Patent ID: 8987971
Filing Date: 2015-03-24
Classification: H02K

Abstract:
1. A rotor core for an electric machine, the rotor core comprising: a body extending a length along, and being configured to rotate about, a central longitudinal axis, the body comprising spokes arranged radially about the central longitudinal axis and conductor openings arranged radially about the central longitudinal axis, the radial arrangement of the spokes and conductor openings about the central longitudinal axis comprising an alternating pattern of spokes and conductor openings, wherein the spokes radially extend from a first interface between the spokes and a stator core of the electric machine, wherein the spokes comprise slots extending therethrough along the central longitudinal axis from the first interface between the spokes and the stator core, through the spokes, and to a second interface between the spokes and a shaft of the electric machine, the slots being positioned radially about the central longitudinal axis between adjacent conductor openings, wherein the spokes extend radially outward from radially inner segments of the spokes to radially outer segments of the spokes, the radially outer segments of the spokes comprising radially outer surfaces that each defines a portion of a circumference of the body, wherein the slots extend between adjacent conductor openings along semi-circular paths, the semi-circular paths of the slots intersecting the radially outer surfaces of the corresponding spokes; and conductors for conducting magnetic fields extending within the conductor openings of the body.