Axial Spring Patents (Class 310/247)
  • Patent number: 7141906
    Abstract: Devices and methods of use for brush holders are disclosed. A brush holder assembly including a brush catch and a brush release is disclosed. Also illustrated is a brush holder assembly including a first portion in sliding engagement with a second portion. Sliding engagement of the first portion with the second portion may selectively engage and/or disengage a brush catch with a brush. In some embodiments the brush catch is disengaged from the brush when the brush holder is in a locked position and is engaged with the brush when the brush holder is in an unlocked position. Methods and devices for selectively placing a brush holder in a locked or unlocked position are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Cutsforth Products, Inc
    Inventors: Robert S. Custforth, David L. Cutsforth
  • Patent number: 7122935
    Abstract: Devices and methods of use for brush holders are disclosed. A brush holder assembly including a brush catch and a brush release is disclosed. Also illustrated is a brush holder assembly including a first portion in sliding engagement with a second portion. Sliding engagement of the first portion with the second portion may selectively engage and/or disengage a brush catch with a brush. In some embodiments the brush catch is disengaged from the brush when the brush holder is in a locked position and is engaged with the brush when the brush holder is in an unlocked position. Methods and devices for selectively placing a brush holder in a locked or unlocked position are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Cutsforth Products, INC
    Inventors: Robert S. Custforth, David L. Cutsforth
  • Patent number: 7116032
    Abstract: A brush holding apparatus is mounted to an inner wall surface of a rear bracket and a cap mounted to a head portion of a brush holder portion is exposed through an opening in the rear bracket. Brushes are housed inside brush insertion apertures of the brush holder portion and are placed in elastic contact with slip rings by springs. An abrasion detection terminal is insert molded into the brush holder portion, a contact thereof projecting inside one of the brush insertion apertures and coming into contact with the corresponding spring when the brushes are abraded by a predetermined amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshiaki Kashihara, Katsuhiro Sasaki, Yoshihito Asao, Katsumi Adachi
  • Patent number: 7045928
    Abstract: The invention concerns a pot or cup-shaped carrier (10) for carbon brushes (12), especially intended for servomotors, comprising an inner wall, such as a bottom wall, originating from the carrier perimeter wall, and interspersed by the commutator or by a shaft originating therefrom, wherein each carbon brush is acted upon via a plate spring (14) in the direction of a commutator that is interspersed by the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: K-Tec Kunststoffverarbeitung GmbH
    Inventor: Wolfgang Kasdorf
  • Patent number: 7034430
    Abstract: Devices and methods of use for brush holders are disclosed. A brush holder including an over-center locking device is disclosed. Also illustrated are methods and devices for maintaining brush pressure against a moving conductive surface using a spring without a back plate. Methods and devices for routing current from a brush to an output location without conducting through a brush box are shown. A system for ready removal and replacement of brushes, contacts and springs is disclosed. Also included are mechanisms and methods for preventing a brush from falling downward or out during removal of the brush. Methods and devices for cutting off current flow without creating arcing or shorting between a brush and collector ring or other moving conductive surface are presented as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Cutsforth Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert S. Custforth, David L. Cutsforth
  • Patent number: 7015618
    Abstract: The invention concerns an arrangement for supplying power to an electric motor having a commutator, comprising at least two carbon brushes (12, 14), as well as flat springs (16, 18) that subject said brushes to force in the direction of the commutator and proceed from a mounting and are connected to electric terminals. In order to enable a defined transfer of force from the flat springs to the carbon brushes, while at the same time ensuring that an unambiguous fixing of the flat springs into position and a secure current supply takes place, it is proposed that the flat springs (16, 18) have a U-shape with legs (38, 40) of unequal length, that a carbon brush (12, 14) be fastened to each longer leg, and that the shorter leg be connected electrically conductive to an at least partially encapsulated conductor path or printed circuit, which is at least a section of the mounting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: K-TEC GmbH
    Inventor: Wolfgang Kasdorf
  • Patent number: 6867528
    Abstract: A brush assembly is constructed such that a brush and a brush terminal are linked by means of a pigtail, a brush spring is disposed under compression between the brush and the brush terminal, and a cylindrical guide is disposed near the brush terminal inside the brush spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hirokazu Inoue, Hidehiko Kitahara, Hideyuki Hayashi, Tomoki Takahashi
  • Patent number: 6781275
    Abstract: A carbon brush spring system comprises a carbon brush arranged at a first terminal surface thereof conductively contacting a rotatable collector body (20) for electric current transfer. The system furthermore comprises a spring part arranged at a region of the carbon brush away from the first terminal surface to engage with the carbon brush for therewith establishing a current conductive interconnection to an external electric facility. The system furthermore comprises mechanical stabilizing arranged for maintaining a stable position of the carbon brush relative to the rotatable collector body in both radial and tangential directions in a housing. Particularly, the system has a substantially symmetric structure in tangential direction of rotation, through being provided with a first section (30,36) and a second section (29, 38) that collectively constitute the spring part. Furthermore, a carbon brush part (22, 24) is structurally fixed to the spring part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Christian Reimann, Hans-Ulrich Vogler
  • Patent number: 6700291
    Abstract: Brush holding device includes a brush, a brush holder, a torsion spring and a support pin. The torsion spring applies side pressure to the brush by spring force exerted around the support pin and also temporarily hold the brush in the brush holder. When the temporarily held state of the brush holder is relieved, the spring force of the torsion spring urges the brush toward a commutator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Asmo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuaki Uchida, Masashi Nakata
  • Patent number: 6628036
    Abstract: A serpentine-shaped spring device having an internal core made of braided wires coated with elastomeric material for environmental protection and to enhance exertion of a low holding spring pressure on a metal fiber brush, when the spring device is suitably anchored at a stationary location to hold the brush in contact with a rotor during rotation thereof while conductively transferring electrical current thereto from the core of the spring device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: William A. Lynch, Neal A. Sondergaard, Thomas H. Fikse, Lynn J. Petersen
  • Patent number: 6617745
    Abstract: The invention relates to a motor-driven pump unit, in particular for antilock systems of motor vehicles, with an electric motor that is arranged on one side of a pump unit and an electronic unit that is arranged on another side of the pump unit and fastened thereto. The main aspect of the invention is that means are provided for an axially movable attachment and contacting of carbon brushes in connection with an axial installation of the unit. In this way, the individual components of the unit can be assembled axially in a simple manner and at low cost. In addition, the unit requires very little space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Continental Teves AG & Co.OHG
    Inventors: Hans-Dieter Reinartz, Dieter Dinkel, Jochen Burgdorf, Günter Kiehnle
  • Publication number: 20030034711
    Abstract: Pseudoelastic elements are shaped in order to form springs which exhibit relatively constant force levels over a major fraction of maximum deflection capacity during loading and also during unloading. The shape of sail pseudoelastic elements is chosen to concentrate at least one of flexural and torsional deformations within limited regions. The element may be braced outside said regions in order to further concentrate deformations within said regions. Loading of said pseudoelastic springs thus produces strains within said regions which are largely corresponding to the upper pseudoelastic stress plateau where strain variations cause relatively small changes in stress. Unloading of said pseudoelastic springs also produces strains within said regions which are largely corresponding to the lower stress plateau of the pseudoelastic stress-strain curve where stress is subject to relatively small changes with strain variations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2000
    Publication date: February 20, 2003
    Inventor: Parviz Soroushian
  • Patent number: 6380656
    Abstract: A brush holder assembly (12) for a rotating electrical machine such as an alternator (10) has a cavity (56) therein. The cavity (56) is defined by a first wall (60), a second wall (62), a third wall (64), and a fourth wall (66). The cavity (56) is sized to receive a brush (42) of the rotating electrical machine. One of the walls (60), (62), (64), and (66) comprise a first drafted surface. A positioning rib (70) is provided on at least the drafted surface to position the brush (42) substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (58) of the cavity (56).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Harris, Jayeson Fougner
  • Patent number: 6298967
    Abstract: An electromagnetic coil is fixed in a rotor through an insulation member. A slip-ring rotating with a rotor and a brush supplying electric current to the slip-ring are disposed radially inside a boss portion of a compressor housing. The slip ring is attached to the rotor through a slip-ring supporter, and the brush is supported by the boss portion through a brush supporter. The brush supporter includes a cylindrical sleeve radially inside the brush, which extends axially outwardly farther than a slide surface between the slip-ring and the brush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyasu Sakamoto, Junichi Ohguchi, Yuuichi Aoki
  • Patent number: 6246144
    Abstract: Brush card or holder assemblies are disclosed. The assemblies avoid any need for a separate plastic cap and utilize a lead wire (which could be or include a rod or other electrically-conductive device) both electrically to connect a brush to an external component and mechanically to fix the position of one end of a mechanism, such as a spring, for biasing the brush toward the surface of a commutator or other rotating machine element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Morganite Incorporated
    Inventors: Shepard L. Hockaday, Beecher G. Simmons, Scott L. Fitzner, Michael W. Nedriga
  • Patent number: 6175176
    Abstract: An electric motor with a stator having two magnetic shells (2, 3) has a spring element (6) which prestresses the magnetic shells (2, 3) against a stop fixed to the housing. The spring element (6) bears on both magnetic shells (2, 3) with in each case two bearing points. The spring element (6) has a particularly low spring stiffness as a result of this.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Mannesmann VDO AG
    Inventor: Hans-Ulrich Vogler
  • Patent number: 5977683
    Abstract: An electric motor has brushes preassembled in casings on a brush holder plate. To keep the brushes in the casings as long as a collector of the motor has not yet been fitted, a retaining ring in front of the brushes is installed, this retaining ring being gradually replaced by the collector when the latter is fitted. The retaining ring is introduced into a specially provided space of an accommodating chamber in a bearing support, provided with a slot and thus resilient in a radial direction. Therefore, the ring may abut with preload on the outside walls of the accommodating chamber. Frictional engagement between the ring and the walls of the accommodating chamber is established, preventing rattling noise or wear as a result of movement of the retaining ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises Inc.
    Inventors: Hubert Scheele, Walter Huber, Harro Buhl
  • Patent number: 5977682
    Abstract: An improved method for the manufacture of a compact brush guide holder assembly which is commonly found on machines in which electricity is to be transferred between an electrically conductive brush element as it moves and makes contact with a rotatable conductor such as a commutator. The brush holder assembly constructed of material that reduces antifrictional forces having a guiding channel or chamber defined by upper and lower curvilinear surface for supporting the electrically conductive brush element which receives compressed tension from a fixed non-removable constant force spring which is composed of a beam uncoiled section in addition to a coiled section having integrally fixed mounted Teflon bushings that are free to ride and float horizontally and vertically on mounting post that pass through its center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Inventor: Roger Clemente
  • Patent number: 5818142
    Abstract: A series motor armature support assembly comprises a bearing receiving member (60), a pair of legs (62, 64) extending from the bearing receiving member (60), and a brush holding assembly receiving member (66, 68) coupled with each leg. The brush holding assembly receiving member (66, 68) includes a ledge (110, 110') coupled with a leg (62, 64), a stop (114, 114') coupled with the ledge (110, 110'), and a support (122, 122') extending from the bearing receiving member (60) towards the ledge (110, 110'). A securing member (70, 72) is coupled with the legs and secures the support to a stator (34), which is secured to a base (32). A brush holding assembly (80) is received in the brush holding member (66, 68). The brush holding assembly (80) includes a brush receiving member (160), a terminal connector (162) coupled with the brush receiving member (160), and a biasing retention member (164) coupled with the brush receiving member (160).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Calvin Michael Edleblute, Robert Anthony Meloni, Roger Quentin Smith, Hung The Du, Deborah Lynn Messmer
  • Patent number: 5753995
    Abstract: To inform a user of wear on a carbon brush for a motor earlier than when the carbon brush is actually required to be replaced with a new brush. In a motor brush wear indicating device, a metal terminal is attached to a brush holder, being opposed to the inside of a holder shank of the brush holder, and an indicator is operated when the metal terminal contacts a brush spring. The metal terminal has a contact in the middle of a length of the brush holder. The indicator can be operated while the carbon brush is continuously pressed against a commutator by the brush spring. The metal terminal serves as a leaf spring. When the carbon brush is worn and shortened, the indicator is operated. Even after the indicator operates, the carbon brush is still pressed against the commutator by the brush spring. Therefore, the user can operate a motor-driven tool for some time before the carbon brush must be replaced with a new one.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Assignee: Makita Corporation
    Inventor: Kazutoshi Ogino
  • Patent number: 5723932
    Abstract: A liquid pump has a DC motor and a pump in a cylindrical casing. A pair of brushes are slidably contacted with a commutator of an armature while being biased by springs. The specific resistance of the positive brush is lower than the specific resistance of the negative brush to enable the voltage drop at the brushes to be decreased and motor efficiency to be increased without increasing commutator wearing speed. The biasing force provided by the spring biasing the positive brush is lower than the biasing force provided by the spring biasing the negative brush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Assignee: Nippondenso Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Motoya Ito, Minoru Yasuda, Takeshi Matsuda
  • Patent number: 5648695
    Abstract: A brush apparatus for a rotary electric machine has a brush with a pigtail, a brush holder and a spring. The brush holder is formed with a slit and a stopper piece. The pigtail is passed through the slit when the brush is inserted into the brush holder, and thereafter the stopper piece is bent to close an opening the slit. Thus, the brush apparatus simplifies an inserting operation of the brush to the brush holder and prevents the brush and the spring from coming off due to wear of the brush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Assignee: Asmo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mineo Yamaguchi, Keiji Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 5644182
    Abstract: A brush holder apparatus and method for biasing a brush outwardly of a brush box. A brush box cover is slidingly disposed over an electrical cable along with a coil spring. Next, a brush shunt is electrically secured to an end portion of the electrical cable by a crimp member. The brush box cover is then slidably urged towards a brush secured at a terminal end of the brush shunt. This causes the brush shunt to be folded so as to place it in general longitudinal alignment and parallel with the electrical cable. The brush box cover is then further slid along the electrical cable, thus urging the spring over the brush shunt and into engagement with the brush electrically secured at the terminal (i.e., outer) end portion of the brush shunt. The brush box cover is further slid along the electrical cable until the crimp member and a portion of the brush shunt become wedgingly engaged in a portion of the brush box cover, to thereby hold the spring in a compressed condition between the brush box cover and the brush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Assignee: United Technologies Automotive, Inc.
    Inventor: Earl W. Rawls
  • Patent number: 5610466
    Abstract: A starter which optimally maintains the characteristics of a spring which presses a brush and reduces its axial direction length. A compressed coil spring is arranged around an outer circumference of a plunger of a magnet switch and the length of the spring can be set as long as the radial direction length of the magnet switch. The spring effectively uses the space around the outer circumference of the magnet switch, so the axial direction length of the spring need not be added to the axial direction length of the starter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: Nippondenso Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsutomu Shiga, Nobuyuki Hayashi, Masanori Ohmi, Masami Niimi
  • Patent number: 5448122
    Abstract: A brush device includes elliptic compression coil springs, an electrical conductive member, rotary shaft, and brushes pushed against an electrical conductive member on the rotary shaft with the elliptic compression coil springs. And the outer end parts of each of the elliptic compression coil springs are bent inwardly of the ellipse formed by the elliptic compression coil spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1995
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shigeru Shiroyama, Akira Kuragaki
  • Patent number: 5391955
    Abstract: There is presented an electric motor having a drive shaft, an armature and a commutator fixed on the drive shaft, a housing disposed around the armature, magnets disposed between the armature and the housing, and an endframe fixed to the housing. The endframe has therein a journal for retaining the drive shaft, brushes for contact with the commutator, and shunts and terminals connected to the brushes. In the endframe are brush tubes for slidably retaining the brushes and coil springs for urging the brushes into engagement with the commutator. Each brush tube has one of the coil springs therein, an outer end, side, front and rear walls sufficiently closed to prevent egress of the coil spring, and an open inner end through which one of the brushes engages the commutator. An internal wall of the brush tube is provided with a barb integral therewith and extending inwardly of the brush tubes to overlie a portion of the coil spring proximate the brush tube outer end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1995
    Assignee: Eaton Stamping Company
    Inventors: Michael T. Clarke, Dennis G. Reid
  • Patent number: 5387831
    Abstract: A compound structure for increasing brush resistance while reducing brush face short-circuit current loss includes multi-piece single-material, multi-piece different-material, or multi-piece graduated permeation material brushes arranged to reduce circulation losses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1995
    Inventor: Tai-Her Yang
  • Patent number: 5373210
    Abstract: An electric motor brush subassembly includes a housing base, a housing cover, a brush, and a constant force spring. The brush is mounted between the housing base and the cover with the coil of the spring mounted adjacent to the outer end of the brush. The axis of the coil is disposed at a right angle with respect to the length of the brush and an unrolled spring segment extends along a side of the brush and is fixed in a slot in the cover. The spring exerts a force against the brush to bias the brush against the motor commutator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1994
    Assignee: Shop Vac Corporation
    Inventors: Mark E. Baer, R. Lent Crevling, Jr., Melvin E. Wolfe
  • Patent number: 5329198
    Abstract: In order to be able to ensure with low outlay a slip ring or commutator motor having a high level of freedom from noise and good running quality at maximum power, despite unavoidable deviations from circularity of the slip ring or commutator ground by the brushes abutting thereon, it is proposed according to the invention that the brushes (6; 7; 8) be supported such that they can pivot about an axis which runs radially in the vicinity of the surface and axially essentially in the axial direction of the commutator (1) or slip ring; that, according to one embodiment, the axis be formed by a guide pin (31; 41), which is retained in a brush housing (2) at least partially embracing the brush (6; 7) in the vicinity of the surface of the commutator (1) or the slip ring, and which is plugged axially through a guide slot (61; 71) running in the compression direction of the brush and open towards the surface of the slip ring or commutator (1), or that the brush (6) be tangentially embraced externally by the brush compr
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1994
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Helmut Schmidt, Kurt Schmidt
  • Patent number: 5256925
    Abstract: A brush holder for an electrical brush includes a brush holder body and an improved spring clip arrangement. Included in the brush holder body is a spring clip pocket and a brush pocket. The brush pocket slidably guides an electrical brush therein and a spring clip assembly, including a generally V-shaped spring clip with a shoulder stop, is sized to be received in the spring clip pocket. The shoulder stop on the spring clip engages a stop in the brush holder body when the spring clip is seated in the spring clip pocket. The spring clip assembly includes a constant force spring for applying a constant force to an electrical brush in the brush pocket when the spring clip is in the seated position. A latch pin engages a latch aperture in one leg of the spring clip, when the spring clip is seated, and a cross pin removable from the top of the brush holder body, controls separation of the spring clip from the brush holder body when the spring clip is retracted from the spring clip pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1993
    Inventor: David L. Cutsforth
  • Patent number: 5227688
    Abstract: A brush holder for a vehicular a.c. generator is characterized by stealth grooves for letting a compression spring escape, the stealth grooves being provided longitudinally in a portion excluding the lower portion of a brush box, the stealth grooves being provided in both respective inner walls of a square hole of the brush box where a brush contacts the inner walls thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1993
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki K. K.
    Inventor: Hitoshi Gotoh
  • Patent number: 5198712
    Abstract: A cartridge brush assembly for fractional horse power commutated motors comprises an elongated tubular holder 17 with opposed sidewalls 31, 33 spaced transverse to a commutator rotational axis 15. A brush 19 is slidably mounted in holder 17 and protrudes through a mouth 35 of holder 17 for engaging a commutator 13. A guide 21 is slidably mounted in holder 17 and comprises a pair of spaced rounded feet 57, 59 slidably and pivotally engaging a chamfered rear face 49 of brush 19. A spring 23 biases a transversely spaced brush sidewall 45 against a transversely spaced holder sidewall 31 and biases brush 19 into engagement with commutator 13. The brush assembly reduces chattering and misalignment of the brush over the life of the brush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1993
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: James J. Bolzan, Jr., Douglas L. Kreiser, Terry L. Turner
  • Patent number: 5019741
    Abstract: A brush holder device for an electric motor has a brush holder, a brush movably received in the brush holder, and a spring which acts between the bottom of the brush holder and the outer end of the brush so as to resiliently press the brush into contact with a commutator. The surface of the bottom of the brush holder on which one end of the spring acts and the outer end surface of the brush on which the other end of the spring acts are inclined in opposite directions along the axis of the motor such that the distance between the surfaces is greater at one axial end than at the other axial end of the brush holder. As a result, the spring is naturally urged to and stably held in the axial end where the distance between these two surfaces is greater. In addition, or alternatively, the bottom surface of the brush holder includes a recessed portion for containing the spring at one axial end of the brush holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1991
    Assignee: Mitsuba Electric Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masashi Fukui, Tomoyuki Shinoda
  • Patent number: 4994701
    Abstract: A brush holder assembly which utilizes an insulated brush card and a bridge means to define a receiving aperture for a brush element. A pair of legs and a connecting element serve to define the bridge means and a constant force spring is retained by the legs so that as the brush is received within the aperture, the spring will partially uncoil and the uncoiled portion of the spring will conform to the profile of the brush. The bridge means also includes a guideway by which the brush is restricted against lateral movement during its use in a motor or generator unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1991
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventor: John G. Bulick
  • Patent number: 4918348
    Abstract: An apparatus for detecting the wear of a motor brush includes a spring that biases the brush towards an extended position. A portion of the spring moves along a path towards the extended position as the brush wears, wherein the spring portion makes mechanical contact with a portion of an electrical signal generating device that is disposed in the path to indicate a given amount of brush wear has occurred.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1990
    Assignee: Prestolite Electric Incorporated
    Inventors: Alan H. Fitzsimmons, Joe K. Hammer
  • Patent number: 4868441
    Abstract: A brush holder assembly which utilizes an insulated brush card and a bridge means to define a receiving aperture for a brush element. A pair of legs and a connecting element serve to define the bridge means and a constant force spring is retained by the legs so that as the brush is received within the aperture, the spring will partially uncoil and the uncoiled portion of the spring will conform to the profile of the brush. The bridge means also includes a retention mechanism by which the brush may be held in an assembled position prior to its installation into a motor or generator unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1989
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventor: John G. Bulick
  • Patent number: 4739208
    Abstract: A brush wear detector and indicator for the brush elements contacting the rotating commutator or slip rings of a dynamoelectric machine includes, in addition to a self winding bias spring located on the brush holder for applying force to the brush assembly, a permanent magnet, located either on a brush element or the bias spring, and a reed switch located on the brush holder adjacent the assembly. The magnet moves inwardly as the brush element wears and actuates the read switch at a point indicative of a worn condition. Activation of the reed switch causes an indicator such as a lamp to become energized, signalling a need for brush element replacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1988
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Dan W. Kimberlin
  • Patent number: 4723084
    Abstract: A brush wear detector assembly for the brushes contacting the rotating commutator or slip rings of a dynamoelectric machine includes a light interruptor member located in a housing attached to the brush holder with the light interruptor being biased by a compression spring which operates to push the light interruptor against the side of the brush. The light interruptor includes an aperture, or other discontinuity, which is located adjacent the separation of a fiber optic conductor. During a usable condition of the brush, a light path is completed through the aperture between the exposed ends of the fiber optic conductor; however, for a worn condition of the brush, it is forced laterally into the brush holder behind the end of the brush causing the light path to be interrupted whereupon a signal indicative of a worn condition of the brush is generated. Alternatively, the aperture or conductor positioning could be such that at worn brush condition a light path is established.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1988
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Kenneth R. Reynolds
  • Patent number: 4639629
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a brush-holder for flat-commutator electromechanical transducer.The brush secured by screws (11) to the flange (2) of the transducer consisting in this case of a motor having a flat rotor (5) comprises a supporting ring (12) and guide sockets (13). The sockets (13) and the brushes (14) have the shape of a circular arc segment. The socket end opposite the end facing the commutator (6) is closed by a cover (16) screwed in the socket (13). The cover (18) is attached to a coil spring (19) secured in turn to the brush (14). Access to the end of a socket (13) closed by the cover (18) can be had by removing a plug (17) of the stator cage (16) of a device coupled to the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1987
    Assignee: Mavilor Systemes S.A.
    Inventor: Damien Casanova
  • Patent number: 4607184
    Abstract: A brush holder adapted for automatic assembly having a simplified construction and reduced cost. The brush holder is composed of a generally U-shaped holder box having an opening extending from a top end thereof along one side of the box, and a holder plate covering the opening. The holder plate has a recess for receiving the brush therein, and a stop for preventing movement of the brush through the opening of the holder box when retained by the stop. When the brush is to be mounted on a motor casing or the like, a protrusion of the motor casing is extended through a through-hole in the holder plate, thereby releasing the brush from engagement with the brush stop and permitting it to protrude through the hole in the top end of the box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1986
    Assignee: Ryobi Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuyuki Takahashi, Yasuhiro Oe, Etushi Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 4600850
    Abstract: A brush-holder for the disc commutator of rotating electric machines, in which axially-disposed brushes are maintained in abutment against the disc commutator by a spring constituted by two windings housed in a cavity located in the brush-holder opposite the brush guides. The two windings are separated by a median loop which engages elastically behind a retaining catch. The invention is particularly applicable to electric starters for internal combustion engines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1986
    Assignee: Societe Paris-Rhone
    Inventors: Alfred B. Mazzorana, Francis Froment
  • Patent number: 4559465
    Abstract: A brush holder for an electric motor having a commutator. The brush holder includes a simple flat plate (10) cut or stamped to provide slots (20) for sliding of the brushes (12) and openings (26) for holding the brush springs (14). The springs (14) normally engage the ends of the associated brushes (12) to bias them inwardly towards the motor commutator. When the brushes are retracted, the springs engage the sides of the brushes to lock the brushes in the slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1985
    Assignee: Equipements Automobiles Marshall
    Inventor: Georges C. Gagneux
  • Patent number: 4498230
    Abstract: An electric motor adapted to be assembled automatically with the minimum of manual handling has a brush box sub-assembly having a brush box with two opposed side walls and containing a brush. The two opposed side walls are stressed to grip and hold the brush against movement, the brush being released for movement in the brush box by separating sufficiently the opposed side walls upon insertion in the electric motor. Preferably, the brush box has a slot between the opposed side walls and a member in the motor is forced into the slot to separate the side walls. In assembling the motor, its stator is located on an end cap, the rotor inserted into the stator, and then the distance measured between an end face of the stator and a location on the shaft of the rotor, subsequently a shaft bearing in that end cap is pressed inwards an amount related to the measured distance to determine the end float of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1983
    Date of Patent: February 12, 1985
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: David Harris, Alan Hays
  • Patent number: 4406963
    Abstract: An electrical machine having an armature that is rotatable in a stator. The armature has a winding that is energized via a commutator or via slip rings cooperating with brushes. A holding plate is provided on which the brushes are held and which is supported freely shiftable in the direction of the axis of rotation of the machine, but circumferentially immovable. The holding plate butts against a part that is supported axially immovable on the shaft of the armature, preferably a bearing. Spring means acting between the holding plate and an adjacent side plate of the stator or housing serves to bias the holding plate in an axial direction. The part against which the holding plate butts, lies preferably in or near the plane of the holding plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1981
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1983
    Assignee: Interelectric AG
    Inventors: Peter Wolf, Hugo Fritschy
  • Patent number: 4399384
    Abstract: A rotor for a D.C. electric motor is disclosed, in which the rotor has a frontally arranged collector on which brushes are active, which are oriented parallel to the rotor axis. This arrangement considerably reduces the diametrical bulk of the motor. The brush angle is adjustable by means of an annular ring, internally threaded to the yoke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1980
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1983
    Inventor: Guido Lucherini
  • Patent number: 4396850
    Abstract: A brush board for a dynamoelectric machine is formed with resilient arms which are an integral part of the board and have commutator engageable brushes affixed at the free ends thereof. The board carries printed circuitry which extends to the free end of the arms and connects with the brushes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1982
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1983
    Assignee: The Singer Company
    Inventor: John A. Herr
  • Patent number: 4354128
    Abstract: A brush assembly comprising an electrically insulating plate having therein an aperture with which communicate first and second slots. The slots each slidably receive a brush and a compression spring acts between the closed end of each of the slots and the respective brush to urge the brush slidably towards the aperture. The brushes and at least one wall of each of the slots are provided with mating surfaces whereby the brush may be latched in a retracted position relative to its respective slot against the action of its respective compression spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1980
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1982
    Assignee: Lucas Industries Limited
    Inventors: Anthony J. Chew, Graham M. Leeder, Thomas W. Pickford
  • Patent number: 4329612
    Abstract: A brushholder and carbon brush combination for use with electric motors and the like as a contact with rotating commutators. The brush assembly is provided with a unique locking tab which cooperates with the brushholder to provide both contact between the brush and the brushholder and to retain the brush in its cooperating position within the brushholder absent contact with the commutator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1980
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1982
    Assignee: Ingersoll-Rand Company
    Inventor: Richard R. Averill
  • Patent number: 4266155
    Abstract: Brush tube assembly comprising a generally cylindrical brush tube having a pair of longitudinally extending slots and a brush and follower assembly slidable within said bore with said follower comprising a pair of outwardly extending spring legs provided with tabs engaged within said slots, and a compression spring confined behind said follower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1979
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1981
    Assignee: The Singer Company
    Inventor: Paul W. Niemela
  • Patent number: 4167685
    Abstract: Commutator segment shapes are derived, in relation to machine parameters, for which the current density over the trailing edge of the brush is maintained constant, to prevent sparking. The preferred shape is such that the area of contact between the segment and a linear brush increases initially in a single step to half the total area and subsequently increases progressively more slowly; in an alternative shape, the subsequent rate of increase is linear. Suitable brushes to maintain uniform contact in crossing segment boundaries are preferably of the carbon-fibre type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1977
    Date of Patent: September 11, 1979
    Assignee: National Research Development Corporation
    Inventor: James J. Bates