Abstract: An armature for an electric motor comprises a winding having connector portions and a plurality of combined commutator segments and terminals. The terminals each have at least one slot which straddles and grips a respective connector portion to electrically connect the connector portion to a commutator segment. A base supports the commutator segments and a separate terminal support has a plurality of housing locating the terminals. By making the base separate to the terminal support, the armature may be wound with only the terminal support in position, the base being added afterwards, thus giving more room during winding. In a preferred embodiment, the support is formed of thermoplastics material, e.g. thermosoftening nylon, so that it is able to flex during insertion of the terminals and the base is of a material which will withstand higher temperatures, e.g. thermosetting plastics material or anodised aluminum.

Abstract: An assembled commutator for use in a fractional horsepower electric motor comprises a base moulded from thermoplastics and a commutator segment mounted on the base. The segment has a tang for electrical connection to an armature coil, the tang comprising a first radially extending portion and second portion connected to the first portion along a fold line.Wire of the coil is passed may be welded or forged to the tang by pressing together the first and second portions, and heating them electrically.

Abstract: A fractional horsepower permanent magnet direct-current motor has a velocity indicating device positioned around the commutator, between the brush gear and the armature. The device comprises a conductor in the form of a square wave copper strip which is printed on a flexible support and centered on a circle about the motor shaft, and a magnet assembly mounted on the armature. Magnet assembly comprises radially extending blades which are formed from plastics bonded magnetic material. The blades are magnetized so that adjacent blades have opposite polarity. As the magnet rotates with the shaft, the blades move relative to the conductor and so induce an electrical signal in the conductor. The signal can be monitored to indicate the motor speed as is generally known. The blades also act as a centrifugal fan, helping to cool the motor.

Abstract: There is disclosed an armature for an electric motor having an armature winding electrically connected to the armature commutator. The armature also has three or more housings in which portions of the armature winding are located and the connection includes terminals having a configuration for establishing and maintaining electrical contact between a terminal and a winding portion while retaining the terminal and the winding portion within a housing. The housings are in the form of radial projections which present side surfaces that act to centrifuge air outwardly to cause air to be drawn over and cool the commutator.