Frequency converter for controlling a motor

• US 4,963,778 A
• Filed: 02/22/1990
• Issued: 10/16/1990
• Est. Priority Date: 12/13/1986
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Grundfos International A/S
• Original Assignee: Grundfos International A/S
• Inventors: Peder, Jensen, Kruse, Kaj, Jensen, Niels D.
• Primary Examiner(s): Stephan, Steven L.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Sterrett, Jeffrey
• Application Number:
  US07/485,782
• Time in Patent Office: 236 Days
• Field of Search: 310/68 D, 310/89, 310/91, 310/160, 310/161, 310/67 R, 310/63
• US Class Current: 310/68.00D
• CPC Class Codes: H02K 11/33 Drive circuits, e.g. power electronics H02K11/38 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H02K 17/30 Structural association of asynchronous induction motors with auxiliary electric devices influencing the characteristics of the motor or controlling the motor, e.g. with impedances or switches
• CPC Class Codes: H02K 5/225 Terminal boxes or connection arrangements specially adapted for submersible motors H02K5/132

Abstract

The present invention relates to an electromotor where its operational values, such as speed and torque, can be changed by means of a static frequency converter. The invention relates further to an electromotor combined with and driving a working unit such as a pump, a ventilator a machine tool or a tool. The frequency converter miniaturized by means of a high-integrated circuit is mechanically connected to form a structural unit with the motor or the working unit, and the dissipation heat of the frequency converter is emitted, preferably by means of ducted cooling, and the metal parts surrounding the frequency converter form the electric shielding thereof.

Claims

1. In an electric motor wherein the operational parameters comprising rpm and torque are varied by means of a static frequency converter, especially an electric motor in combination with a device driven thereby, such as a pump, a fan, a machine tool or a power tool, said motor having a shaft and a ventilator attached to said shaft for cooling the motor windings, wherein the frequency converter, which is miniaturized by the use of highly integrated circuitry, is joined mechanically to the motor to form a constructional unit and wherein the waste heat of the frequency converter can be dissipated by cooling, the improvement wherein a ventilator housing is mounted on said motor housing, said ventilator being arranged in a space between said ventilator housing and motor housing, said ventilator housing and said motor housing having respective portions which form a channel means for guiding the cooling air stream generated by rotation of said ventilator, and wherein a terminal box of the motor is attached to the motor housing of the motor with free spacing so that a radially external free space is formed between the terminal box and the motor housing for carrying the cooling air stream generated by the ventilator and guided by said channel means, said terminal box receiving at least part of said frequency converter.

2. An electric motor according to claim 1, wherein the frequency converter comprises an input circuit, an intermediate circuit and an output circuit, the input circuit, the intermediate circuit and the output circuit of the frequency converter forming a module equipped with electric plug connectors.