Patent ID: 7227291

Claim:
A component for forming into an annular stator core of an electrical machine, the component being a plurality of core segments interconnected to form a strip, each core segment including a substantially arcuate base portion which has a convex side, a concave side and a pair of ends and a pole piece which projects from the concave side and from between the ends of the base portion, at least one of the ends of each core segment being connected to an end of an end of an adjacent core segment and each pole piece having a tip that forms an arcuate surface, wherein each pole piece is adapted to receive at least one coil thereon and said strip of core segments is adapted to be formed, subsequent to receiving at least one coil on a respective one of the pole pieces, into an annular stator core, wherein the arcuate surfaces formed by the pole pieces are substantially concentric, wherein each pole piece projects from the concave side of the base portion in a non-radial direction and is arranged such that a semi-closed slot is formed between it and an adjacent one of the pole pieces whereby, when said at least one coil is fitted onto the respective pole piece and said strip of core segments is formed into the annular stator core, said at least one coil is located between the respective pole piece and the adjacent pole piece, characterized by sides of each pole piece being arcuate, at least for the length of each pole piece along which the respective coil is moved during fitting.