Patent ID: 11670976

Abstract:
A rotor assembly for an electric machine includes a rotor core that is fabricated from a plurality of laminations stacked along a rotational axis of the electric machine. The rotor core has a plurality of arcuately arranged, axially extending magnet-receiving slots. The rotor core includes a plurality of magnets received in respective ones of the magnet-receiving slots. Each of the laminations includes opposed deflectable magnet-retaining prongs that extend into a corresponding one of the magnet-receiving slots. The magnet-retaining prongs are deflected by and engage the magnets to exert a reactive force against the magnets and hold them in place. Each of the laminations also includes respective support posts axially adjacent the magnet-retaining prongs. The support posts extend alongside and thereby limit the deflection of the magnet-retaining prongs when engaged with the corresponding one of the magnets.