Structure of rectifier for automotive alternator ensuring reliable electrical connection

An automotive alternator comprising:

• a rotor including a field winding;
• a stator including a stator winding;
• and
• a rectifier including a plurality of rectifying elements and a heat sink, the rectifying elements being configured to rectify an AC output from the stator winding of said stator, the heat sink having said rectifying elements mounted thereto so as to dissipate heat generated by operation of said rectifying elements, said heat sink being connected with an electrical terminal through an engagement between a male threaded member, which has a male threaded portion and a head portion, and a female threaded member, said heat sink having a recessed portion in which one of the head portion of the male threaded member and the female threaded member is accommodated, the recessed portion being so shaped to keep the one of the head portion of the male threaded member and the female threaded member from rotating therein, said heat sink also having a through-bore communicating with the recessed portion, through which the male threaded portion of the male threaded member extends to engage with the female threaded member.