Multiphase full-wave rectifier assembly

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. Each connector is supported by the electrically insulating body and a respective insulating support member, the support member being secured in a recess defined between a pair of upstanding posts on the second plate. An alternator comprises a housing having a rotor and a stator therein, an end cap overlying an end wall of the housing so as to define a cavity therebetween, and a multiphase, full-wave rectifier assembly as described above disposed in the cavity. The rectifier assembly is secured to the end cap, and screws detachably secure the rectifier assembly to the end wall of the housing. In this way, end cap is supported by the end wall through the intermediary of the rectifier assembly.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.