CN211321101U

CN211321101U - Terminal block for a generator, terminal block assembly and generator comprising a terminal block

Info

Publication number: CN211321101U
Application number: CN202020048820.9U
Authority: CN
Inventors: J·沃克; S·伊利耶; S·纳拉亚南; M·武岑诺维奇; H·阿里·阿巴斯
Original assignee: Cummins Generator Technologies Ltd
Current assignee: Cummins Generator Technologies Ltd
Priority date: 2019-01-14
Filing date: 2020-01-10
Publication date: 2020-08-21
Anticipated expiration: 2030-01-10
Also published as: GB2580594B; GB201900468D0; GB2580594A8; GB2580594A

Abstract

The utility model relates to a wiring board, wiring board subassembly and including the generator of wiring board for the generator. The patch panel includes a base (42) and a plurality of studs (44, 45) extending from the base. The studs are arranged in a two-dimensional array having at least three rows of studs. The studs extend from bosses (48, 49) in the base. The bosses (48, 49) have at least two different heights. This can allow electrical connections to and between the studs (44, 45) to be made at two different distances from the plane of the base, facilitating a number of different connection arrangements.

Description

Terminal block for a generator, terminal block assembly and generator comprising a terminal block

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a terminal block for a generator, and in particular to a terminal block that can facilitate configuring a generator with a variety of different connection arrangements.

Background

The generator generally includes stator windings that interact with the rotating magnetic field to generate an AC output. The rotating magnetic field is often generated by a rotor with rotor windings or permanent magnets. The stator windings typically include a plurality of coils arranged in slots circumferentially about the stator core. The coil typically has coil end leads for connection purposes. The end leads are typically brought to a common connection point such as a junction box. A terminal block in the terminal block may be used to connect the coil end leads to the appropriate generator output terminals.

In the case of a multi-phase motor, there may be many different arrangements in which the coils may be connected, such as star and delta connection arrangements. In this case, the terminal plate may also be used to configure the stator coils in a desired connection arrangement.

The generator is usually provided with coils that are preconfigured in the required connection arrangement. However, in some cases, it may be desirable to change the connection arrangement at a later date. With current arrangements, this can be difficult to achieve. Furthermore, there is a risk that an inexperienced user may incorrectly connect the generator, which may be dangerous and/or cause damage to the motor.

It is therefore desirable to provide a patch panel that allows for easy reconfiguration of the generator connection arrangement, while reducing the risk of making erroneous connections.

SUMMERY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a terminal plate for a generator, the terminal plate including a base and a plurality of studs (stud) extending from the base, wherein:

arranging the studs in a two-dimensional array having at least three rows of studs;

the base includes a plurality of bosses and studs extend from the bosses; and is

The bosses have at least two different heights.

The utility model discloses can provide following advantage: by providing a terminal block comprising a base and a plurality of studs arranged in a two-dimensional array and bosses having at least two different heights, reconfiguration of the generator connection arrangement can be facilitated and/or the risk of incorrect connections is reduced.

A two-dimensional array preferably refers to a plurality of studs arranged in each of a first direction and a second direction. The first and second directions may be orthogonal to each other and/or orthogonal to a longitudinal direction of the stud (which may be a direction in which the stud extends from the base).

Preferably, the stud is arranged to allow electrical connection by receiving an electrical connector, such as a lug (lug) and/or a link. The stud may be made of a conductive material such as metal. The stud may be in the form of a cylindrical post, for example. The stud may be threaded along at least a portion of its length, which may allow the electrical connector to be secured to the stud by screwing a bolt onto the stud. The base is preferably made of a non-conductive material, such as plastic (e.g., glass reinforced plastic, fiberglass reinforced polyester) or any other suitable material.

Preferably, the studs are arranged to connect end leads from the generator windings to the generator output terminals and/or to each other. This allows the terminal block to connect the windings in different connection arrangements and to connect the end leads to the output terminals.

The generator is preferably a multiphase motor, for example a three-phase motor. In this case, each phase of the generator winding may comprise at least two coils. The end lead is preferably an end lead of the coil.

Preferably, the studs are arranged such that the windings are configurable in a plurality of different connection arrangements. The plurality of different connection arrangements may include at least one of a star connection arrangement and a delta connection arrangement. In one embodiment, the plurality of different connection arrangements comprises two or more of: a series connection star; star-shaped connection in parallel; triangles are connected in series; double triangles; and a parallel triangle. However, other connection arrangements are possible.

In one embodiment, the studs are arranged such that the generator windings can be configured in a number of different connection arrangements without moving the end leads. This may be accomplished, for example, by reconfiguring the links between studs and/or between shims on the studs. However, the connection arrangement may also be reconfigured by also or instead moving one or more end leads.

Preferably, the total number of studs exceeds the number of studs required for any single connection arrangement. Thus, some studs may be used in some connection arrangements, but not others. This may facilitate reconfiguring the windings in a plurality of different connection arrangements.

The studs are arranged in three (or more) rows, with a plurality of studs in each row. One row of studs may be used for the generator output terminals. The generator output terminals may be formed by lugs (e.g., L-shaped lugs) that are connectable to one or more studs. Some or all of the rows may be used to receive end leads from the generator windings in order to connect those end leads to each other and/or to the generator output terminals. This arrangement may provide flexibility in the manner in which the windings are connected, thereby facilitating reconfiguration in a number of different connection arrangements.

In one embodiment, three rows of studs are provided, eight studs in a first row, six studs in a second row, and five studs in a third row. However, a different number of studs may be provided, and each row may have more or fewer studs than the given number. Furthermore, a different number of rows may be provided, for example four rows or some other number.

The base may have an upper surface and the stud may extend out of the plane of the upper surface. Preferably, the upper surface extends in a first direction and a second direction, which may be orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the stud and/or to each other.

The base is preferably substantially flat. Therefore, the height of the base may be smaller compared to the size of the upper surface (i.e., the length of the upper surface in the first and second directions). For example, the length of the upper surface in the first direction and/or the second direction may be at least 2 times, 5 times, or 10 times the height of the base or some other value.

The terminal block is preferably arranged to be mounted on the generator. For example, the base of the terminal block may include a plurality of holes that allow it to be attached to portions of the generator, for example using bolts or studs. For example, the terminal block may be capable of being mounted on a mounting bracket on the generator frame. The patch panel may, for example, be housed in a junction box or with a patch panel(s).

Preferably, the terminal block is arranged to be mounted to the generator such that the base (and/or its upper surface) extends in a first direction parallel to the axis of the generator and a second direction tangential (relative to the axis of rotation) to the circumference of the generator. At least some of the studs may extend in a direction parallel to the radial direction (relative to the axis of rotation). For example, the base and/or its upper surface may face upward and/or substantially horizontal when mounted on the generator. In this case, the stud may be substantially vertical. This may facilitate the connection of the winding end leads, as it may allow the terminal block to be easily viewed and/or accessed from a single direction (e.g., from above). However, the patch panel may also be mounted at an angle to the horizontal.

Preferably, the terminal block is arranged such that it can receive the end leads from the generator on two different sides (e.g. two opposite sides). For example, the end leads may be passed through apertures, holes or sleeves (gland) in the generator frame and to the terminal blocks on either side of the terminal blocks. This may facilitate reconfiguration of the generator connection arrangement.

The base includes a plurality of bosses and studs extend from the bosses. The boss may be, for example, a protrusion protruding from the plane of the upper surface of the base. For example, the boss may protrude from the upper surface in the same direction as the longitudinal direction of the stud (preferably the direction in which the stud extends from the base).

The bosses may help support the studs and/or they may provide shoulders against which an electrical connector (connected to a corresponding stud) may rest. The boss may be arranged such that when an electrical connector (e.g., a lug) is connected to the stud, it rests directly or indirectly on the boss. For example, the electrical connector lug may rest directly on the boss, or may be located on top of one or more washers located on the boss.

The wiring board includes bosses having at least two different heights or at least three different heights. The height may be, for example, the amount by which the boss protrudes from the upper surface of the susceptor. This can allow an electrical connector connected to a stud to lie in one of two (or more) different planes depending on the height of the boss from which the stud extends. Thus, the bosses may allow electrical connections to be made with and/or between the studs at two or three different distances from the plane of the upper surface of the base. This may help to ensure that only certain connections are made between the studs, thereby reducing the risk of a faulty connection.

Furthermore, allowing connections to be made at two or three different heights may allow connection of the terminal block with and/or between studs that overlap one another while ensuring sufficient electrical separation between these connections and/or sufficient clearance defined in the relevant standards. This may therefore facilitate configuring the windings in a plurality of different connection arrangements. Preferably, the height difference between two bosses having two different heights is such as to ensure sufficient electrical separation and/or clearance between the different phases of the generator used with the terminal block.

The terminal block may include at least two studs of different lengths. For example, the studs may have 2, 3, 4 or more different lengths. The length may be, for example, the amount that the stud extends from the corresponding boss in the longitudinal direction (which may be normal to the plane of the upper surface of the base). For example, in one possible arrangement, studs extending from bosses at a lower of the two heights may have any of two (or more) different lengths, while studs extending from bosses at a greater of the two heights may have a shorter of the two (or more) different lengths.

Longer studs may allow electrical connections to be made at two different distances from the plane of the upper surface of the base. On the other hand, a shorter stud may allow electrical connection at only one of two different distances. This may help ensure that only certain connections can be made between the studs, and thus may help ensure that the patch panel is not misconnected.

In the case of longer studs, the electrical connection may be made at the (larger) of two different distances from the plane of the upper surface of the base by placing a removable shim on the stud. In this case, the electrical connection at the other of the two distances can be made by using a stud without a spacer. The washer may be in the form of a collar that can be placed over the stud, for example. For example, the shim may be a disk of material with holes that allow it to be placed over the studs. The spacer is made of a conductive material such as copper or another suitable metal.

Preferably, at least some of the studs are interconnectable by means of rigid links. The rigid link may comprise an electrical conductor having a hole or slot at each end which allows the link to be connected to a stud. The link elements may be made of copper or any other suitable electrically conductive material. The use of such rigid links may allow the connection arrangement to be changed by reconfiguring the links (e.g., by adding, removing, or moving one or more links). This may facilitate reconfiguring the generator windings in different connection arrangements.

The rigid link may have a predetermined length. This may allow the link to connect two studs with a predetermined distance therebetween, but not two studs with another distance therebetween. This may help to ensure that the patch panels are not misconnected.

For example, at least some of the studs may be arranged in pairs, and a pair of studs may be interconnected by means of a rigid link. For example, where the studs are arranged in rows, at least some of the studs in a row may be arranged in pairs. The paired arrangement of studs may help ensure that a proper connection is made. The studs in a pair may share a common boss or bosses of the same height, although other arrangements are possible.

In one embodiment, three rows of studs are provided, four pairs of studs in a first row, three pairs of studs in a second row, three separate studs and a pair of studs in a third row. However, a different number of studs and/or pairs may be provided, and in some cases there may be a single stud rather than a pair of studs.

Preferably, the studs of at least one pair are separated from each other by a different distance than the studs of at least one other pair. Thus, a rigid link having a first length may be used to connect studs of at least one pair, and a rigid link having a second length different from the first length may be used to connect studs of at least one other pair. This may limit the different connections that may be made, thereby helping to ensure that the patch panel is not misconnected. The connection between pairs of studs may also use links of appropriate length.

The wiring board may include ribs in its upper surface. The ribs may indicate to the user where the link should be placed, for example, for a particular connection arrangement.

According to another aspect of the utility model, a wiring board assembly is provided, this wiring board assembly includes: a terminal block in any of the above forms, and a plurality of rigid links for connecting studs on the terminal block. Preferably, the plurality of rigid links includes at least one rigid link having a first length and at least one rigid link having a second length different from the first length. The patch panel assembly may also include at least one removable shim that may be used to space the electrical connectors along the studs away from the upper surface of the base.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a generator comprising a terminal block or terminal block assembly of any of the above forms.

Features of one aspect of the invention may be provided with any other aspect.

In the present disclosure, terms such as "radial", "axial" and "circumferential" are preferably defined with reference to the axis of rotation of the generator, unless the context otherwise implies.

Drawings

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a portion of a known generator;

FIG. 2 schematically illustrates stator windings in a three-phase motor, each phase having two stator coils;

fig. 3 (a) to (C) illustrate some of the possible connection arrangements of the stator coil shown in fig. 2;

figure 4 shows a portion of a patch panel in an embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 5 (a) to (C) illustrate two links and collars that may be used to connect end leads of stator coils;

fig. 6 shows how the end leads from the stator windings are connected to the terminal plate in one embodiment of the invention;

figures 7 to 9 illustrate how the stator windings are connected in a number of different connection arrangements in the embodiment of figure 6;

fig. 10 to 13 illustrate how the stator windings are connected in a number of different connection arrangements in another embodiment of the invention; and

fig. 14 to 17 show a part of a wiring board in another embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 is an exploded view of a portion of a known generator. The generator 10 comprises a main frame 12 mounted on legs (fets) 14. The stator core 16 is located inside the main frame 12. The stator core 16 is wound with stator windings 18. In the assembled machine, the rotor is located inside the stator, however it is omitted from fig. 1 for clarity.

In a generator as shown in fig. 1, the stator typically acts as an armature and carries the main electrical output power. Therefore, it is necessary to connect the stator windings to the generator output terminals. In the arrangement shown, this is achieved by passing the end leads 20 from the stator windings 18 through apertures 22 in the main frame to the terminal plate 24. Terminal blocks 24 are used to connect the end leads to the appropriate generator output terminals and/or to connect the end leads to each other. The terminal block is housed inside a terminal block 26, and the terminal block 26 includes

end plates

27, 28,

side plates

29, 30, and a cover 31.

In the arrangement of fig. 1, the terminal block includes a plurality of upstanding metal strips 32, to which strips 32 the end leads 20 may be connected using terminal lugs. The metal strip 32 is connected at its upper end to a U-shaped metal strip 34 forming the generator output terminal. Additional metal strips may be provided to connect coil end leads that are not directly connected to the output terminals. In addition, an Automatic Voltage Regulator (AVR)36 may be connected to some or all of the output terminals via an electrical loom (electrical local).

In the example shown in fig. 1, the generator is a three-phase generator and the stator windings 18 contain two coils per phase. Thus, a total of twelve end leads (2 per coil) pass from the stator windings through the apertures 22 to the terminal plate 24. Terminal block 24 includes an output terminal for each of the three phases U, V, W, and a neutral terminal N.

Fig. 2 schematically illustrates stator windings in a three-phase motor, with two stator coils per phase. In this example, there are a total of twelve end leads, two for each coil. In fig. 2, the end leads from the U-phase coil are denoted as U1, U2, U5, and U6, the end leads from the V-phase coil are denoted as V1, V2, V5, and V6, and the end leads of the W-phase coil are denoted as W1, W2, W5, and W6.

Fig. 3 (a) to (C) illustrate some of the possible connection arrangements of the stator coil shown in fig. 2. The series star arrangement is shown in fig. 3 (a), the parallel star arrangement is shown in fig. 3 (B), and the series delta arrangement is shown in fig. 3 (C). The end leads of the coil are given the same reference numerals as in fig. 2 to show how the coil is connected. It should be understood that other connection arrangements (e.g., double triangle and parallel triangle) are possible.

Typically, a three-phase generator as shown in fig. 1 is supplied to a user who is pre-configured with a suitable connection arrangement for the application with which the generator is to be used. However, in certain situations (e.g. rental markets), it may be necessary to reconfigure the connection arrangement after the generator has been supplied. This typically requires that the end leads be disconnected from the patch panel and then reconnected in another configuration. With known patch panels, such reconfiguration can be cumbersome due to the need to move the end leads from one location to another. Furthermore, such reconfiguration may be prone to errors, which may be dangerous and result in damage to the generator and/or the equipment to which it is connected.

Fig. 4 shows a portion of a wiring board in an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to fig. 4, the patch panel 40 includes a base 42 and a plurality of

studs

44, 45. The base is substantially flat with a small height relative to its width and length (depth). The stud is in the form of a threaded cylindrical post.

Studs

44, 45 extend from

bosses

48, 49 in the base. The base 42 includes four sides 46, a top surface 47, and a bottom side (not visible in FIG. 4).

Bosses

48, 49 project from the plane of the top surface 47 of the base. Each

boss

48, 49 may have a single stud or a pair of studs extending therefrom. Ribs 51 are provided between some of the bosses.

The base also includes four holes 50, which holes 50 allow the base to be mounted in the junction box of a synchronous generator on a raised mounting bracket, one at the non-drive end of the motor and one at the drive end, on either side of the aperture through which the end leads from the stator pass. When mounted in this manner, the base 42 is horizontal, the top surface 47 faces upwardly, and the

studs

44, 45 extend vertically from the base.

The base 42 is made of a non-conductive material such as Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP). The base may be manufactured, for example, by compression molding a bulk molding compound (DMC). The

studs

44, 45 are made of an electrically conductive material such as metal. The

studs

44, 45 are designed to meet the appropriate standards for electrical connection and allow the end leads to be positioned thereon via lugs. The studs are threaded, allowing the bolts to be tightened to secure the lugs or other components.

In the arrangement shown, the base 42 includes two different types of bosses. The first type of bosses 48 have a first height (in a direction out of the plane of the top surface 47), while the second type of bosses 49 have a second height that is higher than the height of the first type of bosses 48. When a connector (e.g., a lug or link) is placed on the stud, it will abut a corresponding boss, optionally with a washer between the boss and the connector. As a result, the connector may be at one of two different heights, depending on the height of the boss against which it abuts. In other words, the connector may be located in one of two different planes, each plane being parallel to the plane of the top surface 47 of the base 42.

In addition, the stud itself has one of two or more different lengths (also in a direction out of the plane of the top surface). The studs 44 of the first type have a first length and the studs 45 of the second type have a second length that is greater than the length of the studs 44 of the first type. All of the studs extending from the second type of boss 49 have the shorter of two lengths. On the other hand, the studs extending from the first type of boss 48 may have the shorter or longer of the two lengths. The difference between the two lengths is approximately the same as the difference in height between the two types of bosses. Thus, the overall height of the long stud 45 extending from the low boss 48 is approximately the same as the overall height of the short stud 44 extending from the high boss 49. However, the overall height of the short studs extending from the low bosses 48 is less than the overall height of other stud/boss combinations. Thus, the top of each short stud 44 lies in one of two different planes, each plane being parallel to the plane of the top surface 47 of the base 42.

In this embodiment, the patch panel includes nineteen studs arranged in three rows (front row 52, middle row 53, and back row 54). The studs in the front row 52 are used for generator output terminals U, V, W and N. A total of eight studs are provided in the row, one pair for each output terminal. The first three pairs of studs in the row (viewed from left to right in fig. 4) are used for output terminals U, V and W. The three pairs of studs have bosses 48 at the lower of the two heights. Each of these pairs includes a first type of stud 44 having a first length and a second type of stud 45 having a second length. The fourth pair of studs in the front row 52 is used for the neutral output terminal N. The pair of studs has a boss 49 at the higher of the two heights.

The studs in the middle row 53 are used to make connections between the coils in the stator windings and/or the output terminals. The row provides a total of six studs. The studs are arranged in pairs, each pair of studs having a boss 48 at the lower of two heights. Each of these pairs includes a first type of stud 44 having a first length and a second type of stud 45 having a second length. The distance between a pair of studs in the middle row 53 is greater than the distance between a pair of studs in the front row 52.

The studs in the back row 54 are also used to make connections between the coils in the stator windings and/or the output terminals. The row provides a total of five studs. These studs have bosses 49 at the higher of the two heights. The first three studs in the back row (viewed from left to right) are arranged in individual studs rather than in pairs. The distance between these individual studs is greater than the distance between two studs in a pair in the middle row 53 or the front row 52. In the rear row 54, the last two studs are arranged in pairs. The pair of studs may also be used for the neutral output terminal N.

In an alternative embodiment, two further studs are provided in the rear row for the placement of the current transformer. Thus, in this alternative embodiment, a total of seven studs are provided in the rear row. It will be appreciated that other embodiments are possible having a different number of studs and/or a different number of rows in each row.

In fig. 4, the location of the

studs

44, 45 is such as to allow different sized links to be placed thereon. Additionally, collars may be placed on the studs to increase the height of the link where appropriate. The location of the studs allows for quick and user-friendly changes in the configuration of the leads exiting the generator stator while reducing the likelihood of making a misconnection. The location of the studs and the length of the links allow the plate to be easily configured in a number of different arrangements, for example: parallel stars, series triangles, series stars, double triangles and parallel triangles.

Fig. 5 (a) to (C) illustrate two links and collars that may be used to connect end leads of the stator coil. The

links

55, 56 shown in fig. 5 (a) and (B) are electrically conductive metal links having holes at each end that allow them to be placed over the

studs

44, 45 of fig. 4. The

links

55, 56 have different lengths, each of which corresponds to the distance between two studs that may need to be connected. In the example shown, link 55 is 70mm in length and link 56 is 120mm in length, but it should be understood that other lengths may be used as well or alternatively. The collar 58 of fig. 5 (C) is a conductive metal disc that can be placed over the stud to increase the height of the link.

In use, the links 55, 56 (and optionally the collar 58) are placed onto the studs and secured with washers, spring washers and nuts tightened to the appropriate tension. The ribs 51 indicate to the user the location where it may be appropriate to place a link for a variety of different connection arrangements.

Fig. 6 shows how the end leads 20 from the stator windings are connected to a terminal plate 40 in one embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the motor is a three-phase motor, with two coils per phase, and two end leads per coil. The end leads from the stator coils are labeled using the same labeling convention as in fig. 2.

Fig. 7 to 9 illustrate how the stator windings are connected in a number of different connection arrangements when the end leads are connected to the terminal block in the manner shown in fig. 6.

Fig. 7 shows how the stator windings are connected in a series star arrangement. In this arrangement, it is necessary to connect the end leads U1, V1, and W1 to the respective output terminals U, V, W; connecting the end leads U6, V6, and W6 to the neutral terminal N; and end leads U2, V2, and W2 were connected to U5, V5, and W5, respectively (see fig. 3 (a)).

In this embodiment, the middle row 53 of studs is used to connect the end leads U5 and U2 to each other, the end leads V5 and V2 to each other, and the end leads W5 and W2 to each other. This is achieved by connecting a short link 55 between appropriate studs. These links are all at the lower of two different levels (levels). The rear row 54 of studs is used to connect the end leads U6, V6 and W6 to the neutral terminal. This is achieved by connecting a long link 56 between the studs in the back row and using a short link 55 to connect the studs to the studs in the neutral terminal. Since these links are all at a higher level, the end leads U2, U5, V2, V5, W2, and W5 can pass under the links to the middle row 53 with the required clearance. The front row of studs is used for output terminals U, V, W and N. In this embodiment, long links 56 are used to connect the studs in the back row 54 to the neutral terminals in the front row 52.

Output terminals U, V, W and N are formed by L-shaped tabs 60. The L-shaped tab 60 is formed of metal formed in an L-shape. Each L-shaped lug has two holes for connecting the lug to the

appropriate stud

44, 45 and two holes for use by a user to connect the generator to a load.

Fig. 8 shows how the stator windings are connected in a parallel star arrangement. To move from the series star arrangement of fig. 7 to the parallel star arrangement of fig. 8, it is necessary to move the end leads U2, V2, and W2 to the neutral terminal and the end leads U5, V5, and W5 to respective ones of the U, V and W terminals (see (B) of fig. 3). In this embodiment, the short links between the studs in the middle row 53 are removed, thereby removing the series connection between the coils. To connect the end leads U2, V2, and W2 to the neutral terminal, the collars 58 are placed on the appropriate studs in the middle row 53, and then the short links 55 are placed between these studs and the studs in the back row 54. Collars 58 raise the level of the links to the level of the links in the rear row. Since these links are at a higher level, the end leads U5, V5, and W5 may pass under the links to the middle row 53. The connection of the end leads U5, V5 and W5 to the respective U, V and W terminals is accomplished by placing a short link 55 between the appropriate stud in the middle row 53 and the appropriate output terminal. The output terminals are formed of L-shaped lugs 60 in the same manner as shown in fig. 7. In the example shown in fig. 8, the neutral terminals are located in the rear row 54, however, links 56 may also be used to locate them in the front row 52 as shown in fig. 7.

Fig. 9 shows how the stator windings are connected in a series delta arrangement. To move from the series star arrangement of fig. 7 to the series delta arrangement of fig. 9, it is necessary to connect the end lead U6 to the V terminal, the end lead V6 to the W terminal, and the end lead W6 to the U terminal (see (C) of fig. 3). In this embodiment, the links between the studs in the back row 54 are removed, thereby removing the connection with the neutral terminal. To connect the end leads U6, V6, and W6 to the appropriate output terminals, the collars 58 are first placed over the appropriate studs in the front row 52, and then the long links 56 are used to connect the appropriate studs in the rear row to the appropriate studs in the front row. Collars 58 raise the level of the long links 56 so that they pass over the links in the middle row 53. In this embodiment, the W2 and W5 end leads are also connected to the neutral terminal using short links.

Thus, the embodiments shown in fig. 6-9 may allow a user to switch to a different connection in the field using a link (and appropriate collar) instead of moving a lead. In this embodiment, the end leads from the stator windings need not be removed from the position shown in fig. 6. The length of the link and the distance between the studs are selected to reduce the risk of accidental misconnections. Further, the length of the studs is selected so that in the case of the low boss 48, only the stud 44 having the longer of the two lengths can be connected to the stud extending from the high boss 49. This further reduces the risk of a wrong connection. The height difference between the two different types of

bosses

48, 49 is selected to ensure sufficient distance between the different phases and/or the neutral terminals to ensure sufficient electrical separation.

Fig. 10 to 12 illustrate how the stator windings are connected in a number of different connection arrangements in another embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, it is again assumed that the motor is a three-phase motor, with two coils per phase, and two end leads per coil. The end leads from the stator coils are labeled using the same labeling convention as in fig. 2.

Fig. 10 shows how the stator windings are connected in a series star arrangement. In this embodiment, the back row of studs 54 is used to connect the end lead U5 to U2, the end lead V5 to V2, and the end lead W5 to W2. In the arrangement shown, this is achieved by: end leads U5 and U2 are connected to one stud in the back row, end leads V5 and V2 are connected to another stud in the back row, and end leads W5 and W2 are connected to yet another stud in the back row. The end leads U6, V6, and W6 are all connected directly to the neutral terminal. As with the previous embodiment, the end leads U1, V1, and W1 are directly connected to the respective output terminals U, V, W. The output terminals are formed by L-shaped lugs 60.

Alternatively, for example, the end leads U5 and U2 may be connected to adjacent studs in the middle row 53 and the two studs connected using a short link 55. A similar arrangement may be used to connect the end lead V5 to V2 and the W5 to W2. In addition, some or all of the end leads U6, V6, and W6 may be connected to neutral studs in the back row 54 (to the right in fig. 10), and these studs may be connected to neutral studs in the front row 52 using long links 56. Many other possible arrangements will be apparent to the skilled person.

Fig. 11 shows how the stator windings are connected in a parallel star arrangement in this embodiment. To move from the series star arrangement of fig. 10 to the parallel star arrangement of fig. 11, it is necessary to move the end leads U2, V2, and W2 to the neutral terminal and the end leads U5, V5, and W5 to respective ones of the U, V and W terminals (see fig. 3). In this embodiment, the end leads U5, V5, and W5 are moved to the respective studs in the middle row 53. The end leads U5, V5 and W5 are connected to the respective U, V and W terminals using short links 55 between the studs in the middle row 53 and the corresponding output terminals. The end leads U2, V2, and W2 are moved to the neutral terminals in the rear row 54. A long link 56 is used to connect the neutral terminal in the rear row to the neutral terminal in the front row. The output terminals are formed of L-shaped tabs 60 in the same manner as the previous embodiment.

Fig. 12 shows how the stator windings are connected in a series delta arrangement in this embodiment. To move from the series star arrangement of fig. 10 to the series delta arrangement of fig. 12, it is necessary to connect the end lead U6 to the V terminal, the end lead V6 to the W terminal, and the end lead W6 to the U terminal (see fig. 3). In this embodiment, this is accomplished by moving the end leads U6, V6, and W6 to the appropriate output terminals. Although not shown in fig. 12, links may also be provided from end leads such as W2 and W5 to the neutral terminal. The output terminals are formed by L-shaped lugs 60.

Fig. 13 shows how the stator windings are connected in a double delta arrangement in this embodiment. In this arrangement, it is necessary to connect the end leads U1 and V6 to each other and to the U terminal; connecting the end leads V1 and W6 to each other and to the V terminal; connecting the end leads W5 and U6 to each other and to the W terminal; connecting the end leads W2 and V5 to each other; and end leads U2, U5, V2 and W1 are connected to each other and to a neutral (N) terminal. In the example shown in fig. 13, this is achieved in the following way: end leads U1 and V6 are connected to the studs in the front row 52 for the U terminals. End leads V1 and W6 are connected to the studs in the front row 52 for the V terminals. End lead U6 is connected to the stud in the front row for the W terminal, end lead W5 is connected to the adjacent stud in the middle row 53, and short link 55 is connected between the stud and the W terminal. End leads W1 and U5 are connected to the studs in the front row 52 for the N terminals, end leads U2 and V2 are connected to the studs in the back row 54 for the N terminals, and long links 56 are connected between the studs in the back row and the studs in the front row.

Thus, it should be understood that the disclosed terminal block may also be used to connect stator windings in a variety of different connection arrangements by moving the appropriate end leads and or replacing the links between the connection studs.

Fig. 14 to 17 show a wiring board in another embodiment of the present invention. Referring to fig. 14, a terminal plate 70 includes a base 72 and a plurality of studs. As in the previous embodiment, a stud extends from a boss in the base. However, in this embodiment, bosses having three different heights and studs having three different lengths are provided. In FIG. 14, stud 74 has a first, shorter length; stud 75 has a second, intermediate length; stud 76 has a third, longer length. The boss 77 has a first, lower height; the boss 78 has a second, intermediate height; the boss 79 has a third, higher height. This may help achieve the desired electrical isolation between the multiple connectors. Other features of the patch panel 70 may be the same as or similar to corresponding features of the patch panel 40 described above with reference to figures 4-13.

Figure 14 shows patch panels 70 connected in a series star connection arrangement. Figure 15 shows patch panels 70 connected in a parallel star connection arrangement. Figure 16 shows patch panels 70 connected in a series delta connection arrangement. Figure 17 shows patch panels 70 connected in a double delta connection arrangement.

It will be understood that embodiments of the invention have been described by way of example only and that changes in detail may be made within the scope of the appended claims. For example, although in one embodiment the terminal block has three rows of studs and a total of 19 (or 21) studs, it will be appreciated that a different number of studs and/or rows may alternatively be used, depending on, for example, the number of coils and/or the type of connection arrangement to be used by the block. Further, in some cases, the studs may be provided in pairs or in individual studs. Many different configurations of bosses and studs may be used. The bosses may have a variety of different heights and the studs may have a variety of different lengths. The motor may have a different number of phases and a different number of coils may be provided for each phase. The stator windings may use a variety of different winding configurations, such as concentrated, distributed, lap, single-layer, double-layer, triple-layer, or any other suitable configuration. Other detailed modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A terminal block for a generator, the terminal block comprising a base and a plurality of studs extending from the base, wherein:

the base includes a plurality of bosses and the studs extend from the bosses; and is

The bosses have at least two different heights.

2. Terminal block for a generator according to claim 1, characterised in that the studs are arranged to connect end leads from the generator windings to the generator output terminals and/or to connect the end leads to each other.

3. The terminal block for an electrical generator of claim 2, wherein the electrical generator is a three-phase electrical machine, the generator windings comprise at least two coils per phase, and the end leads are end leads of the coils.

4. The terminal block for a generator of claim 2 or 3, wherein the studs are arranged such that the generator winding can be configured in a plurality of different connection arrangements.

5. The terminal block for a generator of claim 4, wherein the plurality of different connection arrangements includes at least one of a star connection arrangement and a delta connection arrangement.

6. The terminal block for a generator of claim 2 or 3, wherein the studs are arranged such that the winding can be configured in a plurality of different connection arrangements without moving the end leads.

7. A terminal block for a generator as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the total number of studs exceeds the number of studs required for a single connection arrangement.

8. A terminal block for a generator as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein one row of studs is used for the generator output terminals.

9. The terminal block for a generator of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the base has an upper surface and the stud extends out of the plane of the upper surface.

10. A terminal block for a generator as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, arranged to be mounted to the generator such that the base extends in a first direction parallel to the axis of the generator and a second direction tangential to the circumference of the generator.

11. Terminal block for a generator according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that it is arranged such that it can receive end leads from the generator windings on two different sides.

12. The terminal block for a generator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the bosses allow electrical connection to and/or between studs at two different distances from the plane of the upper surface of the base.

13. A terminal block for a generator as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the terminal block for a generator comprises at least two studs of different lengths.

14. The terminal block for an electrical generator of claim 13, wherein the longer stud allows electrical connection at two different distances from the plane of the upper surface of the base, and the shorter stud allows electrical connection at only one of the two different distances.

15. The terminal block for a generator of claim 14, wherein electrical connection to a longer stud can be made at one of the two different distances by placing a removable shim over the stud.

16. A terminal block for a generator as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least some of the studs are arranged in pairs and a pair of studs are interconnectable by means of rigid links.

17. The terminal block for a generator of claim 16, wherein generator windings are configurable in a plurality of different connection arrangements by reconfiguring the links.

18. The terminal block for an electrical generator of claim 16, wherein said studs of at least one pair of studs are separated from each other by a distance different from the distance said studs of at least one other pair of studs are separated from each other.

19. The terminal block for an electrical generator of claim 16, wherein the studs of at least one pair of studs are connectable using rigid links having a first length and the studs of at least another pair of studs are connectable using rigid links having a second length different from the first length.

20. A terminal block assembly, characterized in that it comprises a terminal block for a generator according to any one of the preceding claims and a plurality of rigid links for connecting studs on the terminal block for a generator.

21. The patch panel assembly of claim 20, further comprising at least one removable spacer for spacing connectors on the studs.

22. A generator comprising a terminal block for a generator according to any one of claims 1 to 19 or a terminal plate assembly according to claim 20 or 21.