Patent ID: 7372182
Filing Date: 2008-05-13
Classification: H02K

Abstract:
1. An axial gap alternator comprising: a first carrier associated with an output shaft of an internal combustion engine, the first carrier carrying a first set of magnets arranged radially, the first set of magnets secured within recesses in the first carrier, such that a generally planar surface of each first magnet of the first set is substantially flush or co-planar with a radially inward face of the first carrier, the face being radially inward from the first set; a second carrier for carrying a second set of magnets arranged radially and spaced apart from the first set of magnets, the second carrier secured to the first carrier for rotation therewith the second set of magnets secured within recesses in the second carrier, such that a generally planar surface of each second magnet of the second set is substantially flush or co-planar with a radially inward face of the second carrier, the face being radially inward from the second set; a stator intervening axially between the first set of magnets and the second set of magnets; and the first carrier, second carrier and stator positioned in a fly-wheel housing or transmission housing between a transmission and the output shaft; wherein the recesses within which the first and second set of magnets are secured facilitates a reduction in an axial dimension of the axial gap alternator thereby facilitating efficient utilization of space between the output shaft of the internal combustion engine and the transmission.