Brush assembly for grounding

Abstract

According to one aspect of the present invention, a brush assembly for grounding is provided, the brush assembly comprising: a plurality of strip-shaped brushes, each comprising a bundle of electrically conductive fibers; and a brush fixing member which is made of an electrically conductive material, and which fixes the plurality of brushes such that the plurality of brushes are sequentially disposed to be spaced apart in the circumferential direction, wherein the brush fixing member is in contact with and is electrically connected to the brush, and at least one end portion of both the longitudinal end portions of each of the plurality of brushes protrudes radially inward from the brush fixing member.

Description

Grounding brush assembly

[0001] The present invention relates to grounding technology.

[0002] Recently, interest in electric vehicles (EVs) that use electrical energy stored in batteries as a power source has been increasing. Electric vehicles include an electric motor that generates driving force by receiving electrical energy from the battery. The electric motors used in electric vehicles generally receive three-phase AC power through an inverter. The inverter converts the battery's DC power into three-phase AC through power module switching. At this stage, the three-phase voltage is not in the form of a perfect sinusoidal wave but rather a square wave, so the sum of the three-phase voltages is not zero. This is called Common-Mode Voltage (CMV). Due to the common-mode voltage applied to the motor coils, shaft voltage is generated on the rotating shaft caused by the influence of parasitic capacitance within the motor. This shaft voltage creates a potential difference between the inner and outer rings of the bearing supporting the rotating shaft. Through an internal discharge mechanism, this causes erosion of the bearing, which ultimately damages the bearing.

[0003] A shaft grounding device is used to reduce shaft voltage generated in the rotating shaft of an electric motor. The shaft grounding device eliminates shaft voltage generated in the rotating shaft by grounding the rotating shaft of the electric motor. Registered Patent No. 10-2471033 describes the configuration of a shaft grounding device equipped with brushes installed on the rotating shaft of an electric motor and in contact with the outer surface of the rotating shaft.

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide a grounding brush assembly that facilitates the manufacture of a shaft grounding device.

[0005] In order to achieve the objectives of the present invention as described above, according to one aspect of the present invention, a grounding brush assembly is provided, comprising: a plurality of strip-shaped brushes formed by a bundle of electrically conductive fibers; and a brush fixing member made of an electrically conductive material that fixes the plurality of brushes so that the plurality of brushes are spaced apart in sequence along a circumferential direction, wherein the brush fixing member is electrically connected by contact with the brushes, and at least one end of each of the longitudinal ends of the plurality of brushes protrudes radially inward from the brush fixing member.

[0006] According to another aspect of the present invention, in order to achieve the objectives of the present invention as described above, a grounding brush assembly is provided comprising: a plurality of brushes spaced apart in sequence along a circumferential direction; a first brush fixing member made of an electrically conductive material; and a plurality of second brush fixing members made of an electrically conductive material, wherein each of the plurality of second brush fixing members is coupled to the first brush fixing member so that each of the plurality of brushes is fixed, and the brushes are electrically connected by contacting the first brush fixing member and the second brush fixing member, and at least one end of each of the longitudinal ends of the plurality of brushes protrudes radially inward from the first brush fixing member and the second brush fixing member.

[0007] According to the present invention, all the objectives of the invention described above can be achieved. Specifically, since a plurality of brushes are coupled to a brush fixing member made of an electrically conductive material to form a grounding brush assembly, a ring, arc, or line-shaped shaft grounding device can be easily manufactured.

[0008] FIGS. 1 to 3 are drawings of a grounding device having a grounding brush assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0009] FIGS. 4 to 6 are drawings that show in detail the part where the brush is fixed in a grounding brush assembly according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] FIGS. 7 to 12 are drawings illustrating the manufacturing process of a grounding brush assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a modified embodiment of a grounding brush assembly according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of another modified embodiment of a grounding brush assembly according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] FIGS. 15 and 16 are perspective views of a grounding brush assembly according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] FIGS. 17 to 19 are drawings showing in detail the part where the brush is fixed in a grounding brush assembly according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] FIGS. 20 to 25 are drawings illustrating the manufacturing process of a grounding brush assembly according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a modified embodiment of a grounding brush assembly according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] FIGS. 27 and 28 are drawings illustrating the manufacturing process of the grounding brush assembly shown in FIG. 26.

[0018] FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a grounding brush assembly according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] FIGS. 30 to 34 are drawings illustrating the manufacturing process of a grounding brush assembly according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 35 is a perspective view of a modified embodiment of a grounding brush assembly according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] FIGS. 36 and FIGS. 37 are drawings illustrating the manufacturing process of the grounding brush assembly shown in FIG. 35.

[0022] FIG. 38 is a perspective view of another modified embodiment of a grounding brush assembly according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] FIG. 39 is a drawing for explaining the arrangement of brushes in the grounding brush assembly shown in FIG. 38.

[0024] FIG. 40 is a diagram schematically illustrating another modified embodiment of a grounding brush assembly according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 41 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of brushes in the grounding brush assembly shown in FIG. 39.

[0026] FIGS. 42 and FIGS. 43 are perspective views of a grounding brush assembly according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] FIGS. 44 to 46 are drawings showing in detail the part where the brush is fixed in a grounding brush assembly according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] FIGS. 47 to 51 are drawings illustrating the manufacturing process of a grounding brush assembly according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 52 is a perspective view of a modified embodiment of a grounding brush assembly according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] FIGS. 53 and 54 are drawings illustrating the manufacturing process of the grounding brush assembly shown in FIG. 52.

[0031] FIG. 55 is a perspective view of a grounding brush assembly according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] FIGS. 56 to 58 are drawings showing in detail the part where the brush is fixed in a grounding brush assembly according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] FIGS. 59 to 64 are drawings illustrating the manufacturing process of a grounding brush assembly according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 65 is a perspective view of a modified embodiment of a grounding brush assembly according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] FIGS. 66 and 67 are drawings illustrating the manufacturing process of the grounding brush assembly shown in FIG. 65.

[0036] FIG. 68 is a perspective view of a grounding brush assembly according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] FIGS. 69 to 71 are drawings showing in detail the part where the brush is fixed in a grounding brush assembly according to the 6th embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] FIGS. 72 to 77 are drawings illustrating the manufacturing process of a grounding brush assembly according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 78 is a perspective view of a modified embodiment of a grounding brush assembly according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] FIGS. 79 to 83 are drawings illustrating the manufacturing process of the grounding brush assembly shown in FIG. 78.

[0041] Hereinafter, the configuration and operation of an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0042] FIGS. 1 to 3 are drawings of a grounding device having a grounding brush assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the grounding device (1000) is generally ring-shaped and includes a grounding brush assembly (1100) according to a first embodiment of the present invention and a housing (1900) that accommodates the grounding brush assembly (1100).

[0043] A grounding brush assembly (1100) according to the first embodiment of the present invention is generally ring-shaped and comprises a plurality of brushes (1110) and a brush fixing member (1115) to which the plurality of brushes (1110) are fixed. The grounding brush assembly (1100) may be arc or line-shaped, and this is also within the scope of the present invention.

[0044] Referring to FIGS. 1 through 6, a plurality of brushes (1110) are arranged spaced apart in sequence along the circumferential direction. Each of the plurality of brushes (1110) is in the shape of a band and is formed by a bundle of fibers of an electrically conductive material. In this embodiment, the brush (1110) is described as being made of carbon fiber material, but it may also be made of metal fiber, and this is also within the scope of the present invention. Each of the plurality of brushes (1110) is fixed by being coupled to a brush fixing member (1115). Each of the plurality of brushes (1110) is arranged such that the middle portion in the longitudinal direction is folded so that both ends face inward in the radial direction, and the band surface is perpendicular to the circumferential direction. Both ends of the brush (1110) in the longitudinal direction protrude inward from the inner circumference of the housing (1900) and are exposed.

[0045] The brush fixing member (1115) fixes a plurality of brushes (1110). The brush fixing member (1115) is made of an electrically conductive metal material and is manufactured by sheet metal processing. The brush fixing member (1115) has a plurality of brush fixing parts (1120) arranged spaced apart in sequence, and a plurality of connecting parts (1300) connecting two adjacent brush fixing parts (1120) among the plurality of brush fixing parts (1120).

[0046] A plurality of brush fixing parts (1120) are arranged spaced apart in sequence along the circumferential direction. Among the plurality of brush fixing parts (1120), two adjacent brush fixing parts (1120) are connected by a connecting part (1300). A brush (1110) is coupled and fixed to one brush fixing part (1120). In FIGS. 4 to 6, a brush fixing part (1120) is shown together with a brush (1110) fixed to the brush fixing part (1120). Referring to FIGS. 4 to 6, the brush fixing part (1120) comprises a first fixing part (1120a) for fixing the brush (1110), a second fixing part (1120b) for fixing the brush (1110), and a longitudinal connecting part (1129) connecting the first fixing part (1120a) and the second fixing part (1120b).

[0047] The first fixing part (1120a) fixes the brush (1110). The first fixing part (1120a) comprises a first base plate part (1122a), a first cover plate part (1124a) positioned opposite the first base plate part (1122a) with the brush (1110) in between, a first side connecting part (1126a) connecting the first base plate part (1122a) and the first cover plate part (1124a), and a plurality of first connecting parts (1128a) that fix the first base plate part (1122a) and the first cover plate part (1124a).

[0048] The first base plate (1122a) is generally rectangular in shape and adheres to the brush (1110) in surface contact. The first base plate (1122a) faces the first cover plate (1124a) with the brush (1110) in between. A first protrusion (1123a) is formed in the middle of the first base plate (1122a) in the longitudinal direction, protruding toward the first cover plate (1124a). A first side connecting part (1126a) is connected to one side of the first base plate (1122a), and a plurality of first connecting parts (1128a) are connected to the other side.

[0049] The first cover plate portion (1124a) is generally rectangular in shape and comes into close contact with the brush (1110). The first cover plate portion (1124a) faces the first base plate portion (1122a) with the brush (1110) in between. A first receiving groove (1125a) is formed in the longitudinal middle portion of the first cover plate portion (1124a), corresponding to the first protrusion (1123a) formed on the first base plate portion (1122a). The brush (1110) passes between the first base plate portion (1122a) and the first cover plate portion (1124a) and is firmly fixed to the first fixing portion (1120a) by the first protrusion (1123a) and the first receiving groove (1126a). A first side connecting part (1126a) is connected to one side of the first cover plate part (1124a).

[0050] The first side connecting portion (1126a) connects one side of the adjacent first base plate portion (1122a) and one side of the first cover plate portion (1124a).

[0051] Multiple first connecting parts (1128a) connect and fix the first base plate part (1122a) and the first cover plate part (1124a). In this embodiment, there are two first connecting parts (1128a), which are spaced apart along the longitudinal direction on the other side of the first side connecting part (1126a) connected to the first base plate part (1122a). The first connecting part (1128a) is formed by protruding from the other side of the first base plate part (1122a). Each of the two first connecting parts (1128a) covers the outer surface of the first cover plate part (1124a) to fix the first base plate part (1122a) and the first cover plate part (1124a). In this embodiment, the first connecting portion (1128a) is described as being formed by protruding from one side of the first base plate portion (1122a), but it may be formed by protruding from one side of the first cover plate portion (1124a) otherwise, and this is also within the scope of the present invention.

[0052] The second fixing part (1120b) fixes the brush (1110). The second fixing part (1120b) comprises a second base plate part (1122b), a second cover plate part (1124b) positioned opposite the second base plate part (1122b) with the brush (1110) in between, a second side connecting part (1126b) connecting the second base plate part (1122b) and the second cover plate part (1124b), and a plurality of second connecting parts (1128b) that fix the second base plate part (1122b) and the second cover plate part (1124b). Since the second fixing part (1120b) has a configuration generally identical to the first fixing part (1120a), a detailed description thereof is omitted here. The second fixing part (1120b) is arranged in a form that overlaps symmetrically with the first fixing part (1120a). In a state where the first fixing part (1120a) and the second fixing part (1120b) are stacked, the first cover plate part (1124a) provided on the first fixing part (1120a) and the second cover plate part (1124b) provided on the second fixing part (1120b) are located on the inside, and the first base plate part (1122a) provided on the first fixing part (1120a) and the second base plate part (1122b) provided on the second fixing part (1120b) are exposed to the outside. The second fixing part (1120b) is connected to the first fixing part (1120a) by a longitudinal connecting part (1129).

[0053] The longitudinal connecting part (1129) connects the first fixing part (1120a) and the second fixing part (1120b). The longitudinal connecting part (1129) connects the longitudinal end of the first base plate part (1122a) provided in the first fixing part (1120a) and the longitudinal end of the first base plate part (1122b) provided in the first brush fixing part (1120b). The longitudinal connecting part (1129) wraps around the bending part of the brush (1110) from the outside.

[0054] Each of the plurality of connecting parts (1300) connects two adjacent brush fixing parts (1120) among the plurality of brush fixing parts (1120). The connecting part (1300) is in the form of a folded strip, and the distance between two adjacent brush fixing parts (1120) can be adjusted according to the folded shape. Both ends of the connecting part (1300) are connected to the radially inner ends of each of the two adjacent brush fixing parts (1120). In this embodiment, the connecting part (1300) is folded outward from the radially inner end of the brush fixing part (1120) and extended, and then folded in the circumferential direction and extended.

[0055] FIGS. 7 to 12 are drawings illustrating the manufacturing process of the grounding brush assembly (1100) shown in FIG. 2.

[0056] First, a plate (1115a) for a fixing member is prepared as shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 7 shows only a portion of the plate (1115a) for a fixing member in the longitudinal direction. Referring to FIG. 7, the plate (1115a) for a fixing member comprises a plurality of brush coupling plate sections (1120c) spaced apart in sequence along a straight line, and connecting plate sections (1300a) connecting two adjacent brush coupling plate sections (1120c) among the plurality of brush coupling plate sections (1120c). The plate (1115a) for a fixing member is in the form of a brush fixing member (1115) spread out in a plate shape, and the plurality of brush coupling plate sections (1120a) and the plurality of connecting plate sections (1300a) are alternately arranged along a straight line. The plate material (1115a) for the fixing member becomes a brush fixing member (1115) by undergoing a bending process as shown in FIGS. 8 to 12. Each of the plurality of brush connecting plate parts (1120c) corresponds to a brush fixing part (1120) provided in the brush fixing member (1115), and each of the plurality of connecting plate parts (1300a) corresponds to a connecting part (1300) provided in the brush fixing member (1115).

[0057] Next, the plate (1115a) for the fixing member is bent to form a first bent member (1115b) as shown in FIG. 8.

[0058] Next, a brush (1110) is placed on the first bending member (1115b) as shown in FIG. 9.

[0059] Next, the first bending member (1115b) is bent to form a second bending member (1115c) with a brush (1110) fixed thereto, as shown in FIG. 10.

[0060] Next, the second bending member (1115c) is bent so that the brush (1110) is folded as shown in FIG. 11, thereby forming a brush fixing part (1120) and a connecting part (1300).

[0061] Next, a ring-shaped grounding brush assembly (1100) is manufactured as shown in FIG. 2 through additional bending in the form shown in FIG. 12.

[0062] The housing (1900) is generally ring-shaped and made of an electrically conductive metal material, and is electrically connected to the grounding brush assembly (1100) by contacting it. The brush (1110) protrudes and is exposed inside the inner circumference of the housing (1900). The housing (1900) is formed by combining a ring-shaped first housing member (1910) and a ring-shaped second housing member (1920).

[0063] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a modified embodiment of the grounding brush assembly (1100) illustrated in FIG. 2. Referring to FIG. 13, the grounding brush assembly (1100a) has a plurality of brush fixing parts (1120) arranged in a straight line, and connecting parts (1300) are bent so that the distance between two adjacent brush fixing parts (1120) is shortened as much as possible.

[0064] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of another modified embodiment of the grounding brush assembly (1100) illustrated in FIG. 2. Referring to FIG. 14, the grounding brush assembly (1100b) has connecting parts (1300) that are bent so that the brush (1110) of each of the plurality of brush fixing parts (1120) extends generally parallel to the central axis (X) of the grounding brush assembly (1100b), which is ring-shaped.

[0065] FIGS. 15 and 16 illustrate a grounding brush assembly according to a second embodiment. Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, the grounding brush assembly (2100) according to the second embodiment of the present invention is generally ring-shaped and comprises a plurality of brushes (2110) and a brush fixing member (2115) to which the plurality of brushes (2110) are fixed. The grounding brush assembly (2100) may also be arc-shaped, and this is also within the scope of the present invention.

[0066] Referring to FIGS. 15 through 19, a plurality of brushes (2110) are arranged spaced apart in sequence along the circumferential direction. Each of the plurality of brushes (2110) is in the shape of a band and is formed by a bundle of fibers of an electrically conductive material. In this embodiment, the brush (2110) is described as being made of carbon fiber material, but it may also be made of metal fiber, which is also within the scope of the present invention. Each of the plurality of brushes (2110) is coupled to and fixed to a brush fixing member (2115). The brushes (2110) are arranged to extend along the radial direction. The brushes (2110) are arranged so that the band surface is parallel to the circumferential direction. Accordingly, the plurality of brushes (2110) are positioned on a single plane. The radially inner end of the brush (2110) protrudes from the brush fixing member (2115) and is exposed.

[0067] The brush fixing member (2115) fixes a plurality of brushes (2110). The brush fixing member (2115) is made of an electrically conductive metal material and is manufactured by sheet metal processing. The brush fixing member (2115) has a plurality of brush fixing parts (2120) arranged spaced apart in sequence, and a connecting part (2300) connected to the plurality of brush fixing parts (2120).

[0068] A plurality of brush fixing parts (2120) are arranged spaced apart in sequence along the circumferential direction. A plurality of brush fixing parts (2120) are connected to a connecting part (2300). In FIGS. 17 to 19, a brush fixing part (2120) is shown together with a brush (2110) fixed to the brush fixing part (2120). Referring to FIGS. 17 to 19, the brush fixing part (2120) is combined with the brush (2110) to fix the brush (2110). The brush fixing part (2120) comprises a base plate part (2122), a cover plate part (2124) positioned opposite the base plate part (2122) with the brush (2110) in between, a side connecting part (2126) connecting the base plate part (2122) and the cover plate part (2124), and a plurality of connecting parts (2128) that fix the base plate part (2122) and the cover plate part (2124).

[0069] The base plate (2122) is generally rectangular in shape and adheres closely to the brush (2110) through surface contact. The base plate (2122) faces the cover plate (2124) with the brush (2110) in between. A protrusion (2123) is formed in the middle of the base plate (2122) in the longitudinal direction, protruding toward the cover plate (2124). A side connecting part (2126) is connected to one side of the base plate (2122), and a plurality of connecting parts (2128) are connected to the other side.

[0070] The cover plate portion (2124) is generally rectangular in shape and is in close contact with the brush (2110). The cover plate portion (2124) faces the base plate portion (2122) with the brush (2110) in between. A receiving groove (2125) is formed in the middle portion of the cover plate portion (2124) in the longitudinal direction, corresponding to a protrusion (2123) formed on the base plate portion (2122). The brush (2110) passes between the base plate portion (2122) and the cover plate portion (2124) and is firmly fixed to the brush fixing portion (2120) by the protrusion (2123) and the receiving groove (2126). A side connecting portion (2126) is connected to one side of the cover plate portion (2124).

[0071] The side connecting portion (2126) connects one side of the adjacent base plate portion (2122) and one side of the cover plate portion (2124).

[0072] Multiple connecting portions (2128) connect and fix the base plate portion (2122) and the cover plate portion (2124). In this embodiment, there are two connecting portions (2128), which are spaced apart along the longitudinal direction on the other side of the one side where the side connecting portion (2126) is connected from the base plate portion (2122). The connecting portions (2128) are formed by protruding from the other side of the base plate portion (2122). Each of the two connecting portions (2128) covers the outer surface of the cover plate portion (2124) to fix the base plate portion (2122) and the cover plate portion (2124). In this embodiment, the connecting portions (2128) are described as being formed by protruding from one side of the base plate portion (2122), but they may be formed by protruding from one side of the cover plate portion (2124) in a different way, and this is also within the scope of the present invention.

[0073] The connecting portion (2300) is connected to a plurality of brush fixing portions (2120). The connecting portion (2300) contacts the radial outer end of the brush (2110).

[0074] FIGS. 20 to 25 are drawings illustrating the manufacturing process of the grounding brush assembly (2100) shown in FIGS. 15 and 16.

[0075] First, a plate (2115a) for a fixing member is prepared as shown in FIG. 20. FIG. 20 shows only a portion of the plate (2115a) for a fixing member in the longitudinal direction. Referring to FIG. 20, the plate (2115a) for a fixing member comprises a plurality of brush coupling plate sections (2120a) spaced apart in sequence along a straight line, an extension plate section (2310a) located on the side of the plurality of brush coupling plate sections (2120a), and a plurality of connecting plate sections (2320a) that connect each of the plurality of brush coupling plate sections (2120a) to the extension plate section (2310a). The plate (2115a) for a fixing member is in the form of a brush fixing member (2115) unfolded into a plate shape. The plate (2115a) for a fixing member becomes a brush fixing member (2115) by undergoing a bending process as shown in FIG. 21 to 25. Each of the plurality of brush coupling plates (2120a) corresponds to a brush fixing part (2120) provided in the brush fixing member (2115), and the extension plate part (2310a) and the plurality of connecting plates (2320a) correspond to a connecting part (2300) provided in the brush fixing member (2115). The coupling plate part (2120a) is arranged so that the side connecting part (2126a) extends parallel to the longitudinal direction of the extension plate part (2310a). In the coupling plate part (2120a), one end of the longitudinal direction of the base plate part (2122a) is connected to the connecting plate part (2320a).

[0076] Next, the plate material (2115a) for the fixing member is folded so that the portions of the plurality of connecting plate parts (2120a) and each of the plurality of connecting plate parts (2120a) are connected to the connecting plate part (2320a) become the first bending member (2115b) as shown in FIG. 21.

[0077] Next, a brush (2110) is placed on the base plate (2122a) of each of the plurality of connecting plate parts (2120a) in the first bending member (2115b) as shown in FIG. 22.

[0078] Next, the first bending member (2115b) is bent to produce a second bending member (2115c) in which a plurality of brush fixing parts (2120) are formed, to which a brush (2110) is fixed, as shown in FIG. 23.

[0079] Next, the second bending member (2115c) is bent along three bending lines (2116d, 2116e, 2116f) to form a third bending member (2115d) that extends while intersecting the extension plate portion (2310a) with the plurality of brush fixing portions (2120) as shown in FIG. 24. Referring to FIG. 24, the extension direction of the extension plate portion (2310a) and the extension direction of each of the plurality of brushes (2110) are generally perpendicular.

[0080] Next, the extension plate portion (2310a) is bent in the third bending member (2115d) so that a plurality of brush fixing portions (2120) are arranged along the circumferential direction as shown in FIG. 25, and finally, a ring-shaped grounding brush assembly (2100) is manufactured as shown in FIG. 15 and FIG. 16.

[0081] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a modified embodiment of the grounding brush assembly (2100) illustrated in FIG. 15 and FIG. 16. Referring to FIG. 25, the grounding brush assembly (2100a) is generally ring-shaped and comprises a plurality of brushes (2110a) and a brush fixing member (2115a) to which the plurality of brushes (2110a) are fixed.

[0082] The multiple brushes (2110a) are generally the same as the brush (2110) shown in FIGS. 15 and FIGS. 16, except that they are generally arranged perpendicular to the circumferential direction.

[0083] The brush fixing member (2115a) fixes a plurality of brushes (2110a). The brush fixing member (2115a) is made of an electrically conductive metal material and is manufactured by sheet metal processing. The brush fixing member (2115a) has a plurality of brush fixing parts (2120a) arranged spaced apart in sequence, and a connecting part (2300a) connected to the plurality of brush fixing parts (2120a). The configuration of the brush fixing part (2120a) is generally the same as the brush fixing part (2120) shown in FIGS. 17 to 19.

[0084] Now, the manufacturing process of the grounding brush assembly (2100a) is described.

[0085] A second bending member (2115c) is manufactured through a process as illustrated in FIGS. 20 to 23.

[0086] Next, a plurality of connecting plate sections (2320a) are folded along two bending lines (2116e, 2116f) so that a plurality of brush fixing sections (2120a) are raised on the extension plate section (2310a) as shown in FIG. 27.

[0087] Next, the extension plate (2310a) is bent so that a plurality of brush fixing parts (2120a) are arranged along the circumferential direction as shown in FIG. 28, and finally, a ring-shaped grounding brush assembly (2100a) as shown in FIG. 26 is manufactured.

[0088] FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a grounding brush assembly according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 29, the grounding brush assembly (3100) according to the third embodiment of the present invention is generally ring-shaped and comprises a plurality of brushes (3110) and a brush fixing member (3115) to which the plurality of brushes (3110) are fixed. The grounding brush assembly (3100) may be arc-shaped, and this is also within the scope of the present invention.

[0089] Each of the multiple brushes (3110) has the same configuration as the brush (2110) described in the embodiment of FIG. 15 and FIG. 16, so a detailed description thereof is omitted here.

[0090] The brush fixing member (3115) fixes a plurality of brushes (3110). The brush fixing member (3115) is made of an electrically conductive metal material and is manufactured by sheet metal processing. The brush fixing member (3115) has a plurality of brush fixing parts (3120) arranged spaced apart in sequence, and a connecting part (3300) connected to the plurality of brush fixing parts (3120).

[0091] A plurality of brush fixing parts (3120) are arranged spaced apart in sequence along the circumferential direction. A plurality of brush fixing parts (3120) are connected to a connecting part (3300). Since the configuration of the brush fixing part (3120) is generally the same as the configuration of the brush fixing part (2120) shown in FIGS. 17 to 19, a detailed description thereof is omitted here.

[0092] The connecting part (3300) is connected to a plurality of brush fixing parts (3120).

[0093] FIGS. 30 to 34 are drawings illustrating the manufacturing process of the grounding brush assembly (3100) shown in FIG. 29.

[0094] First, a plate (3115a) for a fixing member is prepared as shown in FIG. 30. FIG. 30 shows only a portion of the plate (3115a) for a fixing member in the longitudinal direction. Referring to FIG. 30, the plate (3115a) for a fixing member comprises a plurality of brush coupling plate sections (3120a) spaced apart in sequence along a straight line, an extension plate section (3310a) located on the side of the plurality of brush coupling plate sections (3120a), and a plurality of connecting plate sections (3320a) that connect each of the plurality of brush coupling plate sections (3120a) to the extension plate section (3310a). The plate (3115a) for a fixing member is in the form of a brush fixing member (3115) unfolded into a plate shape. The plate (3115a) for a fixing member becomes a brush fixing member (3115) by undergoing a folding process as shown in FIG. 31 to FIG. 34. Each of the plurality of brush coupling plates (3120a) corresponds to a brush fixing part (3120) provided in the brush fixing member (3115), and the extension plate part (3310a) and the plurality of connecting plates (3320a) correspond to a connecting part (3300) provided in the brush fixing member (3115). The coupling plate part (3120a) is arranged so that the side connecting part (3126a) extends perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the extension plate part (3310a). In the coupling plate part (3120a), one end of the longitudinal direction of the base plate part (3122a) is connected to the connecting plate part (3320a).

[0095] Next, the plate (3115a) for the fixing member is formed by folding a plurality of connecting plate sections (3120a) and a plurality of connecting plate sections (3320a) to become a first bending member (3115b) as shown in FIG. 31. Referring to FIG. 31, the extension plate section (3310a) passes sequentially over the bottom surfaces of the plurality of connecting plate sections (3120a).

[0096] Next, a brush (3110) is placed on the base plate (3122a) of each of the plurality of connecting plate parts (3120a) in the first bending member (3115b) as shown in FIG. 32.

[0097] Next, the first bending member (3115b) is bent to produce a second bending member (3115c) in which a plurality of brush fixing parts (3120) are formed, to which a brush (3110) is fixed, as shown in FIG. 33.

[0098] Next, the extension plate portion (3310a) is bent in the second bending member (3115c) so that a plurality of brush fixing portions (3120) are arranged along the circumferential direction as shown in FIG. 34, and finally, a ring-shaped grounding brush assembly (3100) is manufactured as shown in FIG. 29.

[0099] FIG. 35 is a perspective view of a modified embodiment of the grounding brush assembly illustrated in FIG. 29 of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 35, the grounding brush assembly (3100a) is generally ring-shaped and comprises a plurality of brushes (3110a) and a brush fixing member (3115a) to which the plurality of brushes (3110a) are fixed.

[0100] The multiple brushes (3110a) are generally the same as the brush (3110) shown in FIG. 29, except that they are arranged generally perpendicular to the circumferential direction.

[0101] The brush fixing member (3115a) fixes a plurality of brushes (3110a). The brush fixing member (3115a) is made of an electrically conductive metal material and is manufactured by sheet metal processing. The brush fixing member (3115a) has a plurality of brush fixing parts (3120a) arranged spaced apart in sequence, and a connecting part (3300a) connected to the plurality of brush fixing parts (3120a).

[0102] Now, the manufacturing process of the grounding brush assembly (3100a) is described.

[0103] A second bending member (3115c) is manufactured through a process as illustrated in FIGS. 30 to 33.

[0104] Next, a plurality of extension plate portions (3310a) are bent along the four bending lines (3116d, 3116e, 3116f, 3116g) shown in FIG. 36, and a plurality of brush fixing portions (3120a) are arranged along the circumferential direction as shown in FIG. 37, and finally, a ring-shaped grounding brush assembly (3100a) shown in FIG. 35 is manufactured.

[0105] FIG. 38 is a perspective view of another modified embodiment of the grounding brush assembly illustrated in FIG. 35. Referring to FIG. 38, the grounding brush assembly (3100b) is generally ring-shaped and comprises a plurality of brushes (3110a) and a brush fixing member (3115b) to which the plurality of brushes (3110a) are fixed. The brush fixing member (3115b) comprises a plurality of brush fixing parts (3120a) arranged spaced apart in sequence and a connecting part (3300b) connected to the plurality of brush fixing parts (3120a). The grounding brush assembly (3100b) is a modified version of the grounding brush assembly (3100a) illustrated in FIG. 35 in which the connecting part (3300a) is modified.

[0106] Referring to FIG. 39, which shows the arrangement of brushes (3110a) together with FIG. 38, the connecting portion (3300b) provided in the brush fixing member (3115b) is bent so that a plurality of brushes (3110a) are arranged at a certain angle in the same direction with respect to the circumferential direction (A). A plurality of brushes (3110a) may also be arranged at an angle in the opposite direction, and this is also within the scope of the present invention.

[0107] FIG. 40 is a perspective view of another modified embodiment of the grounding brush assembly illustrated in FIG. 35. Referring to FIG. 40, the grounding brush assembly (3100c) is generally ring-shaped and comprises a plurality of brushes (3110a) and a brush fixing member (3115c) to which the plurality of brushes (3110a) are fixed. The brush fixing member (3115c) comprises a plurality of brush fixing parts (3120a) arranged spaced apart in sequence and a connecting part (3300c) connected to the plurality of brush fixing parts (3120a). The grounding brush assembly (3100c) is a modified version of the grounding brush assembly (3100a) illustrated in FIG. 35 in which the connecting part (3300a) is modified.

[0108] Referring to FIG. 41, which shows the arrangement of brushes (3110a) together with FIG. 40, the connecting portion (3300c) provided in the brush fixing member (3115c) is bent so that a plurality of brushes (3110a) are arranged to form various angles with respect to the circumferential direction (A). Some of the plurality of brushes (3110a) are arranged continuously at a right angle to the circumferential direction (A), some are arranged continuously at an angle in one direction, and others are arranged continuously at an angle in another direction.

[0109] FIGS. 42 and FIGS. 43 are perspective views of a grounding brush assembly according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIGS. 42 and FIGS. 43, the grounding brush assembly (4100) according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention is generally ring-shaped and comprises a plurality of brushes (4110) and a brush fixing structure (4113) to which the plurality of brushes (4110) are fixed. The grounding brush assembly (4100) may be arc-shaped, and this is also within the scope of the present invention.

[0110] Multiple brushes (4110) are spaced apart in sequence along the circumferential direction. Each of the multiple brushes (4110) is in the shape of a band and is formed by a bundle of fibers of an electrically conductive material. In this embodiment, the brush (4110) is described as being made of carbon fiber material, but it may also be made of metal fiber, which is also within the scope of the present invention. Each of the multiple brushes (4110) is fixed by being coupled to a brush fixing structure (4113). The brushes (4110) are arranged to extend along the radial direction. The band surface of the brush (4110) is arranged parallel to the circumferential direction so that the multiple brushes (4110) having the band surface are generally placed on a single flat plane. The radially inner end of the brush (4110) protrudes from the brush fixing structure (4113) and is exposed.

[0111] The brush fixing structure (4113) fixes a plurality of brushes (4110). The brush fixing structure (4113) comprises a first brush fixing member (4115) and a plurality of second brush fixing members (4150) that are coupled to the first brush fixing member (4115) to fix the brushes (4110).

[0112] The first brush fixing member (4115) is made of an electrically conductive metal material and is manufactured by sheet metal processing. The brush fixing member (4115) has a plurality of brush fixing parts (4120) arranged spaced apart in sequence, and a connecting part (4300) connected to the plurality of brush fixing parts (4120). Each of the plurality of brush fixing parts (4120) is combined with the second brush fixing member (4150) to fix one brush (4110).

[0113] Referring to FIGS. 44 to 46, the brush fixing portion (4120) is generally plate-shaped and makes surface contact with the brush (4110). A fitting groove (4124) is formed in the brush fixing portion (4120). The fitting groove (4124) is located in the generally longitudinal central part of the brush fixing portion (4120).

[0114] The connecting part (4300) is connected to a plurality of brush fixing parts (4120).

[0115] Each of the plurality of second brush fixing members (4150) is coupled to a brush fixing portion (4120) provided in the first brush fixing member (4115) to fix the brush (4110). The second brush fixing member (4150) is made of an electrically conductive metal material and is manufactured by sheet metal processing. The second brush fixing member (4150) generally has a plate-shaped base portion (4152) and a plurality of connecting legs (4156) formed by extending from both sides of the base portion (4152).

[0116] The base portion (4152) is generally plate-shaped and comes into surface contact with the brush (4110). A protruding portion (4154) is formed on the base portion (4152). The protruding portion (4154) is located in the central longitudinal portion of the base portion (4152). The brush (4110) passes between the protruding portion (4154) and the fitting groove (4124), thereby firmly fixing the brush (4110). This fixing structure is intended to strongly fix the brush (4110) while minimizing damage to the brush (4110), and to minimize grounding resistance between the brush (4110), the brush fixing portion (4120), and the base portion (4152).

[0117] Multiple connecting legs (4156) are formed by extending from both sides of the base (4152). Two connecting legs (4156) are positioned on one side of the base (4152) with a protrusion (4154) in between. A hook (4158) is formed at the end of each of the multiple connecting legs (4156). The hook (4158) of the connecting leg (4156) is caught on the outer surface of the brush fixing part (4120) so that the connection state between the brush fixing part (4120) and the second brush fixing member (4150) is stably maintained.

[0118] FIGS. 47 to 51 are drawings illustrating the manufacturing process of the grounding brush assembly (4100) shown in FIGS. 42 and 43.

[0119] First, a plate (4115a) for a first fixing member is prepared as shown in FIG. 47. FIG. 47 shows only a portion of the plate (4115a) for a first fixing member in the longitudinal direction. Referring to FIG. 47, the plate (4115a) for a first fixing member comprises a plurality of brush coupling plate sections (4120a) spaced apart in sequence along a straight line, an extension plate section (4310a) located on the side of the plurality of brush coupling plate sections (4120a), and a plurality of connecting plate sections (4320a) that connect each of the plurality of brush coupling plate sections (4120a) to the extension plate section (4310a). The plate (4115a) for a first fixing member is in the form where the first brush fixing member (4115) is spread out in a plate shape. The plate material (4115a) for the first fixing member becomes the first brush fixing member (4115) by undergoing the bending process shown in FIGS. 48 to 51. Each of the plurality of brush connecting plate sections (4120a) corresponds to the brush fixing section (4120) provided in the first brush fixing member (1115), and the extension plate section (4310a) and the plurality of connecting plate sections (4320a) correspond to the connecting section (4300) provided in the first brush fixing member (4115). The connecting plate section (4120a) is arranged so that its longitudinal direction is parallel to the extension plate section (4310a). The side of the connecting plate section (4120a) is connected to the connecting plate section (4320a).

[0120] Next, the first fixing member plate (4115a) is formed by bending each of the plurality of connecting plate parts (4120a) to become a first bent member (4115b) in which a fitting groove (4124) is formed in the connecting plate part (4120a) as shown in FIG. 48.

[0121] Next, as shown in FIG. 49, a brush (4110) is joined to a plurality of connecting plate parts (4120a) in the first bending member (4115b) by a second brush fixing member (4150) to form a second bending member (4115c).

[0122] Next, the extension plate portion (4310a) and the connecting plate portion (4320a) of the second bending member (4115c) are bent, and a ring-shaped grounding brush assembly (4100) as shown in FIGS. 42 and FIGS. 43 is manufactured through the process as shown in FIGS. 50 and FIGS. 51.

[0123] FIG. 52 is a perspective view of a modified embodiment of the grounding brush assembly (4100) shown in FIG. 42 and FIG. 43 of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 52, the grounding brush assembly (4100a) is generally ring-shaped and comprises a plurality of brushes (4110a) and a brush fixing structure (4113a) to which the plurality of brushes (4110a) are fixed.

[0124] The multiple brushes (4110a) are generally the same as the brushes (4110) shown in FIG. 42 and FIG. 43, except that they are arranged generally perpendicular to the circumferential direction.

[0125] The brush fixing structure (4113a) fixes a plurality of brushes (4110a). The brush fixing structure (4113a) comprises a first brush fixing member (4115a) and a plurality of second brush fixing members (4150a) that are coupled to the first brush fixing member (4115a) to fix the brushes (4110a).

[0126] The first brush fixing member (4115a) is made of an electrically conductive metal material and is manufactured by sheet metal processing. The brush fixing member (4115a) has a plurality of brush fixing parts (4120a) arranged spaced apart in sequence, and a connecting part (4300a) connected to the plurality of brush fixing parts (4120a). Each of the plurality of brush fixing parts (4120a) is combined with the second brush fixing member (4150a) to fix one brush (4110a). The configuration in which the brush fixing part (4120a) and the second brush fixing member (4150a) are combined to fix the brush (4110a) is generally the same as the configuration shown in FIG. 42 and FIG. 43.

[0127] Now, the manufacturing process of the grounding brush assembly (4100a) is described.

[0128] A second bending member (4115c) is manufactured through a process as illustrated in FIGS. 47 to 49.

[0129] Next, the extension plate portion (4310a) and the connecting plate portion (4320a) of the second bending member (4115c) are bent, and a ring-shaped grounding brush assembly (4100a) as shown in FIG. 52 is manufactured through the process as shown in FIG. 53 and FIG. 54.

[0130] FIG. 55 is a perspective view of a grounding brush assembly according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 55, the grounding brush assembly (5100) according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention is generally ring-shaped and comprises a plurality of brushes (5110) and a brush fixing structure (5113) to which the plurality of brushes (5110) are fixed. The grounding brush assembly (5100) may be arc-shaped, and this is also within the scope of the present invention.

[0131] Multiple brushes (5110) are spaced apart in sequence along the circumferential direction. Each of the multiple brushes (5110) is in the shape of a strip, formed by a bundle of fibers of an electrically conductive material. In this embodiment, the brush (5110) is described as being made of carbon fiber material, but it may also be made of metal fiber, which is also within the scope of the present invention. Each of the multiple brushes (5110) is fixed by being coupled to a brush fixing structure (5113). The middle portion of the brush (5110) in the longitudinal direction is folded so that both ends of the brush (5110) in the longitudinal direction protrude from the brush fixing structure (5113) and are exposed. The strip surface of the portion extending radially inward from the brush (5110) is arranged to be parallel to the circumferential direction.

[0132] The brush fixing structure (5113) fixes a plurality of brushes (5110). The brush fixing structure (5113) comprises a first brush fixing member (5115) and a plurality of second brush fixing members (5150) that are coupled to the first brush fixing member (5115) to fix the brushes (5110).

[0133] The first brush fixing member (5115) is made of an electrically conductive metal material and is manufactured by sheet metal processing. The brush fixing member (5115) has a plurality of brush fixing parts (5120) arranged spaced apart in sequence, and a connecting part (5300) connected to the plurality of brush fixing parts (5120). Each of the plurality of brush fixing parts (5120) is combined with the second brush fixing member (5150) to fix one brush (5110).

[0134] Referring to FIGS. 56 to 58, the brush fixing part (5120) is in the form of a plate material that is folded and extended in the longitudinal middle portion and makes surface contact with the brush (5110). A bead (5123) is formed in the brush fixing part (5120) to improve strength and reduce grounding resistance.

[0135] The connecting part (5300) is connected to a plurality of brush fixing parts (5120).

[0136] Each of the plurality of second brush fixing members (5150) is coupled to a brush fixing portion (5120) provided on the first brush fixing member (5115) to fix the brush (5110). The second brush fixing member (5150) is made of an electrically conductive metal material and is manufactured by sheet metal processing. The second brush fixing member (5150) has a base portion (4152) and a plurality of connecting legs (5156) formed by extending from both sides of the base portion (5122).

[0137] The base portion (5152) is formed in a shape where the middle portion of the plate material is folded and extended in the longitudinal direction, and it comes into surface contact with the brush (5110). A bead (3153) is formed on the base portion (5152) to improve strength and reduce grounding resistance. The base portion (5152) is located inside the brush fixing portion (5120) provided in the first brush fixing member (5115). The brush (5110) passes between the base portion (5152) and the brush fixing portion (5120). The brush (5110) is compressed and strongly adhered to the folded portion of the base portion (5152) and the folded portion of the brush fixing portion (5120). This structure is intended to strongly fix the brush (5110) while minimizing damage to the brush (5110), and to minimize grounding resistance between the brush (5110), the base portion (5152), and the brush fixing portion (5120).

[0138] Multiple connecting legs (5156) are formed by extending from the base (5152). Two connecting legs (5156) are positioned on one side of the base (5152) along the longitudinal direction, spaced apart with a folded middle section in between. The ends of each of the multiple connecting legs (5156) are bent to form a brush fixing part (5120).

[0139] FIGS. 59 to 64 are drawings illustrating the manufacturing process of the grounding brush assembly (5100) shown in FIG. 55.

[0140] First, a plate (5115a) for a first fixing member is prepared as shown in FIG. 59. FIG. 60 shows only a longitudinal portion of the plate (5115a) for the first fixing member. Referring to FIG. 59, the plate (5115a) for the first fixing member comprises a plurality of brush coupling plate sections (5120a) spaced apart in sequence along a straight line, an extension plate section (5310a) located on the side of the plurality of brush coupling plate sections (5120a), and a plurality of connecting plate sections (5320a) connecting each of the plurality of brush coupling plate sections (5120a) to the extension plate section (5310a). The plate (5115a) for the first fixing member is in the form where the first brush fixing member (5115) is spread out in a plate shape. The plate material (5115a) for the first fixing member becomes the first brush fixing member (5115) by undergoing the bending process shown in FIGS. 60 to 64. Each of the plurality of brush coupling plate sections (5120a) corresponds to the brush fixing section (5120) provided in the first brush fixing member (5115), and the extension plate section (5310a) and the plurality of connecting plate sections (5320a) correspond to the connecting section (5300) provided in the first brush fixing member (5115). The brush coupling plate section (5120a) is arranged so that its longitudinal direction is parallel to the extension plate section (5310a). One end of the coupling plate section (5120a) is connected to the connecting plate section (5320a).

[0141] Next, the plate material (5115a) for the first fixing member is formed by bending each of the plurality of connecting plate parts (5120a) to become a first bent member (5115b) in which a protrusion (5121a) is formed on the connecting plate part (5120a) as shown in FIG. 60.

[0142] Next, as shown in FIG. 61, a brush (5110) is connected to a plurality of brush connecting plate portions (5120a) in the first bending member (5115b) by a second brush fixing member (5150) to form a second bending member (5115c).

[0143] Next, the brush coupling plate portion (5120a) of the second bending member (5115c) and the base portion (5152) of the second brush fixing member (5150) are folded to form a third bending member (5115d) that is fixed to the brush fixing portion (5120) and the second brush fixing member (5150) in a folded state as shown in FIG. 62.

[0144] Next, the connecting plate portion (5320a) is bent at the third bending member (5115d) to form the fourth bending member (5115e) as shown in FIG. 63.

[0145] Next, the extension plate portion (5310a) is bent in the fourth bending member (5115e) and, through the process as shown in FIG. 64, a ring-shaped grounding brush assembly (5100) as shown in FIG. 55 is manufactured.

[0146] FIG. 65 is a perspective view of a modified embodiment of the grounding brush assembly (5100) illustrated in FIG. 55. Referring to FIG. 65, the grounding brush assembly (5100a) is generally ring-shaped and comprises a plurality of brushes (5110a) and a brush fixing structure (5113a) to which the plurality of brushes (5110a) are fixed.

[0147] The multiple brushes (5110a) are generally the same as the brush (5110) shown in FIG. 55, except that they are arranged generally perpendicular to the circumferential direction.

[0148] The brush fixing structure (5113a) fixes a plurality of brushes (5110a). The brush fixing structure (5113a) comprises a first brush fixing member (5115a) and a plurality of second brush fixing members (5150a) that are coupled to the first brush fixing member (5115a) to fix the brushes (5110a).

[0149] The first brush fixing member (5115a) is made of an electrically conductive metal material and is manufactured by sheet metal processing. The brush fixing member (5115a) has a plurality of brush fixing parts (5120a) arranged spaced apart in sequence, and a connecting part (5300a) connected to the plurality of brush fixing parts (5120a). Each of the plurality of brush fixing parts (5120a) is combined with the second brush fixing member (5150a) to fix one brush (5110a). The configuration in which the brush fixing part (5120a) and the second brush fixing member (5150a) are combined to fix the brush (5110a) is generally the same as the configuration shown in the embodiment of FIG. 55.

[0150] Now, the manufacturing process of the grounding brush assembly (5100a) is described.

[0151] A third bending member (5115d) is manufactured through a process as illustrated in FIGS. 59 to 62.

[0152] Next, the connecting plate portion (5320a) of the third bending member (5115d) of FIG. 62 is bent to form a fourth bending member (5115f) in the shape shown in FIG. 66.

[0153] Next, the extension plate portion (5310a) of the fourth bending member (5115f) is bent and, through the process as shown in FIG. 67, a ring-shaped grounding brush assembly (5100a) as shown in FIG. 65 is manufactured.

[0154] FIG. 68 is a perspective view of a grounding brush assembly according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 68, the grounding brush assembly (6100) according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention is generally ring-shaped and comprises a plurality of brushes (6110) and a brush fixing structure (6113) to which the plurality of brushes (6110) are fixed. The grounding brush assembly (6100) may be arc-shaped, and this is also within the scope of the present invention.

[0155] Multiple brushes (6110) are arranged spaced apart in sequence along the circumferential direction. Each of the multiple brushes (6110) is in the shape of a band and is formed by a bundle of fibers of an electrically conductive material. In this embodiment, the brush (6110) is described as being made of carbon fiber material, but it may also be made of metal fiber, and this is also within the scope of the present invention. Each of the multiple brushes (6110) is connected to and fixed to a brush fixing structure (6113). The middle portion of the brush (6110) in the longitudinal direction is folded so that both ends of the brush (6110) in the longitudinal direction protrude from the brush fixing structure (6113) and are exposed. The band surface of the portion extending radially inward from the brush (6110) is arranged parallel to the circumferential direction.

[0156] The brush fixing structure (6113) fixes a plurality of brushes (6110). The brush fixing structure (6113) comprises a first brush fixing member (6115) and a plurality of second brush fixing members (6150) that are coupled to the first brush fixing member (6115) to fix the brushes (6110).

[0157] The first brush fixing member (6115) is made of an electrically conductive metal material and is manufactured by sheet metal processing. The first brush fixing member (6115) has a plurality of brush fixing parts (6120) arranged spaced apart in sequence, and a connecting part (6300) connected to the plurality of brush fixing parts (6120). Each of the plurality of brush fixing parts (6120) is combined with the second brush fixing member (6150) to fix one brush (6110).

[0158] Referring to FIGS. 69 to 71, the brush fixing part (6120) is in the form of a plate material that is folded in the middle of the longitudinal direction and extends, and is in surface contact with the brush (6110). The brush fixing part (6120) has a brush contact part (6123), an inner fold part (6124) formed by folding from the brush contact part (6123), and a plurality of connecting legs (6126) formed by extending from the brush contact part (6123).

[0159] The brush contact portion (6123) is formed such that the plate material is folded and extended in the longitudinal middle portion, and the brush (6110) makes surface contact with the outer surface of the brush contact portion (6123). An inner fold portion (6124) is connected to one end of the brush contact portion (6123) in the longitudinal direction, and connecting legs (6126) are connected to each side of the brush contact portion (6123).

[0160] The inner fold portion (6124) is formed by folding from one end of the brush contact portion (6123) in the longitudinal direction, and the inner fold portion (6124) is located between the two folded parts of the brush contact portion (6123). One side of the inner fold portion (6124) is connected to the connecting portion (6300).

[0161] Multiple connecting legs (6126) are formed by extending from both sides of the brush contact portion (6123). Two connecting legs (6126) are positioned on one side of the brush contact portion (6123) spaced apart along the longitudinal direction with a folded middle section in between. The ends of each of the multiple connecting legs (6126) are bent to form a second brush fixing member (6150).

[0162] The connecting part (6300) is connected to a plurality of brush fixing parts (6120).

[0163] Each of the multiple second brush fixing members (6150) is coupled to a brush fixing portion (6120) provided on the first brush fixing member (6115) to fix the brush (6110). The second brush fixing member (6150) is made of an electrically conductive metal material and is manufactured by sheet metal processing. The second brush fixing member (6150) is in the form of a plate material with a longitudinal middle portion folded and extended, and makes surface contact with the brush (6110). The second brush fixing member (6150) is located on the outside of the brush contact portion (6123) provided on the first brush fixing member (6115). The brush (6110) passes between the second brush fixing member (6150) and the brush contact portion (6123). The brush (6110) is compressed and strongly adhered to the folded portion of the second brush fixing member (6150) and the folded portion of the brush contact portion (6123). This structure is intended to strongly fix the brush (6110) while minimizing damage to the brush (6110), and to minimize ground resistance between the brush (6110), the second brush fixing member (6150), and the brush contact part (6123).

[0164] FIGS. 72 to 78 are drawings illustrating the manufacturing process of the grounding brush assembly (6100) shown in FIG. 68.

[0165] First, a plate (6115a) for a first fixing member is prepared as shown in FIG. 72. FIG. 72 shows only a portion of the plate (6115a) in the longitudinal direction. Referring to FIG. 72, the plate (6115a) for a first fixing member comprises a plurality of brush coupling plate sections (6120a) spaced apart in sequence along a straight line, an extension plate section (6310a) located on the side of the plurality of brush coupling plate sections (6120a), and a plurality of connecting plate sections (6320a) connecting each of the plurality of brush coupling plate sections (6120a) to the extension plate section (6310a). The plate (6115a) for a first fixing member is in the form where the first brush fixing member (6115) is spread out in a plate shape. The plate material (6115a) for the first fixing member becomes the first brush fixing member (6115) by undergoing the bending process shown in FIGS. 73 to 78. Each of the plurality of brush coupling plate sections (6120a) corresponds to the brush fixing section (6120) provided in the first brush fixing member (6115), and the extension plate section (6310a) and the plurality of connecting plate sections (6320a) correspond to the connecting section (6300) provided in the first brush fixing member (6115). The brush coupling plate section (6120a) is arranged so that its longitudinal direction is parallel to the extension plate section (6310a). One end of the brush coupling plate section (6120a) is connected to the connecting plate section (6320a).

[0166] Next, the plate material (6115a) for the first fixing member is formed by bending each of the plurality of connecting plate parts (6120a) and connecting plate parts (6320a) to become the first bent member (6115b) in the shape shown in FIG. 73.

[0167] Next, as shown in FIG. 74, a brush (6110) is connected to a plurality of brush connecting plate portions (6120a) in the first bending member (6115b) by a second brush fixing member (6150) so that a second bending member (6115c) with the brush (6110) fixed is formed.

[0168] Next, the brush coupling plate portion (6120a) of the second bending member (6115c) and the second brush fixing member (6150) are folded to form a third bending member (6115d) that is fixed to the brush fixing portion (6120) and the second brush fixing member (6150) in a folded state as shown in FIG. 75.

[0169] Next, the connecting plate portion (6320a) is bent at the third bending member (6115d) to form the fourth bending member (6115e) as shown in FIG. 76.

[0170] Next, the extension plate portion (6310a) is bent in the fourth bending member (6115e) and, through the process as shown in FIG. 77, a ring-shaped grounding brush assembly (6100) as shown in FIG. 68 is manufactured.

[0171] FIG. 78 is a perspective view of a modified embodiment of the grounding brush assembly (6100) illustrated in FIG. 68. Referring to FIG. 78, the grounding brush assembly (6100a) is generally ring-shaped and comprises a plurality of brushes (6110) and a brush fixing structure (6113a) to which the plurality of brushes (6110) are fixed. The grounding brush assembly (6100a) may be arc-shaped, and this is also within the scope of the present invention.

[0172] Since the multiple brushes (6110) are generally identical in configuration to the brush (6110) shown in FIG. 68, a detailed description thereof is omitted here.

[0173] The brush fixing structure (6113a) fixes a plurality of brushes (6110). The brush fixing structure (6113a) comprises a first brush fixing member (6115a) and a plurality of second brush fixing members (6150) that are coupled to the first brush fixing member (6115a) to fix the brushes (6110).

[0174] The first brush fixing member (6115a) is made of an electrically conductive metal material and is manufactured by sheet metal processing. The first brush fixing member (6115a) has a plurality of brush fixing parts (6120a) arranged spaced apart in sequence, and a plurality of connecting parts (6300a) connecting two adjacent brush fixing parts (6120a) among the plurality of brush fixing parts (6120a). Each of the plurality of brush fixing parts (6120a) is combined with the second brush fixing member (6150) to fix one brush (6110). The configuration in which the brush fixing part (6120a) and the second brush fixing member (6150) are combined to fix the brush (6110) is generally the same as the configuration shown in the embodiment of FIG. 68.

[0175] Each of the plurality of connecting parts (6300a) connects two adjacent brush fixing parts (6120a) among the plurality of brush fixing parts (6120a). Both sides of the inner folding part (6124) provided in the brush fixing part (6120) are connected to the connecting part (6300a).

[0176] FIGS. 79 to 83 are drawings illustrating the manufacturing process of the grounding brush assembly (6100a) shown in FIG. 78.

[0177] First, a plate (6115c) for a first fixing member is prepared as shown in FIG. 79. FIG. 79 shows only a portion of the plate (6115c) in the longitudinal direction. Referring to FIG. 79, the plate (6115c) for a first fixing member comprises a plurality of brush coupling plate sections (6120a) spaced apart in a straight line, and a plurality of connecting plate sections (6300a) connecting two adjacent brush coupling plate sections (6120a) among the plurality of brush coupling plate sections (6120a). The connecting plate sections (6300a) are connected to both sides of the brush coupling plate sections (6120a). The plate (6115c) for a first fixing member is in the form where the first brush fixing member (6115) is spread out in a plate shape. The plate material (6115c) for the first fixing member becomes the first brush fixing member (6115a) by undergoing the bending process shown in FIGS. 80 to 83. Each of the plurality of brush coupling plate sections (6120a) corresponds to the brush fixing section (6120a) provided in the first brush fixing member (6115a), and the connecting plate section (6300a) corresponds to the connecting section (6300a) provided in the first brush fixing member (6115a). The brush coupling plate section (6120a) is arranged so that its longitudinal direction is perpendicular to the connecting plate section (6310a).

[0178] Next, the first fixed member plate (6115a) is formed by bending a plurality of connecting plate portions (6120a) against the connecting plate portion (6300a) to become a first bent member (6115d) in the shape shown in FIG. 80.

[0179] Next, as shown in FIG. 81, a brush (6110) is connected to a plurality of brush connecting plate portions (6120a) in the first bending member (6115d) by a second brush fixing member (6150), thereby forming a second bending member (6115e) in which the brush (6110) is fixed.

[0180] Next, the brush coupling plate portion (6120a) of the second bending member (6115e) is folded so that the brush (6110) is folded as shown in FIG. 82, and a third bending member (6115d) is formed that is fixed to the brush fixing portion (6120a) and the second brush fixing member (6150).

[0181] Next, the connecting plate portion (6320a) is bent at the third bending member (5115d) to form the fourth bending member (6115e) as shown in FIG. 74.

[0182] Next, the connecting plate portion (6300a) is bent in the fourth bending member (6115e) and, through the process as shown in FIG. 83, a ring-shaped grounding brush assembly (6100a) as shown in FIG. 78 is manufactured.

[0183] Although the present invention has been described through the above embodiments, the present invention is not limited thereto. The above embodiments may be modified or changed without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, and those skilled in the art will understand that such modifications and changes are also within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. Multiple band-shaped brushes formed by bundles of electrically conductive fibers; and It includes a brush fixing member made of an electrically conductive material that fixes the plurality of brushes so that the plurality of brushes are arranged spaced apart in sequence, and The brush fixing member is electrically connected to the brush by contacting it, and At least one end of each of the longitudinal ends of the plurality of brushes protrudes radially inward from the brush fixing member. Grounding brush assembly.

2. In Claim 1, The above plurality of brushes are arranged along the circumferential direction, Grounding brush assembly.

3. In Claim 2, The brush fixing member above is manufactured from a single plate by sheet metal processing, and A plurality of brush fixing parts spaced apart in sequence along the circumferential direction, and a connecting part connecting two adjacent brush fixing parts among the plurality of brush fixing parts. Grounding brush assembly.

4. In Claim 3, The brush fixing part comprises a first fixing part for fixing the brush, a second fixing part for fixing the brush, and a longitudinal connecting part connecting the first fixing part and the second fixing part. The first fixing part and the second fixing part are arranged in an overlapping state, so that the brush has both ends extending in the same direction. Grounding brush assembly.

5. In Claim 4, The plurality of connecting parts are bent so that both ends of the brush extend radially inward, Grounding brush assembly.

6. In Claim 4, The plurality of connecting parts are bent so that both ends of the brush extend in a direction parallel to the circumferential central axis. Grounding brush assembly.

7. In Claim 2, The brush fixing member above is manufactured from a single plate by sheet metal processing, and A plurality of brush fixing parts spaced apart in sequence along the circumferential direction, and a connecting part connected to the plurality of brush fixing parts. Grounding brush assembly.

8. In Claim 7, The brush above extends entirely along the radial direction, and The above connecting part is bent so that the strip surface of the brush is positioned parallel to the circumferential direction, Grounding brush assembly.

9. In Claim 7, The brush above extends entirely along the radial direction, and The above connecting part is bent so that the strip surface of the brush is perpendicular to the circumferential direction, Grounding brush assembly.

10. In Claim 7, The brush above extends entirely along the radial direction, and The above connecting portion is bent such that at least some of the strip surfaces of the plurality of brushes are inclined with respect to the circumferential direction, Grounding brush assembly.

11. In Claim 7, The brush above extends entirely along the radial direction, and The radial outer end of the brush contacts the brush fixing member. Grounding brush assembly.

12. Multiple brushes arranged spaced apart in sequence; A first brush fixing member made of an electrically conductive material; and It includes a plurality of second brush fixing members made of an electrically conductive material, and Each of the plurality of second brush fixing members is coupled to the first brush fixing member so that each of the plurality of brushes is fixed, and The brush is electrically connected by contacting the first brush fixing member and the second brush fixing member, and At least one end of each of the longitudinal ends of the plurality of brushes protrudes radially inward from the first brush fixing member and the second brush fixing member, Grounding brush assembly.

13. In Claim 12, The above plurality of brushes are arranged along the circumferential direction, Grounding brush assembly.

14. In Claim 13, The first brush fixing member comprises a plurality of brush fixing parts spaced apart in sequence along the circumferential direction, and a connecting part to which the plurality of brush fixing parts are connected. The brush fixing part and the second brush fixing member are combined so that the brush is fixed, and The first brush fixing member is one plate manufactured by sheet metal processing. Grounding brush assembly.

15. In Claim 14, The brush above is in surface contact with the brush fixing part and the second brush fixing member, Grounding brush assembly.

16. In Claim 14, The brush above extends entirely along the radial direction, and The above connecting part is bent so that the strip surface of the brush is positioned parallel to the circumferential direction, Grounding brush assembly.

17. In Claim 14, The brush above extends entirely along the radial direction, and The above connecting part is bent so that the strip surface of the brush is perpendicular to the circumferential direction, Grounding brush assembly.

18. In Claim 15, The brush above is folded so that both ends extend inward in the radial direction, Grounding brush assembly.

19. In Claim 13, The first brush fixing member comprises a plurality of brush fixing parts spaced apart in sequence along the circumferential direction, and a plurality of connecting parts connecting two adjacent brush fixing parts among the plurality of brush fixing parts. The brush fixing part and the second brush fixing member are combined so that the brush is fixed, and The first brush fixing member is one plate manufactured by sheet metal processing. Grounding brush assembly.

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