Vehicle generator having duct cover

A vehicle generator has a duct cover for coding the generator body with a structure in which either one of the duct cover or a duct can be adjustably rotated in a circumferential direction of a bracket end and can be attached to the bracket end so as to set an intake vent of the duct at the optimal position in the bracket end, wherein the duct cover has a single shape irrespective of the type of engine the type of vehicle and the arrangement of the engine room in which it is used, resulting in a reduction of cost of fabrication of the generator.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
1. Field of the Invention 
The present invention relates to a vehicle generator having a duct cover 
attached to an end surface of a generator body, for introducing outside 
air through a duct. 
2. Description of the Related Art 
FIG. 1 is an end surface view of a conventional vehicle generator as seen 
from the rear side, and FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line II--II 
of FIG. 1. In FIGS. 1 and 2, reference numeral 1 indicates a rear side 
bracket, and an intake vent 2 is provided in an end surface 1a. Reference 
numeral 3 indicates a duct cover attached to cover the end surface 1a of 
the rear side bracket 1, and 4 is duct which is coupled to duct cover 3 
and is also connected to an opening (not shown) for introducing air from 
outside an engine room. Further, reference numeral 5 indicates a mounting 
screw to attach the duct cover 3 to the rear side bracket 1, 6 is an 
output terminal of the generator, and 7 is a rotator having a fan 8. 
Reference numeral 9 indicates a mounting flange of the generator. A fixing 
bolt 10 passes through the mounting flange 9 to mount the generator to an 
engine (not shown). 
In order to cool the generator with air, the fan 8 for generating cooling 
air is attached to the end surface of the rotator 7 provided in the 
generator. Thus, by rotating the rotator 7, an axial intake operation is 
effected as typically shown by arrows 11. After each section in the 
generator is cooled, the intake air is exhausted in a centrifugal 
direction. However, the vehicle generator is mounted in the engine room, 
and the inside of the engine room may become hot. It is possible to avoid 
aggravating this undesirable condition by introducing, through the duct 4, 
air from outside the engine room having a lower temperature than the 
ambient temperature in the engine room, into the intake vent 2 in the rear 
side bracket 1. 
In the vehicle generator of this type, a different relationship is, for 
different engines, between the positions of the two fixing bolts 10 to fix 
the generator to the engine as shown in FIG. 1 and a position of the 
output terminal 6. 
In addition, fixing positions of the fixing bolts 10 depend upon the type 
of engine mounted on the vehicle, or the arrangement of the engine in the 
vehicle. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a line 12 
connecting the two fixing bolts 10 forms an angle .theta..sub.1 to the 
left of a reference line 13 intersecting a center of the lower bolt 10 in 
the engine room. In another embodiment shown in FIG. 3, a line 12 
connecting two fixing bolts 10 forms an angle .theta..sub.2 less than the 
angle .theta..sub.1 with respect to a reference line 13. In still another 
embodiment shown in FIG. 4, a line 12 connecting two fixing bolts 10 forms 
an angle .theta..sub.3 to the right of a reference line 13. 
Furthermore, when a duct 4 is employed, the position of the intake vent for 
introducing air from outside the engine room is different for each type of 
vehicle. As set forth above, the fixing positions of the fixing bolts 10 
vary depending upon the type of engine and the arrangement of the engine 
in the vehicle. However, as long as the duct 4 is applied to only one type 
of vehicle, the intake vent of the duct 4 is provided at the same position 
with respect to the engine room as shown in FIGS. 1, 3, and 4. 
As set forth above, the relationship between the positions of the fixing 
bolts 10 and the output terminal 6 may be varied according to the type of 
engine, and the fixing positions of the fixing bolts 10 may also be varied 
according to the type of engine or the arrangement of the engine in the 
vehicle. Furthermore, the position of the intake vent of the duct 4 
provided in the engine room varies depending on the type of vehicle. 
Conventionally, there are provided duct covers 3 having different shapes 
depending on differences in the relationship among the positions of the 
fixing bolts 10 and the output terminal 6, in the fixing positions of the 
mounting bolts 10, and in the position of the intake vent of the duct 4. 
Accordingly, it is necessary to provide various types of duct covers 3 
having different shapes. For example, the output terminal 6 may be remote 
from the duct 4 as shown in FIG. 1; the output terminal 6 may be close to 
the duct 4 as shown in FIG. 4; or the upper fixing bolt 10 may be provided 
on the right side of the reference line 13. Thus, each duct cover 3 has no 
general-purpose use. As a result, the cost of the vehicle generator is 
increased. 
Further, the extending direction of the duct may vary depending upon the 
types of engine. Since the conventional duct is integrally formed with the 
duct cover, it is necessary to modify, according to the extending 
direction of the duct, the integrally-formed structure including the duct 
cover and the duct. As a result, the same problem of an increase in the 
cost of the vehicle generator arises. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
In order to overcome the above problems, it is an object of the present 
invention to provide a vehicle generator in which any one of a duct cover 
and a duct can be adjustably rotated in a circumferential direction of a 
bracket end surface, the duct cover having a unified shape irrespective of 
differences in the positions of fixing bolts for fixing the generator to 
an engine and an output terminal of the generator, in fixing positions of 
the fixing bolts, or in the position of an intake vent of the duct. The 
unified shape of the duct cover the results in a reduction in the cost of 
the generator. 
According to the present invention, there is provided a vehicle generator 
having a duct cover, to cool a generator body by introducing outside air 
through a duct into an engine room, mounted between a bracket end, 
covering one side surface of the generator body, and the duct. The vehicle 
generator comprises a structure in which the duct cover has a single shape 
irrespective of the type of engine, the type of vehicle, and the 
arrangement of the engine room in which it is used, and either one of the 
duct cover and the duct can be adjustably rotated in a circumferential 
direction of the bracket end and attached to the bracket end. 
As stated above, in the above aspect of the present invention, the duct 
cover has a single shape irrespective of the type of engine, the type of 
vehicle, and the arrangement of the engine room in which it is used. As a 
result, it is possible to realize a reduction in the cost of fabrication 
of the vehicle generator. 
Further, since a duct cover having a single shape is employed, it is 
possible to provide a structure in which either one of the duct cover or 
the duct can be adjustably rotated in the circumferential direction of the 
bracket end and can be attached to the bracket end so as to set the intake 
vent of an duct at the optimal position relative to the bracket end. It is 
thereby possible to set the intake vent at the optimal position and attach 
the duct cover irrespective of the type of engine and vehicle, and of the 
arrangement of the engine room. 
According to one aspect of the present invention, the duct cover can be 
adjustably rotated. 
In the above aspect of the present invention, the duct cover has a 
cylindrical form with one end surface being blocked, and the cylindrical 
duct cover is attached in such a way that another end surface, having an 
opening, of the cylindrical duct cover faces the bracket end so as to 
cover an opening in the bracket end. 
Further, the vehicle generator further comprises brackets covering two 
opposing side surfaces of the generator body, wherein a plurality of 
through-bolts for coupling both of the brackets are equally spaced on the 
circumference of both the brackets, and the duct cover is attached to the 
brackets by the through-bolts. 
Still further, the through-bolts pass through the duct cover via 
through-bolt passing holes, each of the through-bolt passing holes being 
an elongated hole extending in a circumferential direction in the 
cylindrical duct cover, and the duct cover being adjustably attached to 
the bracket at different positions in the circumferential direction by 
changing the position of the through-bolts with respect to the elongated 
holes. 
According to another aspect of the present invention, the structure is the 
one in which the duct can be adjustably rotated. 
In the above aspect, the duct comprises a bent opening port coupled to an 
intake vent provided at an end surface of the duct cover, thereby allowing 
the duct to rotate along the end surface of the duct cover. 
Alternatively, the duct comprises an opening port coupled to an intake vent 
which is provided at an end surface of the duct cover, the opening port of 
the duct including a bellows pipe, thereby allowing the duct to be bent at 
a section of the bellows pipe. 
The above and further objects and novel features of the invention will be 
more apparent from the following detailed description when the same is 
read in connection with the accompanying drawings. It is to be expressly 
understood, however, that the drawings are for purpose of illustration 
only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
Embodiment 1 
A description will now be given of one embodiment of the present invention 
referring to FIGS. 5 and 6. FIG. 5 is a rear side perspective view of an 
essential part of a vehicle generator according to this embodiment, and 
FIG. 6 is a rear side end surface view partially cut away of a duct cover. 
In the drawings, the same references are used for component parts 
identical with or equivalent to those in the conventional art, and 
descriptions thereof are omitted. 
In FIGS. 5 and 6, reference numeral 4a indicates an intake vent of a duct 
4, and 14 represents through-bolts passing through a rear side bracket 1. 
A plurality of through-bolts 14 (in the figures, four through-bolts are 
shown as an example) are equally spaced around the circumference of the 
rear side bracket 1. Reference numeral 15 indicates a cylindrical duct 
cover with one end surface 15a being blocked. While another opened end 
surface is facing the rear side bracket 1, the duct cover 15 is attached 
so as to cover an end surface opening of the rear side bracket 1. 
Reference numeral 16 indicates a plurality of mounting flanges (in the 
figures, four mounting flanges are shown as an example) equally spaced on 
an outer periphery of the duct cover 15 and having through-bolt holes 17 
through which the through-bolts 14 pass. Reference numeral 18 indicates a 
clamping nut, 19 is a relay harness for an output terminal 6, and 20 is an 
input relay connector for adjusting voltage. 
The duct cover 15 is rotated by the pitch between the through-bolts 14 
(i.e., by 90 degrees in the figures) and is attached to the rear side 
bracket 1. That is, the duct cover 15 is attached to the rear side bracket 
1 at a position which is modified by the pitch between the through-bolts 
14 so as to set the intake vent 4a at the optimal position according to 
the type of engine and vehicle, and arrangement of the engine room in 
which it is used. It is thereby possible to adjustably change the 
direction of the duct 4 by 90 degrees in the circumferential direction of 
the rear side bracket 1. 
The generator body (i.e., the rear side bracket 1) is fixed to an engine 
according to the type of engine and vehicle, and the arrangement of the 
engine room in which it is used. The duct cover 15 can be rotated with 
respect to the rear side bracket 1 as set forth above, so as to direct the 
duct 4 according to the type of vehicle and so forth. Thereafter, the duct 
cover 15 is attached to the rear side bracket 1 through the clamping nuts 
18. In this case, a duct cover 15 having a single shape is sufficient even 
if the direction of the duct 4 is varied with respect to the engine. That 
is, the duct cover 15 needs to be made in only one illustrated shape, and 
can be applied to, for example, various types of vehicles requiring 
different fixing positions relative to the engine. 
Embodiment 2 
When duct cover 15 has a cylindrical shape as described in the above 
embodiment 1, an output terminal 6 and so forth can be housed in the duct 
cover 15. This shape does not interfere with rotation of the duct cover 
15, and can be easily fabricated. 
Embodiment 3 
When a duct cover 15 is attached to a rear side bracket 1 via the 
through-bolts 14 equally spaced as described in the above embodiment 1, 
the duct cover 15 can be attached to the rear side bracket 1 at different 
positions by rotating the duct cover 15 by the pitch between the 
through-bolts 14. As a result, no special means is required to rotate the 
duct cover 15. 
Embodiment 4 
Referring now to FIG. 7, a description will be given of embodiment 4 of the 
present invention. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an essential part of a 
vehicle generator, as seen from the rear side, according to embodiment 4 
of the present invention. In FIG. 7, the same reference numerals are used 
for component parts identical with or equivalent to those in FIG. 5, and 
descriptions thereof are omitted. In the drawing, reference numeral 21 
indicates an annular mounting flange extending around the outer periphery 
of a duct cover 15, and 22 represents a plurality of through-bolt passing 
holes (in the figure, four through-bolt passing holes are shown as an 
example) which are provided in the annular mounting flange 21 to have an 
elongated hole structure extending circumferentially. 
As set forth above, the through-bolt passing holes 22 in the duct cover 15 
include the elongated holes extending along the mounting flange 21. Thus, 
the duct cover 15 can be adjustably attached to a rear side bracket 1 at 
different positions in the circumferential direction by positioning the 
through-bolts 14 differently with respect to the elongated holes 22. As a 
result, it is possible to successively rotate the duct cover 15 over the 
full length of the elongated hole, and to position the duct cover 15 with 
higher accuracy. 
Embodiment 5 
In the above embodiments 1 to 4, the duct 4 is coupled to the outer 
peripheral side surface of the duct cover 15. As shown in FIG. 8, it is 
also possible to employ another structure in which an intake vent 23 is 
provided in one end surface 15a (at an intermediate position in the 
drawing) of the duct cover 15, and the intake vent 23 is coupled to a bent 
intake port 4a of the duct 4 extending along one end surface 15a of the 
duct cover 15. In this case, as in embodiment 1, the duct cover 15 can be 
adjustably rotated in a circumferential direction of a bracket 1, and the 
duct cover 15 can be selectively attached at a position to extend the duct 
4 in the optimal direction depending on the type of vehicle or, etc. As a 
result, the duct cover 15 of only one shape is sufficient irrespective of 
the type of vehicle, etc. 
Further, when the intake vent 23 in one end surface 15a of the duct cover 
15 is coupled to the bent intake port 4a of the duct 4, outside air is 
introduced to the vicinity of the center of the duct cover 15 in the axial 
direction of a cooling air flow. As a result, cooling efficiency can be 
improved. 
Embodiment 6 
In the above embodiments 1 to 5, the duct cover 15 can be adjustably 
rotated in a circumferential direction of a rear side bracket 1. However, 
as shown in FIG. 9, it is also possible to employ another structure in 
which the duct cover 15 is fixed to the rear side bracket 1 to prevent 
rotation, and the bent intake port 4a of the duct 4 is rotatably coupled 
to an intake vent 23 in the fixed duct cover 15. In FIG. 9, a groove is 
provided in the duct 4 at an engaging position between the bent intake 
port 4a of the duct 4 and the duct cover 15, and an end of the duct cover 
15 is fitted into the groove. 
When the duct 4 can be rotated about the bent intake port 4a as described 
above, it is possible to set the duct 4 in a desired direction by rotating 
the duct 4 after the duct cover 15 is fixed to the rear side bracket 1. 
Therefore, according to a fixing position of the duct cover 15 with 
respect to an engine, the direction of the duct 4 can be changed, and the 
shape of the duct cover 15 can be unified. Further, the duct cover 15 can 
simply be fixed to the rear side bracket 1 irrespective of the direction 
of the duct 4 as described above, resulting in a facilitated mounting 
operation. 
Embodiment 7 
Alternatively, it is possible to provide another structure as shown in FIG. 
10, in which the duct cover 15 is fixed to the rear side bracket 1 to 
prevent rotation, and an intake port 4b of the duct 4 is coupled to an 
intake vent 23 in the fixed duct cover 15. Further, in this structure, a 
bellows pipe 24 extends in the vicinity of the intake port 4b fixedly 
coupled to the fixed duct cover 15, and the duct 4 is bent at a section of 
the bellows pipe 24. 
As stated above, the bellows pipe 24 extends in the vicinity of the intake 
port 4b of the duct 4, and the duct 4 is bent at the section of the 
bellows pipe 24. In this case, it is possible to set the duct 4 in a 
desired direction by bending the duct 4 at the section of the bellows pipe 
24 after the duct cover 15 is fixed to the rear side bracket 1. Therefore, 
according to a fixed position of the duct cover 15 with respect to an 
engine, the direction of the duct 4 can be changed, and the shape of the 
duct cover 15 can be unified. Further, as in the above embodiment 6, the 
duct cover 15 can simply be fixed to the rear side bracket 1 irrespective 
of the direction of the duct 4 as described above, resulting in a 
facilitated mounting operation. 
As is apparent from the foregoing, according to the present invention, the 
duct cover can have a single shape irrespective of the type of engine and 
vehicle, and of the arrangement of the engine room in which it is used. As 
a result, it is possible to provide a cost reduction in the fabrication of 
the vehicle generator. 
Further, since the duct cover having a single shape is employed, it is 
possible to provide a structure in which any one of the duct cover and a 
duct can be adjustably rotated in a circumferential direction of a bracket 
end and can be attached to the bracket end so as to set an intake vent of 
the duct at an optimal position with respect to the bracket end. It is 
thereby possible to provide the intake vent at the optimal position 
irrespective of the type engine and vehicle, and of the arrangement of the 
engine room in which it is used. 
While preferred embodiments of the invention have been described using 
specific terms, this description is for illustrative purposes only, and it 
is to be understood that changes and variations may be made without 
departing from the spirit or scope of the following claims.