Cover device and electronic module

Abstract

The utility model relates to a cover device (2) for an electronic module (4), comprising a shell (8) which is arranged on the module (4) in use; a cover (10) selectively attachable to the housing to provide an at least partially enclosed volume (13) between the cover (10) and the housing (8) when the cover (10) is attached to the housing (8). An attachment configuration (14, 18) is provided on one or both of the cover (10) and the housing (8), the attachment configuration being configured to provide selective attachment between the cover and the housing, where the attachment configuration comprises two or more attachment points (18) such that the cover (10) can be attached to the housing (8) in two or more positions, the housing (8) and the cover (10) define two or more different volumes between the housing (8) and the cover (10), respectively.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a cover device and an electronic module, particularly but not limited to a cover device for an electronic control module for an electric motor. Background Technology

[0002] A cover can be used to cover a portion of the housing of a control module. In some cases, additional modules can be placed on top of the control module. To cover / protect the additional modules, covers of different sizes must be used to accommodate them. This requires different sized covers, which in turn requires additional manufacturing processes and costs.

[0003] This disclosure aims to overcome or improve one or more problems of existing technology systems. Utility Model Content

[0004] According to a first aspect, a cover device for an electronic module is provided, comprising: a housing disposed on the module in use; a cover selectively attached to the housing to provide at least partially closed volume between the cover and the housing when the cover is attached to the housing; and an attachment structure disposed on one or both of the cover and the housing, the attachment structure being configured to provide selective attachment between the cover and the housing, wherein the attachment structure includes two or more attachment points such that the cover can be attached to the housing at two or more locations to correspondingly define two or more different volumes between the housing and the cover.

[0005] The enclosed volume can be configured to house one or more removable modules, which are configured to be operatively connected to an electronic module. Multiple modules can be provided. Modules can be stacked (i.e., one on top of another).

[0006] A first attachment structure may be provided on one of the cover and the housing, and a second attachment structure may be provided on the other of the cover and the housing. The first and second attachment structures may engage to provide an attachment structure. The attachment points may be discrete. The cover may be fixed at two or more discontinuous locations.

[0007] The cap and / or housing are flexible to provide engagement / disengagement of the first and second attachment structures. The cap and / or housing may comprise a flexible polymer. The cap and / or housing may comprise flexible sidewalls.

[0008] The cover assembly may include a clamping portion disposed on either the cover and / or the housing to allow a user to provide the bending to engage / disengage the first and second attachment structures. The clamping portion may be disposed around or near the first and / or second attachment structures. The clamping portion may include multiple raised ridges or ribs. The clamping portion may be disposed at a first end of the cover / housing. The clamping portion may be disposed on a sidewall of the cover and / or the housing.

[0009] The first construction may include a latch, a wedge, a ratchet, or an angled surface. The second attachment construction may include a recess configured to receive the latch or wedge. The attachment construction may provide a snap-fit ​​engagement. The first construction may allow disengagement from the recess in one direction but prevent disengagement from the recess in different (e.g., opposite) directions.

[0010] Multiple attachment points can be provided by multiple spaced-apart recesses. The recesses can be spaced apart in a direction perpendicular to the base of the electronic module and / or housing. The recesses can be spaced apart along the height axis of the sidewall of the housing / cover. The recesses can be rectangular. A second attachment configuration can provide a tight fit with the first attachment configuration. Attachment points can be located on two or more sides of the cover / housing.

[0011] The cover and / or shell may include one or more ridges or ribs. Ribs / ribs can provide structural rigidity. Ribs / ribs can provide suitable flexibility for the cover / shell to ensure the operation of the attachment structure. Ribs / ribs may be located near the first attachment structure and / or the second attachment structure.

[0012] The cover assembly may include a guide structure. The guide structure may be disposed on the cover or housing. The guide structure may be configured to align a first attachment structure with a second attachment structure. The guide structure may include a curved or angled surface. The curved / angled surface may face a second end of the cover / housing. The guide structure may be disposed near the attachment structure (e.g., near a recess). The guide structure may be secured to a sidewall of the cover / housing. The guide structure may be configured to prevent relative movement between the cover and the housing in one or more directions (e.g., toward / away from the end of the cover / housing).

[0013] One of the housing and the cover may include a cutout or recess. A guiding feature may be configured to be received within a cutout in the recess. The cutout may be located in a sidewall of the cover / housing. The cutout or recess may be elongated. The cutout or recess may be located around or near an attachment feature (e.g., a hole / recess).

[0014] The cover assembly may include a retaining structure. The retaining structure may be configured to provide an interlocking mechanism between the cover and the housing. The retaining structure is spaced apart from the attachment structure. The retaining structure may be located at a second end of the housing / cover.

[0015] The retaining structure may include a first retaining structure on one of the cover and the housing, and a second retaining structure on the other of the cover and the housing. The first retaining structure may include a protrusion, and the second retaining structure includes a recess configured to receive the protrusion.

[0016] Multiple retaining structures may be provided. These retaining structures can be configured such that the cover is held in multiple positions via retaining positions, corresponding to at least two positions provided by the attachment structures. Second retaining structures are spaced apart at the same spacing as the second attachment structures. Retaining structures may be located on two or more sides of the housing / cover. Retaining structures may be spaced apart in a direction perpendicular to the base of the electronic module and / or housing. Retaining structures may be spaced apart along the height axis of the sidewalls of the housing / cover. Retaining structures may be located at two or more corners of the housing / cover.

[0017] One of the housing and the lid can be received within the other. The housing and the lid may include corresponding sidewalls. The corresponding sidewalls may be configured to at least partially overlap and define the enclosed volume. A first attachment structure and a second attachment structure may be provided on the sidewalls. These walls may at least partially overlap in each location. One of the housing and the lid may include a sidewall with a recess configured to receive a sidewall on the other housing and lid. The sidewalls may be substantially planar. The housing and / or the lid may be cubic.

[0018] Two or more attachment points may be linearly spaced apart from each other, such that the cover may be placed in a linearly separated position (i.e., such that the spaced positions may be spaced apart in a direction perpendicular to the base of the electronic module and / or housing).

[0019] The housing and / or cover may include an open end at one end. The housing and / or cover may include open ends at both ends. The cross-sectional profile of the housing and / or cover may be U-shaped.

[0020] Electrical or communication interfaces can be installed within an enclosed space. These interfaces may include plugs and / or sockets. They can be configured to communicate with additional modules in use.

[0021] The cover may include a trademark or badge.

[0022] According to another aspect, an electronic control module is provided, which includes the cover device of the first aspect. The electronic module can be used (i.e. configured to) control an electric motor.

[0023] The electronic control module may include an additional electronic module that is removably mounted to the electronic module and disposed in an enclosed space between the housing and the cover.

[0024] Where feasible, any aspect of this invention may be combined with any other aspect of this invention. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Referring to the accompanying drawings, embodiments of the present invention are described below by way of example only:

[0026] Figure 1 A perspective view of the cover assembly is shown;

[0027] Figure 2 A perspective view of the lid is shown;

[0028] Figures 3 to 5 A cross-sectional side view of the first closing sequence is shown;

[0029] Figure 6 and Figure 7 A perspective view showing the second closing sequence is provided;

[0030] Figure 8 and Figure 9 A perspective view showing the first closing sequence is displayed;

[0031] Figures 10A to 10C Perspective views of three examples of cover devices on the corresponding modules are shown. Detailed Implementation

[0032] Figure 1 The diagram shows a cover device 2. The cover device 2 is mounted on an electronic module 4. The electronic module 4 is typically configured to control one or more electrical devices or systems. In this embodiment, the electronic module 4 is configured to control an electric motor (not shown). The electric motor can be installed in any suitable installation or industrial environment. For example, the electric motor can be installed in one or more of the following: a conveying system; a robot system; a crane system; a drive system, etc. The electronic module 4 is configured to provide power and / or control the electric motor (e.g., control speed, torque, power output, or its operating state). The electronic module 6 may include a communication interface for communicating with the motor and / or other systems.

[0033] Electronic module 4 can be arranged as a group or array of modules. Electronic module 4 can be mounted on a wall. Electronic modules can include a generally flat / planar structure to allow for adjacent placement of modules (i.e., side-by-side arrangement).

[0034] Electronic module 4 may include additional module 6. Additional module 6 can provide additional functionality to the system. For example, module 6 may provide additional switches, measurement / feedback systems, or safety systems. Modules (one or more) 6 can be removed / detached from electronic module 4 to provide a modular system. Connectors or other communication interfaces may be provided to allow additional module 6 to communicate with electronic module 4.

[0035] The cover device 2 includes a housing 8. The housing 8 is configured to contain one or more additional modules from the additional modules 6. A cover 10 is configured to be attached to the housing 8. The cover 10 is configured to be placed on top of the additional modules 6 during use. Thus, the housing 8 and the cover 10 together provide a housing for the additional modules 6. Module 6 may include a shape corresponding to and / or closely fitting with the cover device 2. This helps protect the additional modules 6 from damage or contamination, etc. The additional modules 6 are typically only partially closed. For example, this allows access to the additional modules 6. The first ends 12A and 12B of the cover 10 and the housing 8 are open to allow access to the volume 13 between the cover 10 and the housing 8. The volume is generally cubic in shape.

[0036] The cover 10 is removably attached to the housing 8. This allows for the installation, removal, or access to the additional module 6. The cover 10 can be completely detached from the housing 8. The cover 10 is attached to the housing 8 via an attachment mechanism. The attachment mechanism includes a protrusion 14 disposed on the cover 10. The protrusion 14 includes a wedge-shaped surface or a conical surface 16. The conical surface 16 faces the housing 8 in use. The protrusion is configured to be received within a hole 18 in the housing 8. When the cover 10 and the housing 8 are engaged, the conical shape allows the protrusion 14 to pass over the first hole 18, but prevents them from separating. The protrusion 14 thus provides a ratchet-like device and / or a snap-fit ​​engagement.

[0037] The hole 18 provides a tight fit with the protrusion 14 to help prevent undesirable movement between them. The cover 10 is thus secured in place. In this embodiment, the hole 18 is a through hole. However, it should be understood that in other embodiments, blind holes, flanges, grooves, or ridges may be provided to define an effective recess. Holes 18 are provided on the corresponding sidewalls 20 of the housing. Protrusions 14 are provided at corresponding positions on the corresponding sidewalls 22 of the cover.

[0038] A set of holes 18A, 18B are positioned relatively far from the base 24 of the housing relative to a second set of holes 18C, 18D (i.e., at different locations along the height of the sidewall 20). This allows the cover 10 to be attached to the housing 8 at multiple attachment points. Figure 7 and Figure 9As best viewed from the image, this allows the cover 10 and housing 8 to define multiple different volumes enclosed between the cover and housing. This allows one or more additional modules 6 to be attached to the electronic module 4 using a single cover device 2. In this embodiment, two attachment points (i.e., spaced-apart holes 18) are provided; however, it should be understood that any number of attachment points can be provided, thereby allowing a corresponding number of enclosed volumes. For example, a series of recesses or grooves (e.g., 5 or 10 or more) can be provided for engagement with the protrusions 14. This allows for fine-tuning of the position of the cover 10. The cover 10 can be fixed in discrete positions.

[0039] The protrusion 14 may include a reinforcing or thickening portion 26 mounted to the cover wall 22. Ribs 28 are provided on the inner surface of the cover 10. Ribs 28 extend along the sidewall 22 and across the face 30 of the cover. Ribs 28 extend between the protrusions 14. Ribs 28 are generally U-shaped. In this embodiment, three ribs 28 are provided; however, a single rib or any number of ribs 28 may be provided as needed. Both the reinforcing portion 26 and the ribs 28 increase the rigidity of the cover 10, thereby helping to prevent the protrusion 14 from accidentally dislodging from the hole 18.

[0040] The cover 10 and / or its sidewalls 22 are flexible. This allows the user to disengage the protrusion 14 from the hole 18 by bending the sidewalls 22 inward. The flexibility of the cover 10 / sidewalls 22 is adjusted to ensure that the cover 10 can be removed while ensuring its secure retention. A clamp 32 is provided to allow the user to clamp the cover 10 to provide the bending. The clamp 32 is located at the end 12A of the cover 10. The clamp 32 is located around or near the protrusion 14. This allows for precise control over the position of the protrusion 14. The clamp 32 includes a plurality of ridges or grooves 34.

[0041] The retaining structure is configured to help hold the second end 36 of the cover 10 onto the housing 8. A protrusion 38 is provided at the second end 36 of the cover 10. The protrusion 38 is provided at the end edge 40 of the sidewall 22 (i.e., the edge away from the surface 30). The protrusion 38 is configured to be received within a recess 42 in the housing 8. The recess 42 is shaped to receive the protrusion 38. The recess 42 and the protrusion 38 form an interlocking relationship. Corresponding protrusions 38A, 38B are provided on each side of the cover 10. The protrusion 38 and the recess 42 include a trapezoidal shape (e.g., a right-angled trapezoid). This can help guide the protrusion 38 into place. In other embodiments, the protrusion 38 and the recess 42 include curved, rectangular, or other suitable shapes.

[0042] Recesses 42A to 42D are configured to receive protrusions on both sides of the housing at two attachment positions. Recesses 42A, 42C and 42B, 42D are located in corresponding corners of the housing 8. Protrusions 38A, 38B and 42C, 42D are therefore spaced apart by the same dimensions as holes 18A, 18B and holes 18C, 18D, respectively. If more than two holes 18 are provided, a corresponding number of recesses 42 are provided. The retaining and attachment configurations are arranged such that the cover 10 can move linearly between the first and second attachment points (i.e., the cover 10 does not rotate relative to the housing 8). The holes 18 and / or recesses 42 are spaced apart in a direction perpendicular to the base 24 of the housing. Therefore, the cover 10 moves in a direction perpendicular to the base 24 at different attachment positions. The holes 18 and / or recesses 42 are spaced apart to accommodate the thickness of one or more modules.

[0043] The guide portion 44 facilitates guiding and / or positioning the cover 10 within the housing 8. For example... Figures 3 to 5 As shown, the guide portion 44 includes a wedge-shaped or triangular surface. The guide portion 44 is disposed on the inner side of the housing sidewall 20. A cutout 46 is disposed on the sidewall 22 of the cover 10. The cutout 46 is elongated (i.e., along the height of the wall 22). The guide portion 44 is configured to be received within the cutout 46. The guide portion 44 includes a curved surface 48. The curved surface faces the second end 50 of the housing 8. A corner 52 of the sidewall 22 adjacent to the cutout 46 is configured to engage the curved surface 48, allowing the protrusion 38 to rotate into the recess 42. Figure 5 As shown, the guide portion 44 also helps to keep the cover 10 in place by preventing end-to-end movement (i.e., towards the right / left side of the page).

[0044] The sidewall 20 is generally thin (e.g., less than 2 mm). The guide structure 44 is secured to the sidewall 20 around or near the hole 18. This helps to provide rigidity to the sidewall 20 at the hole 18 to ensure that the protrusion 14 remains engaged.

[0045] The cover 10 and / or housing 8 are generally U-shaped (i.e., in cross-section). Sidewalls 20, 22 overlap (at either attachment location). Space is limited because the internal volume 13 is configured to receive the additional module 6. The total thickness of the overlapping sidewalls 20, 22 is less than or equal to 10 mm, preferably less than or equal to 6 mm, more preferably less than or equal to 4 mm. The cover sidewall 22 is received within the housing sidewall 20. Edges or lips 54 may be provided at the edges of the sidewalls 22 of the cover 10 and / or the sidewalls 20 of the housing 8. This provides a loose seal between them. The sidewall 22 includes a recessed area 56 that receives the housing sidewall 20. The second end 50 of the cover 10 may be open.

[0046] The lid 10 and / or the shell 8 comprise a polymeric material. The lid 10 and / or the shell 8 comprise a single-piece (i.e., integral) molding. For example, the lid 10 and / or the shell 8 can be formed using injection molding.

[0047] A communication interface 58 is disposed within the housing. The communication interface 58 is configured to provide communication between the electronic module 4 and the additional module 6, if provided. The communication interface may include a plug and / or socket type device. The housing 8 includes a hole 60 to allow access to the communication interface 58. The hole 60 is disposed in the base 24. It should be understood that any number of interfaces 58 may be provided as needed.

[0048] An electrical interface 62 (illustrated schematically) is housed within the internal volume 13. The electrical interface may provide a connector to allow electrical connection to external components, such as a motor. Openings 12A, 12b of the cover / housing allow access to interface 62.

[0049] In some embodiments, an attachment protrusion 14 may be provided on the housing 8, and a hole 18 may be provided on the cover 10. The housing 8 can then be received within the cover 10, and the housing 8 can be bent to detach from the attachment structure. Similarly, a retaining structure protrusion 38 may be provided on the housing 8, and a recess 42 may be provided on the cover 10. Trademarks, logos, etc., may be provided on the cover 10.

[0050] Operation of the device

[0051] First refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 The operation of the cover assembly is described. In this example, one or more modules (not shown) are installed within the housing 8. The cover is then attached by first inserting protrusions 38 into recesses 42A, 42b. The first end 12A is then rotated so that protrusions 14A, 14b snap into place within corresponding holes 18A, 18b. The latch / ratchet shape of the protrusions ensures that the cover 10 remains locked in place.

[0052] exist Figure 8 and Figure 9 In the second example shown, either no additional modules (or relatively few modules) are installed within the housing 8. The attachment cover 10 is similar to that previously described. In this example, protrusions 38 are inserted into recesses 42A, 42B. Guide portions 44 ensure that protrusions 38 are guided into recesses 42A, 42B. The cover 10 is rotated such that protrusions 14A, 14B pass over the first set of holes 18A, 18B and snap into the second set of holes 18C, 18D.

[0053] In either embodiment, to remove the cover 10, the clamps 32 are pushed together, disengaging the protrusion 14 from the hole 18. Then, the retaining protrusion 38 is withdrawn from the recess 42 to completely detach the cover 10.

[0054] Figures 10A to 10C Different configurations of the cover device 2 are shown. Figure 10A In the middle, cover 10 is in the lowest position. In this position, zero or one additional module 6 can be provided. Figure 10B In this configuration, one or more additional modules 6 are disposed within the cover 10, thus the cover 10 is mounted at the upper attachment position. The second, open end 50 of the cover 10 is exposed. Figure 10C In the middle, cover 10 as Figure 10B As shown. An additional module 64 is provided near the cover 10. The additional module 64 shields the second end 50 of the cover 10.

[0055] This disclosure provides a general solution that allows one or more additional modules to be mounted on the control unit. Therefore, a single cover can be used with multiple different modular configurations without requiring covers of different sizes / shapes. This reduces manufacturing costs and increases manufacturing simplicity, as multiple tools are not required. End users do not need to determine which specific cover they need and can simply adjust the cover's position as needed.

Claims

1. A cover device (2) for an electronic module (4), characterized in that Comprising: a housing (8) which in use is disposed on the module (4); a cover (10) which can be selectively attached to the housing (8) to provide an at least partially enclosed volume (13) between the cover (10) and the housing (8) when the cover (10) is attached to the housing (8); an attachment formation provided on one or both of the cover (10) and the housing (8) configured to provide the selective attachment between the cover and the housing, wherein the attachment formation comprises two or more attachment points (18A-18D) such that the cover (10) can be attached to the housing (8) in two or more positions to define two or more different volumes between the housing (8) and the cover (10) respectively.

2. The cover device of claim 1, wherein A first attachment formation (14) is provided on one of the cover (10) and the housing (8) and a second attachment formation (18) is provided on the other of the cover (10) and the housing (8), the first and second attachment formations being engageable to provide the attachment formation.

3. The cover device of claim 2, wherein, The cover (10) and / or the housing (8) is bendable to provide engagement / disengagement of the first (14) and second (18) attachment formations.

4. The cover device of claim 2, wherein A gripping portion (32) is provided on either of the cover (10) and / or the housing (8) to allow a user to provide a bend to engage / disengage the first (14) and second (18) attachment formations.

5. The cover arrangement of any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein, The first attachment formation (14) comprises a latch or wedge and the second attachment formation (18) comprises a recess configured to receive the latch or the wedge.

6. The cover device of claim 5, wherein, The plurality of attachment points are provided by a plurality of spaced apart recesses.

7. The cover arrangement of any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein A guide formation (44) is included configured to align the first attachment formation (14) with the second attachment formation (18).

8. A cover arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that A retention formation (38, 42A-42D) is included configured to provide an interlocking formation between the cover (10) and the housing (8) and wherein the retention formation (38, 42A-42D) is spaced apart from the attachment formation.

9. The cover device of claim 8, wherein, A plurality of retention formations (42A-42D) are provided such that the cover is retained in a plurality of positions via retention positions, the plurality of positions corresponding to at least two positions provided by the attachment formation.

10. The cover arrangement of any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein, The housing (8) and the cover (10) comprise respective side walls (20, 22) configured to at least partially overlap and define the enclosed volume (13) and wherein the first (14) and second (18) attachment formations are provided on the side walls (20, 22).

11. The cover device of claim 10, wherein, The side walls (20, 22) at least partially overlap in each of the attachment positions. The side walls (20, 22) at least partially overlap in each of the attachment positions.

12. A cover arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The two or more attachment points (18A-18D) are linearly spaced apart from each other such that the cover can be placed in linearly separated positions.

13. A cover arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that An electrical interface (62) or a communication interface (58) is provided within the enclosed volume (13).

14. An electronic module (4) for controlling an electric motor, characterized in that A cover arrangement according to any of the preceding claims.

15. The electronic module of claim 14, wherein An additional electronic module (6) is removably mounted to the electronic module (4) and is provided in an enclosed space between the housing (8) and the cover (10).

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