Commutating structure for dc permanent magnet machines

Claim 1

Switching apparatus for a machine responsive to a source of DC power and having interacting rotor and stator assemblies which rotate relative to each other wherein one of said assemblies is provided with a winding having a plurality of energizeable coils, said coils having an annular array of commutator bars associated therewith for supplying electrical power thereto, and the other of said assemblies having a plurality of permanent magnets associated therewith, said apparatus comprising: a. first and second annular conductive rings associated with said assembly having said winding, said conductive rings being adapted respectively for coupling to opposite polarities of said DC source; and b. first and second roller contact means associated with the other of said assemblies: i. said first roller contact means including first and second electrically connected rollers adapted to independently rotate on their respective axes and independently move radially with respect to said other assembly so as to progressively and sequentially engage said commutator bars and to continuously engage said first conductive ring to momentarily couple said commutator bars to said first conductive ring; ii. said second roller contact means including third and fourth electrically connected rollers adapted to independently rotate on their respective axes and independently move radially with respect to said other assembly so as to progressively and sequentially engage said commutator bars and to continuously engage said second conductive ring to momentarily couple said commutator bars to said second conductive ring.