motor unit three-dimensional

Abstract

An electric motor assembly is provided that can continuously communicate with an inverter without compromising the sealing of the motor. [Solution] The electric motor assembly comprises a wireless communication device electrically connected to the inverter, and an optional device configured to communicate continuously with the inverter via the wireless communication device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electric motor assembly.

Background Art

[0002] Currently, the demand for energy saving in industrial machinery is increasing, and in motors as well, energy saving through optimal operation is required. As a method for optimizing the operation of a motor, there is a means of controlling the rotational speed of the motor by an inverter.

[0003] Generally, an inverter-integrated motor (in other words, an electric motor assembly) incorporating an inverter is known. Such a motor incorporating an inverter can perform optimal operation based on signals detected by sensors.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In order to perform optimal operation, it is necessary to set desired values required for operation. In this case, an operator often inputs necessary information into the inverter via a device such as a dedicated display or a smartphone. In particular, information (data) may be acquired through sensors, and the operating status of the motor may be monitored for maintenance.

[0006] In order to monitor the operating status of the motor, it is necessary to continuously transmit and receive data to and from the inverter, that is, regardless of day or night. However, it is not practical to continuously acquire data from the inverter through a smartphone, which is a personal possession.

[0007] Furthermore, when electrically connecting a dedicated display unit to the inverter, it is necessary to connect the display unit and the inverter via a communication cable, which is routed to pass through a hole formed in the motor. However, depending on the installation environment, the motor may be placed outdoors or in a humid environment. In such cases, there is a risk that moisture may enter the inside of the motor through the hole formed in the motor.

[0008] These problems can also occur when supplying power to a device. Specifically, when power is supplied to a device through a power cable, moisture may seep into the motor's interior through holes formed in the motor.

[0009] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide an electric motor assembly that can continuously communicate with an inverter without impairing the sealing performance of the motor. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In one embodiment, an electric motor assembly is provided. The electric motor assembly comprises a drive shaft, a rotating element for rotating the drive shaft, an inverter for controlling the operation of the rotating element, a wireless communication device electrically connected to the inverter, and an optional device configured to communicate continuously with the inverter through the wireless communication device.

[0011] In one embodiment, an electric motor assembly is provided. The electric motor assembly comprises a drive shaft, a rotating element that rotates the drive shaft, an inverter that controls the operation of the rotating element, an optional device that is electrically connected to the inverter and configured to communicate continuously with the inverter, and a wireless power supply device that wirelessly supplies power to the optional device.

[0012] In one embodiment, the optional device corresponds to a display device configured to continuously send and receive data with the inverter, or a sensor device configured to transmit a detection signal to the inverter. In one embodiment, the electric motor assembly includes a terminal box having a main body and a lid, attached to the outer surface of a casing housing the rotating element and the inverter, and a device fixing structure fixed to the lid, and the optional device is detachably attached to the terminal box through the device fixing structure, with the lid attached to the main body and independently of the lid. In one embodiment, the device fixing structure is configured to attach the optional device to the terminal box without restricting the mounting direction of the optional device.

[0013] In one embodiment, the device fixing structure is a magnet fixed to the underside of the lid, and the optional device is attached to the lid by the magnetic force of the magnet. In one embodiment, the lid is made of resin. In one embodiment, the terminal box includes a contact structure disposed at the contact portion of the lid with the main body, and a sealing seal that, by the contact structure, tightly attaches the lid to the main body and seals the gap between the lid and the main body. In one embodiment, the terminal box has a positioning portion formed on the surface of the lid portion that determines the mounting position of the optional device, and the positioning portion is arranged to surround the device fixing structure. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the above method, the motor assembly can continuously and electrically connect the inverter and the optional device without impairing the sealing of the motor. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing one embodiment of an electric motor assembly. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of the electric motor assembly. [Figure 3] This diagram shows power cables pulled out in various directions. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing an optional device attached to the terminal box. [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing a display device that displays an image in a fixed direction regardless of the rotation direction of the terminal box. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing various devices arranged inside the terminal box. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing another embodiment of the motor assembly. [Figure 8] It is a diagram showing another embodiment of the motor assembly. [Figure 9] It is a diagram showing a device fixing structure fixed to the terminal box. [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing an optional device attached to the terminal box. [Figure 11] It is a diagram showing a positioning portion for determining the attachment position of the optional device. [Figure 12] It is a diagram showing an optional device attached to the surface of the lid portion by the positioning portion. [Figure 13] It is a diagram showing a structure for attaching the lid portion to the main body portion.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings described below, the same or corresponding components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted. In the following plurality of embodiments, the configuration of one embodiment not particularly described is the same as that of other embodiments, so the redundant description thereof is omitted.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a motor assembly. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the motor assembly shown in FIG. 1. The motor assembly 1 is a mechanical device having an integrated structure with an inverter 20 built therein, and may be called an inverter-integrated motor.

[0018] The electric motor assembly 1 comprises a drive shaft 2, a rotating element 3 that rotates the drive shaft 2, an inverter 20 that controls the operation of the rotating element 3, a casing 10 that houses the rotating element 3 and the inverter 20, and a load-side bracket 11 and a non-load-side bracket 12 that isolate the rotating element 3 housed in the casing 10.

[0019] The rotating element 3 comprises a rotor 4 and a stator 5 that rotate the drive shaft 2. The rotor 4 is fixed to the drive shaft 2. The stator 5 comprises a stator core 5a surrounding the rotor 4 and a plurality of windings (coils) 5b wound around the stator core 5a. The rotor 4 rotates due to the rotating magnetic field formed between the rotor 4 and the stator 5, and the drive shaft 2 to which the rotor 4 is fixed rotates together with the rotor 4.

[0020] The motor assembly 1 includes a bearing 15 supported by the load-side bracket 11 and a bearing 16 supported by the non-load-side bracket 12. These bearings 15 and 16 rotatably support the drive shaft 2.

[0021] The inverter 20 is positioned adjacent to the rotating element 3, and the rotating element 3 and the inverter 20 are arranged in series along the axis CL direction of the drive shaft 2. The inverter 20 is configured to control the operation of the rotating element 3 (more specifically, the rotational speed of the drive shaft 2). Therefore, the inverter 20 can perform optimal control according to individual environments, such as energy-saving operation.

[0022] The motor assembly 1 includes a heat sink 21 that closes the open end of the casing 10, a cooling fan 25 positioned adjacent to the heat sink 21 and fixed to the end of the drive shaft 2, and a fan cover 30 connected to the heat sink 21.

[0023] As the cooling fan 25 rotates with the drive shaft 2, the air surrounding the fan cover 30 is directed to the heatsink 21. The air directed to the heatsink 21 comes into contact with the heatsink 21 and the casing 10, dissipating heat from the inverter 20 and the rotating element 3.

[0024] As shown in Figure 1, the motor assembly 1 includes a terminal box 50 attached to the outer surface of the casing 10, and a power cable CB connected to the inverter 20 through the terminal box 50. The terminal box 50 houses various devices inside. The devices housed inside the terminal box 50 will be described later.

[0025] The terminal box 50 has a box-shaped main body 51 with an opening, and a lid 52 that closes the opening of the main body 51. The power cable CB is connected to the inside of the motor assembly 1 (more specifically, the inverter 20) through a through hole (not shown) formed in the main body 51 of the terminal box 50. The power flowing through the power cable CB is supplied to the rotating element 3 through the inverter 20. The rotating element 3 rotates the drive shaft 2 with the supplied power.

[0026] Figure 3 shows power cables routed in various directions. Depending on the installation environment of the motor assembly 1, it may be necessary to route the power cable CB in various directions. Furthermore, the motor assembly 1 may be positioned horizontally or vertically. Therefore, as shown in Figure 3, the power cable CB can be routed in various directions by rotating the terminal box 50 to suit the installation location of the motor assembly 1.

[0027] The motor assembly 1 is equipped with an optional device DV mounted on the surface of the lid 52 of the terminal box 50 (see Figure 1). The optional device DV corresponds to a display device configured to continuously send and receive data with the inverter 20, or a sensor device (e.g., a vibration sensor, a temperature sensor, etc.) configured to send detection signals to the inverter 20. The following describes the problems that arise when the terminal box 50 is rotated, assuming that the optional device DV is a display device.

[0028] Figure 4 shows an optional device mounted on the terminal box. In Figure 4, "A" indicates the orientation of the image displayed on the display device. To improve the operability and visibility of the motor assembly 1, it is desirable to mount the display device on the terminal box 50 so that "A" is oriented vertically (see "A" drawn on the far left of Figure 4).

[0029] On the other hand, if the terminal box 50 is rotated to account for the direction in which the power cable CB is routed, the display direction of the image on the display device becomes dependent on the rotation direction of the terminal box 50 (see "A" except for the "A" drawn on the far left of Figure 4). In this case, the operability and visibility of the display device are significantly reduced.

[0030] While devices exist that correct the image orientation to a specific direction according to the rotation direction (e.g., a smartphone), it is not practical to continuously connect a smartphone to the inverter 20. In particular, depending on the installation environment of the motor assembly 1, it may not be possible to bring in external communication devices such as smartphones. In such cases, a smartphone cannot be used, and as a result, it becomes difficult to continuously monitor the operating status of the motor assembly 1.

[0031] Furthermore, in order to continuously monitor the operating status of the motor assembly 1, the display device and the inverter 20 need to be connected by cables (e.g., power cables and communication cables). However, if through holes are formed in the casing 10 to allow the cables to pass through, there is a risk that moisture may enter the inside of the motor assembly 1 through the through holes. Therefore, in this embodiment, the motor assembly 1 is configured to communicate continuously between the optional device DV (i.e., the display device and sensor device) and the inverter 20 without compromising its airtightness.

[0032] Figure 5 shows a display device that displays an image in a constant direction regardless of the rotation direction of the terminal box. According to this embodiment, the display device is configured to rotate freely regardless of the rotation direction of the terminal box 50. With this configuration, the display device can maintain a constant image display direction. As a result, the operator can communicate with the inverter 20 via the display device without reducing the operability or visibility of the display device.

[0033] Figure 6 shows various devices arranged inside the terminal box. As shown in Figure 6, the motor assembly 1 includes a wireless communication device 100, an I / O board 101, and a wireless power supply device 102. These wireless communication device 100, I / O board 101, and wireless power supply device 102 are arranged inside the terminal box 50.

[0034] The I / O board 101 is electrically connected to the wireless communication device 100, the wireless power supply device 102, and the inverter 20, and is configured to convert signals between the wireless communication device 100, the wireless power supply device 102, and the inverter 20. The I / O board 101 is configured to convert digital signals to analog signals with the wireless communication device 100 and to adjust the voltage and current supplied to the wireless power supply device 102.

[0035] The optional device DV is electrically connected to the wireless communication device 100 and the wireless power supply device 102. The wireless communication device 100 is configured to communicate between the optional device DV and the inverter 20. The wireless power supply device 102 is configured to wirelessly supply power from the inverter 20 to the optional device DV.

[0036] The motor assembly 1 includes a device fixing structure 200 fixed to the cover portion 52. In this embodiment, the optional device DV is attached to the terminal box 50 independently of the cover portion 52, via the device fixing structure 200, with the cover portion 52 attached to the main body portion 51.

[0037] In the embodiment shown in Figure 6, the device fixing structure 200 is a magnet 110 fixed to the back surface of the lid 52. The magnet 110 is arranged around the wireless power supply device 102. The optional device DV is attached to the surface of the lid 52 by the magnetic force of the magnet 110. The surface of the lid 52 is a flat surface free from obstacles that would hinder the rotation of the optional device DV. Therefore, the device fixing structure 200 attaches the optional device DV to the terminal box 50 without restricting the mounting direction of the optional device DV.

[0038] As shown in Figure 6, power from the inverter 20 is supplied to the wireless communication device 100 and the wireless power supply device 102 via the I / O board 101, and further supplied to the optional device DV via the wireless power supply device 102. By continuously supplying power from the wireless power supply device 102 to the optional device DV, the inverter 20 and the optional device DV can be continuously connected.

[0039] Signals from the optional device DV are transmitted to the inverter 20 via the wireless communication device 100 and the I / O board 101. Signals from the inverter 20 are transmitted to the optional device DV (particularly the display device) via the I / O board 101 and the wireless communication device 100. With this configuration, the inverter 20 and the optional device DV are connected contactlessly, continuously, and electrically.

[0040] According to this embodiment, there is no need to form through holes for dedicated cables (power cables, communication cables), and the sealing performance of the motor assembly 1 (especially the terminal box 50) can be improved. As a result, the motor assembly 1 can continuously and electrically connect the inverter 20 and the optional device DV without compromising its sealing performance.

[0041] To ensure more reliable communication between the inverter 20 and the optional device DV, it is desirable that the cover 52 be made of resin. By making the cover 52 out of resin, the wireless communication device 100 can reduce the influence of the cover 52 as a shielding object, thereby achieving more reliable communication between the inverter 20 and the optional device DV.

[0042] If the entire terminal box 50 were constructed from resin, the ambient temperature inside the terminal box 50 could exceed the upper limit temperature of the device placed inside. By constructing the lid 52 from resin and the main body 51 from metal, the cooling performance of the terminal box 50 can be maintained.

[0043] Figure 7 shows another embodiment of the motor assembly. If the optional device DV described with reference to Figures 1 to 6 is defined as the first optional device DV1, the motor assembly 1 may include not only the first optional device DV1 but also the second optional device DV2.

[0044] In the embodiment shown in Figure 7, the second optional device DV2 is positioned above the first optional device DV1. In other words, the first optional device DV1 and the second optional device DV2 are positioned to overlap vertically.

[0045] The wireless communication device 100 is electrically connected not only to the first optional device DV1 but also to the second optional device DV2. Therefore, both the first optional device DV1 and the second optional device DV2 can communicate with the inverter 20 through the wireless communication device 100.

[0046] In the embodiment shown in Figure 7, the first optional device DV1 is located inside the device box 111. The device box 111 is attached to the terminal box 50 by the device fixing structure 200. In this embodiment, the device fixing structure 200 includes a retainer (for example, a suction cup, a groove, or Velcro®) 120 fixed to the surface of the lid 52, instead of a magnet 110 (see Figure 6). Although not shown, in the embodiment shown in Figure 6, the device fixing structure 200 may also include a retainer 120 instead of a magnet 110.

[0047] The second optional device DV2 is fixed to the device box 111 by a magnet 110, which serves as the device fixing structure 200. Although not shown, the device fixing structure 200 may include a holder 120 instead of the magnet 110.

[0048] The motor assembly 1 includes a wireless power supply device 109 located inside the device box 111. The wireless power supply device 109 is electrically connected to the I / O board 101 and is configured to supply power from the inverter 20 to the second optional device DV2.

[0049] In one embodiment, if the first optional device DV1 incorporates a wireless power supply device 109, the device box 111 may be omitted, and the second optional device DV2 may be placed directly above the first optional device DV1. In this case, the second optional device DV2 is attached to the first optional device DV1 through a device fixing structure 200 located on the surface of the first optional device DV1.

[0050] Figure 8 shows another embodiment of the motor assembly. In the embodiment described above, the motor assembly 1 includes a wireless communication device 100 and a wireless power supply device 102 as separate devices, but it may also include a communication power supply device 105 that has the functions of the wireless communication device 100 and the wireless power supply device 102. The communication power supply device 105 is connected to the I / O board 101. The communication power supply device 105 is configured to wirelessly supply power to the optional device DV and to enable communication between the inverter 20 and the optional device DV.

[0051] Figure 9 shows the device fixing structure fixed to the terminal box. Figure 10 shows the optional device attached to the terminal box. As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the optional device DV is attached to the surface of the lid 52.

[0052] Figure 11 shows a positioning section for determining the mounting position of an optional device. Figure 12 shows an optional device attached to the surface of the lid by the positioning section. Due to the size and weight of the optional device DV, it may not be possible to reliably attach the optional device DV to the surface of the lid 52, or it may not be possible to determine the mounting position of the optional device DV. Therefore, in the embodiments shown in Figures 11 and 12, the terminal box 50 is equipped with a positioning section 250 formed on the surface of the lid 52.

[0053] The positioning section 250 is arranged to surround the device fixing structure 200. The positioning section 250 has an L-shaped section 251. The L-shaped section 251 is, for example, a projection or a recess. By arranging multiple L-shaped sections 251 facing each other, the optional device DV is mounted on the positioning section 250. By forming the positioning section 250, the optional device DV can be easily and reliably attached to the surface of the lid 52.

[0054] Figure 13 shows the structure for attaching the lid to the main body. As shown in Figure 13, the terminal box 50 includes a contact structure MG positioned on the contact portion 52a of the lid 52 with the main body 51, and a sealing seal SL that, by the contact structure MG, tightly attaches the lid 52 to the main body 51 and seals the gap between the lid 52 and the main body 51.

[0055] By arranging the contact structure MG around the entire circumference of the contact portion 52a of the lid portion 52, the contact structure MG can make the entire lid portion 52 adhere tightly to the main body portion 51. The contact structure MG is, for example, a magnet. As described above, even if the lid portion 52 is made of resin, the contact structure MG can effectively make the lid portion 52 adhere tightly to the main body portion 51.

[0056] The sealing seal SL, positioned between the tightly fitting structure MG and the main body 51, is crushed by the pressing force of the lid 52 against the main body 51, thereby sealing the gap between the lid 52 and the main body 51. In this embodiment, not only is the waterproofness of the terminal box 50 ensured, but the lid 52 can also be attached to the main body 51 while preventing deformation of the lid 52, regardless of the strength or shape of the resin.

[0057] The embodiments described above are intended to enable persons with ordinary skill in the art to implement the present invention. Various modifications of the above embodiments can be made naturally by those skilled in the art, and the technical idea of ​​the present invention can be applied to other embodiments as well. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described, but is to be interpreted in the broadest sense according to the technical idea defined by the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0058] 1 Electric motor assembly 2 drive shafts 3 rotation elements 4 rotors 5 Stator 5a Stator Core 5b Winding 10 Casing 11 Load-side bracket 12 Non-load side bracket 15 bearings 16 bearings 20 Inverters 21 Heatsink 25 Cooling Fan 30 Fan Covers 50 terminal box 51 Main body 52 Lid 52a Contact area 100 Wireless communication devices 101 I / O board 102 Wireless power supply device 105 Communication power supply device 109 Wireless power supply device 110 Magnets 111 Equipment box 120 Holder 200 Equipment fixing structure 250 Positioning section 251 L-shaped part CL axis CB Power Cable DV Optional Equipment DV1 Option Device No. 1 DV2 2nd Optional Device MG tightly fitted structure SL sealing seal

Claims

1. An electric motor assembly, The drive shaft and A rotating element that rotates the aforementioned drive shaft, An inverter that controls the operation of the rotating element, A wireless communication device electrically connected to the inverter, An electric motor assembly comprising an optional device configured to communicate continuously with the inverter via the wireless communication device.

2. An electric motor assembly, The drive shaft and A rotating element that rotates the aforementioned drive shaft, An inverter that controls the operation of the rotating element, An optional device electrically connected to the inverter and configured to communicate continuously with the inverter, An electric motor assembly comprising a wireless power supply device that wirelessly supplies power to the optional device.

3. The electric motor assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the optional device corresponds to a display device configured to continuously send and receive data with the inverter, or a sensor device configured to transmit a detection signal to the inverter.

4. The aforementioned electric motor assembly is A terminal box having a main body and a lid is attached to the outer surface of the casing that houses the rotating element and the inverter, It has a device fixing structure fixed to the lid, The motor assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the optional device is attached to the terminal box detachably through the device fixing structure, with the lid attached to the main body and independently of the lid.

5. The motor assembly according to claim 4, wherein the device fixing structure is configured to attach the optional device to the terminal box without restricting the mounting direction of the optional device.

6. The device fixing structure is a magnet fixed to the back side of the lid, The motor assembly according to claim 5, wherein the optional device is attached to the lid by the magnetic force of the magnet.

7. The electric motor assembly according to claim 4, wherein the lid portion is made of resin.

8. The aforementioned terminal box is The lid portion has a contact structure arranged at the contact point with the main body portion, The electric motor assembly according to claim 4, further comprising a sealing seal that, by the aforementioned tight-fitting structure, tightly adheres the lid to the main body and seals the gap between the lid and the main body.

9. The terminal box has a positioning section formed on the surface of the lid for determining the mounting position of the optional device. The motor assembly according to claim 4, wherein the positioning portion is arranged to surround the device fixing structure.

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