Single piece brush fixture for dynamoelectric machine

Abstract

A substantially enclosed brush holder assembly includes a brush fixture of singular piece construction for use in a harsh operating environment, such as that in which a motor vehicle alternator operates. An exemplary brush holder assembly according to the present invention includes a brush fixture for use in connection with a dynamoelectric machine. The brush fixture has at least one brush compartment that is configured to receive a brush. The brush fixture also includes at least one set of spring coil compartments, each of which are designed to receive one of two spring coils of a constant force extension spring. These spring coil compartments are adjacent to and in open communication with the brush compartment, thereby allowing the constant force extension spring to be extended through the brush compartment and peripherally around the brush located therein. The interiors of both the brush compartment and each of the spring coil compartments are substantially enclosed when the brush fixture is affixed to a cooperative shielding fixture. In particular, the brush fixture includes only one open face, and the open face is advantageously configured to receive the cooperative shielding fixture, which when assembled to the brush fixture substantially encloses the brush fixture.