Patent ID: 6184602
Filing Date: 2001-02-06
Classification: H02K

Abstract:
An automotive AC generator comprising:a stator;a rotor cooperating with said stator to generate an AC voltage;bearings rotatably supporting said rotor;a rectifier for converting the AC voltage into a DC voltage, said rectifier being disposed at an axial direction of said rotor;a protecting cover covering said rectifier, said protective covering having an axial opening for introducing air to said rectifier;a frame fixedly securing said stator, said bearings, said rectifier and said protecting cover, said rectifier being disposed between said protecting cover and said frame;said rectifier comprising:a number of negative rectifying elements:a larger-diameter fin of negative electric potential for mounting said negative rectifying elements, said larger-diameter fin having a radial-inner end, and being disposed adjacent to said frame, the larger-diameter fin and the frame being separated by a predetermined axial clearance;a number of positive rectifying elements cooperating with the number of negative rectifying elements and disposed in the vicinity of said protecting cover, each rectifying element having a lead extending therefrom; anda smaller-diameter fin of positive electric potential for mounting said positive rectifying elements, said smaller-diameter fin having a radial-outer end, and being disposed adjacent to said protecting cover, said smaller-diameter fin and said protecting cover being separated by a predetermined axial clearance;wherein, said larger-diameter and smaller-diameter fins are arranged parallel to each other in an axial direction with a predetermined clearance therebetween so that said leads extend in opposite directions in a space between said larger-diameter and smaller-diameter fins;wherein the radial-inner end is disposed adjacent to said positive rectifying elements, and extends radially outward therefrom;wherein the radial-outer end is disposed adjacent to said negative rectifying elements, positioned between said negative rectifying elements and said protecting cover, and extends in a direction towards said protecting cover; andwherein the axial opening introduces external air;a radial ventilation passage disposed between said larger-diameter fin and said frame for passing air along a central position of said negative rectifying element; andan opening formed of at least one of (i) a clearance between said frame and said protecting cover, and (ii) a clearance between said larger-diameter fin and said protecting cover, the opening for introducing external air directly to the radial-outer end of said radial ventilation passage;wherein said frame is directly brought into contact with and fixed to said larger-diameter fin.