Polar package construction for permanent magnet rotors of alternators and the like

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a polar package construction for permanent magnet rotors of alternators and the like.

As is known, the permanent-magnet rotors included in alternators and the like electrical machines, are made of a ferromagnetic material body defining a plurality of radially extending slots in which are engaged the permanent magnets so as to provide the desired number of poles for the alternator rotor.

Prior embodiments of these rotors generally cause a comparatively high loss of electric current because of parasitic phenomena, with a consequent high heat generation which, in addition to lowering the efficiency of the alternator, will generate great operating problems.

The document FR-2 629 286 A discloses a polar package construction having substantially the features of the preamble of claim 1.

The document Patent Abstracts of Japan, vol. 012, No. 337 (E-657), 12.09.1998 & JP 63 099849 A (FANUC LTD), 02.05.1988 discloses a rotor with a coupling flange having an end piece and, more specifically, this document teaches that a single such flange suffices, since the end piece of this document transmits the rotor torque to the shaft.

Finally, the document Patent Abstracts of Japan, vol.012, No. 397 (E-672), 21.10.1998 & JP 63 140644 A (FUJI ELECTRIC CO. LTD.), 13.06.1988 teaches that a sinusoidal voltage wave shape can be obtained by increasing the thickness of the air gap near the permanent magnets but this document does not appear to suggest that this can be achieved by milling portions of the package surface.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the aim of the present invention is to overcome the above mentioned problems, by providing a polar package construction for permanent magnet rotors of alternators and the like, which allows to overcome the heat loss occurring during the operation of the alternator, thereby greatly increasing the efficiency thereof.

Within the scope of the above mentioned aim, a main object of the present invention is to provide such a polar package construction which is very simple construction wise and allows to easily provide the required type of polar package, by simply assembling conventional ferromagnetic laminations.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide such a polar package construction which is very reliable and safe in operation, can be easily made starting from easily commercially available elements and materials and which, moreover, is very competitive from a mere economic standpoint.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the above mentioned aim and objects, as well as yet other objects, which will become more apparent hereinafter, are achieved by a polar package construction, for permanent magnet rotors for alternators and the like, according to claim 1.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become more apparent hereinafter from the following detailed disclosure of a polar package construction for permanent magnet rotors of alternators and the like, according to the invention, which is illustrated, by way of an indicative, but not limitative example, in the accompanying drawings, where: <ul id="ul0001" list-style="none" compact="compact"><li>Figure 1 is a schematic exploded perspective view illustrating the polar package construction according to the present invention; and</li><li>Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the rotor, as substantially taken along a section plane perpendicular to the rotor axis.</li></ul>

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference to the number references of the above mentioned figures, the polar package construction for permanent magnet rotors of alternators and the like, according to the present invention, which has been generally indicated by the reference number 1, comprises a plurality of ferromagnetic laminations or sheet metal elements 2, which have a substantially disc-like configuration and are made by suitably cutting a ferromagnetic sheet metal member, so as to provide laminations having an aperture 3 at their central region, therefrom extends a plurality of radial slots 4.

Thus, the laminations will define trapezoidal portions 10, the bases of which, forming the inner and outer sides, will have a curved configuration.

More specifically, the trapezoidal elements, which are separated by the radially extending slots 4, will form the poles of the rotor and, in actual practice, are formed by the single-piece laminated element.

Each lamination, having the above disclosed configuration, is superimposed on other like shape laminations so as to provide polar packages having any set desired thickness.

Through the above mentioned trapezoidal portions a plurality of throughgoing holes 20 are provided, said throughgoing holes providing respectively seats for engaging thereon nails, rivets or bolts 21 for packaging and mutually connecting the several laminations 2, thereby providing a polar package having the desired package size.

As shown, the laminations 2 are coupled to one another by coupling flanges 30, arranged at the axial end portions thereof, which are both provided with a central end piece 31, arranged at the inner edges of the polar shoes and operating as a restraining element for restraining at their set positions the permanent magnets 41.

More specifically, the flanges 30 are also coupled by nails, rivets or bolts 21, which are engaged in the holes 20; the polar package being then keyed on a shaft 50, for providing the rotor.

The thus made alternator rotor, comprising a polar package including a plurality of superimposed and separated ferromagnetic laminations 2, which are separated, as it is conventional, by an insulating paint layer, has the great advantage of drastically reduce possible parasitic currents, thereby no loss heat is generated, thereby providing a very high efficiency alternator.

The above sinterized permanent magnets 41, in particular, are housed in the radially extending slots 4 so as to present equal polarity adjoining faces, according to the procedure and arrangement clearly shown in figure 2.

In particular, the sinterized permanent magnets 41 are always properly housed in their respective radially extending slots 4, so as to provide a single piece assembly which is very advantageous from an operating and practical standpoint.

In this connection it should be also pointed out that the package formed by the mentioned magnetic laminations 2, and also including the coupling flanges, will be provided with a plurality of surface milled cut-outs 40, arranged near the permanent magnets 41, at the cylindric surface thereof; these surface milled portions, in particular, will have any desired and set suitable width and slanting, so as to provide a truly sinusoidal voltage wave shape.

Moreover, since the magnetic package has a closed configuration, it will prevent dirt from entering the package thereby providing a rotor of improved operative characteristics.

From the above disclosure it should be apparent that the invention fully achieves the intended aim and objects.

In particular, it is to be pointed out that a polar package has been provided which is very functional from a mere operating standpoint, and which, moreover, since it is constituted by simply die-cut superimposed laminations, will have very good mechanical and electrical features.

In practicing the invention, the used materials, provided that they are compatible to the intended use, as well as the contingent size and shapes, can be any, depending on requirements.