Vehicular equipment

Abstract

To provide vehicular equipment to reduce the number of components and improve the miniaturization while ensuring safety.SOLUTION: Since an overlapped portion 40 overlaps with an outer surface 24a of a second cover 24, movement to a direction away from a second opening 21 in the second cover 24 is restricted by the overlapped portion 40 in an overlapping direction relative to the outer surface 24a of the second cover 24 in the overlapped portion 40. Furthermore, a restricting portion 45 restricts movement of the second cover 24 in a direction other than the overlapping direction relative to the outer surface 24a of the second cover 24 in the overlapped portion 40 in a state where fastening of a second housing 14 in a second fastening member 25 is released. Therefore, even if fastening of the second housing 14 in the second fastening member 25 is released, the second cover 24 cannot be removed from the second housing 14 unless a first cover 22 is removed from a first housing 13.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to vehicle equipment. [Background technology]

[0002] The vehicle device includes a motor, an inverter, a first housing, and a second housing. The inverter drives the motor. The first housing houses one of the motor and the inverter. The second housing houses the other of the motor and the inverter. Here, a worker may need to insert his or her hand into the inside of the first housing or the second housing from the outside to perform maintenance on the motor or the inverter. Therefore, the first housing may have a first opening that opens to the outside, and the second housing may have a second opening that opens to the outside. In such a case, the vehicle device includes a first cover, a first fastening member, a second cover, and a second fastening member. The first cover closes the first opening. The first fastening member removably fastens the first cover to the first housing. The second cover closes the second opening. The second fastening member removably fastens the second cover to the second housing.

[0003] For example, when a worker needs to reach inside the first housing from the outside to perform work, he or she releases the first cover from being fastened to the first housing by the first fastening member and removes the first cover from the first housing. This allows the worker to reach inside the first housing through the first opening. Also, when a worker needs to reach inside the second housing from the outside to perform work, he or she releases the second cover from being fastened to the second housing by the second fastening member and removes the second cover from the second housing. This allows the worker to reach inside the second housing through the second opening.

[0004] Here, when a worker inserts his or her hand into the first housing through the first opening or inserts his or her hand into the second housing through the second opening, the power supply to the inverter must be cut off to ensure safety. Therefore, such vehicle equipment employs an interlock mechanism, such as that described in Patent Document 1. The vehicle equipment may include an interlock mechanism that is interlocked with a first cover being attached to or detached from the first housing, and an interlock mechanism that is interlocked with a second cover being attached to or detached from the second housing. The interlock mechanism that is interlocked with a first cover being attached to or detached from the first housing cuts off the power supply to the inverter when the first cover is released from being fastened to the first housing by the first fastening member and the first cover is removed from the first housing. The interlock mechanism that is interlocked with a second cover being attached to or detached from the second housing cuts off the power supply to the inverter when the second cover is released from being fastened to the second housing by the second fastening member and the second cover is removed from the second housing. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-113486 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, in a vehicle device equipped with two interlock mechanisms, the number of parts increases and the size of the vehicle device increases. Therefore, it is conceivable to provide the vehicle device with only an interlock mechanism that is linked to the detachment state of the first cover relative to the first housing. However, there is a possibility that the second cover may be detached from the second housing even though the first cover has not been detached from the first housing. This may result in a worker inserting their hand into the second housing through the second opening and performing work while the power supply to the inverter is still being cut off. Therefore, it is desirable to reduce the number of parts and to miniaturize the vehicle device while ensuring safety. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The vehicle equipment that solves the above problem includes a motor, an inverter that drives the motor, a first housing that houses one of the motor and the inverter and has a first opening that is open to the outside, a second housing that houses the other of the motor and the inverter and has a second opening that is open to the outside, a first cover that closes the first opening, a first fastening member that detachably fastens the first cover to the first housing, a second cover that closes the second opening, a second fastening member that detachably fastens the second cover to the second housing, and a first housing fastening member that fastens the first cover to the first housing. and an interlock mechanism that interlocks with the detached state of the first cover relative to the first housing, and the interlock mechanism is a vehicle device that cuts off the supply of power to the inverter when the fastening of the first cover to the first housing by the first fastening member is released and the first cover is removed from the first housing, and is equipped with an overlapping portion that is provided on the first cover and overlaps the outer surface of the second cover, and a regulating portion that regulates movement of the second cover in directions other than the overlapping direction with respect to the outer surface at the overlapping portion when the fastening of the second fastening member to the second housing is released.

[0008] According to this, because the overlapping portion overlaps the outer surface of the second cover, movement of the second cover in a direction away from the second opening in the overlapping direction of the second cover relative to the outer surface of the second cover at the overlapping portion is restricted by the overlapping portion. Furthermore, the restricting portion restricts movement of the second cover in a direction other than the overlapping direction of the second cover relative to the outer surface of the second cover at the overlapping portion when the second fastening member is released from fastening to the second housing. Therefore, even if the second fastening member is released from fastening to the second housing, the second cover cannot be removed from the second housing unless the first cover is removed from the first housing. Therefore, the second cover will not be removed from the second housing even if the first cover has not been removed from the first housing. Therefore, when removing the second cover from the second housing, it is necessary to first remove the first cover from the first housing, and the interlock mechanism cuts off the supply of power to the inverter before the second cover is removed from the second housing. The second cover is then removed from the second housing after the interlock mechanism has cut off the supply of power to the inverter. This avoids the problem of an operator inserting their hand into the second housing through the second opening to perform work while the supply of power to the inverter is still on. The vehicle equipment does not have an interlock mechanism that operates in conjunction with the attachment / detachment state of the second cover relative to the second housing. This allows for a reduction in the number of parts and a reduction in the size of the vehicle equipment. As a result, the number of parts can be reduced and the vehicle equipment can be made more compact while ensuring safety.

[0009] In the above vehicle device, the restricting portion may include a protrusion that protrudes from the second housing. Such a protrusion is suitable for forming a restricting portion that restricts movement of the second cover in directions other than the overlapping direction relative to the outer surface of the second cover at the overlapping portion when the second fastening member is released from fastening to the second housing.

[0010] In the above vehicle equipment, the restricting portion may include a rib formed by bending an edge portion of the first cover. Such a rib is suitable for forming a restricting portion that restricts movement of the second cover in directions other than the overlapping direction relative to the outer surface of the second cover at the overlapping portion when the second fastening member is released from fastening to the second housing.

[0011] In the above-mentioned vehicle equipment, the outer surface may have a first outer surface and a second outer surface located closer to the second opening than the first outer surface, and the overlapping portion may overlap the second outer surface while being located closer to the second opening than the first outer surface.

[0012] This makes it possible to reduce the amount of protrusion of the overlapping portion from the first outer surface, thereby further reducing the size of the vehicle device. In the above vehicle device, the restricting portion may be provided on the outer surface and include a recess that houses the overlapping portion, and the second outer surface may be a bottom surface of the recess.

[0013] This is advantageous in that the recessed portion accommodates the overlapping portion, thereby forming a restricting portion that restricts movement of the second cover in a direction other than the overlapping direction relative to the outer surface of the second cover at the overlapping portion, thereby enabling the restricting portion to be formed while miniaturizing the vehicle device.

[0014] In the above-mentioned vehicle equipment, if the direction in which the first cover and the second cover are adjacent to each other when the second cover is viewed in a plane is defined as a first direction, and the direction perpendicular to the first direction when the second cover is viewed in a plane is defined as a second direction, the protrusions may include a first protrusion and a second protrusion that are respectively positioned at positions that sandwich the second cover in the second direction, and a third protrusion that is positioned on the opposite side of the second cover from the first cover in the first direction.

[0015] According to this, the first protrusion and the second protrusion can restrict movement of the second cover in the second direction. Furthermore, the third protrusion can restrict movement of the second cover in the first direction, that is, in a direction away from the first cover. In this way, the first protrusion, the second protrusion, and the third protrusion can restrict movement of the second cover in directions other than the overlapping direction relative to the outer surface of the second cover at the overlapping portion.

[0016] In the above-mentioned vehicle equipment, the first protrusion and the second protrusion may have a first opposing portion that faces the second cover in the first direction and a second opposing portion that faces the second cover in the second direction.

[0017] With this, the second cover abuts against the first opposing portion, thereby restricting movement of the second cover in the first direction, and the second cover abuts against the second opposing portion, thereby restricting movement of the second cover in the second direction.

[0018] In the above vehicle equipment, the interlock mechanism may be interlocked with a detached state of the first cover, which closes the first opening of the first housing that accommodates the inverter, relative to the first housing.

[0019] This allows the interlock mechanism to be located as close as possible to the inverter, thereby simplifying the routing of the wiring that electrically connects the interlock mechanism and the inverter. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the number of parts and to reduce the size of the vehicle equipment while reliably ensuring safety. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a vehicle device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating the vehicle equipment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the interlock mechanism. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the interlock mechanism. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a part of the vehicle equipment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a front view showing a part of the vehicle equipment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] An embodiment of a vehicle device will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 6. The vehicle device of this embodiment is an electric compressor. <Overview of vehicle equipment> As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the vehicle device 10 includes a motor 11, an inverter 12, a first housing 13, and a second housing 14. The first housing 13 is cylindrical. The first housing 13 is made of a metal material. The first housing 13 is made of aluminum, for example. The first housing 13 houses the inverter 12. The second housing 14 is cylindrical. The second housing 14 is made of a metal material. The second housing 14 is made of aluminum, for example. The second housing 14 houses the motor 11.

[0023] The first housing 13 has a first surface 13a. The first surface 13a is a flat surface. The first surface 13a is a part of the outer surface of the first housing 13. The second housing 14 has a second surface 14a. The second surface 14a is a flat surface. The second surface 14a is a part of the outer surface of the second housing 14. The first housing 13 and the second housing 14 are connected to each other with the first surface 13a and the second surface 14a facing in the same direction. The first surface 13a and the second surface 14a are located on the same plane.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 2 , the vehicle device 10 includes a rotating shaft 15. The rotating shaft 15 is accommodated in the second housing 14. The rotating shaft 15 is rotatably supported by the second housing 14. The vehicle device 10 includes a compression unit 16. The compression unit 16 is accommodated in the second housing 14.

[0025] The motor 11 rotates the rotary shaft 15. The compression unit 16 is driven by the rotation of the rotary shaft 15. The compression unit 16 compresses the fluid. The compression unit 16 is an impeller connected to a first end of the rotary shaft 15. Therefore, the vehicle device 10 of this embodiment is a centrifugal electric compressor.

[0026] 1, the inverter 12 and the motor 11 are electrically connected by a connection line 17. The inverter 12 includes, for example, a switching element that performs a switching operation to drive the motor 11, a filter element that reduces noise, etc. The inverter 12 also includes, for example, a control circuit that controls the switching operation of the switching element.

[0027] The inverter 12 is driven by power from the vehicle-side low-voltage battery 18. A control circuit of the inverter 12 controls the switching operation of the switching elements based on control signals from the vehicle ECU. In this way, the inverter 12 is driven based on control signals from the vehicle ECU. The inverter 12 converts DC power from the vehicle-side high-voltage battery 19 into AC power through the switching operation of the switching elements. The AC power is then supplied to the motor 11 via a connection line 17, thereby driving the motor 11. In this way, the inverter 12 converts DC power into AC power and supplies it to the motor 11, thereby driving the motor 11.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 2, a first opening 20 that opens to the outside is formed in the first surface 13a of the first housing 13. Therefore, the first housing 13 has the first opening 20. The first opening 20 is a through hole formed in the first housing 13. A first end of the first opening 20 opens to the outside of the first housing 13. A second end of the first opening 20 opens to the inside of the first housing 13. The first opening 20 is, for example, a rectangular hole. The first opening 20 is formed in a position in the first housing 13 that overlaps with the inverter 12. The inverter 12 faces the outside through the first opening 20.

[0029] A second opening 21 that opens to the outside is formed in the second surface 14a of the second housing 14. Therefore, the second housing 14 has the second opening 21. The second opening 21 is a through hole formed in the second housing 14. A first end of the second opening 21 opens to the outside of the second housing 14. A second end of the second opening 21 opens to the inside of the second housing 14. The second opening 21 is, for example, in the shape of a rectangular hole. The second opening 21 is formed in a position in the second housing 14 that overlaps with the motor 11. The motor 11 faces the outside through the second opening 21.

[0030] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the vehicle device 10 includes a first cover 22 and first fastening members 23. The first cover 22 is plate-shaped. The first cover 22 is, for example, a rectangular plate-shaped. The first cover 22 is fastened to the first surface 13a of the first housing 13 while closing the first opening 20. Therefore, the first cover 22 closes the first opening 20. The first cover 22 is detachably fastened to the first surface 13a of the first housing 13 by a plurality of first fastening members 23. Therefore, the first fastening members 23 detachably fasten the first cover 22 to the first housing 13. The first fastening members 23 are bolts. Each first fastening member 23 is threaded through the first cover 22 and into the first housing 13.

[0031] The vehicle device 10 includes a second cover 24 and second fastening members 25. The second cover 24 is plate-shaped. The second cover 24 is, for example, rectangular plate-shaped. The second cover 24 is fastened to the second surface 14a of the second housing 14 while closing the second opening 21. Therefore, the second cover 24 closes the second opening 21. The second cover 24 is detachably fastened to the second surface 14a of the second housing 14 by a plurality of second fastening members 25. Therefore, the second fastening members 25 detachably fasten the second cover 24 to the second housing 14. The second fastening members 25 are bolts. Each second fastening member 25 penetrates the second cover 24 and is screwed into the second housing 14. The thickness of the second cover 24 is greater than the thickness of the first cover 22.

[0032] 2, when the second cover 24 is viewed in a plane, the second cover 24 is adjacent to the first cover 22. In the following description, the direction in which the first cover 22 and the second cover 24 are adjacent to each other when the second cover 24 is viewed in a plane may be referred to as a first direction X1, and the direction perpendicular to the first direction X1 when the second cover 24 is viewed in a plane may be referred to as a second direction X2.

[0033] <Interlock mechanism> 1, the vehicle device 10 includes an interlock mechanism 30. The interlock mechanism 30 is provided inside the first housing 13. The vehicle device 10 includes only one interlock mechanism 30.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 3, the interlock mechanism 30 includes a connecting member 31, a male connector 32, a female connector 33, two harnesses 34, a resin part 35, and a board-connecting connector 36. The connecting member 31 includes a first connecting portion 31a and a second connecting portion 31b. The first connecting portion 31a is plate-shaped. The first connecting portion 31a is fixed to the inner surface of the first cover 22. The second connecting portion 31b is column-shaped. A first end of the second connecting portion 31b is connected to the first connecting portion 31a. A second end of the second connecting portion 31b is connected to the male connector 32. Therefore, the connecting member 31 connects the first cover 22 and the male connector 32.

[0035] The male connector 32 is configured to be connectable to the female connector 33. The male connector 32 is provided integrally with the first cover 22 via a connecting member 31. The female connector 33 is cylindrical. The female connector 33 is integrated with a resin part 35. The resin part 35 is fixed to the first housing 13.

[0036] A first end of each harness 34 penetrates the resin part 35 and is positioned inside the female connector 33. When the male connector 32 is connected to the female connector 33, the first ends of the harnesses 34 are electrically connected to each other via the male connector 32. A second end of each harness 34 is electrically connected to a board-connecting connector 36. The board-connecting connector 36 is mounted on the board of the inverter 12. Therefore, the board-connecting connector 36 is electrically connected to the inverter 12.

[0037] When the male connector 32 is connected to the female connector 33, the interlock mechanism 30 forms a closed loop circuit 37 with the harnesses 34, the male connector 32, the board-connecting connector 36, and the inverter 12. When the closed loop circuit 37 is formed by the interlock mechanism 30, the supply of power to the inverter 12 is permitted. Specifically, when the closed loop circuit 37 is formed by the interlock mechanism 30, the supply of power from the vehicle-side low-voltage battery 18 to the inverter 12 and the supply of DC power from the vehicle-side high-voltage battery 19 to the inverter 12 are permitted.

[0038] 4, when the male connector 32 is disconnected from the female connector 33, a closed loop circuit 37 is no longer formed by the harnesses 34, the male connector 32, the board-connecting connector 36, and the inverter 12. When the closed loop circuit 37 is not formed by the interlock mechanism 30, the supply of power to the inverter 12 is cut off. Specifically, when the closed loop circuit 37 is not formed by the interlock mechanism 30, the supply of power from the vehicle-side low-voltage battery 18 to the inverter 12 and the supply of DC power from the vehicle-side high-voltage battery 19 to the inverter 12 are cut off.

[0039] The connection of the male connector 32 to the female connector 33 and the disconnection of the male connector 32 from the female connector 33 are linked to the attachment and detachment of the first cover 22 to the first housing 13. Therefore, the interlock mechanism 30 is linked to the attachment and detachment state of the first cover 22 to the first housing 13. Therefore, the interlock mechanism 30 is linked to the attachment and detachment state of the first cover 22, which closes the first opening 20 of the first housing 13 that accommodates the inverter 12, to the first housing 13. The interlock mechanism 30 cuts off the supply of power to the inverter 12 when the fastening of the first cover 22 to the first housing 13 by the first fastening members 23 is released and the first cover 22 is removed from the first housing 13.

[0040] In this way, the vehicle device 10 only includes the interlock mechanism 30 that is interlocked with the attachment / detachment state of the first cover 22 relative to the first housing 13. Therefore, the vehicle device 10 does not include the interlock mechanism 30 that is interlocked with the attachment / detachment state of the second cover 24 relative to the second housing 14.

[0041] <Overlapping part> 5 and 6, the vehicle device 10 includes an overlapping portion 40. The overlapping portion 40 is provided on the first cover 22. The overlapping portion 40 stands upright from the edge of the first cover 22.

[0042] The overlapping portion 40 has an upright piece 41 and a bent piece 42. The upright piece 41 is in the shape of an elongated plate. The upright piece 41 stands up from a part of the edge of the first cover 22 adjacent to the second cover 24 in the first direction X1. The longitudinal direction of the upright piece 41 coincides with the second direction X2. The lateral direction of the upright piece 41 coincides with the direction in which the upright piece 41 stands from the edge of the first cover 22. The thickness direction of the upright piece 41 coincides with the first direction X1.

[0043] The bent piece 42 has a long, narrow plate shape. The bent piece 42 is bent from a portion of the standing piece 41 opposite the edge of the first cover 22 so as to extend along the outer surface 24a of the second cover 24. The longitudinal direction of the bent piece 42 coincides with the second direction X2. The lateral direction of the bent piece 42 coincides with the first direction X1. The thickness direction of the bent piece 42 coincides with the direction in which the standing piece 41 rises from the edge of the first cover 22.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 6, the outer surface 24a of the second cover 24 has a first outer surface 241a and a second outer surface 242a. The second outer surface 242a is located closer to the second opening 21 than the first outer surface 241a in the thickness direction of the second cover 24. The second cover 24 has a recess 43 in the second outer surface 242a that is recessed more than the first outer surface 241a. The second outer surface 242a is the bottom surface of the recess 43. The second outer surface 242a is continuous with a portion of the edge of the second cover 24 adjacent to the first cover 22 in the first direction X1. The second cover 24 is disposed with respect to the first cover 22 so that the second outer surface 242a is located in a position corresponding to the overlapping portion 40 in the first direction X1.

[0045] The bent piece 42 of the overlapping portion 40 overlaps the second outer surface 242a while being positioned closer to the second opening 21 in the thickness direction of the second cover 24 than the first outer surface 241a. In this way, the overlapping portion 40 overlaps the second outer surface 242a while being positioned closer to the second opening 21 in the thickness direction of the second cover 24 than the first outer surface 241a. The overlapping portion 40 is positioned within the recess 43 of the second cover 24 and is housed in the recess 43. Therefore, the overlapping portion 40 overlaps the outer surface 24a of the second cover 24. The bent piece 42 does not protrude further in the thickness direction of the second cover 24 than the first outer surface 241a.

[0046] The overlapping portion 40 overlaps the second outer surface 242a in the thickness direction of the second cover 24. The overlapping direction of the overlapping portion 40 with respect to the second outer surface 242a coincides with the thickness direction of the second cover 24. The overlapping direction of the overlapping portion 40 with respect to the second outer surface 242a also coincides with the thickness direction of the first cover 22.

[0047] <Regulation Department> The vehicle device 10 includes a restricting portion 45. The restricting portion 45 includes a protrusion 50 protruding from the second housing 14. The protrusion 50 includes a first protrusion 51, a second protrusion 52, and a third protrusion 53.

[0048] In a plan view of the second cover 24, the first protrusion 51 and the second protrusion 52 protrude from portions of the second housing 14 that sandwich the second cover 24 in the second direction X2. Therefore, the first protrusion 51 and the second protrusion 52 are each disposed at positions that sandwich the second cover 24 in the second direction X2. The first protrusion 51 and the second protrusion 52 are each disposed at positions that sandwich the second cover 24 in the second direction X2 and are positioned closer to the first cover 22. The first protrusion 51 and the second protrusion 52 are block-shaped.

[0049] The second cover 24 has a first extending edge 61 and a second extending edge 62. The first extending edge 61 is a part of one of both side edges of the second cover 24 located in the second direction X2, and is a part located at the end on the first cover 22 side. The second extending edge 62 is a part of the other of both side edges of the second cover 24 located in the second direction X2, and is a part located at the end on the first cover 22 side.

[0050] The first extending edge 61 and the second extending edge 62 each have a first edge 63 and a second edge 64. The first edges 63 extend in a direction intersecting the first direction X1 and the second direction X2. The second edges 64 extend parallel to each other in the first direction X1. The second edges 64 extend parallel to each other in the first direction X1 from an edge of the second cover 24 that is located on the first cover 22 side in the first direction X1. The first edges 63 extend in directions away from each other from an end of the second edges 64 opposite the edge of the first cover 22.

[0051] The first protrusion 51 and the second protrusion 52 have a first opposing portion 71 and a second opposing portion 72. The first opposing portion 71 of the first protrusion 51 extends along the first edge 63 of the first extending edge 61. The first opposing portion 71 of the first protrusion 51 faces the first edge 63 of the first extending edge 61 in the first direction X1. Therefore, the first opposing portion 71 of the first protrusion 51 faces the second cover 24 in the first direction X1. The second opposing portion 72 of the first protrusion 51 extends along the second edge 64 of the first extending edge 61. The second opposing portion 72 of the first protrusion 51 faces the second edge 64 of the first extending edge 61 in the second direction X2. Therefore, the second opposing portion 72 of the first protrusion 51 faces the second cover 24 in the second direction X2.

[0052] The first opposing portion 71 of the second protrusion 52 extends along the first edge 63 of the second extending edge 62. The first opposing portion 71 of the second protrusion 52 faces the first edge 63 of the second extending edge 62 in the first direction X1. Therefore, the first opposing portion 71 of the second protrusion 52 faces the second cover 24 in the first direction X1. The second opposing portion 72 of the second protrusion 52 extends along the second edge 64 of the second extending edge 62. The second opposing portion 72 of the second protrusion 52 faces the second edge 64 of the second extending edge 62 in the second direction X2. Therefore, the second opposing portion 72 of the second protrusion 52 faces the second cover 24 in the second direction X2.

[0053] The third protrusion 53 protrudes from a portion of the second housing 14 that is adjacent to the second cover 24 on the opposite side of the first cover 22 in the first direction X1 with respect to the second cover 24 in a plan view of the second cover 24, and that corresponds to the central portion of the second cover 24 in the second direction X2. Therefore, the third protrusion 53 is disposed on the opposite side of the second cover 24 from the first cover 22 in the first direction X1. The third protrusion 53 is block-shaped.

[0054] The restricting portion 45 includes a rib 73. The rib 73 is formed by bending an edge portion of the first cover 22. The first cover 22 has a plurality of ribs 73. Each rib 73 is formed by bending an edge portion of the first cover 22 in a direction away from the first housing 13. One of the plurality of ribs 73 is adjacent to the second cover 24 in the first direction X1. The rib 73 adjacent to the second cover 24 in the first direction X1 is continuous with the overlapping portion 40.

[0055] The restricting portion 45 includes a recess 43 and a bent piece 42. The bent piece 42 is fitted into the recess 43. The restricting portion 45 is provided on the outer surface 24a and includes the recess 43 that accommodates the overlapping portion 40.

[0056] [Operation of the embodiment] Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. In such vehicle equipment 10, a worker may need to reach inside the first housing 13 or the second housing 14 from the outside to perform work, such as maintenance on the motor 11 or the inverter 12. In this case, the worker first releases the fastening of the first cover 22 to the first housing 13 by the first fastening members 23, and removes the first cover 22 from the first housing 13. Then, the interlock mechanism 30 cuts off the supply of power to the inverter 12. This allows the worker to reach inside the first housing 13 through the first opening 20 to perform work while ensuring safety.

[0057] Furthermore, with first cover 22 removed from first housing 13, the worker releases the fastening of second cover 24 to second housing 14 by each second fastening member 25, and removes second cover 24 from second housing 14. This allows the worker to insert their hands into second housing 14 through second opening 21 to perform work while ensuring safety.

[0058] Now, suppose that an operator attempts to remove the second cover 24 from the second housing 14 by releasing the fastening of the second fastening member 25 to the second housing 14, even though the first cover 22 has not been removed from the first housing 13. At this time, the overlapping portion 40 overlaps the second outer surface 242a of the second cover 24. Therefore, the overlapping portion 40 restricts movement of the second cover 24 in a direction away from the second opening 21 in the overlapping direction of the overlapping portion 40 relative to the outer surface 24a of the second cover 24.

[0059] Furthermore, the second cover 24 abuts against the first opposing portion 71 of the first protrusion 51 and the first opposing portion 71 of the second protrusion 52, thereby restricting movement of the second cover 24 in the first direction X1 and in the direction toward the first cover 22. The second cover 24 abuts against the second opposing portion 72 of the first protrusion 51 and the second opposing portion 72 of the second protrusion 52, thereby restricting movement of the second cover 24 in the second direction X2.

[0060] The second cover 24 abutting against the third protrusion 53 restricts movement of the second cover 24 in the first direction X1, in the direction away from the first cover 22. The second cover 24 abutting against the rib 73 restricts movement of the second cover 24 in the first direction X1, in the direction toward the first cover 22. In this manner, the restricting portion 45 restricts movement of the second cover 24 in directions other than the overlapping direction with respect to the outer surface 24a of the second cover 24 at the overlapping portion 40, when the second fastening member 25 is released from the second housing 14. The recess 43 of the second cover 24 is fitted into the bent piece 42, restricting movement of the second cover 24 in the second direction X2 and restricting movement of the second cover 24 in the first direction X1, in the direction toward the first cover 22.

[0061] [Effects of the embodiment] The above embodiment can provide the following effects. (1) Because the overlapping portion 40 overlaps the outer surface 24a of the second cover 24, the overlapping portion 40 restricts movement of the second cover 24 in a direction away from the second opening 21 in the overlapping direction of the overlapping portion 40 relative to the outer surface 24a of the second cover 24. Furthermore, the restricting portion 45 restricts movement of the second cover 24 in a direction other than the overlapping direction of the overlapping portion 40 relative to the outer surface 24a of the second cover 24 when the fastening of the second fastening member 25 to the second housing 14 is released. Therefore, even if the fastening of the second fastening member 25 to the second housing 14 is released, the second cover 24 cannot be removed from the second housing 14 unless the first cover 22 is removed from the first housing 13. Therefore, the second cover 24 will not be removed from the second housing 14 even if the first cover 22 is not removed from the first housing 13. Therefore, when removing the second cover 24 from the second housing 14, it is necessary to first remove the first cover 22 from the first housing 13. Therefore, before the second cover 24 is removed from the second housing 14, the interlock mechanism 30 cuts off the power supply to the inverter 12. Then, after the interlock mechanism 30 cuts off the power supply to the inverter 12, the second cover 24 is removed from the second housing 14. This avoids the problem of an operator inserting their hand into the second housing 14 through the second opening 21 to perform work while the power supply to the inverter 12 is still being cut off. Furthermore, the vehicle device 10 does not include the interlock mechanism 30 that is linked to the attachment / detachment state of the second cover 24 relative to the second housing 14. This allows for a reduction in the number of parts and a reduction in the size of the vehicle device 10, while ensuring safety.

[0062] (2) The restricting portion 45 includes a protrusion 50 that protrudes from the second housing 14. Such a protrusion 50 is suitable for configuring the restricting portion 45 that restricts movement of the second cover 24 in directions other than the overlapping direction of the second cover 24 relative to the outer surface 24a of the second cover 24 at the overlapping portion 40 when the second fastening member 25 is released from the second housing 14.

[0063] (3) The restricting portion 45 includes a rib 73 formed by bending an edge portion of the first cover 22. Such a rib 73 is suitable for configuring the restricting portion 45 that restricts movement of the second cover 24 in directions other than the overlapping direction relative to the outer surface 24a of the second cover 24 at the overlapping portion 40 when the second fastening member 25 is released from the second housing 14.

[0064] (4) The overlapping portion 40 overlaps the second outer surface 242a while being positioned closer to the second opening 21 than the first outer surface 241a. This reduces the amount of protrusion of the overlapping portion 40 from the first outer surface 241a. This allows the vehicle device 10 to be further miniaturized.

[0065] (5) The restricting portion 45 includes the bent piece 42 and the recessed portion 43 of the overlapping portion 40. By fitting the bent piece 42 into the recessed portion 43, movement of the second cover 24 in the second direction X2 is restricted, and movement of the second cover 24 in the first direction X1, that is, in a direction approaching the first cover 22, is restricted. By fitting the bent piece 42 into the recessed portion 43, it is possible to form the restricting portion 45 that restricts movement of the second cover 24 in directions other than the overlapping direction relative to the outer surface 24a of the second cover 24 at the overlapping portion 40. Therefore, the restricting portion 45 can be formed while miniaturizing the vehicle device 10.

[0066] (6) The protrusions 50 include a first protrusion 51 and a second protrusion 52 that are respectively disposed at positions sandwiching the second cover 24 in the second direction X2, and a third protrusion 53 that is disposed on the opposite side of the second cover 24 from the first cover 22 in the first direction X1. As a result, the first protrusion 51 and the second protrusion 52 can restrict movement of the second cover 24 in the second direction X2. Furthermore, the third protrusion 53 can restrict movement of the second cover 24 in the first direction X1, in a direction away from the first cover 22. In this way, the first protrusion 51, the second protrusion 52, and the third protrusion 53 can restrict movement of the second cover 24 in directions other than the overlapping direction relative to the outer surface 24a of the second cover 24 at the overlapping portion 40.

[0067] (7) The first protrusion 51 and the second protrusion 52 have a first opposing portion 71 that faces the second cover 24 in the first direction X1 and a second opposing portion 72 that faces the second cover 24 in the second direction X2. As a result, the second cover 24 abuts against the first opposing portion 71, thereby restricting movement of the second cover 24 in the first direction X1. Furthermore, the second cover 24 abuts against the second opposing portion 72, thereby restricting movement of the second cover 24 in the second direction X2.

[0068] (8) The interlock mechanism 30 is linked to the attachment / detachment state of the first cover 22, which closes the first opening 20 of the first housing 13 that accommodates the inverter 12, relative to the first housing 13. This allows the interlock mechanism 30 to be located as close as possible to the inverter 12. As a result, it is possible to simplify the routing of the wiring that electrically connects the interlock mechanism 30 and the inverter 12.

[0069] [Example of change] The above embodiment can be modified as follows: The above embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other within the scope of technical compatibility.

[0070] In the embodiment, the restricting portion 45 may include, for example, a protrusion protruding from the second cover 24. In this case, the protrusion protruding from the second cover 24 abuts against the second housing 14, thereby restricting movement of the second cover 24 in directions other than the overlapping direction relative to the outer surface 24a of the second cover 24 at the overlapping portion 40. In this case, the vehicle device 10 may be configured without the protrusion 50 protruding from the second housing 14.

[0071] In the above-described embodiment, the first cover 22 may not have the rib 73. In other words, the restricting portion 45 may not have the rib 73 formed by bending the edge of the first cover 22.

[0072] In the above embodiment, the second cover 24 may have a configuration in which the outer surface 24a of the second cover 24 does not have the second outer surface 242a. The key is that the overlapping portion 40 may overlap the outer surface 24a of the second cover 24.

[0073] In the above embodiment, the protrusions 50 include the first protrusion 51, the second protrusion 52, and the third protrusion 53. However, the shape, number, and position of the protrusions 50 may be changed as long as the protrusions 50 can restrict the movement of the second cover 24.

[0074] In the embodiment, the first protrusion 51 and the second protrusion 52 may not have the first opposing portion 71 that faces the second cover 24 in the first direction X1. In short, the first protrusion 51 and the second protrusion 52 are each disposed at a position that sandwiches the second cover 24 in the second direction X2, and they may restrict movement of the second cover 24 in the second direction X2.

[0075] In the embodiment, the first housing 13 may house the motor 11, and the second housing 14 may house the inverter 12. In short, it is sufficient that the first housing 13 houses one of the motor 11 and the inverter 12, and the second housing 14 houses the other of the motor 11 and the inverter 12. For example, suppose the first housing 13 houses the motor 11, and the second housing 14 houses the inverter 12. In this case, the interlock mechanism 30 is linked to the attachment and detachment state of the first cover 22, which closes the first opening 20 of the first housing 13 that houses the motor 11, with respect to the first housing 13.

[0076] In the above-described embodiment, the first fastening member 23 is not limited to a bolt and may be, for example, a press-fit pin. In short, the first fastening member 23 is not particularly limited as long as it can fasten the first cover 22 to the first housing 13 in a detachable manner.

[0077] In the above embodiment, the second fastening member 25 is not limited to a bolt and may be, for example, a press-fit pin. In short, the second fastening member 25 is not particularly limited as long as it can fasten the second cover 24 to the second housing 14 in a detachable manner.

[0078] In the above-described embodiment, the compression unit 16 is not limited to a centrifugal type, and may be, for example, a scroll type, a piston type, a vane type, or a rotary type. In the above-described embodiment, the vehicle device 10 is not limited to an electric compressor and may be applied to other vehicle devices.

[0079] [Note] The technical ideas that can be understood from the above-described embodiment and modifications will be described below. <Appendix 1> A motor; an inverter that drives the motor; a first housing that accommodates one of the motor and the inverter and has a first opening that opens to the outside; a second housing that accommodates the other of the motor and the inverter and has a second opening that opens to the outside; a first cover that closes the first opening; a first fastening member that detachably fastens the first cover to the first housing; a second cover that closes the second opening; a second fastening member that detachably fastens the second cover to the second housing; an interlock mechanism that is interlocked with a detached state of the first cover relative to the first housing, the interlock mechanism is a vehicle device that cuts off the supply of power to the inverter when the first cover is released from fastening to the first housing by the first fastening member and the first cover is removed from the first housing, an overlapping portion provided on the first cover and overlapping an outer surface of the second cover; and a restricting portion that restricts movement of the second cover in a direction other than the overlapping direction relative to the outer surface at the overlapping portion when the second fastening member is released from the second housing.

[0080] <Appendix 2> The vehicle device according to <Supplementary Note 1>, wherein the restricting portion includes a protrusion that protrudes from the second housing.

[0081] <Appendix 3> The vehicle device according to <Supplementary Note 1> or <Supplementary Note 2>, wherein the restricting portion includes a rib formed by bending an edge portion of the first cover.

[0082] <Appendix 4> The outer surface has a first outer surface and a second outer surface located closer to the second opening than the first outer surface, The vehicle equipment described in any one of <Appendix 1> to <Appendix 3>, characterized in that the overlapping portion overlaps the second outer surface while being positioned closer to the second opening than the first outer surface.

[0083] <Appendix 5> The vehicle equipment described in <Appendix 4> is characterized in that the regulating portion is provided on the outer surface and includes a recess that accommodates the overlapping portion, and the second outer surface is a bottom surface of the recess.

[0084] <Appendix 6> When the second cover is viewed in a plane, a direction in which the first cover and the second cover are adjacent to each other is defined as a first direction, and when the second cover is viewed in a plane, a direction perpendicular to the first direction is defined as a second direction. The protrusion is a first protrusion and a second protrusion respectively disposed at positions sandwiching the second cover in the second direction; and a third protrusion disposed on the opposite side of the second cover from the first cover in the first direction.

[0085] <Appendix 7> The first protrusion and the second protrusion are a first opposing portion opposing the second cover in the first direction; The vehicle device according to <Supplementary Note 6>, further comprising: a second opposing portion that faces the second cover in the second direction.

[0086] <Appendix 8> The vehicle equipment described in any one of <Appendix 1> to <Appendix 7>, characterized in that the interlock mechanism is linked to a detached state of the first cover, which closes the first opening of the first housing that accommodates the inverter, relative to the first housing. [Explanation of symbols]

[0087] 10...vehicle equipment, 11...motor, 12...inverter, 13...first housing, 14...second housing, 20...first opening, 21...second opening, 22...first cover, 23...first fastening member, 24...second cover, 24a...outer surface, 25...second fastening member, 30...interlock mechanism, 40...overlapping portion, 43...recess, 45...regulating portion, 50...protrusion, 51...first protrusion, 52...second protrusion, 53...third protrusion, 71...first opposing portion, 72...second opposing portion, 73...rib, 241a...first outer surface, 242a...second outer surface.

Claims

1. A motor; an inverter that drives the motor; a first housing that houses one of the motor and the inverter and has a first opening that opens to the outside; a second housing that accommodates the other of the motor and the inverter and has a second opening that opens to the outside; a first cover that closes the first opening; a first fastening member that detachably fastens the first cover to the first housing; a second cover that closes the second opening; a second fastening member that detachably fastens the second cover to the second housing; an interlock mechanism that is interlocked with a detached state of the first cover relative to the first housing, the interlock mechanism is a vehicle device that cuts off the supply of power to the inverter when the fastening of the first cover to the first housing by the first fastening member is released and the first cover is removed from the first housing, an overlapping portion provided on the first cover and overlapping an outer surface of the second cover; a restricting portion that restricts movement of the second cover in a direction other than the overlapping direction relative to the outer surface at the overlapping portion when the second fastening member is released from the second housing.

2. The vehicle device according to claim 1 , wherein the restricting portion includes a protrusion that protrudes from the second housing.

3. 3. The vehicle device according to claim 1, wherein the restriction portion includes a rib formed by bending an edge of the first cover.

4. The outer surface is A first outer surface; a second outer surface located closer to the second opening than the first outer surface, 3. The vehicle device according to claim 1, wherein the overlapping portion overlaps the second outer surface in a state where the overlapping portion is positioned closer to the second opening than the first outer surface.

5. The vehicle device according to claim 4, wherein the restricting portion is provided on the outer surface and includes a recess that accommodates the overlapping portion, and the second outer surface is a bottom surface of the recess.

6. When the second cover is viewed in a plane, a direction in which the first cover and the second cover are adjacent to each other is defined as a first direction, and when the second cover is viewed in a plane, a direction perpendicular to the first direction is defined as a second direction. The protrusion is a first protrusion and a second protrusion disposed at positions sandwiching the second cover in the second direction; The vehicle device according to claim 2 , further comprising: a third protrusion disposed on an opposite side of the second cover from the first cover in the first direction.

7. The first protrusion and the second protrusion are a first opposing portion opposing the second cover in the first direction; The vehicle device according to claim 6 , further comprising: a second opposing portion that faces the second cover in the second direction.

8. 3. The vehicle equipment according to claim 1, wherein the interlock mechanism is linked to a detached state of the first cover, which closes the first opening of the first housing that accommodates the inverter, relative to the first housing.

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