Principle of Rotation

In this second article on brushed motors, following the explanation of motor construction in the previous article, we explain the principle of motor rotation.

Principle of Rotation of a Brushed Motor

Here the principle of rotation of a brushed motor is explained; but still images and words are being used to explain something that moves. Please use your power of imagination to augment the explanation.

① Counterclockwise rotation from the initial state

Suppose that coil A is uppermost, and that a power supply is connected to the brushes, positive (+) on the left side and negative (-) on the right. A large current flows from the left brush through the commutator to coil A. The upper part of coil A (on the outside) becomes a S pole.

However, because one-half of the current of coil A flows in the opposite direction, flowing from the left brush to coil B and coil C, the outsides of coils B and C become weak N poles (represented by small characters in the figure).

Due to the magnetic fields generated by these coils and the repulsion and attraction of the magnets, forces act to cause the coils to rotate counterclockwise.

② Further rotation counterclockwise

Next, in a state in which coil A has moved 30° counterclockwise, the right brush is in contact with the two commutators. Current flows continuously in coil A from the left brush to the right brush, and the outside of the coil maintains an S pole.

The same amount of current in coil A flows in coil B, and the outside of coil B is a strong N pole.

The two ends of coil C are in a short-circuit state due to the brushes, so that a current does not flow and a magnetic field is not generated.

Under these conditions also, a force is received causing counterclockwise rotation.

③ to ④ Forces are received continuously to move the upper coils to the left and the lower coils to the right, to continue counterclockwise rotation

When rotation continues a further 30° to ③ and then again to state ④, the process repeats in which, when a coil rises above the horizontal axis in the center the coil outside end changes to an S pole, and when it falls below the axis it changes to an N pole.

That is, a force is repeatedly received that moves the upper-side coil leftwards and the lower-side coil rightwards (in both cases, counterclockwise). As a result, the rotor always rotates in the counterclockwise direction.

If the power supply corrections are reversed so that the left brush is negative (-) and the right brush is positive (+), then the magnetic fields generated by the coils are reversed, the direction of the forces acting on the coils are reversed, and the rotor rotates in the clockwise direction.

Moreover, when the power supply is disconnected, magnetic fields causing the rotation to continue are no longer generated, and the rotor stops.