Patent ID: 7687967
Filing Date: 2010-03-30
Classification: H01R,H02K

Abstract:
1. A brush assembly for use in an alternator, the brush assembly comprising: a brush configured to slidably contact with a slip ring provided on a rotary shaft of the alternator; a brush holder holding the brush, the brush holder having a brush receiving portion receiving therein the brush, a spring configured to press the brush received in the receiving portion against the slip ring, and a first through-hole; and a slip ring cover configured to cover the slip ring and having a second through-hole, the slip ring cover being assembled with the brush holder with the first and second through-holes out of alignment with each other, wherein the brush holder and the slip ring cover are so configured that: the first and second through-holes are brought into alignment with each other by application of a mechanical force on either of the brush holder or the slip ring cover, the alignment allows a retainer to be placed through both the first and second through-holes to retain the brush in the receiving portion of the brush holder against spring force of the spring, thereby permitting installation of the brush assembly onto the rotary shaft of the alternator to be carried out without interference between the brush and the slip ring, and the first and second through-holes are brought out of the alignment by removal of the mechanical force and the retainer, thereby blocking foreign matters from entering inside of the brush assembly through both the first and second through-holes.