Abstract

A plastic end shield for use in a dynamoelectric machine of the type having a rotor assembly rotatably disposed in a housing includes an end plate for attachment to the housing, so as to provide structural support for one end of the rotor assembly, and a thermal barrier adjacent to the end plate for thermally insulating the end plate from heat generated inside the housing. In a preferred embodiment, radial and circumferential support members and axial and circumferential reinforcing ribs are employed in order to efficiently utilize the plastic material. The thermal barrier may be provided with a plurality of vent openings through which heat generated inside the housing can escape from the housing and the end plate. Means employed to attach the end plate and thermal barrier to the housing may include a thermally insulative material which prevents heat from being conducted from the housing to the end plate.