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US 2018/0323679 A1Published application
Axial flux machine arrangement
AssigneeYasa Limited
InventorTim WOOLMER
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An axial flux machine is provided with an integrated clutch assembly, which is housed within the bore of an annulus-shaped stator of the machine. First and second rotors, located either side of the stator are attached to the clutch basket of the clutch assembly, and rotate in unison relative to the stator. A machine housing is provided between the stator and an engagement face of the clutch basket, seated on bearings between the clutch basket and machine housing, to provide a rigid structure.
Claims28
An axial flux machine comprising:
- a stator comprising a stator housing enclosing a plurality of stator bars disposed circumferentially at intervals around an axis of the machine, each of the stator bars having a set of coils wound therearound for generating a magnetic field, and the stator housing having an annular shape forming a hollow region about the axis of the machine;
- a rotor comprising a set of permanent magnets and mounted for rotation about the axis of the machine, the rotor being spaced apart from the stator along the axis of the machine to define a gap between the stator and rotor and in which magnetic flux in the machine is generally in an axial direction, and the rotor formed of an annulus and having a hollow central region about the axis of the machine;
- a clutch mechanism located co-axially with the axis of the machine and located within the hollow regions of the rotor and stator, the clutch mechanism comprising:
- a clutch basket comprising a first set of one or more clutch plates and having a first engagement surface for coupling torque in or out of the machine;
- and
- a clutch plate bearer comprising a second set of one or more clutch plates and having a second engagement surface for coupling torque in or out of the machine, each set of the one or more clutch plates being arranged to be selectively driven in and out of engagement with one another,
- wherein the rotor is mounted on the clutch basket.
4 more elements
A method of assembling an axial flux machine comprising a clutch mechanism, the method comprising:
- supplying a clutch mechanism, the clutch mechanism comprising a clutch basket comprising a first set of one or more clutch plates and having a first engagement surface for coupling torque in or out of the machine, and a clutch plate bearer comprising a second set of one or more clutch plates and having a second engagement surface for coupling torque in or out of the machine, the clutch basket and clutch plate bearer being mounted for rotation about an axis of the machine;
- attaching a first rotor to an outer surface of the clutch basket, the first rotor comprising an annulus having a hollow central region and having a set of permanent magnets disposed circumferentially at intervals around the axis of the machine facing inward of the machine;
- applying a spacer to the surface of first rotor comprising the permanent magnets;
- arranging a stator co-axially with the clutch and adjacent the first rotor such that the spacer is contacted by a first side of the stator and the first rotor, the stator comprising a stator housing enclosing a plurality of stator bars disposed circumferentially at intervals around the axis of the machine, each of the stator bars having a set of coils wound therearound for generating a magnetic field, and the stator housing having an annular shape forming a hollow region about the axis of the machine, the clutch basket sitting within the hollow region of the stator;
- and
- pulling the stator away from the first rotor to provide an airgap between the stator and first rotor.
3 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.