Rotor of electric motor and manufacturing method thereof

[0002] The present invention relates to a rotor of an electric motor and a manufacturing method thereof.

[0003] FIGS. 8 and 9 show a conventional rotor core 50. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the rotor core 50 has a plurality of core sheets 52 laminated one on another. Each core sheet 52 has a plurality of teeth 51 extending radially. A winding 53 is wound on the rotor core 50 by distributed winding after a shaft 54 is inserted into a center hole 56. As a result, the winding 53 is laid out in slots 55 each formed between the teeth 51 adjoining in the peripheral direction. In a case where the winding 53 by distributed winding, however, it is difficult to increase the space factor of the winding in the slots 55.

[0004] Accordingly, it is a primary objective of the present invention to provide a rotor of an electric motor which can easily increase the space factor of the winding and a manufacturing method thereof.

[0005] To achieve the object, the present invention provides a rotor of an electric motor which is constructed in the following manner. The rotor includes a plurality of first core sheets and a plurality of second core sheets. Each first core sheet includes a plurality of first teeth laid out in a ring form on a first plane. Each first tooth has a first winding portion extending in the radial direction of the rotor and a first arm portion integrally provided at an outer end of the first winding portion in the radial direction of the rotor and extending in the peripheral direction of the rotor. Each first arm portion has a first coupling portion at one end. Each second core sheet includes a plurality of second teeth laid out in a ring form on a second plane. Each second tooth has a second winding portion extending in the radial direction of the rotor and a second arm portion integrally provided at an outer end of the second winding portion in the radial direction of the rotor and extending in the peripheral direction of the rotor. Each second arm portion has a second coupling portion at one end. The first core sheets and the second core sheets are stacked in the axial direction of the rotor. Each first tooth is stacked on an associated one of the second teeth in the axial direction of the rotor. Each first tooth is coupled to that one of the second teeth which is stacked on another one of the first teeth adjoining in the peripheral direction of the rotor by coupling of the first and second coupling portions. A remaining portion of each arm portion, which excludes the associated coupling portion, is located further apart from the axis of the rotor than the associated coupling portion.

[0006] The present invention further provides a method of manufacturing a rotor of an electric motor, which comprises the steps of forming a plurality of first teeth and a plurality of second teeth by punching a metal plate, each tooth having a winding portion extending in one direction and an arm portion which is integrally provided at a distal end of the winding portion, said arm portion extending in a direction nearly perpendicular to the winding portion and having a coupling portion at one end, a remaining portion of each arm portion which excludes the associated coupling portion being located further apart from a proximal end of the associated winding portion than the associated coupling portion; forming a plurality of laminated bodies by stacking the first teeth and the second teeth in such a way that the coupling portions of the first teeth and the coupling portions of the second teeth in each laminated body face in opposite directions; forming a coupled body comprised of a plurality of laminated bodies by coupling the coupling portions of the first teeth in one of adjoining two laminated bodies to the coupling portions of the second teeth in the other one of the adjoining two laminated bodies in a rotatable manner, the laminated bodies being laid out in a line in such a way that the winding portions in each laminated body become nearly parallel to the winding portions in another laminated body; winding a winding on the winding 10 portions in each laminated body; and rotating adjoining two laminated bodies in such a way that the coupled body forms a ring-like shape and the winding portions are arranged radially.

[0007] Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, illustrating by way of example the principles of the invention.

[0008] The features of the invention which are believed to be novel will become apparent particularly in the scope of the appended claims. The invention, together with objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description of the presently preferred embodiments together with the accompanying drawings.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a rotor core according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0010] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 2—2 in FIG. 1;

[0011] FIG. 3(a) is a plan view of first teeth which the rotor core shown in FIG. 1 has;

[0012] FIG. 3(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 3B—3B in FIG. 3(a);

[0013] FIG. 3(c) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 3C—3C in FIG. 3(a);

[0014] FIG. 3(d) is a plan view of second teeth which the rotor core shown in FIG. 1 has;

[0015] FIG. 3(e) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 3E—3E in FIG. 3(d);

[0016] FIG. 3(f) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 3F—3F in FIG. 3(d);

[0017] FIG. 4(a) is a conceptual diagram of a step of forming the first teeth shown in FIG. 3(a) and the second teeth shown in FIG. 3(d);

[0018] FIG. 4(b) is a perspective view showing a coupled body;

[0019] FIG. 5(a) is a plan view showing a winding wound on the coupled body shown in FIG. 4(b);

[0020] FIG. 5(b) is a perspective view showing the winding wound on the coupled body shown in FIG. 4(b);

[0021] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the rotor core on which the winding is wound;

[0022] FIG. 7(a) is a plan view of first teeth according to a second embodiment of the invention;

[0023] FIG. 7(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 7B—7B in FIG. 7(a);

[0024] FIG. 7(c) is a plan view of second teeth according to the second embodiment of the invention;

[0025] FIG. 7(d) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 7D—7D in FIG. 7(c);

[0026] FIG. 7(e) is a cross-sectional view showing a coupled portion of a first coupling portion and a second coupling portion of a rotor core according to the second embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a rotor core according to prior art; and

[0028] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a winding wound on the rotor core shown in FIG. 8.

[0029] The first embodiment of the present invention will be described below referring to FIGS. 1 through 6.

[0030] FIGS. 1 and 2 show a rotor core 1. The rotor core 1 has plural (ten in the embodiment) first core sheets 4 having plural (twelve in the embodiment) first teeth 2 laid out in an approximately disc form and plural (nine in the embodiment) second core sheets 5 having plural (twelve in the embodiment) second teeth 3 laid out in an approximately disc form. The rotor core 1 is formed into an approximately columnar shape by alternately laminating the first core sheets 4 and the second core sheets 5 in the axial direction of the rotor core 1. In the rotor core 1, each first tooth 2 is stacked on the associated second tooth 3 in the axial direction of the rotor core 1. A circular hole 1awhere a shaft (not shown) is to be inserted is formed in the center of the rotor core 1.

[0031] FIGS. 3(a) through 3(c) illustrate the first teeth 2. To avoid making the drawings complicated, some of reference numbers of the members of the first tooth 2 are omitted in the diagrams other than FIGS. 3(a) through 3(c).

[0032] Each first tooth 2 has a first winding portion 2a,a first arm portion 2band a first fixing portion 2c.Each first winding portion 2aextends in the radial direction of the rotor core 1. Each first arm portion 2bhas both ends and is integrally provided at the distal end of the associated first winding portion 2a(an outer end in the radial direction of the rotor core 1 or the upper end in FIG. 3(a)). Each first arm portion 2bextends in the peripheral direction of the rotor core 1. In other words, each first arm portion 2bextends in a direction approximately perpendicular to the associated first winding portion 2a.Each first fixing portion 2cis integrally provided at the proximal end of the associated first winding portion 2a(an inner end in the radial direction of the rotor core 1 or the lower end in FIG. 3(a)). In the first core sheet 4, the individual first teeth 2 are laid out in a ring form on the same plane in such a way that one end of the first arm portion 2bof each first tooth 2 adjoins the other end of the first arm portion 2bof another first tooth 2 in the peripheral direction of the rotor core 1.

[0033] A first fitting recess 7 is formed in nearly the center 5 portion of the top surface of each first arm portion 2band a first fitting projection 8 is formed in,nearly the center portion of the back surface of the first arm portion 2b. In other words, the first fitting recess 7 and the first fitting projection 8 are provided in those portions of each first tooth 2 which are located further away from the axis of the rotor core 1 than the first winding portion 2a, i.e., those portions of each first tooth 2 which are located off the first winding portion 2a. The first fitting recess 7 and the first fitting projection 8 provided on each first tooth 2 are positioned coaxially.

[0034] Each first arm portion 2bhas a first coupling portion 2dat its one end (the right-hand end in FIG. 3(a)). With regard to the radial direction of the rotor core 1, the size of a remaining portion of each first arm portion 2bwhich excludes the first coupling portion 2dis smaller than the size of the associated first coupling portion 2d. The remaining portion of each first arm portion 2bis located further apart from the proximal end of the associated first winding portion 2aor the axis of the rotor core 1 than the associated first coupling portion 2d. In other words, each first coupling portion 2dis positioned closer to the axis of the rotor core 1 than the portion of each first arm portion 2bwhich excludes the associated first coupling portion 2d.

[0035] A first rotary recess 9 is formed in nearly the center portion of the top surface of each first coupling portion 2dand a first rotary projection 10 is formed in nearly the center portion of the back surface of the first coupling portion 2d.The diameter of the first rotary recess 9 is slightly greater than the diameter of the first rotary projection 10. The first rotary recess 9 and the first rotary projection 10 provided on each first tooth 2 are positioned coaxially.

[0036] Each first fixing portion 2cbecomes narrower toward the distal end (the center of the rotor core 1). The distal end face of each first fixing portion 2cis formed in a concave shape. A first fitting recess 11 is formed in nearly the center portion of the top surface of each first fixing portion 2cand a first fitting projection 12 is formed in nearly the center portion of the back surface of the first fixing portion 2c. In other words, the first fitting recess 11 and the first fitting projection 12 are provided in those portions of each first tooth 2 which are located closer to the axis of the rotor core 1 than the first winding portion 2a, i.e., those portions of each first tooth 2 which are located off the first winding portion 2a. The first fitting recess 11 and the first fitting projection 12 provided on each first tooth 2 are positioned coaxially.

[0037] An indentation 13 is formed on one side of each first fixing portion 2cand a lug 14 is formed on the other side of the first fixing portion 2c.In the first core sheet 4, the indentation 13 of each first tooth 2 is engaged with the lug 14 of another first tooth 2 adjoining the former first tooth 2 in the peripheral direction of the rotor core 1. Therefore, the relative movement of the first teeth 2 adjoining each other in the peripheral direction of the rotor core 1 in the radial direction of the rotor core 1 is restricted. According to the embodiment, the indentation 13 and the lug 14 constitute the restriction portion of the first tooth 2.

[0038] FIGS. 3(d) through 3(f) illustrate the second tooth 3. To avoid making the drawings complicated, some of reference numbers of the members of the second tooth 3 are omitted in the diagrams other than FIGS. 3(d) through 3(f).

[0039] Each second tooth 3 has a second winding portion 3a,a second arm portion 3band a second fixing portion 3c.Each second winding portion 3aextends in the radial direction of the rotor core 1. Each second arm portion 3bhas both ends and is integrally provided at the distal end of the associated second winding portion 3a(an outer end in the radial direction of the rotor core 1 or the upper end in FIG. 3(d)). Each second arm portion 3bextends in the peripheral direction of the rotor core 1. In other words, each second arm portion 3bextends in a direction approximately perpendicular to the associated second winding portion 3a.Each second fixing portion 3cis integrally provided at the proximal end of the associated second winding portion 3a(an inner end in the radial direction of the rotor core 1 or the lower end in FIG. 3(d)). In the second core sheet 5, the individual second teeth 3 are laid out in a ring form on the same plane in such a way that one end of the second arm portion 3bof each second tooth 3 adjoins the other end of the second arm portion 3bof another second tooth 3 in the peripheral direction of the rotor core 1.

[0040] A second fitting recess 15 is formed in nearly the center portion of the top surface of each second arm portion 3band a second fitting projection 16 is formed in nearly the center portion of the back surface of the second arm portion 3b. In other words, the second fitting recess 15 and the second fitting projection 16 are provided in those portions of each second tooth 3 which are located further away from the axis of the rotor core 1 than the second winding portion 3a, i.e., those portions of each second tooth 3 which are located off the second winding portion 3a. The second fitting recess 15 and the second fitting projection 16 provided on each second tooth 3 are positioned coaxially. In the rotor core 1, the first fitting projection 8 of each first tooth 2 is fitted in the second fitting recess 15 of the second tooth 3 which is stacked on that first tooth 2, and the first fitting recess 7 of each first tooth 2 is fitted over the second fitting projection 16 of the second tooth 3 which is stacked on that first tooth 2.

[0041] Each second arm portion 3bhas a second coupling portion 3dat its one end (the left-hand end in FIG. 3(d)). The size of a remaining portion of each second arm portion 3bwhich excludes the second coupling portion 3dis smaller than the size of the associated second coupling portion 3d. The remaining portion of each second arm portion 3bis located further apart from the proximal end of the associated second winding portion 3aor the axis of the rotor core I than the associated second coupling portion 3d. In other words, each second coupling portion 3dis positioned closer to the axis of the rotor core 1 as compared with the portion of each second arm portion 3bwhich excludes the associated second coupling portion 3d.

[0042] A second rotary recess 17 is formed in nearly the center portion of the top surface of each second coupling portion 3dand a second rotary projection 18 is formed in nearly the center portion of the back surface of the second coupling portion 3d.The diameter of the second rotary recess 17 is slightly greater than the diameter of the second rotary projection 18. The second rotary recess 17 and the second rotary projection 18 provided on each second tooth 3 are positioned coaxially. In the rotor core 1, the first rotary projection 10 of each first tooth 2 is rotatably engaged with the second rotary recess 17 of the second tooth 3 which is staked on another first tooth 2 adjoining the former first tooth 2 in the peripheral direction of the rotor core 1, and the first rotary recess 9 of each first tooth 2 is rotatably engaged with the second rotary projection 18 of the second tooth 3 which is stacked on another first tooth 2 adjoining the former first tooth 2 in the peripheral direction of the rotor core 1.

[0043] Each second fixing portion 3cbecomes narrower toward the distal end (the center of the rotor core 1). The distal end face of each second fixing portion 3cis formed in a concave shape. A second fitting recess 19 is formed in nearly the center portion of the top surface of each second fixing portion 3cand a second fitting projection 20 is formed in nearly the center portion of the back surface of each second fixing portion 3c. In other words, the second fitting recess 19 and the second fitting projection 20 are provided in those portions of each second tooth 3 which are located closer to the axis of the rotor core I than the second winding portion 3a, i.e., those portions of each second tooth 3 which are located off the second winding portion 3a. The second fitting recess 19 and the second fitting projection 20 provided on each second tooth 3 are positioned coaxially. In the rotor core 1, the first fitting projection 12 of each first tooth 2 is fitted in the second fitting recess 19 of the second tooth 3 which is stacked on that first tooth 2, and the first fitting recess 11 of each first tooth 2 is fitted over the second fitting projection 20 of the second tooth 3 which is stacked on that first tooth 2.

[0044] An indentation 21 is formed on one side of each second fixing portion 3cand a lug 22 is formed on the other side of the second fixing portion 3c.In the second core sheet 5, the indentation 21 of each second tooth 3 is engaged with the lug 22 of another second tooth 3 adjoining the former second tooth 3 in the peripheral direction of the rotor core 1. Therefore, the relative movement of the second teeth 3 adjoining each other in the peripheral direction of the rotor core 1 in the radial direction of the rotor core 1 is restricted. According to the embodiment, the indentation 21 and the lug 22 constitute the restriction portion of the second tooth 3.

[0045] A method of manufacturing the rotor core 1 will be discussed below referring to FIG. 4(a) to FIG. 6.

[0046] FIG. 4(a) shows a step of forming the first teeth 2 and the second teeth 3. In forming the first teeth 2 and the second teeth 3, as shown in FIG. 4(a), first, unnecessary portions of a metal flat plate 23 is punched out by an unillustrated press machine to form a first trim 2′ equivalent to the first tooth 2 and a second trim 3′ equivalent to the second tooth 3 (step S1). In this trimming step, a plurality of first trim rows including plural (twelve in the embodiment) first trims 2′ and a plurality of second trim rows including plural (twelve in the embodiment) second trims 3′ are formed on the flat plate 23. The adjoining first trims 2′ in each first trim row face in the alternate directions, and the adjoining second trims 3′ in each second trim row face in the alternate directions. The first trim rows and the second trim rows are arranged alternately in the up and down direction of the flat plate 23. When step S1 ends, the fabrication process goes to step S2.

[0047] In step S2, the press machine forms the first fitting recesses 7 and 11, the first fitting projections 8 and 12, the first rotary recesses 9, and the first rotary projection 10 on each first trim 2′ and forms the second fitting recesses 15 and 19, the second fitting projections 16 and 20, the second rotary recesses 17, and the second rotary projection 18 on each second trim 3′. It is to be noted, however, that the first rotary recess 9 and the first rotary projection 10 are not formed on the first trim 2′ that is located at one end of each first trim row and the second rotary recess 17 and the second rotary projection 18 are not formed on the second trim 3′ that is located at one end of each second trim row. When step S2 ends, the fabrication process goes to step S3.

[0048] In step S3, the press machine forms the first arm portion 2band the first coupling portion 2don each first trim 2′ and forms the second arm portion 3band the second coupling portion 3don each second trim 3′. When step S3 ends, the fabrication process proceeds to step S4 and step S5.

[0049] In step S4 and step S5, the first teeth 2 and the second teeth 3 are punched out by the press machine. The punched-out first teeth 2 and second teeth 3 are alternately stacked one on another to form plural (twelve in the embodiment) laminated bodies 26a(see FIG. 4(b)). At the same time, the first teeth 2 and the second teeth 3 are laid out in such a way that one end of the first arm portion 2bof each first tooth 2 adjoins the other end of the first arm portion 2bof another first tooth 2 and one end of the second arm portion 3bof each second tooth 3 adjoins the other end of the second arm portion 3bof another second tooth 3. Each first tooth 2 is rotatably coupled to the second tooth 3 that is stacked on another first tooth 2 which adjoins the former first tooth 2 by coupling of the first coupling portion 2dand the second coupling portion 3d.In other words, each second tooth 3 is rotatably coupled to the first tooth 2 that is stacked on another second tooth 3 which adjoins the former second tooth 3 by coupling of the first coupling portion 2dand the second coupling portion 3d. This yields a coupled body 26 which comprises the plural laminated bodies 26a.

[0050] The first coupling portion 2dextends from one side of each laminated body 26aand the second coupling portion 3dextends from the other side. In other words, the first coupling portion 2dand the second coupling portion 3din each laminated body 26aface in the opposite directions. In the formation of the coupled body 26, therefore, the first coupling portion 2dof one of adjoining two laminated bodies 26ais rotatably coupled to the second coupling portion 3dof the other laminated body 26a.

[0051] In each laminated body 26a,the first fitting projection 8 of each first tooth 2 is fitted in the second fitting recess 15 of the second tooth 3 which is stacked on that first tooth 2, and the first fitting recess 7 of each first tooth 2 is fitted over the second fitting projection 16 of the second tooth 3 which is stacked on that first tooth 2. The first fitting projection 12 of each first tooth 2 is fitted in the second fitting recess 19 of the second tooth 3 which is stacked on that first tooth 2, and the first fitting recess 11 of each first tooth 2 is fitted over the second fitting projection 20 of the second tooth 3 which is stacked on that first tooth 2. Further, first rotary projection 10 of each first tooth 2 is engaged in a rotatable manner with the second rotary recess 17 of the second tooth 3 which is stacked on another first tooth 2 adjoining the former first tooth 2 in the peripheral direction of the rotor core 1, and first rotary recess 9 of each first tooth 2 is engaged in a rotatable manner with the second rotary projection 18 of the second tooth 3 which is stacked on another first tooth 2 adjoining the former first tooth 2 in the peripheral direction of the rotor core 1.

[0052] FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b) show a winding 27 wound on the coupled body 26. Prior to the winding of the winding 27, the laminated bodies 26aof the coupled body 26 are arranged in a line in such a way that the winding portions 2aand 3aof each laminated body 26abecome approximately parallel to the winding portions 2aand 3aof another laminated body 26a.The winding 27 is wound in a concentrated winding manner in the winding portions 2aand 3aof each of the laminated bodies 26aof the coupled body 26, which are laid out in a line.

[0053] The coupled body 26 with the winding 27 wound thereon takes the ring form as adjoining two laminated bodies 26aare turned relative to each other. At this time, the first winding portions 2aand the second winding portions 3aare arranged radially.

[0054] The connected portion of one end and the other end of the ring-shaped coupled body 26 is secured by laser welding, thereby yielding the rotor core 1 which has the winding 27 wound as shown in FIG. 6. Further, the engaged portion of the indentation 13 of one first tooth 2 with the lug 14 of another first tooth 2 adjoining the former first tooth 2 in the peripheral direction of the rotor core 1 is secured by laser welding, and the engaged portion of the indentation 21 of one second tooth 3 with the lug 22 of another second tooth 3 adjoining the former second tooth 3 in the peripheral direction of the rotor core 1 is secured by laser welding.

[0055] The first embodiment has the following advantages.

[0056] The winding 27 is wound after the laminated bodies 26aof the coupled body 26 are arranged in a line in such a way that the winding portions 2aand 3aof each laminated body 26abecome nearly parallel to the winding portions 2aand 3aof another laminated body 26a.At the time of winding the winding 27, therefore, it is possible to provide a sufficient gap between the winding portions 2aand 3aof adjoining laminated bodies 26a.Therefore, the winding 27 can be wound easily, making it possible to shorten the time needed to wind the winding 27 and to ensure orderly winding of the winding 27. Because it is unnecessary to provide the outer edge portion of the rotor core 1 with a clearance for insertion of the winding 27, it is possible to suppress the generation of cogging torque.

[0057] As the winding 27 is wound in an orderly fashion, the space factor of the winding 27 can be increased. It is also possible to reduce the amount W of the winding 27 (see FIG. 5(b)) which protrudes from the rotor core 1, thus ensuring size reduction of the electric motor. Further, it is possible to prevent an increase in the winding resistance which would otherwise be originated if the winding 27 becomes unnecessarily long.

[0058] The engagement of the indentation 13 with the lug 14 restricts the relative movement in the radial direction of the rotor core 1, of the first teeth 2 adjoining each other in the peripheral direction of the rotor core 1. The engagement of the indentation 21 with the lug 22 restricts the relative movement in the radial direction of the rotor core 1, of the second teeth 3 adjoining each other in the peripheral direction of the rotor core 1. At the time the shaft is inserted in the hole 1aof the rotor core 1, therefore, it is less likely for the teeth 2 and 3 to imprudently move in the radial direction of the rotor core 1.

[0059] In the step of forming the first teeth 2 and the second teeth 3, the first trim rows and the second trim rows are arranged alternately in the up and down direction of the flat plate 23. It is therefore easy to alternately laminate the first teeth 2 and the second teeth 3 at the same time as they are punched out. This can shorten the manufacturing time.

[0060] The adjoining first trims 2′ in each first trim row face in the alternate directions and the adjoining second trims 3′ in each second trim row face in the alternate directions. It is therefore possible to efficiently produce the teeth 2 and 3 from the flat plate 23, thus ensuring an improved yield.

[0061] The first coupling portion 2dand the second coupling portion 3din each laminated body 26aface in the opposite directions. A sufficient rigidity can be secured for the first coupling portion 2dand the second coupling portion 3din each laminated body 26a,thus making it possible to suppress damaging of the coupling portions 2dand 3d.

[0062] The first fitting recesses 7 and 11 and the first fitting projections 8 and 12 are provided at those portions of each first tooth 2 which are located off the first winding portion 2a,and the second fitting recesses 15 and 19 and the second fitting projections 16 and 20 are provided in those portions of each second tooth 3 which are located off the second winding portion 3a.This makes it possible to prevent the flow of magnetism from being disturbed by the fitting recesses 7, 11, 15 and 19 and the fitting projections 8, 12, 16 and 20.

[0063] The first fitting recess 7 and the first fitting projection 8 are formed in approximately the center portion of the associated first arm portion 2b,and the first fitting recess 11 and the first fitting projection 12 are formed in approximately the center portion of the associated first fixing portion 2c.The second fitting recess 15 and the second fitting projection 16 are formed in approximately the center portion of the associated second arm portion 3b,and the second fitting recess 19 and the second fitting projection 20 are formed in approximately the center portion of the associated second fixing portion 3c.It is therefore possible to stably stack the first teeth 2 and the second teeth 3 one on the other.

[0064] The remaining portion of each first arm portion 2bis located further apart from the axis of the rotor core 1 than the associated first coupling portion 2d, and the remaining portion of each second arm portion 3bis located further apart from the axis of the rotor core 1 than the associated second coupling portion 3d. This makes it possible to secure a large windable portion of the winding 27 in the radial direction of the rotor core 1. It is thus possible to wind a greater amount of the winding 27 on the winding portions 2aand 3aof each laminated body 26a.

[0065] The second embodiment of the present invention will be discussed below referring to FIGS. 7(a) to 7(e). The second embodiment has the same structure as the first embodiment, except that the shapes of the teeth 2 and 3 of the rotor core 1 of the first embodiment described above are partly modified. To avoid the redundant detailed description, therefore, the same reference symbols are given to those components of the second embodiment which are the same as the corresponding components of the first embodiment.

[0066] FIGS. 7(a) and 7(b) show first teeth 29 according to the second embodiment. The first tooth 29 differs from the first tooth 2 of the first embodiment in that the surface of a first coupling portion 29dis dented. In other words, the thickness of the first coupling portion 29dis smaller than thickness of a portion of each first tooth 29 which excludes the first coupling portion 29d.

[0067] FIGS. 7(c) and 7(d) show second teeth 31 according to the second embodiment. The second tooth 31 differs from the second tooth 3 of the first embodiment in that the surface of a second coupling portion 31dis dented. In other words, the thickness of the second coupling portion 31d is smaller than thickness of a portion of each second tooth 31 which excludes the second coupling portion 31d.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 7(e), therefore, the rotor core 1 has a clearance between the first coupling portion 29dand a second coupling portion 31dwhich are stacked on each other.

[0069] The second embodiment has the following advantage in addition to the advantages of the first embodiment.

[0070] There is a clearance between the first coupling portion 29dand the second coupling portion 31dof the rotor core 1, which are stacked on each other. This secures a sufficient magnetic resistance in the coupled portion of the first coupling portion 29dand the second coupling portion 31d,thus making is possible to suppress the leakage of the magnetic flux.

[0071] The first and second embodiments may be modified as follows.

[0072] In the embodiments, each first tooth 2 or 29 is provided with the first fitting recesses 7 and 11 and the first fitting projections 8 and 12 as fitting portions which are fitted on the fitting portions of the stacked second teeth 3 or 31. However, the quantity of the first fitting recesses to be provided on each first tooth 2 may be one or more than two, and the quantity of the first fitting projections to be provided on each first tooth 2 may be one or more than two.

[0073] In the embodiments, each second tooth 3 or 31 is provided with the second fitting recesses 15 and 19 and the second fitting projections 16 and 20 as fitting portions which are fitted on the fitting portions of the stacked first tooth 2 or 29. However, the quantity of the second fitting recesses to be provided on each second tooth 3 may be one or more than two, and the quantity of the second fitting projections to be provided on each second tooth 3 may be one or more than two.

[0074] The first fitting recess 7 and the first fitting projection 8 of the first tooth 2 or 29 which constitute the axial-directional end portion of the rotor core 1 may be replaced with through holes. The first fitting recess 11 and the first fitting projection 12 of the first tooth 2 or 29 which constitute the axial-directional end portion of the rotor core 1 may also be replaced with separate through holes. Further, the first rotary recess 9 and the first rotary projection 10 of the first tooth 2 or 29 which constitute the axial-directional end portion of the rotor core 1 may be replaced with further different through holes. This can prevent the fitting projections or the rotary projections from protruding from the axial end portions of the rotor core 1.

[0075] Although the first core sheets 4 and the second core sheets 5 are alternately stacked one on another one at a time in the above-described embodiments, for example, the first core sheets 4 and the second core sheets 5 are alternately stacked one group on another comprising plural core sheets.

[0076] The fixing portion 2cof the first tooth 2 or 29 may be designed to be bilaterally symmetrical to the fixing portion 3cof the second tooth 3 or 31. This design can make it possible to suppress the imprudent movement of the teeth 2 and 3 or 29 and 31 in the axial direction of the rotor core 1.

[0077] Although the rotor core 1 is formed by a single coupled body 26 in the embodiments, the rotor core 1 may be formed by connecting a plurality of coupled bodies 26.

[0078] Although the top surfaces of the first coupling portion 29dand the second coupling portion 31dare dented in the second embodiment, the back surfaces of the first coupling portion 29dand the second coupling portion 31dmay be dented. Alternatively, both the top and back surfaces of the first coupling portion 29dand the second coupling portion 31dmay be dented.

[0079] Although the quantity of the first trims 2′ included in each first trim row is set to twelve in the step of forming the first teeth 2 in the embodiments, the quantity may be set equal to or less than eleven or equal to or greater than thirteen. Although the quantity of the second trims 3′ included in each second trim row is set to twelve in the step of forming the second teeth 3 in the embodiments, the quantity may be set equal to or less than eleven or equal to or greater than thirteen.

[0080] While the embodiments of the invention have been discussed in connection with the accompanying drawings, the present invention is not limited to those described above, but may be modified within the scope and equivalence of the appended claims.