Conductive device with centering projection
By designing conductive devices in the bearings and forming conductive paths with annular conductors and support brackets, the problem of damage caused by current passing through the bearings is solved, and the effect of effectively preventing damage and reducing uneven wear is achieved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202411402747.X
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-10-10
- Filing Date
- 2024-10-09
- Publication Date
- 2025-04-11
AI Technical Summary
Existing bearings are prone to damage when current or charge passes through, especially causing serious damage to the bearing raceway.
A conductive device is designed, including an annular conductor and a support bracket, which is in contact with the shaft through the annular conductor and is connected to the outer member through the support bracket to form a conductive path to prevent current from passing through the bearing.
Effectively prevent current from flowing through the bearing raceway, avoid damage, and avoid uneven wear of the conductor through the design of centering protrusions, reducing discharge or "spark" phenomena.
Smart Images
Figure CN119813668A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to bearings, and more particularly to grounding devices for preventing electric current or electric charge from passing through bearings. Background Art
[0002] Bearings used in electrical machinery (such as motors, generators and similar devices) may be damaged if current or charge passes through the bearing, which is particularly harmful to the bearing raceways. Devices such as grounding brushes have been developed to provide alternative paths for the current generated by the charge accumulated on the shaft, thereby preventing such current from passing through the bearing. These devices typically include an annular retainer and a plurality of conductive fibers, the annular retainer having an outer rim that frictionally engages with a hole of a seat ( / shell) or hub at a position adjacent to the bearing, and a plurality of conductive fibers attached to the retainer and spaced circumferentially around the entire outer surface of the shaft to form a relatively solid fiber ring. Therefore, the current passes from the shaft through the fibers and retainer and enters the seat / hub. Summary of the invention
[0003] In one aspect, the present invention is a conductive device for preventing current from flowing through a raceway of a bearing, the bearing rotatably coupling a shaft to an outer member, the shaft having a central axis and an outer circumferential surface centered on the central axis, the outer member having at least one radial mounting surface and a first opening and a second opening extending inwardly from the at least one mounting surface. The conductive device includes an annular conductor having a centerline and an inner radial end capable of contacting the shaft, the inner radial end having an inner circumferential surface centered on the centerline. A support bracket is formed of a conductive material and includes an inner annular body having a centerline, an inner radial end, and an outer radial end, the inner radial end defining a central opening, the size of the central opening being designed to be radially spaced outwardly from the shaft, the annular conductor being coupled to the body so that the centerline of the conductor is coaxial with the centerline of the bracket. The at least one mounting lug extends radially outwardly from the outer radial end of the body and can be arranged against at least one radial mounting surface of the outer member. The at least one mounting lug includes a first centering projection located at a first predetermined distance from the center line and a second centering projection located at a second predetermined distance from the center line, and the second centering projection is angularly spaced from the first centering projection around the center line of the body and / or radially spaced from the first centering projection. The first centering projection is capable of being arranged in the first opening of the outer member, and the second centering projection is capable of being arranged in the second opening of the outer member. Thereby, the center line of the conductor is coaxial with the central axis of the shaft, and the inner circumferential surface of the conductor is centered on the central axis, and an electrically conductive path extends between the shaft and the outer member through the conductor and the support bracket.
[0004] In another aspect, the present invention is a mechanical assembly for an electric machine, the mechanical assembly comprising: a shaft having a central axis; and an outer member having a hole, at least one radial mounting surface, a first locator opening, and a second locator opening, the shaft being arranged in the hole, the first locator opening extending from the at least one mounting surface into the outer member and spaced apart from the central axis by a first predetermined distance, and the second locator opening extending from the at least one mounting surface into the outer member and spaced apart from the central axis by a second predetermined distance. A bearing rotatably couples the shaft to the outer member and has an inner raceway surface and an outer raceway surface. In addition, the mechanical assembly comprises a conductive device as described in the previous paragraph. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] The foregoing summary of the invention and the detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, presently preferred embodiments are shown in the illustrative drawings. However, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the precise configurations and means shown. In the drawings:
[0006] Figure 1 is an axial cross-sectional view of the conductive device and mechanical assembly of the present invention shown incorporated into an electric machine;
[0007] Figure 2 is a three-dimensional diagram of a conductive device;
[0008] Figure 3 is a front plan view of the conductive device;
[0009] Figure 4 is an axial cross-sectional view of the conductive device;
[0010] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 an enlarged view of a section of a portion;
[0011] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 a more enlarged view in section of a portion of the , showing details of the inner conductor and one of the retaining tabs;
[0012] Figure 7 is a front plan view of a support bracket of the conductive device;
[0013] Figure 8 is a front plan view of an alternative configuration of a support bracket for an electrically conductive device having a connector opening provided by a centering protrusion;
[0014] Fig. 9 yes Figure 8An axial cross-sectional view of a conductive device;
[0015] Fig.10 is a more enlarged axial cross-sectional view of a first configuration of the centering projection;
[0016] Fig.11 is a more enlarged axial cross-sectional view of a second configuration of the centering projection;
[0017] Fig.12 is a more enlarged axial cross-sectional view of a third configuration of the centering projection;
[0018] Fig.13 is a more enlarged axial cross-sectional view of a fourth configuration of the centering projection;
[0019] Fig.14 is a front plan view of an alternative configuration of a support bracket for an electrically conductive device having a single mounting lug with radially spaced centering protrusions; and
[0020] Fig.15 is a front plan view of an alternative configuration of a support bracket for an electrically conductive device having a single mounting lug with angularly spaced centering protrusions. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] Certain terms are used in the following description for convenience only and are not restrictive. The words "inward", "inwardly" and "outwardly", "outwardly" refer to directions toward and away from a specified centerline or geometric center of the element being described, respectively, and the specific meaning is readily understood from the context of the description. In addition, as used herein, the words "connected" and "coupled" are each intended to include a direct connection between two components without any other components interposed therebetween and an indirect connection between components with one or more other components interposed therebetween. The terms include the words specifically mentioned above, their derivatives, and words of similar meaning.
[0022] Referring now in detail to the drawings, wherein like numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout, Figures 1 to 13 1 shows a conductive device 10 for a mechanical assembly 12 of an electric machine M (such as a motor, a generator, etc.). The conductive device 10 is configured to prevent current from flowing through the inner raceway R of a bearing 14 by providing an alternative path for the charge or current. I and outer raceway R O , to prevent damage to them, as discussed below. The mechanical assembly 12 also includes a central axis A C The invention relates to a shaft 16 and an outer member 18 (e.g., a seat ( / shell) (housing) or a hub) having a hole 20, the shaft 16 is arranged in the hole 20 of the outer member and has an outer circumferential surface 17. Figure 1 As indicated in FIG. 1 , the outer member 18 has at least one radial mounting surface 22 (ie, relative to the central axis A C The first locator opening 24 extends from the at least one mounting surface 22 into the outer member 18 and is aligned with the central axis A. C The second locator opening 26 extends from the at least one mounting surface 22 into the outer member 18 and is spaced apart from the central axis A by a first predetermined distance D1. C The radial mounting surface 22 may be spaced apart by a second predetermined distance D2. C The radial mounting surface 22 may be a single continuous surface extending therefrom, or may be provided by two or more separate radial surfaces 22 , and in either case the radial mounting surface 22 is preferably the exterior surface(s) of the outer member 18 .
[0023] In addition, the bearing 14 rotatably couples the shaft 16 and the outer member 18 so that either the shaft 16 or the outer member 18 can rotate about the central axis A. C Preferably, the bearing 14 includes a bearing 14 mounted around the shaft 16 and providing (one or more) inner raceways R I At least one inner ring 15A, providing (one or more) outer raceways R O At least one outer ring 15B and an inner raceway R I With outer raceway R O However, the bearing 14 may include one or more outer raceways R formed directly in the outer member 18. O , and therefore has no separate outer ring, or can be formed as a sliding bearing without any rolling elements.
[0024] The conductive device 10 basically includes an inner annular conductor 30 capable of engaging with the shaft 16 and an outer support bracket 32 connecting the conductor 30 to the outer member 18. The annular conductor 30 has a center line L C , an inner radial end portion 30a capable of contacting the shaft 16 and an opposite outer radial end portion 30b, wherein the inner radial end portion 30a has a central axis L C The support bracket 32 is formed of an electrically conductive material and includes an inner annular body 34 and at least one mounting lug 36, preferably a first mounting lug 37 and a second mounting lug 38, as described in detail below.
[0025] More specifically, the annular body 34 has a center line L B, an inner radial end 34a, an outer radial end 34b, and opposing first and second axial ends 34c and 34d, wherein the inner radial end 34a defines a central opening 35 that is sized to be spaced radially outward from the shaft 16, i.e., when the support bracket 32 is connected to the outer member 18. As described below, the ring conductor 30 is coupled to the body 34 so that the centerline L of the conductor C With the center line of the bracket L B At least one mounting lug 36 extends radially outwardly from, is preferably integrally formed with, the outer radial end 34 b of the body 34 , and is positionable against at least one radial mounting surface 22 of the outer member 18 .
[0026] In addition, at least one mounting lug 36 includes a portion of the mounting lug 36 located at a distance L from the centerline of the bracket. B The first centering protrusion 40 at the first predetermined distance D1 and the first centering protrusion 40 at the center line L of the bracket B The second centering protrusion 42 is located at the second predetermined distance D2. The second centering protrusion 42 is located around the center line L of the bracket. B Angularly spaced from the first centering protrusion 40, such as Figures 1 to 4 , Figures 7 to 9 as well as Fig.15 As depicted in FIG. 1 , and / or the second centering protrusion 42 is radially spaced from the first centering protrusion 40, such as Fig.14 Preferably, the first predetermined distance D1 is equal to the second predetermined distance D2, but in some applications, the two distances D1 and D2 may be different or unequal, such as Fig.14 In addition, for the preferred two mounting lugs 37 and 38, the first centering protrusion 40 is provided on the first mounting lug 37, and the second centering protrusion 42 is provided on the second mounting lug 38. Fig.14 and Fig.15 As shown, the first centering protrusion 40 and the second centering protrusion 42 may be provided on a single mounting lug 36 .
[0027] In any case, when the support bracket 32 is coupled to the outer member 18, the first centering protrusion 40 is disposed within the first opening 24 of the outer member 18, and the second centering protrusion 42 is disposed within the second opening 26 of the outer member 18. C It is thus positioned with respect to the central axis A of the shaft C coaxially, and the inner circumferential surface 31 of the conductor is centered on the central axis A C The shaft 16 is centered on the outer member 18 , while a conductive path extends between the shaft 16 and the outer member 18 through a conductor 30 and a support bracket 32 .
[0028] Thus, the present conductive assembly 10 provides an alternative path for the current (ie, an alternate path to the current passing through the bearing 14 and, in particular, through the bearing raceway R I , R O On the contrary), this avoids the I , R O and potential damage to the rolling element 15C. In addition, by providing the support bracket 32 with two centering protrusions 40, 42, the annular conductor 30 is immediately centered on the shaft 16 when the support bracket 32 is connected to the outer member 18. Thereby, uneven wear on the inner radial end 30a of the conductor 30 is avoided, which may cause discharges or "sparking" that may potentially damage the shaft 16. Having described the basic elements and functions above, these and other components of the present conductive device 10 and mechanical assembly 12 are described in more detail below.
[0029] Now refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 , the inner conductor 30 is preferably a conductive brush assembly 50, which includes an outer annular conductive retainer 52 arranged against the body 34 of the support bracket 30 and a plurality of conductive fibers 54 extending radially inward from the annular retainer 52 and configured to engage with the shaft 16. The annular retainer 52 is preferably formed of a conductive metal material, most preferably aluminum, but may also be formed of another metallic material (such as steel or copper, a conductive polymer material, or any other conductive material). In addition, each conductive fiber 22 is preferably formed of carbon, but may alternatively be formed of a metallic material (e.g., copper, aluminum), a conductive polymer material, or any other suitable material.
[0030] More specifically, the annular conductive holder 52 has a closed outer radial end 52a providing the outer radial end 30b of the conductor, an open inner radial end 52b, an annular channel 55 extending radially outward from the inner radial end 52b, and two circumferential ends 53A, 53B ( Figure 3 Preferably, the annular conductive retainer 52 is formed to include an outer base wall 56 and a pair of side walls 58A, 58B extending radially inward from the base wall 56 and defining a circumferential channel 55. In addition, a plurality of conductive fibers 54 are arranged around the center line L of the conductor 30. C The conductive fibers 54 are spaced apart in the circumferential direction and preferably evenly distributed along the entire arcuate perimeter (not indicated) between the circumferential ends 53A, 53B of the annular retainer 52. In addition, each conductive fiber 54 has an outer radial end 54a disposed within the channel 55 of the retainer 52 and at least one inner radial end 54b capable of engaging with the shaft 16, and all inner radial ends 54b of the plurality of conductive fibers 54 collectively define the inner circumferential surface 31 of the annular conductor 30.
[0031] Although the inner annular conductor 30 is preferably formed as a brush assembly 50 including an annular retainer 52 and a plurality of conductive fibers 54, the conductor 30 may be formed in any other suitable manner. For example, the conductor 30 may be formed as an arcuate solid member (not shown) formed of graphite, a conductive polymer material, or any other suitable conductive material.
[0032] Now refer to Figure 2 , Figure 4 as well as Figures 7 to 9 The support bracket 32 is preferably formed as a flat plate 60 providing a body 34 and at least one mounting lug 36, wherein each of the first centering protrusion 40 and the second centering protrusion 42 is formed as two stretched portions 62, 64 ( Figure 4 ) in a single one of the support brackets 32. That is, the support bracket 32 is preferably formed from a flat blank (not shown) of a metal material (e.g., mild steel, aluminum) in a stamping operation to produce a flat plate 60 having one or more mounting lugs 36, and each projection 40, 42 is formed by drawing a localized amount of metal material to form each centering projection 40, 42, which is then processed by punching, threading, etc. to form finished projections 40, 42, as described in detail below. However, when the support bracket 32 is formed from a suitable non-metallic material (e.g., a conductive polymer), the bracket 32 can be molded or otherwise formed into the flat plate 60 including the projections 40, 42 and other portions of the bracket 32.
[0033] like Figure 7 As best shown in FIG. 1 , the body 34 is preferably formed as a flat circular rim 66 having opposing first and second axial ends 66a, 66b and a plurality of integral retainer tabs 68. Each retainer tab 68 extends axially from the outer radial end 34b of the body 34, and the plurality of tabs 68 extend about the centerline L of the support bracket. B Each tab 68 is circumferentially spaced apart and engages with the annular conductor 30 to connect the conductor 30 to the bracket 32. Specifically, each retaining tab 68 has an axial portion 68a extending from the outer radial end 32b of the body 34 and a radial portion 68b axially spaced apart from the body 34 and extending inwardly from the axial portion 68a, as shown in FIG. Figure 6 Indicated in.
[0034] Thus, the conductor 30 is clamped axially between the body 34 of the bracket and the radial portion 68b of each tab 68. In the case of the preferred support bracket 32 formed by stamping a flat blank, each mounting tab 68 initially extends radially outward from the body 34 and is bent twice to surround the outer radial end 30b of the conductor 30. However, as another option, the support bracket 32 or the conductive device 10 can be formed to attach the annular conductor 30 to the support bracket 32 by any other suitable means, such as by a separate clamp member that attaches the conductor 30 to the body 34 of the bracket, by a fastener extending through the conductor 30 and the support bracket 32, etc.
[0035] Furthermore, where the preferred support bracket 32 has two mounting lugs 37, 38, the lugs 37, 38 are preferably spaced 180 degrees apart and each lug has an outer radial end 37b, 38b, respectively, and an inner radial end 37a, 38a, respectively, formed integrally with the body 34. Each lug 37, 38 is preferably generally rectangular, has a curved outer end 37b, 38a, and has opposing first and second axial ends 37c, 38c, 37d, 38d, respectively. Fig.14 and Fig.15 In the alternative construction shown in FIG, the support bracket 32 includes only a single mounting lug 36, which extends radially from the outer end 34b of the bracket body 34 and is generally formed with two lugs 37, 38 as described above. However, the support bracket 32 may alternatively include only a single mounting lug 36 extending circumferentially and completely around the body 34, so that the body 34 and the mounting lug 36 are part of an annular plate, and three or more mounting lugs 36 or two mounting lugs 37, 38 spaced apart in any suitable manner may be spaced apart by less than 180 degrees (e.g., 135 degrees, 90 degrees, etc.) (alternatives not shown).
[0036] For both preferred mounting lugs 37, 38, the first centering protrusion 40 is radially disposed between the inner radial end 37a and the outer radial end 37b of the first mounting lug 37 and extends axially from the second axial end 37d of the lug 37, thus extending in an axial direction opposite to the retainer tabs 68 and away from the conductor 30. Similarly, the second centering protrusion 42 is radially disposed between the inner radial end 38a and the outer radial end 38b of the second mounting lug 38 and extends axially from the second axial end 38d of the lug 38. Furthermore, as with both preferred mounting lugs 37, 38, the two centering protrusions 40, 42 are preferably spaced 180 degrees apart as shown, but may be spaced less than 180 degrees apart (e.g., 135 degrees, 90 degrees, etc.) in some applications.
[0037] Especially referring to Fig.14 and Fig.15 , when the support bracket 32 includes only a single mounting lug 36 that extends radially outward only from the arcuate portion of the outer end 34b of the body (i.e., does not surround the body 34), the first centering protrusion 40 and the second centering protrusion 42 can be radially spaced apart, but not angularly spaced apart, and located at predetermined distances D1, D2 having different values or sizes, such as Fig.14 For example, the second predetermined distance D2 may be greater than the first predetermined distance D1. Fig.14 Alternatively, the first and second centering projections 40, 42 may be located on a single mounting lug 36 and radially spaced apart, for example, about 30 degrees apart, and positioned such that the predetermined distances D1, D2 have the same size or value (as depicted) or different values (not shown).
[0038] Now refer to Figure 1 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 as well as Figures 7 to 9 Each of the first centering protrusion 40 and the second centering protrusion 42 has a central axis L parallel to the support bracket 32. B Extended center line L P1 , L P2 and the center line L of the protrusion P The center line L of the first protrusion 40 is the outer circumferential surface 41, 43 centered at the center. P1 With the center line L of the conductor C The first predetermined distance D1 is spaced apart, and the center line L of the second protrusion 42 P2 With the center line L of the conductor C Separated by a second predetermined distance D2, such as Figure 1 , Figure 4 and Fig. 9 In addition, Figure 1 As indicated in FIG. 1 , the outer circumferential surface 41 of the first protrusion 40 is configured to engage, preferably frictionally engage, the inner circumferential surface 25 of the first locator opening 24 of the outer member 18, the first locator opening 24 being centered about the opening centerline L O1 Similarly, Figure 1 As shown, the outer circumferential surface 43 of the second protrusion 42 is configured to engage with the inner circumferential surface 27 of the second locator opening 26 of the outer member, and the second locator opening 26 is centered on the opening center line L O2 As the center.
[0039] Due to the positioning of the protrusions 40, 42 and the openings 24, 26 and the relative sizes and engagement of the surfaces 41 / 25 and 43 / 27, when the protrusions 40, 42 are arranged within the associated openings 24, 26, the centerline L of the conductors C At least substantially aligned with the central axis A of the shaft 16 C Coaxially, preferably completely with the central axis A of the shaft 16 C Therefore, the inner surface 31 of the conductor 30 is centered on the central axis A. C centered, and with the preferred brush assembly 50, the inner ends 54b of the plurality of conductive fibers 54 uniformly engage the shaft outer surface 17 around its entire circumferential perimeter.
[0040] Reference Figures 10 to 13 , each of the first protrusion 40 and the second protrusion 42 includes a circular tubular sidewall 70, which provides the outer circumferential surface 41 or 43 of the protrusion and also has an inner circumferential surface 72. Specifically, each tubular sidewall 70 has an inner axial end 70a integrally formed with at least one mounting lug 36 and an opposite free outer axial end 70b. In some applications, the sidewall 70 may have an inwardly tapered or chamfered outer portion 71 to facilitate insertion into the openings 24, 26, such as Fig.11 shown.
[0041] In addition, in Fig.12 and Fig.13 In some configurations shown in FIG. 4 , each protrusion 40 , 42 has an end wall 72 integrally formed with an outer axial end 70 b of a tubular side wall 70 b. Fig.12 In one configuration shown in FIG. 7 , the end wall 72 is formed as a circular plate 74 and completely closes the ends of the protrusions 40 , 42 so that the protrusions 40 , 42 are inserted into the associated openings 24 , 26 during a “blind” assembly process. As another option, as Fig.13 As depicted in FIG. 1 , the end wall 72 is formed as an annular rim 75 having a central axial hub 76 that is threaded and configured to be engaged by a fastener 80, such as Fig. 9 As shown and discussed below, in order to connect at least one mounting lug 36 to the outer member 18.
[0042] Reference Figures 1 to 4 as well as Figures 7 to 9, the conductive device 10 is preferably attached to the (one or more) radial mounting surfaces 22 of the outer member 20 by at least one and preferably two fasteners 80, each of which is preferably a threaded rod or bolt. Specifically, at least one mounting lug 36 includes at least one and preferably two connector openings 82 for receiving a single one of the two fasteners 80, thereby connecting the support bracket 32 to the outer member 18 so that at least a portion of the (one or more) mounting lugs 36 is arranged against the (one or more) radial mounting surfaces 22. For the preferred two mounting lugs 37, 38, each mounting lug 37, 38 includes one of the two connector openings 82, although for example Fig.14 and Fig.15 The single mounting lug 36 shown in FIG. 8 may provide only a single connector opening 82 .
[0043] Furthermore, each connector opening 82 is configured to receive an associated fastener 80 with clearance, such as Figure 1 As shown, or configured to threadably engage a fastener 80, such as Fig. 9 . Moreover, in most configurations, each connector opening 82 is formed separately from and spaced apart from one of the centering projections 40, 42, preferably radially outwardly from one projection 40, 42. However, as Figure 8 , Fig. 9 and Fig.13 As depicted in FIG. 8 , the connector opening 82 may be provided by a threaded hub 76 formed in one configuration of the centering projections 40 , 42 as described above.
[0044] The above describes in detail representative non-limiting examples of the present invention with reference to the attached drawings. This detailed description is only intended to teach those skilled in the art further details for practicing the preferred aspects of the present teachings, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.
[0045] In addition, the combination of features and steps disclosed in the above detailed description may not be necessary to practice the invention in the broadest sense, but are merely taught to particularly describe representative examples of the invention. In addition, various features of the above representative examples and the following independent and dependent claims may be combined in ways not specifically and explicitly listed to provide additional useful embodiments of the present teachings.
[0046] All features disclosed in the specification and / or claims are intended to be disclosed individually and independently of each other for the purpose of original written disclosure and for the purpose of limiting the claimed subject matter, without relying on the combination of features in the embodiments and / or claims. In addition, all value ranges or indications of entity groups are intended to disclose every possible intermediate value or intermediate entity for the purpose of original written disclosure and for the purpose of limiting the claimed subject matter. The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and may vary within the scope of the appended claims.
Claims
1. A conductive device for preventing current from flowing through a raceway of a bearing, the bearing rotatably coupling a shaft to an outer member, the shaft having a central axis and an outer circumferential surface centered on the central axis, the outer member having at least one radial mounting surface and a first opening and a second opening extending inwardly from the at least one mounting surface, the conductive device comprising: an annular conductor having a centerline and an inner radial end portion capable of contacting the shaft, the inner radial end portion having an inner circumferential surface centered on the centerline; as well as A support bracket formed of an electrically conductive material and comprising an inner annular body having a centerline, an inner radial end and an outer radial end, the inner radial end defining a central opening sized to be radially spaced outward from the axis, the annular conductor coupled to the body such that the centerline of the conductor is coaxial with the centerline of the bracket, the at least one mounting lug extending radially outward from the outer radial end of the body and being positionable against at least one radial mounting surface of the outer member, the at least one mounting lug comprising a first predetermined distance from the centerline of the bracket a first centering protrusion and a second centering protrusion located at a second predetermined distance from the center line of the bracket, and the second centering protrusion is angularly spaced from the first centering protrusion around the center line of the bracket and / or radially spaced from the first centering protrusion, the first centering protrusion is arrangeable within the first opening of the outer member, and the second centering protrusion is arrangeable within the second opening of the outer member, so that the center line of the conductor is coaxial with the central axis of the shaft, and the inner circumferential surface of the conductor is centered on the central axis, and a conductive path extends between the shaft and the outer member through the conductor and the support bracket.
2. The conductive device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first predetermined distance is equal to the second predetermined distance.
3. Conducting device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that Each of the first and second centering protrusions has a centerline extending parallel to the centerline of the support bracket and an outer circumferential surface centered on the centerline of the protrusion, the centerline of the first protrusion is spaced apart from the centerline of the conductor by the first predetermined distance, and the centerline of the second protrusion is spaced apart from the centerline of the conductor by the second predetermined distance, the outer circumferential surface of the first protrusion is configured to engage with the inner circumferential surface of the first opening of the outer member, and the outer circumferential surface of the second protrusion is configured to engage with the inner circumferential surface of the second opening of the outer member so as to position the centerline of the conductor coaxially with the central axis of the shaft.
4. The conductive device according to claim 3, characterized in that: Each of the first and second protrusions comprises a circular tubular sidewall providing an outer circumferential surface of the protrusion, the tubular sidewall having an inner axial end integrally formed with the at least one mounting lug and an opposite free outer axial end.
5. The conductive device according to claim 4, characterized in that: Each of the first and second protrusions further includes an end wall integrally formed with the outer axial end of the tubular sidewall, the end wall being formed as a circular plate or annular rim having a central axial hub, the hub being threaded and configured to be engaged by a fastener to connect the at least one mounting lug to the outer member.
6. Conducting device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The support bracket is formed as a flat plate providing the main body and the at least one mounting lug, and each of the first centering protrusion and the second centering protrusion is formed as a single one of two stretched portions of the at least one mounting lug.
7. Conducting device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The body of the support bracket includes a plurality of integral retention tabs, each extending axially from an outer radial end of the body and spaced circumferentially about a centerline of the support bracket, each retaining tab engaging the annular conductor to connect the conductor to the bracket.
8. Conducting device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The at least one mounting lug includes at least one connector opening for receiving a fastener for attaching the support bracket to the outer member, the at least one connector opening being configured to receive the fastener with clearance or being configured to be threadedly engaged by the fastener, and the at least one connector opening being spaced apart from the first protrusion and the second protrusion or extending through one of the first centering protrusion and the second centering protrusion.
9. Conducting device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The at least one mounting lug includes a first mounting lug and a second mounting lug, the first mounting lug and the second mounting lug are angularly spaced about a centerline of the mounting plate, the first centering protrusion extends axially from the first mounting lug, and the second centering protrusion extends axially from the second mounting lug.
10. Conducting device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The annular conductor comprises: an annular conductive retainer disposed against the body of the support bracket and having an outer radial end, an inner radial end, and an annular channel extending radially outward from the inner radial end; and A plurality of conductive fibers are circumferentially spaced about the centerline, each fiber having an outer radial end disposed within the channel of the retainer and at least one inner radial end engageable with the shaft, the inner radial ends of the plurality of fibers collectively defining an inner circumferential surface of the annular conductor.
11. A mechanical assembly for an electric machine, the mechanical assembly comprising: A shaft having a central axis; an outer member having a bore, at least one radial mounting surface, a first locator opening, the shaft being disposed within the bore, the first locator opening extending from the at least one mounting surface into the outer member and spaced a first predetermined distance from the central axis, and a second locator opening extending from the at least one mounting surface into the outer member and spaced a second predetermined distance from the central axis; a bearing rotatably coupling the shaft with the outer member and having an inner raceway surface and an outer raceway surface; as well as Conductive means as claimed in any preceding claim.