Abstract: The invention is a rectifier assembly (10) having reduced mass and high rigidity permitting operation at high rotational speeds. The rotating rectifier includes a rotator shaft assembly (12), a first conductive diode carrier (18), a second conductive diode carrier (20), first and second electrical conductors (40 and 44) connected to the first and second diode carriers and to one end of the rectifier assembly to provide a first DC output and a second DC output and first, second and third diode groups (37, 37', 37"). Each conductive diode carrier has an inner annulus (24) including first, second and third diode receiving surfaces (26, 28 and 30) disposed at spaced apart locations on the inner annulus of the diode carrier and an outer periphery which engages an inner annulus of the rotor shaft assembly. Each diode group comprises at least two diodes (38).

Abstract: An alternator includes MOSFETs used as rectifiers which are sealed by a sealing member (for example, a molded epoxy resin) together with heat radiating fins and an external input/output terminal plate. The sealing member can evenly dissipate stress even if the radiating fins, terminal plate, and the like vibrate with different phases. Since the rectifying elements are reliably secured even when subjected to great vibrations, damage to the MOSFETs can be suppressed. The MOSFETs are never exposed to atmospheric air since the MOSFETs are sealed by the sealing member. Therefore, the alternator can improve the MOSFETs' resistance against adverse operational conditions.

Abstract: A battery isolator alternator bracket incorporating one or more heat sinks comprising at least one heat sink, the bracket formed of two segments, an upper closure segment, and lower base segment, the heat sinks formed preferably of extruded aluminum are shaped to conform to the interior of the bracket, each heat sink including a finned heat exchanger, having a terminal connecting at its front, being in electrical contact with a button diode, adhered thereto, with the terminals of each heat sink connecting either directly or by cable to the battery post of the alternator, for transmission of charge to the various batteries during alternator electrical generation.

Abstract: To directly mount a generator to an engine block without causing overheating of the generator or a rectifier, a voltage regulator incorporates a rectifier which employs monocrystalline silicon carbide (SIC) MOS power transistors as semiconductor rectifying devices. This voltage regulator is fixed to housings of a generator, and the housings of the generator are directly mounted to an engine block. In this construction, it is possible to prevent overheating of the rectifier in the voltage regulator as well as of armature windings and a field coil of the generator regardless of an increase in the amount of heat transferred to the generator due to direct mounting.

Abstract: A rectifying unit for an alternator is composed of AC input terminal and cooling fins connected to output ends (including a neutral point) of a multi-phase stator coil, a negative-poled cooling fin which is grounded and fixed to a rear cover of the alternator, diodes whose anodes are soldered to the AC input fins and whose cathodes are welded to a positive output terminal, and diodes whose anodes are soldered to a negative-poled fin and whose cathodes are welded to the AC input fins.

Abstract: A rectifier arrangement for a three-phase generator having at least one power diode allocated to each half-wave of each phase and a cooling arrangement for the power diodes. The power diodes may be designed as diode chips and be arranged between two diametrically opposed heat sinks, while being oriented with respect to polarity and electrically and/or thermally conductive.

Abstract: An improved bridge rectifier for an alternating current generator includes a first heat sink, an insulating layer disposed on the first heat sink, and a second heat sink disposed on the insulating layer.

Abstract: An alternator and method of forming an alternator with a rectifier internal to the alternator housing are disclosed in which a plurality of positive diodes and negative diodes each has a anode electrode and a cathode electrode. The stator of the alternator has a plurality of stator windings, each winding having a first end and a second end. The rectifier bridge member has electrically conductive circuit traces each having a plurality of substantially coplanar solder pads adapted to receive either an anode electrode of a respective positive diode, a cathode electrode of a respective negative diode or a first or second end of a respective stator winding. The rectifier bridge member also has an electrically conductive plate for electrically interconnecting the cathodes of the positive diodes. A housing for enclosing one end of the alternator has an interior and exterior portion.

Abstract: A control system, such as a traction control system, for a wheel vehicle comprises a detecting section for detecting a hydroplaning condition by comparing a difference between a sensed undriven wheel speed, and a filter signal obtained by passing the sensed undriven wheel speed signal through a low-pass filter, and a controlling section for performing a control action adapted to the hydroplaning condition. This control system can detect the hydroplaning condition accurately, and control the vehicle adequately to negotiate the hydroplaning condition.

Abstract: A bridge rectifier for rectifying the alternating output voltage of an alternating current generator. The bridge rectifier has two heat sinks which are electrically insulated from each other. Each heat sink carries groups of semiconductor diodes that are respectively electrically connected to the heat sinks. A metallic output terminal stud is connected to and supported by one of the heat sinks. A part of the terminal stud has self-tapping threads and this part is tapped into a hole in the heat sink to thereby provide a self-tapped threaded connection between the terminal stud and the heat sink. The terminal stud has an electrical connector portion that has conventional threads. A threaded nut is adapted to be screwed onto the threaded connector portion to thereby secure a terminal connected to a conductor or cable in place.

Abstract: A bridge rectifier assembly includes: a self aligning cloverleaf shaped diode header which sandwiches each diode chip; a semi-circular heat and electrically conductive plate accommodated with receptacles to position the cloverleaf diodes; a heat and non-electrical conductive insulator; a finned heat and electrical conductive extrusion with similar receptacles to position the cloverleaf diodes; an articulated terminal to provide thermal and mechanical stress relief executing an electrode function adhered to the cloverleaf diode header; and a molded insulated integument with embedded electrical conductors of a cantilevered configuration to further alleviate thermodynamic and mechanical stresses. A second embodiment repeats the first embodiment, and includes a heat and electrical conductive plate that is larger in area and with the extrusion succeeded by a second plate of identical outline as the first.

Abstract: An alternator rectifier bridge is incorporated into an alternator housing by inserting half of the diodes of the bridge into apertures formed into an alternator housing end plate which then serves as one output for the alternator and also as a massive heat sink to dissipate heat generated in the diodes. The other half of the diodes of the bridge are inserting into apertures formed in a radiator plate which is embedded into a plastic circuit member together with conductor members which interconnect electrodes of the diodes to stator windings of the alternator and also perform other electrical connections required for efficient manufacture and proper operation of the alternator. The radiator plate serves as the other output for the alternator and also as a heat sink.

Abstract: In a brushless generator having an exciter rotor (18) which generates an AC voltage that is rectified to provide a DC field for a main generator rotor (16), the rectifiers are mounted to revolve with the rotor and be fluid and conductively cooled to provide a dynamo operative without brushes, slip rings or commutators. The rectifier is formed by a diode assembly (24) including layers of insulating and conducting material that are mounted concentrically on the inside wall of a hollow rotor shaft (20) so that diode chips are stressed only in compression due to centrifugal forces of rotation. An input driven shaft (32) may be accommodated interiorly of the diode assembly (24) along the axis of the hollow rotor shaft (20). The dynamo electric machine may also be operated as a brushless motor.

Abstract: The problem of assembling and maintaining good electrical contact in a rotating rectifier assembly (40) is solved using deformable connectors (66). The rectifier assembly (40) includes three planar disks (48) which are linearly aligned and spaced along an axis (42). Six diode wafers (58) are arranged in two parallel planes which are parallel to the axis (42). The three diodes (58) in each plane are positioned on one of the oppositely directed planar faces (50, 52) of the disks (48). The three diodes (58) in each plane are connected by a copper connector bar (46) which forms an output. The assembly is surrounded by an insulating sleeve (62), and three deformable spring rings (66) are used to provide an interference fit.

Abstract: In a rectifier supporting device for (three-phase) generators which is intended particularly for motor vehicles, buses and the like, cooling plates carrying the rectifier diodes are constructed as heat sinks following the circular shape of an end shield of the generator and segment-like cut out portion for a brush holder of the generator. Each of the heat sinks is supported at an axial distance from, but coaxial with, a circuit board arranged between the two heat sinks. The circuit board has a shape corresponding to that of the heat sinks and provides electric connections to the diode head wires and stator wires.In an advantageous construction of the circuit board, sheathe-like guides extend downward until adjacent to the stator phase windings and receive the stator wires guided up toward the circuit board in an insulated passage through the facing three-phase generator housing parts and heat sink areas.

Abstract: A rectifier assembly for use in the rotor of an electrical generator is provided with a plurality of generally disc-shaped diode packages arranged in a stack along a common axis. Radial bus bars are positioned between the diode packages and extend radially beyond the diode stack. Electrically and thermally conductive through bolts extend between a pair of end members on opposite ends of the diode stack and are electrically connected to the radial bus bars. Each of the through bolts includes a longitudinal opening for receiving cooling fluid. Selected ones of the through bolts are held in tension between the end members, thereby axially compressing the diode and radial bus bar stack. Spring terminals are provided for electrically connecting the through bolts to an external circuit and the entire assembly is conveniently packaged as a plug in module.

Abstract: A charging generator having a rectifier within a casing and an output terminal which is connected to the rectifier and projects radially with respect to a rotary shaft comprises: a terminal screw having a threaded shaft portion which constitutes the output terminal, a mounting arm portion formed integral with the threaded shaft portion, and a mounting bore provided in the mounting arm portion, the central axis of the mounting bore extending parallel with the axis of the threaded shaft portion; an output terminal base made of an insulating resin material which covers the mounting arm portion in such a manner that the mounting bore is not closed therewith, the base being formed integral with the terminal screw; an opening formed in the casing at a position which faces the rectifier so as to accommodate the output terminal base; and a screw inserted through the mounting bore in the terminal screw to connect the terminal screw, together with the output terminal base, to the rectifier.

Abstract: In a brushless synchronous generator having a three phase, WYE connected exciter armature providing current which is rectified by a half-wave rectifier before energizing a field of a main generator, a conductor is required to couple a neutral lead of the exciter armature to a negative input terminal of the main generator field.In order to overcome the foregoing problem, a rotary rectifier assembly for a brushless synchronous generator is disclosed. The rotary rectifier assembly comprises a housing, three diodes, three resistors, wherein the diodes and the resistors are interconnected to form a three phase half-wave rectifier bridge within the housing, and a neutral conductor coupled between the neutral output lead and the negative input lead and carried within the housing.

Abstract: A compact rectifier assembly for use in a synchronous electric machine having a rotor. A circumferential housing surrounds a plurality of discrete diodes mounted within the housing. The housing is fabricated of non-conductive material and adapted for incorporation in the rotor of the machine. The diodes are mounted on and electrically coupled to mounting plates fixed directly to the inside of the non-conductive housing, the mounting plates also acting as heat sinks. The housing includes a pair of interfitting non-conductive parts to facilitate assembling the diodes within the housing, and the housing is configured to define a sealed chamber about the diodes for the passage therethrough of a coolant.

Abstract: A brushless exciter for a dynamoelectric machine includes a rectifier assembly disposed in a cylindrical cavity on an axis of the shaft of the dynamoelectric machine. The rectifier assembly is made up of a stack of generally circular heat-sink discs with a cylindrical diode sandwiched on the axis between adjacent pairs of the heat-sink discs. A predetermined value of contact force is applied to the diodes through the stack of heat-sink discs using a plurality of tensioning bolts passing through the stack and tensioned using Belleville springs. All electrical connections to the diodes are made through the heat-sink discs using conductor bars which pass in aligned slots in the edges of the heat-sink discs, each making contact with only a desired single one of the heat-sink discs. A plurality of air flow openings in the heat-sink discs both permit the passage of air therethrough and also flow cooling air onto the body of the diodes.

Abstract: The dual output alternator has a three phase stator winding with three terminals. A first set of three diodes is provided, each of which has its anode connected to a different one of the three winding terminals. The cathodes of the diodes of the first set are connected together and to a first output terminal. A second set of three diodes is provided each of which has its anode connected to a different one of the three winding terminals. The cathodes of the diodes of the second set are connected together and to a second output terminal. A third set of three diodes is provided, each of which has its cathode connected to a different one of the winding terminals and its anode connected to ground.A metal housing is provided for supporting the stator winding. Two metallic heat sink members are supported in the housing near one end wall thereof, spaced from each other and electrically insulated from the housing.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved rectifier assembly for use in a rotor of a dynamo electric machine which includes a tubular housing receiving a stack of plates sandwiching diode wafers between studs on certain of the plates and confined by annular ridges on others of the plates. The plates are provided with coolant passages with the coolant passages on adjacent plates being staggered to provide improved impingement cooling.

Abstract: A bridge rectifier for a diode-rectified alternating current generator that is comprised of two metallic heat sinks formed respectively of copper and aluminum that are separated by an electrical insulator. Each heat sink carries a plurality of semiconductor diode chips. The diode chips are electrically connected to electrical connectors that are insert molded to insulator blocks that are supported by one of the heat sinks. The electrical connectors are adapted to be connected to the phase windings of an alternating current generator. The aluminum heat sink has a finned area which is adapted to be contacted by cooling air when the bridge rectifier is mounted in the generator.

Abstract: An air cooled diode-rectified alternating current generator for use on motor vehicles. The generator has an internal fan located within the slip ring end frame and an external fan located adjacent the outer wall of the drive end frame. The internal fan cooperates with a baffle having a central opening and forces cooling air between air inlet openings and air outlet openings formed in the slip ring end frame. The air that traverses this path cools one end of a stator winding and a bridge rectifier. The external fan causes a flow of air between air inlet openings and air outlet openings formed in the drive end frame and this air contacts an opposite end of the stator winding. The cooling arrangement also provides for a flow of cooling air from the air inlet openings in the slip ring end frame to the air outlet openings in the drive end frame.

Abstract: A solid state switch assembly including a circular array of three electrode semiconductors (26) with a control semiconductor (46) disposed centrally of the array. First and second buses (12 and 30) are in electrical contact with the semiconductors (26). A spider-like conductor (60) has legs (62) extending to respective control electrodes of the semiconductors (26) in the circular array and a central base (64) in circuit with the control semiconductor (46).

Abstract: Resistance to centrifugally acting forces in an axially and radially compact rectifier assembly particularly suited for mounting in a rotary component of a dynamoelectric machine is achieved in a full wave, three phase rectifier assembly. The assembly includes first and second blocks 18, 20, each having three radially outwardly facing diode receiving surfaces 22, 24, 26. Six diode wafers 28 are located on the surfaces and are sandwiched thereagainst by six electrically conductive load shoes 40. Three phase conductors 54 are interposed between the load shoes 40 and a shrink fitted cylindrical housing 10 and electrically connect aligned load shoes 40 associated with each of the blocks 18 and 20.

Abstract: A rectifier has a pair of heat dissipating plates at the positive (+) side and the negative (-) side which constitute a full-wave rectification circuit and are positioned in mutual confrontation with a small gap between them, and an insulating material to electrically insulate the both heat dissipating plates. A recessed portion is formed in each of the mutually opposed parts of the both heat dissipating plates; a noise-preventing capacitor element is housed in a closed space defined by the recessed portions to make an outer covering for the capacitor, and the capacitor element and each of the heat dissipating plates are electrically connected.

Abstract: A planar, rectilinear separator member is used to form a wiring harness for a rectifier assembly of an automotive alternator. The member is provided with pairs of upstanding posts spaced apart just less than the diameter of a conductor. A conductor is engaged and retained between two pairs of such posts. The member is further provided with a passageway located between the two pair of posts for the conductor and a "U" shaped terminal portion of the conductor passes through and extends beyond the passageway when the conductor is retained between the pair of posts. The wiring harness is formed of three conductors and one member, there being two pairs of posts and a centrally located passageway for each conductor. The ends of the conductors extend beyond the edges of the member different lengths and are connected to rectifier diodes carried on two rectifier plates.

Abstract: A rectifying apparatus for an automotive A.C. generator which is used for converting an A.C. output of the generator into a direct current, and which includes a plurality of rectifiers, each having a semiconductor chip and a capacitor connected in parallel therewith, thereby forming a parallel connection, and having a protecting sealer for insulating and sealing the parallel connection.

Abstract: An axially and radially compact rectifier assembly for installation in alternator rotors includes two spaced plates, each mounting diodes which extend axially toward the opposite plate, on which they are not mounted. The axial extension of the diodes provides for radial compactness. The diodes on each plate are staggered with respect to the diodes on the other plate so that they may nest between one another, to provide axial compactness as well.

Abstract: An alternator assembly for an automotive vehicle including a rectifier device composed of a plurality of diodes supported on a negative-side cooling fin of semi-circular arc shape, a plurality of diodes supported on a positive-side cooling fin of semi-circular arc shape, and a terminal board supporting a plurality of terminals connected to the diodes. The rectifier device is assembled and held in a unitary structure by a plurality of metal members, and arranged in a space defined by an end frame and a rear cover of the alternator assembly in such a manner that the metal members are in contact at one end thereof with the rear cover and at the other end thereof with the end frame.

Abstract: An electrical connection system for alternating current rectifiers, particularly for use in alternating-current bridge-type rectifiers for motor vehicle generators, in which a portion of an electrical conductor embedded in a circuit board is cooled to a lesser extent than the remainder of the electrical conductor. The lesser cooled portion may have a smaller cross-sectional area than do the remaining portions of the electrical conductor. In the case of an overload on the connection system, the lesser cooled and/or smaller cross-section portion melts through.

Abstract: Two U-shaped sheet metal members having legs through which the cooling air passes have bases onto which at least two of the load current carrying diodes are fastened, the connection between the diodes and the sheet metal members forming the heat sink being a highly heat conductive connection.

Abstract: To provide an easily and essentially automatically manufactured rectifier array for an automotive alternator, two bus rails 1a, 1b, in the form of sheet metal strips, are punched for insertion of connecting studs 6 of rectifier diodes. The bus rails, with the diodes assembled thereto, are placed parallel to, and spaced from each other, and oppositely directed studs 6 from the diodes 4 are connected together by connecting strips 2a, 2b, 2c, which will function as electrical connecting elements and heat sink and heat dissipating plates to conduct off heat arising in operation of the diodes. The subassembly can then be connected into an alternator, with an air directing baffle directing axial airflow.

Abstract: There is disclosed a rectifier assembly for an AC generator for use with vehicles. The rectifier assembly comprises a single horseshoe heat radiating plate and electric circuit elements mounted thereon, and including at least one rectifier unit and two DC output conductor plates. The two d.c. output conductor plates are disposed in spaced relationship on one surface of the heat radiating plate with an intermediate insulating layer and electrically connected to output terminals of the rectifier unit. The assembly may be incorporated with a voltage regulator of an integrated circuit configuration for controlling the output voltage of the AC generator and a brush holder. The voltage regulator may be coplanar with the conductor plates.

Abstract: A multiphase, full-wave rectifier assembly for an alternator has first and second mutually parallel plates carrying first and second sets of diodes. Connectors electrically connect terminals of respective diodes of the first and second sets with each other and with terminals of respective field diodes heads of a multiphase stator of the alternator are connected respectively with the connectors. Each field diode is held in a respective recess defined between first and second plates of a common electrical connector for the field diodes. Each recess is defined by a U-shaped portion in the first plate of the common electrical connector and a part of the second plate of the common electrical connector, said part closing the U-shaped portion. Deformable tags on the ends of the U-shaped portions pass through corresponding slots in the second plate of the common electrical connector and are deformed so as to hold said plates together.

Abstract: A cooling plate of the unit is connected to each of the a.c. terminals of the alternator and each cooling plate carries the positive-side diode or diodes, the negative-side diode or diodes and the excitor field diode connected to that a.c. terminal. The cooling plates are mounted on a shaped insulating disk in which wires are embedded for connecting together the connection leads of the diodes. Provision is made for bringing out terminals for the connection of a regulator unit and for bringing out a terminal for one a.c. phase, as well as for attachment of the d.c. output terminals.

Abstract: A multiphase full-wave rectifier assembly comprises positive and negative plates and an electrically insulating body which are stacked together in spaced apart relationship. The positive and negative plates carry first and second sets of three power diodes respectively while the electrically insulating body has three recesses therein. A field diode is mounted in each recess and a respective electrical connector connects one terminal of each field diode with a respective terminal of one of the power diodes in each of the first and second sets. A common electrical connector mounted on the body serves to interconnect the other terminals of the field diodes and also has portions which engage against the bodies of the field diodes to hold the latter in their respective recesses. The common connector is secured to the electrically insulating body by means of rivets which are disposed adjacent the diode-engaging portion of the common connector.

Abstract: A multiphase, full wave rectifier assembly comprises a first plate which carries a first set of diodes thereon, and a second plate which carries a second set of diodes thereon, the first and second plates being mutually isolated by an electrically insulating layer. Cathode terminals of the diodes of the first set extend with clearance through respective apertures in the second plate, and an electrical connector connects each of these cathode terminals to the anode terminal of a respective diode of the second set, said electrical connector being connectible to one of said phases to be rectified in use. A third set of diodes is carried by an electrically insulating body, one terminal of each diode of the third set being electrically connected to a respective one of the connectors, the other terminals of the diodes of the third set being connected to a common connector.

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.