Abstract: A switched reluctance machine includes a stator with a plurality of circumferentially-spaced stator segment assemblies that include salient stator poles and inter-polar stator slots. Each of the stator segment assemblies includes a stack of stator plates forming a stator segment core, an end cap assembly, and winding wire wound around the stator segment core and the end cap assembly. The rotor defines a plurality of rotor poles. The rotor tends to rotate relative to the stator to maximize the inductance of an energized winding. A drive circuit energizes the winding wire around the stator segment assemblies based on a rotational position of the rotor. Each stator plate includes a first radially outer rim section and a tooth section that extends radially inwardly from a first center portion of the first radially outer rim section.

Abstract: A sensorless switched reluctance machine includes a stator with a plurality of circumferentially-spaced stator segment assemblies that include salient stator poles and inter-polar stator slots. Each of the stator segment assemblies includes a stack of stator plates forming a stator segment core, an end cap assembly, and winding wire wound around the stator segment core and the end cap assembly. The rotor defines a plurality of rotor poles. The rotor tends to rotate relative to the stator to a rotational position that maximizes the inductance of an energized winding. A sensorless drive circuit derives rotor position and energizes the winding wire around the stator segment assemblies based on the derived rotor position. Each stator plate includes a first radially outer rim section and a tooth section that extends radially inwardly from a first center portion of the first radially outer rim section.

Abstract: A washing machine includes a tub that is rotated by a switched reluctance motor. The tub includes an outer tub and an inner tub. The drive is a direct drive or a drive assembly that includes a shaft, a belt and a spinner pulley connected to the tub. The switched reluctance motor includes a stator with a plurality of circumferentially-spaced stator segment assemblies. Winding wire is wound around a stator segment core of the stator segment assemblies. A rotor is connected to the shaft that drives the belt and rotates the spinner pulley. A drive circuit energizes the winding wire around the stator segment assemblies based on a rotational position of the rotor. End cap assemblies are connected to opposite axial ends of the stator segment core. The end cap assemblies define an annular channel for receiving the winding wire and for preventing winding creep.

Abstract: A washing machine includes a tub that is rotated by a switched reluctance motor. The tub includes an outer tub and an inner tub. The drive is a direct drive or a drive assembly that includes a shaft, a belt and a spinner pulley connected to the tub. The switched reluctance motor includes a stator with a plurality of circumferentially-spaced stator segment assemblies. Winding wire is wound around a stator segment core of the stator segment assemblies. A rotor is connected to the shaft that drives the belt and rotates the spinner pulley. A drive circuit energizes the winding wire around the stator segment assemblies based on a rotational position of the rotor. End cap assemblies are connected to opposite axial ends of the stator segment core. The end cap assemblies define an annular channel for receiving the winding wire and for preventing winding creep.

Abstract: A sensorless switched reluctance machine includes a stator with a plurality of circumferentially-spaced stator segment assemblies that include salient stator poles and inter-polar stator slots. Each of the stator segment assemblies includes a stack of stator plates forming a stator segment core, an end cap assembly, and winding wire wound around the stator segment core and the end cap assembly. The rotor defines a plurality of rotor poles. The rotor tends to rotate relative to the stator to a rotational position that maximizes the inductance of an energized winding. A sensorless drive circuit derives rotor position and energizes the winding wire around the stator segment assemblies based on the derived rotor position. Each stator plate includes a first radially outer rim section and a tooth section that extends radially inwardly from a first center portion of the first radially outer rim section.

Abstract: A switch assembly integrally formed with a terminal connection board for selectively engaging and disengaging contacts connected to electrical machinery such as the windings for a dynamoelectric machine, the switch assembly including opposed contacts shaped and movable relative each other to provide rolling wipe-action contact wear, one of the contacts being mounted on a flat conductive member having an arm portion extending laterally to one side thereof which is engaged by and is actuable by a switch arm mounted on the terminal board.

Abstract: A method of assembling a dynamoelectric machine (an electric motor) is disclosed in which a rotor tool is inserted into the stator bore with the tool having an outer diameter substantially equal to or slightly less than the minimum allowable inner diameter of the stator bore. The tool further has a central pin which is inserted into the bearing bore of the motor bearing support or end shield. Portions of the end shield are disposed on the outside of the stator core when the end shield and the stator core are in their desired assembled positions. Then, these portions of the end shield are magnetically deformed inwardly, as by magnetic pulse forming or the like, for positively securing the end shield to the stator core such that the rotor tool maintains alignment of the bearing bore with respect to the stator bore.

Abstract: A die cast rotor for an electric motor in which an integral tubular oil return/rotor shaft mounting member is sealingly cast-in-place within the body of the rotor. The integral oil return/rotor shaft mounting member is preferably a one-piece impact extruded member. A method of fabricating such a die cast rotor is also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a dynamoelectric machine having a stator and rotor with the latter including a hollow shaft extending from the body of the rotor and with the rotor shaft being journalled by bearings carried by the end shields or bearings supports of the dynamoelectric machine. A tubular wire way extends through the hollow rotor shaft and is stationarily secured to the stator. Specifically, an opening is provided in one of the end shields for threadably receiving the wire way and the end of this wire way protrudes beyond the one end shield. A locking nut is threadably received on the end of the wire way protruding beyond the end shield so as to lock the wire way with respect to the end shield.

Abstract: A system and method of securing the end shields of a dynamoelectric machine (e.g., a fractional horsepower electric motor) to its stator assembly with the rotor assembly of the motor held centered within the bore of the stator assembly and journalled in the motor's end shields. The system involves the use of threaded fasteners (preferably self-tapping screws or the like) which are inserted through enlarged holes provided in the end shield into mating holes provided in the end face of the core of the stator assembly. With the rotor accurately centered in the stator bore, the fasteners are tightened thereby to firmly and securely draw the end shield into firm gripping engagement with the end face of the stator core while the desired uniform air gap between the rotor and the bore of the stator assembly is maintained.

Abstract: A system and method of securing the end shields of a dynamoelectric machine (e.g., a fractional horsepower electric motor) to its stator assembly with the rotor assembly of the motor held centered within the bore of the stator assembly and journalled in the motor's end shields. The system involves the use of threaded fasteners (preferably self-tapping screws or the like) which are inserted through enlarged holes provided in the end shield into mating holes provided in the end face of the core of the stator assembly. With the rotor accurately centered in the stator above, the fasteners are tightened thereby to firmly and securely draw the end shield into firm gripping engagement with the end face of the stator core while the desired uniform air gap between the rotor and the bore of the stator assembly is maintained.

Abstract: An electric motor having a stator assembly, a shaft, a rotor mounted on the shaft, and a pair of end shields secured to the stator assembly and journalling the shaft for rotation of the rotor within the stator assembly. The motor includes a pair of self-aligning bearings for transmitting both radial and thrust (i.e., axial) loads from the shaft to the end shields. Each of the end shields has an outwardly facing race. A first ball member is axially fixed with respect to the shaft and is journalled in the race of one of the end shields. A second ball member is axially movable along the shaft and is journalled in the race of its respective end shield. A pushnut or the like is provided to axially secure the second ball member to the shaft when the first and second ball members are journalled in their respective races thereby to substantially prevent axial movement (i.e.

Abstract: An electric motor having a stator assembly, a shaft, a rotor mounted on the shaft, and a pair of end shields secured to the stator assembly and journalling the shaft for rotation of the rotor within the stator assembly. The motor includes a pair of self-aligning bearings for transmitting both radial and thrust (i.e., axial) loads from the shaft to the end shields. Each of the end shields has an outwardly facing race. A first ball member is axially fixed with respect to the shaft and is journalled in the race of one of the end shields. A second ball member is axially movable along the shaft and is journalled in the race of its respective end shield. A pushnut or the like is provided to axially secure the second ball member to the shaft when the first and second ball members are journalled in their respective races thereby to substantially prevent axial movement (i.e.

Abstract: A die cast rotor for an electric motor in which a tubular oil return member is sealingly cast-in-place within the body of the rotor.