Slip ring unit for fitting to an alternator, especially for a motor vehicle

A connecting element for a wire end, especially where the wire is a motor vehicle alternator winding, the connector then connecting the wire to slip rings, is formed with a channel for receiving the wire end, this channel being defined between two lugs in facing relationship with each other and joined together through a connecting portion which constitutes the base of the channel. The lugs are bent towards each other so as to grip the wire end. At least one of the lugs has a slot arranged at the level of at least one lateral edge and close to the connecting portion. A portion of the wire end which is bent through about 180 DEG is received in the slot, this bent portion of the wire joining a first portion of the wire end, which extends into the channel, to a second portion of the wire end which extends outside the channel. A separate slip ring unit having such connecting elements, for fitting on an alternator shaft, is also disclosed.