The present invention relates to monolithic structures for use as an electrical contact. In particular, these structures are formed from a laminate alloy, which in turn is composed of a M.sub.n+1AX.sub.n compound. Electrical contact assemblies and electrical components having such contacts are also described herein. In some example, such monolithic structures display increased wear resistance, which is useful for sliding electrical contacts.

An exemplary grounding device includes an electrically conductive planar member having a hollow, central opening. Arms extend from inner edges of the hollow, central opening of the planar member. Each arm is angled relative to a surface of the planar member and each arm includes a facing portion having an electrically conductive cushion attached thereto. Each arm is approximately the same size and is configured to contact a shaft extending through the hollow, central opening of the planar member to form an electrical connection between the planar member and the shaft. The electrically conductive cushion is between the arm and the shaft. A tab projection extends from an outer edge of the planar member. Each tab projection is in the same plane as the planar member.

An exemplary grounding device includes an electrically conductive planar member having a hollow, central opening. Arms extend from inner edges of the hollow, central opening of the planar member. Each arm is angled relative to a surface of the planar member and each arm includes a facing portion having an electrically conductive cushion attached thereto. Each arm is approximately the same size and is configured to contact a shaft extending through the hollow, central opening of the planar member to form an electrical connection between the planar member and the shaft. The electrically conductive cushion is between the arm and the shaft. A tab projection extends from an outer edge of the planar member. Each tab projection is in the same plane as the planar member.

A rotor of a dynamoelectric machine is provided, the rotor comprising a shaft, an essentially cylindrical armature, an armature coil comprising aluminum coil wires and a drum commutator, which comprises an insulating support body and conductor segments which are attached to said support body and fixed therein by means of armature sections. Said conductor segments each comprise a copper running surface area and a connection area made of aluminum or a metal which can be soldered with aluminum (aluminum-compatible metal) having a soldering tag which greatly projects over the brush running surface. Said coil wires are soldered to the end side to the soldering tag of the respectively associated conductor segments and to be precise, without directly contacting the areas of the running surface.

A windscreen wiper motor with a housing is disclosed. In the housing, an armature shaft is arranged with a commutator which cooperates with carbon elements arranged in the region of a carbon holder plate, which elements are connected in an electrically conducting manner with voltage supply lines via electrical connections, preferably in the form of carbon strands. The voltage supply lines are connected with the electrical connections via a suppression device arranged at least substantially in a suppression housing, which is connected with the carbon holder plate, and the voltage supply lines are connected with at least one plug connection element, which is able to be connected to a plug connection region of the housing with mating plug connectors on the vehicle side.

A bearing seal includes a rotor and a stator and at least one electrically conductive elastomeric toroidal member. When the bearing seal is installed in equipment and is providing sealing between the rotor and the stator, an electrical grounding path is provided therebetween, the electrical grounding path extending through the electrically conductive elastomeric toriodal member.

A slip ring arrangement comprises a brush with a first contact material on the surface, which rests on a slideway with a second contact material on the surface. The slideway further comprises a layer with a third contact material beneath the second contact material. In this case, the abrasion of the brush is lower than that of the second contact material in the case of a sliding contact between the brush and the second contact material. In the case of a sliding contact between the brush and third contact material, the abrasion of the brush is higher than that of third contact material. As a result, the second contact material of the slideway is degraded first, which corresponds to the normal service life of a slideway. Subsequently, the brush is worn off relative to the third contact material, by means of which a further considerable extension in the service life is achieved.

The invention relates to a ring electrode for a slip ring for transmitting electrical energy between machine parts, of which at least one machine part can be rotated in relation to another machine part. The ring electrode and corresponding slip ring can be economically produced and have low wear. The electrode is made of a rod material made of stainless steel, which is rolled into a ring and the free ends of the ring are brought together to form a closed ring.