Current-collector ring design for large motors and generators - uses rolling bearings in spring-compressed assembly immersed in dielectric cooling and lubricating fluid to give high current capacity

摘要

The generator current collector is designed to reduce friction and wear which impair the performance conventional slip-ring and brush designs. The current is conducted to the commutator elements via ball-bearings which roll in contact with moving and stationary rings. The moving ring is fixed by an intermediate ring to an insulating sheath attached to the shaft of the motor, with which it turns. The radial bearings have stop clamps which keep them anchored on the shaft. The whole assembly is mounted in a container through which is pumped a dielectric fluid, which serves to lubricate the bearings and to cool the contacts. A compression spring keeps the moving bearing surfaces forced against ball bearings. The force in the spring is sufficient to allow a mono-molecular layer of liquid to exist between the bearing surfaces. Currents of the order of several thousand amperes can flow with this arrangement, whilst the frictional wear is minimal.