core radially into the stator core and then axially through the core via internal channels to internally cool the stator member. The internal fluid channels may terminate at stator outlets, which may spray stator end windings and / or other components of the e-machine for highly effective cooling. Even with these features, the e-machine may be compact, lightweight, and may have high manufacturability .

[0016] Embodiments of the present disclosure also include an e-machine system, which includes such an e-machine. Furthermore, embodiments of the present disclosure include a method of manufacturing the e-machine. Additional features and benefits of the present disclosure are included below.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an e-machine system 100 according to example embodiments of the present disclosure. The e-machine system 100 may have a variety of configurations. In some embodiments, the e-machine system 100 may be configured as a traction drive system 102 that is included, for example, on a vehicle 106. Thus, the traction drive system 102 may be configured for driving one or more wheels 104 of the vehicle 106. More specifically, the wheels 104 may be included at opposite ends of an axle 111, and a chassis 107 may be supported on the wheels 104 by a suspension system (not shown). The vehicle 106 may be an electric car, truck, van, motorcycle, boat, or other vehicle. However, itPATENT APPLICATIONATTORNEY DOCKET NO. G001531 (123.1569GB) will be appreciated that the e-machine system 100 may be configured otherwise without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0018] Generally, the e-machine system 100 may include an e-machine 110, such as an electric motor 112. The motor 112 may be housed within a cavity 129 of an e-machine housing 124. It will be appreciated that the e-machine 110 may be configured otherwise. The e-machine 110 may be configured as an electric generator in some embodiments.Furthermore, the e-machine 110 may be operable in some modes as a motor and in additional modes as a generator. The e-machine 110 may include a rotor member 118 and a stator member 119 that are housed within the cavity 129 of the e-machine housing 124.

[0019] The rotor member 118 may be supported on a shaft 116, and the shaft 116 may be supported for rotation about an axis 109 (i.e., rotation axis 109) within the e-machine housing 124. The stator member 119 of the e-machine 110 may be fixed within the e-machine housing 124 and may surround the rotor member 118 and the shaft 116. In embodiments in which the e-machine 110 is an electric motor 112, the shaft 116 may be referred to as an output shaft 116 of the electric motor 112. In some embodiments, a gear connection member 128 (e.g., a gear, a spline on the shaft 116, or other part with gear teeth features) may be operably supported on the shaft 116.

[0020] Also, the e-machine system 100 may include a transmission 130 (i.e., gearbox, reducer, etc.). The transmission 130 may generally include a geartrain 132 that is housed within a gearbox housing 136. The gearbox housing 136 may be attached (e.g., fixed) to a side wall 127 of the e-machine housing 124.

[0021] The geartrain 132 may be of any suitable type, including but not limited to a one- stage, multi-stage, one-speed, multi-speed, planetary gearset, or other type. The geartrain 132 may operatively connect the e-machine 110 and the axle 111 and may transmit power therebetween. The e-machine 110 may be coupled to the wheels 104 via the transmission 130. The geartrain 132 may be attached to the gear connection member 128 and to the axle 111. The gearbox housing 136 and the e-machine housing 124 may be moveably supported on the axle 111 by one or more bearings 114 (e.g., a bearing sleeve, suspension tube, etc.) such that the axle 111 may rotate relative thereto.

[0022] During operation, the electric motor 112 may rotatably drive the shaft 116 and the gear connection member 128 supported thereon. This rotational power may transfer to the geartrain 132, which may transmit the power to the axle 111 to rotate the wheels 104 and propel the vehicle 106. These operations may be controlled by a control system 133. ThePATENT APPLICATIONATTORNEY DOCKET NO. G001531 (123.1569GB) control system 133 may control speed of the motor 112 and / or other functions of the motor 112.

[0023] Furthermore, the e-machine system 100 may include a fluid coolant system 140. The fluid coolant system 140 may be configured for circulating a fluid, such as a liquid fluid coolant (e.g., coolant oil). Although not shown, it will be appreciated that the fluid coolant system 140 may include a fluid pump, filter, and / or other components. The fluid coolant system 140 may direct a flow of coolant into the e-machine housing 124 and may be fluidly coupled to the stator member 119 as will be discussed. Accordingly, the fluid coolant may cool the stator member 119. The fluid coolant may also be directed for cooling the e-machine housing 124 in some embodiments. The fluid coolant system 140 may also direct the coolant toward other components (e.g., the rotor member 118, bearings, and / or to other components within the e-machine system 100), and the fluid coolant may flow out of the e-machine housing 124 to be re-circulated through the coolant system 140 and back to the e-machine housing 124.

[0024] Referring now to FIGS. 2, 3, and 4, features of the stator member 119 and e- machine housing 124 will be discussed in greater detail according to example embodiments. As shown, the stator member 119 may be generally cylindrical, hollow, and open at both axial ends. The stator member 119 may be centered about the axis 109. The e-machine housing 124 may be cylindrical and hollow with the cavity 129 shaped, sized, and configured to receive the stator member 119. The stator member 119 and the e-machine housing 124 may cooperatively define a first longitudinal end 142 and a second longitudinal end 144 of the e-machine 110, which are separated apart along the axis 109.

[0025] The e-machine housing 124 may include an outer radial wall 150, which extends circumferentially about the axis 109 and along the axis between the first and second longitudinal ends 142, 144. The outer radial wall 150 may also define an inner radial surface 131 that faces radially inward toward the axis 109. The e-machine housing 124 is shown open at both the first and second longitudinal ends 142, 144 in FIGS. 2 and 3; however, it will be appreciated that the e-machine housing 124 may have end walls that close off the first and / or second longitudinal ends 142, 144. Moreover, one or more seal members may be included for sealing off (i.e., fluidly sealing, hermetically sealing) the e-machine housing 124 and the cavity 129 therein.

[0026] In some embodiments, a majority of the inner radial surface 131 of the e-machine housing 124 may be smooth and cylindrical and disposed at a substantially constant radial dimension (indicated at 210 in FIG. 5). Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the e-PATENT APPLICATIONATTORNEY DOCKET NO. G001531 (123.1569GB) machine housing 124 may include a circumferential groove 207 (i.e., recess, etc.) on the inner radial surface 131. The groove 207 may be recessed into the inner radial surface 131 in a radial direction away from the axis 109 to a radial depth dimension 211 (FIG. 5). As shown in FIG. 2, the groove 207 may be disposed axially at an intermediate area of the housing 124 (e.g., approximately midway) between the first longitudinal end 142 and the second longitudinal end 144. In some embodiments, the groove 207 may be annular and may extend continuously about the axis 109 in the circumferential direction.

[0027] The stator member 119 includes a stator core 154 (FIG. 3 and 4). The stator core 154 is hollow and cylindrical so as to include an outer radial surface 156, an inner radial surface 158, a first axial end 160, and a second axial end 162 (FIG. 4). The first axial end 160 may be proximate the first longitudinal end 142 of the e-machine 110, and the second axial end 162 may be proximate the second longitudinal end 144 of the e-machine 110.

[0028] As shown in the exploded view of FIG. 3, the stator core 154 may comprise a plurality of thin, metallic, disc-like laminations that are arranged in one or more lamination stacks 161. Laminations within the stacks 161 may be, in some embodiments, approximately 0.2 mm thick. As shown in the illustrated embodiments, there may be a plurality of stacks 161, which are arranged along the axis 109 to collectively define the outer radial surface 156 and the inner radial surface 158 of the stator core 154. The stator core 154 may further include a first end member 166 and a second end member 168. The first and second end members 166, 168 may include one or more laminations, similar to the stacks 161; however, the end members 166, 168 may be disposed at and may define the first axial end 160 of the core 154, and the second end member 168 may be disposed at and may define the second axial end 162 of the core 154.

[0029] A majority of the outer radial surface 156 of the core 154 may be smooth and disposed at the outer radial dimension 210. Furthermore, areas of the outer radial surface 156 may include a plurality of grooves 212 that are recessed radially inward. The grooves 212 may extend longitudinally along the axis (e.g., substantially parallel to the axis 109) along a respective groove axis 214. The grooves 212 may extend from an intermediate area 205 of the stator core 154 (e.g., approximately half way between the first and second ends 160, 162) toward one of the first and second ends 160, 162. The grooves 212 may be spaced apart circumferentially (e.g., equally spaced) about the axis 109. Also, as shown in FIG. 4, the plurality of grooves 212 may include a plurality of first grooves 221 that extend axially from the intermediate area 205 toward the first end 160. The first grooves 221 may be recessed into the lamination stacks 161 and may terminate at the first end member 166. Likewise, thePATENT APPLICATIONATTORNEY DOCKET NO. G001531 (123.1569GB) plurality of grooves 212 may include a plurality of second grooves 222 that extend axially from the intermediate area 205 toward the second end 162. The second grooves 222 may be recessed into the lamination stacks 161 and may terminate at the second end member 168. As shown in FIG. 4, the groove axis 214 of the first groove 221 may be spaced apart angularly from the groove axis 214 of the neighboring second groove 222 to define an arc length spacing 216 (FIG. 4.). The arc length spacing 216 may be measured along an imaginary circle that is centered on the axis and that overlies the outer radial surface 156. The arc length spacing 216 may be consistent about the axis 109.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 4, the stator core 154 may include a plurality of inner radial slots 164 (i.e., grooves, passages, etc.). The lamination stacks 161, the first end member 166, and the second end member 168 of the stator core 154 may individually include notches that, when stacked together, are aligned to collectively define the slots 164. The plurality of slots 164 may be disposed in spaced arrangement (e.g., equally spaced) about the axis of rotation 109 and may radiate from the axis of rotation 109. The slots 164 may have a substantially rectangular cross section. In some embodiments; however, the cross section may have a different shapes / profiles without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The slots 164 may extend continuously from the first axial end 160 to the second axial end 162 of the core 154. Accordingly, the slots 164 may be open at the first axial end 160 and the second axial end 162. Furthermore, the slots 164 may extend from the inner radial surface 158 of the stator core 154 toward the outer radial surface 156 (i.e., slotted radially outward from the inner radial surface 158).

[0031] As shown in FIG. 2, the stator member 119 may further include a plurality of windings 170 (i.e., conductive members, winding members, wiring members, etc.). The windings 170 may be electrically conductive and may comprise a plurality of elongate segments, wires, lines, etc., that are coated, jacketed, or otherwise covered by an electrically- insulative material. The windings 170 may be arranged in a plurality of coils, stacks, wraps, or any known arrangement that extend back-and-forth between the first and second axial ends 160, 162 of the stator core 154 and circumferentially between different ones of the slots 164. Accordingly, the windings 170 may be arranged for operatively coupling to the rotor member 118 of the motor 112. In other words, the term “windings 170” is used generally and may interpreted broadly to encompass a number of arrangements of conductive lines that extend throughout the core 154.

[0032] Accordingly, the windings 170 may include a plurality of longitudinal segments 172 that are received in respective ones of the slots 164 of the stator core 154 and that extendPATENT APPLICATIONATTORNEY DOCKET NO. G001531 (123.1569GB) generally along the axis 109. Also, the windings 170 may include a plurality of first end members 188 that are proximate the first axial end 160 of the stator core 154. The first end members 188 may project axially (along the axis 109) from the stator core 154 at the first axial end 160. The windings 170 may further include a plurality of second end members 189 that are proximate the second axial end 162 of the stator core 154. The second end members 189 may project axially (along the axis 109) from the stator core 154 at the second axial end 162. The first end members 188 may connect respective pairs of longitudinal segments 172 in different slots 164, and the first end members 188 may be disposed outside the stator core 154 on the first axial end 160. In some embodiments, at least one of the first end members 188 may extend away from the first axial end 160 to electrically connect to the control system 133. Furthermore, the second end members 189 may connect respective pairs of the longitudinal segments 172 in different slots 164. The second end members 189 may be disposed outside the stator core 154 at the second axial end 162. The first and second end members 188, 189 may electrically connect ones of the longitudinal segments 172 in a known manner for operation of the stator member 119 and for operative connection to the control system 133.

[0033] The e-machine housing 124 may house the stator member 119 with the inner radial surface 131 of the outer radial wall 150 opposing (e.g., abutting against) the outer radial surface 156 of the stator core 154. Thus, the outer radial area of the stator member 119 (including the outer radial surface 156) and the inner radial area of the e-machine housing 124 (including the inner radial surface 131) may engage and fit together at a stator-housing interface 145.

[0034] In some embodiments, the outer radial surface 156 of the stator member 119 may be press-fit, interference-fit, or friction-fit within the outer radial wall 150 of the e-machine housing 124 to define the stator-housing interface 145. Accordingly, manufacturing and assembly of the e-machine 110 may be highly efficient. Specifically, the stator member 119 may be advanced axially (i.e., along the axis 109) into the housing 124 such that the groove 207 in the housing 124 is disposed at the intermediate area 205 of the stator member 119. In this position, the groove 207 may radially overlap and fluidly connect to respective ends of the first grooves 221, and the groove 207 may radially overlap and fluidly connect to respective ends of the second grooves 222.

[0035] The e-machine 110 may further include a plurality of internal fluid channels 201 that are interconnected in a predetermined arrangement, fluid network, etc. so as to distribute flow within the e-machine 110. In some embodiments, at least some portion of the fluidPATENT APPLICATIONATTORNEY DOCKET NO. G001531 (123.1569GB) channels 201 may be defined by the stator member 119. In some embodiments, at least some portion of the fluid channels 201 may be defined by the e-machine housing 124. In some embodiments, at least some portion of the fluid channels 201 may be cooperatively defined by the stator member 119 and the e-machine housing 124.

[0036] For example, the e-machine housing 124 may include an inlet 206, which may extend radially therethrough. Further downstream from the inlet 206, the plurality of fluid channels 201 may include an inlet manifold channel 202 (FIGS. 2 and 5) that is fluidly connected to the inlet 206 to receive a flow therefrom.

[0037] The inlet manifold channel 202 may extend circumferentially about the axis 109. The inlet manifold channel 202 may be axially disposed at the intermediate area 205 of the stator core 154 (e.g., approximately half way between the first axial end 160 and the second axial end 162). The inlet manifold channel 202 may be rounded to extend about the axis 109 circumferentially. In some embodiments, the inlet manifold channel 202 may be annular and may extend continuously about the axis 109. In some embodiments, the outer radial surface 156 of the stator core 154 and the inner radial surface 131 of the e-machine housing 124 may cooperatively define the inlet manifold channel 202. Specifically, the circumferential groove 207 and the opposing areas of the outer radial surface 156 may cooperatively define the inlet manifold channel 202.

[0038] The plurality of fluid channels 201 may further include a plurality of elongate channels, including a first elongate channel 230 represented in FIG. 5 and a second elongate channel 240 represented in FIGS. 4 and 6. There may be a plurality of first elongate channels 230 and the embodiment of FIG. 5 may be representative of the plurality. Similarly, there may be a plurality of second elongate channels 240 and the embodiment of FIG. 6 may be representative of the plurality.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 5, the first elongate channel 230 may include a first segment 232 that is cooperatively defined by the first groove 221 and the opposing portion of the inner radial surface 131 of the e-machine housing 124. Thus, an upstream end of the first segment 232 may be fluidly connected to the inlet manifold channel 202. Further downstream, the first elongate channel 230 may comprise segments extending through the core 154. For example, the first elongate channel 230 may also include a second segment 234 that extends longitudinally between the first axial end 160 and the second axial end 162. The second segment 234 may be spaced inwardly radially from the first segment 232. An upstream end of the second segment 234 may be fluidly connected to the first segment 232 by a first turn 236 at the first axial end 160. The first turn 236 may be a radial through-hole defined by thePATENT APPLICATIONATTORNEY DOCKET NO. G001531 (123.1569GB) lamination stack 161 abutting the first end member 166. Accordingly, the first segment 232 of the first elongate channel 230 may extend in a downstream direction from the manifold channel 202 toward the first end 160 to the turn 236, where the first elongate channel 230 may turn radially inward toward the axis 109 and back in the opposite axial direction. Then, downstream of the turn 236, the second segment 234 may extend along the axis 109 toward the second end 162. The second segment 234 may extend through the second end member 168 and may terminate at a first outlet 238 (e.g., outlet hole, jet, sprayer, etc.) at the second end 162. The first outlet 238 may have an axis that is substantially parallel to the axis 109, or in other embodiments, the first outlet 238 may be directed along a positive angle relative to the axis 109. In some embodiments, the first segment 232, the turn 236, the second segment 234, and the first outlet 238 may be disposed in a common radial plane along with the axis 109 as shown in FIG. 5. In some embodiments, the first outlet 238 may have a reduced cross- sectional size (e.g., diameter) as compared with the second segment 234 further upstream so as to define an area of increased fluid pressure at the first outlet 238.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 4, there may be a plurality of first elongate channels 230, which are similar to that shown in FIG. 5. Neighboring first elongate channels 230 may be spaced apart circumferentially by a first arc length spacing 231 (FIG. 4). Accordingly, there may be a plurality of first outlets 238 spaced apart equally about the axis 109 on the second end 162.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 6, the second elongate channels 240 may be substantially similar to the first elongate channels 230, except the second elongate channels 240 may extend in opposite directions compared to the first elongate channels 230. Specifically, the second elongate channels 240 may include a third segment 242 that extends from the manifold channel 202 toward the second end 162 to a second turn 246, where the second elongate channel 240 continues to a fourth segment 244 that extends to the first end 160 and terminates at a second outlet 248.

[0042] Each first elongate channel 230 may be disposed circumferentially between neighboring pairs of the plurality of slots 164. Each second elongate channel 240 may be disposed circumferentially between other neighboring pairs of the pairs of slots 164. In some embodiments, the first elongate channels 230 may be disposed between every other one of the slots 164, and the second elongate channels 240 may be disposed between the remaining ones of the slots 164.

[0043] The first outlets 238 may be substantially parallel to the axis 109 or may be directed at a slight angle relative to the axis. The first outlets 238 may be directed at the second endPATENT APPLICATIONATTORNEY DOCKET NO. G001531 (123.1569GB) members 189. Likewise, the second outlets 248 may be directed parallel to the axis 109 or at a slight angle thereto toward the first end members 188.

[0044] Accordingly, the e-machine system 100 effectively manages thermal performance of the e-machine 110. The stator member 119, the housing 124, and other features may be efficiently cooled for improved performance of the e-machine 110, increased operating lifetime, and other benefits. Furthermore, the e-machine 110 may be compact and lightweight. Furthermore, manufacture of the e-machine 110 may be highly efficient and low cost.

[0045] Additional embodiments of the present disclosure are as follows:

[0046] In an example embodiment, an e-machine includes an e-machine housing and a rotor member disposed within the e-machine housing and supported for rotation about an axis therein. Furthermore, the e-machine includes a stator member disposed within the e-machine housing and operatively coupled with the rotor member. The stator member has a first end and a second end separated apart along the axis. Moreover, the e-machine includes a plurality of fluid channels at least partly defined by the stator member. The plurality of fluid channels include a manifold channel that extends about the axis. The plurality of fluid channels include a first elongate channel and a second elongate channel that are fluidly connected to the manifold channel and configured to receive a flow therefrom. The first elongate channel and the second elongate channel are spaced apart in a circumferential direction about the axis. The first elongate channel extends from the manifold channel toward the first end, where the first elongate channel turns to extend along the axis toward the second end. The first elongate channel terminates at a first outlet at the second end of the stator member. The second elongate channel extends from the manifold channel toward the second end, where the second elongate channel turns to extend along the axis toward the first end. The second elongate channel terminates at a second outlet at the first end of the stator member.

[0047] In some embodiments, the first elongate channel includes a first segment and a second segment that extend along the axis and that are connected by a turn at the first end. Also, the first segment and the second segment are separated apart radially with respect to the axis.

[0048] In further embodiments, the first segment and the second segment are substantially parallel to the axis and disposed substantially in a common radial plane together with the axis.

[0049] Moreover, in some embodiments, the second elongate channel includes a third segment and a fourth segment that extend along the axis and that are connected by anotherPATENT APPLICATIONATTORNEY DOCKET NO. G001531 (123.1569GB) turn at the second end. The third segment and the fourth segment are separated apart radially with respect to the axis, and the third segment and the fourth segment are substantially parallel to the axis and disposed substantially in another common radial plane together with the axis. The common radial plane and the other common radial plane spaced apart angularly about the axis.

[0050] In some embodiments, the e-machine housing and the stator member cooperatively define a portion of the first elongate channel.

[0051] Also, in some embodiments, the stator member defines an intermediate area axially disposed between the first end and the second end. The manifold channel is disposed at the intermediate area.

[0052] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the e-machine housing and the stator member cooperatively define the manifold channel.

[0053] In some embodiments, the stator member includes a core with a plurality of slots. The stator member further includes a plurality of conductive windings supported by the core and respectively received within the slots. The first elongate channel extends between a neighboring pair of the plurality of slots in a circumferential direction with respect to the axis.

[0054] In some embodiments, the second elongate channel extends, in the circumferential direction, between one of the neighboring pair of the plurality of slots and another of the plurality of slots.

[0055] In further embodiments, the core includes an outer radial surface and an inner radial surface. Also, the core is slotted radially outward from the inner radial surface.

[0056] In some embodiments, the first outlet has a reduced cross-sectional size as compared to the first elongate channel further upstream therefrom.

[0057] Also, in some embodiments, the manifold channel is annular and extends continuously about the axis.

[0058] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the manifold channel overlaps a first end of the first elongate channel radially with respect to the axis. The manifold channel overlaps a second end of the second elongate channel radially with respect to the axis.

[0059] Additional embodiments of the present disclosure include a method of manufacturing the e-machine.

[0060] In some embodiments, the method of manufacturing the e-machine system includes attaching, by interference fit, the stator member within the e-machine housing.

[0061] While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description of the disclosure, it should be appreciated that a vast number ofPATENT APPLICATIONATTORNEY DOCKET NO. G001531 (123.1569GB) variations exist. It should also be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are only examples, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the disclosure in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. It is understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements described in an exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

PATENT APPLICATIONATTORNEY DOCKET NO. G001531 (123.1569GB)CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. An e-machine comprising:5 an e-machine housing; a rotor member disposed within the e-machine housing and supported for rotation about an axis therein; a stator member disposed within the e-machine housing and operatively coupled with the rotor member, the stator member having a first end and a second end separated apart to along the axis; and a plurality of fluid channels at least partly defined by the stator member, the plurality of fluid channels including a manifold channel that extends about the axis, the plurality of fluid channels including a first elongate channel and a second elongate channel that are fluidly connected to the manifold channel and configured to receive a flow therefrom, the15 first elongate channel and the second elongate channel spaced apart in a circumferential direction about the axis; the first elongate channel extending from the manifold channel toward the first end, where the first elongate channel turns to extend along the axis toward the second end, the first elongate channel terminating at a first outlet at the second end of the stator member; and20 the second elongate channel extending from the manifold channel toward the second end, where the second elongate channel turns to extend along the axis toward the first end, the second elongate channel terminating at a second outlet at the first end of the stator member.25 2. The e-machine of claim 1 , wherein the first elongate channel includes a first segment and a second segment that extend along the axis and that are connected by a turn at the first end, wherein the first segment and the second segment are separated apart radially with respect to the axis.30 3. The e-machine of claim 2, wherein the first segment and the second segment are substantially parallel to the axis and disposed substantially in a common radial plane together with the axis.PATENT APPLICATIONATTORNEY DOCKET NO. G001531 (123.1569GB)4. The e-machine of claim 3, wherein the second elongate channel includes a third segment and a fourth segment that extend along the axis and that are connected by another turn at the second end, wherein the third segment and the fourth segment are separated apart radially with respect to the axis, and wherein the third segment and the fourth segment are substantially parallel to the axis and disposed substantially in another common radial plane together with the axis, the common radial plane and the other common radial plane spaced apart angularly about the axis.

5. The e-machine of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the e-machine housing and the stator member cooperatively define a portion of the first elongate channel.

6. The e-machine of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the stator member defines an intermediate area axially disposed between the first end and the second end, and wherein the manifold channel is disposed at the intermediate area.

7. The e-machine of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the e-machine housing and the stator member cooperatively define the manifold channel.

8. The e-machine of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the stator member includes a core with a plurality of slots, the stator member further including a plurality of conductive windings supported by the core and respectively received within the slots, the first elongate channel extending between a neighboring pair of the plurality of slots in a circumferential direction with respect to the axis.

9. The e-machine of claim 8, wherein the second elongate channel extends, in the circumferential direction, between one of the neighboring pair of the plurality of slots and another of the plurality of slots.

10. The e-machine of claim any one of claims 8 and 9, wherein the core includes an outer radial surface and an inner radial surface, and wherein the core is slotted radially outward from the inner radial surface.PATENT APPLICATIONATTORNEY DOCKET NO. G001531 (123.1569GB)11. The e-machine of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first outlet has a reduced cross-sectional size as compared to the first elongate channel further upstream therefrom.

12. The e-machine of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the manifold channel is annular and extends continuously about the axis.

13. The e-machine of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the manifold channel overlaps a first end of the first elongate channel radially with respect to the axis, and wherein the manifold channel overlaps a second end of the second elongate channel radially with respect to the axis.

14. A method of manufacturing the e-machine of any one of the preceding claims.

15. The method of manufacturing the e-machine system of claim 14, further comprising attaching, by interference fit, the stator member within the e-machine housing.

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