Adapted For Use With Alternators Patents (Class 363/145)
  • Patent number: 11677297
    Abstract: A stator assembly for an electrical machine comprises a stator, a plurality of inserts and a heat sink. The stator comprises an annular core extending around an axis (X) and a plurality of axially extending slots. A plurality of sets of electrical windings is arranged within the slots. The windings have axial end portions arranged at axial ends of the core. The inserts comprise ceramic plates which are arranged in respective slots in the gaps (G) between adjacent respective electrical windings in the slots. The inserts extend axially from the respective slots for engagement with the heat sink.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tadashi Sawata, Andrew E. Page, Zeyuan Xu, David Gerada, Dmitry Golovanov, Christopher Gerada
  • Patent number: 9035508
    Abstract: A resistor pack assembly includes a first mounting plate, a second mounting plate, a cylindrical suppression resistor, and a cylindrical cover. The first mounting plate has a circular face, a first connection terminal, and a second connection terminal. The second mounting plate has a circular face, a third connection terminal and a fourth connection terminal. The cylindrical suppression resistor has a first flat surface and a second flat surface opposite the first flat surface, and is located between the first mounting plate and the second mounting plate, wherein the first flat surface contacts the circular face of the first mounting plate and the second flat surface contacts the circular face of the second mounting plate. The cylindrical cover has an inner diameter aperture, wherein the first mounting plate, the second mounting plate, and the cylindrical suppression resistor are located within the inner diameter aperture of the cylindrical cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew P. Grosskopf, Douglas J. Turner, Jan Henry Abels, Glenn C. Lemmers, Jr., Timothy Pieper, David S. Behling, Todd A. Spierling
  • Patent number: 8159072
    Abstract: The present invention includes a base, a rectification chip, a conductive element and a coupling collar. The base has an installation pedestal to hold the rectification chip. The conductive element has a root portion to hold the rectification chip. The coupling collar is located at one end of the base to hold a package. The coupling collar has a plurality of anchor portions in contact with the package. Each anchor portion has a convex portion and a concave portion extended to two ends of the coupling collar. The convex portion and concave portion of two neighboring anchor portions are formed in a staggered manner. The cross section area of the convex portion on the annular edge of the coupling collar is different from the cross section area of the inner wall of the coupling collar. Hence fabrication and assembly are easier. Turning and loosening of the package can be prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Inventor: Wen-Huo Huang
  • Patent number: 7948127
    Abstract: An annular bus ring assembly for connecting main rotor windings of a generator to the exciter diodes includes a plurality of annular bus rings with tabs bent over forming plurality of pads mounted on either side of a dielectric hub. The pads of annular bus rings clocked at an angle to each other to generate a pattern of plurality of pads on a equal angle spacing on a diameter to connect to the diodes by wire rope leads and a pattern of two connection at 90° spacing to connect to main generator leads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregor McDowall, Simon Waddell, David Kane, William Scherzinger, Michael Duddeck
  • Patent number: 7899632
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for anti-islanding of distributed power generation systems having an inverter comprising a phase locked loop (PLL), a phase shift generator for injecting a phase shift into the PLL during at least one sample period, and a phase error signature monitor for monitoring at least one phase error response of the PLL during the at least one sample period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Enphase Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin Fornage, Mudhafar Hassan-Ali, Tibor Bolfan
  • Patent number: 7855480
    Abstract: An AC generator, referred to as an alternator, is mounted on an automotive vehicle for supplying electric power to an on-board battery and other electric loads. The alternator includes a rectifier device for rectifying alternating current to direct current. The rectifier is composed of a minus-side heat-radiating plate on which six minus-side rectifier elements are mounted and a plus-side heat-radiating plate on which six plus-side rectifier elements are mounted. Each rectifier is mounted on the heat-radiating plate in the same manner, i.e., by forcibly inserting the rectifier element into a mounting hole formed in the heat-radiating plate. A disc portion of the rectifier element has an outer peripheral surface on which knurls are formed. The outer peripheral surface having the knurls is tapered so that the disc portion is easily inserted into the mounting hole while establishing a firm grip and a good heat-conductive contact between the rectifier element and the heat-radiating surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Yuji Ito, Shigenobu Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20100177543
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates mounting assemblies for a vehicle DC-to-DC power converter. The mounting assemblies can include a bracket having a first end configured to be fastened to a DC-to-DC power converter housing and a second end configured to be fastened to a vehicle structural member. The mounting assemblies can be utilized in hybrid, fuel cell and/or electric vehicles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2009
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Inventors: Matt DeDona, William Damianov
  • Patent number: 7652902
    Abstract: An object is to provide an integrated-inverter electric compressor that can enhance assembly and vibration resistance of power semiconductor switching devices and control substrates thereof constituting the inverter device. The integrated-inverter electric compressor, in which an inverter device is installed in an inverter container provided on an outer circumference of a housing, includes a plurality of IGBTs constituting the inverter device and a guide member having a plurality of guide holes for passing terminals of the IGBTs provided between the control substrate and the IGBTs. The guide member is provided with at least one first positioning pin, fitted in positioning holes provided in a mounting surface of the IGBT, in one side surface facing the IGBT, and at least one second positioning pin, fitted in positioning holes provided in the control substrate, in another side surface facing the control substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Makoto Hattori, Takayuki Takashige, Kazuki Niwa, Koji Nakano, Shunsuke Yakushiji, Makoto Ebisawa
  • Patent number: 7282824
    Abstract: In a rectifying device for a vehicular AC generator, a rectifying element is press-fitted in a positive-side radiation plate. The radiation plate is prepared in a predetermined shape and an engaging hole is punched in the radiation plate. Four grooves are formed in an inner periphery of the radiation plate created by the hole. The rectifying element is press-fitted in the hole while an excess produced between the rectifying element and the inner periphery of the radiation plate is released into the grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Tatsumi Fujioka
  • Patent number: 7235952
    Abstract: A generator control apparatus, for controlling electrical generation operation of a vehicle alternator, has a LAN circuit and a dedicated communication circuit, respectively communicating with an external control apparatus (e.g., engine ECU) via a LAN and via a dedicated signal line. When a selection signal is transmitted from the external control apparatus, designating a specific signal to be transmitted to or from the generator control apparatus, communication of that signal is performed via the dedicated signal line, enabling TDM communication of plural signals via the LAN concurrent with direct communication of a specific signal via the dedicated signal line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Fuyuki Maehara
  • Patent number: 7166943
    Abstract: The present invention is a rectifier assembly, which has a first support and a second support. The supports have either a ring or plate shape. Each support has an inner peripheral surface with inwardly facing diode mounting surfaces. A diode is mounted to each of the inwardly facing diode mounting surfaces. Phase connectors connect one diode from the first support with one diode from the second support. The supports are received within an electrically insulated housing. The diodes are connected to the supports such that when assembled, each diode is perpendicular to a central axis that extends along a length the electrically insulated housing. During operation of the rectifier assembly, both supports rotate about the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventor: Tyrone Arthur Johnsen
  • Patent number: 7102304
    Abstract: The invention relates to a control device for a reversible, multi-phased rotating electrical machine which can operate in alternator or motor mode. The inventive device comprises a main battery (4), an electric network (5) and a unit (3) for controlling and commanding an inverter and a rectifier bridge (P) for selection in alternator mode or starter mode. According to the invention, the machine is powered by the inverter which is connected to a start-up control unit which can provide a voltage greater than that provided by the main battery (4) over the network (5). The inverter is connected to the positive terminal of the secondary voltage source via a first switch (K1) in motor mode, while the rectifier bridge (P) is connected to the positive terminal of the main battery via a second switch (K2) in alternator mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Valeo Equipements Electriques Moteur
    Inventors: Dominique Sebille, Eckart Westerholt
  • Patent number: 6982508
    Abstract: A phase terminal for taking out a phase voltage from armature windings is electrically connected to a detector terminal extending from a voltage regulator. The phase terminal is sandwiched by the detector terminal bent in a U-shape and welded thereto by resistance welding. To suppress current bypassing a welding position in the resistance welding process, a slit window is formed in the U-shaped portion. Since electrical resistance in the U-shaped portion is increased by the slit window, a sufficient amount of welding current becomes available for welding the phase terminal to the detector terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Satoshi Kumagai
  • Patent number: 6970357
    Abstract: A rectifier bridge assembly includes a rectifier bridge circuit adapted to connect to at least one alternating current source with at least two diode compartments operatively connected to the rectifier bridge circuit and a direct current output to convert alternating current into direct current. A heat sink is formed with at least two apertures for receiving the at least two diode compartments in spaced apart relation and in substantial contact with the heat sink, wherein heat from the diode compartments is evenly dispersed to the heat sink.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Inventor: Joe C. Y. Hsieh
  • Patent number: 6911750
    Abstract: An electronic package for an electrical machine preferably a rotary current generator includes a slip ring end (SRE) frame defining one end of a housing configured for mounting a rotor therein so as to be rotatable; a plurality of negative diodes dispersed in an angular fashion in the SRE frame acting as a negative heat sink; a plurality of positive diodes mounted on a separate electrically conductive plate located above a location of the plurality of negative diodes, the plate being configured as a positive heat sink having corresponding holes such that leads extending from each negative diode protrude directly therethrough and openings formed in the positive heat sink to engage a body of each positive diode; and a non-conductive separator fitted over a series of bosses that space the positive heat sink above a top surface defining the negative heat sink, the separator configured to electrically insulate the positive heat sink and negative heat sink from one another, wherein waste heat from the positive and
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: Delco Remy International, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Bradfield, David Maley, Michael McCord, Chris Bledsoe
  • Patent number: 6906437
    Abstract: The invention concerns a current-rectifying arrangement for rotary electrical machines of the type comprising a support (50, 51, 51?) for a plurality of positive diodes (66), a support for a plurality of negative diodes, forming part of the rear bearing of the machine, and a device for cooling by the creation of a forced axial flow of a cooling fluid through the rectifying arrangement, the support for the positive diodes carrying radial cooling fins (60) on its front face oriented towards the axis of the machine; the positive diode support device (66) being produced in the form of at least one moulded piece (50, 51, 51?), whose face oriented towards the aforementioned axis carries fine cooling fins (60). The invention can be used in alternators for motor vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Valeo Equipments Electriques Moteur
    Inventors: Michel Aeschlimann, Sébastien Arrighi, Pierre Faverolle, Thierry Hevia, Dirk Schulte
  • Patent number: 6900566
    Abstract: In a vehicle ac generator, a rear cover, which is provided to cover a rectifying device, has a cover body and a protecting wall portion. The cover body forms a plurality of air intake openings through which cooling air created by rotation of a rotor is sucked in the generator. The protecting wall portion is integrally formed with the cover body. The protecting wall portion extends from an axial end surface of the cover body in an axially outward direction of a rotation shaft of the rotor, at a position higher than the air intake openings when the vehicle ac generator is mounted on a vehicle. Therefore, it is less likely that foreign materials such as water and oil will enter the inside of the rear cover from the air intake openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Koichi Misaki
  • Patent number: 6882069
    Abstract: A vehicle AC generator having a rectifier unit with cooling plates for the positive-electrode and negative-electrode sides, each having principal planes opposing each other; and a diode package disposed between the cooling plates for the positive-electrode and negative-electrode sides. The diode package has a base for the positive-electrode side formed of a metallic plate and joined to a cathode face of the unidirectionally conducting element for the positive-electrode side; a base for the negative-electrode side formed of a metallic plate and joined to an anode face of the unidirectionally conducting element for the negative-electrode side; and an insulating resin provided so that the unidirectionally conducting elements for the positive-electrode and negative-electrode sides are embedded therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshiaki Kashihara, Yoshihiro Kashiba, Shigeki Maekawa
  • Patent number: 6828703
    Abstract: An alternator having a plurality of positive and negative diodes, is disclosed. The alternator further includes a plurality of stator windings each of the plurality of stator windings has a first end and a second end, and a first diode plate for fixing one of the plurality of positive and plurality of negative diodes in a first orientation. Further, the alternator includes a second diode plate for fixing the other of the plurality of negative and plurality of positive diodes in a second orientation. Each of the anodes of the positive diodes are connected to each of the cathodes of the negative diodes and to at least one end of each of the plurality of stator windings to form a rectifier bridge circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary M. Einheuser, Jeanne M. Schiavone, Michael E. Harris, Paul M. Evans, Carl W. Cenzer
  • Publication number: 20040189114
    Abstract: A power converter that is arranged in series with a motor to form a unitary structure through which an output shaft extends is provided with a plurality of coolers and a power semiconductor module mounted on a cooling surface of at least one of the plurality of coolers to supply electric power to a motor. Each of the plurality of coolers is disposed along an extending direction radially extending from an output shaft to be perpendicular to the output shaft. The cooling surface is provided along such an extending direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2004
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Applicant: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Makoto Iwashima, Akihiro Hanamura, Masanori Yamagiwa, Yasuhiko Kitajima
  • Publication number: 20040150273
    Abstract: In a rectifying device for a vehicular AC generator, a rectifying element is press-fitted in a positive-side radiation plate. The radiation plate is prepared in a predetermined shape and an engaging hole is punched in the radiation plate. Four grooves are formed in an inner periphery of the radiation plate created by the hole. The rectifying element is press-fitted in the hole while an excess produced between the rectifying element and the inner periphery of the radiation plate is released into the grooves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2003
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tatsumi Fujioka
  • Publication number: 20040124724
    Abstract: An ac generator for a vehicle includes a rotor for providing a magnetic field, a stator having a stator core in which a plurality of phase-windings is mounted to generate electromotive force when the magnetic field is supplied, a rectifying unit which includes positive electrode side rectifying elements and negative electrode side rectifying elements respectively connected to the plurality of phase-windings. One of the positive electrode side rectifying element and negative electrode side rectifying element that is connected to a portion of the phase-windings is constituted of a single element and the remainders are constituted of parallelly connected two elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Ogi
  • Patent number: 6731030
    Abstract: A bridge rectifier for an alternating current generator having a slip-ring-end, having, without limitation: a first heat sink having a first polarity set of diodes; an insulating layer located on said first heat sink; a second heat sink having a second polarity set of diodes and disposed on said insulating layer; a connection cover mounted on said second heat sink; a capacitor connected to said connection cover and to said second heat sink; and a B+ stud mounted on said second heat sink and going through the alternator slip-ring-end, said first heat sink and insulating layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Integral Ro Design Ltd.
    Inventors: Zvi Keidar, Eugen Popa, Sorin Dobrinescu, Florian Turtudau
  • Patent number: 6707691
    Abstract: A compact rectifier bridge for an air-cooled generator is disclosed. The rectifier bridge comprises a first electrically conductive heat sink to which a first diode is electrically coupled, a second electrically conductive heat sink axially spaced from the first heat sink, and to which a second diode is electrically coupled. The rectifier additionally comprises a diode terminal assembly sandwiched between the first and second heat sinks, and having a lead terminal for electrically connecting leads from the first and second diodes. The lead terminal is radially spaced from said first and second diodes. The rectifier bridge may further comprise an output terminal structure on the first heat sink comprising a compressible tower disposed about an output terminal stud and a cavity in the surface of said heat sink for receiving the output terminal. Also disclosed is a method for manufacturing the compact rectifier bridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Duane Bradfield
  • Publication number: 20030198068
    Abstract: A compact rectifier bridge for an air-cooled generator is disclosed. The rectifier bridge comprises a first electrically conductive heat sink to which a first diode is electrically coupled, a second electrically conductive heat sink axially spaced from the first heat sink, and to which a second diode is electrically coupled. The rectifier additionally comprises a diode terminal assembly sandwiched between the first and second heat sinks, and having a lead terminal for electrically connecting leads from the first and second diodes. The lead terminal is radially spaced from said first and second diodes. The rectifier bridge may further comprise an output terminal structure on the first heat sink comprising a compressible tower disposed about an output terminal stud and a cavity in the surface of said heat sink for receiving the output terminal. Also disclosed is a method for manufacturing the compact rectifier bridge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Inventor: Michael Duane Bradfield
  • Publication number: 20030197437
    Abstract: The invention concerns with connection of a lead from an electrical component of an alternator for a vehicle, and provides a terminal shape suitable for TIG welding (arc welding using a gas shielded non-consumable electrode) without being affected by dimensional accuracy of terminals to be connected to each other. Cross-shaped projections having a larger volume than a welded region of the terminal is provided near the welded region, and weld penetration (welding depth) is controlled based on a difference in heat capacity resulting from the volume difference, or melting is suppressed with promotion of heat radiation. Thus, the welding depth is stabilized without being affected by dimensional accuracy of the terminals including relative positions between them, and an alternator for a vehicle can be provided in which a lead from an electrical component has high connection reliability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2003
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Applicant: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Wasei Horioka, Shin Onose, Shinji Yamazaki, Mitsuaki Izumi, Masami Takano
  • Publication number: 20030142522
    Abstract: A rectifier assembly having a fusible cutout is described as a polarity reversal protection device. The fusible cutout includes a semiconductor chip having a positive temperature coefficient so that when it overheats, it becomes unsoldered and interrupts the current flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventor: Richard Spitz
  • Patent number: 6570279
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a heat sink plate of an alternator for a vehicle which is capable of implementing an inherent operation of a heat sink by forming a hole in a plate and inserting a diode, forming a protrusion for stably fixing to a rear bracket for thereby implementing an inherent operation of a heat sink, enhancing a performance of a fan, simplifying an assembling work and implementing a stable installation of a regulator and other elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: Valeo Mando Electrical System Korea Limited
    Inventor: Hyun-Ceol Lee
  • Publication number: 20030090919
    Abstract: A device of protection of at least one circuit supplied by a voltage obtained from at least one inductive element, including a switch for short-circuiting the supply provided by the inductive element, and circuitry for turning on the switch when the supply voltage exceeds a predetermined threshold and for turning it off when it is smaller than the threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2002
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Inventors: Philippe Merceron, Choukri Karoui
  • Patent number: 6529394
    Abstract: An oil-cooled inverter for an electric traction motor that uses six IGBT switches to generate 3-phase AC electrical current as its output. The switches are mounted on heat sinks that use hot motor oil (hydraulic fluid) as the heat transfer fluid. An interior of each of the heat sinks contains a heat transfer medium. The heat sink housing is made of molybdenum, which has a thermal expansion rate equal to that of silicon. This allows the circuitry of the inverter to be mounted directly on the top surface of the heat sinks, as the expansion and contraction of the heat sink housing will match that of the silicon substrate of the chips. Since both elements, the heat sink housing and the chip substrate, expand and contract at an equal rate during heating and cooling, the problem of the chip substrate cracking and breaking due to thermal flexing is eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: United Defense LP
    Inventors: Craig Joseph, Kelly W. Arnold
  • Patent number: 6476527
    Abstract: An improved alternator system for replacing an OEM Ford IAR alternator system. The improved alternator system includes a rectifier with increased heat dissipation qualities and decreased heat generation qualities and configured to maintain secure electrical connections. The alternator system is further configured to provide optimum electrical output by providing the rotor and the stator with additional turns or windings of heavier gauge wire whereby the alternator is capable of inducing a stabilized output current of at least about 52 amperes of current at about 1600 revolutions per minute of the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Unit Parts Company
    Inventors: Michael D. Ballard, Jianing Chen, Daniel Joseph Clark, Larry Joe Maddox
  • Patent number: 6359800
    Abstract: A method and system for increasing the output of an alternator for an automotive vehicle has a first three-phase winding (18) and a second three-phase winding (20) that are coupled to a respective first rectifier circuit (26) and a second rectifier circuit (28). A switch circuit (30) is located between the first rectifier circuit (26) and the second rectifier circuit (28). A controller (32) that is coupled to a speed sensor (34) and provides a signal indicative of the speed of the alternator, controls the operation of the switch circuit (30). When the speed sensor (34) indicates that the speed of the alternator is below a predetermined threshold, the first rectifier circuit (26) and second rectifier circuit (28) are coupled together through switch circuit (30). When the speed sensor (34) indicates that the speed of the alternator is above a predetermined speed, the switch circuit (32) is controlled to an open state so that two parallel half-wave rectifier circuits are formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Feng Liang, John Michael Miller, Xingyi Xu
  • Patent number: 6285552
    Abstract: A heat sink of an alternating current generator for a vehicle has a heat sink body formed from aluminum die-cast. An insert member is provided on the heat sink body and a diode is provided on the insert member. The insert member (1) surrounds the side walls of the diode, (2) is (a) a metal having a good solderability other than aluminum or (b) a metal having a good solderability adhered onto a base metal other than aluminum, and (3) provides a solder connection between the diode and the heat sink body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Katsumi Adachi
  • Patent number: 6275404
    Abstract: An AC generator for a vehicle includes a rotor, a stator having a three-phase stator winding, a three-phase full-wave rectifier unit, an insulation cover, and a frame for rotatably supporting the rotor. The rectifier unit includes a cooling fin structure having at least three positive diodes and three negative diodes fixed thereto and a terminal member having a wiring member connecting the positive and negative diodes to form the three-phase full-wave rectifier unit and three first partition members. The wiring member has first connecting portions connected to the positive and negative diodes and second connecting portions connected to three output leads of the stator winding. Each of the first partition members extend toward the insulation cover between one of the first connecting portions and the cooling fin structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: DENSO Corporation
    Inventors: Akiya Shichijyo, Hiroaki Ishikawa, Atsushi Umeda, Masaaki Iwata, Takafumi Tsuge, Shigenobu Nakamura
  • Patent number: 6271607
    Abstract: A regulator sub-assembly for an alternator comprises a substrate having a through aperture, with an integrated circuit component mounted within this aperture, while an elementary electronic component other than an integrated circuit (and being for example a capacitor) is also fixed to the substrate. The elementary component is surface mounted on the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Valeo Equipments Electriques Moteur
    Inventor: Mathieu Vandenbossche
  • Patent number: 6252381
    Abstract: A method is described for regulating a generator, in particular a three-phase generator which has an excitation coil through which the regulatable excitation current (IE) used to generate the excitation field flows, and has stator coils in which currents are produced that are conveyed to the consumers via pulse inverters. By controlling the pulse inverters, the stator current can be impressed with respect to value and phase in relation to the excitation current so that the output power of the generator is optimized in the required speed range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Robert Schenk
  • Patent number: 6252320
    Abstract: An improved alternator system for replacing an OEM Ford IAR alternator system. The improved alternator system includes a rectifier with increased heat dissipation qualities and decreased heat generation qualities and configured to maintain secure electrical connections. The alternator system is further configured to provide optimum electrical output by providing the rotor and the stator with additional turns or windings of heavier gauge wire whereby the alternator is capable of inducing a stabilized output current of at least about 52 amperes of current at about 1600 revolutions per minute of the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Unit Parts Company
    Inventors: Michael D. Ballard, Jianing Chen, Daniel Joseph Clark, Larry Joe Maddox
  • Patent number: 6204581
    Abstract: An improved commutator heat dissipating device for alternators, the commutator including a heat dissipating plate, a base plate, a top cover, terminals, and diodes. The heat dissipating plate has a body including a plurality of recesses for receiving the diodes, and a plurality of integrally connected wavy cooling fins on an opposite side thereof. An insulation plate is disposed between a bottom side of the body and the base plate. Securing posts pass through through holes in the heat dissipating plate to secure the heat dissipating plate and the base plate. The terminals include insulating elements and conductive plates. The insulating elements are capable of positioning the terminals by means of limiting blocks and posts of the heat dissipating plate to enable the conductive plates to be soldered with the diodes. The commutator has excellent heat dissipating effects and enhanced structural strength to achieve smooth operation of machine elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Inventor: Shih-Kaung Lo
  • Patent number: 6160335
    Abstract: A vehicle AC generator includes a rectifier unit having plus cooling fin carrying a plurality of plus diodes, a minus cooling fin carrying a plurality of minus diodes, and a connection member disposed between the plus and minus cooling fins for insulating the two fins and connecting the plus and minus diodes. A plurality of U-shaped terminal members axially extend from the connection member which respectively guide the leads of the armature winding. Each of the terminal members has three longitudinal side walls forming generally rectangular cross-section, one end connected to the rectifier unit, the other end connected to one of the leads, and a heat-block portion having at least two of the side walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Ishida, Akiya Shichijyo
  • Patent number: 6121699
    Abstract: A motor vehicle AC generator including a rectifier in which a direct-fitting surface of a negative-polarity side cooling plate is brought closely into contact with a casing direct-fitting surface of a rear bracket and is fixedly tightened with a fitting screw with respect thereto. In addition, a silicone sheet is interposed between the cooling plate and the rear bracket in a state of being located within an intervening member accommodating groove made in the direct-fitting surface of the cooling plate so as to cover an area lying light under a diode except the peripheral bearing surface of the fitting screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshiaki Kashihara, Yoshihito Asao
  • Patent number: 6107710
    Abstract: Means are disclosed which allow certain automobile alternators to be converted so that their electrical hook ups are reverted to an older more efficacious terminal connection style thereby enabling the use of older alternator frames when rebuilding or remanufacturing these alternators. Essentially a bayonett style male/female connector assembly is replaced with a bolt and nut and eyelet style of connection means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Inventor: Jose Gamboa
  • Patent number: 5991184
    Abstract: A rectifier includes a first electrically conductive cooling member having a first surface for direct contact mounting. A second surface has a first set of diode mounting locations. A diode is mounted within each diode mounting location of the first set and has a terminal extending generally normal from the first surface. An electrical insulator overlies the second surface. A second electrically conductive cooling member has a first surface overlying the insulator, and a second surface having a second set of diode mounting locations. The second electrically conductive cooling member has a plurality of slot openings formed in a radial pattern and extending through the second electrically conductive cooling member from the first surface to the second surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Transpo Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: John W. Russell, Robin D. Rice
  • Patent number: 5949166
    Abstract: A larger-diameter fin is provided adjacent to a frame, while a smaller-diameter fin is provided adjacent to a protecting cover. The larger-diameter fin and the smaller-diameter fin are arranged parallel to each other in an axial direction with an intervening clearance so that their rectifying elements are disposed at opposite directions each other. The larger-diameter fin is offset outward in a radial direction. The smaller-diameter fin is offset inward in the radial direction. The protecting cover has an axial opening which introduces external air directly to the positive rectifying element. Furthermore, a radial ventilation passage is formed between the larger-diameter fin and the frame so as to pass the central position of the negative rectifying element. An opening, introducing external air directly, is formed at a radial-outer end of the radial ventilation passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Tooru Ooiwa, Tsutomu Shiga, Koichi Ihata
  • Patent number: 5877576
    Abstract: A dynamoelectric machine having a stator housing or frame made by a lost foam process utilizing a unitary single-piece vaporizable pattern. The stator housing may be made from a molten metal such as cast iron or aluminum, and has an annular wall having integral outwardly extending longitudinal cooling fins, mounting foots pads and a conduit box support pad. The lost foam process enables the cooling fins to have a greater effective cooling fin height to housing diameter ratio and greater effective cooling fin height to housing annular wall thickness ratio than obtained with prior sand casting processes. The greater height fins provide increased strength and rigidity for the annular wall which can be made radially thinner than prior stator housing or frames of similar size. Substantial savings in material and labor are realized by the stator housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Jimmy CoChimin
  • Patent number: 5866963
    Abstract: A bridge rectifier for an alternator comprises a first heat sink for being secured to a frame of an alternator; a second heat sink disposed on top of the first heat sink; an electrical insulator disposed between the first and second heat sinks; a first group of diodes operably secured to the first heat sink; a second group of diodes operably secured to the second heat sink; an insulating support operably secured to the second heat sink, the support including a plurality of legs adapted to be received in respective holes in the second heat sink; a plurality of screws adapted to be received axially by respective legs, the screws being adapted to expand the legs radially, thereby to lock the legs in respective holes; and a plurality of electrical connectors each being operably connected to a respective pair of diodes, each pair comprising a diode from the first group and a diode from the second group, each of the plurality of electrical connectors for being operably connected to the alternator, each of the plura
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignees: Renard Manufacturing Co., Inc., Kalem Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: Al Weiner, Jimmy Shih
  • Patent number: 5838544
    Abstract: A heat dissipating structure for rectifiers of car alternators includes an upper cover, a rectifier assembly disposed under the upper cover, and a heat dissipating plate disposed below the rectifier assembly. The rectifier assembly is comprised of a plurality of rectifying elements and terminals, and a heat conductive assembly for receiving the rectifying elements. One side of the respective rectifying elements are connected to the terminals to constitute a rectifier circuit. The other side of the respective rectifying elements are connected to the heat conductive assembly, which is in turn connected to the heat dissipating plate. The heat conductive assembly is comprised of a heat conductive plate to which the rectifying elements may adhere, and a ceramic heat dissipating substrate disposed between the heat conductive plate and the heat dissipating plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: Mobiletron Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chen-Ku Wei
  • Patent number: 5828564
    Abstract: A rectifier excellent in terms of heat sink performance, product quality, and cost including a one-way conducting device for rectifying an alternating current, wherein the one-way conducting device includes a metal base serving as one electrode and having a side surface portion and a seating surface portion; and a metal heat dissipation member, including a socket section for receiving the metal base, for dissipating heat generated at the one-way conductive device, wherein the socket section of the metal heat dissipation member has a side wall portion firmly engaged with the side surface portion of the metal base and a bottom portion in contact with the seating surface portion of the metal base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masakazu Mori, Shiro Iwatani, Shinji Iwamoto
  • Patent number: 5821674
    Abstract: A rectifier device comprises a heat conductive housing including a plurality of cooling fins; a plurality of diodes disposed within the housing and thermally connected thereto such that heat generated by the diodes during operation is transferred to the housing; input connector operably connected to the diodes; and output connector one end of which is operably connected to the diodes and the other end of which is adapted for hard-wire connection to a load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Inventor: Al Weiner
  • Patent number: 5812388
    Abstract: An improved bridge rectifier for an alternating current generator includes a first heat sink having a first diode, and an insulating layer disposed on the first heat sink. In addition, the improved bridge rectifier includes a second heat sink disposed on the insulating layer. The second heat sink includes a base section including first and second areas, a second diode, and a diode receiving holes in the base section and receiving the second diode therein. The second heat sink also includes a plateau section disposed on the first area of the base section, and air passages disposed in and extending through the base and plateau sections. The improved bridge rectifier further includes connectors, connecting the first heat sink and the second heat sink together with the insulating layer disposed therebetween, a cover connected to the base section and covering the second area of the base section, and a capacitor connected to the cover and to the second heat sink.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Integral Automotive S.A.
    Inventors: Zvi Keidar, Eugen Popa
  • Patent number: 5796196
    Abstract: An adaptable rotating rectifier and suppression resistor assembly is designed to fit and mate with state-of-the-art, two-pole generators with maximum flexibility to accept a variety of known possible diode configurations and a relatively large suppression resistor in a cost effective manner. A tubular housing of the assembly has an axially extending internal cavity with a plurality of bus bars arranged in fixed, spaced relation in a radially outer portion of the internal cavity so as to extend axially along the internal cavity. A plurality of diodes of any one of at least three significantly different configuration diodes and a suppression resistor are arranged in line along the axis of the internal cavity with radially outwardly extending spring contact plates electrically connecting the diodes and suppression resistor with the bus bars. A desired preload force is provided on these components between an end cap at one end of the housing and a retainer at the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Tyrone Arthur Johnsen, Todd Alan Spierling, Harry Raymond Carter, Jr.