WO2009024709A2

WO2009024709A2 - Current rectifying device for electric rotary machine and electric rotary machine including such device

Info

Publication number: WO2009024709A2
Application number: PCT/FR2008/051427
Authority: WO
Inventors: Régis SEIDENBINDER; Fabrice Tauvron; Marc Tunzini; Xavier Dunesme
Original assignee: Valeo Equipements Electriques Moteur
Priority date: 2007-08-01
Filing date: 2008-07-29
Publication date: 2009-02-26
Also published as: FR2919770A1; FR2919770B1; WO2009024709A3

Abstract

The invention relates to a current rectifying device for a multiple-phase rotary electric machine, that comprises at least two modules (100), each module including a bearing member (10-19, 10) for current rectifying members (93, 94) of one phase of the machine, a part of an electrically insulating material (350), or insulating part, an electrically conducting connection part (450) to be connected to one of the current rectifying members (93) and adapted to be connected to the connection part of the other module. The rotary electric machine includes such a rectifying device. The invention can be used in an alternator with inner ventilation for an automobile.

Description

Current rectifying device for a rotating electrical machine and rotating electrical machine comprising such a device

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a rectifying device for a rotating electrical machine and a rotating electrical machine, in particular an alternator of a motor vehicle with internal ventilation, comprising such a rectifying device.

State of the art

Such a device and such a machine are described in WO 03/009452 (FR 2 827 437).

In this document the rotating electrical machine is a polyphase alternator for a motor vehicle comprising a casing carrying a stator surrounding a rotor secured to a shaft rotatably mounted in the housing.

The casing comprises at least one front bearing and one rear bearing each bearing centrally bearing means, such as a ball bearing, for rotatably mounting the rotor shaft.

The rotor is a claw rotor or a rotor with salient poles.

At least one excitation winding is associated with this rotor, preferably of ferromagnetic material. The stator comprises a body in the form of a bundle of sheets carrying a polyphase stator winding. The winding is in an embodiment with conductive segments, alternatively continuous wire.

Each phase of the stator and therefore of the machine comprises at least one winding. The excitation winding is in one embodiment connected by wire links to slip rings integral with the rear end of the rotor shaft. Brooms are allowed to rub on the rings. These brushes are carried by a brush holder most often secured to a voltage regulator.

In another embodiment, the excitation winding is fixed, the alternator being brushless and without slip rings. The ends of the stator phases are connected to a current recovery device carried by the rear bearing. A protective cover caps the rectifier and is integral with the rear bearing. The rear bearing current rectifier assembly provides a current rectifying arrangement.

The hood and the rear bearing are perforated for circulation of a cooling fluid, such as air, inside the housing of the machine. The rear bearing has a hollow shape and has a bottom, generally transverse orientation relative to the axis of the alternator coincides with the axis of the rotor shaft. The bottom of the rear bearing has openings for the passage of air.

This circulation of air is carried out using at least one fan. This fan is in an embodiment integral with the rotor. Alternatively the fan is an external fan adjacent to the front bearing also perforated.

As is known when the rotor excitation winding is electrically powered and the rotor shaft rotates, the rotor is magnetized and an induced alternating current is generated in the stator winding. This induced current is rectified in a direct current by the current rectifier device, in particular to recharge the vehicle battery and to supply the consumers of the on-board vehicle network with direct current.

The circulation of the air generated by the rotation of the fan or fans makes it possible to cool the rectifying device and the stator winding.

In the document WO 03/009452, the current rectifying device comprises diodes which are provided with a base, called a base, comprising a main solid part extended axially by a base having at its free end a fixing face for a semi-solid element. conductor interposed between the base and the head of a rigid wire-shaped connection element called diode tail or diode axis. Resin surrounds the head of the tail of the diode and the semiconductor element. This resin is integral with the base of the diode. The current recovery device, carried by the rear bearing, comprises: a plurality of positive diodes supported by a positive support carrying cooling fins; a plurality of negative diodes supported by the bottom of the rear bearing; a connector for connecting the tails of the diodes to the outputs of the phases of the stator.

The diodes constitute current rectifying elements. The rear bearing and the positive support are metallic, while the connector comprises a plastic body in which traces of the connections with the diodes are embedded.

In another embodiment described in document FR 2 729 802, as can be seen in FIG. 1 which is a front view of a rectifying arrangement for a motor vehicle alternator without the alternator cover, it has been proposed to mount the positive diodes 20 and the negative diodes 30 on cooling plates 10.

In this figure 1 have seen in 50 the rear bearing of the alternator, in 40 electrically insulating parts to isolate the plates 10 of the bearing 50, in 70 the terminal, said terminal B +, of the alternator, which corresponds to the output rectifier of the alternator intended to be connected via a cable to the positive terminal of the vehicle battery, at 80 of the tongues, at 90 the fixing screws of the plates 10 on the bottom of the bearing 50, at 14 the regulating assembly of voltage-brush holder, 51 the air passage openings and 52 the cylindrical core internally defining the openings 51, generally trapezoidal shape.

Each plate 10 is connected via a link 1 1 to one of the phase outputs of the stator winding and is in contact with the anode of the positive diode 20, which it carries, as well as with the cathode of its diode negative 30. The link 1 1 passes through the wafer 10 through an orifice 12 thereof. For more details, see document FR 2 729 802.

This arrangement makes it possible to create modules in the form of a plate carrying the positive and negative diodes. In the two aforementioned embodiments, the diodes are axially oriented with respect to the axis of axial symmetry of the bearing of the alternator.

As a variant, the diodes are of transverse orientation as proposed in the application FR 07/54188, filed on 30/03/2007 and not published to date. In this document the current rectifying device comprises at least one module comprising a plate associated with current rectifying element of a phase of the machine; said module plate being extended by a heat sink integral with the plate and intended to at least partially cover a cooling air passage opening of the rotating electrical machine. This current rectification device is less bulky axially and better cooled.

More precisely in FIGS. 2 to 4, which are identical to FIGS. 2 to 4 of the aforementioned FR 07/54188 application, the rotary electrical machine represented is a polyphase alternator for a motor vehicle with internal ventilation, for example of the type described in FIG. EP 0515 259. The alternator comprises 6 phases and 6 dc AC rectifying modules at the rate of one module per phase.

These modules 100 belong to the current rectifier and are carried, here electrically insulated by the bottom 56 (Figure 3 and 4) of the rear bearing 50 of the alternator. This bearing 50 is here metallic, preferably moldable material such as aluminum. The bearing 50 is electrically connected to ground.

The rectifier assembly-rear deck constitutes a current rectifying arrangement. This arrangement forms a unitary unit that can be manipulated and transported.

The number of modules 100 is a function of the number of phases.

Thus for a three-phase alternator the number of modules is three, for a five-phase alternator the number of modules is five. It is possible to mount in the example shown 2 to 6 modules 100 with the presence of the brush holder-voltage regulator 14.

Each module 100 comprises a plate 10 intended to be electrically connected to the output of a phase of the stator of the alternator.

The plate 10 is here metallic and carries the current rectifying elements 94, 93 of the phase concerned, which consist in this embodiment in positive and negative diodes as in FIG.

The positive diode 93 is intended to be electrically connected to the B + terminal, while the negative diode 94 is intended to be connected to ground (FIG.

3) via the bottom 56 of the rear bearing 50.

The anode of the positive diode 93 is in electrical contact with the plate 10 and the same is the cathode of the negative diode 94 as best seen in Figure 5. In this figure is shown by simplicity that three phases P1 , P2, P3, mounted in a triangle, of the stator winding of the rotating electrical machine.

The diodes each have a base 96 knurled force fit into a complementary hole 198 of the plate 10, as shown in Figure 4. The diodes are thus integral with the plate. The machine here comprises three other phases mounted in a triangle or star as described in US 4 163 187. Of course we can double the number of slots of the stator body. Of course, the machine may comprise only three phases and three modules, or five phases and five modules as mentioned above. An electrically insulating piece 40 is inserted between the plate 10 and the bearing

50 (FIGS. 3 and 4).

The plate 10 is extended by a heat sink 16, which extends towards the center of the machine, that is to say generally transversely.

This dissipator 16, here metallic, is integral with the plate 10 and covers at least partially an air passage opening 51 so that the module

100 is well cooled. This dissipater 16, thermally conductive, comprises a base 19 adjacent to the plate 10 and fins 18 In one embodiment the heat sink 16 may extend astride two openings 51 and partially cover them.

Here the dissipator completely covers an opening 51 so that it is even better cooled. The current rectifying elements 93, 94, and the dissipator 16 extend on either side of the plate 10.

The dissipator 16 is disposed in the flow of the cooling fluid, in this case air. This flow is generated by the rotation of a fan 57.

This fan 57 is better visible in FIG. 3, in which the flow of the cooling air generated by the rotation of the fan 57 provided with blades 570 is represented by arrows.

This figure at 58 shows part of the rotor of the alternator. This rotor 58 is here a claw rotor alternatively a rotor with salient poles.

The fan 57, here a high-power fan, is integral with the rear end of the rotor 58 and has a large number of blades 570. It is here of the type described in WO 2004/106748. It therefore comprises two superimposed elementary fans, each fan comprising a flange provided with a plurality of blades 570 distributed preferably irregularly to reduce noise. This fan 57 is attached for example by welding on the rear end of the rotor 58 here using welding pads belonging for example to the flange of the elementary internal fan. The external elementary fan is mounted on the internal fan, for example by means of welding or gluing points. These elementary fans are here metallic. The fan 57 is here of the centrifugal type. The fan is in another embodiment a simple fan.

Two internal fans can be provided as in EP 0515 259. Alternatively a single internal fan is provided. The blades 570 pass in front of the openings 51 to suck fresh air and repress the air through air outlet openings 53 described below.

In this figure 3 we see 61 the shaft integral with the rotor 58 and 59 the slip rings carried by the rear end of the shaft 61. It is on these rings that rub, in a conventional manner, the brushes carried by the brush holder connected to the voltage regulator of the assembly 14.

The X-X axis constitutes the axis of axial symmetry of the shaft 61 and that of the machine. The dissipator 16 extends transversely with respect to this axis.

The bearing 50 is hollow in shape and has a bottom 56, transversally oriented relative to the axis XX, extended at its outer periphery by a flange 55 generally axially oriented relative to the axis XX. The openings 51 are here air inlet openings. These openings here have a generally trapezoidal shape and are delimited radially inwards by the cylindrical core 52 of axis coincident with the axis X-X. The bottom 56 of the bearing 50 comprises a continuous part outside the openings 51 for mounting the plates 10 of the modules 100. The inner periphery of the core 52 delimits the central opening of the bearing 50. This opening serves for the passage of the rear end of the shaft 61.

The inner periphery of the core 52 also serves to mount the ball bearing 60 interposed radially between the outer periphery of the shaft 61 and the inner periphery of the core 52 for rotatably mounting the shaft 61. A capsule 62 is radially interposed between the inner periphery of the core 52 and the outer periphery of the bearing 60 to absorb the differences in expansion. The flange 55 is provided with a plurality of axially oblong air outlet openings 53.

The number of openings, here air outlet openings 53, is of this embodiment greater than the number of openings 51 of air inlet. Each opening series 51, 53 comprises a plurality of apertures separated from each other by radially oriented arms for the openings 51 and axially oriented for the openings 53, which in their variants can be inclined axially, knowing that the openings 53 here affect the outer periphery of the bottom 56.

In this figure 3 is shown, for clarity, in dotted respectively the body 155 of the stator and 156 the rear bun of the stator winding carried by the body 155 of the stator in the form of a package of sheets.

Alternatively the rim 55 is devoid of openings 53 and, in a known manner, a fan is located in front of the alternator, the path of the air being in this case axial.

In FIGS. 3 and 4, the protective cover covering the assembly 14 and the module current rectifier are not also shown.

100.

The plate 10 comprises at least one central lug 15 for fixing it to the rotating electrical machine, here on the bottom 56 of the bearing 50.

The tab 15 is perforated for the passage of a fastener 91, here in the form of a screw.

An electrically insulating piece 40 is interposed between the module 100 and the bottom 56 of the bearing 50. This part 40 is provided with an opening 41 of shape identical to that of the opening 51 associated with the module 100. This part has a variation of thickness forming an imprint corresponding to the shape of the module 100 for housing the module and wedging thereof. The piece 40 thus has a footprint of receiving the tab 15. The base 19 and the plate 10 are in contact with the piece 40 by their edge. This piece 40 can be individual by being associated with each module. Here the piece 40 is common to all the modules 100 as can be seen in FIG. 2. It is therefore also interposed between the assembly 14 and the bottom 56 and has openings corresponding to those of the bottom 56.

The fasteners 91, such as screws, are electrically insulated from the plate 10. Thus, in FIG. 3, an electrically insulating barrel is shown in FIG. 3 for isolating the screw 91 of the plate 10. This gun has an annular head for supporting the head of the screw 91 screwed into tapped hole 150 of the bottom 56 and a sleeve penetrating into the hole for the passage of the screw rod 91 made in the lug 15 in order to isolate the rod of the screw of the paw. The shank of the screw passes through the part 40 provided with an opening for this purpose.

In one embodiment, the part or parts 40 are also thermally insulating when the bearing 50 is hotter in operation than the module 100. As a variant, the part or parts 40 are thermally conductive when the bearing is cooler in operation than the module 100 It all depends on the temperature reached in operation by the stator, which may alternatively be carried by an intermediate portion of the machine housing inserted between the front and rear bearings, said intermediate portion being cooled by circulation of the coolant. The tab 15 and the fastener 91 also have a function of electrical connection of the module 100, respectively with the phase and the mass.

Thus, in one embodiment (FIG. 6), the annular head 299 of the barrel 199 is used to mount on either side of it a first metal washer 301 in contact with the head of the screw 91 and a second washer 302 in contact with the lug 15. The first washer 301 belongs to a first electrical connection 310 (FIG. 5) of short length between the tail 97 of the negative diode 94 and the mass via the screw 91.

The second washer 302 belongs to a second electrical connection (FIG. 5) between the plate 10 and the phase or phases concerned. As shown schematically in FIG. 5, the tail 96 of each positive diode 93 can be electrically connected to the B + terminal via a third electrical connection comprising an electrically conductive element 320 in an arc of a circle. This element 320 is integral with the terminal B +, not shown by simplicity in Figure 2. Tabs 321 or other rigid connection, electrically connect each tail 96 to the rigid element 320 type. Of course the tongues 321 and the element 320 may be embedded in plastic to be electrically isolated by being stripped locally at the tails 97 and the terminal B +.

The element 320 is rigid but is not generally as simple as desired. This element can be of the type of that of FIG.

In this case each plate 10 supports a piece of insulating material having a grooved portion for receiving a copper conductor, not referenced in Figure 1, connected to the terminal 70 that is to say the terminal B + ..

In all cases the third electrical connection is not as simple as desired.

Object of the invention

The object of the present invention is to simplify the third electrical connection between the positive diodes.

According to the invention, a current rectifying device for a polyphase rotating electrical machine, in particular an internally ventilated motor vehicle alternator, comprising at least two modules, in which each module comprises a current rectifying element support element. a phase of the machine and a piece of electrically insulating material for at least one electrically conductive connecting piece, is characterized in that the connecting piece is divided, each module comprising an electrically conductive connecting piece intended to be connected to the one of the rectifying elements of a phase of the machine, and in that the connecting piece of a module is configured to be connected with the connecting piece of the other module.

The rotary electrical machine is characterized in that it comprises a current rectifying device according to the invention. Thanks to the invention, the third electrical connection is simplified since each module comprises an elementary connecting piece intended to be connected with the other connecting piece of the adjacent module.

Thus, the common connecting piece is deleted from document FR 2 729 802 mentioned above.

The connecting piece allows the passage of a strong electric current.

We standardize the module and the alternator. More specifically, for example the same rear bearing of an alternator can be used to mount two to six, see seven modules in the case where the voltage regulator assembly 14 of the previous figures is remote. These modules are connected together by their connecting piece without having to resort to a common connecting piece.

Each connecting piece constitutes the link of a chain of different length depending on the number of modules and phases of the machine.

In addition, it will also be appreciated that this solution is applicable to the embodiment of FIG. 1 and to the embodiment of FIG. 2.

The orientation of the current rectifying elements, such as diodes or MOSFET transistors, with respect to the axis of the machine is therefore of no importance.

The support of the current rectifying elements can therefore be a plate, as in FIG. 1, or the heat sink of FIG. 2, knowing that in certain embodiments the base 19 and the plate 10 of FIG.

3 can be confused, especially when the heatsink is in one piece with the plate.

In addition, the electrically insulating part of FIG. 1 and of document FR 2 729 802 is simplified then this part does not have a remote housing groove of the common connecting piece.

One of the connecting pieces, in one embodiment may be configured to serve as a support for the alternator terminal B + or be specially shaped to this terminal. It is thus possible to standardize the module associated with terminal B +.

According to a characteristic, the electrically insulating part is sandwiched between the support member and the connecting piece, which is carried by the support. Thus, the transversal bulk of the module is reduced and the module with a connecting piece according to the invention can be mounted in place of the well ventilated module of FIGS. 2 to 4 and 6.

More precisely, the insulating part does not carry the connecting piece, unlike the embodiment of FIG. 1. This insulating part is thus simplified because it does not have a protruding groove for mounting a joint connecting piece in an arc of a circle.

The connecting piece is electrically insulated on the support.

In one embodiment this is achieved by means of a fastener whose head is embedded in an insulating sleeve floor to avoid any interference with the connecting piece, that is to say to avoid short-term circuit.

The connecting piece and the insulating part are in a plate-like embodiment.

The insulating part is in an embodiment obtained by molding, which makes it possible to give it the desired shape and to create shapes suitable for connections by cooperation of shapes, in particular with the support of the current rectifying elements and the connecting piece.

Thus in one embodiment the connecting piece comprises at least one opening for the passage of the diodes and the insulating part at least one complementary opening with a collar interposed between the edge of the opening of the connecting piece and the diodes for insulation and avoid any short circuit between the diodes and the connecting piece.

Thanks to the form-cooperation connections, a single fastener is sufficient to fix the connecting piece on the support of the current rectifying elements.

The insulating part, in one embodiment, has a profile for isolating a tab, belonging to the second electrical connection, relative to the connecting piece.

This connecting piece comprises, in one embodiment, at its outer periphery a flange to stiffen the connecting piece and allow the passage of a strong electric current. A connecting lug with one of the current rectifying elements, such as the positive diode, is in one embodiment with this flange.

The connecting piece is in an embodiment obtained by cutting and folding.

In one embodiment, the tab 15 of FIG. 3 is removed because the connecting piece belongs to the third link. This simplifies the plate of Figure 3, as well as simplify the part 40.

The fixing of a module is carried out in one embodiment by means of electrically insulating through fastening members of the holes made in the base of the dissipator of FIG. 2.

The connecting piece comprises in one embodiment a tongue for its connection, for example by welding or crimping, with an adjacent tab belonging to the other connecting piece of the neighboring module.

This solution is simple and allows the passage of a strong current.

Advantageously, the terminal B + also comprises a tongue for connection with the tongue of the connecting piece of the adjacent module. This solution makes it possible to standardize the module adjacent to the terminal B +.

This module can therefore be identical to other modules. This terminal comprises in one embodiment a base with holes for fixing electrically insulated on the bearing of the alternator using fasteners. Of course, electrical insulation is present between the base of the terminal B + and the bearing.

The invention also makes it possible to standardize the B + terminal.

All the aforementioned features are to be considered singly or in combination.

Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent on reading the detailed description which follows for the understanding of which reference will be made to the drawings. Brief description of the drawings

FIG. 1 is a front view of a rectifying arrangement for a vehicle alternating with the vehicle of the prior art;

FIG. 2 is a front view, similar to FIG. 1, of a rectifying arrangement for a vehicle alternator, the vehicle shown in FIG. 2 of application FR 07/541 88 filed on / 03/2007;

FIG. 3 is a partial view in section according to FIG. 3-3 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3 without the rotor and the bearing of the rotating electrical machine; FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of part of the electrical circuit of the current recovery device;

FIG. 6 is a partial view similar to FIG. 4 showing part of the connection means of the module to ground and phase, respectively; FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a connecting plate according to the invention;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a module equipped with the connection plate according to the invention;

FIG. 9 is a perspective and exploded view of the module of FIG. 8;

- Figure 10 is a perspective view of the module of Figure 8 interposed fixing between two connecting pieces each belonging to another module not shown;

- Figure 11 is a partial perspective view, without the connection and insulation parts, showing a variant of the first connecting means;

- Figure 12 is a partial top view of the module, without the connecting plate for another embodiment; - Figure 13 is a perspective view of the terminal B +.

Description of exemplary embodiments

In the figures the common elements or the like will be assigned the same reference signs. Insulation refers to electrical insulation.

In order to simplify the third link 320 of FIG. 5, the invention proposes to equip the support with current rectifying elements, such as the plate 10 of FIG. 1 or the dissipator assembly 16-plate 10 of the figure

2, a connecting piece 450. This connecting piece is, according to a characteristic, configured to be electrically connected with the connecting piece of another module. Each module is independent and has its own connecting piece. A chain of connecting pieces is produced. Each connecting piece forms a link in the chain.

This chain is connected at one of its ends to the B + terminal of the alternator bearing the reference 70 in Figure 1 and also visible in perspective in Figure 13.

The connecting piece 450 is intended to be connected to one of the current rectifying elements as described below.

The connecting piece 450 is electrically conductive here being metallic, for example sheet metal, aluminum or copper.

Thus the link pieces 450 of the modules are electrically connected together to create the third link 320. This third link is made in one embodiment with the aid of the lateral ends of the connecting pieces.

This third link is connected to one of the lateral ends of the terminal B + as described below.

In addition, a piece 350 made of electrically insulating material, such as plastic, is interposed between the connecting piece 450 and the plate 10.

More specifically, the insulating piece 350 is sandwiched between the support of the current rectifying elements and the connecting piece. 450. In one embodiment, the insulating piece 350 and the connecting piece 450 are generally plate-shaped.

As a result, the insulating part 350 has a simpler shape than the document FR A 2 729 802 because it is generally plate-shaped and does not have a groove for receiving a connecting piece of great circumferential length and common to the modules. This common part is removed and is replaced by the individual connecting pieces 450 connected together and allowing the passage of a current of higher intensity as described below. The connecting piece 450 is also generally plate-shaped.

More specifically each piece 350, 450 has a plate-shaped body bearing projections described below.

Parts 350 and 450 equip the plate of FIG. 1 or the plates of FIGS. 2 to 4 and 6.

Thus, in FIGS. 7 to 10, the parts 350 and 450 are mounted on the plate 10 of a module 100 of FIGS. 2 to 4 and 6.

This module 100 therefore comprises a plate 10 extended inwards by a heat sink 16 integral with the plate and intended to cover at least partially a passage opening 51 of FIGS. 2 to 4 and 6.

The plate 10 is electrically and thermally conductive. It is here metallic and also constitutes a cooling plate.

The plate 10 is electrically connected, in the aforementioned manner, to the pair of positive diodes 93 and negative 94, that is to say to the current rectifying elements.

The heatsink assembly 16-plate 10 constitutes the support of the current rectifying elements 93, 94 of a phase of the polyphase machine, here the alternator with polyphase stator. The diodes 93, 94 have, as in the previous figures, a pellet 98 knurled for their fitting into a hole 198 of the plate 10. The hole 198 is open, blind variant for better heat dissipation, the bottom of the caps being in contact with the bottom of the blind hole

198.

The plate 10 supports the diodes 93, 94 in these cases. In a variant, the bottom of the caps 98 is in contact with the bottom of a blind hole made in the base 19, the caps passing through the holes 198.

The knurling of the caps 98 can be engaged each with the outline of a hole

198 and with a blind hole aligned with the base 19 so that the diodes 93,

94 are means for assembling the base 19 with the plate 10. The base 19 and the plate 10 constitute in this case the support of the diodes 93,

94.

Each plate 10 is axially oriented relative to the X-X axis as best seen in FIGS. 3 and 4.

The plate 10 is in indirect contact with the bottom 56 via its wafer, with the interposition of the electrically insulating member 40, knowing that the bearing 50 is electrically conductive and is connected to ground.

The lower edge 101 (FIG. 4) of the plate thus extends generally perpendicularly to the bottom 56.

This plate 10 thus extends generally perpendicular to the bottom 56 of the bearing 50. The dissipator 16 disposed in the air flow generated by the rotation of the fan 57. The diodes 93, 94 extend projecting from the upper face 103.

The heat sink 16 comprises a plurality of fins 18, here thin, obtained by extrusion with a base 19, that has the dissipator 16 adjacent to the lower face 102 of the plate 10. The fins 18 and the base 19 are therefore one block.

This dissipator 16 has a generally trapezoidal shape whose large base constituted by the base 19 is adjacent to the plate 10.

The dissipator 16 is in a monoblock embodiment with the plate 10 being for example molded with the plate 10.

In this case the base 19 is merged with the plate 10. This base 19 carries the current rectifying elements 93, 94. In a variant, the dissipator 16 is attached in favor of its base 19 on the plate 10.

The dissipator 16 is in one embodiment secured to the plate 10 by means of several fasteners, such as screws, bolts or studs.

In a variant, the base 19 of the dissipator is soldered, brazed or bonded to the lower face 102 of the plate 10.

In another variant the dissipator is attached by snapping on the plate. For example, the base comprises hook tabs, which each pass through an opening of the plate to engage the upper face of the plate.

In yet another variant the base 19 of the dissipator is reported by crimping on the plate.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, a heat conducting element 17 is interposed between the plate 10 and the dissipator 16. Here the element 17 is inserted between the lower face 102 of the plate and the upper face of the base. 19. The element 17 here consists of heat-conducting glue and is therefore integral with the base 19 and the plate.

Alternatively the element 17 consists of a sheet of thermally conductive plastic material called thermal pad.

The bottom of the pellets 98 of the diodes 93, 94 is here in contact with the element 17.

In a variant, the bottom of the base of the diodes 93, 94 is in contact with the base 19, the element 17 being perforated at the base of the diodes.

In general, the electrical function of the module 100 is achieved by means of the plate 10 and the current rectifying elements 93, 94 and the heat dissipation function by the fins 18 of the dissipator 16 arranged in the flow of the heat sink. 'air.

In an alternative embodiment the dissipator is not electrically insulated from the carrier plate 10 of the current rectifying elements 93, 94 and a good thermal conduction is achieved between the current rectifying elements 93, 94, carried by the plate 10 also heat conducting, and the dissipator 16. Of course one can electrically isolate the dissipator relative to the plate equipped with the elements 93, 94 while having a good thermal conduction.

Thus the element 17 is in an embodiment also electrically insulating.

This element consists of an embodiment of electrically insulating glue and thermally conductive.

Alternatively the element 17 is a thermal pad, which is electrically insulating.

This pad is for example coated on each of its faces with a layer of electrically insulating glue and thermally conductive for its attachment to the plate 10 and the base 19.

In one embodiment this pad is clamped between the base 19 and the lower face 102 of the plate, this clamping being formed by means of at least one fastening member such as a screw, a bolt or a stud ensuring fixing the plate with the base.

In this case it is necessary to provide electrically insulating guns of the type of those visible in 199 in FIG.

In a variant, it is possible to clamp and fix this pad 17 using electrically insulating elastic staples bearing on the upper face of the plate 10 and on the lower face of the base 19.

This method of attachment is applicable in all cases with or without the presence of the element 17.

The dissipator 16 is for example metallic, in particular aluminum or copper. It has a base 19 extended inwards, in the aforementioned manner, by the thin fins 18. The base is adjacent to the plate 10.

These fins 18 extend perpendicularly to the base 19 and have decreasing lengths at the ends of the base 19 to give the dissipator a generally trapezoidal shape.

The tails 96, 97 of the diodes 93, 94 and the dissipator 16 extend on either side of the plate 10 of electrically conductive material. The tails 96, 97 are parallel to the fins 18 The axis of symmetry of the tails 96, 97 extends perpendicularly with respect to the plate 10 and to the base 19.

The axes of the tails 96, 97 are of transverse orientation with respect to the axis

X-X of Figure 3 constituting the axis of the machine and the axis of rotation of the rotor thereof.

Alternatively the diodes can be soldered or bonded to the plate 10.

The plate O and the dissipator 16 can be in one piece as above.

In Figures 8 and 9 the heatsink 16 is separate from the plate 10, here metallic. This plate may be in a material separate from the dissipator or the same material. The fins 18 are in correspondence with the associated opening 51.

As in Figures 2 to 4 and 6 a piece 40 of electrically insulating material is provided to be interposed between the lower edge 101 of the plate 10 and the bottom 56 of the bearing of Figures 2 to 4 and 6. To do this the plate

40 has at its outer periphery, outside the passage openings

51, a flat support area 43 for the wafer 101 of the plate 10.

Part 40 may be common for all modules. Here a piece 40 is associated with each module. This piece has an opening 41 adapted to the shape of the openings 51 to not cover them. The opening 41 here has a generally trapezoidal shape.

As seen in Figure 9 a strip of material is present at the opening 41 to define it.

The edges of the piece 40, outside the flat bearing area 43, are delimited by an axially oriented protruding flange 142, directed in the opposite direction to the bottom of the rear bearing.

The flange 142 allows to wedge and position the insulating part 40 relative to the dissipator 16 of generally trapezoidal shape; the lower edge of the dissipator 16 resting on the strip of material defining the opening 41. The shape of the fins 18 of the dissipator 16 does not undergo deep changes. In this embodiment we take advantage of the base 19 of the dissipator 16 and the electrically insulating part 40 to fix the module 100 on the bottom 56 of the rear bearing.

This embodiment makes it possible to remove the tab 15 of FIGS. 2 and 3 so that the plate 10 of the module is simplified. It is the same with the piece 40. To do this (FIG. 9) the base 19 is enlarged at each of its lateral ends to form a through hole 190 of a fastener 192, here a screw in variant a rivet or a stud, intended to be fixed in the bottom 56 of the bearing 50 which is grounded. The fins 18 of the lateral ends of the dissipator 16 are therefore slightly shortened. The holes 190 are here cylindrical and through. The members 192 also pass through a hole 290 made, in correspondence with the hole 190, in the part 40 in the vicinity of the opening 41. The hole 290 is delimited by a flange 892, of axial orientation, intended to penetrate the part lower of the hole 190 of the base 19 to locally create electrical insulation.

The head of the fastener 192 is intended to bear against an electrically insulating washer 292 extended, on the opposite side to the head of the member 192, by a frustoconical portion intended to penetrate into the hole 190 to locally create a electrical insulation at the upper part of the hole 190. Thus the member 192 passes electrically insulating the base 19 to come here to screw into a threaded hole made in correspondence in the bottom 56 of the bearing 50. It will be appreciated that the washer 292 with frustoconical portion is an insulating barrel, which allows to properly position the member 192, which runs through the hole 190 being electrically isolated also by the flange 892 of the workpiece 40. In a variant, the insulation 192 of the members is realized by insulating guns of the type of that of Figure 3, having a sleeve passing right through the holes 190 and a washer for the support of the head of the fastener 19. recite that the insulation provided by the flanges 892 of the workpiece 40 and the washers 292 is of shorter length than the aforementioned solution with an insulating barrel. The module 100 is therefore intended to be fixed on the bearing 50 by means of two fasteners 192 positioned at each of the lateral ends of the base 19.

In a variant, the protruding flange 142 of the insulating part 40 is taken advantage of. In fact, after mounting, the flanges 142 of the parts 40 of the modules are in contact with one another and are thus immobilized by cooperation of shapes. The heatsink 16 is also engaged with the flange 142 so that, as a variant, a single member 192, a single hole 190 in the base 19 then central and a single flange 892 are sufficient to fix the module 100 on the rear bearing.

Fixing the module 100 on the bottom 56 of the bearing 50 is therefore performed using at least one fastener 192.

To simplify the second electrical connection 110 between the plate 10 and the relevant phase of the machine, it is proposed to fix a second electrically conductive tab 494 on the lower edge 101 of the plate 10, here centrally.

The tab 494 is, according to a characteristic, interposed between the zone 43 of the workpiece 40 and the wafer 101 so that it is electrically isolated from the bottom 56 of the bearing 50. The zone 43 thus has an additional function.

This zone 43 has a hole 44, in correspondence with a complementary hole made in the bottom 56 of the bearing 50 for clearance of the head of a fastener 391, here a screw, from the second tab 494 to the plate 10 presenting for this purpose a tapped hole made in its inner edge 101. The lug 494 is clamped between the head of the screw 391 and the wafer 101. The head of the screw 391 does not come into contact with the bottom 56 of the bearing 50 The threaded portion of the screw 391 passes through the lug 494 through a hole therein. The second tab 494 extends in the opposite direction to the dissipator 16 and has a T-shaped perpendicular free end 493 extending parallel to the plate 10 and at a distance therefrom.

This end 493 is intended to be fixed on the relevant phase output for example by means of a connection by welding or brazing or variant by crimping, the wings of the T being folded to tighten the end of the phase concerned.

The zone 43 of the part 40 has a clearance 45 (FIGS. 8 and 9) for a first electrically conductive tab 294 belonging to the first electrical connection 310 between the tail 97 of the negative diode 94 and the ground. This tab 294 is generally square.

The first leg 294 is intended to come into contact with the bottom 56 of the bearing

50 and to be fixed on this bottom by means of a fastener 191, here a screw intended to be screwed into a corresponding threaded hole of the bottom 56. The threaded portion of the screw passes through the section 294 in favor of 'a hole.

The head of the screw 191 comes into contact with the tab 294.

This tab 294 is extended by a perpendicular section 291 ending in a terminal section 293 for receiving the tail 97 of the diode 94.

This section partly envelops the tail 97. It will be appreciated that the section 294 is blocked in rotation by the terminal section 293 linked to the tail 91.

It will be appreciated that the solution is compact thanks in particular to the clearance

45. Area 43 therefore has an additional function.

Alternatively the tail 97 is connected by a wire link to the bearing 50.

Here, the upper edge 104 of the plate 10, opposite the wafer 101, is used to lock the insulating plate 350 in a rotational manner by cooperation of shapes. For this purpose the plate 350 has an external rim 351 protruding, extending perpendicularly to the plane of the plate 350 and in the direction of the plate 10 of the module to come into intimate contact with at least a portion of the upper edge 104 of the plate 10 of generally rectangular shape. The connection plates 450 and insulation 350 and the base 19 also have a generally rectangular shape and are generally of the same size as the plate 10 of the module 100 so as to obtain a covering of the different faces in contact with each other. The plates 350 and 450 each have two holes respectively 298 and 398 in correspondence with the holes 198 for fixing the caps 98 of the diodes 93, 94. Thus the module 100 comprises two series of three holes 198, 298, 398 aligned. According to a characteristic, the holes 298 have a smaller diameter than the diameter of the holes 398 and each hole 298 is delimited by a projecting collar 498 directed in the direction opposite to the plate 10 and the flange 351.

Each collar 498, here cylindrical, passes through the associated hole 398 of the plate 450. The diameters of the holes 298, 398 and collars 498 are a function of that of the caps 98 and the heads of the diodes 93, 94.

Thus the flanges 498 are electrical insulation flanges of the connecting plate 450 with respect to the caps 98 and the heads of the diodes 93, 94 extended by the tails 96, 97. A connection by cooperation of forms therefore exists between the plates 350 , 450. This connection involves the flanges 498 and the holes 398. The connecting plate 450 has a recess 454, here central, at its inner periphery. The recess 454 is generally U-shaped for passage of a U-shaped complementary projecting profile 354 belonging to the inner periphery of the insulating plate 350. The profile 354, projecting in the direction opposite to the plate 10 and the flange 351, is an electrical insulation profile allowing the second lug 494 to pass through electrical recess 454. The profile 354 also prevents a rotation of the lug 494. There are thus cooperative connections between the recess. 454 of the plate 350 and the profile 354 of the plate 350, as well as between the tab 494 and the profile 354 of the plate 350.

The inner periphery of the plate 450 is electrically isolated from the bottom 56 of the bearing 51 by the bearing zone 43. Here the parts 350 and 40 are made of moldable plastic to easily obtain the different shapes.

The plate 350 is in an embodiment also thermally insulating when the plate 450 is in operation of the alternator hotter than the plate 10. In the opposite case it is thermally conductive. The same is true of the part 40, depending on the temperature difference between the bottom 56 of the alternator bearing and the plate 10

Many forms of cooperation therefore exist between the various components of the module 100, in particular between the part 40 and the assembly. base 19 - plate 10 - plates 350, 450, so that a single fixing member 392 is sufficient to immobilize the connecting plate 450. This member 392 here consists of a screw, knowing that in the aforementioned manner the base 19 is secured of the plate 10, here via the element 17 alternatively by molding, extrusion or welding.

To do this, the plate 10 here has a tapped hole 592 in correspondence with a hole 692 of the plate 350 and a hole 792 (FIG. 7) of the plate 450. The head of the screw 392 is embedded in an extended electrically insulating sleeve 492 by a second sleeve of smaller diameter, visible in Figure 9, entering the hole 792 to electrically isolate the rod of the screw 392 relative to the connecting plate 450. The sleeve 492 therefore belongs to a sleeve shouldered in favor of a change in diameter between the sleeve 492 and the second sleeve. This shoulder provides support for the head of the screw 392 isolated from the lacquer 450. Alternatively the screw 392 is replaced by another fastener such as a bolt for screwing a nut embedded in the shouldered sleeve. The connecting plate 450 is thus carried by the support 16-19-10 of the current rectifying elements 93, 94 by being electrically insulated on this support. Fixing is carried out here centrally between the two holes 398 and above the recess 454 also implanted centrally between the two holes 398.

This plate 450 constitutes a pressure plate for clamping the plate 350 between the plates 10, 450 by means of the screw 392. In a variant, the base 19 has a threaded hole (marked with a cross in FIG. 9) so that the screw 392 is screwed into the base 19 to clamp the plates 10 and 350 between the base 19 and the plate 450; knowing that the plate 10 can not rotate since it is in contact with the zone 43. The connecting plate 450 carries a third electrically conductive tab 457 provided at its free end with a generally perpendicular return 456 for contact with the tail 96 of the positive diode 93. The tails 96, 97 of the diodes 93, 94 are here of identical length. In a variant, the tails are of different length. This is possible thanks to the configuration of the legs 457, 294.

In a variant, the diodes do not have tails as in FIG. 1. Indeed, the tab 457 can be configured to bear directly on the head of the diode 93. The tab 294 can be rotated 90 ° to be supported by its section 293 directly on the head of the diode 94.

Of course one of the diodes may have a tail and the other not.

These diodes may be replaced by any other AC direct current rectification element, in particular by transistors of the type

MOSFET when the alternator is reversible and consists of an alternator-starter, so that the rectifying elements are not necessarily diodes. These elements include in all cases a semiconductor element, which in one embodiment extends perpendicularly to the fins 18 and parallel to the plate 10. This is made possible by the tabs 294, 457.

The third tab 457 belongs to the third link 320 with electrically conductive connecting plates 450. It is in Figures 7 to 10 metal. The tab 457 is here in one piece with the plate 450, more precisely with a flange 451 projecting, that has at its outer periphery the plate 450. The flange 451 extends perpendicularly to the plane of the plate 450 and this in opposite direction to the flange 351 perpendicular to the plane of the plate 350. The flange 451 stiffens the plate 450 and increases the cross section of the electric current. This flange 451 is here obtained by cutting and folding a copper plate as a variant of a sheet metal plate. Alternatively the flange 451 has come molding with the connecting plate 450 then aluminum. The sleeve 492 avoids any interference between the head of the screw 392 and the protruding flange 451. The invention makes it possible to eliminate the phase connectors.

Alternatively the tab 457 is connected to the plate 450 being for example fixed by welding on the plate. The tabs 294, 394 and 457 are here metallic, for example copper, alternatively sheet metal or aluminum.

The electrically conductive plate 450 made of copper in this embodiment, laterally has here at each of its ends respectively a tongue 452 and a tongue 453. The tongues 452, 453, electrically conductive, extend outwardly outwardly, in the opposite direction to the plates 350, 10, with respect to the plane of the plate 450; more precisely with respect to the body thereof and this inclined manner.

The inclination depends on the number of modules and the number of sides of the polygon constituted by the modules 100.

As seen in FIG. 10, the tongues 452 and 453 are intended to be fixed, for example by welding or brazing respectively to a tab 453 and 452 of an adjacent module, to establish electrical continuity between the modules and thus to create the third link 320

In a variant, the connection is made by crimping or by means of fasteners, for example by riveting or screwing. It will be appreciated that the tabs 452, 453 are of a large size which allows a passage of a strong current and a good connection.

These tongues stiffen the plate and make it possible to standardize the terminal B + identified by the reference 70 in FIG. 13.

This terminal 70 is electrically conductive, for example copper or aluminum, and has a body 711 electrically conductive having at its base a base 190. This base 190 is here in one piece with the body 711. The base 190 and the body 71 1 are obtained for example by molding and are for example based on aluminum. The base 190 has two holes 710, only one of which is visible in FIG. 13, for fixing the body on the bottom 56 of the bearing by means of fasteners. The fasteners are in an embodiment similar to the members 192 of Figure 9. It is therefore for example screws through the hole 710 to be screwed into the bottom 56 of the bearing 50 via an electrically insulating washer of the type of the washer 292. Of course an electrically insulating piece, of the type of the piece 40, is interposed between the base 190 and the bottom 56. This part advantageously comprises a flange to cooperate with the edges of the base 190. The body 71 1 is perforated for passage of a screw having a head 713 and a threaded portion 712 through the body hole. The head 713 is for example of rectangular shape and serves to clamp an electrically conductive plate 1450 between the head 713 and the body 712 generally of parallelepiped shape. The plate 1450, for example copper, can not rotate because it cooperates with the base 190. This plate 1450 has at each of its lateral ends respectively a tab 1452 and a tab 1453. These tabs 1453, 1452 extend from inclined manner with respect to the plane of the plate 1450 and in the opposite direction. The tab 1452 has a shape complementary to the inclined tongue 453 of the connecting piece 450 of the adjacent module for its connection with it for example by welding or brazing. The tab 1453 is intended to be connected to a part of the brush regulator assembly 14 for electrical connection with the positive terminal of the vehicle battery via the threaded portion 712 of the screw and a cable. This cable has for example a grommet through the threaded portion 712 and clamped in contact with the body 71 1 by a nut screwed on the part 712. It can thus standardize the terminal 70.

It will be appreciated the axial compactness of the solution, that is to say perpendicular to the plane of FIG. 8 since the tails 96, 97 of the diodes 93, 94 are oriented transversely outwards and not axially.

Of course, the present invention is not limited to the described embodiments. The tab 294 of the first electrical connection 310, in a variant, is replaced, as can be seen in FIG. 11, by a projection 250 carried by the bearing 50 and implanted in the clearance 45 of the insulating part 40. For the sake of clarity, it is has not identified in this figure the pieces 350, 450. In this embodiment, the bottom 56 of the bearing 50 carries in one piece projections of axial orientation 250, that is to say perpendicular to the bottom 56; for electrical connection of the tails 97 of the negative diodes 94 with the bearing 50. This connection is made by welding, crimping, snapping or stitching the tails in the projections having for this purpose their free ends a slot 260 for receiving the tail concerned.

As a variant, the projection 250 consists of a chimney coming from molding with the bottom 56 and supporting a copper member, for example in the form of a nail driven into the chimney, for connection by welding or any other means of the end of the tail 97 of the diode 94 with the head of the nail.

Alternatively the projection is attached to the bottom 56 of the bearing 50 for example by welding, riveting, screwing or any other means. This projection consists, for example, of a copper member secured to the bottom 56, for example by riveting or welding, and having an assembly head, for example by welding, with the end of the tail 97 of the negative diode 94.

As a variant, as can be seen in FIG. 12, in which the connecting piece 450 has not been shown, the trapezoidal dissipater 16, instead of fins 18, has slots of oblong shape 180 delimited by strips of material. 181. The bottom 180 of the end slots serves as a stop for latching tabs 401 with end hooks. The tabs 401 are deployable and come from the flange 351. The insulation piece is attached by snapping on the dissipator. This slotted sink 180 is obtained for example by molding when it is based on aluminum.

The fins 18, instead of being thin, are in another thicker embodiment.

Alternatively, as shown in dotted lines in FIGS. 7 to 9, the plate

450 has an oblong hole for the passage of the heads of the diodes 93, 94. This hole has two circular half-shaped ends each corresponding to the contour of a hole 398; the material between the two holes 398 being removed with the exception of a material zone for the screw 392 and the insulating barrel 492. The plate 350 is in a conserved embodiment. In another embodiment it also comprises an oblong shaped hole bordered by an oblong collar, as shown in dashed lines in Figure 9, This hole matches the shape of the oblong hole of the plate. The collar of this hole is adapted to come into contact with the edge of the hole of the connecting piece.

As can be seen from the description and the drawings, the current-rectifying elements 93, 94 are located at the outer periphery of the bottom 56 of the rear bearing 50, outside the air inlet openings 51 so that these openings or openings of the rear bearing are disengaged and that the radial length of the fins 18 or slits 180 of the dissipator is transversely as long as possible.

The outer periphery of the bottom 56 may comprise an inclined portion.

The module or modules 100 are well cooled so that the rectifier arrangement, including the modules 100 and the bearing 50, can work at higher temperatures.

The power of the machine can be increased because of the better cooling of the module (s) 100.

A very good thermal equilibrium is obtained for the rectifying arrangement comprising the bearing 50 equipped with several modules 100, since standardized modules 100 are used.

The solution of Figures 7 to 10 is less bulky axially than the solution of Figure 1 because the tails 96, 97 of the diodes are not axially oriented.

Of course at least one of the plates 10, 350, 450 and / or the base 19 may have a shape other than rectangular, for example an oblong shape.

In particular, the connecting piece 450 may have a body having the shape of that of the plate of FIG. 1. The module 100 as a variant is devoid of a dissipator 16.

Indeed the insulating part 350 and the connecting piece 450 can equip the plate 10 of Figure 1; one of the tabs 453, 452 being connected to the terminal B +

70. The same is true of Figure 10. In any case, thanks to the invention, a strong current can flow in the connecting pieces 450 because the tongues 453, 452 have a large size.

The flange 451 of the part 450 also promotes the passage of a strong current.

It will be appreciated that the parts 450 are standardized. The present invention is not limited to the described embodiments.

Thus the machine can be in a variant without brushes so that the presence of the brush holder is not mandatory which can allow to mount a seventh module. One can even implement elsewhere the voltage regulator and thus mount one or more additional modules depending on the applications. The bearing 10 can therefore carry 7 or 8 modules.

The bearing 50 can be standardized and receive a number of modules depending on the applications.

Alternatively the modules can be carried by the bottom of the front bearing of the machine as visible for example in Figure 1 of the document FR 2 744 575. The protective cover is in this case carried by the front bearing.

The fan or fans are alternatively axially acting so that the presence of the openings 53 is not mandatory.

Alternatively, as described in the document FR 2,744,575 mentioned above, a centrifugal pump is provided in place of or fans.

A module can be created to rectify the neutral point when the phase outputs are connected in a star.

The plate 10, of rectangular shape in the figures, may have another shape, preferably an oblong shape. Slight inclinations can be expected. Thus the plate extends generally perpendicular to the bottom 56 and the fins 18 extend generally perpendicularly to the plate 10.

The heatsink is attached to the plate or slightly away from it.

As is clear from the description and drawings the outer periphery of the bottom 56 is formed because it does not receive diodes. This outer periphery may comprise an inclined part for directing the air towards the stator winding, more precisely towards the protruding end called the bun of this winding, thanks to the openings 53.

Of course, in a variant, the module 100 may carry another electronic component.

Similarly, the heat engine is alternatively a fixed heat engine. This engine can be confined in a compartment.

The alternator is reversible variant. This type of alternator is called alternator-starter and allows in particular to start the engine.

In this case, transistors of the MOSFET type are used in place of the diodes 93, 94.

In a variant, the plate 10 has protuberances. For example, the plate comprises two protuberances each facing a knurled end of a diode 93, 94 force-fitted into a blind hole of the respective protuberance of the plate 10, so that the bottom of the cap is in contact with the bottom of the blind hole and transmits heat as aforesaid. In one embodiment, the protuberances for receiving the base of the diodes protrude from the upper face of the plate. In another embodiment, the protuberances for receiving the base of the diodes extend projecting from the internal face of the plate while being with the element 17. A clearance is therefore present between the protuberances. In this case the element 17 may be in two parts, each part being associated with a protuberance. The clearance can be in the shape of a circular arc.

Of course, alternatively, the support bearing 50 or modules has a flat shape and constitutes a lid closing the other part of the machine housing. The dissipator assembly (s) 16-modules100 instead of projecting outwardly relative to the bearing 50 front or rear concerned, may extend inwardly projecting relative to the bearing concerned. The one or more heatsink-module assemblies can therefore extend inside the machine.

The hood of the machine is alternatively constituted by the rear bearing.

Of course we can combine the different modes of attachment of the dissipator 16 with its plate.

The connecting pieces in the preceding figures are standardized. As a variant, one of the connecting pieces of the end of the chain comprises as a variant only one tongue or a specific part dedicated to the connection with the terminal B + of the alternator. Thus, in the case of a chain comprising at least three modules 100, at least one module comprises a connecting piece provided with two tabs 452, 453.

The dissipator 16 may have another shape. For example, the slots 180 of Figure 12 may be replaced by a plurality of holes.

The housing of the polyphase rotating electrical machine may have more than two parts. For example, the housing may comprise a front bearing, a rear bearing and an intermediate piece carrying the body of the stator.

One of the bearings is alternatively cooled by a circulation of a cooling fluid.

In all cases the housing of the machine comprises a bearing bearing the current rectifier device; the bearing-current rectifier assembly forming a unitary unit that can be manipulated and transported, referred to as the current rectification arrangement.

Claims

A current rectifying device for a polyphase rotating electrical machine, in particular an internally ventilated motor vehicle alternator, comprising at least two modules (100), in which each module comprises a support element (10-16, 10) of current rectifying elements (93, 94) of a phase of the machine, a part of electrically insulating material (350), said insulating part, for at least one electrically conductive connecting piece (450), characterized in that the connecting piece (450) is divided, each module (100) having a connecting piece intended to be connected to one of the current rectifying elements (93), said second current rectifying element, a phase of the machine and in that the connecting piece (450) of a module (100) is configured to be connected with the connecting piece of the other module.

2 .Dispositif according to claim 1, characterized in that each connecting piece (450) comprises at least one tongue (452, 453) intended to be fixed to the tongue (453, 452) adjacent the other connecting piece.

3. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the tabs (452, 453) of the two connecting pieces (450) are fixed to one another by welding.

4. Device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that it comprises at least three modules (100) and in that at least one connecting piece (450) has at each of its lateral ends a tongue (452, 453).

5. Device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the connecting pieces (450) are generally plate-shaped and in that the tongue (452, 453) of the connecting piece (450) is implanted at one of the lateral ends of the connecting piece (450).

6. Device according to claim 5, characterized in that the tongue protrudes relative to the body of the connecting piece (450).

7. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the insulating part (350) is sandwiched between the support (10-19, 10) and the connecting piece (450) and in that the connecting piece

(450) is carried by the support (16-10, 10).

8. Device according to claim 7, characterized in that the connecting piece (450) is fixed electrically insulated on the support (10-19,10).

9. Device according to claim 8, characterized in that the connecting piece (450) is fixed on the support (10-16, 10) by means of a fastener

(392) passing through the connecting plate (450) by means of a shouldered insulating sleeve (492) and in that the fixing member (392) has a head embedded in the insulating sleeve (492).

10. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the insulating part (350) and the connecting piece (450) are generally plate-shaped.

1 1 Device according to claim 10, characterized in that the support

(16-10) comprises a plate (10) and in that the insulating plate (350) has at its outer periphery a protruding flange (351) intended to come into intimate contact with at least a part of the upper edge of the plate

(10) of the support.

12. Device according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the insulating plate (350) and the connecting plate (450) each comprises at least one hole (298, 398) in correspondence for the passage of at least one element rectifier (93,94) and that the insulating plate (350) has a projecting collar (498) in contact with the edge of the hole (398) of the connecting plate (450) to isolate the rectification of current with respect to the connecting plate (450).

13. Device according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the connecting plate (450) has at its inner periphery a recess (454) for passage of a complementary projecting profile (354) belonging to the plate insulation (350).

14. Device according to claim 13, characterized in that the support (16-10) comprises a plate (10) carrying a tab (494), said second leg, and in that the profile (354) is a profile of electrical isolation allowing the second leg (494) to electrically pass through the recess of the connecting plate (450).

15. Device according to any one of claims 10 to 14, characterized in that the connecting plate (450) has at its outer periphery a protruding flange (451) extending in the opposite direction to the insulating plate (350).

16. Device according to claim 15, characterized in that the connecting plate (450) is connected to the second current rectifier element (93) by a tab (457), said third leg, in one piece with the rim protruding (451) from the connecting plate (450).

17. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support (16-10, 10) of the current rectifying elements (93, 94) is metallic and in that the current rectifying elements (94, 94) are , 93) consist of a negative diode (94), whose cathode is in contact with the support and the anode is intended to be connected to ground, and a positive diode (93) whose anode is in contact with the support and the cathode is intended to be connected to the relevant phase of the machine.

18. Device according to claim 17, characterized in that the negative diode (94) has a tail (97) in contact with a terminal section belonging to a tab (294), said first leg) intended to be connected with a metal bearing (50) that presents the rotating electrical machine.

19. Device according to claim 17, characterized in that the negative diode (94) has a shank (97) intended to come into contact with a projection (250) belonging to a metal bearing (50) that presents the rotating electrical machine.

20. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the current rectifying elements consist of MOSFET transistors.

21. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is intended to equip a rotary electrical machine provided with passage openings (51) of a cooling fluid, and in that each module (100) ) comprises a support provided with a heat sink (16) for at least partially covering a passage opening (51) of the rotating electrical machine.

22. Device according to claim 21, characterized in that the support comprises a plate (10) electrically conductive (10) extended by the heat sink (16).

23. Device according to claim 22, characterized in that the heat sink (16) comprises a plurality of fins (18) extending generally perpendicularly to the plate (10).

24. Device according to claim 22, characterized in that the heat sink (16) has slots (180) of oblong shape delimited by strips of material.

25. Device according to any one of claims 21 to 24, characterized in that the dissipator (16) comprises a base (19) adjacent to the plate (10).

26 Apparatus according to claim 25, characterized in that a heat conducting element (17) is interposed between the base (19) and the plate (10).

27. Device according to claim 25 or 26, characterized in that the base (19) has at least one hole (190) for the passage of a fastener (192) of the module to a bearing (50) that comprises the rotating electric machine.

28. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 27 taken in combination with claim 6, characterized in that one of the connecting pieces (450) laterally has a tongue (453) intended to be fixed to a tongue ( 1452) belonging to a terminal (70) intended to be connected to a positive terminal of the battery of a motor vehicle.

29. Rotating electrical machine, including alternator of a motor vehicle with internal ventilation, characterized in that it comprises a bearing

(50) with a bottom (56) which electrically insulated a current rectifying device according to any one of the preceding claims.

30. Machine according to claim 29, characterized in that an electrically insulating part (40), said second insulating part, is interposed between the module (100) and the bottom (56) of the bearing (50).

31. Machine according to claim 30, characterized in that the second insulating piece (40) has a clearance for the passage of a tab (294) or a projection (250) connecting the bottom (56) of the bearing (50) and the other current rectifying element.

32. Machine according to claim 30 or 31 taken in combination with claim 27, characterized in that the second insulating part (40) is interposed between the base (19) and the connecting piece (450) concerned, in that The fixing member consists of a screw (192) screwed into the bottom (56) of the bearing (50) and passing through the second insulating part (40) and in that the screw (192) passes through the hole of the base (19).

33. Machine according to claim 32, characterized in that the base (19) is widened at each of its lateral ends for forming a through hole (190) of the screw (192).

34. Machine according to any one of claims 29 to 33, characterized in that each module (100) comprises a heat sink (16), in that the bottom (56) of the bearing (50) provided with openings ( 51) for passing a cooling fluid, such as air, and in that the heat sink (16) of the module (100) at least partially covers an opening (51) of the bearing (50).

35. Machine according to claim 34, characterized in that it comprises at least one fan for generating an air flow passing through the openings (51) and in that the dissipator (16) of the module (100) is arranged in the air flow.