Electric motor having an improved airflow cooling system
US6011331A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 22, 1997 |
| Grant date | Jan 4, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 22, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S310/06
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An improved design for a switched reluctance motor is disclosed that keeps the motor cool during operation and thereby improves the performance and reliability of the motor. The improved design employs three centrifugal fans mounted to the motor shaft, which are used to create two independent airflow paths, one of which cools the electronic components of the motor. The improved design also divides the functions performed by a single printed circuit board into two circuit boards, an upper circuit board and a lower circuit board. Another feature of the improved design includes locating the position/speed sensing encoder immediately below one of the centrifugal cooling fans. The disclosed construction provides for increased dissipation of heat that is generated by the motor and its electronic components. In this configuration, the printed circuit boards and other electronic components are located in such a manner that air can be circulated in a path to remove heat from these components.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.