CA1109514A - Brush apparatus - Google Patents
Brush apparatusInfo
- Publication number
- CA1109514A CA1109514A CA305,792A CA305792A CA1109514A CA 1109514 A CA1109514 A CA 1109514A CA 305792 A CA305792 A CA 305792A CA 1109514 A CA1109514 A CA 1109514A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- brush
- contactors
- biasing means
- response
- wear
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R39/00—Rotary current collectors, distributors or interrupters
- H01R39/02—Details for dynamo electric machines
- H01R39/58—Means structurally associated with the current collector for indicating condition thereof, e.g. for indicating brush wear
Abstract
BRUSH APPARATUS
Abstract of the Disclosure Brush apparatus includes a brush, first and second contactors and biasing apparatus. The contactors are movable between an open position and a closed position in response to wear of the brush. The biasing apparatus biases the brush in a preselected direction and controllably moves a selected one of the first and second contactors in response to wear of the brush. The brush is free for movement in the preselected direction in response to wear of the brush.
Abstract of the Disclosure Brush apparatus includes a brush, first and second contactors and biasing apparatus. The contactors are movable between an open position and a closed position in response to wear of the brush. The biasing apparatus biases the brush in a preselected direction and controllably moves a selected one of the first and second contactors in response to wear of the brush. The brush is free for movement in the preselected direction in response to wear of the brush.
Description
S~
E]ectrical machinery, such as direct current motors for example7 use brushes for transferring power between an electric circuit and a commutator. The brushes are in contact with the rotating commutator and, during use, wear and erode from such contact. The brushes must be replaced when sufficiently worn to preven~ damage to the commutator and insure efficient power transfer. Current devices can signal when the brushes are sufficiently worn to need replacing but usually interfere with the movement or useability of the brush. It is desirable to have a device which signals whell the brushes have been subs~antially completely worn away and does not interfere with the movement of the brush. sy so utilizing substantially the entire brush there is an avoidance of waste.
According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus comprising: a brush having first and second ends, said first end being movable between a first position at which said first and second ends ara spaced a preselected distance one from the other and a second position at which said first end is placed toward the second end, said first end moving from the first position toward the second position in response to wear of said brush; first and second contactors movable one relative to the other between an open position and a closed positioll, said contactors controllably moving from one of the open and closed positions in response to wear of said brush; and biasing means for urging said brush in a preselected direction and controllably moving a selected one of said ~;rst and second contactors in response to wear of said brush, said biasing means being in contact with the selected one of said first and second con-tactors and in contact with said first end of said brushJ said brush being ; substantially free for movement in the preselected direction independently of the position of the contactors and biasing means in response to wear, said biasing means being a roll spring.
According to another aspect oE the invention, there is provided an electrical apparaeus comprising: a brush having first and second ends which C ~ ' _ .
. : . .. : .
s~ ~
approach one another, in use, in response to wear of the second end of the brush; biasing means for urging the brush in a direction from the first end towards the second end in response to wear of the second brush end;
and first and second electrical contactors movable one relatïve to the other between an open position and a closed position, a selected one of the contactors being moved from one of the open and closed positions toward the other of the open and closed positions under the resil;ence of the respective contactor mounting in response to wear of the second brush end and under the control of the biasing means, the biasing means being in contact with the selected one of the first and second contactors and with the first end of the brush, and the brush being substantially free for longitudinal movement independently of the posi~ion of the contactors and biasing means in response to wear, said biasing means being a roll spring.
Two examples of apparatus constructed in accordance with the invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:
,:
~ - 2a -$~
FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic, longitudinal cross section of one apparatus;
FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic view similar to FIG. l;
FIG. 3 is partial front view of the FIG. 1 apparatus;
S FIG. 4 is an isometric view of another apparatus;
FIG. S is schematic illustration of an electric cir-cuit associated with the apparatus; and FIG. 6 is a simplified top view taken on the line VI-VI in Fig. 1.
Referring to FIG. 1, an electric machine, such as a direct current motor 10 for example, has a rotatable commuta-tor 12 and a brush 14. The brush 14 transfers power between the commutator 12 and a power source or electric circuit 16.
The brush 14 has a first end 20 adjacent the power ~-source 16 and a second end 18 adjacent the commutator 12. The first end 20 is movable in response to wearing away of the brush from a first position at which the first and second ends 20, 18 are spaced a preselected distance one from the other to a second position at which the first end 20 is displaced to-ward the second end 18. The brush 1~ is preferably of a uni-form composition throughout, such as graphite, for example.
The ends 18, 20 are preferably substantially coincident at the second position and are limited in movement between the first and second positions only by connection of the first end 20 to the power source 16.
The brush 14 interacts with first and second contactors 22, 24 which are movable one relative to the other be~ween an open position and a closed position. The contactors 22, 24 controllably move from one of the open and closed positions toward the other of the open and closed positions in response to wear and resultant movement of the first end 20 of the brush 14.
The first and second contactors 22, 24 form a path or current flow which is interrupted when the contactors 22, 24 move toward the open positionO
Referring to FIG. 5,-an indicating apparatus 28, such as a lamp for example, is connected to the first and second contactors 22, 24 and forms an electric circuit 30.
The lamp 28 preferably lights when the contactors 22, 24 are in the closed position to indicate a predetermined amount of wear of the brush 14. A ~hyristor 31 or similar device can be connected to the lamp 28 and contactors 22, 24 to achieve greater control of the circuit 30.
The brush 14 is biased by biasing means 32, prefer-ably a roll spring. The spring 32 urges the brush 14 in a preselected direction, preferably toward the commutator 12.
The s~ring 32 controllably moves a selected one of the first and second contactors 22, 24, preferably the first con~actor 22, in response to wear of the brush 14. The spring 32 is preferabl~ in contact wikh the first contackor 22 and prefer-ably only the irst end 20 of the brush 14. The brush 14 is substantially free of restrictive contact with the spring 32 and contactors 22, 24 durinq movement of the brush 14 between the first and second positions. The brush 14 is substantially free for movement in the preselected~direction independently o the contactors 22, 24 and biasing means 32 in response to wear.
.. . . . ..
- - . . , Referring to FIGS. 1-3 the brush 14 is positioned in a brush box or holder 34 which preferably holds a single brush 14. The brush 14 is slidably movable in the box 34.
The second contactor 24 is preferably connected to the box 34 and electrically isolated from the box 34. The box 34 has a construction sufficient for holding the brush 14, spring 32 and first contactor 22. The spring 32 and first contactor 22 preferably form a unit 35 which is insertable in and removable from the box 34. The spring 32 and con-tactors 22, 24 can form a unitary structure 36 which is removably positioned in a preselected location relative to the brush 14 (FIG. 4). The unit 35 and unitary structure 36 are held in the box 34 by a protrusion 3~ which engages the box 34. Each brush box 34 may hold more ~han one brush 14 or unit 35.
A plug-in connector 40 preferably connects the indicating apparatus 28 to a terminal 42 of the second contactor 24 (FIG. 6). The brush box 34 and terminal 42 are preferably connected to an insulator 44. The spring and first contactor unit 35 is preferably removable from the brush box 34 without removing the plug-in connector 40 from the terminal 42.
The spring 32 biases the first contactor 22 toward one of the open and closed positions. The first contactor 22 moves toward the other of the open and closed positions in response to reduction of the bia~. The bias is reduced in response to wear of the brush 14.
In operation, an unworn brush 14 is positioned in the box 34 and the spring 32 holds the first and second contactors 22, 24 in the open position. As the brush 14 wears, the contactors 22, 24 move toward the closed position.
J~ ~
When the brush 14 is sufficiently worn, the contactors 22, 24 close and energize the indicating apparatus 28. The brush 14 continues to wear until replaced.
Other aspects, objects and advantages will become apparent from a study of the specification, drawings and appended claims.
- . . .
E]ectrical machinery, such as direct current motors for example7 use brushes for transferring power between an electric circuit and a commutator. The brushes are in contact with the rotating commutator and, during use, wear and erode from such contact. The brushes must be replaced when sufficiently worn to preven~ damage to the commutator and insure efficient power transfer. Current devices can signal when the brushes are sufficiently worn to need replacing but usually interfere with the movement or useability of the brush. It is desirable to have a device which signals whell the brushes have been subs~antially completely worn away and does not interfere with the movement of the brush. sy so utilizing substantially the entire brush there is an avoidance of waste.
According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus comprising: a brush having first and second ends, said first end being movable between a first position at which said first and second ends ara spaced a preselected distance one from the other and a second position at which said first end is placed toward the second end, said first end moving from the first position toward the second position in response to wear of said brush; first and second contactors movable one relative to the other between an open position and a closed positioll, said contactors controllably moving from one of the open and closed positions in response to wear of said brush; and biasing means for urging said brush in a preselected direction and controllably moving a selected one of said ~;rst and second contactors in response to wear of said brush, said biasing means being in contact with the selected one of said first and second con-tactors and in contact with said first end of said brushJ said brush being ; substantially free for movement in the preselected direction independently of the position of the contactors and biasing means in response to wear, said biasing means being a roll spring.
According to another aspect oE the invention, there is provided an electrical apparaeus comprising: a brush having first and second ends which C ~ ' _ .
. : . .. : .
s~ ~
approach one another, in use, in response to wear of the second end of the brush; biasing means for urging the brush in a direction from the first end towards the second end in response to wear of the second brush end;
and first and second electrical contactors movable one relatïve to the other between an open position and a closed position, a selected one of the contactors being moved from one of the open and closed positions toward the other of the open and closed positions under the resil;ence of the respective contactor mounting in response to wear of the second brush end and under the control of the biasing means, the biasing means being in contact with the selected one of the first and second contactors and with the first end of the brush, and the brush being substantially free for longitudinal movement independently of the posi~ion of the contactors and biasing means in response to wear, said biasing means being a roll spring.
Two examples of apparatus constructed in accordance with the invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:
,:
~ - 2a -$~
FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic, longitudinal cross section of one apparatus;
FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic view similar to FIG. l;
FIG. 3 is partial front view of the FIG. 1 apparatus;
S FIG. 4 is an isometric view of another apparatus;
FIG. S is schematic illustration of an electric cir-cuit associated with the apparatus; and FIG. 6 is a simplified top view taken on the line VI-VI in Fig. 1.
Referring to FIG. 1, an electric machine, such as a direct current motor 10 for example, has a rotatable commuta-tor 12 and a brush 14. The brush 14 transfers power between the commutator 12 and a power source or electric circuit 16.
The brush 14 has a first end 20 adjacent the power ~-source 16 and a second end 18 adjacent the commutator 12. The first end 20 is movable in response to wearing away of the brush from a first position at which the first and second ends 20, 18 are spaced a preselected distance one from the other to a second position at which the first end 20 is displaced to-ward the second end 18. The brush 1~ is preferably of a uni-form composition throughout, such as graphite, for example.
The ends 18, 20 are preferably substantially coincident at the second position and are limited in movement between the first and second positions only by connection of the first end 20 to the power source 16.
The brush 14 interacts with first and second contactors 22, 24 which are movable one relative to the other be~ween an open position and a closed position. The contactors 22, 24 controllably move from one of the open and closed positions toward the other of the open and closed positions in response to wear and resultant movement of the first end 20 of the brush 14.
The first and second contactors 22, 24 form a path or current flow which is interrupted when the contactors 22, 24 move toward the open positionO
Referring to FIG. 5,-an indicating apparatus 28, such as a lamp for example, is connected to the first and second contactors 22, 24 and forms an electric circuit 30.
The lamp 28 preferably lights when the contactors 22, 24 are in the closed position to indicate a predetermined amount of wear of the brush 14. A ~hyristor 31 or similar device can be connected to the lamp 28 and contactors 22, 24 to achieve greater control of the circuit 30.
The brush 14 is biased by biasing means 32, prefer-ably a roll spring. The spring 32 urges the brush 14 in a preselected direction, preferably toward the commutator 12.
The s~ring 32 controllably moves a selected one of the first and second contactors 22, 24, preferably the first con~actor 22, in response to wear of the brush 14. The spring 32 is preferabl~ in contact wikh the first contackor 22 and prefer-ably only the irst end 20 of the brush 14. The brush 14 is substantially free of restrictive contact with the spring 32 and contactors 22, 24 durinq movement of the brush 14 between the first and second positions. The brush 14 is substantially free for movement in the preselected~direction independently o the contactors 22, 24 and biasing means 32 in response to wear.
.. . . . ..
- - . . , Referring to FIGS. 1-3 the brush 14 is positioned in a brush box or holder 34 which preferably holds a single brush 14. The brush 14 is slidably movable in the box 34.
The second contactor 24 is preferably connected to the box 34 and electrically isolated from the box 34. The box 34 has a construction sufficient for holding the brush 14, spring 32 and first contactor 22. The spring 32 and first contactor 22 preferably form a unit 35 which is insertable in and removable from the box 34. The spring 32 and con-tactors 22, 24 can form a unitary structure 36 which is removably positioned in a preselected location relative to the brush 14 (FIG. 4). The unit 35 and unitary structure 36 are held in the box 34 by a protrusion 3~ which engages the box 34. Each brush box 34 may hold more ~han one brush 14 or unit 35.
A plug-in connector 40 preferably connects the indicating apparatus 28 to a terminal 42 of the second contactor 24 (FIG. 6). The brush box 34 and terminal 42 are preferably connected to an insulator 44. The spring and first contactor unit 35 is preferably removable from the brush box 34 without removing the plug-in connector 40 from the terminal 42.
The spring 32 biases the first contactor 22 toward one of the open and closed positions. The first contactor 22 moves toward the other of the open and closed positions in response to reduction of the bia~. The bias is reduced in response to wear of the brush 14.
In operation, an unworn brush 14 is positioned in the box 34 and the spring 32 holds the first and second contactors 22, 24 in the open position. As the brush 14 wears, the contactors 22, 24 move toward the closed position.
J~ ~
When the brush 14 is sufficiently worn, the contactors 22, 24 close and energize the indicating apparatus 28. The brush 14 continues to wear until replaced.
Other aspects, objects and advantages will become apparent from a study of the specification, drawings and appended claims.
- . . .
Claims (9)
PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. An apparatus comprising:
a brush having first and second ends, said first end being movable between a first position at which said first and second ends are spaced a preselected distance one from the other and a second position at which said first end is placed toward the second end, said first end moving from the first position toward the second position in response to wear of said brush;
first and second contactors movable one relative to the other between an open position and a closed position, said contactors controllably moving from one of the open and closed positions in response to wear of said brush; and biasing means for urging said brush in a preselected direction and controllably moving a selected one of said first and second contactors in response to wear of said brush, said biasing means being in contact with the selected one of said first and second contactors and in contact with said first end of said brush, said brush being substantially free for move-ment in the preselected direction independently of the posi-tion of the contactors and biasing means in response to wear, said biasing means being a roll spring.
a brush having first and second ends, said first end being movable between a first position at which said first and second ends are spaced a preselected distance one from the other and a second position at which said first end is placed toward the second end, said first end moving from the first position toward the second position in response to wear of said brush;
first and second contactors movable one relative to the other between an open position and a closed position, said contactors controllably moving from one of the open and closed positions in response to wear of said brush; and biasing means for urging said brush in a preselected direction and controllably moving a selected one of said first and second contactors in response to wear of said brush, said biasing means being in contact with the selected one of said first and second contactors and in contact with said first end of said brush, said brush being substantially free for move-ment in the preselected direction independently of the posi-tion of the contactors and biasing means in response to wear, said biasing means being a roll spring.
2. An apparatus, as set forth in claim 1, including a box having a construction sufficient for holding said brush, biasing means and first contactors said biasing means and first contactor forming a unit.
3. An apparatus, as set forth in claim 2, wherein an electric circuit is connected to said second contactor and said unit is removable from said box while said second con-tactor is connected to said electric circuit.
4. An apparatus, as set forth in claim 1, wherein said biasing means urges said first contactor toward one of the open and closed positions, said first contactor moving toward the other of the open and closed positions in response to reduction of said urging, said urging being reduced in response to wear of said brush.
5. An apparatus, as set forth in claim 1, wherein said biasing means and said first and second contactors are connected and form a unitary structure removably positioned in a preselected location relative to said brush.
6. An apparatus, as set forth in claim 1, wherein said first and second contactors form a path for current flow, said current flow path being interrupted in response to said contactors moving toward the open position.
7. An apparatus, as set forth in claim 1, including an indicating apparatus connected to said second contactor and forming an electric circuit with said first and second con-tactors.
8. An apparatus, as set forth in claim 1, including a box having a construction sufficient for holding said brush, said brush being slidably movable in said box, said second contactor being connected to said box and electrically iso-lated therefrom.
9. An electrical apparatus comprising: a brush having first and second ends which approach one another, in use, in response to wear of the second end of the brush;
biasing means for urging the brush in a direction from the first end towards the second end in response to wear of the second brush end; and first and second electrical contactors movable one relative to the other between an open position and a closed position, a selected one of the contactors being moved from one of the open and closed positions toward the other of the open and closed positions under the resilience of the respective contactor mounting in response to wear of the second brush end and under the control of the biasing means, the biasing means being in contact with the selected one of the first and second contactors and with the first end of the brush, and the brush being substantially free for longitudinal movement independently of the position of the contactors and biasing means in response to wear, said biasing means being a roll spring.
biasing means for urging the brush in a direction from the first end towards the second end in response to wear of the second brush end; and first and second electrical contactors movable one relative to the other between an open position and a closed position, a selected one of the contactors being moved from one of the open and closed positions toward the other of the open and closed positions under the resilience of the respective contactor mounting in response to wear of the second brush end and under the control of the biasing means, the biasing means being in contact with the selected one of the first and second contactors and with the first end of the brush, and the brush being substantially free for longitudinal movement independently of the position of the contactors and biasing means in response to wear, said biasing means being a roll spring.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US84576477A | 1977-10-26 | 1977-10-26 | |
| US845,764 | 1977-10-26 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1109514A true CA1109514A (en) | 1981-09-22 |
Family
ID=25296048
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA305,792A Expired CA1109514A (en) | 1977-10-26 | 1978-06-20 | Brush apparatus |
Country Status (6)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1109514A (en) |
| DE (1) | DE2846082A1 (en) |
| ES (1) | ES474555A1 (en) |
| FR (1) | FR2407584A1 (en) |
| GB (1) | GB1585340A (en) |
| SE (1) | SE7810405L (en) |
Families Citing this family (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE3013758A1 (en) * | 1980-04-10 | 1981-10-15 | Kollektra Metall- und Kunststoff-Werk GmbH, 6301 Wettenberg | Brush-type current supply for electric machines - uses one or several insulated detector contacts, opened or short-circuited according to brush wear |
| DE3031915A1 (en) * | 1980-08-23 | 1982-04-08 | Robert Bosch Gmbh, 7000 Stuttgart | Wear detecting appts. - senses wear of carbon brushes in motor by using contacts or by visual inspection |
| US4348608A (en) * | 1980-09-04 | 1982-09-07 | General Electric Co. | Brush wear indicator |
| AU2328684A (en) * | 1983-01-21 | 1984-07-26 | Mcgraw-Edison Company | Brush wear indicator circuit |
| DE3509299A1 (en) * | 1985-03-15 | 1986-09-25 | Heidelberger Druckmaschinen Ag, 6900 Heidelberg | DEVICE FOR DETECTING THE STATE OF CHARCOAL BRUSHES ON DRIVES, ESPECIALLY DRIVES ON PRINTING MACHINES |
| US4950933A (en) * | 1989-08-03 | 1990-08-21 | Westinghouse Electric Corp. | Carbon brush holder utilizing a worn brush detector |
Family Cites Families (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US2691114A (en) * | 1951-05-08 | 1954-10-05 | Earl D Lykins | Generator brush with condition indicator |
| US3423618A (en) * | 1966-04-25 | 1969-01-21 | Harnischfeger Corp | Electrical machinery brush holder |
| US3526797A (en) * | 1969-09-29 | 1970-09-01 | Gen Electric | Stabilizing spring assembly for brushholder |
| US3609429A (en) * | 1970-02-02 | 1971-09-28 | Harris A Thompson | Brush wear indicator |
| US4024525A (en) * | 1976-01-07 | 1977-05-17 | Towmotor Corporation | Brush wear indicator |
-
1978
- 1978-05-23 GB GB21314/78A patent/GB1585340A/en not_active Expired
- 1978-06-20 CA CA305,792A patent/CA1109514A/en not_active Expired
- 1978-09-05 FR FR7825514A patent/FR2407584A1/en active Granted
- 1978-10-04 SE SE7810405A patent/SE7810405L/en unknown
- 1978-10-23 DE DE19782846082 patent/DE2846082A1/en active Granted
- 1978-10-26 ES ES474555A patent/ES474555A1/en not_active Expired
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| DE2846082C2 (en) | 1989-08-17 |
| ES474555A1 (en) | 1979-02-16 |
| FR2407584B1 (en) | 1984-03-09 |
| FR2407584A1 (en) | 1979-05-25 |
| GB1585340A (en) | 1981-02-25 |
| DE2846082A1 (en) | 1979-05-03 |
| SE7810405L (en) | 1979-04-27 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |