Curing device, assembly having the curing device, and method for producing a rotor bandage
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2026-01-26
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-13
Smart Images
Figure EP2026051909_13082026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] ZF Friedrichshafen AG File 305002 Friedrichshafen 2026-01-26
[0002] Curing device, arrangement with the curing device and method for producing a rotor belt
[0003] The invention relates to a curing device for treating a rotor raw bandage of a rotor with the features of the preamble of claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to an arrangement with the curing device and a method for producing a rotor bandage using the curing device and / or the arrangement.
[0004] Rotor bandages made of a fiber-reinforced plastic composite are used to absorb the centrifugal forces generated in the rotors of electric machines. These bandages are manufactured using a filament winding process, in which the bandage is wound directly onto the rotor and then cured. Both pre-impregnated fibers (towpregs) and dry fibers, which are impregnated with resin during the filament winding process, can be used. Suitable curing devices are available for curing the rotor bandage.
[0005] German patent application DE 102021 214479 A1 discloses a curing device for treating a rotor raw bandage of at least one rotor, wherein the curing device comprises a rotatable receiving element with a first curing chamber for curing the rotor raw bandage arranged on the rotor and with at least one further curing chamber for curing a further rotor raw bandage arranged on a further rotor. Furthermore, the curing device comprises a curing unit for curing the rotor raw bandage arranged in the first curing chamber and the further rotor raw bandage arranged in the further curing chamber.
[0006] The invention aims to provide a curing device of the type mentioned above, which is characterized by an improved curing process for a rotor raw bandage. ZF Friedrichshafen AG File 305002 Friedrichshafen 2026-01-26
[0007] This problem is solved by a curing device with the features of claim 1, an arrangement with the features of claim 11, and a method with the features of claim 15. Further features, advantages, and effects of the invention are described in the dependent claims and the description with the accompanying figures.
[0008] The invention relates to a curing device designed and / or suitable for treating a rotor raw bandage. In particular, the curing device serves to produce a rotor bandage by curing the rotor raw bandage. The rotor bandage can, for example, represent the final result of the rotor raw bandage after it has been cured using the curing device. Preferably, the rotor is designed and / or suitable for an electric machine, in particular a traction machine. The curing device can preferably be used in conjunction with a winding device designed to produce the rotor raw bandage by wrapping the rotor with one or more fibers, also known as a filament winding process.
[0009] The rotor raw bandage comprises a flowable, curable matrix material. Specifically, the fibers of the rotor raw bandage are embedded in and / or coated with the matrix material, preferably impregnated. The fibers can be glass or carbon fibers, but also aramid or Kevlar fibers. The matrix material can be a synthetic resin, such as an epoxy resin. In other words, the rotor raw bandage, or the rotor bandage, is formed from a fiber-reinforced plastic composite.
[0010] The curing device has a receiving unit designed and / or suitable for receiving the rotor to be treated. In particular, the receiving unit serves to hold and / or fix the rotor during the treatment of the rotor raw bandage. For this purpose, the receiving unit has at least or exactly two receiving segments which, in an open state of the receiving unit, extend radially in relation to the rotation of the rotor. (ZF Friedrichshafen AG File 305002 Friedrichshafen 2026-01-26)
[0011] The receiving segments are arranged at a distance from the rotor's axis of rotation and / or are connected to the rotor's raw bandage in a closed state of the receiving device and are contactable with the rotor's raw bandage in a radial direction with respect to the rotor's axis of rotation. In particular, at least one of the receiving segments is movable in a radial and / or axial direction to open or close the receiving device. Preferably, the at least two receiving segments are arranged in the open state of the receiving device such that the rotor can be inserted or removed between the two receiving segments. Preferably, the at least two receiving segments are arranged in the closed state of the receiving device such that the rotor is in contact with the two receiving segments over a surface, preferably full, area.Particularly preferred are the at least two receiving segments designed as ring segments, which, at least in the closed state, essentially form a circular ring arranged coaxially to the rotor axis of rotation, which surrounds the rotor tube band.
[0012] The curing device includes a pressure device configured to apply contact pressure to at least one of the receiving segments in order to deform the rotor tube bandage in its closed state under the influence of this pressure. In particular, the pressure device serves to apply uniform contact pressure around the rotor tube bandage via the receiving segments in order to compact and / or level the bandage. The contact pressure can improve the component surface by reducing or preventing voids, burrs, etc. Preferably, at least one of the receiving segments is operatively connected to the pressure device, which is configured to apply a pressure force to the at least one receiving segment at least once it contacts the rotor tube bandage to generate the contact pressure. Optionally, the pressure device serves to open and close the receiving device.For this purpose, at least one receiving segment is motion-coupled with the pressure device, the pressure device being designed to move the receiving segment in a radial direction. For example, the pressure device is designed to apply pressure force and ZF Friedrichshafen AG File 305002 Friedrichshafen 2026-01-26.
[0013] optionally to generate the radial movement mechanically, pneumatically and / or hydraulically and / or to transfer it to the at least one receiving segment.
[0014] Within the scope of the invention, it is proposed that, at least in the closed state of the receiving device, at least one or exactly one relief volume is formed between the two receiving segments, into which any matrix material displaced by the contact pressure can flow. In particular, the relief volume is arranged between the receiving segments such that, during the closing of the receiving device, excess matrix material is displaced through the receiving segments into the designated relief volume. Preferably, the matrix material displaced into the relief volume remains there during the curing process and / or cures there. The cured surface geometry of the displaced matrix material can remain on the rotor and / or on the receiving segments and must be subsequently removed.Particularly preferred is the escape volume formed in the circumferential direction between two receiving segments arranged directly next to each other, whereby exactly two escape volumes are formed when there are exactly two receiving segments.
[0015] The invention is based on the understanding that high tensile forces are applied to the fibers during the winding of rotor tube bandages in order to subject the rotor structure to compressive forces. Due to the high tensile forces during the winding process, some of the matrix material is forced outwards (sponge effect), causing the resin to collect on the surface of the rotor tube bandage.
[0016] This creates a superficial layer of pure resin, which does not contribute to the mechanical strength of the finished rotor bandage and worsens the electrical properties, especially the efficiency, of the electric machine due to the increased air gap (rotor bandage with additional layer of pure resin) between the rotor and a stator of the electric machine.
[0017] Furthermore, the use of so-called shrink tapes is known, which are used during the curing process, particularly after wrapping, to exert pressure on the rotor tube bandage as it hardens. ZF Friedrichshafen AG File 305002 Friedrichshafen 2026-01-26
[0018] Due to the tight tolerances required for aspects such as roundness, cylindricity, and coaxiality, curing with shrink tape necessitates post-processing of the finished rotor bandage, as these tolerances cannot be achieved solely through the curing process. Furthermore, the automated application and removal of the shrink tape reduces the cost-effectiveness and sustainability of rotor manufacturing.
[0019] The advantage of the invention lies in the fact that the excess matrix material can be displaced by the displacement volume when the contact pressure is applied, thus preventing the formation of an additional pure resin layer. Because the excess matrix material is displaced into the displacement volume, a tool-free surface of the rotor bandage can be produced, except for the cured resin overflows. This means that the surface of the finished rotor bandage has a final contour after the curing process that requires no or only minimal post-processing. In particular, machining of the entire rotor bandage to achieve the required tolerances and surface qualities can be avoided. Furthermore, additional additives such as shrink tapes, nonwovens, etc., can be dispensed with. As a result, no waste is generated during the production of the rotor bandage, thus proposing a particularly sustainable manufacturing process.A curing device is therefore proposed which is characterized by an improved, in particular more economical and sustainable, curing process.
[0020] In a specific embodiment, it is provided that the two receiving segments each form a free area within the clearance volume, whereby the free opening cross-section formed by these free areas is reduced when the receiving device is closed. In particular, the free opening cross-section can be reduced with increasing contact pressure and / or with increasing radial movement of the receiving segments. Preferably, the free area is limited in the circumferential direction by the receiving segments arranged adjacent to each other.
[0021] This ensures that a larger clearance volume is available at the beginning of contact between the rotor blank band and the receiving segments, which is reduced with increasing contact pressure, so that the remaining ZF Friedrichshafen AG File 305002 Friedrichshafen 2026-01-26
[0022] The overflow geometry of the displaced matrix material has the smallest possible material thickness.
[0023] In a specific implementation, the deflection volume is formed by at least one deflection channel extending radially outwards with respect to the rotor axis of rotation and / or over the entire axial length of the rotor casing. In particular, the at least one deflection channel has a constant opening cross-section over its entire axial length. In principle, the deflection channel is continuous and / or uninterrupted over its entire axial length. Alternatively, one or more of the deflection channels are arranged at the axial ends of the rotor casing and / or distributed over the entire axial length and / or formed in sections. Preferably, the deflection channel has a channel opening that faces or is open in the radial direction towards the rotor casing.Particularly preferred is the at least one bypass channel formed in the closed state by a gap between the two receiving segments. By designing it as a bypass channel, a bypass volume is proposed which enables the targeted discharge of excess resin, especially radially outwards, and / or a uniform distribution, particularly over the entire axial length.
[0024] In a specific implementation, the bypass channel is designed to have a taper or undercut at its end facing the rotor axis of rotation. This offers the advantage that the matrix material incorporated into the bypass channel is connected to the matrix material on the rotor bandage only via a relatively narrow material bridge. Thus, the matrix material in the bypass channel can be removed relatively easily by breaking it off, for example, after curing. This is therefore a deliberately introduced weak point that can break, for example, when the curing device is opened, or can be intentionally broken. ZF Friedrichshafen AG File 305002 Friedrichshafen 2026-01-26
[0025] In a further development, it is provided that the at least two receiving segments, in the closed state and under the influence of the contact pressure, define an at least approximately closed outer circumference of the finished rotor bandage, which is only interrupted in the circumferential direction, at least partially, by the at least one clearance volume, in particular the at least one clearance channel or the channel opening. In other words, the receiving device is designed such that, in the closed state, it provides the outer diameter of the cured and operational rotor bandage. Preferably, the clearance volumes occupy less than 5%, more preferably less than 2%, and specifically less than 1% of the outer circumference. Thus, the receiving segments define a final contour of the finished rotor bandage, which only requires post-processing in the area of the clearance volume by the overflow geometries that may remain on the rotor.
[0026] In a further embodiment, each of the two receiving segments has a centering section by which the receiving segments can be supported against a rotor shaft of the rotor without play when closed, in order to center the rotor in the receiving device. Preferably, the centering sections are arranged axially adjacent to and / or spaced apart from the rotor casing with respect to the axis of rotation. In other words, the rotor casing is arranged axially between the two centering sections when closed. Preferably, when closed, the receiving segments rest directly against the rotor shaft via the centering sections, so that the rotor shaft is held by the centering sections without play. In this case, the rotor shaft is preferably held coaxially and / or concentrically between the centering sections.Particularly preferably, the receiving segments each have a contact section arranged axially between the two centering sections. In the closed state, the receiving segments overlap the rotor tube bandage, preferably over a surface, to apply the contact force to the rotor tube bandage. The contact sections can be rigidly connected to the centering sections, so that the maximum contact force is limited by the contact of the centering sections with the rotor shaft. Alternatively, however, the contact sections can also be movable relative to the centering sections, so that a ZF Friedrichshafen AG File 305002 Friedrichshafen 2026-01-26.
[0027] Variable contact pressure can be applied to the rotor raw bandage by the relative movement of the contact sections to the centering sections. The centner sections guide the rotor concentrically in the tool, thus achieving uniform curing of the rotor raw bandage.
[0028] In a further embodiment, one of the receiving segments is designed as a stationary receiving segment, and the at least one other receiving segment is designed as a movable receiving segment, wherein the movable receiving segment is movable in the radial direction with respect to the rotor's axis of rotation relative to the stationary receiving segment. In particular, exactly one stationary receiving segment is provided, with the remaining receiving segments being movable relative to the stationary receiving segment. In other words, the stationary receiving segment forms an abutment, so that in the closed state, the contact force is introduced into the rotor body via the movable receiving segment and supported by the stationary receiving segment. Preferably, the at least one movable receiving segment is operatively connected to the pressure device, which moves the movable receiving segment in the radial direction between an open position and a closed position.A curing device is therefore proposed which is characterized by a simple and cost-effective design.
[0029] In a further development, it is provided that the curing device includes a positioning device which is designed and / or suitable for pre-positioning the rotor to be treated. For this purpose, the positioning device has at least or exactly two spacers by which the rotor is held at a distance from the at least two receiving segments in the open state. In particular, the positioning device serves to hold the rotor with the uncured rotor raw bandage at a uniform distance in the radial direction from all receiving segments in the open state of the receiving device, in order to prevent premature contact with any of the receiving segments. Preferably, all receiving segments only come into contact with the rotor raw bandage when the receiving device is closed, preferably simultaneously. ZF Friedrichshafen AG File 305002 Friedrichshafen 2026-01-26
[0030] The rotor can be placed on the spacers with the rotor shaft in the open position of the holding device. The positioning device ensures that the rotor raw bandage is only contacted by the holding segments when the holding device is closed, thus ensuring uniform curing of the rotor raw bandage.
[0031] In a further specification, it is provided that the spacers are movable in a radial direction relative to the stationary receiving segment with respect to the rotor's axis of rotation, so that when the receiving device is closed, the rotor can be pressed into the stationary receiving segment by the radial movement of the at least one movable receiving segment. In other words, the rotor casing is first brought into contact with the at least one movable receiving segment and subjected to the contact force, whereby the rotor, under the influence of the contact force, moves away in the radial direction by moving the spacers and is brought into contact with the stationary receiving segment. Preferably, the two spacers are connected to at least one return element, which returns the two spacers to a home position when the receiving device is opened.The home position is understood here as a position in which the rotor is held radially spaced from the receiving segments. The return element can be formed by at least one spring, in particular a helical compression spring, and / or a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder. A positioning device is thus proposed which enables, in a simple manner, continuous contact of the rotor tube band when the receiving device is closed and, at the same time, positioning of the rotor at a distance from the receiving segments when the receiving device is open.
[0032] In a further embodiment, the curing device includes a heating element designed to heat the at least two receiving segments, preferably the contact sections, to a curing temperature in order to cure the rotor raw bandage in its closed state under the influence of this temperature, thereby enabling the production of the rotor bandage. (ZF Friedrichshafen AG File 305002 Friedrichshafen 2026-01-26)
[0033] The heating device is specifically designed as a contact heater or an induction heater. The curing temperature is specifically above 130°C, preferably above 140°C, and more specifically above 160°C. The matrix material is a heat-curing plastic that hardens under the influence of the curing temperature. Furthermore, the curing device includes a cooling device designed to cool the rotor during the curing process in order to reduce thermal expansion of the rotor under the influence of the curing temperature. In particular, the cooling device is designed as a fluid cooling system. For this purpose, a cooling fluid, preferably a liquid, can be circulated through the rotor, preferably the rotor shaft, during the curing process. Cooling the rotor prevents damage to the rotor due to thermal expansion at high curing temperatures.
[0034] In a further embodiment, the curing device is provided with two sealing devices designed to seal the rotor against the receiving device in the closed state, with the receiving segments being supported on the rotor by the sealing devices in the closed state. In particular, the sealing devices serve to limit the flow of matrix material in the axial direction when the receiving device is closed. If the escape channels are axially continuous, they can be limited in the axial direction by the sealing device. Optionally, the sealing devices serve to fix the rotor, in particular a rotor body of the rotor, in the closed state in the axial direction with respect to the rotor axis of rotation between the at least two receiving segments.Preferably, the sealing devices are formed by a sealing carrier which is arranged, or can be arranged, coaxially and / or concentrically to the rotor shaft on the axial end face of the rotor, wherein an elastomeric seal, preferably a sealing lip, is arranged on the sealing carrier and runs around the rotor's axis of rotation. Particularly preferably, the elastomeric seal rests in a sealing position around the rotor, especially an end disk. The sealing devices thus ensure that the matrix material cannot escape at the axial end faces and is therefore displaced exclusively into the bypass channels. ZF Friedrichshafen AG File 305002 Friedrichshafen 2026-01-26.
[0035] A further aspect of the invention relates to an arrangement comprising the rotor and the curing device, as previously described. The rotor includes the rotor shaft and a rotor body non-rotatably connected to the rotor shaft, which is enclosed by the rotor casing. In particular, the rotor body is formed by a laminated core, wherein several magnet receptacles are formed in the laminated core, each of which receives at least one magnet, preferably a permanent magnet. The laminated core preferably has a central shaft receptacle through which the rotor shaft is guided and is positively and / or frictionally connected to the laminated core, at least in the circumferential direction. In particular, the rotor with the rotor casing can be referred to as a semi-finished product, wherein the rotor casing is cured using the curing device to form the rotor casing of the finished rotor.
[0036] In a specific implementation, the rotor shaft is provided with at least one centering surface, via which the rotor shaft is centered on the at least two receiving segments when the receiving device is closed. The centering surface is preferably formed by a precisely machined surface on the rotor shaft. Particularly preferably, the centering surface is formed by a bearing seat of a rotor shaft bearing. When the receiving device is closed, the centering sections of the receiving segments preferably rest against the centering surface of the rotor shaft with no play and / or a precise fit. This enables particularly precise centering of the rotor shaft by the existing bearing seats of the rotor shaft.
[0037] In a further development, it is provided that the rotor shaft and / or the rotor body has at least one cooling channel through which a coolant can flow to cool the rotor during the curing process. For this purpose, the cooling channel is preferably fluidically connected to the cooling device of the curing unit. In particular, the at least one cooling channel serves to cool the rotor during operation of the electric machine. The rotor shaft can be designed as a hollow shaft, with the cooling channel formed by the central opening of the hollow shaft. Alternatively, the cooling channel or, optionally, at least one additional cooling channel can be provided. ZF Friedrichshafen AG File 305002 Friedrichshafen 2026-01-26
[0038] A cooling channel is formed in the rotor body, which penetrates the rotor body in the axial direction. Preferably, the cooling channel is connected to the cooling device via a central coolant connection, through which the coolant is introduced into the cooling channel on one side and discharged from the cooling channel on the other. Connecting the at least one cooling channel to the cooling device allows the rotor to be cooled internally during the curing process in a simple manner. Furthermore, a leak test of the at least one cooling channel can be performed simultaneously during the curing process.
[0039] In a further specification, the rotor is provided with a first and a second end disk, each arranged at an axial end face of the rotor body. Each end disk has an axial banding stop for the rotor tube banding. The axial banding stop serves, in particular, to prevent the fibers from slipping off the end disks. The two end disks are designed separately from the laminated core and the rotor shaft, especially the two bearing sections. Preferably, each end disk has a shaft receptacle complementary to the rotor shaft, via which the end disks are rotationally fixed to the rotor shaft. The banding stop preferably extends continuously in a radial plane of the rotor's axis of rotation. For example, the first and second banding stops are formed by a circumferential rim, flange, or the like.
[0040] The bandage stops ensure axial securing of the rotor tube bandage or the rotor bandage, and prevent the fibers from slipping off at the ends.
[0041] According to this specification, the at least two receiving segments are arranged spaced apart and / or without contact with the drum stops when the receiving device is closed. In other words, when the receiving device is closed, the receiving segments rest exclusively against the rotor tube drum and / or the rotor shaft and / or the sealing elements. Preferably, the receiving segments are located in the ge-ZF Friedrichshafen AG File 305002 Friedrichshafen 2026-01-26
[0042] The closed state of the receiving device is connected to the contact section on the rotor tube band and, optionally, to the sealing devices and / or the centering sections on the centering surfaces of the rotor shaft. This ensures that a hard stop is formed solely by the centering sections, while the sealing device and the rotor tube band remain flexible when the receiving device is closed.
[0043] Another aspect of the invention relates to a method proposed for manufacturing the rotor bandage with the curing device and / or the arrangement as previously described, wherein:
[0044] - the recording device is opened by moving the at least two recording segments away from each other in a radial direction;
[0045] - a rotor with a rotor tube bandage is inserted into the opened receiving device;
[0046] - the receiving device is closed by contacting the at least two receiving segments in a radial direction with the rotor raw bandage under the influence of a contact pressure, whereby excess matrix material of the rotor raw bandage is displaced into the at least one escape volume;
[0047] - the rotor raw bandage is hardened, thus producing the rotor bandage.
[0048] In particular, when the receiving device is opened, at least one receiving segment is moved away in a radial direction relative to the stationary receiving segment, and when the receiving device is closed, it is moved towards the stationary receiving segment in a radial direction, while the stationary receiving segment remains stationary or immobile. In the open state of the receiving device, the rotor, with its rotor shaft, is placed onto the two spacers. When the receiving device is closed, the movable receiving segments preferably make radial contact with the rotor tube band, whereby the rotor is pressed into the stationary receiving segment by the application of the contact force and / or by the downward movement of the movable receiving segments, and is simultaneously centered by the centering sections.For this purpose, the spacers are preferably moved in the radial direction to allow the rotor to move into the stationary receiving segment. (ZF Friedrichshafen AG File 305002 Friedrichshafen 2026-01-26)
[0049] The at least two receiving segments of the receiving device are heated to a curing temperature before the receiving device is closed, whereby the rotor raw bandage is cured under the influence of the curing temperature. After the receiving device is opened, the rotor is ejected from the stationary receiving segment, preferably automatically under the influence of the restoring force exerted by the spacers.
[0050] In a further development process, it is proposed that the rotor, with the rotor raw bandage, be rotated in the holding device before the holding device is opened to remove the rotor. This allows the matrix material picked up in the escape channels to be broken off from the surface of the rotor winding, eliminating the need for further post-processing to remove excess matrix material. This is particularly advantageous if the escape channels have a taper or undercut at their end facing the rotor axis of rotation.
[0051] Further features, advantages, and effects of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention. These include:
[0052] Fig. 1 shows a schematic axial representation of an arrangement with a hardening device and a rotor as an embodiment of the invention;
[0053] Fig. 2 shows a receiving device of the curing device with the rotor in a closed state in the same representation as shown in Figure 1;
[0054] Fig. 3 shows a schematic side view of the rotor with two sealing devices of the curing unit;
[0055] Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of a receiving segment of the receiving device and a positioning device; ZF Friedrichshafen AG File 305002 Friedrichshafen 2026-01-26
[0056] Fig. 5 shows a side view of the receiving segment and the positioning device with the rotor in the closed state of the receiving device.
[0057] Figure 1 shows an arrangement 1 with a rotor 2 and a curing device 3 in an axial view with respect to a rotor rotation axis 100 of the rotor 2. The rotor 2 is configured for an electric machine, wherein the rotor 2 is radially mounted within a stator (not shown). The rotor 2 has a rotor body 4 and a rotor shaft 5, wherein the rotor body 4 is non-rotatably connected to the rotor shaft 5. Several magnets 6, which are designed, for example, as rod-shaped permanent magnets, are arranged in the rotor body 4.
[0058] Furthermore, the rotor 2 has a rotor casing 7 that surrounds the rotor body 4. The rotor casing 7 is formed by wrapping the rotor body 4 with one or more fibers 8, for example, carbon fiber, the fibers 8 being impregnated with a flowable, curable matrix material 9, for example, a resin. During the winding of the rotor casing 7, high tensile forces are applied to the fibers 8 to subject the rotor body 4 to compressive forces. Depending on the design and manufacturing process, the rotor casing 7 can be applied to the rotor body 4 in such a way that no radial expansion of the rotor 2 occurs over the entire speed range during operation. This allows the air gap in the electric machine to be reduced, as radial expansion of the rotor 2 does not need to be taken into account.Due to the high tensile forces during the winding process, part of the matrix material 9 is pushed outwards, forming a pure resin layer on the outside of the rotor tube bandage 7, which does not contribute to the mechanical strength of the rotor tube bandage 7 and worsens the electrical properties of the drive due to the larger air gap required.
[0059] The curing device 3 is designed to treat the rotor raw bandage 7 of the rotor 2. For this purpose, the curing device 3 has a receiving device 10, which serves to receive the rotor 2. The receiving device 10 has a stationary receiving segment 11 and two movable receiving segments 12a, 12b. ZF Friedrichshafen AG File 305002 Friedrichshafen 2026-01-26
[0060] which are movable relative to the stationary receiving segment 11. The receiving segments 11, 12a, 12b are arranged radially spaced from the rotor tube band 7 in an open state of the receiving device 10 (not shown) with respect to the rotor axis of rotation 100, and in a closed state of the receiving device 10, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, are in radial contact with the rotor tube band 7 with respect to the rotor axis of rotation 100.
[0061] Furthermore, the curing device 3 has a pressure device 13 which is coupled to the two movable receiving segments 12a, 12b. The pressure device 13 is designed to apply a contact pressure 101 to the two movable receiving segments 12a, 12b in order to deform the rotor tube bandage 7 in the closed state of the receiving device 10 under the influence of the contact pressure 101. The pressure device 13 is also designed to move the movable receiving segments 12a, 12b in a radial direction. For this purpose, the pressure device 13 can generate the contact pressure 101 and the radial movement, for example, hydraulically, pneumatically, and / or electrically.
[0062] The curing device 13 also includes a heating element 14, which is thermally coupled to the three receiving segments 11, 12a, 12b. The heating element 14 is designed to heat the receiving segments 11, 12a, 12b to a curing temperature in order to cure the rotor raw bandage 7 in the closed state of the receiving device 10 under the influence of the curing temperature. For this purpose, the heating element 14 can, for example, generate the curing temperature electrically.
[0063] Furthermore, the curing device 13 has a cooling device 15 which is fluidly coupled to the rotor shaft 5. For this purpose, the rotor shaft 5 is designed as a hollow shaft 5, such that the central opening of the rotor shaft 5 forms a cooling channel 32 extending axially with respect to the rotor axis of rotation 100. The cooling device 15 is fluidically connected to the cooling channel 32 in order to guide a coolant through the cooling channel 32 and to cool the rotor 2. (ZF Friedrichshafen AG File 305002 Friedrichshafen 2026-01-26)
[0064] The curing temperature is cooled from the inside. This allows a high curing temperature of, for example, 160°C to be achieved, while the cooling simultaneously prevents damage to the magnets 6 due to thermal expansion of the rotor body 4.
[0065] In the closed state of the receiving device 10, at least one relief volume 16a, 16b, 16c is formed between each of the receiving segments 11, 12a, 12b, into which a matrix material 9 displaced by the contact pressure 101, as shown in Figure 2, can flow. For this purpose, it is provided that the receiving segments 11, 12a, 12b each form a free area of the relief volume 16a, 16b, 16c, wherein the free opening cross-section of the respective relief volume 16a, 16b, 16c formed by the free areas is reduced when the receiving device 10 is closed. For example, the receiving segments 11, 12a, 12b each form half of the relief volumes 16a, 16b, 16c. For this purpose, recording segments 11, 12a, 12b can each have a corresponding recess, for example.
[0066] The deflection volumes 16a, 16b, 16c are each formed by a deflection channel 17, which extends radially outwards with respect to the rotor axis of rotation 100, the deflection channel 17 being radially open to the rotor tube bandage 7. The deflection channel 17 can be formed axially with respect to the rotor axis of rotation 100 either at a single point or over the entire axial length of the rotor tube bandage 7. When the receiving device 10 is closed, the excess matrix material 9 is displaced and flows radially into the deflection channels 17, where it hardens.
[0067] Figure 2 shows the receiving device 10 in the closed state with the rotor 2, wherein the receiving segments 11, 12a, 12b are designed such that, in the closed state, they form the finished diameter of the cured and operational rotor bandage 18. The rotor bandage 18 is produced under the influence of the contact pressure 101 and the curing temperature, whereby the matrix material 9 accumulated on the outside of the rotor raw bandage 7 is completely or at least almost completely removed over the entire axial length of the rotor raw bandage 7. ZF Friedrichshafen AG File 305002 Friedrichshafen 2026-01-26
[0068] The material is distributed into the diversion channels 17. The resulting overflow geometry 19 remains on the rotor 4 or on the receiving device 10 after hardening and must be subsequently removed.
[0069] Closing the receiving device 10 makes reducing the pure resin layer particularly easy, as the excess matrix material 9 is displaced into the diversion channels 17. The outer diameter of the rotor bandage 18 is thus produced by tooling, i.e., without post-processing, meaning that the surface of the rotor bandage 18 requires only minimal machining. This eliminates the need for machining of the rotor bandage 18 to achieve tolerances and surface qualities. The curing device 3 can be used for a large number of components, and no additional auxiliary materials, such as shrink tapes, nonwovens, etc., are required during the curing process. Due to the low waste generated, a sustainable process is proposed, which, thanks to the minimal post-processing effort, is highly economical.
[0070] Figure 3 shows a highly schematic representation of the rotor 2 in a side view. The rotor 2 has a first and a second end disk 20a, 20b, which are arranged at the ends of axial end faces of the rotor body 4. The two end disks 20a, 20b each form an axial bandage stop 21 for the rotor bandage 18 by means of a radial projection, wherein the receiving segments 11, 12a, 12b are spaced apart and / or non-contacting with the bandage stops 21 in the closed state of the receiving device 10.
[0071] For this purpose, the curing device 3 is provided with a first and a second sealing device 22a, 22b, which are pre-assembled on the rotor 2 before the rotor 2 is arranged in the receiving device 10. The sealing devices 22a, 22b serve, on the one hand, to provide a circumferential seal for the receiving segments 11, 12a, 12b and, on the other hand, to axially fix the rotor 2 between the receiving segments 11, 12a, 12b. The sealing devices 22a, 22b each have a sealing carrier 23, which is mounted coaxially to the rotor shaft 5. ZF Friedrichshafen AG File 305002 Friedrichshafen 2026-01-26
[0072] The sealing carriers 23 are arranged on the axial end face of one of the end discs 20a, 20b. Each sealing carrier carries an elastomeric seal 24, which is in a sealing position around the outer circumference of the end discs 20a, 20b. In the closed state, the receiving segments 11, 12a, 12a are in a sealing position around the circumference of the elastomeric seals 24, which are elastically deformable under the influence of the contact force 101.
[0073] Figure 4 shows the recording device 10 with the stationary recording segment 11 in a perspective view, whereby the two movable recording segments 12a, 12b are not shown, but are identical in construction to the stationary recording segment 11 described below.
[0074] The receiving segments 11, 12a, 12b each have a contact section 25 and two centering sections 26a, 26b connected axially to the end face of the contact section 25 with respect to the rotor axis of rotation 100. The contact section 25 forms a ring segment complementary to the rotor bandage 18, which is brought into contact with the rotor raw bandage 7 when the receiving device 10 is closed, or, in the closed state of the receiving device 10, rests flat against the rotor bandage 18. For example, the contact section 25 is thermally coupled to the heating device 14, which is heated to the curing temperature before the receiving device 10 is closed.
[0075] The centering sections 26a, 26b each have a centering receptacle 27 complementary to the rotor shaft 5, via which the centering sections 26a, 26b bear against the rotor shaft 5 without play and / or with a precise fit in the closed state of the receiving device 10, in order to center the rotor shaft 5 or the rotor 2 coaxially and / or concentrically in the receiving device 10.
[0076] Furthermore, the curing device 3 has a positioning device 28 for pre-positioning the rotor 2 to be treated in the receiving device 10. For this purpose, the positioning device 28 has two spacers 29a, 29b, which space the rotor 2 apart from the receiving device 10 when it is open. (ZF Friedrichshafen AG File 305002 Friedrichshafen 2026-01-26)
[0077] The receiving segments 11, 12a, 12b, in particular the stationary receiving segment 11, are held in place. When the curing device 3 is loaded, the rotor 2 with the rotor shaft 5 is placed on the two spacers 29a, 29b, each of which has a shaft receptacle 30 through which the rotor shaft 5 can be positively engaged. The spacers 29a, 29b hold the uncured rotor raw bandage 7 at a distance from the receiving segments 11, 12a, 12b when the receiving device 10 is open, in order to prevent uneven curing.
[0078] To bring the rotor tube band 7 into contact with the stationary receiving segment 11, the rotor 2 is pressed into the stationary receiving segment 11 by lowering the two movable receiving segments 12a, 12b, and simultaneously centered by the centner sections 26a, 26b. For this purpose, the spacers 29a, 29b are movable in a radial direction relative to the rotor's axis of rotation 100 against the stationary receiving segment 11 under the influence of the contact force 101, against a restoring force 102. The spacers 29a, 29b can be connected to a restoring element (not shown), such as a spring or a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder, which generates the restoring force 102 to return the spacers 29a, 29b to their initial position after the rotor 2 has been removed.The restoring force 102 is greater than the weight force of the rotor 2 and less than the force resulting from the contact force 101 in the direction of the stationary receiving segment 11.
[0079] Figure 5 shows the receiving device 10 in the closed state with the stationary receiving segment 11 and the rotor 2 in a side view, excluding the two movable receiving segments 12a, 12b. As can be seen in Figure 5, the rotor shaft 5 has a centner's surface 30a, 30b, which fits precisely against the respective centering section 26a, 26b. The centering surface 30a, 30b is preferably a precise surface of the rotor shaft 4, preferably a bearing seat. Furthermore, the rotor shaft 5 has a support surface 31a, 31b, over which the rotor shaft 5 rests on the respective spacer 29a, 29b. The support surfaces 31a, 31b are each formed by any surface of the rotor shaft 5. Under the influence of the contact force and ZF Friedrichshafen AG File 305002 Friedrichshafen 2026-01-26
[0080] The rotor raw bandage 7 is cured at the curing temperature, so that the finished rotor bandage 18 is produced.
[0081] Figure 6 shows the arrangement 1 of Figure 1 with the difference that the bypass channels 17 each have a tapered section 17' at their end facing the rotor axis of rotation 100. This creates a predetermined breaking point for the excess matrix material in the region of the outermost end of the tapered section 17', so that it can be easily removed from the rotor 2.
[0082] Figure 7 shows the arrangement 1 of Figure 1, with the difference that the bypass channels 17 each have an undercut 17" at their end facing the rotor axis of rotation 100. This creates a predetermined breaking point for the excess matrix material in the region of the outermost end of the undercut 17" so that it can also be easily removed from the rotor 2. ZF Friedrichshafen AG File 305002
[0083] Friedrichshafen 2026-01-26
[0084] Reference sign
[0085] 1. Arrangement
[0086] 2 Rotor
[0087] 3 Curing device
[0088] 4 rotor bodies
[0089] 5 Rotor shaft
[0090] 6 magnets
[0091] 7 Rotor tube bandage
[0092] 8 fibers
[0093] 9 Matrix material
[0094] 10 Reception facility
[0095] 11 inpatient admission segments
[0096] 12a, b movable recording segment
[0097] 13 Printing device
[0098] 14 Heating system
[0099] 15 Cooling unit
[0100] 16a-c Alternative volume
[0101] 17 diversion channel
[0102] 17' Rejuvenation
[0103] 17" undercut
[0104] 18 Rotor bandage
[0105] 19 Overhead geometry
[0106] 20a, b End discs
[0107] 21 Bandage stop
[0108] 22a, b Sealing device
[0109] 23 sealing carriers
[0110] 24 Elastomer seal
[0111] 25 Contact section
[0112] 26a, b Centering sections
[0113] 27 Centering mount
[0114] 28 Positioning device
[0115] 29a, b Spacer ZF Friedrichshafen AG File 305002
[0116] Friedrichshafen 2026-01-26
[0117] 30a, b Centering surfaces 31a, b Storage surfaces 32 Cooling channel
[0118] 100 Rotor axis 101 Contact force 102 Restoring force
Claims
ZF Friedrichshafen AG File 305002 Friedrichshafen 2026-01-26 Patent claims 1. Curing device (3) for treating a rotor raw bandage (7) of a rotor (2), wherein the rotor raw bandage (7) comprises a flowable, curable matrix material (9); - with a receiving device (10) for receiving the rotor (2) to be treated, wherein the receiving device (10) has at least two receiving segments (11 , 12a, 12b) which, in an open state of the receiving device (10), can be arranged in a radial direction with respect to a rotor axis of rotation (100) of the rotor (2) at a distance from the rotor raw bandage (7) and, in a closed state of the receiving device (10), can be contacted with the rotor raw bandage (7) in a radial direction with respect to the rotor axis of rotation (100); - with a pressure device (13) which is designed to apply a contact pressure (101) to at least one of the receiving segments (12a, 12b) in order to deform the rotor tube bandage (7) in the closed state under the influence of the contact pressure (101), characterized by the fact that at least in the closed state between the at least two receiving segments (11, 12a, 12b) at least one escape volume (16a, 16b, 16c) is formed into which a matrix material (9) displaced by the contact pressure (101) can flow.
2. Curing device (3) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the at least two receiving segments (11, 12a, 12b) each form a free area of the escape volume (16a, 16b, 16c), wherein a free opening cross-section formed by the free areas is reduced when the receiving device (10) is closed.
3. Curing device (3) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the escape volume (16a, 16b, 16c) is formed by at least one escape channel (17) which extends in a radial direction with respect to the rotor axis of rotation 24ZF Friedrichshafen AG File 305002 Friedrichshafen 2026-01-26 (100) extends outwards and / or over the entire axial length of the rotor tube bandage (7).
4. Curing device (3) according to claim 3, characterized in that the diversion channel (17) has a taper (17') or an undercut (17") at its end facing the rotor axis of rotation (100).
5. Curing device (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least two receiving segments (11 , 12a, 12b) in the closed state under the influence of the contact pressure (101) define an at least approximately closed outer circumference of a finished rotor bandage (18), which is only interrupted in the circumferential direction at least partially by the at least one displacement volume (16a, 16b, 16c).
6. Curing device (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least two receiving segments (11, 12a, 12b) each have at least one centering section (26a, 26b), and the receiving segments (11, 12a, 12b) can be supported without play on a rotor shaft (5) of the rotor (2) in the closed state in order to center the rotor (2) in the receiving device (10).
7. Curing device (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one of the receiving segments (11, 12a, 12b) is designed as a stationary receiving segment (11 ) and the at least one other receiving segment (11 , 12a, 12b) is designed as a movable receiving segment (12a, 12b), wherein the at least one movable receiving segment (12a, 12b) is movable in a radial direction with respect to the rotor axis of rotation (100) relative to the stationary receiving segment (11).
8. Curing device (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a positioning device (28) for pre-positioning the material to be treated. - ZF Friedrichshafen AG File 305002 Friedrichshafen 2026-01-26 delnden rotors (2), wherein the positioning device (28) has at least two spacers (29a, 29b) by which the rotor (2) is held in the open state spaced apart from the at least two receiving segments (11 , 12a, 12b).
9. Curing device (3) according to claims 6 and 7, characterized in that the spacers (29a, 29b) are movable in a radial direction with respect to the rotor axis of rotation (100) relative to the stationary receiving segment (11) in order to press the rotor (2) into the stationary receiving segment (11) when closing the receiving device (10) by means of the radial movement of the at least one movable receiving segment (12a, 12b).
10. Curing device (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a heating device (14) which is configured to heat the at least two receiving segments (11, 12a, 12b) to a curing temperature in order to cure the rotor raw bandage (7) in the closed state under the influence of the curing temperature, whereby a rotor bandage (18) of the rotor (2) can be produced, and a cooling device (15) which is configured to cool the rotor (2) during the curing process in order to reduce thermal expansion of the rotor (2) under the influence of the curing temperature.
11. Curing device (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by two sealing devices (22a, 22b) which are designed to seal the rotor (2) in the closed state against the receiving device (10), wherein the receiving segments (11, 12a, 12b) are supported on the rotor (2) in the closed state via the sealing devices.
12. Arrangement (1) with a rotor (2) and the curing device (3) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotor (2) comprises a rotor shaft (5), a rotor body (4) non-rotatably connected to the rotor shaft (5), and a rotor raw bandage (7) enclosing the rotor body (4), wherein the rotor raw bandage (7) comprises a flowable, curable matrix material (10). ZF Friedrichshafen AG File 305002 Friedrichshafen 2026-01-26 13. Arrangement (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that the rotor shaft (5) has at least one centner surface (30a, 30b) over which the rotor shaft (5) is centered on the at least two receiving segments (11, 12a, 12b) in the closed state of the receiving device (10).
14. Arrangement (1) according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the rotor shaft (5) and / or the rotor body (4) has at least one which can be cooled by a coolant flowing through it for cooling the rotor (4) during the curing process.
15. Arrangement (1) according to one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that the rotor (2) has a first and a second end disk (20a, 20b) which are arranged at the ends of each axial end face of the rotor body (4), wherein the two end disks (20a, 20b) each have an axial bandage stop (21) for the rotor raw bandage (7), wherein the at least two receiving segments (11, 12a, 12b) are spaced apart and / or without contact with the bandage stops (21) in the closed state of the receiving device (10).
16. Method for manufacturing a rotor bandage (18) with the curing device (3) according to one of claims 1 to 11 and / or with the arrangement (1 ) according to one of claims 12 to 15 wherein: - the receiving device (10) is opened by moving the at least two receiving segments (11, 12a, 12b) away from each other in a radial direction with respect to the rotor axis of rotation (100); - the rotor (2) with the rotor tube bandage (7) is inserted into the opened receiving device (10); - the receiving device (10) is closed by contacting the at least two receiving segments (11, 12a, 12b) in a radial direction with the rotor raw bandage (7) under the influence of the contact pressure (101), whereby excess matrix material (9) of the rotor raw bandage (7) is displaced into the at least one escape volume (16a, 16b, 16c); - the rotor raw bandage (7) is hardened, thereby producing the rotor bandage (18). 27ZF Friedrichshafen AG File 305002 Friedrichshafen 2026-01-26 17. Method according to claim 16, characterized in that the rotor (2) with the rotor raw bandage (7) is rotated in the receiving device (10) before the receiving device (10) is opened to remove the rotor (2). 28