Protective cover cap for an automotive-type alternator-rectifier combination

For and in an alternator rectifier combination, particularly for automotive use, having

• an alternator stator housing;
• a shaft (16);
• an end plate (12) secured to the housing;
• bearing means (15) secured in said end plate and journaling the shaft;
• rectifier diodes (14) supported by said end plate to form a combination end plate--rectifier diode support plate assembly (12, 13, 14), said end plate providing heat dissipation and cooling for said rectifier diodes;
• wherein an air flow (A) is induced in axial direction of the alternator to provide for cooling of said combination end plate--diode support plate assembly, and further for cooling of component elements of the alternator which, in operation, require cooling;
• and a protective cover cap and air flow directing element, comprising, in accordance with the invention,
• a cup-like structure (22) formed with openings (23, 24, 25, 26, 28, 29) therein located on said assembly in essentially axial alignment with said diodes and said component elements and positioned in advance--in the direction of said air flow--of said end plate to direct said axially induced air flow on said diodes and component elements and cool said diodes and component elements.