Electrical machine rotor with eliminated iron bridge
A rotor for an electric machine includes pairs of magnets with a bridge region therebetween. Lamination that comprise the rotor may define openings in the bridge region between the magnets of each of the pairs. A clip may be installed in the openings and a bonding material may fill the remainder of the bridge region.
1. A rotor for an electric machine comprising:
a plurality of magnets;
a core comprised of stacked laminations that define pockets, between a hub portion and a pole portion, for receiving pairs of magnets, and that define a first projection extending from the pole portion and a second projection extending from the hub portion, the first projection and the second projection disposed in a bridge region between magnets that comprise the pairs, and the first projection and the second projection each defining a bar extending from the pole portion and the hub portion, respectively, and a cross-bar at a distal end to form a T-shape;
a bonding material disposed in the pockets; and
a clip disposed within the pockets, embedded in the bonding material, and cooperating with the first projection, the second projection, and the bonding material to provide a structural connection between the hub portion and pole portion.
2. The rotor of claim 1 , wherein the clip includes a bar extending between the first projection and the second projection and having arms that cooperate with each of the cross-bars to limit outward radial movement of the pole portion.
3. The rotor of claim 1 , wherein the bonding material is an epoxy.
4. The rotor of claim 1 , wherein the bonding material is a resin.
5. The rotor of claim 1 , wherein the clip is formed of a non-magnetic material.