Stator unit and stator module

A stator module for two-dimensionally driving a rotor having first and second magnet units includes a stator assembly with first and second stator segments configured for interacting with drive magnets of the first and second magnet units. The individual stator segments can each be energized independently from the remaining stator segments. The stator assembly includes first, second, third and fourth stator sectors. The first stator segments of the individual stator sectors each extend in a second direction over all second stator segments of the relevant stator sector, arranged side by side, and the second stator segments of the individual stator sectors each extend in a first direction over all first stator segments of the relevant stator sector arranged side by side. Extensions of the stator sectors in the first and second directions are respectively smaller than extensions of a magnet arrangement including the first and second magnet units.

FIELD

The invention relates to a stator unit for driving a rotor of a planar drive system and to a stator module for a planar drive system.

BACKGROUND

Planar drive systems can be used, inter alia, in automation technology, in particular in manufacturing technology, handling technology and process technology. A movable element of an installation or machine can be moved or positioned in at least two linearly independent directions by planar drive systems. Planar drive systems can comprise a permanently excited electromagnetic planar motor comprising a planar stator and a rotor which can move in at least two directions on the stator.

In a permanently excited electromagnetic planar motor, a drive force is exerted onto the rotor by way of conductors, through which current flows, interacting in a magnetic manner with drive magnets of a magnet arrangement. The invention relates, in particular, to refinements of planar drive systems in which the drive magnets of an electric planar motor are arranged on the rotor and the conductors, through which current flows, of the planar motor are arranged in a planar stator which is arranged in a fixed location.

In a drive system of this kind, the rotor comprises at least one first magnet unit for driving the rotor in a first direction and a second magnet unit for driving the rotor in a second direction which is linearly independent of the first direction, for example orthogonal to the first direction. The planar stator comprises at least one group of first energizable conductors which interact in a magnetic manner with the magnets of the first magnet unit in order to drive the rotor in the first direction, and also a group of second energizable conductors which interact in a magnetic manner with the magnets of the second magnet unit in order to drive the rotor in the second direction. The first and second groups of conductors can generally be energized independently of one another in order to allow movements of the rotor which are independent of one another in the first and the second direction. If the conductors of the first and the second group themselves can be energized independently of one another at least in parts, a plurality of rotors can be moved independently of one another on a stator at the same time.

The stator of planar drive systems of this kind can be designed, in particular, in a modular manner and comprise a plurality of stator modules which are arranged next to one another. Within the stator modules, the conductors, through which current flows, of the stator can be arranged in a stator unit. The drive currents for driving the rotor can be generated by power-generating units which are each arranged on the bottom sides of the stator units, which bottom sides are situated opposite the rotor. The power-generating units are then electrically conductively connected to the conductors of the stator unit in order to feed the drive currents, which are generated by the power-generating units, into the conductors of the stator unit.

Documents WO 2013/059934 A1, WO 2015/017933 A1, WO 2015/179962 A1, WO 2015/184553 A1, WO 2015/188281 A1, WO 2017/004716 A1 each describe planar drive systems (displacement devices) which comprise an electromagnetic planar motor comprising a permanently excited rotor and a stator which comprises a plurality of energizable conductors.

SUMMARY

The present invention provides an improved stator unit for a planar drive system, and an improved stator module for a planar drive system.

According to an aspect, a stator unit for driving a rotor of an electrical planar drive system comprises a first stator sector and a second stator sector. The first stator sector comprises, in a stator layer of the stator unit, conductor strips, which are extended in an elongate manner along a first direction and are arranged next to one another along a second direction which is oriented perpendicularly to the first direction, for interacting with drive magnets of the rotor. The second stator sector comprises, in the stator layer, conductor strips, which are extended in an elongate manner along the first direction and are arranged next to one another along the second direction, for interacting with the drive magnets of the rotor. The first stator sector is arranged adjacent to the second stator sector in the first direction. The stator unit has a contact structure, wherein the contact structure comprises a first contact unit group and a second contact unit group. The first contact unit group is electrically conductively connected to the conductor strips of the first stator sector, and the second contact unit group is electrically conductively connected to the conductor strips of the second stator sector. The contact structure is arranged on an inner edge of the first stator sector and on an inner edge of the second stator sector, wherein the inner edge of the first stator sector and the inner edge of the second stator sector are arranged so as to bear against one another between the first stator sector and the second stator sector.

According to a further aspect, a stator module comprises a stator unit for driving a rotor of an electrical planar drive system and a power module. The stator unit comprises a first stator sector, a second stator sector and a third stator sector. The first stator sector, the second stator sector and the third stator sector comprise, in a stator layer of the stator unit, conductor strips, which are extended in an elongate manner along a first direction and are arranged next to one another along a second direction which is oriented perpendicularly to the first direction, for interacting with drive magnets of the rotor. The first stator sector, the second stator sector and the third stator sector comprise, in a further stator layer, further conductor strips, which are arranged next to one another along the first direction and are extended in an elongate manner along the second direction, for interacting with further drive magnets of the rotor. The first stator sector is arranged adjacent to the second stator sector in the first direction. The third stator sector is arranged adjacent to the first stator sector in the second direction. The stator unit has a contact structure and a further contact structure. The contact structure comprises a first contact unit group which is electrically conductively connected to the conductor strips of the first stator sector. The contact structure comprises a second contact unit group which is electrically conductively connected to the conductor strips of the second stator sector. The further contact structure comprises a third contact unit group which is electrically conductively connected to the further conductor strips of the first stator sector. The further contact structure comprises a fourth contact unit group which is electrically conductively connected to the further conductor strips of the third stator sector. The contact structure is arranged on an inner edge of the first stator sector and on an inner edge of the second stator sector. The inner edge of the first stator sector and the inner edge of the second stator sector are arranged so as to bear against one another between the first stator sector and the second stator sector. The further contact structure is arranged on a further inner edge of the first stator sector and on an inner edge of the third stator sector. The further inner edge of the first stator sector and the inner edge of the third stator sector are arranged so as to bear against one another between the first stator sector and the third stator sector. The power module is arranged on a bottom side of the stator unit. The power module is designed in a cruciform manner with a first bar which runs in the first direction and with a second bar which runs in the second direction. The power module comprises a connection arrangement. The connection arrangement is electrically conductively connected to the first contact unit group and to the second contact unit group of the contact structure of the stator unit. The connection arrangement is arranged on the second bar of the power module. The power module comprises a further connection arrangement. The further connection arrangement is electrically conductively connected to the third contact unit group and to the fourth contact unit group of the further contact structure of the stator unit. The further connection arrangement is arranged on the first bar of the power module.

According to a further aspect, a stator module comprises a stator unit for driving a rotor of an electrical planar drive system. The stator unit comprises a first stator sector and a second stator sector. The first stator sector comprises, in a stator layer of the stator unit, conductor strips, which are extended in an elongate manner along a first direction and are arranged next to one another along a second direction which is oriented perpendicularly to the first direction, for interacting with drive magnets of the rotor. The second stator sector comprises, in the stator layer, conductor strips, which are extended in an elongate manner along the first direction and are arranged next to one another along the second direction, for interacting with the drive magnets of the rotor. The first stator sector is arranged adjacent to the second stator sector in the first direction. The stator unit has a contact structure. The contact structure comprises a first contact unit group and a second contact unit group. The first contact unit group is electrically conductively connected to the conductor strips of the first stator sector, and wherein the second contact unit group is electrically conductively connected to the conductor strips of the second stator sector. A stator surface extends over the entire top side of the stator unit and forms a surface of the stator unit. The first stator sector and the second stator sector terminate flush with the stator surface on the outer sides and are arranged in a manner adjoining one another in the interior of the stator unit. The contact structure is arranged on an inner edge of the first stator sector and on an inner edge of the second stator sector and is part of a contact arrangement. The inner edge of the first stator sector and the inner edge of the second stator sector are arranged so as to bear against one another between the first stator sector and the second stator sector, and the contact arrangement can be contacted from the bottom side of the stator unit.

Exemplary Embodiments

Since the contact structure is arranged on inner edges, which are arranged between the first and the second stator sector, of the first and the second stator sector, the contact structure can be arranged in the interior of the stator unit in the second direction. As a result, the outer regions of the stator unit, which outer regions are situated on the outer edges of the stator unit and on the outer edges of the first and of the second stator sector, can be designed to be free of contact units. The stator unit can therefore be designed in a particularly stable manner in the outer regions. In particular, the stator unit and a stator module, which comprises the stator unit, have tread-resistant outer edges.

Since the outer regions of the stator unit are designed to be free of contact structures, the outer edges of the stator unit can additionally be designed in a particularly smooth manner. As a result, the stator unit can be lined up on a further stator unit of identical design in a virtually seamless manner. The contact structure can also be arranged in a particularly space-saving manner between the first and the second stator sector, so that a particularly small surface area has to be used for the arrangement of the contact structures in the region of the stator sectors. As a result, the conductor strips can be arranged in a particularly large surface area proportion of the stator sectors. As a result, distortions in the magnetic field which is generated by the stator unit on account of boundary effects are avoided.

In a development of the stator unit, the first contact unit group and the second contact unit group of the contact structure are arranged next to one another in a row along the second direction. As a result, the contact units of the contact unit groups can be arranged in a particularly space-saving manner.

In a development of the stator unit, the contact structure is arranged on a center line of the stator unit, which center line runs between the first stator sector and the second stator sector along the second direction. As a result, the contact structure can be arranged particularly far away from the outer edges of the stator unit in the first direction and the stator unit can be designed in a particularly stable manner. The contact structure can also be arranged in a particularly space-saving manner on the center line and a particularly large proportion of the stator surface can be used for the arrangement of the conductor strips.

In a development of the stator unit, the stator unit comprises a third stator sector, wherein the third stator sector is arranged adjacent to the first stator sector in the second direction. The third stator sector comprises, in the stator layer, conductor strips, which are arranged next to one another along the second direction and are extended in an elongate manner along the first direction, for interacting with the drive magnets of the rotor. The first stator sector, the second stator sector and the third stator sector comprise, in a further stator layer, further conductor strips, which are arranged next to one another along the first direction and are extended in an elongate manner along the second direction, for interacting with further drive magnets of the rotor. The further stator layer is arranged below the stator layer in a third direction which is oriented perpendicularly to the first direction and to the second direction. The stator unit comprises a further contact structure with a third contact unit group and with a fourth contact unit group, wherein the third contact unit group is electrically conductively connected to the further conductor strips of the first stator sector, and wherein the fourth contact unit group is electrically conductively connected to the further conductor strips of the third stator sector. The further contact structure is arranged on a further inner edge of the first stator sector and on an inner edge of the third stator sector, wherein the further inner edge of the first stator sector and the inner edge of the third stator sector are arranged so as to bear against one another between the first stator sector and the third stator sector.

Since both the contact structure and also the further contact structure are arranged on inner edges of the stator sectors, which inner edges are placed between the stator sectors, both the contact structure can be arranged in the interior of the stator unit in the first direction and also the further contact structure can be arranged in the interior of the stator unit in the second direction. Therefore, both the outer edges of the stator unit which run along the first direction and also the outer edges of the stator unit which run along the second direction are designed to be free of contact units and are therefore of particularly stable design.

In a development of the stator unit, the stator unit comprises a fourth stator sector, wherein the fourth stator sector is arranged adjacent to the second stator sector in the second direction, and wherein the third stator sector is arranged adjacent to the fourth stator sector in the first direction. The fourth stator sector comprises, in the stator layer, conductor strips, which are arranged next to one another along the second direction and are extended in an elongate manner along the first direction, for interacting with the drive magnets of the rotor. The fourth stator sector also comprises, in the further stator layer, further conductor strips, which are arranged next to one another along the first direction and are extended in an elongate manner along the second direction, for interacting with the further drive magnets of the rotor. The stator unit comprises an additional contact structure with a fifth contact unit group and with a sixth contact unit group, and a further additional contact structure with a seventh contact unit group and with an eighth contact unit group. The fifth contact unit group is electrically conductively connected to the conductor strips of the third stator sector, and the sixth contact unit group is electrically conductively connected to the conductor strips of the fourth stator sector. The seventh contact unit group is electrically conductively connected to the further conductor strips of the second stator sector, and the eighth contact unit group is electrically conductively connected to the further conductor strips of the fourth stator sector. The additional contact structure is arranged on a further inner edge of the third stator sector and on an inner edge of the fourth stator sector, wherein the further inner edge of the third stator sector and the inner edge of the fourth stator sector are arranged so as to bear against one another between the third stator sector and the fourth stator sector. The further additional contact structure is arranged on a further inner edge of the second stator sector and on a further inner edge of the fourth stator sector, wherein the further inner edge of the second stator sector and the further inner edge of the fourth stator sector are arranged so as to bear against one another between the second stator sector and the fourth stator sector.

As a result, both the conductor strips, which are extended in the first direction, of all stator sectors and also the further conductor strips, which are extended in the second direction, of all of the stator sectors are connected to contact structures which are arranged in the first and the second direction in the interior of the stator unit. In particular, outer regions of the stator unit can be designed to be free of contact units along all of the outer edges of the stator module. As a result, the entire stator module can be of particularly stable design along all of the outer edges.

In a development of the stator unit, the contact structure and the additional contact structure are arranged on a center line, which is oriented along the second direction, of the stator unit, and the further contact structure and the further additional contact structure are arranged on a further center line, which is oriented along the first direction, of the stator unit. As a result, the outer regions, in which no contact units are arranged, can be of particularly large design both in the first direction and also in the second direction, and the stator unit can be of particularly stable design overall.

In a development of the stator unit, the stator unit has a center region which is arranged at an intersection point of the center line and the further center line, wherein the contact unit groups are arranged outside the center region of the stator unit. As a result, the contact structure and the further contact structure can be arranged at a first distance from one another about the intersection point along the first direction. Similarly, the additional contact structure and the further additional contact structure can be arranged at a second distance from one another about the intersection point along the second direction. The first distance and/or the second distance can be dimensioned in such a way that, when a power module is connected to the contact structures, in particular when the power module is compressed with the contact structures, tilting of the power module or non-uniform loading of the contact structures is prevented. A distance also leads to the contact structures and the power module being able to be compressed with application of a small amount of force.

In a development of the stator unit, a conductor strip, which is close to the center, of the conductor strips of the first stator sector which are arranged in a connection stator layer is electrically conductively connected to a contact unit of the first contact unit group via a feed line. In this case, the feed line is arranged in an additional stator layer of the stator unit.

Further conductor strips of the conductor strips of the first stator sector can be connected, in particular on the connection stator layer, to contact units of the first contact unit group. Since the conductor strip, which is close to the center, of the first stator sector is connected to the contact unit of the first contact unit group via the feed line which is arranged in the additional stator layer, more space is available on the connection stator layer for the connection of the further conductor strips to the first contact unit group. This makes it easier to connect the conductor strips of the first stator sector to the first contact unit group.

A stator module comprises a stator unit for driving a rotor of an electrical planar drive system, and a power module. The stator unit comprises a first stator sector, a second stator sector and a third stator sector. The first stator sector, the second stator sector and the third stator sector comprise, in a stator layer of the stator unit, conductor strips, which are arranged next to one another along a first direction and are extended in an elongate manner along a second direction which is oriented perpendicularly to the first direction, for interacting with drive magnets of the rotor. The first stator sector, the second stator sector and the third stator sector also comprise, in a further stator layer, further conductor strips, which are arranged next to one another along the second direction and are extended in an elongate manner along the first direction, for interacting with further drive magnets of the rotor. The first stator sector is arranged adjacent to the second stator sector in the second direction, and the third stator sector is arranged adjacent to the first stator sector in the first direction. The stator unit has a contact structure and a further contact structure. The contact structure comprises a first contact unit group which is electrically conductively connected to the conductor strips of the first stator sector. The contact structure also comprises a second contact unit group which is electrically conductively connected to the conductor strips of the second stator sector. The further contact structure comprises a third contact unit group which is electrically conductively connected to the further conductor strips of the first stator sector. The further contact structure also comprises a fourth contact unit group which is electrically conductively connected to the further conductor strips of the third stator sector. The contact structure is arranged on an inner edge of the first stator sector and on an inner edge of the second stator sector, wherein the inner edge of the first stator sector and the inner edge of the second stator sector are arranged so as to bear against one another between the first stator sector and the second stator sector. The further contact structure is arranged on a further inner edge of the first stator sector and on an inner edge of the third stator sector, wherein the further inner edge of the first stator sector and the inner edge of the third stator sector are arranged so as to bear against one another between the first stator sector and the third stator sector. The power module is arranged on a bottom side of the stator unit. The power module is designed in a cruciform manner with a first bar which runs in the first direction and with a second bar which runs in the second direction. The power module comprises a connection arrangement, wherein the connection arrangement is electrically conductively connected to the first contact unit group and to the second contact unit group of the contact structure of the stator unit, and wherein the connection arrangement is arranged on the second bar of the power module. The power module also comprises a further connection arrangement, wherein the further connection arrangement is electrically conductively connected to the third contact unit group and to the fourth contact unit group of the further contact structure of the stator unit, and wherein the further connection arrangement is arranged on the first bar of the power module.

Since the power module is designed in a cruciform manner, the power module can firstly be arranged directly immediately beneath the contact structure which is arranged between the first and the second stator sector and beneath the further contact structure which is arranged between the first and the third stator sector. Secondly, the power module can be designed in a particularly compact manner. In particular, clearances can be formed below the stator unit on the outer edges of the stator sectors and the stator unit, at which clearances the stator unit is exposed and is not covered by the power module. In the clearances, thermally conductive structures can bear against the bottom side of the stator unit in order to absorb lost heat which is generated in the conductor strips and to discharge said lost heat from the stator unit when the rotor is driven.

In a development of the stator module, the connection arrangement is arranged centrally on the second bar of the power module in the first direction, and the further connection arrangement is arranged centrally on the first bar of the power module in the second direction. As a result, particularly large clearances can be formed between the bars of the power module and the outer edges of the stator unit, in which clearances the stator unit, on its bottom side, is not covered by the power module.

In a development of the stator module, the power module comprises a module unit and a further module unit, wherein the module unit and the further module unit are designed in a manner mechanically separated from one another. In this case, the first bar of the power module comprises the further module unit, and the further module unit comprises the further connection arrangement. The second bar of the power module also comprises the module unit, and the module unit comprises the connection arrangement.

As a result, the module unit and the further module unit can be separated from one another and connected to the stator unit one after the other during production of the stator module. This allows the power module to be connected to the stator unit in a particularly simple manner. In particular, it is possible to prevent the power module from having to be connected to the contact structure, which runs along the second direction, and to the further contact structure, which runs along the first direction, at the same time and tilting in the process.

In a development of the stator module, a conductor arrangement of the module unit and a conductor arrangement of the further module unit are identical. As a result, the same parts, in particular the same carrier circuit boards or printed circuit boards, can be used for the module unit and for the further module unit, so that the stator module can be produced in a cost-effective manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention substantially relates to further developments of the planar drive system which is disclosed in published documents WO 2013/059934 A1, WO 2015/017933 A1, WO 2015/179962 A1, WO 2015/184553 A1, WO 2015/188281 A1 and WO 2017/004716 A1. The disclosure content of said documents is also incorporated in the subject matter of the present description in its entirety by reference.

FIG.1shows a planar drive system1comprising a stator module10and a rotor200. The stator module10comprises a module housing19and a stator unit100. The stator module10has a top side8and a bottom side9which is situated opposite the top side8. The stator unit100is arranged above the module housing19in a vertical direction15, which is oriented from the bottom side9to the top side8, and on the top side8of the stator module10. The stator unit100is designed as a planar stator and has a flat, i.e. planar, stator surface11on the top side8of the stator module10. The stator surface11forms a surface of the stator module10at the same time.

The stator surface11is oriented perpendicularly to the vertical direction15and extends over the entire top side8of the stator unit100and of the stator module10. The stator unit100comprises at least one conductor strip125, to which a drive current can be applied, on the stator surface11. The stator unit100can, as illustrated, have a plurality of conductor strips125on the stator surface11. A drive current can be applied to each of the conductor strips125. A magnetic field can be generated by the drive currents in the conductor strips125, which magnetic field drives the rotor200in interaction with drive magnets of the rotor200. The rotor200and the stator unit100, with the conductor strips125through which current flows, form an electromagnetic planar motor. The conductor strips125form coil conductors of the stator unit100and can also be called coil conductors.

During operation, the rotor200is arranged in a movable manner above the stator surface11of the stator module10and can be driven both in a first direction12and also in a second direction14during operation. The first direction12and the second direction14are linearly independent. In particular, the first direction12and the second direction14can, as illustrated inFIG.1, be oriented perpendicularly to one another. The first direction12and the second direction14are each oriented parallel to the stator surface11and perpendicularly to the vertical direction15. Since the rotor200is driven in the first direction12and also in the second direction14at the same time, the rotor200can be driven in any desired direction over the stator surface11. During operation, the rotor200can be held in a floating manner above the stator surface11, for example by magnetic interaction between the drive magnets and suitable drive currents in the conductor strips125. In addition to driving the rotor200in the first and the second direction12,14, driving in the third, vertical direction15is also possible.

The stator surface11is designed in a rectangular manner. In particular, the stator surface11can, as illustrated, be designed in a square manner. The stator surface11is delimited by four respectively straight outer edges30. In each case two outer edges30which are situated opposite one another are oriented parallel to the first direction12, and two further outer edges30which are situated opposite one another are oriented parallel to the second direction14.

An extent of the stator unit100in the vertical direction15is smaller than an extent of the stator unit100in the first and the second direction12,14. The stator unit100therefore forms a flat cuboid which is extended in the first and the second direction12,14or a plate which is extended in the first and the second direction12,14. The stator unit100has four respectively flat side surfaces32between the stator surface11and a bottom side, which is situated opposite the stator surface11, of the stator unit100, which flat side surfaces terminate flush with the outer edges30of the stator surface11on the stator surface11. The side surfaces32of the stator unit100are oriented perpendicularly to the stator surface11.

The module housing19is, like the stator surface11and the stator unit100, designed in a rectangular manner in a plan view of the stator surface11. The module housing19is designed in a square manner, in particular in a plan view of the stator surface11. The module housing19is designed as a flat cuboid or as a plate, wherein the extent of the module housing19in the vertical direction15is smaller than in the first and the second direction12,14. A top side, which faces the stator unit100, of the module housing19is arranged so as to adjoin the bottom side of the stator unit100. The stator unit100and the module housing19have substantially the same dimensions in the first and the second direction12,14.

The module housing19has four respectively flat side surfaces34between the top side, which faces the stator unit100, of the module housing19and a bottom side, which is situated opposite the top side, of the module housing19. The side surfaces34of the module housing19can, as illustrated, be oriented perpendicularly to the stator surface11. The side surfaces34of the module housing19can be oriented in alignment with the side surfaces32of the stator unit100and adjoin the side surfaces32of the stator unit100. In an alternative embodiment of the stator module10, the side surfaces34of the module housing19can also be arranged in a manner recessed into the interior of the stator module10in relation to the side surfaces32of the stator unit100. In a further alternative embodiment, the side surfaces34of the module housing19can also be arranged in a manner adjoining the side surfaces32of the stator unit100on the top side of the module housing19and can taper counter the vertical direction15toward the bottom side of the module housing19in the direction of the interior of the stator module10.

The stator module10is designed in a rectangular manner in a plan view of the stator surface11. The stator module10has four respectively flat side surfaces36between the stator surface11, which is arranged on the top side8of the stator module10, and the bottom side9, which is situated opposite the top side8, of the stator module10. The side surfaces36of the stator module10are formed by the side surfaces32of the stator unit100in the region of the stator unit100and by the side surfaces34of the module housing19in the region of the module housing19.

The side surfaces36of the stator module10therefore terminate with the outer edges30of the stator surface11on the stator surface11, and the outer edges30of the stator surface11at the same time form outer edges of the stator module10on the stator surface11. In particular, the stator surface11extends respectively between two of the side surfaces36of the stator module10in the first direction12and in the second direction14, and the outer edges30limit the extent of the stator surface11, the stator unit100and the stator module10on the side surfaces36of the stator module10in the first direction12and in the second direction14.

The side surfaces36of the stator module10can, as illustrated, each be oriented perpendicularly to the stator surface11. In alternative embodiments of the stator module10, the side surfaces36of the stator module10can also be recessed in the direction of the interior of the stator module10or taper from the top side8toward the bottom side9in the direction of the interior of the stator module10in the region of the module housing19.

Whereas the stator module10is designed in a flat manner on its surface which is formed by the stator surface11, the stator module10can be designed in a non-flat or un-even manner on the bottom side9, which is situated opposite the stator surface11, of the stator module10. In particular, further components on the module housing19or the stator module10can be arranged on the bottom side9of the stator module10or on the bottom side of the module housing19. These further components are extended in the first direction12or in the second direction14at most as far as the outer edges30of the stator unit100, so that the further components do not project beyond the outer edges30of the stator unit100in the first or the second direction12,14.

Connections are arranged on the bottom side of the module housing19for connection of the stator module10to a plurality of connection lines18. The connection lines18can comprise, for example, an input line of a data network, an output line of the data network and a power supply line for supplying electrical power to the stator module10. In particular, electrical power for generating the drive currents can be supplied to the stator module10via the power supply line. The stator module10can be connected to a control unit of the planar drive system and interchange control data for controlling the rotor200with the control unit via the data network.

The stator surface11can have an extent of between 100 mm and 500 mm, in particular of between 120 mm and 350 mm, in particular of 240 mm, in the first direction12. The stator surface11can have an extent of between 100 mm and 500 mm, in particular of between 120 mm and 350 mm, in particular of 240 mm, in the second direction12. The stator module10can have an extent of between 10 mm and 100 mm, in particular of between 15 mm and 60 mm, in particular of 30 mm, in the vertical direction15. The module housing19can have an extent of between 8 mm and 80 mm, in particular of between 13 mm and 55 mm, in particular of 26.6 mm, in the vertical direction15. The module housing19can have the same extent as the stator surface11in the first and/or the second direction12,14.

Several instances of the stator module10can be arranged next to one another in such a way that the outer edges30of adjacent stator modules10lie against one another and the stator surfaces11of the stator modules10form a continuous working surface over which the rotor200can be moved without interruption. Since the side surfaces36of the stator module10terminate flush with the stator surface11at the outer edges30, the stator surfaces11of two stator modules10which are arranged next to one another can be arranged in a manner virtually seamlessly adjoining one another by way of the stator modules10being arranged with side surfaces32of the stator units100lying against one another or outer edges30of the stator surfaces11lying against one another.

FIG.2shows a view of a further planar drive system3with six stator modules10which are arranged next to one another. The stator modules10are designed like the stator module10which is illustrated inFIG.1. The stator modules10are arranged next to one another in two first rows which lie next to one another in the first direction12and are extended along the second direction14and in three second rows or columns which lie next to one another in the second direction14and are extended along the first direction12. Adjacent stator modules10are in each case arranged in a manner adjoining one another in such a way that the outer edges30of the stator surfaces11of adjacent stator modules10lie against one another. As a result, the stator surfaces11of the stator modules10form a continuous, planar working surface for the rotor200. The rotor200can be moved seamlessly from the stator surface11of one of the stator modules10to the or over the stator surface11of the adjacent stator module10.

The stator modules10can be joined, in principle, to planar drive systems of any desired size in the first and the second direction12,14. Control signals and/or power can be supplied to each of the stator modules10via respectively dedicated connection lines18. Alternative embodiments of the stator modules10can also have electrical connecting elements by which control signals and/or electrical power can be transmitted from one stator module10to the adjacent stator module10. Connecting elements of this kind can be arranged, for example, on the side surfaces33of the stator modules10. The connecting elements can be designed as plug-in connectors or as contact surfaces which can be arranged one on the other.

In alternative embodiments of the further planar drive system3, the stator modules10can also be connected in star shape to a central power supply device and/or a central control unit via respectively dedicated connection lines.

FIG.3shows the rotor200of the planar drive system1in a view of a bottom side of the rotor200from below. During operation of the planar drive system1, the bottom side of the rotor200is arranged so as to face the stator surface11of the stator module10. The rotor200has a magnet arrangement201on the bottom side. The magnet arrangement201is designed in a rectangular manner, in particular in a square manner, and comprises a plurality of magnets. The bottom side of the rotor200is designed in a flat or planar manner, in particular in the region of the magnets of the magnet arrangement201. During operation, the bottom side of the rotor200comprising the magnet arrangement201is arranged in a manner oriented substantially parallel to the stator surface11and so as to face the stator surface11.

The magnet arrangement201comprises a first magnet unit210, a second magnet unit220, a third magnet unit230and a fourth magnet unit240. The first magnet unit210and the third magnet unit230each have drive magnets211which are extended in an elongate manner in a first rotor direction206and are arranged next to one another along a second rotor direction208which is oriented perpendicularly to the first rotor direction206. In particular, the first and the third magnet unit210,230can each have three drive magnets211. The second magnet unit220and the fourth magnet unit240each have further drive magnets221which are arranged next to one another in the first rotor direction206and are extended in an elongate manner along the second rotor direction208. The first and the third magnet unit210,230serve, during operation, to drive the rotor200in the second rotor direction208, and the second and the fourth magnet unit220,240serve, during operation, to drive the rotor200in the first rotor direction206. The drive magnets211of the first and the third magnet unit210,230and the further drive magnets221of the second and the fourth magnet unit220,240are each magnetized perpendicularly to the first and the second rotor direction206,208.

FIG.4shows a perspective view of the stator module10of the planar drive system1without the rotor200. The stator unit100of the stator module10comprises a first stator sector110, a second stator sector112, a third stator sector113and a fourth stator sector114. The stator sectors110,112,113,114each comprise, for their part, a portion of the conductor strips125which are arranged on the stator surface11of the stator unit100. Each of the conductor strips125is arranged entirely in one of the stator sectors110,112,113,114on the stator surface11. The stator sectors110,112,113,114are designed in a rectangular manner. In particular, the stator sectors110,112,113,114can be designed in a square manner, so that an extent of the stator sectors110,112,113,114in the first direction12corresponds to an extent of the stator sectors110,112,113,114in the second direction14.

The stator sectors110,112,113,114are arranged in a manner adjoining one another in two rows, which lie next to one another, in the first direction12and likewise in two rows, which lie next to one another, in the second direction14. The stator sectors110,112,113,114of adjacent rows are likewise each arranged in a manner adjoining one another. In the first direction12, the stator unit100comprises a row containing the second stator sector112and the first stator sector110and a further row containing the fourth stator sector114and the third stator sector113. In the second direction14, the stator unit100comprises a row containing the first stator sector110and the third stator sector113and a further row containing the second stator sector112and the fourth stator sector114.

The stator sectors110,112,113,114each have, in the first direction12and in the second direction14, an extent which is half the size of an extent of the stator unit100or an extent of the stator module10in the corresponding direction12,14. The boundaries of the stator sectors110,112,113,114therefore run in the first and in the second direction12,14in each case in the center of the stator unit100and intersect in the center of the stator unit100. The stator sectors110,112,113,114each comprise a quarter of the surface area, i.e. a quadrant, of the stator unit100.

The conductor strips125are arranged in a plurality of stator layers or stator planes, which are situated one above the other, within the stator sectors110,112,113,114, wherein each of the stator layers comprises only conductor strips which are extended in an elongate manner either substantially along the first direction12or substantially along the second direction14. Apart from the extent of the conductor strips and provided that no differences are described in the text which follows, the stator sectors110,112,113,114on the various stator layers are designed in an identical manner. In the stator unit100, illustrated inFIG.4, of the stator module10, the stator layer on the stator surface11comprises only conductor strips125which are extended in an elongate manner along the first direction12and are arranged next to one another and in a manner adjoining one another along the second direction14.

The stator layer, shown inFIG.4, on the stator surface11forms a first stator layer of the stator unit100. The stator unit100comprises at least one more second stator layer below the first stator layer in the vertical direction15.

FIG.5shows a schematic perspective illustration of an exploded view of the stator unit100with the individual stator layers.

The stator unit100comprises, in the vertical direction15, a second stator layer105beneath the first stator layer104which is arranged on the stator surface11, a third stator layer106beneath the second stator layer105and a fourth stator layer107beneath the third stator layer106. Provided that no differences are described in the text which follows, the second, the third and the fourth stator layer105,106,107are designed like the first stator layer104, illustrated inFIG.4, on the stator surface11of the stator unit100.

The first stator layer104can, in general, also be called a stator layer of the stator unit100. The second stator layer105can, in general, also be called a further stator layer of the stator unit100.

The stator sectors110,112,113,114comprise in the third stator layer106, like in the first stator layer104, conductor strips125which are extended in an elongate manner along the first direction12and are arranged next to one another and in a manner adjoining one another in the second direction14. The stator sectors110,112,113,114comprise further conductor strips126in the second stator layer105and the fourth stator layer107. Provided that no differences are described in the text which follows, the further conductor strips126are designed like the conductor strips125in the first stator layer104and in the third stator layer106. Unlike the conductor strips125of the first and the third stator layer104,106, the further conductor strips126of the second and the fourth stator layer105,107are extended in an elongate manner along the second direction14and are arranged next to one another and in a manner adjoining one another in the first direction12.

The stator sectors110,112,113,114comprise only the conductor strips125which are extended in an elongate manner along the first direction12, and not also additionally the further conductor strips126which are extended in an elongate manner along the second direction14, in the first and the third stator layer104,106. The stator sectors110,112,113,114likewise comprise only the further conductor strips126which are extended in an elongate manner along the second direction14, and not also additionally the conductor strips125which are extended in an elongate manner along the first direction12, in the second and the fourth stator layer105,107.

The stator sectors110,112,113,114each have the same dimensions in all of the stator layers104,105,106,107. In particular, the stator sectors110,112,113,114each have the same dimensions in the first direction12and in the second direction14in all of the stator layers104,105,106,107.

The conductor strips125,126of stator layers104,105,106,107which are arranged one above the other are each designed in a manner electrically insulated from one another. For example, the stator layers104,105,106,107can each be designed as conductor track layers, which are insulated from one another, of a multilayer printed circuit board.

The stator sectors110,112,113,114are designed to be energizable independently of one another. In particular, the conductor strips125and the further conductor strips126of the stator sectors110,112,113,114are formed on the stator unit100in a manner electrically insulated from one another. That is to say, in particular, that the conductor strips125,126of the first stator sector110are designed in a manner electrically insulated from the conductor strips125,126of the second stator sector112, from the conductor strips125,126of the third stator sector113and from the conductor strips125,126of the fourth stator sector114. The conductor strips125,126of the second stator sector112are also designed in a manner electrically insulated from the conductor strips125,126of the first stator sector110, from the conductor strips125,126of the third stator sector113and from the conductor strips125,126of the fourth stator sector114. The conductor strips125,126of the third stator sector113also designed in a manner electrically insulated from the conductor strips125,126of the first stator sector110, from the conductor strips125,126of the second stator sector112and from the conductor strips125,126of the fourth stator sector114. Finally, the conductor strips125,126of the fourth stator sector114are designed in a manner electrically insulated from the conductor strips125,126of the first stator sector110, from the conductor strips125,126of the second stator sector112and from the conductor strips125,126of the third stator sector113.

Whereas the conductor strips125,126of the individual stator sectors110,112,113,114on the stator unit100are each designed in a manner electrically insulated from the conductor strips125,126of the other stator sectors110,112,113,114, the conductor strips125,126can in each case be electrically conductively connected to one another within the individual stator sectors110,112,113,114. In particular, conductor strips125of the first stator layer104and of the third stator layer106, which are respectively situated one above the other, can be electrically conductively connected to one another within the stator sectors110,112,113,114. For example, conductor strips125, which are respectively situated one above the other, of the stator sectors110,112,113,114can be connected in series. Similarly, further conductor strips126, which are respectively situated one above the other, of the second stator layer105and of the fourth stator layer107can be electrically conductively connected to one another within the stator sectors110,112,113,114. For example, further conductor strips126, which are respectively situated one above the other, of the stator sectors110,112,113,114can be connected in series.

Alternative embodiments of the stator unit100can comprise further stator layers which are arranged one below the other in the vertical direction15between the second and the third stator layer105,106. In this case, the stator unit100can comprise stator layers with conductor strips125, which are extended in an elongate manner substantially along the first direction12, and stator layers with further conductor strips126, which are extended in an elongate manner substantially along the second direction14, in each case alternately in the vertical direction15. In alternative embodiments of the stator unit100, further stator layers with conductor strips125which are extended along the first direction12or with further conductor strips126which are extended along the second direction14can also be arranged between the first and the second stator layer104,105and/or between the third and the fourth stator layer106,107.

The conductor strips125,126of the stator sectors110,112,113,114are respectively combined to form stator segments within the stator layers104,105,106,107.

FIG.6shows a schematic illustration of the stator layers104,105,106,107of the first stator sector110with the individual stator segments.

The conductor strips125,126of the first stator sector110are respectively combined to form stator segments120,121within the stator layers104,105,106,107. The first stator sector110comprises in each case three stator segments120,121which are arranged next to one another and in a manner adjoining one another in each stator layer104,105,106,107. Each of the stator segments120,121comprises in each case six conductor strips125,126which are arranged next to one another. The first stator sector110comprises in each case three first stator segments120in the first and the third stator layer104,106and in each case three second stator segments121in the second and the fourth stator layer105,107. The first stator segments120comprise in each case six conductor strips125which are arranged next to one another along the second direction14and are extended in an elongate manner along the first direction12. The second stator segments121comprise in each case six further conductor strips126which are arranged next to one another along the first direction12and are extended in an elongate manner along the second direction14.

The first stator sector110of the stator unit100therefore comprises only conductor strips125, which are extended in an elongate manner along the first direction12, in the first stator layer104and the third stator layer106, and only further conductor strips126, which are extended in an elongate manner along the second direction14, in the second stator layer105and in the fourth stator layer107.

The first and the second stator segments120,121have identical dimensions, apart from their orientation. In particular, the dimensions of the first stator segments120in the first direction12correspond to the dimensions of the second stator segments121in the second direction14, and the dimensions of the first stator segments120in the second direction14correspond to the dimensions of the second stator segments121in the first direction12.

The stator segments120,121are arranged in a manner situated one above the other in such a way that each of the first stator segments120of the first and the third stator layer104,106of the first stator sector110extends over the three second stator segments121, which are arranged next to one another in the first direction12, of the second and the fourth stator layer105,107of the first stator sector110in the first direction12. The second stator segments121of the second and the fourth stator layer105,107of the first stator sector110also extend over all of the first stator segments120, which are arranged next to one another in the second direction14, of the first and the third stator layer104,106of the first stator sector110in the second direction14.

The arrangement of the conductor strips125,126in the stator layers104,105,106,107of the second stator sector112, the third stator sector113and the fourth stator sector114corresponds to the arrangement, illustrated inFIG.6, of the conductor strips125,126in the stator layers104,105,106,107of the first stator sector110.

During operation of the planar drive system1, the rotor200can be oriented over the stator unit100in such a way that the first rotor direction206is oriented along the first direction12and the second rotor direction208is oriented along the second direction14. During operation, the first magnet unit210and the third magnet unit230can interact with the magnetic field which is generated by the conductor strips125of the first stator segments120, in order to drive the rotor200along the second direction14. During operation, the second magnet unit220and the fourth magnet unit240can interact with the magnetic field which is generated by the further conductor strips126of the second stator segments121, in order to drive the rotor200along the first direction12.

As an alternative, the rotor200, unlike in the manner illustrated inFIG.6, can also be oriented in such a way that the first rotor direction206is oriented along the second direction14and the second rotor direction208is oriented along the first direction12. In this case, the first and the third magnet unit210,230interact with the magnetic field of the second stator segments121for driving the rotor200in the first direction12, and the second and the fourth magnet unit220,240interact with the magnetic field of the first stator segments120for driving the rotor200in the second direction14.

The conductor strips125,126of the individual stator segments120,121can each be energized with the drive currents independently of the conductor strips125,126of the other stator segments120,121. In particular, the drive currents in one of the stator segments120,121do not necessarily depend on drive currents in another of the stator segments120,121. In addition, drive currents can be applied to the conductor strips125,126of one the stator segments120,121, while the conductor strips125,126of another, for example an adjacent, stator segment120,121are currentless. The conductor strips125,126of the individual stator segments120,121are configured in a manner electrically insulated from the conductor strips125,126of the other stator segments120,121on the stator unit100. The drive currents can be applied to the conductor strips125,126of different stator segments120,121, for example, from respectively separate power modules or from separate power-generating units or output stages of a power module of the stator module10.

The conductor strips125,126in the individual stator sectors110,112,113,114can in each case be interconnected to form polyphase systems with a common star point. The star point can be formed on the stator unit100. In particular, the conductor strips125,126can be interconnected to form three-phase systems with a common star point. The three-phase systems can each comprise six adjacent conductor strips125or six adjacent further conductor strips126. The number of adjacent conductor strips125,126in one of the three-phase systems can be in each case three, twelve or another multiple of three.

The polyphase systems can be contact-connected on the stator unit100in such a way that a drive current can be applied to each of the polyphase systems independently of the other polyphase systems. As an alternative, in each case two or more of the polyphase systems can also be connected to one another on the stator unit100in such a way that a common drive current can be applied to the connected polyphase systems together in each case. For example, the connected polyphase systems can be connected in series or in parallel on the stator unit100.

When the conductor strips125,126are interconnected to form polyphase systems, fewer contacts are required for energizing the conductor strips125,126than in the case of separate energization of the individual conductor strips125,126. As a result, the outlay on hardware for energizing the conductor strips125,126, in particular the number of power-generating units which are required for the energization, is reduced.

The stator sectors110,112,113,114can, as illustrated inFIGS.4and5, comprise in each case eighteen conductor strips125,126in each stator layer104,105,106,107. In each case six adjacent conductor strips125,126can be interconnected to form a three-phase system, and the stator sectors110,112,113,114can each comprise three three-phase systems which are situated next to one another in the first direction12, and in each case three three-phase systems which are situated next to one another in the second direction14. In this case, conductor strips125,126, which are extended substantially in the same direction12,14and are situated one above the other in the stator layers104,105,106,107, can be interconnected in series to form a common three-phase system. The conductor strips125,126can in this case be interconnected in such a way that the same drive current is applied to conductor strips125,126which are situated one above the other in the vertical direction15in each case. Therefore, the three-phase systems have three phases which are interconnected from conductor strips125,126which are situated one above the other in the stator layers104,105,106,107.

For example, in each case all of the conductor strips125,126which are situated one above the other and are oriented in parallel can be connected in series in the individual stator layers104,105,106,107. In particular, the conductor strips125of three-phase systems which are situated one above the other in the first stator layer104and in the third stator layer106, and also the further conductor strips126of three-phase systems which are situated one above the other in the second stator layer105and in the fourth stator layer107, are in each case interconnected in series to form a common three-phase system. In this case, in each case all of the conductor strips125,126, which are situated one above the other in the vertical direction15and are oriented in parallel, of the first and the third stator layer104,106and of the second and the fourth stator layer105,107can be connected in series.

In particular, in the case of the stator unit100, the conductor strips125which are extended in an elongate manner along the first direction12are in each case interconnected to form polyphase systems with a common star point within the individual stator segments120. In this case, the individual polyphase systems of different stator segments120can be energized independently of one another in each case. All of the further conductor strips126of the individual further stator segments121are likewise interconnected to form further polyphase systems in each case. The individual further polyphase systems of the further stator segments121can each be energized independently of one another and independently of the polyphase systems of the stator segments120. In particular, the conductor strips125of the stator segments120and the further conductor strips126of the further stator segments121are in each case interconnected to form three-phase systems. A three-phase drive current can be applied to the conductor strips125and the further conductor strips126in each case. The drive currents comprise a first phase U, a second phase V and a third phase W which respectively have a phase offset of 120° in relation to one another.

The conductor strips125are arranged in a manner spatially offset in the second direction14through in each case one third of the effective wavelength of the drive magnets211, which interact with the conductor strips125, of the first and the third magnet unit210,230. The further conductor strips126are arranged in a manner spatially offset in the first direction12through in each case one third of the effective further wavelength of the further drive magnets221, which interact with the further conductor strips126, of the second and the fourth magnet unit220,240.

FIG.7shows a plan view of the first stator layer104of the first stator sector110.FIG.8shows a plan view of the second stator layer105of the first stator sector110.FIG.7andFIG.8illustrate the distribution of the phases U, V, W on the conductor strips125,126of the first and the second stator segments120,121of the first stator sector110. The stator segments120,121each have a first forward conductor131and a first return conductor132for the first phases U of the drive currents, a second forward conductor141and a second return conductor142for the second phases V of the drive currents, and a third forward conductor146and a third return conductor147for the third phases W of the drive currents. After the individual stator segments120,121have each been energized independently of one another, the drive currents which are applied to the individual stator segments120,121can be different. In particular, the individual first phases U which are applied to the different stator segments120,121can each be different. In addition, in each case the individual second phases V which are applied to the different stator segments120,121and the individual third phases W which are applied to the different stator segments120,121can each be different.

The forward conductors131,141,146and the return conductors132,142,147of the individual stator segments120,121are each arranged next to one another along a width direction of the stator segments120,121. In the first stator segments120, illustrated inFIG.7, the width direction corresponds to the second direction14. In the second stator segments121, illustrated inFIG.8, the width direction runs parallel and counter to the first direction12.

The first forward conductor131is respectively arranged on a first longitudinal side of the stator segments120,121. The first longitudinal side is oriented along the first direction12in the first stator segments120and along the second direction14in the second stator segments121. Following the first forward conductor131, the third return conductor147, the second forward conductor141, the first return conductor132, the third forward conductor146and the second return conductor142are arranged next to one another and in a manner adjoining one another in order in the width direction in the stator segments120,121.

In the stator segments120,121, the first phase U is conducted from a first side of the stator segments120,121to a second side, which is situated opposite the first side, of the stator segments120,121on the first forward conductor131and from the second side to the first side on the first return conductor132. The second phase V is conducted from the first side of the stator segments120,121to the second side of the stator segments120,121on the second forward conductor141and from the second side to the first side on the second return conductor142. The third phase W is conducted from the first side of the stator segments120,121to the second side of the stator segments120on the third forward conductor146and from the second side to the first side on the third return conductor147.

The phases U, V and W are therefore are each fed to the forward conductors131,141,146on the first side of the stator segments120,121and to the return conductors132,142,147on the second side of the stator segments120,121. The phases U, V and W are also each coupled out of the forward conductors131,141,146on the second side of the stator segments120,121and out of the return conductors132,142,147on the first side of the stator segments120,121.

In the first stator segments120, the first and the second side are each oriented parallel to the second direction14. In the second stator segments121, the first and the second side are each oriented parallel to the first direction12.

The first forward and return conductors131,132of first stator segments120, which are situated one above the other on a plurality of stator layers104,106, can be respectively interconnected in series. In particular, the first forward conductor131, which is arranged in the first stator layer104, and the first return conductor132, which is arranged in the first stator layer104, can be interconnected in series with the first forward conductor131, which is arranged in the third stator layer106, and the first return conductor132, which are arranged in the third stator layer106. Analogously, the second forward and return conductors141,142and the third forward and return conductors146,147of first stator segments120, which are situated one above the other on a plurality of stator layers104,106, can be respectively interconnected in series.

In particular, the phases U, V, W can each be coupled into the forward conductors131,141,146of one the first stator segments120on the first or the third stator layer104,106, then run through respectively all of the forward and return conductors131,141,146,132,142,147, which are associated with the phase U, V, W in question, in all of the stator layers104,106of the first stator segment120in question, and are finally combined at a star point. Analogously to the first stator segments120, the first forward and return conductors131,132, the second forward and return conductors141,142and the third forward and return conductors146,147of second stator segments121, which are situated one above the other on a plurality of stator layers105,107, can also be respectively interconnected in series and combined at a star point.

When the forward conductors131,141,146, which are situated one above the other, and/or the return conductors132,142,147, which are situated one above the other, and/or all of the forward and return conductors131,132,141,142,146,147, which are associated with a phase U, V, W, of the individual stator segments120,121are respectively interconnected in series, i.e. in a row, and/or the forward and return conductors131,132,141,142,146,147of the individual stator segments120,121are respectively interconnected to form three-phase systems, the number of connection points154,155,156for the individual stator sectors120,121, can be kept particularly small. In particular, the stator unit100can have in each case three connection points154,155,156for each stator segment120,121.

FIG.9shows an equivalent circuit diagram of the first stator segments120of the first stator sector110. In the equivalent circuit diagram illustrated inFIG.9, all of the conductor strips125, which are situated one above the other and are connected in series, of the first stator segments120are illustrated as a single conductor. In particular, the illustrated first forward conductor131comprises all of the forward conductors131, which are situated one above the other in different stator layers104,106and are connected in series, of the first stator segments120, and the illustrated first return conductor132comprises all of the first return conductors132, which are situated one above the other in different stator layers104,106and are connected in series, of the first stator segments120. Analogously, the illustrated second forward conductors141, second return conductors142, third forward conductors146and third return conductors147respectively comprise all of the second forward conductors141, second return conductors142, third forward conductors146or third return conductors147, which are situated one above the other in different stator layers104,106and are connected in series, of the first stator segments120.

The conductor strips125of the individual first stator segments110are respectively interconnected to form first three-phase systems150. A first connection point154for feeding the first phases U, a second connection point155for feeding the second phases V and a third connection point156for feeding the third phases W are in each case arranged on a first side152, which is oriented along the second direction14, of the individual first stator segments120. The first connection point154is connected to a first forward conductor131which is arranged in one of the stator layers104,106. The second connection point155is connected to a second forward conductor141which is arranged in one of the stator layers104,106. The third connection point156is connected to a third forward conductor146which is arranged in one of the stator layers104,106. A star point157is also arranged on the first side152of the individual first stator segments120in each case. A first return conductor132of one the stator layers104,106, a second return conductor142of one the stator layers104,106and a third return conductor147of one the stator layers104,106are respectively connected to one another at the star points157.

FIG.10shows an equivalent circuit diagram of the second stator segments121of the first stator sector110. In the equivalent circuit diagram illustrated inFIG.10, as in the equivalent circuit diagram illustrated inFIG.9of the first stator segments120, all of the further conductor strips126, which are situated one above the other and are connected in series, of the second stator segments121are illustrated as a single conductor.

The further conductor strips126of the second stator segments121are respectively interconnected in the same way as the conductor strips125of the first stator segments120to form second three-phase systems151. A first connection point154for feeding the first phases U, a second connection point155for feeding the second phases V and a third connection point156for feeding the third phases W are in each case arranged on a first side153, which is oriented along the first direction12, of the second stator segments121. The first connection point154is connected to a first forward conductor131which is arranged in one of the stator layers105,107. The second connection point155is connected to a second forward conductor141which is arranged in one of the stator layers105,107. The third connection point156is connected to a third forward conductor146which is arranged in one of the stator layers105,107. A star point157is also arranged on the first side153of the individual second stator segments121in each case. A first return conductor132of one the stator layers105,107, a second return conductor142of one the stator layers105,107and a third return conductor147of one the stator layers105,107are respectively connected to one another at the star points157.

FIG.11shows an equivalent circuit diagram of the first stator sector110with the first three-phase systems150, which are described with reference toFIG.9and represent the first stator segments120, and the second three-phase systems151, which are described with reference toFIG.10and represent the second stator segments121. The first three-phase systems150and the second three-phase systems151are arranged in a manner rotated through 90° in relation to one another. In particular, the first side152of the first stator segments120and the first side153of the second stator segments121are arranged perpendicularly to one another.

Provided that no differences are described in the text which follows, the equivalent circuit diagrams of the second stator sector112, of the third stator sector113and of the fourth stator sector114each correspond to the equivalent circuit diagram, illustrated inFIG.11, of the first stator sector110. In particular, the equivalent circuit diagram of the second stator sector112corresponds to the equivalent circuit diagram, reflected on the first side152of the first stator segments120, of the first stator sector110, the equivalent circuit diagram of the third stator sector113corresponds to the equivalent circuit diagram, reflected on the first side153of the second stator segments121, of the first stator sector110, and the equivalent circuit diagram of the fourth stator sector114corresponds to the equivalent circuit diagram, rotated through 180°, of the first stator sector110.

FIG.12shows a plan view of the stator module10comprising the stator unit100, and the stator sectors110,112,113,114. The first stator sector110has a first outer edge161which is oriented along the first direction12, and a second outer edge162which is oriented along the second direction14. The second stator sector112has a first outer edge171which is oriented along the first direction12, and a second outer edge172which is oriented along the second direction14. The third stator sector113has a first outer edge181which is oriented along the first direction12, and a second outer edge182which is oriented along the second direction14. The fourth stator sector114has a first outer edge191which is oriented along the first direction12, and a second outer edge192which is oriented along the second direction14.

The first stator sector110has a first inner edge163which is oriented along the second direction14and is arranged opposite the second outer edge162of the first stator sector110, and a second inner edge164which is oriented along the first direction12and is arranged opposite the first outer edge161of the first stator sector110. The second stator sector112has a first inner edge173which is oriented along the second direction14and is arranged opposite the second outer edge172of the second stator sector112, and a second inner edge174which is oriented along the first direction12and is arranged opposite the first outer edge171of the second stator sector112.

The third stator sector113has a first inner edge183which is oriented along the second direction14and is arranged opposite the second outer edge182of the third stator sector113, and a second inner edge184which is oriented along the first direction12and is arranged opposite the first outer edge181of the third stator sector113. The fourth stator sector114has a first inner edge193which is oriented along the second direction14and is arranged opposite the second outer edge192of the fourth stator sector114, and a second inner edge194which is oriented along the first direction12and is arranged opposite the first outer edge191of the fourth stator sector114.

The stator sectors110,112,113,114terminate flush with the stator module10and the stator surface11on the outer sides. In particular, the first outer edge161, which is oriented along the first direction12, of the first stator sector110and the first outer edge171, which is oriented along the first direction12, of the second stator sector112are arranged in a manner terminating with a first outer edge41, which is oriented along the first direction12, of the stator surface11. The second outer edge162, which is oriented along the second direction14, of the first stator sector110and the second outer edge182, which is oriented along the second direction14, of the third stator sector113are arranged in a manner terminating with a second outer edge42, which is oriented along the second direction14, of the stator surface11. The first outer edge181, which is oriented along the first direction12, of the third stator sector113and the first outer edge191, which is oriented along the first direction12, of the fourth stator sector114are arranged in a manner terminating with a third outer edge43, which is oriented along the first direction12and is situated opposite the first outer edge41of the stator surface11, of the stator surface11. The second outer edge172, which is oriented along the second direction14, of the second stator sector112and the second outer edge192, which is oriented along the second direction14, of the fourth stator sector114are arranged in a manner terminating with a fourth outer edge44, which is oriented along the second direction14and is situated opposite the second outer edge42of the stator surface11, of the stator surface11.

The stator sectors110,112,113,114are arranged in a manner adjoining one another in the interior of the stator unit100. The first inner edge163, which is oriented along the second direction14, of the first stator sector110is arranged on the first inner edge173, which is oriented along the second direction14, of the second stator sector112. The second inner edge174, which is oriented along the first direction12, of the second stator sector112is arranged on the second inner edge194, which is oriented along the first direction12, of the fourth stator sector114. The first inner edge183, which is oriented along the second direction14, of the third stator sector113is arranged on the first inner edge193, which is oriented along the second direction14, of the fourth stator sector114. The second inner edge184, which is oriented along the first direction12, of the third stator sector113is arranged on the second inner edge164, which is oriented along the first direction12, of the first stator sector110.

In the stator module10, the second inner edges164,174,184,194of the stator sectors110,112,113,114each lie on a first line which is oriented along the first direction12, and the first inner edges163,173,183,193lie on a second line which is oriented along the second direction14. The first inner edges163,173of the first and the second stator sector110,112are arranged in alignment with the first inner edges183,193of the third and the fourth stator sector113,114on the second line. The second inner edges164,184of the first and the third stator sector110,113are arranged in alignment with the second inner edges174,194of the second and the fourth stator sector112,114on the first line.

The first line runs perpendicularly to the second line. The first line is arranged in the center of the stator module10and the stator unit100in the second direction14between the first stator sector110and the third stator sector113, and also between the second stator sector112and the fourth stator sector114. In particular, the first line is arranged centrally between the first and the third outer edge41,43of the stator surface11, of the stator unit100and of the stator module10. The first line forms a first center line117, which is oriented along the first direction12, of the stator surface11, the stator unit100and the stator module10. The second line is arranged in the center of the stator module10and the stator unit100in the first direction12between the first stator sector110and the second stator sector112, and also between the third stator sector113and the fourth stator sector114. In particular, the second line is arranged centrally between the second and the fourth outer edge42,44of the stator surface11, the stator unit100and the stator module10. The second line forms a second center line118, which is oriented along the second direction14, of the stator surface11, the stator unit100and the stator module10.

The second center line118can, in general, also be called the center line of the stator unit100, and the first center line117can, in general, also be called the further center line of the stator unit100.

The stator unit100has a first contact structure421, a second contact structure422, a third contact structure423and a fourth contact structure424.

The first contact structure421can, in general, also be called a contact structure of the stator unit100. The fourth contact structure424can, in general, also be called a further contact structure of the stator unit100. The third contact structure423can, in general, also be called an additional contact structure of the stator unit100. The second contact structure422can, in general, also be called a further additional contact structure of the stator unit100.

The first contact structure421is arranged on an inner edge, which is formed by the first inner edge163of the first stator sector110, of the first stator sector110and on an inner edge, which is formed by the first inner edge173of the second stator sector112, of the second stator sector112. The fourth contact structure424is arranged on a further inner edge, which is formed by the second inner edge164of the first stator sector110, of the first stator sector110and on an inner edge, which is formed by the second inner edge184of the third stator sector113, of the third stator sector113. The third contact structure423is arranged on a further inner edge, which is formed by the first inner edge183of the third stator sector113, of the third stator sector113and on an inner edge, which is formed by the first inner edge193of the fourth stator sector114, of the fourth stator sector114. The second contact structure422is arranged on a further inner edge, which is formed by the second inner edge174of the second stator sector112, of the second stator sector112and on a further inner edge, which is formed by the second inner edge194of the fourth stator sector114, of the fourth stator sector114.

The first contact structure421, the second contact structure422, the third contact structure423and the fourth contact structure424each comprise a plurality of contact units449. The contact units449are electrically conductively connected to the conductor strips125,126of the stator unit100and are designed to feed the drive currents into the conductor strips125,126. If the conductor strips125,126of the stator sectors110,112,113,114are respectively interconnected to form three-phase systems, the contact units449are designed, in particular, to feed the drive currents into the polyphase systems of the stator segments120,121. The stator unit100then has in each case at least one, in particular two, contact units449for each connection point154,155,156of the three-phase systems.

The first contact structure421comprises a first contact unit group441and a second contact unit group442. The first contact unit group441is electrically conductively connected to the conductor strips125, which are extended in an elongate manner along the first direction12, of the first stator sector110and comprises all of the contact units449which are electrically conductively connected to the conductor strips125, which are extended in an elongate manner along the first direction12, of the first stator sector110. The second contact unit group442is electrically conductively connected to the conductor strips125, which are extended in an elongate manner along the first direction12, of the second stator sector112and comprises all of the contact units449which are electrically conductively connected to the conductor strips125, which are extended in an elongate manner along the first direction12, of the second stator sector112. In particular, the first contact structure421comprises all of the contact units449which are electrically conductively connected to the conductor strips125which are arranged in the first and the second stator sector110,112in the first and the third stator layer104,106.

The fourth contact structure424comprises a third contact unit group443and a fourth contact unit group444. The third contact unit group443is electrically conductively connected to the further conductor strips126, which are extended in an elongate manner along the second direction14, of the first stator sector110and comprises all of the contact units449which are electrically conductively connected to the further contact strips126, which are extended in an elongate manner along the second direction14, of the first stator sector110. The fourth contact unit group444is electrically conductively connected to the further conductor strips126, which are extended in an elongate manner along the second direction14, of the third stator sector113and comprises all of the contact units449which are electrically conductively connected to the further conductor strips126, which are extended in an elongate manner along the second direction14, of the third stator sector113. In particular, the fourth contact structure424comprises all of the contact units449which are electrically conductively connected to the further conductor strips126which are arranged in the first and the third stator sector110,113in the second and the fourth stator layer105,107.

The third contact structure423comprises a fifth contact unit group445and a sixth contact unit group446. The fifth contact unit group445is electrically conductively connected to the conductor strips125, which are extended in an elongate manner along the first direction12, of the third stator sector113and comprises all of the contact units449which are electrically conductively connected to the contact strips125, which are extended in an elongate manner along the first direction12, of the third stator sector113. The sixth contact unit group446is electrically conductively connected to the conductor strips125, which are extended in an elongate manner along the first direction12, of the fourth stator sector114and comprises all of the contact units449which are electrically conductively connected to the conductor strips125, which are extended in an elongate manner along the first direction12, of the fourth stator sector114. In particular, the third contact structure423comprises all of the contact units449which are electrically conductively connected to the conductor strips125which are arranged in the third and the fourth stator sector113,114in the first and the third stator layer104,106.

The second contact structure422comprises a seventh contact unit group447and an eighth contact unit group448. The seventh contact unit group447is electrically conductively connected to the further conductor strips126, which are extended in an elongate manner along the second direction14, of the second stator sector112and comprises all of the contact units449which are electrically conductively connected to the further contact strips126, which are extended in an elongate manner along the second direction14, of the second stator sector112. The eighth contact unit group448is electrically conductively connected to the further conductor strips126, which are extended in an elongate manner along the second direction14, of the fourth stator sector114and comprises all of the contact units449which are electrically conductively connected to the further conductor strips126, which are extended in an elongate manner along the second direction14, of the fourth stator sector114. In particular, the second contact structure422comprises all of the contact units449which are electrically conductively connected to the further conductor strips126which are arranged in the second and the fourth stator sector112,114in the second and the fourth stator layer105,107.

Therefore, the contact units449of all of the further contact strips126, which are extended in an elongate manner along the second direction14, are arranged on the first line which is oriented along the first direction12, in particular on the first center line117. The contact units449of all of the conductor strips125, which are extended in an elongate manner along the first direction12, are arranged on the second line which is oriented along the second direction14, in particular on the second center line118.

If the conductor strips125,126of the first stator sector110according toFIG.11are interconnected to form three-phase systems, comparison of the illustrations of the first stator sector110inFIG.12andFIG.11shows that the connection points154,155,156, which are arranged along the first side152of the first stator segments120, of the first stator segments120of the first stator sector110are arranged on the first inner edge163of the first stator sector110. The connection points154,155,156, which are arranged along the first side153of the second stator segments121, of the second stator segments121of the first stator sector110are also arranged on the second inner edge164of the first stator sector110. The star points157of the first stator segments120of the first stator sector110are arranged on the first inner edge163of the first stator sector110, and the star points157of the second stator segments121of the first stator sector110are arranged on the second inner edge164of the first stator sector110.

If the conductor strips125,126of the second stator sector112are interconnected to form three-phase systems analogously to the first stator sector110, the equivalent circuit diagram of the second stator sector112in relation to the equivalent circuit diagram, illustrated inFIG.11, of the first stator sector110is reflected on the first side152of the first stator segments120. The first side152of the first stator segments120of the second stator sector112is then arranged along the first inner edge173of the second stator sector112. The first side153of the second stator segments121of the second stator sector112is also arranged along the second inner edge174of the second stator sector112. The star points157of the first stator segments120of the second stator sector112are arranged on the first inner edge173of the second stator sector112, and the star points157of the second stator segments121of the second stator sector112are arranged on the second inner edge174of the second stator sector112.

If the conductor strips125,126of the third stator sector113are interconnected to form three-phase systems analogously to the first stator sector110, the equivalent circuit diagram of the third stator sector113in relation to the equivalent circuit diagram, illustrated inFIG.11, of the first stator sector110is reflected on the first side153of the first stator segments121. The first side152of the first stator segments120of the third stator sector213is arranged along the first inner edge183of the third stator sector113. The first side153of the second stator segments121of the third stator sector113is also arranged along the second inner edge184of the third stator sector113. The star points157of the first stator segments120of the third stator sector113are arranged on the first inner edge183of the third stator sector113, and the star points157of the second stator segments121of the third stator sector113are arranged on the second inner edge184of the third stator sector113.

If the conductor strips125,126of the fourth stator sector114are interconnected to form three-phase systems analogously to the first stator sector110, the equivalent circuit diagram of the fourth stator sector114in relation to the equivalent circuit diagram, illustrated inFIG.11, of the first stator sector110is rotated through 180°. The first side152of the first stator segments120of the fourth stator sector114is then arranged along the first inner edge193of the fourth stator sector114. The first side153of the second stator segments121of the fourth stator sector114is also arranged along the second inner edge194of the fourth stator sector114. The star points157of the first stator segments120of the fourth stator sector114are arranged on the first inner edge193of the fourth stator sector114, and the star points157of the second stator segments121of the fourth stator sector114are arranged on the second inner edge194of the fourth stator sector114.

Therefore, overall, the connection points154,155,156of the first stator segments120of the first, the second, the third and the fourth stator sector110,112,113,114lie on the second center line118. The connection points154,155,156of the second stator segments120of the first, the second, the third and the fourth stator sector110,112,113,114all lie on the first center line117. When the conductor strips125,126are interconnected to form three-phase systems with a common start point, the three free connections of the individual phases can each be electrically conductively connected to at least one of the, in particular to two of the, contact units449of the contact unit groups441,442,443,444,445,446,447,448. If the stator sectors110,112,113,114each comprise three three-phase systems, which are arranged next to one another in the second direction14, each having six conductor strips125and three three-phase systems, which are arranged next to one another in the first direction12, each having six further conductor strips126, the stator sectors110,112,113,140each have eighteen connections which can be connected to in each case at least eighteen, in particular to thirty-six, contact units449of the contact structures421,422,423,444. The first, the second, the third and the fourth contact structures421,422,423,424then each comprise at least eighteen, in particular thirty-six, contact units449.

Instead of interconnecting the conductor strips125,126of the individual stator sectors110,112,113,114to form polyphase systems in each case, in alternative embodiments of the stator unit100, the conductor strips125,126or conductor strips125,126, which are situated one above the other and are respectively connected in series, of a plurality of stator planes104,105,106,107can also be separately connected to respectively dedicated connection points or contact units449. In particular, each of the conductor strips125,126can be connected to one or two of the contact units449individually and independently of all of the other conductor strips125,126and an electric drive current can be applied to each of said conductor strips via the respective contact unit449or the respective contact units449.

In the stator unit100, no contact units449are arranged on the outer edges41,42,43,44of the stator unit100, on the outer edges161,162of the first stator sector110, on the outer edges171,172of the second stator sector112, on the outer edges181,182of the third stator sector113or on the outer edges191,192of the fourth stator sector114. The outer edges41,42,43,44of the stator unit100, the outer edges161,162of the first stator sector110, the outer edges171,172of the second stator sector112, the outer edges181,182of the third stator sector113and the outer edges191,192of the fourth stator sector114are therefore all designed in a manner free of contact units449. Therefore, outer regions of the stator unit100, which are designed in a manner free of contact units449, are arranged along the outer edges161,162,171,172,181,182,191,192of the stator sectors110,112,113,114.

The contact units449are arranged only on the inner edges163,164,173,174,183,184,193,194of the stator sectors110,112,113,114. In particular, the outer edges41,42,43,44of the stator unit100, the outer edges161,162of the first stator sector110, the outer edges171,172of the second stator sector112, the outer edges181,182of the third stator sector113and the outer edges191,192of the fourth stator sector114are all free of connection points154,155,156of the stator segments120,121.

The first contact unit group441and the second contact unit group442of the first contact structure421can, as illustrated inFIG.12, be arranged next to one another in a row along the second direction14. In particular, the contact units449of the first contact unit group441and the contact units449of the second contact unit group442can be arranged next to one another in a row along the second direction14. Here, in each case alternately, a contact unit449of the first contact unit group441can be arranged next to a contact unit449of the second contact unit group442or, in each case alternately, two contact units449of the first contact unit group441can be arranged next to two contact units449of the second contact unit group442.

As illustrated inFIG.12, the fifth contact unit group445and the sixth contact unit group446, in particular the contact units449of the fifth contact unit group445and the contact units449of the sixth contact unit group446, can also be arranged next to one another in a row along the second direction14. Here, in each case alternately, a contact unit449of the fifth contact unit group445can be arranged next to a contact unit449of the sixth contact unit group446or, in each case alternately, two contact units449of the fifth contact unit group445can be arranged next to two contact units449of the sixth contact unit group446.

Analogously, as illustrated inFIG.12, the third contact unit group443and the fourth contact unit group446, in particular the contact units449of the third contact unit group443and the contact units449of the fourth contact unit group444, can be arranged next to one another in a row along the first direction12. Here, in each case alternately, a contact unit449of the third contact unit group443can be arranged next to a contact unit449of the fourth contact unit group444or, in each case alternately, two contact units449of the third contact unit group443can be arranged next to two contact units449of the fourth contact unit group444.

As illustrated inFIG.12, the seventh contact unit group447and the eighth contact unit group448, in particular the contact units449of the seventh contact unit group447and the contact units449of the eighth contact unit group448, can also be arranged next to one another in a row along the first direction12. Here, in each case alternately, a contact unit449of the seventh contact unit group447can be arranged next to a contact unit449of the eighth contact unit group448or, in each case alternately, two contact units449of the seventh contact unit group447can be arranged next to two contact units449of the eighth contact unit group448.

The stator unit100has a center region460at an intersection point119of the first and the second center line117,118in the center of the stator unit100. The first contact unit group441, the second contact unit group442, the third contact unit group443, the fourth contact unit group444, the fifth contact unit group445, the sixth contact unit group446, the seventh contact unit group447and the eighth contact unit group448are arranged outside the center region460. In particular, the contact units449of the contact unit groups441,442,443,444,445,446,447,448are arranged outside the center region460.

The first contact structure421, the second contact structure422, the third contact structure423and the fourth contact structure424form a cruciform contact arrangement420of the stator unit100for contact-connecting the conductor strips125,126of the stator unit100. The contact arrangement420is designed in a cruciform manner and is respectively oriented along the first center line117and the second center line118of the stator module10and the stator unit100. Therefore, the contact structure420lies on borders, which lie in the interior of the stator unit100and the stator module10in the first and the second direction12,14, of the stator sectors110,112,113,114. In particular, the connection points154,155,156, which are arranged on the first center line117and on the second center line118, of the first and the second stator segments120,121form the contact structure420for contact-connecting the stator segments120,121.

InFIG.12, inner edges163,164,173,174,183,184,193,194of the stator sectors110,112,113,114and the contact structures421,422,423,424of the contact arrangement420are each arranged on the first and the second lines which correspond to the center lines117,118. In alternative embodiments of the stator unit100, the first and/or the second line can also not correspond to the first and/or the second center line117,118. In particular, the second inner edges164,174,184,194of the stator sectors110,112,113,114and the second and fourth contact structure422,424of the contact arrangement420can be arranged on a first line, in particular on a first line which is oriented parallel to the first direction12and is displaced in the second direction14from the first center line117in the direction of the first outer edge41or the third outer edge43. As an alternative or in addition, the first inner edges163,173,183,193of the stator sectors110,112,113,114and the first and the third contact structure421,423of the contact arrangement420can be arranged on a second line, in particular on a second line which is oriented parallel to the second direction14and is displaced in the first direction12from the first center line117in the direction of the second outer edge4142or of the fourth outer edge44.

In the stator unit100, no contact units449are arranged in the center region460. However, in alternative embodiments of the stator unit100, one or more of the contact units449of the contact arrangement420can also be arranged in the center region460.

FIG.13shows a plan view of a first further stator unit700. Provided that no differences are described in the text which follows, the first further stator unit700is designed like the stator unit100.

In the first further stator unit700, the contact units449of the first contact unit group441and the contact units449of the second contact unit group442are arranged in a manner distributed over the entire length of the first inner edge163of the first stator sector110and over the entire length of the first inner edge173of the second stator sector112. The contact units449of the third contact unit group443and the contact units449of the fourth contact unit group444are likewise arranged in a manner distributed over the entire length of the second inner edge164of the first stator sector110and over the entire length of the second inner edge184of the third stator sector113. The contact units449of the fifth contact unit group445and the contact units449of the sixth contact unit group446are arranged in a manner distributed over the entire length of the first inner edge183of the third stator sector113and over the entire length of the first inner edge193of the fourth stator sector114. The contact units449of the seventh contact unit group447and the contact units449of the eighth contact unit group448are arranged in a manner distributed over the entire length of the second inner edge174of the second stator sector112and over the entire length of the second inner edge194of the fourth stator sector114. In particular, a portion of the contact units449are arranged in the center region460of the further stator unit700in the further stator unit700.

In the stator unit100illustrated inFIG.12and in the first further stator unit700illustrated inFIG.13, the contact unit groups441,442,443,444,445,446,447,448, in particular the contact units449of the contact unit groups441,442,443,444,445,446,447,448, are each arranged in rows on the first and the second center line117,118of the stator unit100. In alternative embodiments of the stator unit100, the contact unit groups441,442,443,444,445,446,447,448or the contact units449can also be arranged entirely or partially next to the center lines117,118on the inner edges163,164,173,174,183,184,193,194of the stator sectors110,112,113,114.

FIG.14shows a plan view of a second further stator unit702. Provided that no differences are described in the text which follows, the second further stator unit702is designed like the stator unit100. In particular, in the second further stator unit702, the first contact structure421is arranged on the first inner edge163of the first stator sector110and on the first inner edge173of the second stator sector112. The fourth contact structure424is arranged on the second inner edge164of the first stator sector110and on the second inner edge184of the third stator sector113, the third contact structure423is arranged on the first inner edge183of the third stator sector113and on the first inner edge193of the fourth stator sector114, and the second contact structure422is arranged on the second inner edge174of the second stator sector112and on the second inner edge194of the fourth stator sector114.

In the second further stator unit702, the contact units449of the contact structures421,422,423,424are each arranged next to the inner edges163,164,173,174,183,184193,194of the stator sectors110,112,113,114. In particular, the contact units449of the first contact unit group441are arranged on the first inner edges163,174of the first and the second stator sector110,112in a manner offset in the direction of the first stator sector110. The contact units449of the second contact unit group442are arranged on the first inner edges163,173of the first and the second stator sector110,112in a manner offset in the direction of the second stator sector112. The contact units449of the third contact unit group443are arranged on the second inner edges164,184of the first and the third stator sector110,113in a manner offset in the direction of the first stator sector110, and the contact units449of the fourth contact unit group444are arranged on the second inner edges164,184of the first and the third stator sector110,113in a manner offset in the direction of the third stator sector113.

In addition, the contact units449of the fifth contact unit group445are arranged on the first inner edges183,193of the third and the fourth stator sector113,114in a manner offset in the direction of the third stator sector113, and the contact units449of the sixth contact unit group446are arranged on the first inner edges183,193of the third and the fourth stator sector113,114in a manner offset in the direction of the fourth stator sector114. The contact units449of the seventh contact unit group447are arranged on the second inner edges174,194of the second and the fourth stator sector112,114in a manner offset in the direction of the second stator sector112, and the contact units449of the eighth contact unit group448are arranged on the second inner edges174,194of the second and the fourth stator sector112,114in a manner offset in the direction of the fourth stator sector114.

The stator unit100, the further stator unit700and/or the second further stator unit702can be designed as a multilayer unit, wherein the stator layers104,105,106,107are connected to one another by way of the conductor strips125,126in each case via insulating intermediate layers. For example, the stator unit100, the further stator unit700and/or the second further stator unit702can be configured as a printed circuit or printed circuit board. In particular, the stator unit100, the further stator unit700and/or the second further stator unit702can be designed as a multilayer printed circuit board, wherein the stator layers104,105,106,107are each arranged in different layers of the printed circuit board. The conductor strips125,126can have a thickness of between 10 μm and 500 μm on the layers of the printed circuit board, in particular the conductor strips125,126can have a thickness of between 50 μm and 250 μm. The contact units449can each be designed as contact holes or vias (vertical interconnect access) in the stator unit100, the further stator unit700and/or the second further stator unit702and comprise conductively coated passage openings through the stator unit100, the further stator unit700and/or the second further stator unit702.

In order to interconnect the forward and return conductors131,141,146,132,142,147of the three-phase systems150,151of the stator segments120,121according to the equivalent circuit diagrams illustrated inFIGS.9,10and11, the stator unit100, the further stator unit700and/or the second further stator unit702can each have connecting structures. The connecting structures can be arranged on the conductor strips125,126or between the conductor strips125,127of the stator unit100, the further stator unit700and/or the second further stator unit702.

Some of the connecting structures can be designed as horizontal connecting structures which connect conductor strips125,126which are arranged in the individual stator segments120,121within the same stator layer104,105,106,107to one another. The horizontal connecting structures are arranged on the same stator layer104,105,106,107as the conductor strips125,126to be connected. The horizontal connecting structures can run in the stator layers104,105,106,107in each case in that direction12,14in which the conductor strips125,126are arranged next to one another. The horizontal connecting structures can run along the second direction14in the stator layers104,106in which the conductor strips125are extended along the first direction12and are arranged next to one another along the second direction14. The horizontal connecting structures can run along the first direction12in the stator layers105,107in which the further conductor strips126, which are extended in an elongate manner along the second direction14, are arranged. The horizontal connecting structures can, like the conductor strips125,126, be designed as conductor tracks or conductor track sections of a layer of a printed circuit board of the stator unit100, the further stator unit700and/or the second further stator unit702.

Some of the connecting structures can be designed as vertical connecting structures which connect conductor strips125,126which are arranged in the individual stator segments120,121in different stator layers104,105,106,107to one another. For example, the first forward and return conductors131,132for the first phases U of the drive currents can be connected in series via the vertical connecting structures. Similarly, the second forward and return conductors141,142for the second phases V of the drive currents and the third forward and return conductors146,147for the third phases W of the drive currents can be connected in series via the vertical connecting structures. The vertical connecting structures can be designed as plated-through holes or as vias (vertical interconnect access), i.e as contact holes, between the individual stator layers104,105,106,107of the printed circuit board of the stator unit100, the further stator unit700and/or the second further stator unit702.

The schematic illustrations of the preceding figures show the conductor strips125,126in each case as conductor structures which are designed in a rectangular manner and extend over the entirety of the stator sectors110,112,113,114. The conductor strips125,126can be formed in regions, which are remote from the connecting structures, of the stator unit100, the further stator unit700and/or the second further stator unit702, as is schematically illustrated in the preceding figures. However, in particular in the region of the connecting structures, the shape of the conductor strips125,126can also differ from the schematic illustrations of the preceding figures. In particular, the conductor strips125of the first stator segments120can be designed to be narrower in the second direction14in the region of the connecting structures than in the regions which are remote from the connecting structures. Similarly, the further conductor strips126of the second stator segments121can be designed in a manner which is narrower in the first direction12in the region of the connecting structures than in the regions which are remote from the connecting structures.

The conductor strips125of the first stator segments120can also be designed to be shorter in the first direction12than is schematically illustrated in the preceding figures. The further conductor strips126of the second stator segments121can also be designed to be shorter in the second direction14, as is schematically illustrated in the preceding figures. In particular, the conductor strips125of the individual first stator segments120do not each have to extend completely over the first stator segments120in the first direction12, and the further conductor strips126of the individual second stator segments121do not each have to extend completely over the second stator segments121in the first direction12. Instead, horizontal connecting structures and/or vertical connecting structures can be arranged in the region of the outer edges161,162,171,172,181,182,191,192and the inner edges163,164,173,174,183,184,193,194of the stator sectors110,112,113,114.

Electrically conductive connection between the contact units449of the contact arrangement420and the conductor strips125,126can take place in any desired stator layer104,105,106,107of the stator unit100, the further stator unit700and/or the second further stator unit702. In particular, there can be an electrically conductive connection between one of the contact units449and one of the conductor strips125,126in stator layers105,106which are arranged in the vertical direction15in the interior of the stator unit100, the further stator unit700and/or the second further stator unit702. The stator layers105,106, which are arranged in the interior of the stator unit100, the further stator unit700and/or the second further stator unit702, form inner layers of the stator unit100, the further stator unit700and/or the second further stator unit702, whereas the stator layers104,107which are arranged on the stator surface11and on a bottom surface, which is situated opposite the stator surface11, of the stator unit100, the further stator unit700and/or the second further stator unit702form outer layers of the stator unit100, the further stator unit700and/or the second further stator unit702. Therefore, the inner layers are arranged between the outer layers. In the stator unit100illustrated inFIG.5, the first stator layer104and the fourth stator layer107each form outer layers, and the second stator layer105and the third stator layer106each form inner layers of the stator unit100. Stator layers104,105,106,107with a conductor strip125,126or with a plurality of conductor strips125,126, which are electrically conductively connected to contact units449of the contact arrangement420, can also be called connection stator layers.

FIG.15shows a schematic illustration of a plan view of a connection stator layer109of the stator unit100. In the connection stator layer109, the first stator segments120are connected to the contact arrangement420by way of the conductor strips125which are extended in an elongate manner along the first direction12. The connection stator layer109can be, for example, that stator layer104,106with conductor strips125which are extended in the first direction12, which stator layer is arranged furthest away from the stator surface11in the vertical direction15. For example, the connection stator layer109can be formed by the third stator layer106.

In the text which follows, the connection of the conductor strips125to the contact arrangement420is described with reference to the connection of the conductor strips125of the first and the second stator sector110,112to the first and the second contact unit group441,442of the first contact structure421. The conductor strips125of the third and of the fourth stator sector113,114are connected in an analogous manner to the fifth and the sixth contact unit group445,446of the third contact structure423.

The first contact structure421comprises two first contact units471, two second contact units472, two third contact units473, two fourth contact units474, two fifth contact units475, two sixth contact units476, two seventh contact units477, two eight contact units478, two ninth contact units479, two tenth contact units480, two eleventh contact units481, two twelfth contact units482, two thirteenth contact units483, two fourteenth contact units484, two fifteenth contact units485, two sixteenth contact units486, two seventeenth contact units487and two eighteenth contact units488which are arranged in order on the second center line118between the first stator sector110and the second stator sector112.

The conductor strips125of the first stator sector110are connected to the first contact unit group441, wherein the first contact unit group441comprises the first contact units471, the third contacts unit473, the fifth contact units475, the seventh contact units477, the ninth contact units479, the eleventh contact units481, the thirteenth contact units483, the fifteenth contact units485and the seventeenth contact units487. The conductor strips125of the connection stator layer109of the second stator sector112are connected to the second contact unit group442, wherein the second contact unit group442comprises the second contact units472, the fourth contact units474, the sixth contact units476, the eighth contact units478, the tenth contact units480, the twelfth contact units482, the fourteenth contact units484, the sixteenth contact units486and the eighteenth contact units488.

The forward conductors131,141,146of the three-phase systems of the first stator segments120of the first stator sector110are each electrically conductively connected to the contact units471,473,475,477,479,481,483,485,487of the first contact unit group441. The forward conductors131,141,146of the three-phase systems of the first stator segments120of the second stator sector112are each electrically conductively connected to the contact units472,474,476,478,480,482,484,486,488of the second contact unit group442.

The stator unit100has a conductor strip127which is close to the center. The conductor strip127which is close to the center is arranged in a manner offset in the direction of the intersection point119of the center lines117,118in relation to the first contact structure421in the second direction14in such a way that it is arranged at a distance from the contact units449of the first contact structure421in the second direction14. In particular, the conductor strip127which is close to the center adjoins the second center line118in the center region460. In the stator unit100, the third forward conductor146of a stator segment122, which is arranged on the first center line117and is close to the center, of the first stator sector110forms the conductor strip127which is close to the center. However, in the alternative exemplary embodiment of the stator unit100, the conductor strip127which is close to the center can also be formed by other forward conductors131,141,146of stator segments, which are arranged on the first center line117and close to the center, of the first or the second stator sector110,112.

Apart from the conductor strip127which is close to the center, all of the forward conductors131,141,146of the first and the third stator sector110,112are electrically conductively connected to the contact units471,472,473,474,475,476,477,478,479,480,481,482,483,484,485,486,488of the first contact structure421via horizontal connecting structures which are arranged on the connection stator layer109. The conductor strip127which is close to the center is electrically conductively connected to the two seventh contact units487of the first contact unit group441via a vertical connecting structure602and via a feed line. The feed line is arranged in an additional stator layer of the stator unit100and is electrically conductively connected to the vertical connecting structure602and the seventh contact units487of the first contact structure421on the additional stator layer.

The conductor strip127which is close to the center is, once again, electrically conductively connected to the vertical connecting structure602via a horizontal connecting structure601which is arranged on the connection stator layer109. The additional stator layer is formed by a stator layer which is arranged above or below the connection stator layer109in the vertical direction15. In particular, the additional stator layer can be formed by the stator layer104,106with conductor strips125which are extended in the first direction12, which stator layer follows the connection stator layer109in the vertical direction15, for example by the first stator layer104or by a further stator layer, which is arranged between the first stator layer104and the third stator layer106, with conductor strips125which are extended in the first direction12.

Connecting the conductor strip127, which is close to the center, via the vertical connecting structure602and the feed line, which is arranged in the additional stator layer, allows the conductor strip127which is close to the center to be connected to the first contact structure421in a space-saving manner. Particularly in stator units in which, as in the stator unit100illustrated inFIG.12, no contact units449are located in the center region460, a sufficient amount of space in order to connect the other conductor strips125of the first and the third stator sector110,112to the first contact structure421is available when a connection is made between the conductor strip127which is close to the center and the seventeenth contact unit487, which connection is realized via the feed line which is arranged in the additional stator layer.

In the stator unit100, the entire conductor arrangement of the third stator sector113corresponds to the entire conductor arrangement, which is reflected at the first center line117, of the first stator sector110. The entire conductor arrangement of the fourth stator sector114corresponds to the entire conductor arrangement, which is reflected at the first center line117, of the second stator sector112. In this case, the entirety of the conductor arrangements comprise, in particular, the arrangement of the conductor strips125, the horizontal connecting structures601and the vertical connecting structures602and the first and the third contact structure421,423. In particular, in the connection stator layer109, the entire conductor arrangement of the third stator sector113corresponds to the entire conductor arrangement, which is reflected at the first center line117, of the first stator sector110and the entire conductor arrangement of the fourth stator sector114corresponds to the entire conductor arrangement, which is reflected at the first center line117, of the second stator sector112. In particular, in the third contact structure423too, a conductor strip127, which is close to the center, of the third stator sector114is electrically conductively connected to contact units of the fifth contact unit group445via a vertical connecting structure602and a feed line which is arranged in the additional stator layer.

The further conductor strips126, which are extended along the second direction14, are electrically conductively connected to the second contact structure422and the fourth contact structure424in an analogous manner. In particular, the stator sectors110,112,113,114have, in a further connection stator layer of the stator unit100, a conductor arrangement which corresponds to the conductor arrangement, which is rotated through 90° in the counterclockwise direction, of the connection stator layer109shown inFIG.15. The further connection stator layer can be, for example, the fourth stator layer107. Like the connection stator layer109, the further connection stator layer also comprises two further conductor strips which are close to the center and which are each electrically conductively connected to one or more contact units449of the second or the fourth contact structure422,424via a further vertical connecting structure603and a feed line which is arranged in a further additional stator layer. The further conductor strips, which are close to the center, of the further connection stator layer can be arranged in the third and the fourth stator sector113,114in this case. The further additional stator layer can be, for example, the second stator layer105or a further stator layer, which is arranged between the second stator layer105and the fourth stator layer107, with further conductor strips126which are extended in the second direction14.

In a stator unit100which is designed as a printed circuit board, the contact units471,472,473,474,475,476,477,478,479,480,481,482,483,484,485,486,487,488can each be designed as vias. Similarly, the vertical connecting structures602and/or the further vertical connecting structures603can be designed as vias. The vertical connecting structures602are each arranged on the second center line118, wherein the vertical connecting structure602, which is connected to the conductor strip127, which is close to the center, of the first stator sector110, is arranged between the first and the second stator sector110,112, and the vertical connecting structure602, which is connected to the conductor strip127, which is close to the center, of the third stator sector113, is arranged between the third and the fourth stator sector113,114. The further vertical connecting structures603are each arranged on the first center line117, wherein the further connecting structure603, which is connected to the further conductor strip, which is close to the center, of the fourth stator sector114, is arranged between the second and the fourth stator sector112,114, and the further vertical connecting structure603, which is connected to the further conductor strip, which is close to the center, of the third stator sector113, is arranged between the first and the third stator sector111,113. The vertical connecting structures602and/or the further vertical connecting structures603are each arranged in the center region460. The vertical connecting structures602and/or the further vertical connecting structures603can each comprise a via, which is arranged on the center lines117,118, or a plurality of vias which are arranged next to one another on the center lines117,118, in particular in each case seven vias which are arranged on the center lines117,118.

The stator unit100, the first further stator unit700or the second further stator unit702are electrically conductively connected to a power module via the contact arrangement420. The power module is designed to provide the drive currents for driving the rotor200. The power module can comprise, for example, one or more power-generating units in order to generate the drive currents. The power-generating units can be designed, for example, as amplifiers or output stages, in particular as H-bridge circuits. As an alternative, the drive currents can also be generated by further modules of the stator module10and fed into the power module. The power module can also be called a feed module.

FIG.16shows a schematic perspective illustration of a bottom side of the power module300. The power module300is designed in a substantially flat manner on its bottom side. Electronic parts or components in particular the power-generating units, can be arranged on the power module300on the bottom side. The power module300is designed as a plate. An extent of the power module300in the first and the second direction12,14is in each case greater than an extent of the power module300in the vertical direction15. The power module300can comprise a printed circuit board with electronic parts or components which are arranged on the printed circuit board.

The printed circuit board of the power module300can have one or more copper layers in which conductor tracks for contact-connecting the electronic parts, which are arranged on the printed circuit board, are formed. The copper layers can have a thickness of from 10 μm to 500 μm, in particular of from 50 μm to 100 μm, in particular of 70 μm. The conductor tracks can have a minimum width of 50 μm or 100 μm, in particular of 200 μm or of 300 μm.

The power module300is formed in a cruciform manner with two bars301,302, which are oriented perpendicularly to one another and are oriented along the first and the second direction12,14, in the plane which is spanned by the first and the second direction12,14. The bars301,302of the power module300have the same extents in the first direction12and in the second direction14in each case. In particular, the power module300comprises a first bar301which runs along the first direction12and a second bar302which runs along the second direction14.

The first bar301can have a width in the second direction14which is smaller than a width of the above-described stator unit100in the second direction14. In particular, the first bar301can have a width in the second direction14which is smaller than half the width of the stator unit100in the second direction14. The second bar302can have a width in the first direction12which is smaller than a width of the stator unit100in the first direction12. In particular, the second bar302can have a width in the first direction12which is smaller than half the width of the stator unit100in the first direction12.

The first module unit320can, in general, also be called a module unit320of the power module300, and the fourth module unit326can, in general, also be called a further module unit326of the power module300.

The module units320,322,324,326each have, in the plane which is spanned by the first and the second direction12,14), a portion which is designed in a rectangular manner in a plan view of the bottom side of the module units320,322,324,326. The base of a triangular portion, which substantially has the shape of an equilateral triangle in a plan view of the bottom side of the module units320,322,324,326, adjoins one side of the rectangular portion. The module units320,322,324,326are arranged in a cruciform manner about a common central point, wherein the tips of the triangular portions of the module units320,322,324,326are each arranged in a manner facing one another at the center point. The first module unit320and the third module unit324are arranged opposite one another in the second direction14, wherein the tips of the triangular portions of the first and the third module unit320,324are each arranged in a manner facing one another at the center point. The second module unit322and the fourth module unit326are arranged opposite one another in the first direction12, wherein the tips of the portions, which are designed as equilateral triangles, of the second and the fourth module unit322,326are arranged in a manner facing one another at the center point.

One limb of the triangular portion of the second module unit322is arranged next to one limb of the triangular portion of the first module unit320. A further limb of the triangular portion of the second module unit322is arranged next to a limb of the triangular portion of the third module unit324. One limb of the triangular portion of the fourth module unit326is arranged next to a further limb of the triangular portion of the first module unit320. A further limb of the triangular portion of the fourth module unit326is arranged next to a further limb of the triangular portion of the third module unit324.

The module units320,322,324,326are electrically conductively connected to one another via connection321,323,325,327. In addition, the connection321,323,325,327can be designed to mechanically fasten the module units320,322,324,326to one another. A first connection321connects the first module unit320to the second module unit322, a second connection323connects the second module unit322to the third module unit324, a third connection325connects the third module unit324to the fourth module unit326, and a fourth connection327connects the fourth module unit326to the first module unit320. In alternative embodiments the power module300can be designed in a cruciform manner, but in one piece from a single continuous plate and without the module units320,322,324,326and connection321,323,325,327.

The connection321,323,325,327are respectively arranged on the limbs of the triangular portions of the module units320,322,324,326. The connection321,323,325,327connect limbs, which are arranged respectively next to one another, of adjacent module units320,322,324,326.

The connection321,323,325,327can be designed as electrical plug-in connectors, for example as printed circuit board connectors. The connection321,323,325,327can also be designed, in particular, as printed circuit board connectors which can be pressed in. The connection321,323,325,327can be pressed into contact holes, which are formed in the module units320,322,324,326, on the bottom side of the module units320,322,324,326for example. In particular, the connection321,323,325,327can form a solder-free electrically conductive connection between the module units320,322,324,326.

The module units320,322,324,326can each be designed in an identical manner, apart from a coupling element1127which is arranged on the first module unit320. In particular, the module units320,322,324,326can each have identical dimensions and/or an identical conductor track layout, i.e. an identical conductor arrangement, and/or be populated with electronic components in an identical manner, apart from the coupling element1127. In particular, a conductor arrangement of the first module unit320, a conductor arrangement of the second module unit322, a conductor arrangement of the third module unit324and a conductor arrangement of the fourth module unit326can each be designed in an identical manner. In particular, all of the module units320,322,324,326can have connection contacts, for example solder contacts, for connection of the coupling element1127, wherein only the first module unit320is fitted with the coupling element1127. In alternative embodiments of the power module300, the coupling element1127can also be arranged on one of the other module units322,324,326instead of on the first module unit320. The power module300can be designed to receive supply power for generating the drive currents for the conductor strips125,126of the stator unit100in a manner supplied via the coupling element1127.

FIG.17shows a schematic perspective illustration of the bottom side of the stator unit100. The bottom surface101, which is situated opposite the stator surface11, of the stator unit100is designed in a flat manner. The further conductor strips126of the fourth stator layer107are arranged on the bottom surface101. The stator unit100can be free of electronic elements or components on its bottom side. The cruciform contact arrangement420can be contacted from the bottom side of the stator unit100. For example, the contact units449, in particular contact holes or vias, of the contact arrangement420can be exposed on the bottom side of the stator unit100.

The stator unit100and the power module300are electrically conductively connected to one another via a connecting line310in the stator module10. The connecting line310leads from the top side of the power module300to the bottom side and the bottom surface101of the stator unit100.

The contact arrangement420of the stator unit100is electrically conductively connected to a connection arrangement309, illustrated inFIG.16, of the power module300via the connecting line310. The connection arrangement309of the power module300can be designed in a cruciform manner, like the contact arrangement420of the stator unit100. The connection arrangement309of the power module300can comprise, for example, conductively coated passage openings or conductively coated contact holes or vias. The contact holes of the connection arrangement309of the power module300can be designed like the contact holes of the contact arrangement420of the stator unit100. The contact holes of the connection arrangement309of the power module300can be arranged directly beneath the contact holes of the contact arrangement420of the stator unit100and can be oriented in alignment with the contact holes of the contact arrangement420of the stator unit100, so that each contact hole in the stator unit100has situated opposite it a contact hole, which is oriented with the contact hole in question in the stator unit100, in the stator module300, and vice versa.

As illustrated inFIG.16, the cruciform connection arrangement309of the power module300is arranged along the center lines, which run in the first direction12and the second direction14, of the power module300. In particular, the cruciform connection arrangement309of the power module300is arranged centrally on the bars301,302of the power module300which is designed in a cruciform manner. In particular, the power module300comprises a first connection arrangement311which is arranged centrally on the second bar302, which is oriented along the second direction14, of the power module300in the first direction12, a second connection arrangement312which is arranged centrally on the first bar301, which is oriented along the first direction12, of the power module300in the second direction14, a third connection arrangement313which is arranged centrally on the second bar302, which is oriented along the second direction14, of the power module300in the first direction12and opposite the first connection arrangement311, and a fourth connection arrangement314which is arranged centrally on the first bar302, which is oriented along the first direction12, of the power module300in the second direction14and opposite the second connection arrangement312.

The first connection arrangement311can, in general, also be called a connection arrangement311of the power module300, and the fourth connection arrangement314can, in general, also be called a further connection arrangement314of the power module300.

In the power module300which is of modular design, the first connection arrangement311is arranged on the first module unit320, the second connection arrangement312is arranged on the second module unit322, the third connection arrangement313is arranged on the third module unit324, and the fourth connection arrangement314is arranged on the fourth module unit326of the power module300. The connection arrangements311,312,313,314are respectively arranged centrally on the module units320,322,324,326, in particular centrally on the rectangular portions of the module units320,322,324,326.

In the stator module10, the first connection arrangement311of the power module300is arranged beneath the first contact structure421of the stator unit100, the second connection arrangement312of the power module300is arranged beneath the second contact structure422of the stator unit100, the third connection arrangement313of the power module300is arranged beneath the third contact structure423of the stator unit100, and the fourth connection arrangement314of the power module300is arranged beneath the fourth contact structure424of the stator unit100. The connection arrangements311,312,313,314of the power module300are oriented parallel to the contact structure421,422,423,424, which is respectively situated above it, of the stator unit100.

The connecting line310is designed in a cruciform manner. The connecting line310comprises a contact319, illustrated inFIG.17, via which the connection arrangement309of the power module300is electrically conductively connected to the contact arrangement420of the stator unit100. The contact319can, as is illustrated inFIG.17, comprise a first contact315which electrically conductively connects the first connection arrangement311of the power module300to the first contact structure421, in particular to the first contact unit group441and the second contact unit group442of the stator unit100, a second contact316which electrically conductively connects the second connection arrangement312of the power module300to the second contact structure422, in particular to the seventh contact unit group447and to the eighth contact unit group448of the stator unit100, a third contact317which electrically conductively connects the third connection arrangement313of the power module300to the third contact structure423, in particular to the fifth contact unit group445and the sixth contact unit group446of the stator unit100, and a fourth contact318which electrically conductively connects the fourth connection arrangement314of the power module300to the fourth contact structure424, in particular to the third contact unit group443and the fourth contact unit group444of the stator unit100.

The connecting line310can comprise one or more pin strips which are arranged in a cruciform manner. In particular, the contact315,316,317,318can, as is illustrated inFIG.17, each comprise one or more pin strips. The pin strips comprise electrically conductive pins which are arranged next to one another and can be designed as straight, round cylinders. The pins are arranged so as to engage into the contact holes of the connection arrangement309of the power module300and into the opposite contact holes of the contact arrangement420of the stator unit100in order to establish an electrically conductive connection between the contact structures421,422,423,424and the connection arrangements311,312,313,314. The contact315,316,317,318, which comprise pin strips, can be designed, in particular, as press-in connectors, i.e. press-fit connectors, which are pressed into the contact holes in the stator unit100and/or into the contact holes in the power module300.

In particular, each module unit320,322,324,326of the power module300can be electrically conductively connected to precisely one of the contact structures421,422,423,424of the stator unit100via in each case precisely one of the contact315,316,317,318. The first module unit320is connected to the first contact structure421of the stator unit100via the first contact315, the second module unit322is connected to the second contact structure422of the stator unit100via the second contact316, the third module unit324is connected to the third contact structure423of the stator unit100via the third contact317, and the fourth module unit326is connected to the fourth contact structure424of the stator unit100via the fourth contact318.

The first module unit320is electrically conductively connected to the conductor strips125, which are oriented along the first direction12, of the first and the second stator sector110,112via the first contact315of the connecting line310. The second module unit322is electrically conductively connected to the further conductor strips126, which are oriented along the second direction14, of the second and the fourth stator sector112,114via the second contact316of the connecting line310. The third module unit324is electrically conductively connected to the conductor strips125, which are oriented along the first direction12, of the third and the fourth stator sector113,114via the third contact317of the connecting line310. The fourth module unit326is electrically conductively connected to the further conductor strips126, which are oriented along the second direction14, of the first and the third stator sector110,113via the fourth contact318of the connecting line310.

If the contact319for connecting the contact structures421,422,423,424of the stator unit100to the connection arrangements311,312,313,314are designed as press-fit connectors, the contact structures421,422,423,424of the stator unit100can each be arranged at a distance from the center region460of the stator unit100in such a way that, when one of the module units420,422,424,426is pressed with the stator unit100, loading of the further module units420,422,424,426by a pressing tool which is arranged next to the connection arrangements311,312,313,314is prevented.

FIG.18shows a schematic perspective illustration of the bottom side of the power module300and the bottom side of the stator unit100, wherein the power module300is connected to the stator unit100via the connecting line310.FIG.18illustrates the electronic components which are arranged on the bottom side of the power module300.

The connecting line310can be designed as a mechanically fixed or rigid connection between the power module300and the stator unit100. At the same time, the connecting line310can be designed to be elastic enough to compensate for different thermal expansion, in particular on account of different coefficients of thermal expansion, of the stator unit100and the power module300without loss of the electrical contact connection. A mechanically fixed and rigid connection together with simultaneous compensation of different thermal expansions can be achieved, inter alia, if the connecting line310has contact315,316,317,318which comprise pin strips or press-in connectors.

The stator unit100and the power module300can be arranged at a fixed distance from one another in the vertical direction15, and the connecting line310can be designed to electrically conductively connect the stator unit100and the power module300over the distance. The distance can be dimensioned in such a way that a sufficient amount of space for electronic components which are arranged on a top side of the power module300is available between the stator unit100and the power module300. A distance which is dimensioned in this way is provided, in particular, by the connecting line310with contact315,316,317,318which are designed as pin strips or press-in connectors. As an alternative or in addition, the distance can be dimensioned in such a way that electromagnetic coupling between the conductor strips125,126of the stator unit100and conductor surfaces or conductor tracks on the power module300is minimized. This is the case, inter alia, in the connecting line310with contact315,316,317,318which are designed as pin strips or press-in connectors. The distance can be, for example, between 2 mm and 10 mm, in particular 5 mm.

In alternative embodiments of the stator module10, the contact319can also comprise an electrical plug-in connector or a plurality of electrical plug-in connectors which electrically conductively connect the connection arrangement309of the power module300and the contact arrangement420of the stator unit100. Contact315,316,317,318with electrical plug-in connectors can also be designed to connect the stator unit100and the power module300over the distance which is required for arranging electronic components and/or to exhibit a degree of elasticity for compensating for different thermal expansions and/or to establish a mechanically fixed connection between the stator unit100and the power module300. In further alternative embodiments of the stator module10, the contact319can also be designed as a solder connection, wherein the connection arrangement309of the power module300and the contact arrangement420of the stator unit100are designed as solder contact surfaces and are electrically conductively connected via the solder connection.

As is illustrated inFIG.18, the cruciform power module300covers the bottom surface101of the stator unit100in the region of the cruciform contact arrangement420of the stator unit100. In particular, the power module300covers the contact arrangement420itself. A first clearance61is formed above the first stator sector110. In addition, as is illustrated inFIG.18, a second clearance can be formed above the second stator sector112, a third clearance63can be formed above the third stator sector113, and a fourth clearance64can be formed above the fourth stator sector114. At the clearances61,62,63,64, the bottom surface101of the stator unit100is not covered by the power module300, that is to say is exposed, and the bottom surface101of the stator unit100is accessible from the bottom side of the power module300at the clearances61,62,63,64.

In the clearances61,62,63,64, more than 30% of the bottom surface101of the stator unit100can be accessible from the bottom side of the power module300. In particular, more than 40%, more than 50%, in particular 52% to 60%, in particular 56%, of the bottom surface101of the stator unit100can be accessible in the clearances61,62,63,64. The first and the third module unit320,324can each have an extent of from 30 mm to 120 mm, in particular of from 40 mm to 80 mm, in particular of 60 mm, in the first direction12. The second and the fourth module unit322,326can each have an extent of from 30 mm to 120 mm, in particular of from 40 mm to 80 mm, in particular of 60 mm, in the second direction14.

The clearances61,62,63,64are arranged above the stator sectors110,112,113,114in each case in corner regions of the rectangular stator unit100, wherein the corner regions respectively adjoin outer edges30, which run along the first direction12and along the second direction14, of the stator unit100. The clearances61,62,63,64are designed in a rectangular manner and extend in the first and the second direction12,14in each case between one of the outer edges30of the stator unit100and an outer edge of the power module300.

The first clearance61adjoins the first module unit320and the fourth module unit326. The first clearance61is located or extends in the first direction12between the first module320and an outer edge30, which runs along the second direction14, of the stator surface11, and in the second direction14between the fourth module unit326and an outer edge30, which runs along the first direction12, of the stator surface11. The second clearance62adjoins the first module unit320and the second module unit322. The second clearance62is located or extends in the first direction12between the first module unit320and an outer edge30, which runs along the second direction14, of the stator surface11, and in the second direction14between the second module unit322and an outer edge30, which runs along the first direction12, of the stator surface11.

The third clearance63adjoins the third module unit324and the fourth module unit326. The third clearance63is located or extends in the first direction12between the third module324and an outer edge30, which runs along the second direction14, of the stator surface11, and in the second direction14between the fourth module unit324and an outer edge30, which runs along the first direction12, of the stator surface11. The fourth clearance64adjoins the second module unit322and the third module unit324. The fourth clearance64is located or extends in the first direction12between the third module unit324and an outer edge30, which runs along the second direction14, of the stator surface11, and in the second direction14between the second module unit322and an outer edge30, which runs along the first direction12, of the stator surface11.

The first clearance61, the second clearance62, the third clearance63and/or the fourth clearance64can have an extent in the first direction12which is greater than an extent of the second bar302of the power module300in the first direction12. The first clearance61, the second clearance62, the third clearance63and/or the fourth clearance64can have an extent in the second direction14which is greater than an extent of the first bar301of the power module300in the second direction14.

The bars301,302of the power module300are respectively arranged at a distance from the outer edges30of the stator unit100. In particular, the first bar301is arranged at a distance from the outer edges30, which are oriented along the second direction14, of the stator unit100in the first direction12, and the second bar302is arranged at a distance from the outer edges30, which run along the first direction12, of the stator unit100in the second direction14. As a result, the stator unit100can be arranged on the top side of the module housing19of the stator module10in such a way that the outer edges30of the stator unit100are arranged level with the side surfaces34of the module housing19in the vertical direction15, and at the same time the power module300can be enclosed by a border, which runs around the side surfaces34of the module housing19, in the first and the second direction12,14.

The connecting line310can be designed as a mechanically rigid connection between the power module300and the stator unit100. As an alternative, the connecting lines310can also be designed as a mechanically flexible connection with a flexible line, for example by a cable.

The power module300illustrated inFIGS.16and18is composed in a modular manner of the total of four module units320,322,324,326. In comparison to an integral, cruciform design of the power module300, less waste is produced in respect of the printed circuit or printed circuit board of the power module300in the modular embodiment, illustrated inFIGS.16and18, of the power module300when producing the four module units320,322,324,326. The contact319can each also be configured as press-fit connectors and, when forming the connecting line310, in each case individually and successively pressed with the module unit320,322,324,326in question and the stator unit100. As a result, tilting of the contact319, as can easily occur when simultaneously pressing a plurality of contact315,316,317,318, can be avoided during pressing.

The power module300has a power-generating unit which is designed to generate the drive current, which drives the rotor200, from the drive power which is provided via the coupling element1127. The power-generating unit is designed to generate a drive current, which is applied to the conductor strips125,126as alternating current, from the drive power which is provided via the coupling element1127. The power-generating unit can be designed to provide the drive current as a pulsed drive current, in particular as a pulse-width-modulated drive current. The power-generating unit can comprise switching units, in particular transistors, for generating the drive current.

The power module300can have further power-generating units in addition to the power-generating unit. The power module300can be designed to respectively generate a separate drive current for each conductor strip125,126which can be individually energized via the contact units449. In particular, the power module300can respectively have a dedicated power-generating unit for each individual conductor strip125,126to be energized. For example, the power module300can respectively have a separate power-generating unit for each individual phase of the polyphase systems of the stator unit100in order to generate a phase current for the corresponding phase as drive current. For example, the power module300can have in each case one power-generating unit for each of the three phases of a three-phase system composed of interconnected conductor strips125,126. The power-generating unit can be designed as electronic parts, in particular as integrated circuits, which are arranged on the printed circuit board or the printed circuit boards of the power module300.

Each stator sector110,112,113,114can each comprise a first number of polyphase systems, the conductor strips125of which are extended along the first direction12, and can comprise a second number of polyphase systems, the further conductor strips126of which are extended along the second direction14. The first and the second number can be the same. The polyphase systems can each comprise a third number of individual phases. The power module300can comprise in each case one power-generating unit for each of the individual phases of the polyphase systems. Therefore, overall, the power module300can comprise, for each stator sector110,112,113,114, a total number of power-generating units which corresponds to the sum of the product of the first and the third number and the product of the second and the third number.

The conductor strips125,126of the stator unit100can be interconnected, for example, overall to form twenty-four three-phase systems, wherein each stator sector110,112,113,114comprises in each case six three-phase systems. From amongst the six three-phase systems of a sector110,112,113,114, three respectively consist of conductor strips125which are extended in the first direction12and three respectively consist of further conductor strips126which are extended in the second direction14. In a stator unit100with twenty-four three-phase systems, the power module300can comprise seventy-two power-generating units for generating seventy-two drive or phase currents.

The module units320,322,324,326each comprise all of the power-generating units for generating the drive currents for the conductor strips125,126which are connected to the respective module unit320,322,324,326. The first module unit320comprises all of the power-generating units which generate the drive currents in the conductor strips125, which are oriented along the first direction12, of the first and the second stator sector110,112. The second module unit322comprises all of the power-generating units which generate the drive currents in the further conductor strips126, which are oriented along the second direction14, of the second and the fourth stator sector112,114. The third module unit324comprises all of the power-generating units which generate the drive currents in the conductor strips125, which are oriented along the first direction12, of the third and the fourth stator sector113,114. The fourth module unit326comprises all of the power-generating units which generate the drive currents in the further conductor strips126, which are oriented along the second direction14, of the first and the third stator sector110,113.

Each of the four module units320,322,324,326can in each case comprise a total number of power-generating units which corresponds to twice the product of the first number of polyphase systems with further conductor strips126, which are extended along the second direction14, and the third number of individual phases per polyphase system or to twice the product of the second number of polyphase systems with the conductor strips125, which are extended along the first direction12, and the third number of individual phases per polyphase system.

Each of the module units320,322,324,326can comprise in each case eighteen power-generating units for generating eighteen drive currents. The eighteen drive currents can be generated as in each case three phases from six three-phase systems.

The power-generating units are connected to the conductor strips125,126of the stator unit100for transmitting the drive currents via drive current lines. The drive current lines are configured as part of the connecting line310. The drive current lines are each guided via the contact319of the connecting line310. The power-generating units of the first module unit320are connected to the conductor strips125, which are oriented in the first direction12, of the first and the second stator sector110,112via the drive current lines which are guided in the first contact315. The power-generating units of the second module unit322are connected to the further conductor strips126, which are oriented in the second direction14, of the second and the fourth stator sector112,114via the drive current lines which are guided in the second contact316. The power-generating units of the third module unit324are connected to the conductor strips125, which are oriented in the first direction12, of the third and the fourth stator sector113,114via the drive current lines which are guided in the third contact317. The power-generating units of the fourth module unit326are connected to the further conductor strips126, which are oriented in the second direction14, of the first and the third stator sector110,113via the drive current lines which are guided in the fourth contact318.

The stator module2can be designed to generate drive currents with an amperage of more than 5 A, in particular of more than 10 A. The amperage of the drive currents can be, for example, 20 A or 16 A or 15 A during continuous operation. In a power module300which comprises a printed circuit board, a metallization thickness of the conductor tracks which carries the drive current can be from 35 μm to 200 μm, in particular from 50 μm to 100 μm, in particular 70 μm. In particular, one, more or all of the conductor track layers of the power module300can have the same metallization thickness as the conductor tracks which carry the drive current.

In the stator module10, the individual modules, which are formed by the power module300and the stator unit100, are each designed as flat plates which are extended in the first and the second direction12,14. Since the plate-like individual modules are arranged one above the other in the vertical direction15, a particularly flat design of the stator module10can be realized.

In the stator module10, the power module300is dimensioned and formed in such a way that the power module300does not extend completely over the entire width of the stator module10either in the first direction12or in the second direction14or cover the entire cross-sectional area of the stator module10in the first and the second direction12,14. The only incomplete coverage of the cross-sectional area can be achieved in the power module300owing to its cruciform shape and the clearances61,62,63,64which result from the cruciform shape.

The only incomplete coverage of the cross-sectional areas of the stator module10level with the power module300allows a thermally conductive connection between the bottom surface101of the stator unit100and a support surface to be realized on the bottom side9of the stator module10. In this case, the thermally conductive connection can be established via contact surfaces with a large area.

This invention has been described with respect to exemplary embodiments. It is understood that changes can be made and equivalents can be substituted to adapt these disclosures to different materials and situations, while remaining with the scope of the invention. The invention is thus not limited to the particular examples that are disclosed, but encompasses all the embodiments that fall within the scope of the claims.

TABLE 1Reference Numbers 1-3021 Planar drive system3 Further planar drive system8 Top side9 Bottom side10 Stator module11 Stator surface12 First direction14 Second direction15 Vertical direction18 Connection line19 Module housing30 Outer edge of the stator surface32 Side surface of the stator unit34 Side surface of the module housing36 Side surface of the stator module41 First outer edge of the stator surface42 Second outer edge of the stator surface43 Third outer edge of the stator surface44 Fourth outer edge of the stator surface61 First clearance62 Second clearance63 Third clearance64 Fourth clearance100 Stator unit101 Bottom surface104 First stator layer105 Second stator layer106 Third stator layer107 Fourth stator layer109 Connection stator layer110 First stator sector112 Third stator sector113 Second stator sector114 Fourth stator sector117 First center line118 Second center line119 Intersection point120 First stator segments121 Second stator segments122 Inner stator segment125 Conductor strip126 Further conductor strip127 Inner conductor strip131 First forward conductor132 First return conductor141 Second forward conductor142 Second return conductor146 Third forward conductor147 Third return conductor150 First three-phase systems151 Second three-phase systems152 First side153 First side154 First connection point155 Second connection point156 Third connection point157 Star point161 First outer edge162 Second outer edge163 First inner edge164 Second inner edge171 First outer edge172 Second outer edge173 First inner edge174 Second inner edge181 First outer edge182 Second outer edge183 First inner edge184 Second inner edge191 First outer edge192 Second outer edge193 First inner edge194 Second inner edge200 Rotor201 Magnet arrangement206 First rotor direction208 Second rotor direction210 First magnet unit211 Drive magnet220 Second magnet unit221 Further drive magnet230 Third magnet unit240 Fourth magnet unit300 Power module301 First bar302 Second bar

TABLE 2Reference Numbers 309-1127309 Connection arrangement310 Connecting line311 First connection arrangement312 Second connection arrangement313 Third connection arrangement314 Fourth connection arrangement315 First contact316 Second contact317 Third contact318 Fourth contact319 Contact320 First module unit321 First connection322 Second module unit323 Second connection324 Third module unit325 Third connection326 Fourth module unit327 Fourth connection420 Contact arrangement421 First contact structure422 Second contact structure423 Third contact structure424 Fourth contact structure441 First contact unit group442 Second contact unit group443 Third contact unit group444 Fourth contact unit group445 Fifth contact unit group446 Sixth contact unit group447 Seventh contact unit group448 Eighth contact unit group449 Contact unit460 Center region471 First contact units472 Second contact units473 Third contact units474 Fourth contact units475 Fifth contact units476 Sixth contact units477 Seventh contact units478 Eighth contact units479 Ninth contact units480 Tenth contact units481 Eleventh contact units482 Twelfth contact units483 Thirteenth contact units484 Fourteenth contact units485 Fifteenth contact units486 Sixteenth contact units487 Seventeenth contact units488 Eighteenth contact units601 Horizontal connecting structure602 Vertical connecting structure603 Further vertical connecting structure700 First further stator unit702 Second further stator unit1127 Coupling element