Patent ID: 7274127
Filing Date: 2007-09-25
Classification: H01R,H02K

Abstract:
1. An automotive alternator brush abrasion detection system comprising: an automotive alternator provided with: a first control portion for detecting an absence of power generation in said automotive alternator by monitoring a phase voltage of said stator winding; a second control portion for detecting an overvoltage in said automotive alternator by monitoring output from said rectifier; and a third control portion for detecting abrasion of said brushes by monitoring a portion of said electric current flowing through said rotor coil which is diverted to flow through said contact, wherein said absence of power generation or said overvoltage in said automotive alternator is announced by switching said first lamp on when said first control portion detects said absence of power generation or said second control portion detects said overvoltage in said automotive alternator, and said abrasion of said brushes is announced by flashing said first lamp on and off when said third control portion detects said abrasion of said brushes.