Patent ID: 6327128
Filing Date: 2001-12-04
Classification: H01H,H01L,H02K

Abstract:
A rectifier assembly adapted to mount to the housing of a multi-phase alternating current generator so as to rectify AC current produced by the alternator into DC current, the rectifier assembly comprising:a positive heat sink;a negative heat sink;an insulating gasket separating the two heat sinks; stator terminals isolated from the heat sinks, each terminal connectable to a respective stator winding of said alternator;a plurality of semiconductor pairs, each semiconductor pair comprising a first semiconductor and a second semiconductor, each semiconductor having an anode and a cathode, one semiconductor of each pair having its anode connected to the negative heat sink and having its cathode connected to an anode of the other semiconductor of the pair, the other semiconductor of the pair having its cathode connected to said positive heat sink; anda plurality of safety washers electrically interposed in the semiconductor circuit paths, at least one of said safety washers thermally melting when overheated to open a respective one of said circuit paths.