Abstract: To protect the space within which the slip rings (20a, 20 b) of a vehicular-type alternator operate, against extraneous contamination, a plastic sleeve (29) with an axially extending gap (35) is snap-connected with the inner wall defining an opening (28b) of a connection plate (23) already present in the alternator; this retains the sleeve (29), preferably of plastic, within the alternator, the other axial end thereof being secured to an internally extending projection from the B-end shield (15), either formed by a plastic bushing (19) surrounding the B-bearing (18) or an internal flange (36) already present on the end shield (15).

Abstract: The casing of the electric generator of a motor vehicle is made of two cylindrical shells, one located eccentrically with respect to the other, connected together by struts to provide a light-weight rigid relation between the two belts. The casing is then mounted in a saddle-shaped support affixed on a mounting surface. Because of the eccentric position of the generator shaft within the outer cylindrical shell of the casing, loosening the tension band that holds the generator in place and rotating the casing of the generator makes possible tightening or loosening of the V-belt that drives the generator.

Abstract: To permit random selected positioning of an attachment arm (32) formed on the shell of an alternator with respect to a locating arm (33) thereon to tighten a drive belt driving the alternator from the engine, the locating arm (33) is integral with an end cover shield (12) attached to the shell (11). Preferably, the shell (11) is of hexagonal cross section, the shield (12) is likewise a hexagonal cross section, with attachment screws and screw openings in the corners of the hexagon to permit selected angular positioning of the locating arm and the attachment arm with respect to each other and match the configuration of the arms to different types of engines with which the alternator is to be used.

Abstract: To form a compact combination structure which provides efficient cooling and ease of assembly, maintenance and repair, while reducing the number of elements necessary to be stocked for maintenance or repair purposes, the rectifier portion of the alternator-rectifier combination comprises two groups of rectifiers which are, respectively, set in openings of two disk-shaped support plates 15, 35, which have, each, ring-shaped portions 38 surrounding the shaft and radially projecting fins 39, 39'. One of the plates is formed with a hub to retain one of the bearings, the outer portion of the fins is apertured for attachment to the shell of the alternator, and additionally deformed to provide seating surfaces for accurate positioning, for example by externally applied punch marks, of the plate. An insulating spacer 43, 43' separates the two plates which are so positioned that the fins of one plate are opposite the gap between fins of the other, so that air drawn axially by a ventilating fan will cool both plates.

Abstract: To facilitate manufacture, and provide readily accessible insertion openings for rectifier diodes in automotive alternators, the end covers or end shields are made as sheet metal elements with radially extending arms, leaving space for ventilating openings therebetween, extending from the center of rotation of the alternator, and form with bearing retaining means at the center, for example in the form of a punch or drawn bushing extension extending in axial direction and at right angles to the major plane of the sheet metal element which, preferably, is also formed with stiffening ribs or beads at the lateral edges thereof. Preferably, the alternator is, in cross section, hexagonal and three arms, extending at 120.degree.

Abstract: To form a compact combination structure which provides efficient cooling and ease of assembly, maintenance and repair, while reducing the number of elements necessary to be stocked for maintenance or repair purposes, the rectifier portion of the alternator-rectifier combination comprises two groups of rectifiers which are, respectively, secured to the surface of two disk-shaped support plates 15, 35, which have, each, ring-shaped portions 38 surrounding the shaft and radially projecting fins 39, 39'. One of the plates is formed with a hub to retain one of the bearings, the outer portion of the fins is apertured for attachment to the shell of the alternator, and additionally deformed to provide seating surfaces for accurate positioning, for example by externally applied punch marks, of the plate.

Abstract: To direct cooling air to components which, in operation, require different amounts of cooling due to different heat dissipation, a cover cap is provided which prevents accidental contact with current-carrying elements and which is formed with slits or openings therein located with respect to the components requiring cooling to direct cooling air, upon induced axial airflow, to the respective components in relationship to their cooling requirements. Some of these openings may be formed with in-turned collars surrounding, for example, diode rectifiers, to direct air on and around the diode rectifiers, while preventing contact with their terminals.

Abstract: To lower the cost and weight of a belt pulley and permit its installation without the use of large numbers of spacer discs, the belt pulley is composed of two substantially identical stamped sheet metal halves which are so configured as to define a hub region when assembled. One or both of the pulley halves may be provided with a radially inwardly extending nose which engages a key-way in the shaft on which it is mounted, thereby preventing relative rotation of pulley and shaft.

Abstract: The combination of the brush holder of the alternator and the voltage regulator into a unitary structure mounted on a cover fitting over a hole in the alternator casing enables the complete assembly to be economically made in the mushroom shape conventional for d.c. generators of vehicle engines, so that the device can readily be incorporated into an engine of existing design.

Abstract: To simplify manufacture and assembly of automotive alternator-type rectifier combinations, the rectifier structure is made by pressing rectifier diodes, in groups of opposite polarity, into identical cooling plates which are constructed in essentially rectangular form with one corner taken out, the rectangular forms being crossed and located in parallel planes, stacked one above each other, so that the interconnecting links between the positive and negative diodes on the assemblies will have equal distance from each other, and the cooling plates will be identical.