ENGINE DRIVE DEVICE

Abstract

A motor drive device is provided, comprising a cover with a structure that is easily attached to a housing and, once attached, not easily detached from the housing. This motor drive device includes: an active electrical component; a housing that receives the active electrical component and has an opening; a cover that is attached to the housing and configured to cover the housing opening; at least one projection formed on one of the housing and the cover; and at least one recess formed on the other of the housing and the cover into which the projection fits. The projection has a first chamfered surface inclined such that the height of the projection decreases along the mounting direction of the projection with respect to the recess.Alternatively or additionally, the recess has a beveled groove that is inclined so that the depth decreases along the mounting direction.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a motor drive device. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] A motor drive device is known as a drive unit that powers a motor for applications such as driving each axis of a machine tool or robot. A conventional motor drive device includes electronic components such as a power element and a capacitor to supply power to the motor. The motor drive device also includes a busbar made of a metal such as copper, brass, or aluminum, and a fixed terminal for mounting the busbar to a substrate, etc., as an electrical connection for these electronic components.

[0003] The busbar is housed in an enclosure, which is manufactured, for example, by resin molding. Since the busbar can be installed by a user, one type of motor drive device has an enclosure configured to contain a substrate on which the busbar is mounted, and which has an opening to allow the user access to the busbar on the substrate, as well as a cover to protect the busbar. [CITING LIST][PATENT LITERATURE] [PTL 1] JP 1992(H04)-162598 A [PTL 2] JP 2018-032719 A [PTL 3] JP 2019-213419 A SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [TECHNICAL PROBLEM]

[0004] The cover of the motor drive unit is attached to the housing after the user has mounted the busbar on the substrate inside the housing; therefore, it is preferable that the cover be easy to attach. On the other hand, a high current can flow through the busbar, which is why, for safety reasons such as preventing electric shock, it is not preferable that the cover be easily removable from the housing.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for a motor drive device with a cover that is easy to attach to the housing, but has a structure that makes it difficult to remove the cover from the housing after it has been attached. [SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM]

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure is a motor drive device comprising: an active electrical part; a housing containing the active electrical part and having an opening; a cover attached to the housing and configured to cover the opening of the housing; at least one projection formed on one side of the housing or the cover; and at least one recess formed on the other side of the housing or the cover into which the projection fits, wherein the projection has a first chamfered surface inclined such that a height of the projection decreases along an attachment direction of the projection with respect to the recess, and / or wherein the recess has a chamfered groove inclined such that a depth of the recess decreases along the attachment direction. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Fig. Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a motor drive device according to one embodiment. Fig. Figure 2 is a perspective view of a lid and its surroundings according to a first example. Fig. Figure 3 is a partially enlarged view of the lid made of Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a partially enlarged view from Fig. 2. Fig. Figure 5 is a perspective view of a lid and its surroundings according to a second example. Fig. Figure 6 is a partially enlarged view of the lid made of Fig. 5. Fig. Figure 7 is a perspective view of a lid and its surroundings according to a third example. Fig. Figure 8 is a partially enlarged view of the lid made of Fig. 7. Fig. Figure 9 is a perspective view of a lid and its surroundings according to a fourth example. Fig. Figure 10 is a partially enlarged view of the lid made of Fig. 9. Fig. Figure 11 is a perspective view of the lid and a housing made of Fig. 9 viewed from a different angle. Fig. 12 is a perspective view showing the lid rotated by 90 degrees. Fig. 11 shows. Fig. Figure 13 is a perspective view of a lid and its surroundings according to a fifth example. Fig. Figure 14 is a partially enlarged view of the lid made of Fig. 13. Fig. Figure 15 is a perspective view of a connection between the lid and the housing and its surroundings according to a sixth embodiment. Fig. Figure 16 is a perspective view of the lid and the casing made of Fig. 15 viewed from a different angle. Fig. Figure 17 is a perspective view of a lid and its surroundings according to a seventh example. Fig. Figure 18 is a partially enlarged view of the lid made of Fig. 17. Fig. Figure 19 is a perspective view of a lid and its surroundings according to an eighth example. Fig. Figure 20 is a schematic perspective view of a motor drive device according to a ninth example. Fig. Figure 21 is a top view of the motor drive device. Fig. 20. Fig. Figure 22 is a perspective view of a lid and its surroundings according to a tenth example. Fig. Figure 23 is an enlarged view of a locking mechanism of the lid made of Fig. 22. Fig. 24 is a cross-sectional view along line XXIV-XXIV in Fig. 22. Fig. 25 is a perspective view of a lid and its surroundings according to an eleventh example. Fig. Figure 26 is an enlarged view of a locking mechanism of the lid made of Fig. 25. Fig. 27 is a cross-sectional view along line XXVII-XXVII in Fig. 26. Fig. Figure 28 is a perspective view of a lid and its surroundings according to a twelfth example. Fig. 29 is a cross-sectional view along line XXIX-XXIX in Fig. 28. Fig. Figure 30 is an enlarged view of a locking mechanism of the lid made of Fig. 28. Fig. Figure 31 shows a view of the lid's locking mechanism. Fig. 28 viewed from the back. Fig. Figure 32 is a perspective view of a lid and its surroundings according to a thirteenth example. Fig. Figure 33 is an enlarged view of a locking mechanism of the lid made of Fig. 32. DESCRIPTION OF THE EXECUTION FORMS

[0007] Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a motor drive device 10 according to a preferred embodiment. The motor drive device 10 is a device for driving a schematically represented motor 2 and has a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape. The motor 2 is, for example, a motor such as a servo motor that drives each axis of a machine tool or robot. The motor drive device 10 comprises a housing 12, a substrate 14 arranged inside the housing 12 on which electronic components such as a power element (not shown) are mounted, a busbar 16 made of a metal such as copper, brass, or aluminum as an electrical connection for the electronic components, and a fixed terminal 18 and its terminal block for attaching the busbar 16 to the substrate.In the present disclosure, the busbar 16, the fixed terminal 18, and other parts through which current can flow, as well as their associated elements, are collectively referred to as the active electrical part. The motor drive device 10 optionally has a flange 20, a cooling fan 22, and at least one terminal 24 to which a cable (not shown) for power supply and signal communication to the motor drive device 10 can be connected and disconnected.

[0008] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the housing 12 has an opening 26 that allows a user or operator of the motor drive device (hereinafter referred to simply as the user) to access the substrate 14 for mounting the busbar 16, etc. The motor drive device 10 has a cover 28 configured to fit the housing 12 and cover the opening 26 to protect the active electrical components inside the housing 12. The housing 12 and the cover 28 can be resin products, manufactured, for example, by resin molding, but can be made of any material as long as they have the effects and functions described below.

[0009] The cover 28 is configured to be attached to the housing 12 and to cover the opening 26 of the housing 12 by moving in a predetermined attachment direction 30 relative to the housing 12. A projection 32 is formed on one of the housing 12 or the cover 28, and a recess 34, into which the projection 32 fits, is formed on the other of the housing 12 or the cover 28. The motor drive device 10 according to the present disclosure satisfies at least one of the following conditions: The projection 32 has a chamfered surface inclined such that the height of the projection 32 decreases along the attachment direction 30 relative to the recess 34; and the recess 34 has a chamfered groove inclined such that the depth decreases along the attachment direction 30. Examples according to the present disclosure are described below. (Example 1)

[0010] Fig. 2, Fig. 3 to Fig. Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the cover 28 and its surroundings of the motor drive device according to a first example, a partially enlarged view of the cover 28, and a partially enlarged view of Fig. 2. The cover 28 has two arms 36, and a generally cylindrical projection 32 is formed on each arm 36. The housing 12, on the other hand, has a stepped section 38 configured to receive the arm 36 when the cover 28 is attached, and a generally cylindrical recess 34, into which the projection 32 can fit, is formed in the stepped section 38. The recess 34 further has a chamfered groove 40 inclined such that its depth decreases along the mounting direction 30.

[0011] When the cover 28 is moved relative to the housing 12 in the mounting direction 30, the projection 32 slides in the chamfered groove 40, and the arm 36 is elastically deformed in a direction that gradually widens outwards. As the cover 28 continues to move, the projection 32 climbs over the chamfered groove 40 and fits into the recess 34, and the cover 28 is mounted on the housing 12. In other words, in the first example, the chamfered groove 40 acts as a guide to facilitate the fitting of the projection 32 into the recess 34.

[0012] The projection 32 has no chamfered surface, and the recess 34 has no chamfered groove whose depth decreases in the opposite direction to the mounting direction 30. Therefore, the first example lacks a structure that facilitates the removal of the cover 28 (the projection 32) from the housing 12 (the recess 34), making it relatively difficult to remove the cover 28 once it has been attached to the housing 12. This prevents the cover 28 from being unintentionally detached from the housing 12, which would result in inadequate protection of the active electrical components inside the housing 12.

[0013] In the first example, the cover 28 can rotate relative to the housing 12, with the projection 32 serving as the pivot point. The motor drive device 10 preferably has a locking mechanism to prevent the cover 28 from unintentionally rotating relative to the housing 12, as described below. (Example 2)

[0014] Fig. 5 and Fig. Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a cover 28a and its surroundings of a motor drive device according to a second example, and a partially enlarged view of the cover 28a. In the second example, only the components that differ from those of the first example are explained, and the components that may be similar to those of the first example are given the same reference numerals and are not explained in detail.

[0015] The cover 28a has two arms 36, and a generally cylindrical projection 32a is formed on each arm 36. On the other hand, a housing 12a has a stepped section 38 configured to receive the arm 36 when the cover 28 is attached, and a generally cylindrical recess 34, into which the projection 32a can fit, is formed in the stepped section 38. The projection 32a also has a first chamfered surface 42 inclined such that the height of the projection 32a decreases along the mounting direction 30 of the projection 32a relative to the recess 34.

[0016] When the cover 28a is moved relative to the housing 12a in the mounting direction 30, the first chamfered surface 42 of the projection 32a slides on the stepped section 38, and the arm 36 deforms elastically in a direction that gradually widens outwards. As the cover 28a is moved further, the projection 32a fits into the recess 34, and the cover 28a is mounted on the housing 12a. In other words, in the second example, the first chamfered surface 42 acts as a guide, facilitating the fitting of the projection 32a into the recess 34.

[0017] The projection 32a lacks a chamfered surface that facilitates the attachment and removal of the cover 28a (i.e., one inclined such that the height of the projection 32a decreases in the opposite direction to the attachment direction 30), and the recess 34 lacks a chamfered groove, etc., whose depth decreases in the opposite direction to the attachment direction 30. Therefore, the second example also lacks a structure that makes it easy to remove the cover 28a (the projection 32a) from the housing 12a (the recess 34), making it relatively difficult to remove the cover 28a once it has been attached to the housing 12a. This prevents the cover 28a from being unintentionally detached from the housing 12a, which would result in inadequate protection of the live electrical components inside the housing 12a.

[0018] It is also possible to combine the first and second examples. In other words, it is possible to configure a motor drive device that has both the chamfered groove 40 and the chamfered surface 42 by combining the housing 12 of the first example with the cover 28a of the second example. (Example 3)

[0019] Fig. 7 and Fig. Figure 8 shows a perspective view of a cover 28b and its surroundings of a motor drive device according to a third example, and a partially enlarged view of the cover 28b. In the third example, only the components that differ from those of the first example are explained, and the components that may be similar to those of the first example are given the same reference numerals and are not explained in detail.

[0020] The cover 28b has two arms 36, and on each arm 36 a generally hemispherical projection 32b is formed. On the other hand, the housing 12 has a stepped section 38 configured to receive the arms 36 when the cover 28 is attached, and a generally cylindrical recess 34, into which the projection 32b can fit, is formed in the stepped section 38. The recess 34 also has a chamfered groove 40 inclined such that its depth decreases along the mounting direction 30.

[0021] When the cover 28b is moved relative to the housing 12 in the mounting direction 30, a hemispherical surface 44 of the projection 32b slides in the chamfered groove 40, and the arm 36 deforms elastically in a direction that gradually widens outwards. As the cover 28b is moved further, the projection 32b fits into the recess 34, and the cover 28b is mounted on the housing 12. In other words, in the third example, the hemispherical surface 44 acts as a guide, facilitating the fitting of the projection 32b into the recess 34.

[0022] Since the hemispherical surface 44 can be considered a chamfered surface inclined in essentially any direction, the projection 32b can be regarded as a chamfered surface that facilitates the attachment / removal of the cover 28b. However, since the recess 34 does not have a chamfered groove, etc., whose depth decreases in the direction opposite to the attachment direction 30, the third example also prevents the cover 28b from being unintentionally detached from the housing 12, which would lead to inadequate protection of the active electrical components inside the housing 12. (Example 4)

[0023] Fig. 9 and Fig. Figure 10 is a perspective view of a cover 28c and its surroundings of a motor drive device according to a fourth example, and an enlarged partial view of the cover 28c. In the fourth example, only the components that differ from those of the first example are explained, and the components that may be similar to those of the first example are given the same reference numerals and are not explained in detail.

[0024] The cover 28c has two arms 36, and a generally cylindrical projection 32c is formed on each arm 36. A housing 12c, on the other hand, has a stepped section 38 configured to receive the arm 36 when the cover 28c is attached, and a generally cylindrical recess 34, into which the projection 32c can fit, is formed in the stepped section 38. The projection 32c has a chamfered surface 46 inclined such that the height of the projection 32c decreases along the direction in which the projection 32c is attached relative to the recess 34, and a second chamfered surface 48 inclined in a different direction than the chamfered surface 46, but the direction of inclination of the second chamfered surface 48 is not 180 degrees opposite to the direction of inclination of the first chamfered surface 46.The recess 34 can also have a guide groove 50, which facilitates the movement of the projection 32c in the mounting direction 30.

[0025] Fig. Figure 11 is a partially enlarged view of the casing 12c and the lid 28c, from a different direction than in Fig. As considered in Figure 9, when the cover 28c is moved along the mounting direction 30 relative to the housing 12c, the chamfered surface 46 of the projection 32c slides on the stepped section 38 or in the guide groove 50, the projection 32c fits into the recess 34, and the cover 28c is attached to the housing 12c. In other words, in the fourth example, the first chamfered surface 46 acts as a guide, facilitating the fitting of the projection 32c into the recess 34. In this context, if the width W of the guide groove 50 is set slightly smaller than the diameter of the recess 34, the projection 32c is less likely to dislodge from the recess 34 after it has been fitted. On the other hand, since the first chamfered surface 46 has a guiding function during installation, the projection 32c can be fitted relatively smoothly into the recess 34, even if the width W is slightly smaller than the diameter of the recess 34.

[0026] The projection 32c does not have a chamfered surface that facilitates the attachment / removal of the cover 28c (i.e., one that is inclined such that the height of the projection 32c decreases in the direction opposite to the attachment direction 30). Therefore, the fourth example also lacks a structure that makes it easy to remove the cover 28c (the projection 32c) from the housing 12c (the recess 34). Thus, once the cover 28c has been attached to the housing 12c, it is prevented that the cover 28c is unintentionally detached from the housing 12c, which would result in inadequate protection of the active electrical components inside the housing 12c.

[0027] The fourth example, however, has a structure that makes it easier for the user to intentionally remove the cover 28c from the housing 12c. In particular, the second chamfered surface 48 mentioned above is not a chamfered surface that makes it easy to remove the cover 28c (i.e., one that is inclined such that the height of the projection 32c decreases in the direction opposite to the mounting direction 30), but the direction of inclination is different (for example, by 90 degrees) from that of the first chamfered surface 46. Therefore, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 12, when the projection 32c is fitted into the recess 34, the cover 28c is rotated by a predetermined angle (here 90 degrees) excluding 180 degrees with the projection 32c as the pivot point, and then the cover 28c is moved in a direction 31 opposite to the mounting direction 30, so that the second chamfered surface 48 acts as a guide which facilitates removal from the recess 34, and the cover 28c can be removed smoothly. (Example 5)

[0028] Fig. 13 and Fig. Figure 14 shows a perspective view of a cover 28d and its surroundings of a motor drive device according to a fifth example, and a partially enlarged view of the cover 28d. In the fifth example, only the components that differ from those of the third example are explained, and the components that may be similar to those of the third example are given the same reference numerals and are not explained in detail.

[0029] The cover 28d has two arms 36, and on each arm 36 a generally hemispherical projection 32d is formed. On the other hand, a housing 12d has a stepped section 38 configured to receive the arm 36 when the cover 28d is attached, and a generally cylindrical recess 34, into which the projection 32d can fit, is formed in the stepped section 38. The recess 34 further has a chamfered groove 40 inclined such that its depth decreases along the mounting direction 30.

[0030] When the cover 28d is moved relative to the housing 12d in the mounting direction 30, a hemispherical surface 44 of the projection 32d slides in the chamfered groove 40, and the arm 36 deforms elastically in a gradually widening direction. As the cover 28d is moved further, the projection 32d fits into the recess 34, and the cover 28d is mounted on the housing 12. In other words, in the fifth example, the hemispherical surface 44 acts as a guide, facilitating the fitting of the projection 32d into the recess 34.

[0031] The fifth example has a structure for holding the lid 28d in an open state. In particular, as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 14, the projection 32d has a ridge-like convex section 52 adjacent to its outer circumference, while the housing 12d has a first concave section 54 (preferably of a shape complementary to the convex section 52) formed adjacent to the outer circumference of the recess 34, into which the convex section 52 fits when the cover 28d is fitted. The housing 12d further has a second concave section 56 of substantially the same shape as the first concave section 54, formed adjacent to the outer circumference of the recess 34 and in an angular position that differs from the first concave section 54 (by 90 degrees in the example shown).

[0032] In the fifth example, when the cover 28d is attached to the housing 12d, the convex section 52 fits into the first concave section 54, ensuring a stable attachment of the cover 28d. Furthermore, if the user needs to access the active electrical components, etc., inside the housing 12d, the cover 28d can be held open by rotating it around the projection 32d by a predetermined angle (here 90 degrees) without completely removing it from the housing 12d. This allows the user to perform the work efficiently with minimal effort.

[0033] Although the fifth example includes the one convex section 52 adjacent to the projection 32d and the two concave sections 54, 56 adjacent to the recess 34, the present disclosure is not limited as such. For example, a configuration with two concave sections adjacent to the projection 32d and one convex section adjacent to the recess 34 can also be used. (Example 6)

[0034] Fig. 15 and Fig. Figure 16 shows views of a connecting part between the cover and the housing and its surroundings of a motor drive device according to a sixth example, viewed from different angles. In the sixth example, only those components that differ from those of the fifth example are explained; components that may be similar to those of the fifth example are given the same reference numerals and are not explained in detail.

[0035] A housing 12e according to the sixth example differs from the housing 12d of the fifth example only in that it has a groove 58 through which the convex section 52 passes when the cover 28d is fitted, similar to that of the fifth example, and the other components may be similar to those of the housing 12d. In particular, the housing 12e has a groove 58 extending to the outside of the housing 12e adjacent to the recess 34, and in the illustrated example, the groove 58 is formed with a predetermined depth in the chamfered groove 40. When the cover 28d is fitted, the convex section 52 passes through the groove 58, which facilitates the fitting of the cover 28d. (Example 7)

[0036] Fig. 17 and Fig. Figure 18 is a perspective view of a cover 28f and its surroundings of a motor drive device according to a seventh example, and a partially enlarged view of the cover 28f. In the seventh example, only the components that differ from those of the second example are explained, and the components that may be similar to those of the second example are given the same reference numerals and are not explained in detail.

[0037] The cover 28f has two arms 36, and on each arm 36 a generally cylindrical projection 32f is formed. The housing 12f, on the other hand, has a stepped section 38 configured to receive the arm 36 when a cover 28f is attached, and a generally cylindrical recess 34, into which the projection 32f can fit, is formed in the stepped section 38. The projection 32f also has a chamfered surface 42 inclined such that the height of the projection 32f decreases along the mounting direction 30 of the projection 32f relative to the recess 34.

[0038] When the cover 28f is moved relative to the housing 12f in the mounting direction 30, the chamfered surface 42 of the projection 32f slides on the stepped section 38, and the arm 36 deforms elastically in a gradually widening direction. As the cover 28f is moved further, the projection 32f fits into the recess 34, and the cover 28f is mounted on the housing 12f. In other words, in the seventh example, the chamfered surface 42 acts as a guide, facilitating the fitting of the projection 32f into the recess 34.

[0039] The seventh example has a structure for holding the lid 28f in an open state, similar to the fifth or sixth example. In particular, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 18, the projection 32f has a first concave section 60 adjacent to its outer circumference, and a second concave section 61 adjacent to the outer circumference of the projection 32f and formed at an angular position that differs from the first concave section 60 (by 90 degrees in the example shown), and which has essentially the same shape as the first concave section 60. On the other hand, the housing 12f has a convex section 62 formed adjacent to the outer circumference of the recess 34 and which fits into the first concave section 60 when the cover 28f is attached.

[0040] In the seventh example, when the cover 28f is attached to the housing 12f, the convex section 62 fits into the first concave section 60, ensuring a stable attachment of the cover 28f. Furthermore, if the user needs to access the active electrical components, etc., inside the housing 12f, the cover 28f can be held open by rotating it around the projection 32f by a predetermined angle (here 90 degrees) without completely removing it from the housing 12f. This allows the user to perform the work efficiently with minimal effort.

[0041] Although the seventh example includes the two concave sections 60, 61 adjacent to the projection 32f and the one convex section 62 adjacent to the recess 34, the present disclosure is not limited as such. For example, a configuration with one convex section adjacent to the projection 32f and two concave sections adjacent to the recess 34 can also be used.

[0042] Each of the first through seventh examples described above has a structure that allows the cover to be attached to the housing; more precisely, it allows the projection formed on the cover to be easily fitted into the recess formed in the housing, while simultaneously ensuring that the cover is not easily detached from the housing. Therefore, when attached to the housing, the cover can be rotated through the predetermined angle with the projection as its pivot point, but it can also be fixed by a locking mechanism described below so that it does not rotate relative to the housing. However, the present disclosure is not limited as such, and it is also possible, for example, to form a recess in the cover and a projection on the housing. The chamfered surface can also be a curved surface. (Example 8)

[0043] Fig. Figure 19 is a perspective view of a lid 28g and its surroundings, including a motor drive device 10g, according to an eighth example. The eighth example has a structure that allows the lid to open and close smoothly, as in the fifth to seventh examples mentioned above; that is, the example with the projection and the recess configured to hold the lid in the open position relative to the housing.

[0044] In particular, the cover 28g, as shown in the eighth example, has notches 64 and 66 formed near each of the arms 36. The notches 64 and 66 facilitate the elastic deformation of the arms 36 when the cover 28g is attached to the housing 12 and facilitate a number of actions, such as the Fig. As the lid is rotated, the convex section 52 shown in Figure 13 moves from within the first concave section 54 to the stepped section 38 and fits into the second concave section 56. Furthermore, because the arms 36 can be bent more easily, wear on the convex section 52 during opening and closing of the lid is reduced. Therefore, the service life of the lid is extended, and the holding function, due to the convex section 52 and the concave sections 54 and 56, is maintained for a long period. (Example 9)

[0045] Fig. 20 and Fig. Figure 21 shows perspective and top views of a motor drive device 10h according to a ninth example. Similar to the eighth example, the ninth example has a structure for the smooth opening / closing of the lid in the fifth to seventh examples mentioned above.

[0046] In the ninth example, however, the housing has a divisible structure consisting of a first housing part 12h1 and a second housing part 12h2, and a tiny gap 70 is provided between the first housing part 12h1 and the second housing part 12h2 on a pivot axis 68 of the cover 28.

[0047] Since the gap 70 makes it easier for the housing to bend in the direction of the pivot axis 68, a number of actions are promoted, even if the cover 28 is relatively stiff and difficult to bend, in which, for example, the convex section 52, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 13, the material moves from within the first concave section 54 to the stepped section 38 and fits into the second concave section 56 when the lid is rotated, similar to the eighth example. Since the housing is easier to bend, wear on the convex section 52 during opening / closing of the lid is also reduced, the service life of the lid is extended, and the holding function due to the convex section 52 and the concave sections 54 and 56 is maintained for a long period of time.

[0048] In the ninth example, instead of manufacturing the housing as a separable structure, a notch can be formed in the housing near the connecting part with the cover 28 to make the housing more flexible. The ninth example can also be combined with the eighth example. (Example 10)

[0049] Fig. Figure 22 is a perspective view of a cover 28 and its surroundings of a motor drive device according to a tenth example. The cover 28 has a locking mechanism 72 configured to fix the cover 28 so that the cover 28 does not rotate relative to the housing 12.

[0050] Fig. 23 and Fig. Figures 24 are an enlarged view of the locking mechanism 72 and a cross-sectional view along a line XXIV-XXIV in Fig. 23. The locking mechanism 72 has a U-shaped section 78, which generally extends in a U-shape into a concave section 76 formed by cutting out part of one side (here the bottom 74) of the cover 28, a handle section 80 formed at the apex of the U-shaped section 78 and extending forward beyond the bottom 74, and a latch section 82 formed on the U-shaped section 78 and extending downward beyond the bottom 74.

[0051] In the tenth example, the user can grasp and lift the handle section 80, causing the U-shaped section 78 to deform elastically upwards and engage the locking section 82 with the housing 12, thereby fixing the cover 28 so that it does not rotate relative to the housing 12. (Example 11)

[0052] Fig. Figure 25 is a perspective view of a cover 28i and its surroundings of a motor drive device according to an eleventh example. The cover 28i has a locking mechanism 72i configured to fix the cover 28i so that it does not rotate relative to the housing 12. In the eleventh example, only those components that differ from those in the tenth example are described, and those components that may be similar to those in the tenth example are given the same reference numerals and are not described in detail.

[0053] Fig. 26 and Fig. Figure 27 shows an enlarged view of the locking mechanism 72i and a cross-sectional view along a line XXVII-XXVII in Fig. 26. The locking mechanism 72i has a U-shaped section 78i, which generally extends in a U-shape into a concave section 76 formed by cutting out part of one side (here the bottom 74) of the cover 28i, a handle section 80i formed at the apex of the U-shaped section 78i and extending forward beyond the bottom 74, and a latch section 82i formed on the U-shaped section 78i and extending downward beyond the bottom 74.

[0054] If the handle section 80i is excessively pressed in or lifted to engage or disengage the locking section 82i, the handle section 80i and the U-shaped section 78i may be damaged. Therefore, the cover 28i has a stop 83 extending towards the handle section 80i, approximately in the middle of a width direction (or a deformation direction of the U-shaped section 78i) of the U-shaped section 78i. The stop 83 is configured to abut the handle section 80i to limit its displacement when it is excessively displaced, thus preventing damage to the locking mechanism 72i due to such displacement. The U-shaped section 78i preferably has a notch 84 so that the stop 83 does not impede elastic deformation. (Example 12)

[0055] Fig. Figure 28 is a perspective view of a cover 28j and its surroundings of a motor drive device according to a twelfth example. The cover 28j has a locking mechanism 72j configured to fix the cover 28j so that it does not rotate relative to the housing 12. In the twelfth example, only those components that differ from those in the eleventh example are described, and those components that may be similar to those in the eleventh example are given the same reference numerals and are not described in detail.

[0056] Fig. 29 and Fig. 30 are a cross-sectional view along a line XXIX-XXIX in Fig. 28 and an enlarged view of the locking mechanism 72j. The locking mechanism 72j has a U-shaped section 78j, which generally extends in a U-shape in a concave section 76 formed by cutting out part of one side (here the bottom 74) of the cover 28j, a handle section 80j formed at the apex of the U-shaped section 78j and extending forward beyond the bottom 74, and a latch section 82j formed on the U-shaped section 78j and extending downward beyond the bottom 74.

[0057] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 29, it is preferable that the radius of curvature of the U-shaped section 78j be as large as possible so that it can bend considerably even with a small force. Furthermore, the U-shaped section 78j can be made more flexible by making one section 86 thinner than the other sections, instead of making the thickness the same over the entire U-shaped section 78j.

[0058] Fig. Figure 30 shows an example in which a stop 88 is formed in the locking mechanism 72j. Stepped sections 88 are formed as stops on both sides of the width direction (or a deformation direction of the U-shaped section 78i) in the concave section 76, and widened sections 90 are formed on both sides of the width direction of the U-shaped section 78j. Due to this structure, if the U-shaped section 78j is elastically deformed by a certain amount or more, the widened section 90 comes into contact with the stepped section 88 to suppress further deformation of the U-shaped section 78j, thus preventing damage to the U-shaped section 78j, even if the user exerts a relatively large force on the handle section 80j. Additionally, in the twelfth example, it is not necessary to provide a notch in the U-shaped section 78j, so no undesirable stress concentration occurs.

[0059] Fig. Figure 31 shows an example in which, in addition to the locking mechanism 72j, a reinforcing rib 92 is provided on the back of the cover 28j. By forming the rib 92 at the connecting part between the U-shaped section 78j and the concave section 76 on both sides of the width of the U-shaped section 78j, the probability of damage to the U-shaped section 78j, even if an unexpected force is exerted on it, can be greatly reduced. In this way, the twelfth example provides the cover by which the locking mechanism 72j can be opened or closed (or the U-shaped section 78j elastically deformed) even with a relatively small force, and the U-shaped section 78j is less likely to be damaged, even if an excessive force is exerted on it. (Example 13)

[0060] Fig. Figure 32 is a perspective view of a cover 28k and its surroundings of a motor drive device according to the thirteenth example. The cover 28k has a locking mechanism 94 configured to fix the cover 28k so that it does not rotate relative to the housing 12, but the locking mechanism 94 is configured so that it cannot be opened or closed by the user with bare hands.

[0061] In particular, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 33, the locking mechanism 94 is designed to extend downwards from one side (here the underside 74) of the cover 28k and is configured to engage with (the upper end of) the housing 12 to secure the cover 28k to the housing 12. The locking mechanism 94 also has a concave section 96 into which a conical tool, etc., can be inserted. In a state where the cover 28k is normally attached to the housing 12 ( Fig.32), i.e., in a state where the locking mechanism 94 is engaged with the housing 12, the locking mechanism 94 is configured so that it cannot be removed from the housing 12 unless a tool, etc., is inserted into the concave section 96. In this way, in the thirteenth example, the cover 28k cannot be removed from the housing 12 unless the user performs an operation with a tool, etc., so that the cover 28k is not unintentionally opened or released, and the safety of the motor drive device can be improved.

[0062] The examples mentioned above can be combined as needed. For example, any of the locking mechanisms from the tenth to thirteenth examples can be applied to any of the first to seventh examples.

[0063] According to the present disclosure, the motor drive device, including the cover, is provided, wherein the cover can be easily attached to the housing by means of the projection and the recess with special structures, while, once attached, it is difficult to unintentionally remove it from the housing. The provision of the notch in at least one part of the housing or the cover also facilitates the bending of the housing or the cover, which simplifies the attachment of the cover. Furthermore, by manufacturing the cover relative to the housing using the projection as a pivot point and by providing the locking mechanism configured to fix the cover to the housing, the motor drive device is provided with excellent operability.

[0064] Although the present disclosure has been described in detail, it is not limited to the individual embodiments mentioned above. Various additions, substitutions, modifications, partial deletions, etc., are possible for these embodiments within the scope of the core of the present disclosure or within the scope of the core of the present disclosure derived from the content described in the claims and their equivalents. These embodiments can also be implemented in combination. For example, the sequence of each operation and the sequence of each process are shown as examples in the embodiments mentioned above and are not limited to these. The same applies if numerical values ​​or formulas are used in the description of the embodiments mentioned above.

[0065] The following additional aspects are further disclosed with regard to the embodiment described above and modified examples. (Aspect 1) A motor drive device comprising: an active electrical part; a housing containing the active electrical part and having an opening; a cover attached to the housing and configured to cover the opening of the housing; at least one projection formed on one side of the housing or the cover; and at least one recess formed on the other side of the housing or the cover into which the projection fits, wherein the projection has a first chamfered surface inclined such that a height of the projection decreases along an attachment direction of the projection with respect to the recess, and / or wherein the recess has a chamfered groove inclined such that a depth of the recess decreases along the attachment direction. (Aspect 2) The motor drive device according to aspect 1, wherein at least one of the projection and the recess has a cylindrical shape, and the cover is configured to be rotatable relative to the housing with the projection as the pivot point. (Aspect 3) The motor drive device according to aspect 2, wherein the projection has the first chamfered surface, and the recess has a groove with a width that is less than a diameter of the recess. (Aspect 4) The motor drive device according to aspect 2 or 3, wherein the projection has the first chamfered surface and a second chamfered surface inclined in a different direction than the first chamfered surface. (Aspect 5) The motor drive device according to aspect 2, wherein the motor drive device has at least one convex section formed on one side of the housing or the cover, and at least one concave section formed on the other side of the housing or the cover, and the convex section and the concave section are positioned and configured such that the cover is held in an open state relative to the housing by fitting the convex section into the concave section. (Aspect 6) The motor drive device according to aspect 5, wherein the housing has a groove adjacent to the recess and extends to the outside of the housing. (Aspect 7) The motor drive device according to aspect 1, wherein at least one of the housing or the cover has a notch configured to promote the bending of the housing or the cover. (Aspect 8) The motor drive device according to aspect 2, wherein the housing has a divisible structure consisting of a first housing part and a second housing part, and a gap is formed between the first housing part and the second housing part on a pivot axis of the cover relative to the housing. (Aspect 9) The motor drive device according to aspect 2, wherein the cover has a locking mechanism configured to secure the cover to the housing. (Aspect 10) The motor drive device according to claim 9, wherein the locking mechanism has an elastically deformable U-shaped section and a handle section formed on the U-shaped section and capable of engaging with the housing. (Aspect 11) The motor drive device according to aspect 10, wherein the locking mechanism has a stop configured to restrict the displacement of the handle section generally in the center in a lateral direction perpendicular to an elastic deformation direction of the U-shaped section. (Aspect 12) The motor drive device according to aspect 10, wherein the locking mechanism has stops configured to restrict the displacement of the handle section on both sides in a lateral direction perpendicular to an elastic deformation direction of the U-shaped section. (Aspect 13) The motor drive device according to aspect 9, wherein the locking mechanism is configured to be opened and closed by means of a tool. REFERENCE MARK LIST 2 Engine 10 Motor drive device 12 cases 12h1, 12h2 Housing part 14 Substrat 16 busbar 18 fixed connection 28 lids 32 lead 34 recess 36 Arm 40 beveled groove 42, 46, 48 beveled surface 50 guide groove 52, 62 convex section 54, 56, 60, 61 concave section 58 Nut 64, 66 notch QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

[0000] JP 2018-032719 A

[0003] JP 2019-213419 A

[0003]

Claims

A motor drive device comprising: an active electrical part; a housing containing the active electrical part and having an opening; a cover attached to the housing and configured to cover the opening of the housing; at least one projection formed on one part of the housing or the cover; and at least one recess formed on the other part of the housing or the cover into which the projection fits, wherein the projection has a first chamfered surface inclined such that a height of the projection decreases along an attachment direction of the projection with respect to the recess, and / or wherein the recess has a chamfered groove inclined such that a depth of the recess decreases along the attachment direction. The motor drive device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the projection and the recess has a cylindrical shape, and the cover is configured to be rotatable relative to the housing with the projection as the pivot point. The motor drive device according to claim 2, wherein the projection has the first chamfered surface, and the recess has a groove with a width that is less than a diameter of the recess. The motor drive device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the projection has a first chamfered surface and a second chamfered surface which is inclined in a different direction than the first chamfered surface. The motor drive device according to claim 2, wherein the motor drive device has at least one convex section formed on one of the housing or the cover, and at least one concave section formed on the other of the housing or the cover, and the convex section and the concave section are positioned and configured such that the cover is held in an open state relative to the housing by fitting the convex section into the concave section. The motor drive device according to claim 5, wherein the housing has a groove adjacent to the recess and extending to the outside of the housing. The motor drive device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the housing or the cover has a notch configured to promote the bending of the housing or the cover. The motor drive device according to claim 2, wherein the housing has a divisible structure consisting of a first housing part and a second housing part, and a gap is formed between the first housing part and the second housing part on a pivot axis of the cover relative to the housing. The motor drive device according to claim 2, wherein the locking mechanism has an elastically deformable U-shaped section and a handle section which is formed on the U-shaped section and can be brought into engagement with the housing. Motor drive device according to claim 9, wherein at least one of the housing or cover has a notch configured to promote the bending of the housing or cover. The motor drive device according to claim 10, wherein the locking mechanism has a stop configured to restrict the displacement of the handle section generally in the center in a lateral direction perpendicular to an elastic deformation direction of the U-shaped section. The motor drive device according to claim 10, wherein the locking mechanism has stops configured to restrict the displacement of the handle section on both sides in a lateral direction perpendicular to an elastic deformation direction of the U-shaped section. The motor drive device according to claim 9, wherein the locking mechanism is configured to be opened and closed by means of a tool.

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