Vehicle AC generator

[0033]FIG. 3 shows a second embodiment of the present invention. In the second embodiment, a rear cover 27A has a protecting wall portion 120A that has a shape different from the protecting wall portion 120 of the first embodiment.

[0034]Specifically, the rear cover 27A includes a cover body 110A forming the air intake openings 112, the protecting wall portion 120A, and a connecting portion 130 for separating the protecting wall portion 120A from the cover body 110A. The connecting portion 130 and the protecting wall portion 120A are integrally formed with the cover body 110A. The connecting portion 130 extends from an outer periphery of the cover body 110A and the protecting wall portion 120A is located on the outer periphery of the connecting portion 130.

[0035]The protecting wall portion 120A is spaced from the cover body 110A through the connecting portion 130 and extends in the axial direction. Therefore, the protecting wall portion 120A covers any portions of the cover body 110A in

[0038]FIG. 4 shows a third embodiment of the present invention. In the third embodiment, a rear cover 27B has a protecting wall portion 120B that has a shape different from those of the first and second embodiments.

[0039]Specifically, the protecting wall portion 120B extends from the outer periphery of a cover body 110B in the axially rearward direction. The protecting wall portion 120B is integrally formed with the cover body 110B. The cover body 110B is formed with the air intake openings 112. The outer periphery of the axial end surface of the rear cover 27B is surrounded with the protecting wall portion 120B. Accordingly, it is less likely that the foreign material dropped from the top will enter the inside of the rear cover 27B through the air intake openings 112.

[0040]FIG. 5 shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention. A rear cover 27C of the fourth embodiment has a cover body 110C and a protecting wall portion 120C integrally formed with the cover body 110C. The protecting wall portion 27C extends from the outer periphery of the cover body 110C in the axially rearward direction and further inclines radially outward at the end. Also, the protecting wall portion 120C is formed with a recess 124 at a position proximate to the inclined end, as a guide portion. The guide portion directs the foreign material dropped on the protecting wall portion 120C in a downward direction so that the foreign material does not flow toward the air intake openings 112.

[0041]Similar to the rear cover 27B shown in FIG. 4, the periphery of the axial end surface of the rear cover 27C is entirely surrounded with the protecting wall portion 120C. Therefore, it is less likely that the foreign material dropped from the top will flow toward the air intake openings 11