Busbar-connected motor drive unit

Abstract

The device comprises: a first housing housing a power conversion device; a first connector mounted on the first housing and having contacts electrically connected to the power conversion device housed in the first housing; and a busbar having conductivity. A second housing is disposed adjacent to the first housing and disposed side by side. The second housing is fitted with a second connector having the same configuration as the first connector and having the same function as the first housing. In this case, the busbar temporarily disposed near the first connector slides toward the second connector and electrically connects the contacts of the first connector and the contacts of the second connector by means of the busbar, thereby electrically connecting the power conversion device housed in the first housing with the power conversion device housed in the second housing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a busbar-connected motor drive device. Background Technology

[0002] Within a motor drive unit that drives an AC motor, a converter and an inverter are installed as power conversion devices. The converter and inverter are connected via a DC link. The converter converts the AC power supplied from the AC power source into DC power and outputs it. The inverter converts the DC power into AC power for driving the motor and outputs it.

[0003] A relatively large current flows in the DC link between the converter and the inverter, so bus bars made of metals such as copper, brass or aluminum are mostly used in DC link connections.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-207803

[0007] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2000-164042 Summary of the Invention

[0008] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0009] When manufacturing a motor drive unit capable of driving, the process involves electrically connecting the DC output terminals of the converter to the DC input terminals of the inverter using a busbar. The goal is to develop a busbar-connected motor drive unit that is easy to assemble.

[0010] Solution for solving the problem

[0011] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, a motor drive device includes: a first housing housing a power conversion device, which is at least one of a converter and an inverter, the converter converting alternating current supplied from an AC power source into direct current, and the inverter converting direct current supplied from the converter into alternating current for motor drive; a first connector mounted on the first housing having contacts electrically connected to the power conversion device housed in the first housing; and a busbar having conductivity, and a second housing disposed adjacent to the first housing, the second housing having a second connector configured in the same manner as the first connector and having the same function as the first housing, wherein the busbar temporarily disposed near the first connector slides toward the second connector, thereby electrically connecting the contacts of the first connector and the contacts of the second connector through the busbar, thereby electrically connecting the power conversion device housed in the first housing with the power conversion device housed in the second housing. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 This is a front view showing the state in which the connector of the motor drive device according to an embodiment of this disclosure is temporarily provided with a bus.

[0013] Figure 2 This is a side view showing a motor drive device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 3 This is a front view showing the connector in the motor drive device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 4 This is a side view showing the connector in a motor drive device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 5 This is a perspective view (one of the views) of a connector in a motor drive device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 6 This is a perspective view (second one) of the connector in the motor drive device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 7 This is a perspective view (third one) of the connector in the motor drive device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 8 This is a perspective view (fourth one) of a connector in a motor drive device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 9 This is an exploded view showing the connection relationship between the motor drive device and the contacts of the connector in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 10 This is a perspective view of the busbar in a motor drive device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 11 This is a front view of a connector with a busbar inserted into a motor drive device according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0023] Figure 12 This is a side view of a connector with a busbar inserted into a motor drive device according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0024] Figure 13 This is a perspective view of a connector with a busbar inserted into a motor drive device according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0025] Figure 14 This is a front view illustrating the state of the power conversion devices arranged in parallel in the motor drive device according to an embodiment of this disclosure before bus connection.

[0026] Figure 15 This is a front view illustrating the state after the busbars of the power conversion devices arranged in parallel in the motor drive device according to an embodiment of this disclosure are connected.

[0027] Figure 16 yes Figure 15 The circuit diagram of the motor drive device is shown.

[0028] Figure 17 This is a front view (one of the views) showing the size relationship between the housing and the busbar in the motor drive device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 18 This is a front view (second one) showing the size relationship between the housing and the busbar in the motor drive device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 19 This is an example of Figure 18 The front view shows the state after the three housings are arranged side by side and connected by busbars.

[0031] Figure 20 This is a perspective view (one) of a protective cover in a motor drive device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 21 This is a perspective view (second one) of the protective cover in the motor drive device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 22 This is a perspective view (third one) of the protective cover in the motor drive device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 23 This is a perspective view (one) of the connector for mounting a protective cover in a motor drive device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 24 This is a perspective view (second one) of the connector for mounting a protective cover in the motor drive device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 25 This is a perspective view (one of the views) showing the first guide groove and the second guide groove provided in the housing of the motor drive device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 26 This is a perspective view (second one) showing the first guide groove and the second guide groove provided in the housing of the motor drive device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 27 This is a perspective view (one of the modified examples) showing a second guide groove provided in the housing in a motor drive device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 28 This is a perspective view (second example) showing a modified example of the second guide groove provided in the housing in the motor drive device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 29 This is a front view showing the state in which the busbar is temporarily placed near the connector when the motor drive device of the embodiment of this disclosure has the second guide groove of the modified example.

[0041] Figure 30 This is a side view showing the state in which the busbar is temporarily placed near the connector when the motor drive device of the embodiment of this disclosure has the second guide groove of the modified example.

[0042] Figure 31 This is a partial cross-sectional view showing the state in which the busbar is temporarily placed near the connector when the motor drive device of the embodiment of this disclosure has the second guide groove of the modified example.

[0043] Figure 32 This is a front view of the protective cover in a position where it can be detached from the housing, when the motor drive device of the embodiment of this disclosure has a modified second guide groove.

[0044] Figure 33 This is a perspective view (one of the views) illustrating the busbar connection operation of a motor drive device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] Figure 34 This is a perspective view (second one) illustrating the busbar connection operation of the motor drive device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] Figure 35 This is a perspective view (third one) illustrating the busbar connection operation of the motor drive device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] Figure 36 This is a perspective view (one) of a protective cover of a first modified embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] Figure 37 This is a perspective view (second example) of a protective cover of a first modified embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] Figure 38 This is a perspective view of the housing of a first modified embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] Figure 39 yes Figure 38 The cross-sectional view of the casing shown.

[0051] Figure 40This is a cross-sectional view of the protective cover and housing when the busbar is temporarily placed near the connector in a first variation of the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0052] Figure 41 This is a perspective view of a protective cover of a second modified embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0053] Figure 42 This is a front view of the protective cover of a second variation of the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0054] Figure 43 This is a perspective view of the housing of a second modified embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0055] Figure 44 This is a front view of the protective cover in a position where it can be detached from the housing, when the motor drive device according to the embodiment of this disclosure has the protective cover of the second modified example and the housing of the second modified example.

[0056] Figure 45 This is a perspective view (one) of a protective cover of a third variation of an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0057] Figure 46 This is a perspective view (second example) of a protective cover of a third variation of an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0058] Figure 47 This is a perspective view (third example) of a protective cover according to a third variation of the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0059] Figure 48 This is a perspective view of the housing of a third modified embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0060] Figure 49 This is a cross-sectional view of the protective cover and housing when the busbar is temporarily placed near the connector in a third variation of the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0061] Figure 50 This is a perspective view illustrating the disconnection operation of the busbar connection of the motor drive device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0062] Hereinafter, the busbar-connected motor drive device of the embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, structures with the same or similar functions will be labeled with the same reference numerals. Furthermore, repeated descriptions of these structures will sometimes be omitted. For ease of understanding, the scale of the drawings has been appropriately changed.

[0063] In the following description, a converter that converts AC power supplied from an AC power source to DC power and outputs it is also called a "rectifier," "rectifier circuit," "rectifier," or "positive converter." An inverter that converts DC power to AC power and outputs it is also called a "reverse converter." Both converters and inverters are devices that perform power conversion operations; therefore, they are collectively referred to as "power conversion devices." That is, a power conversion device refers to any one of the following: a single converter unit, a single inverter unit, or a device integrating both. A "DC link" refers to the circuit section that electrically connects the DC output terminals of the converter to the DC input terminals of the inverter; it is also called a "DC link section," "DC link," "DC link unit," "DC bus," or "DC intermediate circuit." A "DC link connection" refers to the formation of a DC link between the DC output terminals of the converter and the DC input terminals of the inverter. "DC output terminals" include "positive DC output terminals" and "negative DC output terminals." "DC input terminals" include "positive DC input terminals" and "negative DC input terminals." A bus bar is also called a "bus bar" or "short circuit bar." "Bus connection" refers to the electrical connection of power conversion devices to each other using busbars. "Metal plate" refers to a thin, flat piece of metal. "Electrical connection" means "connected in a way that allows for electrical conductivity." "Parallel arrangement" refers to being arranged side-by-side, closely aligned in a row. "Parallel arrangement direction" refers to the orientation of the housings when multiple housings are arranged side-by-side in a row.

[0064] <Overall Structure of the Motor Drive Device According to Embodiments of this Disclosure>

[0065] Figure 1 This is a front view showing the state in which the housing of the motor drive device according to an embodiment of this disclosure is temporarily provided with a connector. Figure 2 This is a side view showing a motor drive device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 The diagram of the busbars is omitted in the image.

[0066] The motor drive device 1 of the present disclosure includes a housing 11, a busbar 12, and a connector 13. Additionally, the motor drive device 1 includes a converter, an inverter, a control board, a sensor, a communication device, a backup power supply, and other circuitry. Furthermore, the motor drive device 1 may also include a display device and / or an input device.

[0067] In embodiments of this disclosure, before the busbar connection of the power conversion device is performed, as is the case when the motor drive unit 1 is manufactured, a busbar 12 is temporarily installed near the connector 13 of the housing 11 housing the power conversion device. Furthermore, when the motor drive unit 1 is manufactured to be drivable according to the user's needs, the busbar connection is performed by sliding the temporarily installed busbar 12 near the connector 13 of the housing 11 toward a connector of another housing adjacent to the housing 11.

[0068] In this disclosure, for the sake of simplicity, the side of the housing 11 on which the connector 13 is mounted is referred to as the "front side" of the motor drive unit 1. Figures 1-8 , Figures 10-15 as well as Figures 17-42 In the example shown, for instance, the surface viewed from the negative side of the Y-axis toward the positive side of the Y-axis in the XYZ coordinate axis is designated as the "front side". For example, preferably, the front side of the motor drive unit 1 is the surface that allows personnel performing maintenance work, various operations, etc., to access the motor drive unit 1 most easily and efficiently.

[0069] The housing 11 houses a power conversion device that serves as either a converter or an inverter. The housing 11 is constructed of highly insulating (non-conductive) materials. Examples of insulating materials include plastics, polyurethane, glass, ceramics, fine ceramics, vinyl resin, rubber, wood, and paper. Openings may also be provided in the housing 11 for example, to allow wiring, terminals, etc., to pass through.

[0070] Typically, in a motor drive unit 1, an inverter is installed corresponding to the drive shaft. Furthermore, to reduce the cost and space occupied by the motor drive unit 1, multiple inverters are often connected to a single converter. Thus, the motor drive unit 1 has multiple power conversion devices. These multiple power conversion devices are housed in different housings 11. Therefore, the motor drive unit 1 has multiple housings 11. These multiple housings 11 are arranged side-by-side adjacent to each other. In the following embodiment, as an example, the side-by-side arrangement direction of the multiple housings 11 is set to the X-axis direction. The multiple housings 11 all have the same function, but for example, sometimes the width of each housing 11 in the X-axis direction is different.

[0071] In this disclosure, the terms "first housing" and "second housing" are used to clearly define the positional relationship of adjacent housings 11 arranged side by side. That is, when focusing on a particular housing 11, that housing 11 is defined as the "first housing," and other housings arranged side by side with the first housing in the X-axis direction are defined as the "second housing." Furthermore, when reconsidering the "other housing" that is the second housing, that "other housing" is defined as the "first housing," and yet another housing arranged side by side with that "other housing" in the X-axis direction is redefined as the "second housing." The same applies when housings are arranged side by side further. This definition can be applied without being limited to the number of housings 11 arranged side by side. As described above, in this disclosure, the terms "first housing" and "second housing" are used to indicate the "positional relationship between adjacent housings 11."

[0072] In order to electrically connect the DC terminals of the power conversion device located in the housing 11 to the DC link, a conductive busbar 12 is used.

[0073] The DC wires constituting a DC link include a positive-side wire with a positive potential and a negative-side wire with a negative potential. The bus 12 constituting the positive-side wire of the DC link is referred to as the positive-side bus 12P. The bus 12 constituting the negative-side wire of the DC link is referred to as the negative-side bus 12N. In this disclosure, the positive-side bus 12P and the negative-side bus 12N are sometimes collectively referred to as bus 12. Therefore, bus 12 refers to either the positive-side bus 12P, or the negative-side bus 12N, or both. The positive-side bus 12P is used to electrically connect the positive-side DC terminals of the power conversion device (i.e., the positive-side DC output terminals of the converter and / or the positive-side DC input terminals of the inverter) to the positive-side wires of the DC link. The negative-side bus 12N is used to electrically connect the negative-side DC terminals of the power conversion device (i.e., the negative-side DC output terminals of the converter and / or the negative-side DC input terminals of the inverter) to the negative-side wires of the DC link. The positive busbar 12P and the negative busbar 12N have the same shape and the same structure.

[0074] Connectors 13 for electrically connecting adjacent power conversion devices arranged side-by-side are mounted on the "front" side of the housing 11, which corresponds to the motor drive unit 1. The connectors 13 are provided corresponding to the power conversion devices. The connectors 13 mounted on each of the plurality of housings 11 have the same shape and construction.

[0075] In this disclosure, the terms "first connector" and "second connector" are used to clearly define the positional relationship of connectors 13 disposed in adjacent housings 11. That is, when considering a connector 13 mounted on a particular housing 11, the connector 13 mounted on that housing 11 is defined as the "first connector," and the connector 13 mounted on a second housing disposed adjacent to that housing 11 in the X-axis direction is defined as the "second connector." Furthermore, when focusing on a second housing where the second connector is mounted, the "second connector mounted on the second housing" is defined as the "first connector," and the connector 13 mounted on another housing disposed adjacent to the "second housing" in the X-axis direction is redefined as the "second connector." The same applies when housings are further disposed in parallel. This definition can be applied without being limited to the number of housings 11 disposed in parallel. Thus, in this disclosure, the terms "first connector" and "second connector" are used to indicate the "positional relationship of connectors 13 disposed in adjacent housings 11."

[0076] The connector 13 has a plurality of contacts 31 that are electrically connected to a power conversion device housed in the housing 11. The contacts 31 are arranged side-by-side in a direction substantially the same as the long side of the inserted busbar 12. When the motor drive unit 1 is viewed from the front (i.e., from the negative side in the Y-axis direction), the contacts 31 of the connector 13 are exposed. The contacts 31 of the connector 13 are also electrically connected to the DC terminals (not shown) of the power conversion device within the housing 11 where the connector 13 is mounted. Furthermore, the connector 13 has an insulating contact protection portion 32 that covers the contacts 31 in such a way that the contacts 31 are exposed in the insertion / removal direction (Y-axis direction) of the busbar 12 relative to the connector 13.

[0077] The connector 13 that allows connection to the positive busbar 12P for the positive side of the DC link is called the positive connector 13P. The connector 13 that allows connection to the negative busbar 12N for the negative side of the DC link is called the negative connector 13N. Hereinafter, the positive connector 13P and the negative connector 13N are sometimes collectively referred to as connector 13. Therefore, connector 13 refers to the positive connector 13P, or the negative connector 13N, or both the positive connector 13P and the negative connector 13N. The positive connector 13P and the negative connector 13N have the same shape and the same construction. The positive connector 13P is used to electrically connect the positive DC terminal of the power conversion device (i.e., the positive DC output terminal of the converter and / or the positive DC input terminal of the inverter) to the positive busbar 12P. The negative-side connector 13N is used to electrically connect the negative-side DC terminals of the power conversion device (i.e., the negative-side DC output terminals of the converter and / or the negative-side DC input terminals of the inverter) to the negative-side bus 12N.

[0078] The motor drive device 1 has the following mechanism: a busbar 12 temporarily disposed near the first connector slides toward the second connector, so that the contacts 31 of the first connector and the contacts 31 of the second connector are electrically connected through the busbar 12.

[0079] In the stage before the busbar connection of the power conversion device is performed, as is the case when the motor drive unit 1 leaves the factory, such as... Figure 1 As shown, for each housing 11, a busbar 12 is temporarily positioned near the connector 13. The busbar 12 can slide from its temporary position along the parallel arrangement direction (X-axis direction) of the housings 11. When manufacturing the motor drive unit 1 to be drivable, firstly, multiple housings 11 housing the inverter and converter are arranged side by side adjacent to each other. Then, by sliding the busbar 12 temporarily positioned near the connector 13 (i.e., the first connector) toward other connectors 13 (i.e., the second connector) adjacent along the parallel arrangement direction of the housings 11, the contacts 31 of each connector 13 are electrically connected to each other via the busbar 12. Thus, the power conversion devices housed in each housing 11 are electrically connected.

[0080] Before the power conversion device busbar is connected, as is the case when the motor drive unit 1 leaves the factory, a busbar 12 is temporarily installed near the connector 13 installed in the housing 11, so that various operations such as inspection, factory shipment, handling, and inventory management of the motor drive unit 1 are easy.

[0081] <Structure of the connector according to embodiments of this disclosure>

[0082] Figure 3 This is a front view showing the connector in the motor drive device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 This is a side view showing the connector in a motor drive device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figures 5-8 This is a perspective view showing the connector in a motor drive device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 9 This is an exploded view showing the connection relationship between the motor drive device and the contacts of the connector in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0083] The connector 13 is a floating connector that allows the busbar 12 to move relative to the connector 13 through elastic deformation generated when the busbar 12 is inserted. The connector 13 has a plurality of contacts 31 capable of elastic deformation. When the motor drive unit 1 is viewed from the front (i.e., viewed from the negative side in the Y-axis direction), the plurality of contacts 31 are exposed. The plurality of contacts 31 elastically deform when the busbar 12 is inserted, making physical and electrical contact with the busbar 12. These plurality of contacts 31 are arranged side by side in a direction substantially the same as the long side direction of the inserted busbar 12. There are two rows of side-by-side contacts 31, which are opposite to each other. When the busbar 12 is inserted into the connector 13, the busbar 12 is clamped in physical and electrical contact between the two rows of elastically deformable plurality of contacts 31. In addition, considering that the busbar 12 can slide along the side-by-side arrangement direction of the housing 11, the corners of the contacts 31 can also be chamfered.

[0084] In addition, such as Figure 9 As shown, in a connector 13, multiple contacts 31 are electrically connected to each other, and these multiple contacts 31 are formed as a single unit. The multiple contacts 31 are also electrically connected to the DC terminals (i.e., the DC output terminals of the converter and / or the DC input terminals of the inverter) of the power conversion device within the housing 11 on which the connector 13 is mounted.

[0085] The connector 13 is provided with a contact protection part 32, which is used to prevent electric shock caused by human fingers contacting the contacts 31 or leakage caused by other conductive components contacting the contacts 31. The contact protection part 32 is made of a highly insulating component. Examples of insulating components include plastics, polyurethane, glass, ceramics, fine ceramics, vinyl resin, rubber, wood, and paper.

[0086] The contact protection portion 32 opens toward the insertion / removal direction (negative Y-axis direction) of the busbar 12 relative to the connector 13, and the contact 31 is exposed toward the insertion / removal direction (negative Y-axis direction) of the busbar 12 relative to the connector 13. The contact 31 is positioned extending toward the positive Y-axis direction relative to the end face of the opening portion of the contact protection portion 32 toward the insertion / removal direction (negative Y-axis direction) of the busbar 12.

[0087] The contact protection section 32 is configured such that even if a person's finger attempts to enter the connector 13 from the insertion direction side (negative Y-axis direction) of the busbar 12, the finger will not come into contact with the contact 31. For example, the width of the opening of the contact protection section 32 facing the insertion / removal direction (negative Y-axis direction) of the busbar 12 in the Z-axis direction (short side direction of the busbar 12) is set to be smaller than the thickness of a person's finger and larger than the width of the busbar 12 in the Z-axis direction.

[0088] <Structure of the busbar in the embodiments of this disclosure>

[0089] Figure 10 This is a perspective view of the busbar in a motor drive device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0090] To electrically connect the DC terminals of the power conversion device housed in the adjacent housing 11 to the DC link, a conductive busbar 12 is used. The busbar 12 is made of a metal such as copper, brass, or aluminum. The busbar 12 is, for example, a generally straight, rod-shaped thin metal sheet with a generally cuboid shape. The busbar 12 is manufactured, for example, by sheet metal processing.

[0091] Bus 12 is pluggable relative to connector 13. The long side direction (X-axis direction) of bus 12 is approximately aligned with the side-by-side arrangement of the plurality of contacts 31 in connector 13. The short side direction (Y-axis direction) of bus 12 is approximately aligned with the pluggable direction of bus 12 relative to connector 13. The length of bus 12 in the Z-axis direction is shorter than the length of bus 12 in the Y-axis direction. The length of bus 12 in the Z-axis direction is, for example, about 3 mm. However, the value given here is an example, and other values ​​may also exist.

[0092] <Bus and Connector Installation in Embodiments of this Disclosure>

[0093] Figure 11 This is a front view of a connector with a busbar inserted into a motor drive device according to an embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 12 This is a side view of a connector with a busbar inserted into a motor drive device according to an embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 13 This is a perspective view of a connector with a busbar inserted into a motor drive device according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0094] When the busbar 12 is inserted into the connector 13 from the negative Y-axis direction toward the positive Y-axis direction, the multiple contacts 31 of the connector 13, which is a floating connector, elastically deform, and the busbar 12 is physically and electrically clamped between the two rows of multiple contacts 31. Even if the insertion direction or insertion position of the busbar 12 is slightly deviated from that of the connector 13, the elastic deformation of the contacts 31 can stably ensure physical and electrical contact between the busbar 12 and the contacts 31.

[0095] Figure 14 This is a front view illustrating the state of the power conversion devices arranged in parallel in the motor drive device according to an embodiment of this disclosure before bus connection. Figure 15 This is a front view illustrating the state after the busbars of the power conversion devices arranged in parallel in the motor drive device according to an embodiment of this disclosure are connected.

[0096] exist Figure 14 and Figure 15In the example shown, two housings 11 are arranged adjacent to each other along the X-axis. Hereinafter, the reference numerals for the two adjacent housings 11 will sometimes be separated as 11-1 and 11-2; otherwise, housings 11-1 and 11-2 will be collectively referred to as housing 11. In the following description, as an example, the converter is housed in housing 11-1, and the inverter is housed in housing 11-2. The type of power conversion device housed in housings 11-1 and 11-2 is not limited to this embodiment. For example, the inverter may be housed in housing 11-1, and the converter in housing 11-2. Furthermore, the number of adjacent housings 11 is not limited to two; there may be three or more.

[0097] On the "front" side of housing 11-1, corresponding to the motor drive unit 1, a positive connector 13P and a negative connector 13N are installed for connecting the DC output terminals of the converter within housing 11-1 to a DC link. On the "front" side of housing 11-2, corresponding to the motor drive unit 1, a positive connector 13P and a negative connector 13N are installed for connecting the DC input terminals of the inverter within housing 11-2 to a DC link.

[0098] Housings 11-1 and 11-2 are arranged side-by-side adjacent to each other along the X-axis. Connectors 13 mounted on each housing 11-1 and 11-2 are of the same shape and construction. The connectors 13 are mounted in a row on each housing 11-1 and 11-2 such that a rod-shaped busbar 12 can be simultaneously inserted into each connector 13 mounted on housings 11-1 and 11-2. The mounting surfaces of the connectors 13 on each housing 11-1 and 11-2 form approximately the same plane when these housings 11 are mounted adjacently. By mounting the connectors 13 on each housing 11-1 and 11-2 such that the mounting surfaces of the connectors 13 are approximately the same plane and the long sides of each connector 13 are aligned in a row, the busbar 12 can be simultaneously inserted into each connector 13 provided on housings 11-1 and 11-2. Figure 14 and Figure 15 In the example shown, in the XYZ coordinate system, the connectors 13 are installed on housings 11-1 and 11-2 respectively, so that the Y and Z coordinate values ​​of the connectors 13 installed on adjacent housings 11-1 and 11-2 are approximately the same. Here, the case where there are two adjacent housings 11 is described, but the same applies when there are three or more adjacent housings 11.

[0099] When manufacturing the motor drive unit 1 to be capable of driving, such as Figure 14 As shown, firstly, multiple housings 11 containing inverters and converters are arranged side by side adjacent to each other.

[0100] In the stage before the busbar connection of the power conversion device is performed, as is the case when the motor drive unit 1 leaves the factory, such as... Figure 14 As shown, the positive busbar 12P is temporarily located near the positive connector 13P located in the housing 11-2, and the negative busbar 12N is temporarily located near the negative connector 13N located in the housing 11-2.

[0101] There are two temporary configuration methods. In the first temporary configuration, bus 12 is temporarily configured with connector 13 pre-inserted. In the second temporary configuration, bus 12 is temporarily configured with connector 13 pre-extracted from connector 13 near connector 13.

[0102] Depending on the temporary configuration, the method of making the motor drive device 1 capable of driving varies. Details are as follows.

[0103] When the busbar 12 is temporarily configured in the first manner, when the motor drive unit 1 is manufactured to be drivable, the busbar 12, which is temporarily installed near the first connector mounted on the first housing, is slid toward the second connector mounted on the second housing until it contacts both the first and second connectors, thereby electrically connecting the contacts 31 of the first connector and the contacts 31 of the second connector via the busbar 12. More specifically, as... Figure 15 As shown, a temporary front busbar 12P, located near the front connector 13P (first connector) mounted on housing 11-2 (first housing), is slid toward the connector 13 (second connector) mounted on housing 11-1 (second housing), adjacent to housing 11-2, along the parallel arrangement direction (towards the negative X-axis) until it contacts both connectors 13 (first connector and second connector). Thus, the contacts 31 of each front connector 13P are electrically connected to each other via the front busbar 12P. Through the busbar 12, the positive DC output terminal of the converter housed in housing 11-1 is electrically connected to the positive DC input terminal of the inverter housed in housing 11-2. Similarly, the negative busbar 12N, temporarily positioned near the negative connector 13N (first connector) mounted on housing 11-2 (first housing), is slid toward the connector 13 (second connector) mounted on housing 11-1 (second housing), adjacent to housing 11-2, along the parallel arrangement direction (towards the negative X-axis) until it contacts both connectors 13 (first connector and second connector). Thus, the contacts 31 of each negative connector 13N are electrically connected to each other via the negative busbar 12N. Through the busbar 12, the negative DC output terminal of the converter housed in housing 11-1 is electrically connected to the negative DC input terminal of the inverter housed in housing 11-2.

[0104] When the busbar 12 is temporarily configured in the second manner, when the motor drive device 1 is manufactured to be drivable, the busbar 12, which is temporarily installed near the first connector mounted on the first housing, is slid towards the second connector mounted on the second housing until it spans both the first and second connectors (first slide). Then, it is slid towards the mounting surface of the connector 13 (first and second connectors) on the housing 11 (first and second housings) (positive Y-axis direction), causing the busbar 12 to insert into the connector 13 (first and second connectors) (second slide). Thus, the contacts 31 of the first connector and the contacts 31 of the second connector are electrically connected via the busbar 12. More specifically, as... Figure 15 As shown, a temporary front busbar 12P, mounted near the front connector 13P (first connector) on housing 11-2 (first housing), is slid toward the connector 13 (second connector) mounted on housing 11-1 (second housing), adjacent to housing 11-2, along the parallel arrangement direction (towards the negative X-axis) to a position spanning both connectors 13 (first and second connectors). Then, the front busbar 12P is slid toward the mounting surface of the front connectors 13P (first and second connectors) on housing 11 (first and second housings) and inserted into the front connectors 13P (first and second connectors). Thus, the contacts 31 of each front connector 13P are electrically connected to each other via the front busbar 12P. Through the busbar 12, the positive DC output terminal of the converter housed in housing 11-1 is electrically connected to the positive DC input terminal of the inverter housed in housing 11-2. Similarly, the negative busbar 12N, temporarily positioned near the negative connector 13N (first connector) mounted on housing 11-2 (first housing), is slid toward the connector 13 (second connector) mounted on housing 11-1 (second housing), adjacent to housing 11-2, along the parallel arrangement direction (towards the negative X-axis) to a position spanning both connectors 13 (first and second connectors). Then, the negative busbar 12N is slid toward the mounting surface of the negative connectors 13N (first and second connectors) on housing 11 (first and second housings) and inserted into the negative connectors 13N (first and second connectors). Thus, the contacts 31 of each negative connector 13N are electrically connected to each other via the negative busbar 12N. The negative DC output terminal of the converter housed in housing 11-1 is electrically connected to the negative DC input terminal of the inverter housed in housing 11-2 via the busbar 12.

[0105] Figure 16 yes Figure 15 The circuit diagram of the motor drive device is shown.

[0106] exist Figure 15In this configuration, a positive-side busbar 12P is inserted into the positive-side connector 13P mounted on the housing 11-1 housing the converter and the positive-side connector 13P mounted on the housing 11-2 housing the inverter. Additionally, a negative-side busbar 12N is inserted into the negative-side connector 13N mounted on the housing 11-1 housing the converter and the negative-side connector 13N mounted on the housing 11-2 housing the inverter. Figure 16 The figure in the diagram uses the reference numeral 200 to indicate that it is stored in Figure 15 The converter in housing 11-1 is shown. Additionally, in... Figure 16 The figure in the diagram uses the symbol 300 to indicate that it is stored in Figure 15 The inverter in housing 11-2 is shown. Figure 15 As shown, by inserting the positive busbar 12P and the negative busbar 12N into the positive connector 13P and the negative connector 13N, as... Figure 16 As shown, the DC output terminal of converter 200 is connected to the DC input terminal of inverter 300 via a DC link.

[0107] The converter 200 converts the AC power supplied from the AC power source 100 into DC power and outputs it to the DC link. The converter 200 is constructed using a three-phase bridge circuit when supplied with three-phase AC power from the AC power source 100, and a single-phase bridge circuit when supplied with single-phase AC power from the AC power source 100. Examples of converter 200 include diode rectifiers, 120-degree-of-load rectifiers, and PWM switching control rectifiers. For example, when the converter 200 is constructed using a 120-degree-of-load rectifier or a PWM switching control rectifier, it is constructed using a bridge circuit consisting of switching elements and diodes connected in anti-parallel to these switching elements. Power conversion in both AC and DC directions is performed by controlling the switching elements to be turned on and off according to drive commands received from a higher-level control device (not shown). In this case, examples of switching elements include FETs, IGBTs, thyristors, GTOs, and transistors, but other semiconductor elements may also be used. Furthermore, AC reactors and AC line filters are sometimes provided on the AC input side of the converter 200, but these are not shown here.

[0108] Inverter 300 converts the direct current (DC) in the DC link into alternating current (AC) for motor drive and outputs it to motor 400. Inverter 300 only needs to have a structure capable of converting DC to AC current; for example, it can be a PWM control inverter with internal switching elements. Inverter 300 is configured as a three-phase bridge circuit when motor 400 is a three-phase AC motor, and as a single-phase bridge circuit when motor 400 is a single-phase motor. In the illustrated example, motor 400 is a three-phase AC motor, therefore inverter 300 is configured as a three-phase bridge circuit. When inverter 300 is configured as a PWM control inverter, it is configured as a bridge circuit with diodes and switching elements connected in anti-parallel. Examples of switching elements in this case include FETs, IGBTs, thyristors, GTOs, and transistors, but other semiconductor devices can also be used. Inverter 300 performs PWM control on / off operation of the internal switching elements according to instructions from a higher-level control device (not shown), thereby converting the DC in the DC link into AC for motor drive and outputting it. The motor 400 controls its speed, torque, or rotor position based on the AC power supplied from the inverter 300. Furthermore, the inverter 300 can also perform PWM control by appropriately switching the switching elements to convert the AC power regenerated by the motor 400 into DC power and return it to the DC link on the DC side.

[0109] A DC link capacitor is provided in the DC link connecting the DC output terminal of converter 200 to the DC input terminal of inverter 300, but... Figure 16 The diagram is omitted. The DC link capacitor has the function of accumulating the DC power used by the inverter 300 to generate AC power and suppressing the pulsation of the DC output of the converter 200. Examples of DC link capacitors include electrolytic capacitors and film capacitors. The DC link capacitor is disposed in any of the following locations: inside the housing 11-1, inside the housing 11-2, or outside the housings 11-1 and 11-2.

[0110] <The size relationship between the busbar and the housing in the embodiments of this disclosure>

[0111] Figure 17 and Figure 18 This is a front view showing the size relationship between the housing and the busbar in the motor drive device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0112] exist Figure 17 and Figure 18 And the following Figure 19In the example shown, three housings 11 are arranged side-by-side adjacent to each other along the X-axis. Hereinafter, the reference numerals for the three adjacent housings 11 will sometimes be separately designated as 11-1, 11-2, and 11-3; otherwise, housings 11-1, 11-2, and 11-3 will be collectively referred to as housing 11. The width of housing 11-1 in the X-axis direction is designated as LH1, the width of housing 11-2 in the X-axis direction as LH2, and the width of housing 11-3 in the X-axis direction as LH3.

[0113] Here, the center position of the connector 13 along the parallel arrangement direction (X-axis direction) of the housing 11 is defined as the "mounting position of the connector 13". In the embodiments of this disclosure, the connector 13 is mounted on each surface of the housing 11 in such a way that the distance from the end of the first housing along the parallel arrangement direction (X-axis direction) to the mounting position of the first connector on the mounting surface of the first connector on the first housing is approximately equal to the distance from the end of the second housing along the parallel arrangement direction (X-axis direction) to the mounting position of the second connector on the mounting surface of the second connector on the second housing.

[0114] exist Figure 17 and Figure 18 In the example shown, connectors 13 (i.e., positive connector 13P and negative connector 13N) are mounted on the "front" surface of each of the housings 11-1, 11-2, and 11-3, corresponding to the motor drive unit 1. The distance LC from the end of housing 11-1 along the parallel arrangement direction (X-axis direction) to the mounting position of connector 13 on the mounting surface of connector 13 is approximately equal to the distance LC from the end of housing 11-2 along the parallel arrangement direction (X-axis direction) to the mounting position of connector 13 on the mounting surface of connector 13 on housing 11-1, and the distance LC from the end of housing 11-3 along the parallel arrangement direction (X-axis direction) to the mounting position of connector 13 on the mounting surface of connector 13 on housing 11-3. The above relationship holds for both positive connector 13P and negative connector 13N.

[0115] The length of the busbar 12 in the long side direction (X-axis direction) is set to be approximately equal to the width of the housing 11 having the connector 13 temporarily housing the busbar 12 in the parallel arrangement direction (X-axis direction). Figure 18In the example shown, the length LB1 of the busbar 12 temporarily installed near the connector 13 of housing 11-1 in the long side direction (X-axis direction) is approximately equal to the width LH1 of housing 11-1 in the parallel arrangement direction (X-axis direction). The length LB2 of the busbar 12 temporarily installed near the connector 13 of housing 11-2 in the long side direction (X-axis direction) is approximately equal to the width LH2 of housing 11-2 in the parallel arrangement direction (X-axis direction). The length LB3 of the busbar 12 temporarily installed near the connector 13 of housing 11-3 in the long side direction (X-axis direction) is approximately equal to the width LH3 of housing 11-3 in the parallel arrangement direction (X-axis direction).

[0116] Figure 19 This is an example of Figure 18 The diagram shows a front view of the three housings arranged side-by-side with busbars connected. For example, the converter is housed in housing 11-1, the inverter is housed in housing 11-2, and the inverter is housed in housing 11-3.

[0117] First, the housings 11-1, 11-2, and 11-3, which house the power conversion device, are arranged side by side, adjacent to each other. Then, as... Figure 19 As shown, the temporary positive busbar 12P, which is temporarily positioned near the positive connector 13P mounted on housing 11-1, slides a distance LC in the negative X-axis direction. The temporary positive busbar 12P, which is temporarily positioned near the positive connector 13P (first connector) mounted on housing 11-2 (first housing), slides a distance LC in the negative X-axis direction towards the positive connector 13P (second connector) mounted on housing 11-1 (second housing) and is inserted into the positive connector 13P mounted on housing 11-2. The temporary positive busbar 12P, which is temporarily positioned near the positive connector 13P (first connector) mounted on housing 11-3 (first housing), slides a distance LC in the negative X-axis direction towards the positive connector 13P (second connector) mounted on housing 11-2 (second housing) and is inserted into the positive connector 13P mounted on housing 11-2. Thus, the contacts 31 of each positive connector 13P are electrically connected to each other via each positive busbar 12P. Therefore, the positive DC output terminal of the converter housed in housing 11-1, the positive DC input terminal of the inverter housed in housing 11-2, and the positive DC input terminal of the inverter housed in housing 11-3 are electrically connected.

[0118] Similarly, the negative busbar 12N temporarily positioned near the negative connector 13N mounted on housing 11-1 slides a distance LC in the negative X-axis direction. The negative busbar 12N temporarily positioned near the negative connector 13N (first connector) mounted on housing 11-2 (first housing) slides a distance LC in the negative X-axis direction towards the negative connector 13N (second connector) mounted on housing 11-1 (second housing) and is inserted into the negative connector 13N mounted on housing 11-2. The negative busbar 12N temporarily positioned near the negative connector 13N (first connector) mounted on housing 11-3 (first housing) slides a distance LC in the negative X-axis direction towards the negative connector 13N (second connector) mounted on housing 11-2 (second housing) and is inserted into the negative connector 13N mounted on housing 11-2. Thus, the contacts 31 of each negative connector 13N are electrically connected to each other via each negative busbar 12N. Therefore, the negative DC output terminal of the converter housed in housing 11-1, the negative DC input terminal of the inverter housed in housing 11-2, and the negative DC input terminal of the inverter housed in housing 11-3 are electrically connected.

[0119] By installing connectors 13 in each housing 11 and setting the length of the long side of the busbar 12 in a manner that satisfies the above conditions, the busbar connection steps are standardized even if the widths of the multiple housings 11 differ, thus facilitating the manufacture of the motor drive unit 1 into a drivable state. Furthermore, depending on the user's needs, the number and model of the power conversion devices (converters and inverters) installed in the motor drive unit 1 vary, resulting in a variety of housings 11 housing the power converters in terms of number and width. By installing connectors 13 in each housing 11 and setting the length of the long side of the busbar 12 in a manner that satisfies the above conditions, scalability corresponding to various numbers and widths of the parallel-arranged housings 11 can be achieved.

[0120] <Structure of the protective cover according to the embodiments of this disclosure>

[0121] Figures 20-22 This is a perspective view of the protective cover in the motor drive device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0122] The larger the exposed area of ​​the busbar 12, which supplies high current, the higher the likelihood of electric shock due to contact with a person or leakage due to contact with other conductive components. Furthermore, vibration of the housing 11 may cause the busbar 12, inserted into the connector 13, to detach. Additionally, since the busbar 12 is a roughly straight, rod-shaped thin metal plate, handling it is somewhat inconvenient. To overcome these problems, it is preferable to install a protective cover 14 on the busbar 12.

[0123] The protective cover 14 supports the positive busbar 12P and the negative busbar 12N simultaneously, with the positive busbar 12P being inserted into the positive connector 13P and the negative busbar 12N being inserted into the negative connector 13N. The protective cover 14 is constructed of insulating materials (non-conductive materials). Examples of insulating materials include plastics, polyurethane, glass, ceramics, fine ceramics, vinyl resin, rubber, wood, and paper.

[0124] The protective cover 14 has a protrusion 21, a latch 23, a grip 24, and a busbar support 25. The protrusion 21, latch 23, grip 24, and busbar support 25 are integrally formed.

[0125] The protective cover 14 opens towards the insertion direction (positive Y-axis direction) of the busbar 12 relative to the connector 13, and covers the busbar 12 in a manner that prevents it from being exposed towards the withdrawal direction (negative Y-axis direction) of the busbar 12 relative to the connector 13. Furthermore, the protective cover 14 has a wall surface parallel to the insertion and withdrawal direction of the busbar 12. The protective cover 14 prevents electric shock caused by contact between a person and the busbar 12, and prevents leakage caused by contact between other conductive components and the busbar 12.

[0126] At least one protrusion 21 is formed on at least one of the two walls of the protective cover 14 arranged in the parallel direction (X-axis direction) of the housing 11, protruding outward toward the wall surface. The protrusion 21 is used when the protective cover 14 slides along the parallel direction (X-axis direction) of the housing 11. Considering that the protective cover 14 slides along the parallel direction of the housing 11, the corners of the protrusion 21 may also be chamfered.

[0127] The latch 23 is used to secure the protective cover 14 to the connector 13.

[0128] The gripping part 24 is used to improve the insertion and removal operation of the busbar 12 relative to the connector 13. The operator can use the two gripping parts 24 to hold the protective cover 14.

[0129] The busbar support 25 is used to support the positive busbar 12P and the negative busbar 12N.

[0130] <The locking portion of the connector is provided in the embodiments of this disclosure>

[0131] Figure 23 and Figure 24 This is a perspective view of the connector for mounting a protective cover in a motor drive device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0132] To mount the protective cover 14 to the connector 13 via the latch portion 23, a locking portion 41 is provided on the connector 13. The locking portion 41 is configured to engage with the latch portion 23 of the protective cover 14 when the contacts 31 of two adjacent connectors 13 (the first connector and the second connector) are in an electrically connected position with the busbar 12. Considering the engagement and disengagement of the protective cover 14 and the connector 13, the corner portion of the latch portion 23 may also be chamfered.

[0133] <The first guide groove and the second guide groove disposed in the housing according to the embodiments of this disclosure>

[0134] Figure 25 and Figure 26 This is a perspective view showing the first guide groove and the second guide groove provided in the housing of the motor drive device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0135] To enable the protective cover 14 to slide along the parallel arrangement direction (X-axis direction) of the housing 11, a first guide groove 42 is provided in the housing 11. The first guide groove 42 is formed near the mounting positions of the connectors 13 (first connector and second connector) of the two adjacent housings 11 (first housing and second housing) along the parallel arrangement direction (X-axis direction) of the housing 11. The first guide groove 42 holds the protrusion 21 of the protective cover 14 so that it can slide freely along the parallel arrangement direction (X-axis direction) of the housing 11. By sliding the protrusion 21 of the protective cover 14 along the first guide groove 42, the busbar 12 supported by the protective cover 14 slides without contacting the contacts 31 of the connectors 13 (first connector and second connector).

[0136] The starting point of the first guide groove 42 is set at a position where the busbar 12 is temporarily set near the connector 13 (first connector). As a result, the positioning of the busbar 12 becomes easier when it is temporarily set near the connector 13 (first connector).

[0137] The end point of the first guide groove 42 is set at a position that allows the busbar 12 to be simultaneously inserted into two adjacent connectors 13 (the first connector and the second connector). As a result, the positioning of the busbar 12 during busbar connection becomes easier, and in addition, it can reliably ensure physical and electrical contact between the busbar 12 and the contact 31 of the connector 13.

[0138] like Figure 25 and Figure 26As shown, the second guide groove 43 is connected to the first guide groove 42 and is formed by a portion of the wall of the housing 11 as a notch that opens only to the positive Y-axis. The second guide groove 43 holds the protrusion 21 of the protective cover 14 so that it can slide freely along the insertion direction (positive Y-axis direction) of the busbar 12. Considering that the protrusion 21 of the protective cover 14 slides along the first guide groove 42 and the second guide groove 43, the corners of the first guide groove 42 and the second guide groove 43 can also be chamfered. When the protrusion 21 of the protective cover 14 is located in the second guide groove 43, the protective cover 14 can be pressed into the positive Y-axis direction by grasping the grip 24 of the protective cover 14 with a human finger, and the busbar 12 can be inserted into the connector 13 mounted on the housing 11. Thus, the busbar 12 is physically and electrically clamped between the two rows of elastically deformable contacts 31. However, the second guide groove 43 does not open in the pull-out direction (negative Y-axis direction) of the busbar 12, so the protective cover 14 cannot be removed from the housing 11. For example, if it is necessary to remove the power conversion device housed in the housing 11 from the motor drive device 1 for maintenance, etc., it is necessary to use a person's fingers to grasp the handle 24 of the protective cover 14 and slide the protective cover 14 in the positive X-axis direction to return the protective cover 14 to the temporary setting position.

[0139] Figure 27 and Figure 28 This is a perspective view showing a modified example of the second guide groove provided in the housing in the motor drive device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 29 This is a front view showing the state in which the busbar is temporarily placed near the connector when the motor drive device of the embodiment of this disclosure has the second guide groove of the modified example. Figure 30 This is a side view showing the state in which the busbar is temporarily placed near the connector when the motor drive device of the embodiment of this disclosure has the second guide groove of the modified example. Figure 31 This is a partial cross-sectional view showing the state in which the busbar is temporarily placed near the connector when the motor drive device of the embodiment of this disclosure has the second guide groove of the modified example. Figure 32 This is a front view of the protective cover in a position where it can be detached from the housing, when the motor drive device of the embodiment of this disclosure has a modified second guide groove.

[0140] To enable the protective cover 14 to slide along the parallel arrangement direction (X-axis direction) of the housing 11, a first guide groove 42 is provided in the housing 11. The first guide groove 42 is formed near the mounting positions of the connectors 13 (first connector and second connector) of the two adjacent housings 11 (first housing and second housing) along the parallel arrangement direction (X-axis direction) of the housing 11. The first guide groove 42 holds the protrusion 21 of the protective cover 14 so that it can slide freely along the parallel arrangement direction (X-axis direction) of the housing 11. By sliding the protrusion 21 of the protective cover 14 along the first guide groove 42, the busbar 12 supported by the protective cover 14 slides without contacting the contacts 31 of the connectors 13 (first connector and second connector).

[0141] Figures 29-31 This illustration shows a stage where, as with the motor drive unit 1 at the factory, the busbar has not yet been connected to the power conversion device, and the busbar 12 is temporarily positioned near a connector 13 (first connector). The starting point of the first guide groove 42 is set at the position where the busbar 12 is temporarily positioned near the connector 13 (first connector). This facilitates the positioning of the busbar 12 when it is temporarily positioned near the connector 13 (first connector).

[0142] The end point of the first guide groove 42 is set at a position that allows the busbar 12 to be simultaneously inserted into two adjacent connectors 13 (the first connector and the second connector). As a result, the positioning of the busbar 12 during busbar connection becomes easier, and in addition, it can reliably ensure physical and electrical contact between the busbar 12 and the contact 31 of the connector 13.

[0143] Furthermore, in order to enable the protective cover 14 to be detached from the housing 11, a modified second guide groove 43 is formed in the housing 11. For example... Figure 27 and Figure 28 As shown, the second guide groove 43 is connected to the first guide groove 42, and is formed by a portion of the wall surface of the housing 11 as a notch opening towards both the positive and negative Y-axis sides. The second guide groove 43 holds the protrusion 21 of the protective cover 14, allowing it to slide freely along the insertion and removal directions (positive and negative Y-axis directions) of the generatrix 12. Considering that the protrusion 21 of the protective cover 14 slides along the first guide groove 42 and the modified second guide groove 43, the corners of the first guide groove 42 and the modified second guide groove 43 can also be chamfered. Figure 32 As shown, when the protrusion 21 of the protective cover 14 is located in the second guide groove 43, by grasping the holding part 24 of the protective cover 14 with a human finger and pressing the protective cover 14 in the positive Y-axis direction, the busbar 12 can be inserted into the connector 13 mounted on the housing 11. Thus, the busbar 12 is physically and electrically clamped between the two rows of elastically deformable contacts 31. Furthermore, as... Figure 32As shown, when the protrusion 21 of the protective cover 14 is located in the second guide groove 43, the protective cover 14 supporting the busbar 12 can be removed from the housing 11 by grasping the holding part 24 of the protective cover 14 with a person's fingers and pulling the protective cover 14 in the negative Y-axis direction.

[0144] <Bus connection operation of the motor drive device according to the embodiments of this disclosure>

[0145] Figures 33-35 This is a perspective view illustrating the busbar connection operation of a motor drive device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0146] like Figure 33 As shown, before the busbar connection of the power conversion device is performed, as is the case with the motor drive unit 1 at the factory, the busbar 12 is temporarily installed near the connector 13 (first connector) installed in the housing 11-2 in a pre-extracted state. The operator grasps the grip 24 of the protective cover 14, as... Figure 34 As shown, the protective cover 14 is slid towards the connector 13 (second connector) mounted on the housing 11-1 along the parallel arrangement direction (negative X-axis direction) of housings 11-1 and 11-2. This moves the busbar 12 to a position spanning the connector 13 (first connector) mounted on housing 11-2 and the connector 13 (second connector) mounted on housing 11-1. Then, the operator grasps the gripping part 24 of the protective cover 14, as shown... Figure 35 As shown, the busbar 12 is pressed in towards the mounting surface of the connector 13 on housings 11-1 and 11-2 (positive Y-axis direction). This inserts the busbar 12 into both the connector 13 mounted on housing 11-1 and the connector 13 mounted on housing 11-2, whereby the busbar 12 is physically and electrically clamped between two rows of elastically deformable contacts 31. As a result, the DC terminals of the power conversion device housed in housing 11-1 are electrically connected to the DC terminals of the power conversion device housed in housing 11-2.

[0147] <Structure of the protective cover and housing in the first modified embodiment of this disclosure>

[0148] Figure 36 and Figure 37 This is a perspective view of a protective cover of a first modified embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 38 This is a perspective view of the housing of a first modified embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 39 yes Figure 38 The cross-sectional view of the casing shown. Figure 40 This is a cross-sectional view of the protective cover and housing when the busbar is temporarily placed near the connector in a first variation of the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0149] In the first variation, such as Figure 36 and Figure 37 As shown, a notch 22 is formed on the wall surface of the protective cover 14 along the parallel arrangement direction (X-axis direction) of the housing 11, at a position where the protrusion 21 is sandwiched along this parallel arrangement direction. By providing the notch 22, the flexibility of the portion of the protective cover 14 containing the protrusion 21 is further improved.

[0150] Additionally, in the first variation, such as Figures 38-40 As shown, it is configured with Figure 36 and Figure 37 The recess 44, into which the protrusion 21 of the protective cover 14 engages, is provided in the first guide groove 42 of the housing 11. As described above, in the stage before the busbar connection of the power conversion device is performed, such as when the motor drive device 1 is manufactured, the busbar 12 is temporarily provided near the connector 13 (first connector) provided in the housing 11 (first housing). The recess 44 is formed in the first guide groove 42 such that it engages with the protrusion 21 of the protective cover 14 when the busbar 12 is temporarily provided near the connector 13 (first connector). Therefore, when the busbar 12 is temporarily provided near the connector 13 (first connector), the protective cover 14 is firmly fixed to the housing 11, thus preventing the protective cover 14 from falling off the housing 11. When performing busbar connection work to manufacture the motor drive unit 1 into a driveable device, the operator only needs to grasp the protrusion 21 of the protective cover 14 with their fingers to release the engagement between the protrusion 21 and the recess 44, allowing the protective cover 14 to slide toward the connector 13 (second connector) mounted on the housing 11-1. Considering the engagement and disengagement of the protrusion 21 and the recess 44, the corner portion of the protrusion 21 can also be chamfered.

[0151] <Structure of the protective cover and housing in the second variation of the embodiments of this disclosure>

[0152] Figure 41 This is a perspective view of a protective cover of a second modified embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 42 This is a front view of the protective cover of a second variation of the embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 43 This is a perspective view of the housing of a second modified embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 44 This is a front view of the protective cover in a position where it can be detached from the housing, when the motor drive device according to the embodiment of this disclosure has the protective cover of the second modified example and the housing of the second modified example.

[0153] In the second variation, at least one protrusion 21 is formed on each of the two wall surfaces of the protective cover 14 in the parallel arrangement direction (X-axis direction) along the housing 11, protruding outwards toward the wall surface. However, as... Figure 41 and Figure 42As shown, the positions of the protrusions 21 on one wall of the protective cover 14 and the protrusions 21 on the other wall of the protective cover 14 are not linearly symmetrical with respect to the axis along the parallel arrangement direction (X-axis direction) of the housing 11, located at the exact midpoint of the two walls of the protective cover 14. Figure 41 and Figure 42 In the example shown, as an example, a protrusion 21 is formed on each of the two walls of the protective cover 14 in the parallel arrangement direction (X-axis direction) along the housing 11, protruding outward toward the wall. Furthermore, the number of protrusions 21 is just one example, and there may be other numbers.

[0154] Furthermore, in the second modification, a plurality of second guide grooves 43 are provided corresponding to the plurality of protrusions 21 provided on the protective cover 14. Figure 43 In the example shown, two second guide grooves 43 are provided corresponding to the two protrusions 21 on the two walls of the protective cover 14. The second guide grooves 43 are connected to the first guide grooves 42 and are formed by a notch on a portion of the wall of the housing 11, opening to the negative Y-axis. The second guide grooves 43 hold the protrusions 21 of the protective cover 14 so that they can slide freely along the insertion / removal direction (Y-axis direction) of the busbar 12. Furthermore, when the busbar 12 is temporarily positioned near the connector 13 (first connector), the second guide grooves 43 engage with the protrusions 21, thus preventing rotational movement of the protective cover 14 about the Z-axis, thereby improving installability. The more protrusions 21 and their corresponding second guide grooves 43 are added, the more the possibility of rotational movement of the protective cover 14 about the Z-axis can be further reduced. Additionally, as... Figure 44 As shown, when the protrusion 21 of the protective cover 14 is located in the second guide groove 43, the protective cover 14 supporting the busbar 12 can be removed from the housing 11 by grasping the grip 24 of the protective cover 14 with a person's fingers and pulling it out in the negative Y-axis direction. Considering that the protrusion 21 slides along the first guide groove 42 and the second guide groove 43, the corners of the first guide groove 42 and the second guide groove 43 can also be chamfered.

[0155] <Structure of the protective cover and housing in the third variation of the embodiments of this disclosure>

[0156] Figures 45-47 This is a perspective view of a protective cover according to a third variation of an embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 48 This is a perspective view of the housing of a third modified embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 49 This is a cross-sectional view of the protective cover and housing when the busbar is temporarily placed near the connector in a third variation of the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0157] The third variation is formed by combining the first and second variations.

[0158] That is, at least one protrusion is formed on each of the two walls of the protective cover 14 in the parallel arrangement direction (X-axis direction) along the housing 11, protruding outwards from the wall surface. Figures 45-47 In the example shown, as an example, one of the two walls of the protective cover 14 arranged in the parallel direction (X-axis direction) along the housing 11 has a protrusion 21-1 protruding outwards from the wall, and the other wall has protrusions 21-2 and 21-3 protruding outwards from the wall. Considering that protrusions 21-1, 21-2, and 21-3 can slide along the first guide groove 42 and the second guide grooves 43-1, 43-2, and 43-3, the corners of protrusions 21-1, 21-2, and 21-3 can also be chamfered. Furthermore, Figures 45-47 The number of protrusions 21-1, 21-2 and 21-3 shown is just one example; there could be other numbers as well.

[0159] Furthermore, notches 22 are formed on both sides of the protrusions 21-1 and 21-2 along their respective parallel arrangement direction (X-axis direction). The flexibility of the portion of the protrusion 21 including the notches 22 on both sides is further improved. However, as... Figures 45-47 As shown, the positions of the protrusions 21-1 and 21-2 with notches 22 on both sides are linearly symmetrical about the axis along the parallel arrangement direction (X-axis direction) of the housing 11 with respect to the position located at the exact center of the two walls of the protective cover 14. Therefore, the protrusions 21-1 and 21-2 can be easily grasped with a person's fingers.

[0160] Furthermore, regarding the protrusion 21-3, it needs to be designed so that it does not interfere with the recess 44-2 provided in the housing 11 when the busbar 12 is temporarily provided near the connector 13 (first connector). Therefore, the amount by which the protrusion 21-3 protrudes outward from the wall surface of the protective cover 14 is smaller than the amount by which the protrusion 21-2 protrudes outward from the wall surface of the protective cover 14.

[0161] In addition, in the third variation, such as Figure 48 As shown, it is configured with Figures 45-47 The recesses 44-1 and 44-2, which are provided on both sides and have notches 22, are provided in the first guide groove 42 of the housing 11. The recess 44-1 is formed in the first guide groove 42 such that it engages with the protrusion 21-1 of the protective cover 14 when the busbar 12 is temporarily provided near the connector 13 (first connector). The recess 44-2 is formed in the first guide groove 42 such that it engages with the protrusion 21-2 of the protective cover 14 when the busbar 12 is temporarily provided near the connector 13 (first connector).

[0162] like Figure 49 As shown, when a busbar 12 is temporarily installed near connector 13 (first connector), protrusion 21-1 engages with recess 44-1 and protrusion 21-2 engages with recess 44-2. Thus, the protective cover 14 is securely fixed to the housing 11, preventing it from detaching from the housing 11 when the busbar 12 is temporarily installed near connector 13 (first connector).

[0163] Furthermore, in the third variation, multiple second guide grooves 43-1, 43-2, and 43-3 are provided corresponding to the multiple protrusions 21 provided on the protective cover 14. Figure 48 In the example shown, three second guide grooves 43-1, 43-2, and 43-3 are provided corresponding to the three protrusions 21-1, 21-2, and 21-3 provided on the protective cover 14. The second guide grooves 43-1, 43-2, and 43-3 are connected to the first guide groove 42 and are formed by a portion of the wall surface of the housing 11 into notches opening on the negative Y-axis side. The second guide grooves 43-1, 43-2, and 43-3 hold the protrusions 21 of the protective cover 14 so that they can slide freely along the insertion / removal direction (Y-axis direction) of the generatrix 12. Considering that the protrusions 21-1, 21-2, and 21-3 can slide along the first guide groove 42 and the second guide grooves 43-1, 43-2, and 43-3, the corners of the first guide groove 42 and the second guide grooves 43-1, 43-2, and 43-3 can also be chamfered.

[0164] When a busbar 12 is temporarily installed near connector 13 (first connector), protrusions 21-1 and 21-2 respectively engage with second guide grooves 43-1 and 43-2, and protrusion 21-3 is located in a position not symmetrical to protrusion 21-1. Therefore, rotational movement of the protective cover 14 about the Z-axis can be prevented, thereby improving installability. The more protrusions 21 and their corresponding second guide grooves 43 are increased, the more the possibility of rotational movement of the protective cover 14 about the Z-axis can be further reduced.

[0165] During the busbar connection work to manufacture the motor drive unit 1 into a driveable state, the operator releases the engagement between protrusion 21-1 and recess 44-1 by grasping and flexing protrusions 21-1 and 21-2 of the protective cover 14 with their fingers. Then, the protective cover 14 is slid toward the connector 13 (second connector) mounted on the housing 11-1. During the sliding of the protective cover 14, protrusions 21-1, 21-2, and 21-3 slide along the first guide groove 42. When the busbar 12 moves to a position spanning the connector 13 (first connector) mounted on the housing 11-2 and the connector 13 (second connector) mounted on the housing 11-1, the operator grasps the holding portion 24 of the protective cover 14 and presses it toward the mounting surface of the connector 13 on the housings 11-1 and 11-2 (positive Y-axis direction). Thus, when the busbar 12 is inserted into both the connector 13 mounted on housing 11-1 and the connector 13 mounted on housing 11-2, the busbar 12 is physically and electrically clamped between the two rows of elastically deformable contacts 31. As a result, the DC terminals of the power conversion device housed in housing 11-1 are electrically connected to the DC terminals of the power conversion device housed in housing 11-2.

[0166] <Disconnection operation of the busbar connection of the motor drive device according to the embodiments of this disclosure>

[0167] Figure 50 This is a perspective view illustrating the disconnection operation of the busbar connection of the motor drive device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0168] For example, if it is desired to remove the power conversion device housed in the housing 11-2 from the motor drive unit 1 for maintenance or other purposes, when the protrusion 21 is located in the second guide groove 43, the protective cover 14 mounted across housings 11-1 and 11-2 and the protective cover 14 mounted across housings 11-2 and 11-3 are pulled out in the negative Y-axis direction. This allows the busbar 12 to be pulled out from the connector 13 mounted on the housing 11-2, thus enabling the housing 11-2 to be removed from the motor drive unit 1.

[0169] <Advantages of the embodiments of this disclosure>

[0170] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a bus-connected motor drive device that is easy to assemble can be realized.

[0171] A relatively large current flows through the power components of the power conversion devices (converters and inverters) within the motor drive unit. Therefore, busbars are mostly used to electrically connect the power conversion devices to the DC link. Previously, terminal blocks were installed on the power conversion devices, and the busbars were secured to the terminal blocks using threaded fasteners, thus forming the DC link. However, the time-consuming and labor-intensive tightening and loosening of screws increases the time and cost of manufacturing the motor drive unit into a drivable state. Furthermore, considering the ease of screw tightening and loosening, the terminal blocks must be made larger, resulting in a larger motor drive unit.

[0172] In this regard, according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, connectors are installed in the housings that house the power conversion devices. The mounting surfaces of the connectors in adjacent housings are substantially the same plane, and the long sides of the connectors are aligned in a row. Furthermore, by sliding a busbar temporarily provided near the connector (first connector) along the parallel arrangement direction of the housing toward the adjacent other connectors (second connector), the contacts of each connector are electrically connected to each other via the busbar. Thus, the power conversion devices housed in each housing can be easily electrically connected to each other via the busbar connection. Since the power conversion devices can be electrically connected to each other simply by sliding the busbar, it is easier to manufacture the motor drive device into a driveable operation, and it is possible to reduce operation time and cost. In addition, in the embodiments of the present disclosure, since a large terminal block is not used, the motor drive device can be miniaturized. Furthermore, according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, in the stage where the busbar connection of the power conversion device has not yet been performed, such as when the motor drive device is shipped from the factory, a busbar is temporarily provided near the connector 13 installed in the housing, thus facilitating various operations such as inspection, shipping, handling, and inventory management of the motor drive device.

[0173] Furthermore, according to embodiments of this disclosure, the connector is configured as a floating connector having contacts that elastically deform upon insertion into the busbar and make physical and electrical contact with the busbar. Therefore, even if the insertion direction or position of the busbar deviates slightly from the connector, the physical and electrical contact between the busbar and the connector contacts is more reliable.

[0174] Furthermore, according to embodiments of this disclosure, contact protection portions can also be provided in the connector. This prevents electric shock from contact between a person's fingers and the connector contacts, or leakage from contact between other conductive components and the connector contacts.

[0175] Furthermore, according to the embodiments of this disclosure, connectors are mounted on each surface of the housing in such a manner that the distance from the end of the first housing along the parallel arrangement direction (X-axis direction) to the mounting position of the first connector on the mounting surface of the first connector on the first housing is approximately equal to the distance from the end of the second housing along the parallel arrangement direction (X-axis direction) to the mounting position of the second connector on the mounting surface of the second connector on the second housing. Moreover, the length of the busbar in the long side direction (X-axis direction) is set to be approximately equal to the width of the housing having the connector temporarily mounted on it in the parallel arrangement direction (X-axis direction). Therefore, even if the widths of the multiple housings differ, the busbar connection steps are uniform, thus making it easier to manufacture a motor drive device capable of driving operations, and enabling reductions in operation time and cost. Additionally, scalability corresponding to various numbers of housings arranged in parallel can be achieved.

[0176] Furthermore, according to embodiments of this disclosure, the protective cover installed on the busbar can prevent electric shock caused by contact between a person and the busbar, and leakage caused by contact between other conductive components and the busbar. Additionally, the protective cover allows for simultaneous insertion of the positive busbar into the positive connector and the negative busbar into the negative connector, thus simplifying the assembly of the motor drive device and reducing assembly time and costs.

[0177] Furthermore, according to the embodiments of this disclosure, the handling of the protective cover by the grip portion provided on the protective cover becomes easier for the operator.

[0178] Furthermore, according to the embodiments of this disclosure, the busbar sliding required for busbar operation is facilitated by the protrusion provided on the protective cover and the first guide groove provided on the housing, thus facilitating the assembly of the motor drive device. Additionally, the starting point of the first guide groove is set at a position where the busbar is temporarily positioned near the first connector. This facilitates the positioning of the busbar when it is temporarily positioned near the first connector. Furthermore, the ending point of the first guide groove is set at a position where the busbar can slide and simultaneously insert into both the first and second connectors. This facilitates the positioning of the busbar during busbar connection when the motor drive device is assembled for operation, and also ensures stable physical and electrical contact between the busbar and the connector contacts.

[0179] Furthermore, according to embodiments of this disclosure, the housing and the protective cover can be stably fixed by means of a latch portion provided on the protective cover and a locking portion provided on the connector.

[0180] Furthermore, according to embodiments of this disclosure, a notch may be formed at the position of the clamping protrusion on the wall surface of the protective cover along the parallel arrangement direction (X-axis direction), and a recess may be formed in the first guide groove to engage with the protrusion of the protective cover when a busbar is temporarily placed near the first connector. Thus, when a busbar is temporarily placed near the first connector, the protective cover is securely fixed to the housing, thereby preventing the protective cover from detaching from the housing.

[0181] Alternatively, according to embodiments of this disclosure, a plurality of protrusions may be provided on the protective cover, and a plurality of second guide grooves that engage with them may be provided on the housing. Thus, when a busbar is temporarily provided near the first connector, rotational movement of the protective cover about the Z-axis can be prevented.

[0182] The present disclosure has been described in detail above, but it is not limited to the various embodiments and modifications described above. Various additions, substitutions, modifications, and partial deletions can be made to these embodiments and modifications without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure, or from the spirit of the present disclosure derived from the claims and their equivalents. Furthermore, these embodiments and modifications can also be implemented in combination. For example, in the embodiments and modifications described above, the order of each action and the order of each process are shown as examples and are not limited thereto. Similarly, the use of numerical values ​​or mathematical formulas in the description of the embodiments and modifications described above also applies.

[0183] <Postscript>

[0184] The following notes are also disclosed regarding the above-described embodiments and variations.

[0185] (Note 1)

[0186] A motor drive device 1 includes: first housings 11, 11-1, 11-2, and 11-3 housing a power conversion device comprising at least one of a converter 200 and an inverter 300, wherein the converter 200 converts AC power supplied from an AC power source 100 into DC power, and the inverter 300 converts the DC power supplied from the converter 200 into AC power for motor drive; a first connector 13 mounted on the first housings 11, 11-1, 11-2, and 11-3, having contacts 31 electrically connected to the power conversion device housed in the first housings 11, 11-1, 11-2, and 11-3; and a busbar 12 having conductivity and connected to the first housings 11, 11-1, 11-2, and 11-3. 3. Second housings 11, 11-1, 11-2, and 11-3 are arranged side by side. Second housings 11, 11-1, 11-2, and 11-3 are equipped with second connectors 13 that are constructed in the same manner as the first connector 13 and have the same functions as the first housings 11, 11-1, 11-2, and 11-3. At this time, the busbar 12 temporarily located near the first connector 13 slides toward the second connector 13, so that the contacts 31 of the first connector 13 and the contacts 31 of the second connector 13 are electrically connected through the busbar 12. Thus, the power conversion device housed in the first housings 11, 11-1, 11-2, and 11-3 is electrically connected to the power conversion device housed in the second housings 11, 11-1, 11-2, and 11-3.

[0187] (Note 2)

[0188] According to the motor drive device 1 described in Appendix 1, when the second housings 11, 11-1, 11-2 and 11-3 are arranged side by side adjacent to the first housings 11, 11-1, 11-2 and 11-3, a busbar 12 temporarily set near the first connector 13 in a state of being pulled out of the first connector 13 slides toward the second connector 13 in the direction of the side arrangement of the first housings 11, 11-1, 11-2, 11-3 and the second housing, and then slides toward the mounting surfaces of the first connector 13 and the second connector 13 on the first housings 11, 11-1, 11-2, 11-3 and the second housings 11, 11-1, 11-2, 11-3 to insert the first connector 13 and the second connector 13, thereby electrically connecting the contacts 31 of the first connector 13 and the contacts 31 of the second connector 13 through the busbar 12.

[0189] (Note 3)

[0190] According to Appendix 1 or 2, the distance from the ends of the first housings 11, 11-1, 11-2 and 11-3 along the parallel arrangement direction of the first housings 11, 11-1, 11-2 and 11-3 to the mounting position of the first connector 13 is approximately equal to the distance from the ends of the second housings 11, 11-1, 11-2 and 11-3 along the parallel arrangement direction to the mounting position of the second connector 13 on the second housings 11, 11-1, 11-2 and 11-3 along the parallel arrangement direction of the second housings 11, 11-1, 11-2 and 11-3 to the mounting position of the second connector 13 on the second housings 11, 11-1, 11-2 and 11-3. The length of the long side of the busbar 12 is approximately equal to the width of the first housings 11, 11-1, 11-2 and 11-3 along the parallel arrangement direction.

[0191] (Note 4)

[0192] According to Appendix 1 or 2, the motor drive device 1 includes a positive bus 12P for electrically connecting the power conversion device to the positive potential and a negative bus 12N for electrically connecting the power conversion device to the negative potential. The first connector 13 and the second connector 13 each include a positive connector 13P that can be plugged into the positive bus 12P and a negative connector 13N that can be plugged into the negative bus 12N.

[0193] (Note 5)

[0194] According to the motor drive device 1 described in Appendix 4, the motor drive device 1 further includes an insulating protective cover 14, which supports the positive bus 12P and the negative bus 12N in such a way that the insertion of the positive bus 12P into the positive connector 13P and the insertion of the negative bus 12N into the negative connector 13N can be performed simultaneously. The protective cover 14 covers the positive bus 12P and the negative bus 12N in such a way that the positive bus 12P and the negative bus 12N are not exposed in the insertion and removal directions of the positive bus 12P and the negative bus 12N relative to the insertion and removal directions of the positive connector 13P and the negative connector 13N.

[0195] (Note 6)

[0196] According to the motor drive device 1 described in Appendix 5, at least one protrusion 21 protruding outward is formed on at least one of the two wall surfaces of the protective cover 14 along the parallel arrangement direction of the first housing 11, 11-1, 11-2 and 11-3 and the second housing 11, 11-1, 11-2 and 11-3. A first guide groove 42 is formed near the mounting position of the positive connector 13P and the negative connector 13N of the first housing 11, 11-1, 11-2 and 11-3 and the second housing 11, 11-1, 11-2 and 11-3, respectively. The first guide groove 42 holds the protrusion 21 so that it can slide freely along the parallel arrangement direction.

[0197] (Note 7)

[0198] According to the motor drive device 1 described in Appendix 6, a notch 22 is formed on the wall surface of the protective cover 14 along the parallel arrangement direction at a position where the protrusion 21 is sandwiched along the parallel arrangement direction, and a recess 44 is formed in the first guide groove 42, which is configured to fit into the protrusion 21 when the busbar 12 is temporarily provided near the first connector 13.

[0199] (Postscript 8)

[0200] According to the motor drive device 1 described in Appendix 6, a second guide groove 43 is formed in the first housing 11, 11-1, 11-2 and 11-3 and the second housing 11, 11-1, 11-2 and 11-3 respectively to hold the protrusion 21 so that it can slide freely along the insertion and removal direction.

[0201] (Note 9)

[0202] According to the motor drive device 1 described in Appendix 8, when the protrusion 21 is located in the second guide groove 43, the busbar 12 can be pulled out from the first connector 13 and the second connector 13.

[0203] (Postscript 10)

[0204] According to the motor drive device 1 described in Appendix 6, a second guide groove 43 is formed in the first housing 11, 11-1, 11-2 and 11-3 and the second housing 11, 11-1, 11-2 and 11-3 respectively. When the busbar 12 is in a position where it can be electrically connected to the contact 31 of the first connector 13 and the contact 31 of the second connector 13, the second guide groove 43 holds the protrusion 21 so that it can slide freely along the insertion direction of the busbar 12 relative to the first connector 13 and the second connector 13.

[0205] (Postscript 11)

[0206] According to the motor drive device 1 described in Appendix 5, a latching portion 23 is formed in the protective cover 14, and a locking portion 41 is formed in the first connector 13 and the second connector 13. The locking portion 41 is configured to engage with the latching portion 23 when the bus 12 is in a position electrically connected to the contacts 31 of the first connector 13 and the contacts 31 of the second connector 13.

[0207] (Postscript 12)

[0208] According to the motor drive device 1 described in Appendix 5, a gripping part 24 for gripping the protective cover 14 is formed in the protective cover 14.

[0209] (Postscript 13)

[0210] According to the motor drive device 1 described in Appendix 5, a gripping part 24 for holding the protective cover 14 and a latching part 23 that elastically deforms when the protective cover 14 is held by means of the gripping part 24 are formed in the protective cover 14. A locking part 41 is formed in the first connector 13 and the second connector 13. The locking part 41 is configured to engage with the latching part 23 when the bus 12 is in a position where it is electrically connected to the contact 31 of the first connector 13 and the second connector 13.

[0211] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0212] 1: Motor drive unit; 11, 11-1, 11-2, 11-3: Housing; 12: Busbar; 12N: Negative busbar; 12P: Positive busbar; 13: Connector; 13N: Negative connector; 13P: Positive connector; 14: Protective cover; 21, 21-1, 21-2, 21-3: Protrusion; 22: Notch; 23: Latch; 24: Holding part; 25: Busbar support; 31: Contact; 32: Contact protection part; 41: Locking part; 42: First guide groove; 43, 43-1, 43-1, 43-3: Second guide groove; 44, 44-1, 44-2: Recess; 100: AC power supply; 200: Converter; 300: Inverter; 400: Motor.

Claims

1. A motor drive device, comprising: A first housing houses a power conversion device comprising at least one of a converter and an inverter, the converter converting AC power supplied from an AC power source into DC power, and the inverter converting the DC power supplied from the converter into AC power for motor drive. A first connector, which is mounted on the first housing, has contacts that are electrically connected to the power conversion device housed in the first housing; as well as Busbars, which are conductive, A second housing is arranged adjacent to the first housing and has a second connector that is constructed in the same manner as the first connector and has the same function as the first housing. At this time, the busbar temporarily located near the first connector slides toward the second connector, so that the contacts of the first connector and the contacts of the second connector are electrically connected through the busbar. Thus, the power conversion device housed in the first housing is electrically connected to the power conversion device housed in the second housing.

2. The motor drive device according to claim 1, wherein, When the second housing and the first housing are arranged side by side adjacent to each other, the busbar temporarily set near the first connector in a state of being pulled out from the first connector slides toward the second connector in the side-by-side arrangement direction of the first housing and the second housing, and then slides toward the mounting surfaces of the first connector and the second connector on the first housing and the second housing to insert the first connector and the second connector, thereby electrically connecting the contacts of the first connector and the second connector through the busbar.

3. The motor drive device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The distance from the end of the first housing along the parallel arrangement direction of the first housing and the second housing to the mounting position of the first connector on the first housing is approximately equal to the distance from the end of the second housing along the parallel arrangement direction to the mounting position of the second connector on the second housing. The length of the long side of the busbar is approximately equal to the width of the first housing along the parallel arrangement direction.

4. The motor drive device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The busbar includes a positive-side busbar for electrically connecting the power conversion device to a positive potential and a negative-side busbar for electrically connecting the power conversion device to a negative potential. The first connector and the second connector each include a positive-side connector that can be plugged into the positive-side bus and a negative-side connector that can be plugged into the negative-side bus.

5. The motor drive device according to claim 4, wherein, The motor drive unit also includes an insulating protective cover that supports the positive and negative busbars in a manner that allows simultaneous insertion of the positive busbar into the positive connector and the negative busbar into the negative connector. The protective cover covers the positive busbar and the negative busbar in such a way that the positive busbar and the negative busbar are not exposed relative to the insertion and removal directions of the positive busbar and the negative busbar with respect to the positive connector and the negative connector.

6. The motor drive device according to claim 5, wherein, At least one of the two wall surfaces of the protective cover, arranged in the parallel direction of the first housing and the second housing, is provided with at least one protrusion that protrudes outward toward the outer side of the wall surface. A first guide groove is formed near the mounting positions of the positive and negative connectors of the first housing and the second housing, respectively, which holds the protrusion so that it can slide freely along the parallel arrangement direction.

7. The motor drive device according to claim 6, wherein, A notch is formed on the wall surface of the protective cover along the parallel arrangement direction at a position where the protrusion is sandwiched along the parallel arrangement direction. A recess is formed in the first guide groove, which is configured to engage with the protrusion when the busbar is temporarily positioned near the first connector.

8. The motor drive device according to claim 6, wherein, The first housing and the second housing are respectively formed with second guide grooves that hold the protrusion so that it can slide freely along the insertion and removal direction.

9. The motor drive device according to claim 8, wherein, When the protrusion is located in the second guide groove, the busbar can be pulled out from the first connector and the second connector.

10. The motor drive device according to claim 6, wherein, The first housing and the second housing are respectively formed with second guide grooves. When the busbar is in a position that can be electrically connected with the contacts of the first connector and the second connector, the second guide grooves hold the protrusion so that it can slide freely along the insertion direction of the busbar relative to the first connector and the second connector.

11. The motor drive device according to claim 5, wherein, A latch portion is formed in the protective cover. Locking portions are formed in the first connector and the second connector, which are configured to engage with the latching portion when the busbar is in a position electrically connected to the contacts of the first connector and the second connector.

12. The motor drive device according to claim 5, wherein, The protective cover has a gripping part for holding the protective cover.

13. The motor drive device according to claim 5, wherein, The protective cover has a gripping part for holding the protective cover and a latching part that elastically deforms when the protective cover is held by means of the gripping part. Locking portions are formed in the first connector and the second connector, which are configured to engage with the latching portion when the busbar is in a position connected to the electrical contacts of the first connector and the second connector.

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