Abstract: A low profile fan body for cooling an electronic component has a fan frame supporting a fan, which is mounted on a fan base forming a heat sink or heat transfer body. The fan has plurality of fan blades received within a plenum chamber defined within the heat sink. Each fan blade defines a first axial edge, a second axial edge on a substantially opposite side of the blade relative to the first axial edge, and a radial edge extending between the first and second axial edges. The heat sink defines a base portion for engaging an exposed surface of the electronic component, and a plurality of heat fins spaced relative to each other along the periphery of the sink and defining the plenum chamber. A pressure differential surface is disposed between the radial edges of the fan blades and the fins for directing air flow in the axial direction of the fan.

Abstract: A novel molded printed circuit board for use with a brushless electric motor is characterized by a surface having at least one integral portion thereof extending from the printed circuit board plane for establishing the interrelationship between the printed circuit board and at least one other motor component. When used in brushless motors, the printed circuit board provides a more precisely located triggering sensor for the commutation circuit and results in a motor better adapted for automated assembly.

Abstract: A molded plastic housing for a small electric motor having a radial end wall and an axially projecting portion for mounting the stator and journalling the motor shaft. An annular stator is mounted on and about the projecting portion and shaft bearings are mounted in axially spaced relationship in interference fit respectively at end sections of the housing portion and in direct engagement with the molded plastic. Reduced diameter and reduced thickness zones at the end sections provide for resilient and firm bearing retention and alignment. Four (4) circumaxially spaced slots at each end section with flats radially inwardly thereof provide for the reduced thickness and reduced diameter. The bearings engage the flats in an interference fit.

Abstract: A bearing and seal assembly for use in an electric motor rotor or stator bore about a central shaft. The bearing and seal assembly comprises a drawn aluminum sleeve disposed in and secured to the wall of the bore and having opposite end portions projecting beyond the bore wall. A sleeve bearing is press fit in the sleeve with the sleeve press fit or adhesively secured in the bore. An annular seal is press fit in one projecting end portion of the sleeve and is thus held in precise coaxial relationship with the bearing. The opposite projecting end portion of the sleeve provides a seat for an O-ring at a diametrically enlarged portion thereof. A cap in snap engagement with the rotor or stator, or alternatively with the sleeve, engages the O-ring and closes a lubricant chamber surrounding the bearing and within the sleeve. The assembly method includes press fitting of the bearing and seal in the sleeve with the elements mounted on an assembly pin for precise concentricity or coaxial relationship.

Abstract: A bearing and seal assembly for use in an electric motor rotor or stator bore about a central shaft. The bearing and seal assembly comprises a drawn aluminum sleeve dipsosed in and secured to the wall of the bore and having opposite end portions projecting beyond the bore wall. A sleeve bearing is press fit in the sleeve with the sleeve press fit or adhesively secured in the bore. An annular seal is press fit in one projecting end portion of the sleeve and is thus held in precise coaxial relationship with the bearing. The opposite projecting end portion of the sleeve provides a seat for an O-ring at a diametrically enlarged portion thereof. A cap in snap engagement with the rotor or stator, or alternatively with the sleeve, engages the O-ring and closes a lubricant chamber surrounding the bearing and within the sleeve. The assembly method includes press fitting of the bearing and seal in the sleeve with the elements mounted on an assembly pin for precise concentricity or coaxial relationship.

Abstract: A small inexpensive electric motor construction includes a housing with an axially extending wall having twelve (12) equally circumaxially spaced tabs projecting axially at its free edge. A cylindrical stator assembly is disposed within the axially extending wall and has its peripheral surface lying adjacent and radially within the tabs. A rotor shaft is supported by the housing and projects axially within the axially extending wall. The stator assembly is concentric with the shaft and may vary within a range from a concentric condition to a predetermined maximum condition of eccentricity relative to the axially extending wall. The tabs are deformed so as to expand radially into binding engagement with the peripheral surface of the stator assembly and secure the stator assembly within the housing wall irrespective of the concentricity and/or eccentricity within the predetermined maximum condition of eccentricity.

Abstract: An air impeller of molded plastic construction includes a plurality of similar circumaxially arranged air moving blades and a central hub section. At the hub section, a plurality of similar axially projecting flexible fingers are formed integrally and arranged in a circumaxially spaced series to form a collet which defines a cylindrical hub cavity. A metal hub of cylindrical form and apertured centrally is disposed in the cavity and has a set screw for positive connection with a drive shaft entered in its central aperture. An arcuate clamping ring disposed about the fingers urges the fingers radially inwardly into engagement with the hub and thus retains the hub in the cavity. Radially aligned gaps in the fingers and the clamping ring receive an outer end portion of the set screw to lock the hub and clamping ring against rotation relative to the fingers. Lips may be provided at outer end portions of the fingers and a radial wall at an opposite end of the hub cavity cooperates to secure the hub axially.