Method and structure for cooling an electric motor

摘要

A high speed electric motor (20) for use in a variety of applications. The electric motor (20) including a motor housing with a stator (22), a rotor (24) having a commutator (28) and brushes (32) for contacting the commutator (28) the so called contact area. Additionally, the motor (20) includes a forced air cooling assembly. The forced air cooling assembly includes a centrifugal fan (42) for creating air flow, a manifold (44) for accelerating the air flow. The manifold (44) having exit ports and the exit ports being positioned directly over the so called contact area for directing the accelerated air flow at the contact area and the motor housing (22) having at least one opening (62) aligned with the contact area and at least a second opening (62) defining an exit vent. Additionally, a method of cooling the motor in accordance with the invention is also disclosed.