Abstract: The invention relates to a device for controlling an alternator of the type that controls a DC voltage (B+A) generated by the alternator (11) according to a predetermined set voltage (U0) by monitoring the intensity of an energizing current (IEXC) flowing through an energizing circuit of the alternator. According to the invention, the device includes a voltage-control loop (7) and a temperature-control loop (17) which comprises a temperature sensor supplying a current temperature (T) of components of the alternator, a subtracter (19) supplying a temperature error (?t) between the current temperature (T) and a maximum acceptable temperature (Tmax) and a control module (20) supplying a maximum admissible energizing percentage (rmax) in accordance with the temperature error according to a predetermined control law.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for controlling an alternator of the type that controls a DC voltage (B+A) generated by the alternator (11) according to a predetermined set voltage (U0) by monitoring the intensity of an energising current (IEXC) flowing through an energising circuit of the alternator. According to the invention, the device includes a voltage-control loop (7) and a temperature-control loop (17) which comprises a temperature sensor supplying a current temperature (T) of components of the alternator, a subtracter (19) supplying a temperature error (?t) between the current temperature (T) and a maximum acceptable temperature (Tmax) and a control module (20) supplying a maximum admissible energising percentage (rmax) in accordance with the temperature error according to a predetermined control law.

Abstract: An electrical machine such as an alternator or starter-alternator for a motor vehicle which is fitted with the one-piece voltage-regulator/brush-holder assembly (1). The brush-holder (6) is capable of guiding at least first and second brushes by means of respective first and second longitudinal recesses (7). The recesses are substantially parallelepiped, made of an electrically insulating material and extend substantially in an axial plane of a rotor of the machine. Each recess is provided with at least one respective longitudinal internal groove (9) in communication with at least one channel (11) provided in a body (6) of the assembly (1), in an axial direction (XX?) of the rotor, and intended for a coolant (8) to pass therethrough. A first cross section of the first internal groove is between 5% and 7% of a second cross section of the recesses.

Abstract: A method of force-fitting a commutator (3) onto the shaft (2) of a rotor. This force-fitting is over an externally knurled part (6) of one end (4) of the shaft. The force-fitting is performed in such a way that the externally knurled part remains located on the outside of a first portion (A) of the commutator supporting the slip rings (8). According to another feature, an internally knurled part (9) of the commutator, situated essentially on the outside of the first portion (A), is force-fitted over an externally plain part (7) of the end of the shaft. The method has the notable advantage of allowing longer brush life. The method is particularly well suited to applications to a motor vehicle alternator or alternator-starter.

Abstract: An electrical machine such as an alternator or starter-alternator for a motor vehicle which is fitted with the one-piece voltage-regulator/brush-holder assembly (1). The brush-holder (6) is capable of guiding at least first and second brushes by means of respective first and second longitudinal recesses (7). The recesses are substantially parallelepiped, made of an electrically insulating material and extend substantially in an axial plane of a rotor of the machine. Each recess is provided with at least one respective longitudinal internal groove (9) in communication with at least one channel (11) provided in a body (6) of the assembly (1), in an axial direction (XX?) of the rotor, and intended for a coolant (8) to pass therethrough. A first cross section of the first internal groove is between 5% and 7% of a second cross section of the recesses.