Electrical equipment units and connectors

Abstract

To provide an electric machine device unit capable of easily carrying out leak check.SOLUTION: An electric machine device unit comprises a case and a first connector. The first connector has a housing, an opening provided on the housing, and a ventilation film for plugging the opening. On an outer face of the housing, a surrounding wall that surrounds the ventilation film is vertically provided. A tip face of the surrounding wall is formed as a continuous flat face.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electric device unit and a connector.

Background Art

[0002] Electric devices such as motors are often housed in a housing and provided as an electric device unit. In the electric device unit, a pressure difference may occur between the inside and outside of the housing. For example, when the electric device generates heat, the pressure inside the housing may increase due to thermal expansion. In order to relieve the pressure difference, an opening for ventilation may be provided in the housing. Such an opening for ventilation is required to have air permeability while preventing water and foreign matter from entering.

[0003] In relation to the above, Patent Document 1 (International Publication No. 2012 / 147240 pamphlet) discloses a ventilation unit including a waterproof ventilation film at an opening of a housing, a seal member for sealing a gap between the housing and a ventilation member, and an annular partition member into which the ventilation member is fitted inside, the partition member being configured to be maintained in contact with the housing.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] For an electric device unit, leak check (inspection of air leakage) may be performed as necessary. For example, after assembling the electric device unit, a leak check is carried out to confirm whether the members are properly sealed. At the time of the leak check, it is necessary to close the opening so that air does not leak through the opening for ventilation. At this time, it is desirable to be able to easily close the opening.

[0006] Patent Document 1 does not contain any description regarding leak checking. In other words, it is not intended to easily seal the opening with leak checking in mind. Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide an electrical device unit that allows for easy leak checking. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The electrical device unit according to the present invention comprises a housing for housing an electrical device and a first connector attached to the housing. The first connector has a housing for housing wiring, an opening provided on the outer surface of the housing that connects the internal space of the housing to the outside, and a ventilation membrane positioned on the outer surface of the housing to close the opening. A surrounding wall is erected on the outer surface of the housing, surrounding the ventilation membrane. The leading edge of the surrounding wall is formed as a continuous flat surface. The tip surface is positioned so as to be inclined in a first direction relative to the horizontal when the first connector is positioned so that the ventilation membrane is horizontal. The first connector is mounted to the housing so that the tip surface is further inclined in a second direction, as the ventilation membrane is inclined relative to the horizontal in a second direction that intersects the first direction at an acute angle in a plan view. The plane encompassing the ventilation membrane intersects the tip surface. The side opposite to the side where the ventilation membrane is positioned from the point where it intersects the plane of the tip surface includes a drainage section that is below the height of the ventilation membrane. . [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, an electrical device unit is provided that can easily perform leak checks. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an electrical equipment unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the first connector. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the first connector. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the first connector in the second embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a part of the first connector in the third embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing what happens when high-pressure water is applied to the ventilation membrane cover in the third embodiment. [Figure 7]Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a portion of the first connector in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing what happens when high-pressure water is applied to the ventilated membrane cover in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing an electrical device unit according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows the portion of the electrical device unit according to the fifth embodiment in which the first connector is provided. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0011] (1) First Embodiment Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall view of the electrical device unit 1 according to the first embodiment. This electrical device unit 1 is for use in a vehicle and has a housing 2 and a first connector 3.

[0012] The housing 2 contains a motor (not shown) as an electrical device. A reduction gear is also mounted on the left side of the housing 2. The housing 2 is made of, for example, metal.

[0013] The first connector 3 is attached to the housing 2. The first connector 3 is provided to electrically connect a device located inside the housing 2 to a device located outside the housing 2. Specifically, the housing 2 has an opening, and the first connector 3 is attached to close this opening. An O-ring 8 (see Figure 3) is attached to the outer surface of the first connector 3, and this O-ring 8 seals the outer surface of the first connector 3 to the inner surface of the opening in the housing 2.

[0014] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the first connector 3. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the first connector 3. The first connector 3 includes a housing 4, a ventilation membrane 5, a ventilation membrane cover 7, and wiring 10.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 3, the housing 4 houses the wiring 10. The wiring 10 is provided to electrically connect the devices arranged inside the housing 2 to the outside of the housing 2. The material of the housing 4 is not particularly limited, but for example, it is made of resin.

[0016] Also, as shown in FIG. 3, the housing 4 is provided with an opening 11 and a ventilation passage 12. The opening 11 is provided on the outer surface of the housing 4. The ventilation passage 12 is connected to the opening 11 at one end and to the internal space of the housing 2 at the other end. With such a configuration, the internal space of the housing 2 communicates with the outside through the opening 11. As a result, it is difficult for a pressure difference to occur between the inside and outside of the housing 2.

[0017] That is, the first connector 3 according to the present embodiment has both an electrical connection function and a function of relaxing the pressure difference. Since the two functions can be realized by one component, it is advantageous in terms of assembly cost and the like.

[0018] The ventilation film 5 is provided to prevent foreign matter from entering the inside of the housing 2 through the opening 11. The ventilation film 5 is arranged so as to close the opening 11. As the ventilation film 5, a film that allows gas to pass through but does not allow liquid to pass through is used. The ventilation film 5 is fixed to the outer surface of the housing 4 by thermally welding the outer peripheral edge of the ventilation film 5 around the opening 11. In the following, the plane on which the ventilation film 5 is arranged (the plane along the ventilation film 5) may be referred to as the "first plane" (see FIG. 3).

[0019] The ventilation membrane cover 7 is provided to protect the ventilation membrane 5. The ventilation membrane cover 7 is positioned above the ventilation membrane 5 so as to cover the ventilation membrane 5. For example, the electrical equipment unit 1 may be washed with high-pressure water. In this case, the water may collide with the ventilation membrane 5 and damage it. Alternatively, in the case of an electrical equipment unit 1 for a vehicle, foreign objects may hit the ventilation membrane 5 due to chipping and damage it. By providing the ventilation membrane cover 7, the ventilation membrane 5 is protected and can be prevented from being damaged by high-pressure water or chipping.

[0020] As shown in Figure 2, a surrounding wall 6 is erected on the outer surface of the housing 4. The surrounding wall 6 is positioned to surround the ventilation membrane 5 (ventilation membrane cover 7). The presence of the surrounding wall 6 also protects the ventilation membrane 5, preventing damage to the ventilation membrane 5 from high-pressure water or chipping.

[0021] Here, the leading surface of the enclosing wall 6 has no irregularities on its surface and is formed as a continuous flat surface. Specifically, the plane including the leading surface of the enclosing wall 6 is defined as the "second plane" (see Figure 3). Then, in the second plane, the leading surface of the enclosing wall 6 forms a closed annular shape (see Figure 2). By adopting this configuration, leak checks can be easily performed. That is, when checking for leaks, the leading surface of the enclosing wall 6 can be closed using a jig with a flat surface. This closes the space above the opening 11, eliminating air leakage through the opening 11. In this case, a simple member with a flat surface, such as a flat plate, can be prepared as the jig with a flat surface. There is no need to prepare a jig with a complex structure or a large jig to close the opening 11. Therefore, leak checks can be easily performed.

[0022] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the second plane is inclined with respect to the first plane. That is, the leading edge of the enclosing wall 6 is inclined with respect to the ventilation membrane 5. At least a portion of the leading edge of the enclosing wall 6 is at a height less than or equal to the ventilation membrane 5, relative to the first plane, and forms a drainage section 9. With this configuration, even if water accumulates inside the enclosing wall 6, it can be easily drained through the drainage section 9.

[0023] The first embodiment has been described above. The relationship between the configuration and effects in this embodiment is summarized below.

[0024] The electrical device unit 1 according to this embodiment includes a housing 2 for housing the electrical device and a first connector 3 attached to the housing 2. The first connector 3 includes a housing 4 for housing the wiring 10, an opening 11 provided on the outer surface of the housing 4 that connects the internal space of the housing 2 to the outside, and a ventilation membrane 5 positioned on the outer surface of the housing 4 to close the opening 11. A surrounding wall 6 is erected on the outer surface of the housing 4, surrounding the ventilation membrane 5. The leading edge of the surrounding wall 6 is formed as a continuous flat surface. With this configuration, the opening 11 can be closed simply by using a jig with a flat surface. Therefore, leak checks can be easily performed.

[0025] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, a surrounding wall 6 is provided. For example, when the electrical device unit 1 is mounted on a vehicle, the ventilation membrane 5 may be damaged during high-pressure washing and chipping. In contrast, according to this embodiment, since a surrounding wall 6 is provided, the ventilation membrane 5 is protected and damage to the ventilation membrane 5 is prevented.

[0026] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the leading edge of the surrounding wall 6 is inclined with respect to the ventilation membrane 5. A drainage section 9, which is less than or equal to the height of the ventilation membrane 5, is provided on at least a portion of the leading edge of the surrounding wall 6. With this configuration, even if water accumulates inside the surrounding wall 6, the water can be easily drained through the drainage section 9.

[0027] The thickness of the surrounding wall 6 is not particularly limited, but is, for example, 0.5 mm or more, preferably 0.5 to 10 mm, and more preferably 1 to 5 mm.

[0028] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the case where the electrical device unit 1 is for use in a vehicle was described. However, the electrical device unit does not necessarily have to be for use in a vehicle and can be used for other purposes as well.

[0029] In this embodiment, the case where the electrical device housed in the housing 2 is a motor has been described. However, the electrical device does not necessarily have to be a motor; it may be other devices. Examples of other devices include inverters and DC-DC converters.

[0030] (2) Second embodiment Next, a second embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the orientation of the first connector 3 in the housing 2 has been modified. Note that the same configuration as in the first embodiment can be adopted, so the explanation will be omitted.

[0031] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the first connector 3 according to this embodiment. The horizontal direction is also shown in Figure 4. As shown in Figure 4, the first connector 3 has a drainage direction. The first connector 3 is attached to the housing 2 such that this drainage direction is inclined downwards compared to the horizontal direction.

[0032] Here, the drainage direction is the direction from the ventilation membrane 5 (hidden by the ventilation membrane cover 7 in Figure 4) towards the drainage section 9. More specifically, the drainage direction can also be described as the direction from the center (center of gravity) of the ventilation membrane 5 towards the drainage section. Furthermore, the drainage direction is the direction set in the first plane (the plane on which the ventilation membrane 5 is installed), and is also the direction from the highest point to the lowest point of the surrounding wall 6.

[0033] According to this embodiment, because the drainage direction is inclined downwards compared to the horizontal direction, water accumulated inside the surrounding wall 6 is more easily discharged from the drainage section 9.

[0034] In this embodiment, the case where the drainage direction is inclined downwards from the horizontal direction has been described, but the drainage direction may also be horizontal. Even in this case, water will be discharged more easily than when the drainage direction is upwards from the horizontal direction.

[0035] (3) Third Embodiment Next, a third embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the configuration of the ventilation membrane cover 7 has been improved. Unless otherwise specified below, the same configuration as in the previously described embodiment can be adopted.

[0036] Figures 5 and 6 are schematic cross-sectional views showing a part of the first connector 3, respectively, and depict the portion where the ventilation membrane cover 7 is provided. Figure 5 shows the normal state, and Figure 6 shows the state when an external force is applied.

[0037] The ventilation membrane cover 7 is membrane-like. The ventilation membrane cover 7 is positioned on top of the ventilation membrane 5, covering the ventilation membrane 5. Specifically, the outer surface of the housing 4 is provided with a number of support columns 14 that extend upward. The ventilation membrane cover 7 is attached to these support columns 14 so that it can move in a direction perpendicular to the plane on which the ventilation membrane 5 is provided.

[0038] The ventilation membrane cover 7 is provided with a notch 13 that protrudes toward the ventilation membrane 5. The notch 13 extends in an annular shape so as to surround the ventilation membrane 5.

[0039] An elastic member 16 (damper) is provided between the ventilation membrane cover 7 and the housing 4. Due to the presence of the elastic member 16, under normal conditions, the ventilation membrane cover 7 is separated from the outer surface of the housing 4, as shown in Figure 5. Therefore, under normal conditions, the ventilation membrane cover 7 does not impair airflow.

[0040] Now, let's assume that force is applied to the ventilation membrane cover 7 from the outside, such as during high-pressure cleaning. Then, as shown in Figure 6, the elastic member 16 is compressed, and the ventilation membrane cover 7 moves closer to the housing 4. As a result, the notch 13 is pressed against the outer surface of the housing 4. This creates a closed space at the top of the ventilation membrane 5. As a result, water is prevented from reaching the ventilation membrane 5 from the outside. This protects the ventilation membrane 5.

[0041] As described above, according to this embodiment, the first connector 3 has a ventilation membrane cover 7 positioned to cover the ventilation membrane 5. The ventilation membrane cover 7 is provided with a notch 13 that protrudes toward the ventilation membrane 5. The notch 13 has an annular shape that surrounds the ventilation membrane 5. Under normal conditions, the ventilation membrane cover 7 is separated from the outer surface of the housing 4. On the other hand, when force is applied from the outside of the ventilation membrane cover 7, the notch 13 is pressed against the outer surface of the housing 4 so that a closed space is formed above the ventilation membrane 5. This ensures ventilation under normal conditions while protecting the ventilation membrane 5 when external force is applied.

[0042] The elastic member 16 is not particularly limited, but for example, a metal spring can be used.

[0043] (4) Fourth Embodiment Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. In this embodiment as well, the configuration of the ventilation membrane cover 7 is improved, similar to the third embodiment. Unless otherwise specified below, the same configuration as in the previously described embodiments can be adopted.

[0044] Figures 7 and 8 are schematic cross-sectional views showing a part of the first connector 3, respectively, and depict the portion where the ventilation membrane cover 7 is provided. Figure 7 shows the normal state, and Figure 8 shows the state when an external force is applied.

[0045] Similar to the third embodiment, the ventilation membrane cover 7 is membrane-like. The ventilation membrane cover 7 is positioned above the ventilation membrane 5 and covers the ventilation membrane 5. Similar to the third embodiment, a plurality of support columns 14 are provided on the outer surface of the housing 4. The ventilation membrane cover 7 is supported by and fixed to these support columns 14. Also, similar to the third embodiment, the ventilation membrane cover 7 is provided with a notch 13 that protrudes toward the ventilation membrane 5. The notch 13 is positioned to surround the ventilation membrane 5.

[0046] Here, the ventilation membrane cover 7 is further provided with an elastically deformable portion 15. The elastically deformable portion 15 is provided outside the notch 13 and surrounding the notch 13. The elastically deformable portion 15 is the part that elastically deforms when force is applied from the outside of the ventilation membrane cover 7.

[0047] As shown in Figure 7, under normal conditions, the ventilation membrane cover 7 is separated from the outer surface of the housing 4. However, when a force from high-pressure water is applied from the outside of the ventilation membrane cover 7, the elastic deformation portion 15 deforms, as shown in Figure 8, and the portion inside the elastic deformation portion 15 approaches the housing 4. As a result, the notch 13 is pressed against the outer surface of the housing 4, and a closed space is formed above the ventilation membrane 5. This prevents water from reaching the ventilation membrane 5 from the outside, similar to the third embodiment.

[0048] In this embodiment, the elastically deformable portion 15 only needs to be configured to deform elastically when high-pressure water is applied, and its material and shape are not particularly limited. For example, the elastically deformable portion 15 can be realized from an elastic material such as a rubber film or an aluminum film. Furthermore, the elastically deformable portion 15 may be formed from a different material than the inner region, or from the same material as the inner region. It is sufficient that an elastically deformable region exists outside the notch 13, and for example, the entire ventilation membrane cover 7 may be formed from an elastic material.

[0049] (5) Fifth embodiment Next, a fifth embodiment will be described. Unless otherwise specified below, the same configuration as in the previously described embodiments can be adopted.

[0050] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing the entire electrical device unit 1 according to this embodiment. Figure 10 is a diagram showing a part of the electrical device unit 1, specifically the part where the first connector 3 is provided. In Figure 9, for reference, the position of the motor housed in the housing 2 is indicated as "motor". The direction indicating the front of the vehicle is also indicated.

[0051] The electrical device unit 1 according to this embodiment is for a vehicle. As shown in Figure 9, the housing 2 has an inverter housing 19 and a motor housing 20. The inverter housing 19 is located above the motor housing 20. The inverter is housed in the inverter housing 19. The motor is housed in the motor housing 20. The internal space of the inverter housing 19 and the internal space of the motor housing 20 are continuous. In other words, in this embodiment, the inverter and the motor are housed in a single housing 2.

[0052] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the inverter housing 19 is provided with a second connector 17 on its outer surface. The second connector 17 is positioned towards the rear of the vehicle. The second connector 17 is provided to electrically connect the inverter to an external device. For example, the second connector 17 can be a low-voltage connector for the inverter. This second connector 17 is configured to accept a harness (not shown).

[0053] The first connector 3 is mounted on the motor housing 20 so as to be located below the second connector 17. As described above, a harness is connected to the second connector 17. Because the first connector 3 is located below the second connector 17, the harness protects the first connector 3. For example, during high-pressure cleaning, the harness protects the first connector 3, making it less likely for water to come into contact with the first connector 3. This makes it possible to more reliably prevent damage to the ventilation membrane 5.

[0054] Furthermore, the first connector 3 is mounted so that it is located behind and above the motor in the vehicle. In addition, the first connector 3 is attached to the housing 2 so that the ventilation membrane 5 faces the rear and upward of the vehicle. By adopting this configuration, even if water is splashed up from the road surface, the ventilation membrane 5 is less likely to be covered with water. Thus, damage to the ventilation membrane 5 is more reliably prevented.

[0055] Furthermore, the first connector 3 can be used, for example, as a connector for sending and receiving signals from resolvers and thermistors. Connectors used for such purposes are advantageous in terms of layout because they can be easily placed below the inverter connector (second connector 17).

[0056] The fifth embodiment has now been described. According to this embodiment, the electrical device unit 1 is for vehicle mounting, and a motor is used as the electrical device. The first connector 3 is attached to the housing 2 such that the ventilation membrane 5 faces the rear and upward of the vehicle. With this configuration, even if water is splashed up from the road surface, the ventilation membrane 5 is less likely to be covered with water.

[0057] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the electrical device also includes an inverter. The housing 2 is provided with a second connector 17 for electrically connecting the inverter to an external device. The first connector 3 is mounted on the housing 2 so as to be located below the second connector 17. With this configuration, the first connector 3 is protected by the harness connected to the second connector 17, making the ventilation membrane 5 less susceptible to damage. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0058] 1 Electrical device unit, 2 Housing, 3 First connector, 4 Housing, 5 Ventilation membrane, 6 Waterproof wall, 7 Ventilation membrane cover, 8 O-ring, 9 Drainage section, 10 Wiring, 11 Opening, 12 Ventilation passage, 13 Notch, 14 Support column, 15 Elastic deformation section, 16 Elastic member, 17 Second connector, 19 Inverter housing section, 20 Motor housing section

Claims

1. A housing for electrical equipment, The first connector attached to the housing, Equipped with, The first connector is, A housing for accommodating wiring, The housing is provided with an opening that allows the internal space of the housing to communicate with the outside, It has a ventilation membrane disposed on the outer surface of the housing so as to close the opening, A surrounding wall enclosing the ventilation membrane is erected on the outer surface of the housing. The leading edge of the surrounding wall is formed as a continuous flat surface. The tip surface is positioned such that it is inclined in a first direction with respect to the horizontal when the first connector is positioned so that the ventilation membrane is horizontal. The first connector is mounted on the housing such that the ventilation membrane is inclined with respect to the horizontal in a second direction that intersects the first direction at an acute angle in a plan view, causing the tip surface to be further inclined in the second direction. The plane encompassing the aforementioned ventilation membrane intersects with the tip surface, An electrical device unit including a drainage section, the opposite side of the side where the ventilation membrane is located from the position where the tip surface intersects the plane, having a height below that of the ventilation membrane.

2. An electrical device unit according to claim 1, The first connector further has a ventilation membrane cover positioned to cover the ventilation membrane, The ventilation membrane cover is provided with a notch that protrudes toward the ventilation membrane side. The notch has a shape that surrounds the ventilation membrane, Under normal circumstances, the ventilation membrane cover is separated from the outer surface of the housing. When force is applied from the outside of the ventilation membrane cover, the notch is pressed against the outer surface of the housing such that a closed space is formed on the ventilation membrane. Electrical equipment unit.

3. An electrical device unit according to claim 2, The first connector further includes an elastic member disposed between the ventilation membrane cover and the housing, When force is applied from the outside of the ventilation membrane cover, the elastic member is compressed, and the notch is pressed against the outer surface of the housing. Electrical equipment unit.

4. An electrical device unit according to claim 2, The ventilation membrane cover is provided with an elastically deformable portion on the outside of the notch. When force is applied from the outside of the ventilation membrane cover, the elastic deformation portion deforms, and the notch is pressed against the outer surface of the housing. Electrical equipment unit.

5. An electrical device unit according to claim 1, It is for vehicle mounting, The aforementioned electrical device has a motor, Electrical equipment unit.

6. The electrical device unit according to claim 5, The first connector is attached to the housing such that the ventilation membrane faces the rear and upward of the vehicle. Electrical equipment unit.

7. An electrical device unit according to claim 6, The aforementioned electrical device further includes an inverter. The housing is provided with a second connector for electrically connecting the inverter to an external device. The first connector is mounted on the housing so as to be located below the second connector. Electrical equipment unit.

8. A connector used as the first connector in the electrical device unit according to claim 1.

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