Rotating electric machine

Abstract

To obtain a rotating electric machine that can prevent foreign matter from entering the interior of the external fan cover through the ventilation holes of the external fan cover when the external fan cover is submerged in water. [Solution] The rotating electric machine comprises a housing, a stator housed in the housing, a rotor partially housed in the housing and rotatable around a rotational axis, an external fan positioned outside the housing and blowing air toward the housing, a motor positioned outside the housing and driving the external fan, an external fan cover that covers the external fan and has ventilation holes connecting the inside and outside, and an opening / closing member that is movable between an open position that opens the ventilation holes and a closed position that restricts the flow of water through the ventilation holes when the external fan cover is submerged in water, and moves from the open position to the closed position in response to the submersion of the external fan cover.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a rotating electric machine.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, for example, there is a rotating electric machine installed at a drainage airport or the like that can operate in air and in water. This type of rotating electric machine includes, for example, a housing, a stator and a rotor housed in the housing, an outer fan provided outside the housing, a motor that drives the outer fan, and an outer fan cover provided with ventilation holes and covering the outer fan.

[0003] [[ID=1⑤]] In the case of operation in air, when the outer fan is rotationally driven, the air passing through the ventilation holes is sent toward the housing through the inside of the outer fan cover, and the housing, and thus the stator and the rotor, are cooled by the air. On the other hand, in the case of operation in water, the outer fan is stopped, and the housing, and thus the stator and the rotor, are cooled by the water outside the housing.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the prior art, when a rotating electric machine is submerged during a flood or the like, underwater operation is performed. However, foreign matter such as dust may enter the inside of the outer fan cover from the ventilation holes of the outer fan cover in the submerged state due to the water flow, and the inside of the outer fan cover (the outer fan and the motor) may become dirty.

[0006] An example of the problem to be solved by the present invention is to obtain a rotating electric machine capable of suppressing the entry of foreign matter from the ventilation holes of the outer fan cover into the inside of the outer fan cover when the outer fan cover is submerged. <F

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] A rotating electric machine according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a housing, a stator housed in the housing, a rotor partially housed in the housing and rotatable around a rotational axis, an external fan disposed outside the housing and blowing air toward the housing, a motor disposed outside the housing and driving the external fan, an external fan cover inside which the external fan is located and which has a ventilation hole connecting the inside and outside and covers the external fan, and an opening / closing member that is movable between an open position that opens the ventilation hole and a closed position that restricts the flow of water in the ventilation hole when the external fan cover is submerged in water, and moves from the open position to the closed position in response to the submersion of the external fan cover. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, for example, it is possible to obtain a rotating electric machine that can prevent foreign matter from entering the interior of the outer fan cover through the ventilation holes of the outer fan cover when the outer fan cover is submerged in water. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a rotating electric machine according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a part of the cooling device for a rotating electric machine according to the first embodiment, and depicts the cooling device in an air-filled state. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a part of the cooling device for a rotating electric machine according to the first embodiment, and depicts the cooling device in a state where it is submerged in water. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic side view showing the opening and closing member of the first embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic plan view showing the opening and closing member of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a schematic side view showing a part of the cooling system for a rotating electric machine according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7]Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a part of the cooling device for a rotating electric machine according to the third embodiment, and depicts the cooling device in a state where it is submerged in water. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a schematic side view showing the expandable body of a rotating electric machine according to the third embodiment, and is a diagram showing the expandable body in its extended state. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a schematic side view showing the expandable body of the rotating electric machine according to the third embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a schematic side view showing the expandable body of a rotating electric machine according to the third embodiment, and is a diagram showing the expandable body in a retracted state. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a schematic side view showing a part of the cooling system for a rotating electric machine according to the fourth embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Illustrative embodiments of the present invention are disclosed below. The configurations of the embodiments shown below, as well as the functions and effects brought about by such configurations, are examples only. The present invention can also be realized by configurations other than those disclosed in the following embodiments. Furthermore, according to the present invention, it is possible to obtain at least one of the various effects (including derived effects) that can be obtained by the configuration.

[0011] Furthermore, the drawings are schematic representations, and the dimensional relationships and proportions of each element may differ from reality. Also, there may be discrepancies in dimensional relationships and proportions between different drawings.

[0012] <First Embodiment> Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a rotating electric machine 1 according to the first embodiment. The rotating electric machine 1 is a so-called vertical rotating electric machine and is installed in drainage pumping stations, etc. The rotating electric machine 1 is capable of operation in air and underwater. Note that the rotating electric machine 1 is not limited to this example.

[0013] The rotating electrical machine 1 includes a rotating electrical machine main body 2, a cooling device 3, and a terminal box 4. The rotating electrical machine main body 2 is, for example, a waterproof motor (waterproof motor). Note that the rotating electrical machine main body 2 is not limited to this.

[0014] The rotating electrical machine main body 2 has a stator 11, a rotor 12, a housing 13, a plurality (for example, two) of bearings 15, and a guide cover 23.

[0015] The stator 11 has a stator core 31 and a stator winding 32. The stator core 31 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape surrounding the rotation center axis Ax. The stator winding 32 passes through slots provided in the stator core 31 and is attached to the stator core 31.

[0016] The rotation center axis Ax is the center of rotation of the shaft 14 of the rotor 12 in the rotating electrical machine 1, and is, for example, a virtual straight line passing through the center of the shaft 14. In the present embodiment, the rotation center axis Ax is along the vertical direction. That is, the shaft 14 is along the vertical direction. The axial direction, radial direction, and circumferential direction of the rotation center axis Ax are the same as the axial direction, radial direction, and circumferential direction of the rotor 12 (shaft 14). In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the axial direction, radial direction, and circumferential direction are the axial direction, radial direction, and circumferential direction of the rotation center axis Ax, that is, the axial direction, radial direction, and circumferential direction of the shaft 14.

[0017] The axial direction includes a first axial direction Da1 and a second axial direction Da2. The first axial direction Da1 is a direction along the rotation center axis Ax and coincides with the downward direction in the vertical direction. The second axial direction Da2 is the opposite direction of the first axial direction Da1 and coincides with the upward direction in the vertical direction.

[0018] The rotor 12 has a shaft 14, a rotor core 41, and a conductor 42. The shaft 14 is supported by the housing 13 via the bearing 15 so as to be rotatable around the rotation center axis Ax. Thereby, the shaft 14 (rotor 12) is rotatable around the rotation center axis Ax with respect to the stator 11. In the present embodiment, the shaft 14 and the rotation center axis Ax are along the vertical direction.

[0019] The shaft 14 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape and extends along the rotational axis Ax. The shaft 14 extends both inside and outside the housing 13. The shaft 14 has a base portion 14a and an extended portion 14b.

[0020] The base 14a is part of the shaft 14 located inside the housing 13. Both ends of the base 14a in the axial direction are supported by bearings 15. Thus, the shaft 14 is supported by the bearings 15 so as to be rotatable around the rotational axis Ax.

[0021] The extension portion 14b is part of the shaft 14 located outside the housing 13. The extension portion 14b protrudes from the end of the base portion 14a in the first axial direction Da1, beyond the bearing bracket 53, to the outside of the housing 13. In other words, the extension portion 14b protrudes downward from the housing 13. A mechanical seal 55 is provided in the portion of the housing 13 through which the shaft 14 passes, thereby sealing the portion of the housing 13 through which the shaft 14 passes.

[0022] The outer portion 14b is provided with, for example, a flange, keyway, or spline, and is coupled to an external device so as to be able to transmit rotation. As a result, the rotating electric machine 1 outputs torque to the external device or receives torque from the external device. As an example, in this embodiment, the outer portion 14b is coupled to the impeller of a pump.

[0023] The base 14a of the shaft 14 is coupled to the rotor core 41. The rotor 12 and the shaft 14 can rotate integrally around the rotational axis Ax relative to the stator 11.

[0024] The rotor core 41 is coupled (fixed) to the base 14a of the shaft 14. The rotor core 41 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape surrounding the rotational axis Ax and is located inside the stator core 31 of the stator 11. The conductors 42 are arranged with spacing between them in the circumferential direction. The conductors 42 have, for example, conductor bars that penetrate the rotor core 41 in the axial direction and short-circuit rings coupled to the axial ends of all the conductor bars. The rotor core 41 and the conductors 42 rotate together with the shaft 14.

[0025] The housing 13 has a frame 51, two bearing brackets 52 and 53, and a plurality of heat dissipation fins 54. The housing 13 is sealed in a liquid-tight manner. The frame 51 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape surrounding the rotational axis Ax. The stator 11 and rotor 12 are arranged inside the frame 51. The stator core 31 is fixed to the frame 51.

[0026] The bearing bracket 52 is attached to the end of the frame 51 in a second axial direction Da2. The bearing bracket 53 is attached to the end of the frame 51 in a first axial direction Da1. The bearing brackets 52 and 53 fill the internal space of the frame 51. Each of the bearing brackets 52 and 53 supports the corresponding bearing 15.

[0027] Multiple heat dissipation fins 54 protrude, for example, from the outer surface of the frame 51 to the outside of the housing 13. Multiple heat dissipation fins 54 are arranged with circumferential spacing between them. Each of the multiple heat dissipation fins 54 extends substantially in the axial direction. The heat dissipation fins 54 may protrude from the bearing brackets 52, 53 or extend in other directions.

[0028] The terminal box 4 is fixed to the frame 51 of the housing 13.

[0029] The guide cover 23 covers the second axial end Da2 side, i.e., the upper end, of the housing 13. The guide cover 23 has an end wall 61 and a peripheral wall 62. Note that the guide cover 23 is not limited to this example.

[0030] The end wall 61 is positioned at a distance from the housing 13 in the second axial direction Da2. The end wall 61 is formed in a substantially disc shape, for example, substantially perpendicular to the rotational axis Ax. A hole 61a is provided in the end wall 61. The hole 61a penetrates the end wall 61 in the axial direction, i.e., vertical direction.

[0031] The peripheral wall 62 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, extending from the outer edge of the end wall 61 in the first axial direction Da1. The peripheral wall 62 is cylindrical around the rotational axis Ax. The peripheral wall 62 is located radially outward from the upper end of the housing 13 and surrounds the upper end of the housing 13. The peripheral wall 62 is fixed to the housing 13. A passage through which gas (air) can pass is provided between the peripheral wall 62 and the outer circumferential surface of the upper end of the housing 13.

[0032] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a part of the cooling device 3 of the rotating electric machine 1 of the first embodiment, showing the cooling device 3 in air. Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a part of the cooling device 3 of the rotating electric machine 1 of the first embodiment, showing the cooling device 3 in water.

[0033] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the cooling device 3 comprises an external fan 101, a motor 102, an external fan cover 111, and an opening / closing member 150. The cooling device 3 is attached to the guide cover 23 of the rotating electric machine body 2 on the upper side. The cooling device 3 cools the housing 13 of the rotating electric machine body 2, and consequently the stator 11 and rotor 12, by blowing gas (air) onto the rotating electric machine body 2.

[0034] As shown in Figure 1, the external fan 101 and motor 102 are located outside the housing 13. Specifically, the external fan 101 is located outside the housing 13 and above the guide cover 23. The external fan 101 is driven by the motor 102 to blow air toward the housing 13. Power is supplied to the motor 102 from an external source via a cable (not shown). The motor 102 is a water-resistant motor (waterproof motor).

[0035] The external fan cover 111 is located on the outside of the housing 13 and above the guide cover 23. Inside the external fan cover 111 are the external fan 101 and the motor 102, and the external fan 101 covers both the external fan 101 and the motor 102. The external fan cover 111 is also provided with a number of ventilation holes 121c. The ventilation holes 121c connect the inside of the external fan cover 111 to the outside of the external fan cover 111.

[0036] As shown in Figure 1, the external fan cover 111 has an upper member 112 and a lower member 113. The lower member 113 has a vertically extending cylindrical portion 103 that covers the external fan 101 and the motor 102. The lower member 113 is positioned above the upper member 112 and is fixed to the upper member 112. The upper member 112 is provided with a plurality of ventilation holes 121c.

[0037] As shown in Figure 2, the upper member 112 has a peripheral wall 121, a lower wall 122, and an upper wall 123.

[0038] The lower wall 122 is positioned above the lower member 113 and is fixed to the lower member 113. The lower wall 122 is formed in a substantially disc shape, for example, substantially perpendicular to the rotational axis Ax. The lower wall 122 is provided with a hole 122a that connects the interior of the upper member 112 and the interior of the lower member 113.

[0039] The upper wall 123 is positioned at a distance from the lower wall 122 in the second axial direction Da2. The upper wall 123 is formed, for example, in a substantially disc shape that is substantially perpendicular to the rotational axis Ax.

[0040] The peripheral wall 121 extends across the lower wall 122 and the upper wall 123. The peripheral wall 121 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the first axial direction Da1, i.e., in the vertical direction. The peripheral wall 121 is cylindrical around the rotational axis Ax. The peripheral wall 121 is provided with a plurality of ventilation holes 121c. The ventilation holes 121c penetrate the peripheral wall 121. In detail, the peripheral wall 121 has a lower region 121a where no ventilation holes 121c are provided, and an upper region 121b located above the lower region 121a where ventilation holes 121c are provided.

[0041] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the opening / closing member 150 is housed inside the upper member 112 of the outer fan cover 111. The opening / closing member 150 is provided to be movable between an open position (Figure 2) and a closed position (Figure 3) above the open position. The open position is the position in which the opening / closing member 150 opens the ventilation hole 121c. In the open position, the opening / closing member 150 does not face the ventilation hole 121c. The closed position is the position in which the flow of water through the ventilation hole 121c is restricted when the outer fan cover 111 is submerged in water. In the closed position, the opening / closing member 150 faces the ventilation hole 121c and covers it. Note that the opening / closing member 150 in the closed position may also block the ventilation hole 121c. The opening / closing member 150 is also referred to as a movable member.

[0042] Figure 4 is a schematic side view showing the opening / closing member 150 of the first embodiment. Figure 5 is a schematic top view showing the opening / closing member 150 of the first embodiment. As shown in Figures 2 to 5, the opening / closing member 150 specifically has a cylindrical portion 151 and an overhanging portion 152. Note that the overhanging portion 152 is not shown in Figures 4 and 5.

[0043] The cylindrical portion 151 is cylindrical in shape and extends vertically along the peripheral wall 121. The protruding portion 152 extends from the lower end of the cylindrical portion 151 into the interior of the cylindrical portion 151.

[0044] The opening / closing member 150 is made of a material with a specific gravity lower than that of water, and is subject to buoyancy from water. The material of the opening / closing member 150 is, for example, polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), etc., but is not limited to these.

[0045] In this configuration, when the rotating electric machine 1 is in the air, air-based operation is performed. In air-based operation, the rotor 12 rotates to rotate the impeller. In air-based operation, the opening / closing member 150 is in the open position (Figure 2). In air-based operation, the motor 102 rotates the external fan 101, and air from outside the external fan cover 111 enters the external fan cover 111 through the ventilation holes 121c. The air inside the external fan cover 111 flows from the upper member 112 to the lower member 113 through the hole 122a, and flows into the guide cover 23 through the hole 114a. The air inside the guide cover 23 is guided by the guide cover 23 and flows along the outer surface of the housing 13. At this time, the air flows between the multiple heat dissipation fins 54. The housing 13, and consequently the stator 11 and rotor 12, are cooled by the air flowing as described above. In other words, the housing 13, stator 11, and rotor 12 are air-cooled.

[0046] When the rotating electric machine 1 is submerged in water due to a flood or the like, the opening / closing member 163 moves from the open position to the closed position due to buoyancy (Figure 3). That is, the opening / closing member 163 moves from the open position to the closed position in accordance with the submersion of the external fan cover 111. Here, Figure 3 shows the external fan cover 111 submerged in water 300 and located below the water surface 300a, as well as foreign matter 310 in the water 300.

[0047] When the rotating electric machine 1 is submerged in water, it is operated underwater. During underwater operation, the rotor 12 rotates to rotate the impeller. This allows, for example, floodwaters in urban areas to be drained into rivers. During underwater operation, the opening / closing member 150 is in the closed position (Figure 3). During air operation, the external fan 101 is not rotated by the motor 102. During underwater operation, the water outside the submerged housing 13 cools the housing 13, and consequently the stator 11 and rotor 12. In other words, the housing 13, stator 11, and rotor 12 are water-cooled.

[0048] The above operation switching occurs, for example, when the submersion of the external fan cover 111 is detected by a float sensor (not shown), and the system switches from air-based operation to submerged operation manually or automatically. Automatic switching is performed by a control device such as a computer based on the detection result of the float sensor. The float sensor may be provided on the opening / closing member 163, or the opening / closing member 163 may also serve as the float sensor.

[0049] As described above, the rotating electric machine 1 of this embodiment comprises a housing 13, a stator 11, a rotor 12, an external fan 101, a motor 102, an external fan cover 111, and an opening / closing member 150. The stator 11 is housed in the housing 13. The rotor 12 is housed in the housing 13 and is rotatable around the rotational axis Ax. The external fan 101 is located outside the housing 13 and blows air toward the housing 13. The motor 102 is located outside the housing 13 and drives the external fan 101. The external fan cover 111 has the external fan 101 located inside, and is provided with a ventilation hole 121c that connects the inside and outside, and covers the external fan 101. The opening / closing member 150 is provided to be movable between an open position that opens the ventilation hole 121c and a closed position that restricts the flow of water through the ventilation hole 121c when the outer fan cover 111 is submerged in water, and moves from the open position to the closed position in response to the submersion of the outer fan cover 111.

[0050] With this configuration, when the external fan cover 111 is submerged in water, the opening / closing member 150 moves from the open position to the closed position in response to the submersion of the external fan cover 111, thereby restricting the flow of water through the ventilation holes 121c. This prevents foreign matter 310 from the outside of the external fan cover 111 from entering the inside of the external fan cover 111 through the ventilation holes 121c. Therefore, the effort required for inspection and cleaning work inside the external fan cover 111 after the water has receded can be reduced.

[0051] Furthermore, the opening / closing member 150 moves from the open position to the closed position in response to the submersion of the outer fan cover 111 due to the buoyancy of the opening / closing member 150.

[0052] With this configuration, there is no need to provide a separate component from the opening / closing member 150 in order to move the opening / closing member 150, making it easier to simplify the rotating electric machine 1.

[0053] Furthermore, the external fan cover 111 is provided with ventilation holes 121c and has a cylindrical peripheral wall 121 extending in the vertical direction. The opening / closing member 150 has a cylindrical portion 151 along the peripheral wall 121.

[0054] With this configuration, the vertical movement of the opening / closing member 150 can be guided by the peripheral wall 121.

[0055] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the opening / closing member 150 is housed inside the external fan cover 111. Therefore, exposure to sunlight or other light can be suppressed, thereby extending the lifespan of the opening / closing member 150.

[0056] <Second Embodiment> Figure 6 is a schematic side view showing a part of the cooling device 3 of the rotating electric machine 1 in the second embodiment.

[0057] As shown in Figure 6, this embodiment differs from the first embodiment mainly in that a floating member 155 is provided on the opening / closing member 150. The floating member 155 is located inside the opening / closing member 150, is coupled (fixed) to the inner circumferential surface of the opening / closing member 150, and moves together with the opening / closing member 150. The floating member 155 is, for example, hollow with air inside, and buoyancy from water acts upon it. The floating member 155 is also made of a material with a specific gravity lower than that of water. The material of the floating member 155 is, for example, polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), etc., but is not limited to these. Also, for example, the material of the opening / closing member 150 may be a material with a specific gravity higher than that of water. The floating member 155 moves the opening / closing member 150 from the open position to the closed position in response to the submersion of the outer fan cover 111 by the buoyancy acting on the floating member 155.

[0058] As described above, the rotating electric machine 1 of this embodiment is equipped with a floating member 155. The floating member 155 is coupled to the opening / closing member 150 and, by buoyancy, moves the opening / closing member 150 from the open position to the closed position in response to the submersion of the outer fan cover 111.

[0059] This configuration allows for greater freedom in selecting the material for the opening / closing member 150.

[0060] <Third Embodiment> Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a part of the cooling device 3 of the rotating electric machine 1 of the third embodiment, showing the cooling device 3 in a state where it is submerged in water. Figure 8 is a schematic side view showing the telescopic body 160 of the rotating electric machine 1 of the third embodiment, showing the telescopic body 160 in an extended state. Figure 9 is a schematic side view showing the telescopic body 160 of the rotating electric machine 1 of the third embodiment. Figure 10 is a schematic side view showing the telescopic body 160 of the rotating electric machine 1 of the third embodiment, showing the telescopic body 160 in a retracted state.

[0061] As shown in Figures 7 to 10, this embodiment differs from the first embodiment mainly in that it is provided with an expandable body 160.

[0062] The telescopic body 160 has a base member 161 and a plurality (for example, two) of opening and closing members 162 and 163. The telescopic body 160 is retractable into a contracted state (Figure 10) where the opening and closing members 162 and 163 are in the open position, and into an extended state (Figures 7 and 8) where the opening and closing members 162 and 163 are in the closed position.

[0063] As shown in Figure 7, the base member 161 has a cylindrical portion 161a and a hook portion 161c. The cylindrical portion 161a is cylindrical in shape and extends vertically along the peripheral wall 121. The hook portion 161c protrudes from the upper end of the cylindrical portion 161a to the outside of the cylindrical portion 161a.

[0064] The opening / closing member 162 has a cylindrical portion 162a and two hooking portions 162b and 162c. The cylindrical portion 162a is cylindrical in shape and extends vertically along the peripheral wall 121. The hooking portion 162b protrudes from the lower end of the cylindrical portion 161a into the interior of the cylindrical portion 162a. The hooking portion 162c protrudes from the upper end of the cylindrical portion 162a to the outside of the cylindrical portion 162a.

[0065] The opening / closing member 163 has a cylindrical portion 163a and a hook portion 163b. The cylindrical portion 163a is cylindrical in shape and extends vertically along the peripheral wall 121. The hook portion 163b protrudes from the lower end of the cylindrical portion 161a into the interior of the cylindrical portion 162a.

[0066] The cylindrical portions 161a, 162a, and 163a of the base member 161, opening / closing member 162, and opening / closing member 163 have different diameters. The diameter of the cylindrical portion 162a of opening / closing member 162 is larger than the diameter of the cylindrical portion 161a of the base member 161. The diameter of the cylindrical portion 163a of opening / closing member 163 is larger than the diameter of the cylindrical portion 162a of opening / closing member 162. In the retracted state, the cylindrical portion 161a of the base member 161 and the cylindrical portions 162a and 163a of the multiple opening / closing members 162 and 163 overlap each other in a direction that intersects with the vertical direction (for example, a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction). Specifically, the cylindrical portion 162a of opening / closing member 162 is located inside the cylindrical portion 163a of opening / closing member 163, and the cylindrical portion 161a of the base member 161 is located inside the cylindrical portion 162a of opening / closing member 162. In the extended state, in the base member 161, opening / closing members 162 and 163, in two adjacent opening / closing members in the intersecting direction, one cylindrical portion (cylindrical portion 161a, cylindrical portion 162a, or cylindrical portion 163a) protrudes relative to the other cylindrical portion (cylindrical portion 161a, cylindrical portion 162a, or cylindrical portion 163a). Also, in the extended state, the hook portion 162b of the opening / closing member 162 catches on the hook portion 161c of the base member 161, and the hook portion 163b of the opening / closing member 163 catches on the hook portion 162c of the opening / closing member 162, stopping the vertical extension of the telescopic body 160.

[0067] As described above, the rotating electric machine 1 of this embodiment includes an expandable / contractable body 160. The expandable / contractable body 160 has opening / closing members 162 and 163, and is expandable / contractable between a contracted state in which the opening / closing members 162 and 163 are in the open position and an extended state in which the opening / closing members 162 and 163 are in the closed position.

[0068] With this configuration, the opening and closing members 162 and 163 can be moved by the extension and retraction movement of the telescopic body 160.

[0069] Furthermore, the rotating electric machine 1 is equipped with a plurality of opening and closing members 162, 163. The external fan cover 111 is provided with ventilation holes 121c and has a cylindrical peripheral wall 121 extending in the vertical direction. The plurality of opening and closing members 162, 163 each have cylindrical portions 162a, 163a along the peripheral wall 121. The cylindrical portions 162a, 163a of the plurality of opening and closing members 162, 163 have different diameters from each other. The expandable body 160 is equipped with a plurality of opening and closing members 162, 163. In the contracted state, the cylindrical portions 162a, 163a of the plurality of opening and closing members 162, 163 overlap each other in an intersecting direction that intersects with the vertical direction. In the extended state, in two adjacent opening and closing members 162, 163 in the intersecting direction, one cylindrical portion 162a, 163a protrudes relatively to the other cylindrical portion 162a, 163a.

[0070] With this configuration, even if the height of the lower region 121a of the peripheral wall 121 of the outer fan cover 111 is lower than the height of the upper region 121b, the ventilation hole 121c can be covered (closed) by the multiple opening and closing members 162, 163.

[0071] <Fourth Embodiment> Figure 11 is a schematic side view showing a part of the cooling device 3 of the rotating electric machine 1 according to the fourth embodiment.

[0072] As shown in Figure 11, this embodiment differs from the third embodiment mainly in that the expandable body 160 is provided with floating members 171 and 172. For example, floating member 171 is provided at the upper end of the opening / closing member 163 and protrudes upward from that upper end. Floating member 171 moves together with the opening / closing member 163. Floating member 172 is provided at the upper end of the opening / closing member 162 and protrudes upward from that upper end. Floating member 172 moves together with the opening / closing member 162.

[0073] The floating members 171 and 172 are, for example, hollow with air inside, and are subjected to buoyancy from water. Furthermore, the floating members 171 and 172 are made of a material with a specific gravity lower than that of water. The material of the floating members 171 and 172 is, for example, polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), etc., but is not limited to these. Also, for example, the material of the opening and closing members 162 and 163 may be a material with a specific gravity higher than that of water. The floating members 171 and 172 move the opening and closing member 150 from the open position to the closed position in response to the submersion of the outer fan cover 111, due to the buoyancy acting on the floating member 155.

[0074] As described above, the rotating electric machine 1 of this embodiment is equipped with floating members 171 and 172. The floating members 171 and 172 are connected to the opening and closing members 162 and 163, and the buoyancy moves the opening and closing members 162 and 163 from the open position to the closed position in response to the submersion of the outer fan cover 111.

[0075] This configuration allows for greater freedom in selecting the materials for the opening and closing members 162 and 163.

[0076] The opening / closing member may be provided on the outside of the fan cover. Alternatively, the opening / closing member may be, for example, a louver rotatably supported on a louver shaft. The louver may be configured to be in the open position due to the airflow generated by the fan during operation in air, and in the closed position due to gravity during operation underwater. The opening / closing member may also be moved by the driving force of a water-resistant motor. In this case, if the float sensor detected that the fan cover 111 was submerged in water, the water-resistant motor may move the opening / closing member from the open position to the closed position.

[0077] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be carried out in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0078] 1...Rotating electric machine, 11...Stator, 12...Rotor, 13...Housing, 101...External fan, 102...Motor, 111...External fan cover, 121...Peripheral wall, 150, 162, 163...Opening / closing members, 151, 162a, 163a...Cylindrical section, 155, 171, 172...Floating members, 160...Extendable body, Ax...Rotational center axis.

Claims

1. The casing and The stator housed in the aforementioned housing, A rotor, partially housed in the aforementioned housing and capable of rotating around a central axis of rotation, An external fan is positioned outside the housing and blows air toward the housing, A motor is located outside the aforementioned housing and drives the external fan, The external fan is positioned inside, a ventilation hole is provided to connect the inside and the outside, and an external fan cover covers the external fan. An opening / closing member is provided that is movable between an open position, which opens the ventilation holes, and a closed position, which restricts the flow of water through the ventilation holes when the outer fan cover is submerged in water, and moves from the open position to the closed position in response to the submersion of the outer fan cover. A rotating electric machine equipped with a rotating motor.

2. The opening / closing member moves from the open position to the closed position in response to the submersion of the outer fan cover due to the buoyancy of the opening / closing member. The rotating electric machine according to claim 1.

3. The opening / closing member is connected to the opening / closing member and includes a floating member that moves the opening / closing member from the open position to the closed position in response to the submersion of the outer fan cover by buoyancy. The rotating electric machine according to claim 1.

4. The aforementioned outer fan cover has the aforementioned ventilation holes and a cylindrical peripheral wall extending in the vertical direction, The opening and closing member has a cylindrical portion along the peripheral wall, The rotating electric machine according to claim 1.

5. The body comprises an opening / closing member and an expandable / contractable body that is expandable and contractible between a contracted state in which the opening / closing member is in the open position and an extended state in which the opening / closing member is in the closed position, The rotating electric machine according to claim 1.

6. The system comprises multiple opening and closing members, The aforementioned outer fan cover has the aforementioned ventilation holes and a cylindrical peripheral wall extending in the vertical direction, The plurality of opening and closing members each have a cylindrical portion along the peripheral wall, The cylindrical portions of the plurality of opening and closing members have different diameters from each other. The expandable body has the plurality of opening and closing members, The aforementioned contracted state is a state in which the cylindrical portions of the plurality of opening and closing members overlap each other in an intersecting direction that intersects the vertical direction. The aforementioned extended state is a condition in which, in two adjacent opening / closing members in the intersecting direction, one of the cylindrical portions protrudes relative to the other cylindrical portion. The rotating electric machine according to claim 5.

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