Paired interlocks for flexible indexing of rotated stator cores

Abstract

A stator core for a motor includes a plurality of laminations in a stacked formation one on another defining a generally circular inner periphery for receipt of a motor rotor. Each lamination defines an axis therethrough that is collinear with an axis of each lamination in the stacked formation. Each lamination is rotated about its axis relative to adjacent laminations a predetermined index angle. The laminations have first and second surfaces and are configured such that the core defines at least one inner lamination having laminations adjacent to both the first and second sides and outer laminations having laminations adjacent to one of the first and second sides. Each lamination has a predetermined number of circumferentially equally spaced slots extending radially inwardly from an inner edge of the lamination. The slots define conductor receiving regions therein. Each inner lamination includes at least one interlocking pair including a projection formed in one of the first and second surfaces at a predetermined radial distance from the axis. The projection extends generally transverse from a plane of the lamination. Each interlocking pair further defines a shadow formed therein that is at the same predetermined radial distance from the axis as is the projection. The shadow is spaced from the projection by an angle, .alpha., wherein each projection of a lamination is configured to reside within a shadow of a respective adjacent lamination when the laminations are in their stacked formation.