POWER CONVERSION DEVICE

Abstract

A power conversion device (100) according to this invention comprises a power conversion device main body (1) and one or more covers attached to the power conversion device main body (1), wherein the cover comprises a cover main part, one or more device main body fastening parts and one or more buffer parts arranged between the cover main part and the power conversion device main body (1).

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONField of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a power conversion device, and more particularly to a power conversion device including a cover attached to the power conversion device. Description of the state of the art

[0002] Power conversion devices that include a cover are known in the art. One such power conversion device is disclosed, for example, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. JP 2017-99174.

[0003] The above-mentioned Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. JP 2017-99174 discloses an inverter device (power conversion device) including an inverter device body portion having heat dissipation slots and a protective cover covering the inverter device body portion. In the inverter device disclosed in the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. JP 2017-99174, the protective cover is attached to the inverter device body portion to cover the heat dissipation slots. Furthermore, in the inverter device disclosed in the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No.In the inverter device disclosed in JP 2017-99174, gaps are provided between the protective cover and the inverter device so that the gaps absorb a part of an external impact to protect the inverter device body portion from the external impact when the external impact is applied to the protective cover.

[0004] In the power conversion device (inverter device) disclosed in the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. JP 2017-99174, the external impact cannot be absorbed and directly applied to the inverter device body portion (power conversion device main body) when such external impact is significant. Therefore, it is necessary to reliably protect the inverter device body portion from external impact. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention is intended to solve the above-mentioned problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a power conversion device capable of protecting a power conversion device main body from an external impact.

[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, a power conversion device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a power conversion device main body including a plurality of ventilation holes; and one or more covers attached to the power conversion device main body and covering the ventilation holes, wherein the cover includes a cover main part, one or more device main body fixing parts that fix the cover main part to the power conversion device main body, and one or more buffer parts that are arranged between the cover main part and the power conversion device main body.

[0007] In the power conversion device according to one aspect of the present invention, the power conversion device main body according to the above-mentioned configuration can be protected from an external impact by reducing the external impact through the use of the buffer part(s).

[0008] In the power conversion device according to one aspect of the present invention, the buffer member(s) preferably include a protrusion protruding from the cover main body toward the power conversion device main body. According to this configuration, the formed gap and the buffer member(s) can further reduce external impact because the protrusion included in the buffer members can easily form a gap between the cover main body and the power conversion device main body. As a result, it is possible to effectively protect the power conversion device main body from external impact because external impact applied to the power conversion device main body is further reduced.

[0009] In this configuration, it is preferable that the protrusion be formed integrally with the cover main body. According to this configuration, unlike a configuration in which the protrusion is formed separately from the cover main body, the protrusion is not necessarily formed separately from the cover main body, and as a result, it is possible to prevent an increase in the number of parts.

[0010] In the power conversion device including the buffer part(s) including the protrusion, a cross-sectional area of ​​the protrusion on the power conversion device main body side, viewed in a cross-section along a line extending in an extension direction of the cover main body, is preferably smaller than a cross-sectional area of ​​the protrusion on the cover main body side. According to this configuration, since the cross-sectional area of ​​the protrusion on the power conversion device main body side is smaller, one end of the protrusion can be easily deformed by an external impact, so that the protrusion tapers toward the power conversion device main body.As a result, since the energy of the external impact is absorbed by the deformation of the end of the projection, it is possible to effectively protect both the cover and the power conversion device main body from the external impact.

[0011] In the power conversion device according to one aspect of the present invention, the protrusion is preferably configured to be plastically deformable, thereby reducing external impact. According to this configuration, since one end of the protrusion can be plastically deformed by external impact, it is possible to easily absorb the energy of an external impact.

[0012] In the power conversion device according to one aspect of the present invention, the buffer parts are preferably arranged on the cover main body and spaced apart from each other at a predetermined distance. According to this configuration, it is possible to effectively protect both the cover and the power conversion device main body from external impact because the buffer parts can disperse external impact. Furthermore, since the buffer parts are spaced apart from each other at a predetermined distance, the buffer parts can support the cover main body, preventing the cover from tilting relative to the power conversion device main body when the cover is attached to the power conversion device main body.

[0013] In the power conversion device according to one aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that the cover main body be formed of a plate-shaped member; and that the buffer(s) be arranged near one or more corners of the plate-shaped member. According to this configuration, since the buffer(s) are arranged near one or more corners of the plate-shaped member, a part of the plate-shaped member near a center of the plate-shaped member is likely to deform. When an external impact is applied to the part of the plate-shaped member near the center of the plate-shaped member, the external impact can be reduced by the deformation of the part of the plate-shaped member near the center of the plate-shaped member. Here, the term "near a corner(s) of the plate-shaped member" in this specification does not refer to one or more corners.multiple positions that overlap the corner(s), but is used more broadly to include one or more positions that are spaced from the corner(s) of the plate-shaped element and are closer to the corner(s) relative to the center.

[0014] In this configuration, the buffer parts are preferably arranged near a center of the plate-shaped member and the corner(s) of the plate-shaped member. According to this configuration, when an external impact is applied to the part of the plate-shaped member near the center of the plate-shaped member, it is possible to further promote the reduction of the external impact because the buffer parts reduce the external impact while the part of the plate-shaped member near the center of the plate-shaped member is deformed. Here, the term "near a center of the plate-shaped member" in this specification is not limited to one or more positions overlapping the corner(s), but is used broadly to include one or more positions that are spaced from the center of the plate-shaped member and located closer to the center relative to the corner(s).

[0015] In the power conversion device according to one aspect of the present invention, the device main body attachment part(s) preferably includes an engagement part configured to elastically deform so as to engage the ventilation hole. According to this configuration, the cover can be easily attached to the power conversion device main body because the engagement part can be inserted into the ventilation hole while elastically deformed, and then the cover can be attached to the ventilation hole by returning the engagement part to its original shape. Furthermore, since the cover can be removed from the ventilation hole by elastically deforming the engagement part, the cover can be easily detached from the power conversion device main body.In addition, since the ventilation hole can be used to fix the cover, no special fixing part is required, and therefore it is possible to provide a simple structure.

[0016] In the power conversion device according to one aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that the cover main part is formed from a plate-shaped member; and that the device main body fixing parts are arranged on the plate-shaped member and spaced apart from each other at a predetermined distance. According to this configuration, the device main body fixing parts can fix the cover to the power conversion device main body, so that the cover is prevented from tilting with respect to the power conversion device main body because the device main body fixing parts are spaced apart from each other at a predetermined distance.

[0017] In the power conversion device according to one aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that the ventilation holes are formed in an upper surface and in both the right and left side surfaces of the power conversion device main body; that the covers include an upper cover that covers the ventilation holes formed in the upper surface of the power conversion device main body, a right-side cover that covers the ventilation holes formed in the right side surface of the power conversion device main body, and a left-side cover that covers the ventilation holes formed in the left side surface of the power conversion device main body; and that the upper cover, the left-side cover, and the right-side cover are formed separately from each other.According to this configuration, unlike a configuration in which the top cover, left-side cover, and right-side cover are integrally formed, the covers are not necessarily prepared for power conversion devices with different external shapes. Furthermore, since each of the top cover, left-side cover, and right-side cover can include the buffer part(s) and reduce external impact, it is possible to protect the top surface and both side surfaces of the power conversion device main body, as well as the top cover and the left and right side covers, from external impact.

[0018] In this configuration, the top cover is preferably formed in an L-shape to cover a portion of the right-side cover or the left-side cover. According to this configuration, the right-side cover or the left-side cover can be firmly held to the power conversion device because the top cover can rest on the portion of the right-side cover or the left-side cover and hold the right-side cover or the left-side cover.

[0019] In the power conversion device according to one aspect of the present invention, the cover main body is preferably formed of a resin and has a groove for reducing warpage of the cover main body. According to this configuration, it is possible to promote the prevention of detachment of the cover from the power conversion device main body because the groove can reduce warpage of the cover main body during resin molding.

[0020] In the power conversion device according to one aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that the power conversion device main body includes a first casing configured to accommodate a power conversion module and include the ventilation holes, and a second casing connected to the first casing; and that the cover(s) including the buffer(s) are attached to the power conversion device main body so as to cover a connecting part between the first casing and the second casing. According to this configuration, since the cover(s) can cover a connecting part between the first casing and the second casing to push the connecting part between the first casing and the second casing toward the side of the power conversion device main body, it is possible to prevent the first and second casings from separating from each other.

[0021] The foregoing and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a front view showing a power conversion device according to a first embodiment. Fig. 2 is a plan view showing the power conversion device according to the first embodiment. Fig. 3 is a left side view showing the power conversion device according to the first embodiment. Fig. 4 is a right side view showing the power conversion device according to the first embodiment. Fig. 5 is a front view showing a top cover in the first embodiment. Fig. 6 is a bottom view showing the upper cover in the first embodiment. Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing a left side cover in the first embodiment. Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing a right side cover in the first embodiment. Fig. 9(A) is a view showing the power conversion device before the cover is attached. Fig. 9(B) is a view showing the power conversion device after the cover is attached. Fig. 10(A) is a view showing a power conversion device according to a second embodiment before a cover is attached. Fig. 10(B) is a view showing the power conversion device according to the second embodiment after the cover is attached. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0022] Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0023] First Embodiment The following description describes a configuration of a power conversion device 100 according to a first embodiment.

[0024] The power conversion device 100 comprises an operating unit 50 as shown in Fig. 1. In this embodiment, a side on which the operation unit 50 is arranged is defined as a front side, which is referred to as the Y1 side; a side opposite to the Y1 side is defined as a back side, which is referred to as the Y2 side; and a direction connecting Y1 and Y2 is referred to as the Y direction. A direction orthogonal to the Y direction is referred to as the Z direction, and the upper and lower sides are referred to as the Z1 and Z2 sides, respectively. A right / left direction orthogonal to the Y and Z directions is referred to as the X direction, and the left and right sides viewed from the Y1 side toward the Y2 side are referred to as the X1 and X2 sides.

[0025] The power conversion device 100 includes a power conversion device main body 1, a top cover 2, a left-side cover 3, and a right-side cover 4. The top cover 2, the left-side cover 3, and the right-side cover 4 can be attached to the power conversion device main body 1 and can also be detached from the power conversion device main body 1. The top cover 2, the left-side cover 3, and the right-side cover 4 are examples of a "cover" in the claims.

[0026] As in the Fig. As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the power conversion device 100 is, for example, an inverter device. The power conversion module is housed in the power conversion device 1. The power conversion device main body 1 has the vents 11 formed for dissipating the heat generated by the power conversion modules. In the first embodiment, the power conversion device 100 is operated to reduce the amount of heat generated inside the power conversion device main body 1. The power conversion device main body 1 is formed of a resin containing polyphenylene oxide (Noryl resin).

[0027] Two or more ventilation holes 11 are formed in each of the upper surface and the right and left side surfaces of the power conversion device main body 1. The ventilation holes 11 are formed by support members 11a and are divided openings defined by the support members 11a. The ventilation holes 11 are provided to dissipate heat generated in the power conversion device main body 1 to the outside. In the first embodiment, the power conversion device 100 is operated such that the temperature inside the power conversion device main body 1 does not become excessively high. For this reason, the top cover 2, the left-side cover 3, and the right-side cover 4 can be arranged above the ventilation holes 11 because the ventilation holes 11 are not required for active heat dissipation.

[0028] As in the Fig. 3 and Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the power conversion device main body 1 includes a first housing 1a configured to accommodate the power conversion module and including the ventilation holes 11, and a second housing 1b connected to the first housing 1a. The Y1 side of the first housing 1a is open, while the Y2 side of the second housing 1b is open. The power conversion device main body 1 is formed by attaching the second housing 1b to the first housing 1a and connecting them using the connecting parts 1c. Each connecting part 1c includes, for example, a counterpart (not shown) formed on the second housing 1b and a hole (not shown) formed in the first housing 1a for receiving the counterpart.

[0029] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the top cover 2 is attached to an upper surface of the power conversion device main body 1. The top cover 2 is attached in such a way as to cover the ventilation holes 11 formed in the upper surface of the main body of the power conversion device 1. The top cover 2 is formed of a resin containing polyphenylene oxide (Noryl resin), similar to the power conversion device 1.

[0030] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the left-side cover 3 is attached to a left side surface of the power conversion device main body 1. The left-side cover 3 is attached so as to cover the ventilation holes 11 formed in the left side surface of the power conversion device 1. The left-side cover 3 is formed of a resin containing polyphenylene oxide (Noryl resin), similar to the power conversion device 1.

[0031] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the right-side cover 4 is attached to a right side surface of the power conversion device main body 1. The right-side cover 4 is attached in such a way as to cover the ventilation holes 11 formed in the right side surface of the power conversion device 1. The right-side cover 4 is formed of a resin containing polyphenylene oxide (Noryl resin), similar to the power conversion device 1.

[0032] Detailed configuration of the top cover As shown in the Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, the upper cover 2 includes an upper cover main part 21, an upper device main body fixing part 22, and the upper buffer parts 23. The upper cover main part 21, the upper device main body fixing parts 22, and the upper buffer parts 23 are integrally formed with each other. The upper device main body fixing parts 22 and the upper buffer parts 23 are formed on a surface of the upper cover main part 21 facing the power conversion device main body 1. The upper cover main part 21 is an example of a "cover main part" in the claims. The upper device main body fixing parts 22 are examples of a "device main body fixing part" in the claims. The upper buffer parts 23 are examples of a "buffer" in the claims.

[0033] The upper cover 2 has an L-shape when viewed from the front. Specifically, the upper cover main body 21 of the upper cover 2 includes a first upper plate-shaped member 21a having a rectangular shape and fixed to the upper surface of the power conversion device main body 1, and a second upper plate-shaped member 21b having a rectangular shape and covering a part of the right-side cover 4. Although the second upper plate-shaped member 21b has a Fig. 5, the second upper plate-shaped member does not necessarily include the curved part 2a. In the first embodiment, a length L1 in an extending direction (X direction) of the first upper plate-shaped member 21a, as viewed in a front view, is longer than a length L2 in an extending direction (Z direction) of the second upper plate-shaped member 21b. An aspect ratio (ratio of the longitudinal length to the horizontal length) of the first upper plate-shaped member 21a is small. The first upper plate-shaped member 21a and the second upper plate-shaped member 21b are examples of a "plate-shaped member" in the claims.

[0034] As in the Fig. 9A and Fig. As shown in Fig. 9B, the upper device main body fixing parts 22 are configured to fix the upper cover main body 21 to the power conversion device main body 1. Each upper device main body fixing part 22 has an engagement part 22a configured to elastically deform to engage the support part 11a of the ventilation opening 11.The engaging part 22a is, for example, a snap fastener configured to be inserted into the vents 11 when the engaging part 22a is pushed inward (the engaging part 22a on the X1 side is pushed toward the X2 side and the engaging part 22a on the X2 side is pushed toward the X1 side), and then engage (hook) the support part 11a of the vent 11 by deforming the engaging part 22a outward (deforming the engaging part 22a on the X1 side toward the X1 side and the engaging part 22a on the X2 side toward the X2 side). The upper device main body fixing parts 22 are formed on the first upper plate-shaped member 21a, but not on the second upper plate-shaped member 21b.

[0035] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the upper device main body fixing parts 22 are arranged on the first upper plate-shaped member 21a and spaced apart from each other at a predetermined distance. The upper device main body fixing parts 22 are positioned corresponding to the positions of the ventilation openings 11. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, four upper device main body fixing parts 22 are formed at four positions. The number of positions where the upper device main body fixing parts 22 are positioned is not limited as long as it is not less than two. Although the upper device main body fixing parts are arranged at both end regions in the X direction, the upper device main body fixing parts may be arranged at a central region in the X direction.

[0036] The upper buffer parts 23 are arranged on the upper cover main body 21 and spaced apart from each other at a predetermined distance. Specifically, the upper buffer parts 23 are arranged near the corners 2b of the first upper plate-shaped member 21a. Here, the term "near the corners 2b" indicated in this specification is not limited to positions overlapping the corners 2b, but is used broadly to include positions spaced from the corners 2b of the plate-shaped member and closer to the corners 2b relative to the center. The upper buffer parts 23 are formed at four positions. Furthermore, the upper buffer parts 23 are formed near the center in addition to the corners.Here, the term "near a center of the plate-shaped member" in this specification is not limited to positions that overlap the corners, but is used broadly to include one or more positions that are spaced from the center of the plate-shaped member and located closer to the center relative to the corners. The upper buffer parts are shown in . Fig. 6 is formed at two positions, which are an upper and a lower position. The upper buffer parts 23 located near the center may be formed at two or more positions. The upper buffer parts 23 are formed on the first upper plate-shaped member 21a, but not on the second upper plate-shaped member 21b.

[0037] The upper buffer parts 23 are arranged between the upper cover main part 21 and the power conversion device main body 1 and are in contact with the power conversion device main body 1. In other words, the upper cover main part 21 contacts the power conversion device main body 1 using the upper buffer parts 23. A gap G (see Fig. 9B) is formed between parts of the surface of the upper cover main body 21 facing the power conversion device main body 1, except for parts where the upper device main body fixing parts 22 and the upper buffer parts 23 are formed, and the power conversion device main body 1. Accordingly, the upper cover main body 21 can be deformed in the direction of the gap, so that external impact can be reduced.

[0038] The upper buffer parts 23 absorb external impact. Specifically, each upper buffer part 23 includes a protrusion 23a protruding from the upper cover main part 21 toward the power conversion device main body 1 to absorb external impact. A cross-sectional area of ​​the protrusion 23a on the power conversion device main body 1 side (Z2 side) is smaller than a cross-sectional area of ​​the protrusion 23a on the upper cover main part 21 side (Z2 side) when viewed in a cross section along a line extending in the extension direction (X direction) of the upper cover main part 21.

[0039] The projection 23a has a tapered shape such that the projection becomes progressively smaller from the upper cover main body 21 toward the power conversion device main body 1, and the end of the projection can plastically deform (permanently deform) to reduce external impact. The projection 23a has Fig. 6, the projection 23a has a circular truncated cone shape. Similar to the power conversion device 1 and the upper cover main body 21, the projection 23a is formed from a resin containing polyphenylene oxide (Noryl resin). The projections 23a are integrally formed with the upper cover main body 21.

[0040] The upper cover 2 (the upper cover main body 21) contacts the power conversion device main body 1 using the protrusions 23a. Accordingly, parts of the upper cover main body 21 where the protrusions 23a are not formed are spaced apart from the power conversion device main body 1. Since the parts of the upper cover main body 21 where the protrusions 23a are not formed are spaced apart from the power conversion device main body 1, the parts of the upper cover main body 21 where the protrusions 23a are not formed can be deformed when an external impact is applied. Consequently, it is possible to reduce the external impact.

[0041] Detailed configuration of the left-side cover As in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the left-side cover 3 includes a left-side cover main body 31, left-side device main body fixing parts 32, and left-side buffer parts 33. The left-side cover 3 has a rectangular shape. The left-side cover main body 31 is an example of the "cover main body" in the claims. The left-side device main body fixing parts 32 are examples of the "device main body fixing part" in the claims. The left-side buffer parts 33 are examples of the "buffer" in the claims.

[0042] The left-side cover main body 31 is formed by a left-side plate-shaped member 31a. The left-side cover main body 31, the left-side device main body fixing parts 32, and the left-side buffer parts 33 are integrally formed with each other. The left-side device main body fixing parts 32 and the left-side buffer parts 33 are formed on a surface of the left-side cover main body 31 facing the power conversion device main body 1. The left-side plate-shaped member 31a has a rectangular shape with a large aspect ratio (ratio of the longitudinal length to the horizontal length).

[0043] Similar to the one in the Fig. 9A and Fig. In the top cover 2 shown in FIG. 9B, the left-side device main body fixing parts 32 are configured to fix the left-side cover main body 31 to the power conversion device main body 1. Each left-side device main body fixing part 32 has an engaging part 32a configured to elastically deform to engage the support part 11a of the ventilation hole 11. The engaging part 32a is, for example, a snap fastener configured to be inserted into the ventilation holes 11 when the engaging part 32a is pushed inward, and then to engage the support part 11a of the ventilation hole 11 by deforming the engaging part 32a outward.

[0044] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the left-side device main body fixing parts 32 are arranged on the left-side cover main body 31 and spaced apart from each other at a predetermined distance. The left-side device main body fixing parts 32 are positioned corresponding to the positions of the ventilation openings 11. Fig. In the exemplary arrangement shown in FIG. 7, since the left-side plate-shaped member has an elongated rectangular shape in the Z direction, the left-side device main body fixing part is formed at a position deviated from a center in the Z direction on the Z2 side, in addition to two positions near the Z1 side end and the Z2 side end, in order to prevent warping of the left-side plate-shaped member. The number of left-side device main body fixing parts 32 may be one or not less than two, as long as the left-side cover 3 can be fixed to the power conversion device main body 1 without warping of the left-side plate-shaped member.

[0045] The left-side buffer parts 33 are arranged on the left-side cover main body 31 and spaced apart from each other at a predetermined distance. Specifically, the left-side buffer parts 33 are arranged near the corners 3a of the left-side cover main body 31. Here, the term "near the corners 3a" indicated in this specification is not limited to positions overlapping the corners 3a, but is used broadly to include positions spaced from the corners 3a of the plate-shaped member and located closer to the corners 3a relative to the center. The left-side buffer parts 33 are plural buffer parts. Two of the left-side buffer parts 33 are positioned at two positions in the Y1-side corner 3a regions. In addition, two of the left-side buffer parts 33 are positioned at two positions deviating from the Y2-side corner 3a toward the center.In addition, the left-side buffer parts 33 are positioned near the center. The upper buffer parts are in . Fig. 7 is formed at two positions, which are an upper and lower position. The left-side buffer parts 33, located near the center, may be formed at two or more positions. The left-side buffer part 33 is formed of the same material as the left-side cover main part 31.

[0046] The left-side buffer parts 33 are arranged between the left-side cover main body 31 and the power conversion device main body 1, and are in contact with the power conversion device main body 1. In other words, the left-side cover main body 31 contacts the power conversion device main body 1 using the left-side buffer parts 33. A gap is formed between parts of the surface of the left-side cover main body 31 facing the power conversion device main body 1, excluding parts where the left-side device main body fixing parts 32 and the left-side buffer parts 33 are formed, and the power conversion device main body 1. Accordingly, the left-side cover main body 31 can be deformed in the direction of the gap, so that external impact can be reduced.

[0047] The left-side buffer parts 33 absorb external impact. Specifically, each left-side buffer part 33 includes a protrusion 33a protruding from the left-side cover main part 31 toward the power conversion device main body 1 to absorb external impact. A cross-sectional area of ​​the protrusion 33a on the power conversion device main body 1 side (Z2 side) is smaller than a cross-sectional area of ​​the protrusion 33a on the upper cover main part 31 side (Z2 side) when viewed in a cross-section along a line extending in the extension direction (X direction) of the left-side cover main part 21.

[0048] The projection 33a has a tapered shape such that the projection becomes progressively smaller from the left-side cover main body 31 toward the power conversion device main body 1, and the end of the projection can plastically deform (permanently deform) to reduce external impact. The projection 33a has Fig. 7, the projection 33a has a circular truncated cone shape. Similar to the power conversion device 1 and the left-side cover main body 31, the projection 33a is formed of a resin containing polyphenylene oxide (Noryl resin). The projections 33a are integrally formed with the left-side cover main body 31.

[0049] The left-side cover 3 (the left-side cover main body 31) contacts the power conversion device main body 1 using the protrusions 33a. Accordingly, the left-side cover main body 31, where the protrusion 33a is not formed, and the power conversion device main body 1 are separated from each other. Since the parts of the left-side cover main body 31 where the protrusions 33a are not formed are spaced apart from the power conversion device main body 1, the parts of the left-side cover main body 31 where the protrusions 33a are not formed can be deformed when an external impact occurs. Consequently, it is possible to reduce the external impact.

[0050] Detailed configuration of the right-side cover As in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the right-side cover 4 includes a right-side cover main body 41, right-side device main body fixing parts 42, right-side buffer parts 43, and a groove 44. The right-side cover main body 41, the right-side device main body fixing parts 42, and the right-side buffer parts 43 are integrally formed with each other. The right-side device main body fixing parts 42 and the right-side buffer parts 43 are formed on a surface of the right-side cover main body 41 facing the power conversion device main body 1. The right-side cover main body 41 is an example of the "cover main body" in the claims. The right-side device main body fixing parts 42 are examples of the "device main body fixing part" in the claims. The right-side buffer parts 43 are examples of the "buffer" in the claims.

[0051] The right-side cover main body 41 includes a first right-side plate-shaped member 41a located on the Z2 side and on which the right-side device main body fixing part 42 is formed; a second right-side plate-shaped member 41b located on the Z1 side and on which the right-side device main body fixing part 42 is formed; and a third right-side plate-shaped member 41c having a length in the Y direction shorter than the first right-side plate-shaped member 41a and the second right-side plate-shaped member 41b, and connecting the first right-side plate-shaped member 41a and the second right-side plate-shaped member 41b. That is, the right-side cover 41 has a U-shape.A length L3 in the Z direction of the first right-side plate-shaped member 41a is greater than a length L4 in the Z direction of the second right-side plate-shaped member 41b. A length (thickness) t2 in the X direction of the second right-side plate-shaped member 41b on the Z1 end side is smaller than a length (thickness) t1 in the X direction on the Z2 end side. The first right-side plate-shaped member 41a, the second right-side plate-shaped member 41b, and the third right-side plate-shaped member 41c are examples of the "plate-shaped member" in the claims.

[0052] Similar to the one in the Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B, the right-side device main body fixing parts 42 are configured to fix the right-side cover main body 41 to the power conversion device main body 1. A right-side device main body fixing part 42 includes an engaging part 42a configured to elastically deform to engage the support part 11a of the ventilation hole 11. The engaging part 42a is, for example, a snap fastener configured to be inserted into the ventilation holes 11 when the engaging part 42a is pushed inward and then to engage the support part 11a of the ventilation hole 11 by deforming the engaging part 42a outward. The engaging part 42a is formed on the first right-side plate-shaped member 41a.

[0053] Another right-side device main body fixing part 42 includes a non-elastically deformable latch part 42b. The latch part 42b is configured to be inserted into the ventilation hole 11 and hook onto the support part to fix the right-side cover main body 41 to the power conversion device main body 1. The latch part 42b is formed on the second right-side plate-shaped member 41b. A surface of the second right-side plate-shaped part 41b on the Z1 side, which is opposite to a surface on which the latch part 42b is formed, is thinner than a surface on the Z2 side.The pawl part 42b is provided when the right-side device main body fixing part collides with a component arranged inside the power conversion device main body 1 when the engagement space of the engagement part 42a is too small, or when the right-side device main body fixing part collides with a component arranged inside the power conversion device main body 1 and, for example, the engagement space of the engagement part 42a is too small.

[0054] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the thin part of the second right-side plate-shaped member 41b of the right-side cover 4 is covered by the second upper plate-shaped member 21b of the upper cover 2. This arrangement can enhance the fixation by the latch part 42b.

[0055] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the right-side device main body fixing parts 42 are arranged on the first right-side plate-shaped member 41a and the second right-side plate-shaped member 41b and are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance. The right-side device main body fixing parts 42 are positioned corresponding to the positions of the ventilation openings 11. In an exemplary arrangement shown in Fig. As shown in FIG. 8, an aspect ratio (ratio of longitudinal length to longitudinal length) of the right-side cover 4, which is composed of the first right-side plate-shaped member 41a, the second right-side plate-shaped member 41b, and the third right-side plate-shaped member 41c, is large, so that the right-side cover is elongated in the Z direction, and the right-side device main body fixing parts are positioned at two positions near the Z1 end side of the second right-side plate-shaped member 41b and the Z2 end side of the first right-side plate-shaped member 41a. The number of the right-side device main body fixing parts 42 may be one or not less than two.The right-side device main body fixing part 42 may additionally form at least one of a part near the Z2 end side of the second right-side plate-shaped member 41b, a part near the Z1 end side of the first right-side plate-shaped member 41a, and a location in the third right-side plate-shaped member 41c.

[0056] The right-side buffer parts 43 are arranged on the right-side cover main body 41 and spaced apart from each other at a predetermined distance. Specifically, the right-side buffer parts 43 are arranged near the corners 4a of the first right-side plate-shaped member 41a and the second right-side plate-shaped member 41b. Here, the term "near the corners 4a" used in this specification is not limited to positions overlapping the corners 4a, but is used broadly to include positions spaced from the corners 4a of the plate-shaped member and located closer to the corners 4a relative to the center. The corner 4a refers to a part where two sides of the first right-side plate-shaped member 41a and the second right-side plate-shaped member 41b intersect. The right-side buffer parts 43 are plural buffer parts.Two of the right-side buffer parts 43 are positioned at two positions in the corner 4a areas on the Y1 side. Two of the right-side buffer parts 43 are also positioned at two positions adjacent to wall parts that form a U-shaped opening on the Y2 side. The right-side buffer part 43 is made of the same material as the right-side cover main part 41.

[0057] The right-side buffer parts 43 are arranged between the right-side cover main part 41 and the power conversion device main body 1 and are in contact with the power conversion device main body 1. In other words, the right-side cover main part 41 contacts the power conversion device main body 1 using the right-side buffer parts 43. A gap is formed between parts of the surface of the right-side cover main part 41 facing the power conversion device main body 1, excluding parts where the right-side device main body fixing parts 42 and the right-side buffer parts 43 are formed, and the power conversion device main body 1. Accordingly, the right-side cover main part 41 can be deformed in the direction of the gap, so that external impact can be reduced.

[0058] The right-side buffer parts 43 absorb external impact. Specifically, each right-side buffer part 43 includes a protrusion 43a protruding from the right-side cover main part 41 toward the power conversion device main body 1 to absorb external impact. A cross-sectional area of ​​the protrusion 43a on the power conversion device main body 1 side (Z2 side) is smaller than a cross-sectional area of ​​the protrusion 43a on the upper cover main part 21 side (Z2 side) when viewed in a cross-section along a line extending in the extension direction (X direction) of the right-side cover main part 41.

[0059] The projection 43a has a tapered shape such that the projection becomes progressively smaller from the right-side cover main body 41 toward the power conversion device main body 1, and the end of the projection can plastically deform (permanently deform) to reduce external impact. The projection 23a has Fig. 8, the projection 43a has a circular truncated cone shape. Similar to the power conversion device 1 and the right-side cover main body 41, the projection 43a is formed from a resin containing polyphenylene oxide (Noryl resin). The projections 43a are integrally formed with the right-side cover main body 41.

[0060] The right-side cover 4 (the right-side cover main body 41) contacts the power conversion device main body 1 using the protrusions 43a. Accordingly, the right-side cover main body 41, where the protrusion 43a is not formed, and the power conversion device main body 1 are separated from each other. Since the parts of the left-side cover main body 31 where the protrusions 43a are not formed are spaced apart from the power conversion device main body 1, the parts of the right-side cover main body 41 where the protrusions 43a are not formed can be deformed when an external impact occurs. Consequently, it is possible to reduce the external impact.

[0061] The groove 44 is formed to reduce the warpage of the right-side cover 4. The groove 44 extends continuously in the Z-direction. As shown in Fig. 8, the groove 44 does not reach the two end surfaces of the right-side cover 4 in the Z direction.

[0062] Advantages of the first embodiment In the first embodiment, the following advantages are achieved.

[0063] The power conversion device 100 according to the first embodiment includes a power conversion device main body 1 having a plurality of ventilation holes 11; and covers (the upper cover 2, left-side cover 3, right-side cover 4) attached to the power conversion device main body 1 and covering the ventilation holes 11, wherein each cover (the upper cover 2, left-side cover 3, right-side cover 4) includes a cover main part (the upper cover main part 21, left-side cover main part 31, right-side cover main part 41), device main body fixing parts (the upper device main body fixing parts 22, left-side device main body fixing parts 32, right-side device main body fixing parts 42) fixing the cover main part (the upper cover main part 21, left-side cover main part 31,The power conversion device main body 1 comprises a buffering member (the upper buffering member 23, the left buffering member 33, and the right buffering member 43) that secures the power conversion device main body 1 to the power conversion device main body 1. The buffering member (the upper buffering member 23, the left buffering member 33, and the right buffering member 43) is disposed between the cover main body 1 and the power conversion device main body 1. According to this configuration, the power conversion device main body 1 can be protected from external impact by reducing the external impact using the buffering members (the upper buffering member 23, the left buffering member 33, and the right buffering member 43).

[0064] In the first embodiment, as described above, the buffer parts (upper buffer parts 23, left-side buffer parts 33, right-side buffer parts 43) have protrusions (protrusion 23a, protrusion 33a, and protrusion 43a) that protrude toward the power conversion device main body 1. According to this configuration, the formed gap and the buffer parts (upper buffer parts 23, left-side buffer parts 33, right-side buffer parts 43) can further reduce external impact because the protrusions included in the buffer parts (upper buffer parts 23, left-side buffer parts 33, right-side buffer parts 43) can easily form a gap between the cover main body (upper cover main body 21, left-side cover main body 31, right-side cover main body 41) and the power conversion device main body 1.As a result, it is possible to effectively protect the power conversion device main body 1 from external impact because external impact applied to the power conversion device main body 1 is further reduced.

[0065] In addition, in the first embodiment described above, the projections (the projections 23a, projections 33a, projections 43a) are formed integrally with each cover main body (the upper cover main body 21, left side cover main body 31, right side cover main body 41). According to this configuration, unlike a configuration in which the protrusions (the protrusions 23a, protrusions 33a, protrusions 43a) are formed separately from each cover main part (the upper cover main part 21, left side cover main part 31, right side cover main part 41), the protrusions (the protrusions 23a, protrusions 33a, protrusions 43a) are not necessarily formed separately from each cover main part (the upper cover main part 21, left side cover main part 31, right side cover main part 41), and thereby it is possible to prevent an increase in the number of parts.

[0066] In the first embodiment described above, a cross-sectional area of ​​the protrusions (the protrusions 23a, protrusions 33a, protrusions 43a) on the power conversion device main body 1 side, viewed in a cross section along a line extending in the extending direction of the cover main body (the upper cover main body 21, left-side cover main body 31, right-side cover main body 41), is smaller than a cross-sectional area of ​​the protrusions (the protrusions 23a, protrusions 33a, protrusions 43a) on each cover main body (the upper cover main body 21, left-side cover main body 31, right-side cover main body 41).According to this configuration, because the cross-sectional area of ​​the protrusions (the protrusions 23a, protrusions 33a, protrusions 43a) is smaller on the side of the power conversion device main body 1, the ends of the protrusions (the protrusions 23a, protrusions 33a, protrusions 43a) are easily deformed by external impact, so that the protrusions (the protrusions 23a, protrusions 33a, protrusions 43a) taper toward the power conversion device main body 1. Consequently, since the energy of the external impact is absorbed by the deformation of the ends of the protrusions (the protrusions 23a, protrusions 33a, protrusions 43a), it is possible to effectively protect the power conversion device main body 1 from the external impact.

[0067] In the first embodiment described above, the protrusions (the protrusions 23a, protrusions 33a, protrusions 43a) are also configured to be plastically deformable, thus reducing external impact. Since the ends of the protrusions (the protrusions 23a, protrusions 33a, protrusions 43a) can be plastically deformed by external impact, this configuration makes it possible to easily absorb the energy of the external impact.

[0068] In the first embodiment described above, the buffer parts (the upper buffer parts 23, left-side buffer parts 33, right-side buffer parts 43) are arranged on each cover main part (the upper cover main part 21, left-side cover main part 31, right-side cover main part 41) and spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance. According to this configuration, since the buffer parts (the upper buffer parts 23, left-side buffer parts 33, right-side buffer parts 43) can disperse external impact, it is possible to effectively protect each cover (the upper cover 2, left-side cover 3, right-side cover 4) and the power conversion device main body 1 from external impact.Since the buffer parts (the upper buffer parts 23, left-side buffer parts 33, right-side buffer parts 43) are arranged at a predetermined distance from each other, the buffer parts (the upper buffer parts 23, left-side buffer parts 33, right-side buffer parts 43) can support the cover main part (the upper cover main part 21, left-side cover main part 31, right-side cover main part 41), so that the cover main part (the upper cover 2, left-side cover 3, right-side cover 4) is prevented from tilting with respect to the power conversion device main body 1 when the cover main part (the upper cover 2, left-side cover 3, right-side cover 4) is attached to the power conversion device main body 1.

[0069] In the first embodiment described above, the cover main body (the upper cover main body 21, left-side cover main body 31, right-side cover main body 41) is formed of a plate-shaped member (the first upper plate-shaped member 21a, second upper plate-shaped member 21b, left-side plate-shaped member 31a, first right-side plate-shaped member 41a, second right-side plate-shaped member 41b, third right-side plate-shaped member 41c); and the buffer parts (the upper buffer parts 23, left-side buffer parts 33, right-side buffer parts 43) are arranged near corners of the plate-shaped member (the first upper plate-shaped member 21a, second upper plate-shaped member 21b, left-side plate-shaped member 31a, first right-side plate-shaped member 41a, second right-side plate-shaped member 41b, third right-side plate-shaped member 41c).According to this configuration, since the buffer parts (the upper buffer parts 23, left-side buffer parts 33, right-side buffer parts 43) are arranged near corners of the plate-shaped member (the first upper plate-shaped member 21a, second upper plate-shaped member 21b, left-side plate-shaped member 31a, first right-side plate-shaped member 41a, second right-side plate-shaped member 41b, third right-side plate-shaped member 41c), a part of the plate-shaped member (the first upper plate-shaped member 21a, second upper plate-shaped member 21b, left-side plate-shaped member 31a, first right-side plate-shaped member 41a, second right-side plate-shaped member 41b, third right-side plate-shaped member 41c) near a center of the plate-shaped member is likely to deform.When an external impact is applied to the part of the plate-shaped member (the first upper plate-shaped member 21a, second upper plate-shaped member 21b, left-side plate-shaped member 31a, first right-side plate-shaped member 41a, second right-side plate-shaped member 41b, third right-side plate-shaped member 41c) near the center of the plate-shaped member, the external impact can be reduced by the deformation of the part of the plate-shaped member (the first upper plate-shaped member 21a, second upper plate-shaped member 21b, left-side plate-shaped member 31a, first right-side plate-shaped member 41a, second right-side plate-shaped member 41b, third right-side plate-shaped member 41c) near the center of the plate-shaped member.

[0070] In the first embodiment described above, the buffer parts (the upper buffer parts 23, left-side buffer parts 33, right-side buffer parts 43) are arranged near a center of the plate-shaped member (the first upper plate-shaped member 21a, second upper plate-shaped member 21b, left-side plate-shaped member 31a, first right-side plate-shaped member 41a, second right-side plate-shaped member 41b, third right-side plate-shaped member 41c) and the corners of the plate-shaped member.According to this configuration, it is possible to further promote the reduction of the external impact when an external impact is applied to the part of the plate-shaped member (the first upper plate-shaped member 21a, second upper plate-shaped member 21b, left-side plate-shaped member 31a, first right-side plate-shaped member 41a, second right-side plate-shaped member 41b, third right-side plate-shaped member 41c) near the center of the plate-shaped member, because the buffer parts (the upper buffer parts 23, left-side buffer parts 33, right-side buffer parts 43) reduce the external impact while the part of the plate-shaped member near the center of the plate-shaped member is deformed.

[0071] In the first embodiment described above, the device main body fixing parts (the upper device main body fixing parts 22, left-side device main body fixing parts 32, right-side device main body fixing parts 42) include engaging parts (the engaging parts 22a, engaging parts 32a, engaging parts 42a) configured to elastically deform to engage with the ventilation holes 11.Since the engaging parts (engaging parts 22a, engaging parts 32a, engaging parts 42a) can be inserted into the ventilation holes 11 while being elastically deformed, and then the cover (the upper cover 2, left side cover 3, right side cover 4) can be fixed to the ventilation holes 11 by returning the engaging parts (the engaging parts 22a, engaging parts 32a, engaging parts 42a) to their original shape, the cover (the upper cover 2, left side cover 3, right side cover 4) can be easily fixed to the power conversion device main body 1.Since the cover (top cover 2, left side cover 3, right side cover 4) can be removed by elastically deforming the engaging parts (engaging parts 22a, engaging parts 32a, engaging parts 42a) from the vent holes 11, the cover (top cover 2, left side cover 3, right side cover 4) can also be easily removed from the power conversion device main body 1. Furthermore, since the vent holes 11 can be used to fix the cover (top cover 2, left side cover 3, right side cover 4), no special fixing part is required, resulting in a simple structure.

[0072] In the first embodiment described above, the cover main body (the upper cover main body 21, the left-side cover main body 31, and the right-side cover main body 41) is formed of a plate-shaped member (the first upper plate-shaped member 21a, the second upper plate-shaped member 21b, the left-side plate-shaped member 31a, the first right-side plate-shaped member 41a, the second right-side plate-shaped member 41b, and the third right-side plate-shaped member 41c); and the device main body fixing parts (the upper device main body fixing parts 22, the left-side device main body fixing parts 32, and the right-side device main body fixing parts 42) are arranged on the plate-shaped member and spaced apart from each other by a predetermined interval.According to this configuration, the device main body fixing parts (the upper device main body fixing parts 22, left-side device main body fixing parts 32, right-side device main body fixing parts 42) can fix the cover (the upper cover 2, left-side cover 3, right-side cover 4) to the power conversion device main body 1, so that the cover (the upper cover 2, left-side cover 3, right-side cover 4) is prevented from tilting with respect to the power conversion device main body 1 because the device main body fixing parts (the upper device main body fixing parts 22, left-side device main body fixing parts 32, right-side device main body fixing parts 42) are spaced apart from each other at a predetermined distance.

[0073] In the first embodiment, as described above, the ventilation holes 11 are formed in an upper surface and in both the right and left side surfaces of the power conversion device main body 1; the covers include an upper cover 2 covering the ventilation holes 11 formed in the upper surface of the power conversion device main body 1, a right-side cover 4 covering the ventilation holes 11 formed in the right side surface of the power conversion device main body 1, and a left-side cover 3 covering the ventilation holes 11 formed in the left side surface of the power conversion device main body 1; and the upper cover 2, the left-side cover 3, and the right-side cover 4 are formed separately from each other and include deformable buffer parts (the upper buffer parts 23, left-side buffer parts 33,Right-side buffer parts 43) configured to be capable of deforming to reduce external impact. According to this configuration, unlike a configuration in which the top cover 2, the left-side cover 3, and the right-side cover 4 are integrally formed with each other, the covers are not necessarily prepared for power conversion devices 100 with different external shapes. Furthermore, since each of the top cover 2, the left-side cover 3, and the right-side cover 4 includes the buffer parts (the top buffer parts 23, the left-side buffer parts 33, and the right-side buffer parts 43) and can reduce external impact, it is possible to protect the upper surface and both side surfaces of the power conversion device main body 1, as well as the top cover 2 and the left and right covers 3 and 4, from external impact.

[0074] In the first embodiment described above, the upper cover 2 is formed in an L-shape to cover a part of the right side cover 4 or the left side cover 3. According to this configuration, since the upper cover 2 can lie on the part of the right side cover 4 or the left side cover 3 and hold the right side cover or the left side cover, the right side cover 4 or the left side cover 3 can be firmly held to the power conversion device 100.

[0075] In the first embodiment described above, the right-side cover main body 41 is formed of a resin and has a groove 44 for reducing warpage of the cover main body. According to this configuration, it is possible to promote the prevention of detachment of the cover main body (the upper cover 2, the left-side cover 3, and the right-side cover 4) from the power conversion device main body 1, since the groove 44 can reduce warpage of the cover main body (the upper cover main body 21, the left-side cover main body 31, and the right-side cover main body 41) during resin molding.

[0076] Second Embodiment The following description describes a configuration of a power conversion device 200 having a right-side cover 4 according to a second embodiment with reference to FIG. Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B. In the power conversion device 200 according to the second embodiment, the right-side cover 4 is configured to improve the connection strength of the connection part 1c of the power conversion device main body 1. The same components as in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment, and their descriptions will be omitted.

[0077] As in the Fig. 10A and Fig.As shown in FIG. 10B, in the power conversion device 200 according to the second embodiment, the right-side cover 4 is fixed to the right side surface of the power conversion device main body 1, so that it covers the connection part 1c between the first housing 1a and the second housing 1b. According to this arrangement, the right-side cover 4 can prevent the connection part 1c from coming off. In addition, since the right-side cover 4 is covered and fixed by the top cover 2, the connection of the connection part 1c can be strong.

[0078] The other configuration of the second embodiment is similar to the first embodiment.

[0079] Advantages of the Second Embodiment In the second embodiment described above, the power conversion device 200 includes a power conversion device main body 1 including a plurality of ventilation holes 11; and covers (the upper cover 2, left-side cover 3, right-side cover 4) attached to the power conversion device main body 1 and covering the ventilation holes 11, wherein each cover (the upper cover 2, left-side cover 3, right-side cover 4) includes a cover main part (the upper cover main part 21, left-side cover main part 31, right-side cover main part 41), device main body fixing parts (the upper device main body fixing parts 22, left-side device main body fixing parts 32, right-side device main body fixing parts 42) fixing the cover main part (the upper cover main part 21, left-side cover main part 31,The power conversion device main body 1 comprises a buffering member (the upper buffering member 23, the left buffering member 33, and the right buffering member 43) that secures the power conversion device main body 1 to the power conversion device main body 1. The buffering member (the upper buffering member 23, the left buffering member 33, and the right buffering member 43) is disposed between the cover main body 1 and the power conversion device main body 1. According to this configuration, the power conversion device main body 1 can be protected from external impact by reducing the external impact using the buffering members (the upper buffering member 23, the left buffering member 33, and the right buffering member 43).

[0080] In the second embodiment, as described above, the power conversion device main body 1 includes a first case 1a configured to accommodate the power conversion module and including the ventilation holes 11, and a second case 1b connected to the first case 1a; and the right-side cover 4 including the right-side buffer parts 43 is attached to the right side surface of the power conversion device main body 1 so as to cover the connection part 1c between the first case 1a and the second case 1b.According to this configuration, it is possible to prevent the first and second housings 1a and 1b from detaching from each other because the right side cover 4 can cover the connecting part 1c between the first housing 1a and the second housing 1b to press the connecting part 1c between the first housing 1a and the second housing 1b toward the side of the power conversion device main body 1.

[0081] The other advantages of the second embodiment are similar to those of the first embodiment.

[0082] Modified Embodiments It should be noted that the presently disclosed embodiment is to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is not indicated by the above description of the embodiments, but by the scope of the claims, and all modifications (modified examples) within the meaning and scope that correspond to the scope of the claims are further encompassed.

[0083] While the above-mentioned first and second embodiments showed the example in which the upper cover 2, the left-side cover 3, and the right-side cover 4 are formed separately from each other, the present invention is not limited thereto. In the present invention, the upper cover 2, the left-side cover 3, and the right-side cover 4 may alternatively be formed integrally with each other. In this case, the buffer parts are provided on the upper surface and both side surfaces of the cover facing the power conversion device main body 1.

[0084] While the example in which the power conversion device main body 1, the top cover 2, the left-side cover 3, and the right-side cover 4 are formed of a resin was shown in the above-mentioned first and second embodiments, the present invention is not limited thereto. In the present invention, the power conversion device main body 1, the top cover 2, the left-side cover 3, and the right-side cover 4 may alternatively be formed of a material other than resins, such as a metal.

[0085] While the example in which the power conversion device main body 1, the top cover 2, the left-side cover 3, and the right-side cover 4 are formed of the same material was shown in the aforementioned first and second embodiments, the present invention is not limited thereto. In the present invention, the power conversion device main body 1, the top cover 2, the left-side cover 3, and the right-side cover 4 may alternatively be formed of different materials. In this case, the power conversion device main body 1 is formed of a material having no lower hardness than the materials of the top cover 2, the left-side cover 3, and the right-side cover 4.

[0086] While the example in which the buffer parts are integrally formed with the cover main body was shown in the aforementioned first and second embodiments, the present invention is not limited thereto. In the present invention, the buffer parts may alternatively be formed separately from the cover main body. In this case, a means for fixing the buffer parts to the cover main body is not limited. Although the buffer parts were illustratively described as being integrally formed with the cover main body, the buffer parts may be integrally formed with the power conversion device main body or with both the cover main body and the power conversion device main body.

[0087] While the example in which the buffer parts (protrusions) and the cover main body are formed of the same material was shown in the above-mentioned first and second embodiments, the present invention is not limited thereto. In the present invention, the buffer parts (protrusions) and the cover main body may alternatively be formed of different materials. In this case, the buffer parts (protrusions) may be formed of an elastically deformable material or a plastically deformable material.

[0088] While the example in which the buffer parts (protrusions) and the power conversion device main body 1 are formed of the same material was shown in the aforementioned first and second embodiments, the present invention is not limited thereto. In the present invention, the buffer parts (protrusions) and the power conversion device main body 1 may be formed of different materials. In this case, the buffer parts (protrusions) may be formed of a material that is softer than the power conversion device main body 1.

[0089] While the example in which the buffer portions (protrusions) are formed near the corners and the center of the plate-shaped member was shown in the above-mentioned first and second embodiments, the present invention is not limited thereto. In the present invention, the buffer portions (protrusions) may alternatively be formed near the corners or the center of the plate-shaped member.

[0090] While the example in which the upper surface engaging portions 22a of the device main body fixing portions 22 of the upper cover 2, the left-side engaging portions 32a of the left-side device main body fixing portions 32 of the left-side cover 3, and the right-side engaging portions 42a of the right-side device main body fixing portions 42 of the right-side cover 4 are snap fasteners was shown in the aforementioned first and second embodiments, the present invention is not limited thereto. In the present invention, for example, an engaging means other than snap fasteners, such as a screw-nut connection, may also be used.In such engagement means other than the snap locks, the top cover 2, the left side cover 3 and the right side cover 4 may be fixed to the power conversion device main body 1 using screws.

[0091] While the example in which the protrusions have a circular truncated cone shape was shown in the aforementioned first and second embodiments, the present invention is not limited thereto. In the present invention, the shapes of the protrusions are not limited to the circular truncated cone shape, but may be a cylindrical or conical shape. In other words, an end of the protrusion may have a flat, pointed, or arcuate shape. A base of the protrusion (a part that defined a boundary between the protrusion and the cover main body) is not limited to a circular shape, but may be a polygonal shape. Moreover, the protrusion may have a step difference between the cover main body side and the tip side.

[0092] While the aforementioned first and second embodiments showed the example in which the groove 44 does not reach the two end surfaces of the right-side cover in the Z direction, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the groove 44 may alternatively reach the two end surfaces of the cover in the Z direction. The groove 44 is not limited to a single continuous groove 44, but alternatively, a plurality of grooves 44 extending discontinuously along a line may be provided.

[0093] While the above-mentioned first and second embodiments showed the example in which the groove 44 is formed in the right-side cover 4, the present invention is not limited thereto. In the present invention, the groove 44 may also be formed in the upper cover 2 or the left-side cover 3.

[0094] While the example in which a length in an extension direction (X direction) of the first upper plate-shaped member 21a, viewed from a front view, is greater than a length in an extension direction (Z direction) of the second upper plate-shaped member 21b was shown in the aforementioned first and second embodiments, the present invention is not limited thereto. In the present invention, the length in the extension direction (X direction) of the first upper plate-shaped member 21a, viewed from a front view, may be less than or equal to the length in the extension direction (Z direction) of the second upper plate-shaped member 21b.

[0095] While the example in which a part of the upper cover 2 covers a part of the right side cover 4 was shown in the aforementioned first and second embodiments, the present invention is not limited thereto. In the present invention, a part of the upper cover 2 may cover a part of the left side cover 3 instead of the part of the right side cover 4, or it may cover both parts of the left side cover 3 and the right side cover 4. Alternatively, the upper cover 2 may not cover either the left side cover 3 or the right side cover 4.

[0096] While the example in which the first upper plate-shaped member 21a and the second upper plate-shaped member 21b have a rectangular shape was shown in the above-mentioned first and second embodiments, the present invention is not limited thereto. Alternatively, in the present invention, the first upper plate-shaped member 21a and the second upper plate-shaped member 21b may have a quadrangular shape, including a square shape other than the rectangular shape, or a polygonal shape other than such a quadrangular shape.

[0097] While the example in which the left-side plate-shaped member 31a has a rectangular shape with a large aspect ratio was shown in the aforementioned first and second embodiments, the present invention is not limited thereto. In the present invention, the left-side plate-shaped member 31a may alternatively have a small aspect ratio. Furthermore, the left-side plate-shaped member 31a may alternatively have a quadrangular shape, including a square shape other than the rectangular shape or a polygonal shape other than such a quadrangular shape.

[0098] While the example in which the right-side device main body fixing part 42 of the right-side cover 4 has a latch part 42b was shown in the aforementioned first and second embodiments, the present invention is not limited thereto. In the present invention, the right-side device main body fixing part 42 may not have a latch part 42b. Alternatively, the device main body fixing parts 22 of the upper surface of the top cover 2 and the left-side device main body fixing part 32 of the left-side cover 3 may have latch parts 42b.

[0099] While the example in which a Z-direction length of the first right-side plate-shaped member 41a is greater than a Z-direction length of the second right-side plate-shaped member 41b was shown in the aforementioned first and second embodiments, the present invention is not limited thereto. Alternatively, in the present invention, the Z-direction length of the first right-side plate-shaped member 41a may be equal to or less than the Z-direction length of the second right-side plate-shaped member 41b.

[0100] While the example in which the right-side cover 4 has a U-shape was shown in the aforementioned first and second embodiments, the present invention is not limited thereto. In the present invention, the right-side cover 4 may alternatively have a quadrangular shape including a rectangular shape or a polygonal shape other than such a quadrangular shape.

[0101] While the example in which the right-side cover 4 is attached to the power conversion device main body 1 to cover the connection part 1c was shown in the above-mentioned second embodiment, the present invention is not limited thereto. In the present invention, the left-side cover 3 may alternatively be attached to the power conversion device main body 1 to cover the connection part 1c. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP 2017 [0002, 0003] JP 99174 [0002, 0003] JP 2017-99174 [0003, 0004]

Claims

[1] Power conversion device (100, 200) comprising: a power conversion device main body (1) comprising a plurality of ventilation holes; and one or more covers (2, 3, 4) attached to the power conversion device main body and covering the ventilation openings, wherein the cover comprises a cover main part (21, 31, 41), one or more device main body fixing parts (22, 32, 42) fixing the cover main part to the power conversion device main body, and one or more buffer parts (23, 33, 43) arranged between the cover main part and the power conversion device main body. [2] The power conversion device according to claim 1, wherein the buffer member(s) comprise a projection (23a, 33a, 43a) projecting from the cover main part toward the power conversion device main body. [3] The power conversion device according to claim 2, wherein the projection is formed integrally with the cover main body. [4] The power conversion device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein a cross-sectional area of ​​the protrusion on the side of the power conversion device main body is smaller than a cross-sectional area of ​​the protrusion on the side of the cover main body when viewed in a cross section along a line extending in an extending direction of the cover main body. [5] The power conversion device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the protrusion is configured to be capable of plastically deforming so as to reduce external impact. [6] A power conversion device according to any preceding claim, wherein the buffer members are arranged on the cover main body and are spaced apart from each other at a predetermined distance. [7] Power conversion device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover main part is formed from a plate-shaped element (21a, 21b, 31a, 41a, 41b, 41c); and the buffer(s) are arranged near one or more corners of the plate-shaped element. [8] The power conversion device according to claim 7, wherein the buffer parts are arranged near a center of the plate-shaped member and the corner(s) of the plate-shaped member. [9] The power conversion device according to any preceding claim, wherein the device main body fixing part(s) comprises an engaging part (22a, 32a, 42a) configured to elastically deform to engage the ventilation opening. [10] Power conversion device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover main part is formed from a plate-shaped element; and the device main body fixing parts are arranged on the plate-shaped member and spaced apart from each other at a predetermined distance. [11] Power conversion device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the ventilation holes are formed in an upper surface and in both the right and left side surfaces of the power conversion device main body; the covers include an upper cover covering the ventilation openings formed in the upper surface of the power conversion device main body, a right-side cover covering the ventilation openings formed in the right side surface of the power conversion device main body, and a left-side cover covering the ventilation openings formed in the left side surface of the power conversion device main body; and the top cover, the left-side cover and the right-side cover are formed separately. [12] The power conversion device according to claim 11, wherein the upper cover is formed into an L-shape to cover a part of the right-side cover or the left-side cover. [13] A power conversion device according to any preceding claim, wherein the cover main body is formed of a resin and has a groove (44) for reducing warpage of the cover main body. [14] Power conversion device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the power conversion device main body comprises a first housing configured to accommodate a power conversion module and including the ventilation openings, and a second housing connected to the first housing; and the cover(s) including the buffer(s) are fixed to the power conversion device main body so as to cover a connecting part between the first housing and the second housing.

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