Motor drive device and motor drive device assembly

Abstract

A motor drive device comprises: a first attachment part to be attached around an opening formed in an attachment wall part of a control panel; a second attachment part to be attached to the attachment wall part of the control panel, the second attachment part being different from the first attachment part; and a radiator disposed in the first attachment part.

Description

Motor drive device and motor drive device assembly

[0001] The present disclosure relates to motor drives and motor drive assemblies.

[0002] Mechanical devices mounted on control panels, such as motor drive devices, require the use of a heat sink to radiate heat generated internally. Regarding such heat dissipation, there are two types: a structure that radiates heat inside the control panel and a structure that radiates heat outside the control panel. A structure that radiates heat inside the control panel requires a large control panel cooler because heat tends to remain inside the control panel. A structure that radiates heat outside the control panel requires an opening to be formed in the mounting wall of the control panel in order to place the radiator outside the control panel. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2009-284607 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 7481597 disclose a structure that radiates heat outside the control panel.

[0003] JP 2009-284607 A Japanese Patent No. 7481597 A

[0004] Even when the heat generated by the motor drive unit is configured to be dissipated to the outside of the control panel, there are cases where the user requests that the heat be dissipated to the inside of the control panel. In such cases, for example, a specially shaped offset metal plate is attached to the control panel to change the structure that dissipates heat to the outside of the control panel to a structure that dissipates heat to the inside of the control panel.

[0005] However, the offset sheet metal adds to the cost, and the installation work of the offset sheet metal is also complicated.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for a motor drive device and a motor drive device assembly that can easily switch between a structure that dissipates heat inside the control panel and a structure that dissipates heat outside the control panel according to user requirements, without requiring additional costs or complicated work.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a motor drive device is provided, comprising a first mounting portion to be mounted around an opening formed in a mounting wall portion of a control panel, and a second mounting portion different from the first mounting portion to be mounted to the mounting wall portion of the control panel.

[0008] The objects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0009] 2B. A perspective view of a motor drive device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a simplified side cross-sectional view of a control panel including a motor drive device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the motor drive device shown in FIG. 1A attached to a control panel. FIG. 5 is another perspective view showing the motor drive device shown in FIG. 1A attached to a control panel. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a motor drive device according to a modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a motor drive device according to a second embodiment. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a terminal block according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is another perspective view of the terminal block shown in FIG. 2B. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a motor drive device assembly according to the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an alternative motor drive device assembly according to the second embodiment. FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a motor drive device according to a third embodiment. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a terminal block according to the third embodiment. FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a motor drive device assembly according to the third embodiment. FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an alternative motor drive device assembly according to the third embodiment. FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a motor drive device according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a connector according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a motor drive device assembly according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 19 is a perspective view of an alternative motor drive device assembly according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 19 is a perspective view of an alternative motor drive device assembly according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 20 is a perspective view of an alternative motor drive device assembly according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 21 is a perspective view of an alternative motor drive device assembly according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a motor drive device according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a connector according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a motor drive device assembly according 10. A perspective view of another motor drive device assembly according to the fifth embodiment. A perspective view of a motor drive device based on the sixth embodiment. A perspective view of a base plate according to the sixth embodiment. A perspective view of a motor drive device assembly according to the sixth embodiment. Another perspective view of a motor drive device assembly according to the sixth embodiment. A perspective view of another motor drive device assembly according to the sixth embodiment. Another perspective view of another motor drive device assembly according to the sixth embodiment. A perspective view of a motor drive device based on a seventh embodiment. A perspective view of a base plate according to the seventh embodiment. A perspective view of a motor drive device assembly according to the seventh embodiment. Another perspective view of a motor drive device assembly according to the seventh embodiment. A perspective view of another motor drive device assembly according to the seventh embodiment. Another perspective view of another motor drive device assembly according to the seventh embodiment.8A . A perspective view of the motor drive device according to the eighth embodiment. A view from the second mounting portion side of the motor drive device shown in FIG. 8A . A perspective view showing the state in which the motor drive device shown in FIG. 8A is attached to a control panel. Another perspective view of the state shown in FIG. 8C . A perspective view of the motor drive device according to a modified example of the eighth embodiment. A perspective view of the motor drive device based on the ninth embodiment. A perspective view of the terminal block according to the ninth embodiment. A perspective view of the motor drive device assembly according to the ninth embodiment. A perspective view of another motor drive device assembly according to the ninth embodiment. A perspective view of the motor drive device based on the tenth embodiment. A perspective view of the connector according to the tenth embodiment. A perspective view of the motor drive device assembly according to the tenth embodiment. A perspective view of another motor drive device assembly according to the tenth embodiment. A perspective view of the motor drive device based on the eleventh embodiment. A perspective view of the base plate according to the eleventh embodiment. A perspective view of the motor drive device assembly according to the eleventh embodiment. Another perspective view of the motor drive device assembly according to the eleventh embodiment. A perspective view of another motor drive device assembly according to the eleventh embodiment. Another perspective view of the other motor drive device assembly according to the eleventh embodiment. A perspective view of the motor drive device according to a modified example of the eleventh embodiment. A perspective view of the motor drive device according to a modified example of the eleventh embodiment. 12A is a perspective view of yet another motor drive device assembly according to the eleventh embodiment. FIG. 12B is a perspective view of a motor drive device according to the twelfth embodiment. FIG. 12C is a front view of the motor drive device shown in FIG. 12A. FIG. 12D is a perspective view of a motor drive device assembly according to the twelfth embodiment. FIG. 12E is a perspective view of a motor drive device assembly according to the twelfth embodiment. FIG. 12F is a perspective view of another motor drive device assembly according to the twelfth embodiment. FIG. 12G is a perspective view of a motor drive device mounted on a control panel according to the prior art. FIG. 12H is a perspective view of another motor drive device mounted on a control panel according to the prior art.

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Corresponding components are designated by common reference numerals throughout the drawings. FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a motor drive device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. A mechanical device, for example, a motor drive device 1a, includes a substantially rectangular parallelepiped main body 9. The main body 9 is a motor control unit for controlling a servo motor M shown in FIG. 1B (described later). In the first embodiment, a first mounting portion 21 and a second mounting portion 22 are provided on two adjacent sides of the four sides of the main body 9. Accordingly, the first mounting portion 21 and the second mounting portion 22 are disposed perpendicular to each other. The dimensions of the first mounting portion 21 and the second mounting portion 22 are preferably greater in the height direction than the entire corresponding side of the main body 9.

[0011] The first mounting portion 21 and the second mounting portion 22 are mounting plates for mounting components described below, and serve as flanges for mounting such components. As shown in Fig. 1A, the first mounting portion 21 and the second mounting portion 22 may be formed as an integrated member having a substantially L-shaped cross section, or may be formed as separate members.

[0012] 1A, a heat sink 14 is disposed on a first mounting portion 21 provided on one side of the main body 9. In contrast, no other components such as the heat sink 14 are attached to the second mounting portion 22. A fan F is provided above the heat sink 14, but the fan F may be omitted. Hereinafter, the combination of the heat sink 14 and the fan F may be simply referred to as the heat sink 14.

[0013] 1B is a simplified side cross-sectional view of a control panel including a motor drive device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1B, the control panel 11 is installed adjacent to a wall 19 of a building or other machine. The control panel 11 is, for example, a high-voltage control panel for an NC machine tool.

[0014] The housing of the control panel 11 includes a front wall 13 and a rear mounting wall 12 that are parallel to each other. The mounting wall 12 faces a wall 19 of the building. The front wall 13 is provided with, for example, a door with a transparent window so that an operator of the control panel 11 can view and operate the motor drive device 1a and instruments and switches (not shown) inside the control panel 11.

[0015] 1B, an opening 16 is formed in the mounting wall 12. In FIG. 1B, the first mounting portion 21 of the main body 9 is attached to one surface 12a of the mounting wall 12 around the opening 16. The size of the opening 16 is smaller than the sizes of the first mounting portion 21 and the second mounting portion 22, and is larger than the size of the heat sink 14.

[0016] In the first to seventh embodiments, the width of the first mounting portion 21 is the distance of the first mounting portion 21 in a direction perpendicular to both the joining direction in which the main body 9 and the heat sink 14 are joined and the height direction of the main body 9. Furthermore, the width of the second mounting portion 22 is the distance of the second mounting portion 22 in a direction perpendicular to the height direction of the main body 9 and parallel to the joining direction in which the main body 9 and the heat sink 14 are joined.

[0017] 1A again, through holes 2a and notches 2b are formed in the corners of the first mounting portion 21 and the second mounting portion 22. When mounting the first mounting portion 21 and the second mounting portion 22 to the mounting wall portion 12, fasteners such as screws or bolts are inserted into the through holes 2a and the notches 2b, and the mounting is performed by a known method.

[0018] When the first mounting portion 21 of the main body 9 is attached to one surface 12a of the mounting wall portion 12, the heat sink 14 attached to the first mounting portion 21 passes through the opening 16 and extends toward the other surface 12b of the mounting wall portion 12. Since the heat sink 14 is located outside the control panel 11, Fig. 1B shows a structure in which heat generated by the motor drive device 1a is dissipated to the outside of the control panel 11 through the heat sink 14.

[0019] Fig. 1C is a perspective view showing the motor drive device shown in Fig. 1A attached to a control panel, and Fig. 1D is another perspective view showing the motor drive device shown in Fig. 1A attached to a control panel. In these drawings, the mounting wall 12 of the control panel 11 is only partially shown. The front side of the mounting wall 12 where the main body 9 is located corresponds to the interior of the control panel 11, and the rear side of the mounting wall 12 where the main body 9 is not located corresponds to the exterior of the control panel 11. For this reason, Fig. 1C, like Fig. 1B, shows a structure for dissipating heat to the exterior of the control panel 11.

[0020] The main body 9 shown in Fig. 1D is rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise compared to the main body 9 shown in Fig. 1C. The first mounting portion 21 of the main body 9 is not attached to the surface 12a of the mounting wall portion 12, and the second mounting portion 22 is attached to the surface 12a of the mounting wall portion 12. Therefore, the heat sink 14 attached to the first mounting portion 21 is located on the surface 12a of the mounting wall portion 12 without passing through the opening 16 of the mounting wall portion 12. In other words, Fig. 1D shows a structure for dissipating heat generated by the motor drive device 1a into the inside of the control panel 11.

[0021] As described above, in the first embodiment, the first mounting portion 21 and the second mounting portion 22 are provided which are perpendicular to each other, so that simply by rotating the main body 9 by 90 degrees, it is possible to switch between a structure that dissipates heat inside the control panel 11 and a structure that dissipates heat outside the control panel 11.

[0022] 13A and 13B are perspective views of a motor drive unit mounted on a control panel according to the prior art. The motor drive units 1' and 1'' shown in these drawings have only a single mounting portion 20. The mounting portion 20 is provided on one side of the main body 9. In FIG. 13A, the mounting portion 20 is mounted on one surface 12a of the mounting wall portion 12 of the control panel 11, and therefore the heat sink 14 extends to the other surface 12b of the mounting wall portion 12, passing through an opening 16 (not shown). Therefore, FIG. 13A shows a structure for dissipating heat to the outside of the control panel 11.

[0023] In Fig. 13B, a plurality of offset metal plates A are provided between one surface 12a of the mounting wall portion 12 and the mounting portion 20. The length of the offset metal plates A is equal to or greater than the depth of the heat sink 14. In Fig. 13B, due to the presence of the offset metal plates A, the heat sink 14 is located on the one surface 12a side of the mounting wall portion 12. Therefore, Fig. 13B shows a structure that dissipates heat into the interior of the control panel 11.

[0024] However, since the offset metal sheet A is prepared according to the dimensions of the heat sink 14, it is necessary to remake the offset metal sheet A when using a heat sink 14 of a different size. Furthermore, additional costs for the offset metal sheet A and the installation work for the offset metal sheet A are also required.

[0025] In contrast, in the present disclosure, two mounting portions 21, 22 are provided, eliminating the need for the offset metal plate A. Therefore, it is possible to switch between a structure that dissipates heat inside the control panel 11 and a structure that dissipates heat outside the control panel 11 without requiring additional costs or complicated work related to the offset metal plate A.

[0026] FIG. 1E is a perspective view of a motor drive device according to a modification of the first embodiment. The motor drive device 1a' shown in FIG. 1E includes a seal member S around the heat sink 14 disposed in the first mounting portion 21. The seal member S has a shape suitable for sealing the opening 16 in the mounting wall portion 12. Therefore, when the motor drive device 1a' is mounted to the mounting wall portion 12 as described above, the presence of the seal member S prevents heat from the motor drive device 1a' from directly escaping to the outside of the control panel 11 and improves soundproofing. Furthermore, sealing with the seal member S prevents outside air contaminated by cutting fluid or the like from the outside of the control panel 11 from entering the control panel 11 and damaging the electronic components therein.

[0027] 2A is a perspective view of a motor drive device according to a second embodiment. As shown in Fig. 2A, the main body 9 of the motor drive device 1b has a first opposing surface 23 that faces the first mounting portion 21 and a second opposing surface 24 that faces the second mounting portion 22. The first mounting portion 21 and the first opposing surface 23 are parallel to each other, and the second mounting portion 22 and the second opposing surface 24 are parallel to each other.

[0028] A first terminal block 31a and a second terminal block 32a are respectively disposed on the first opposing surface 23 and the second opposing surface 24. As shown in the figure, the first terminal block 31a and the second terminal block 32a are preferably disposed within recesses formed in the first opposing surface 23 and the second opposing surface 24, and do not protrude from the recesses. The first terminal block 31a and the second terminal block 32a are preferably provided at corners of the first opposing surface 23 and the second opposing surface 24.

[0029] 2B and 2C are perspective views of terminal blocks according to the second embodiment. The first terminal block 31a and the second terminal block 32a are disposed at a 90-degree angle to each other. This angle is equal to the angle between the first opposing surface 23 and the second opposing surface 24. These terminal blocks 31a and 32a are preferably integrally formed.

[0030] The first terminal block 31a has two terminals 31a1 and 31a2, and the second terminal block 32a has two terminals 32a1 and 32a2. One terminal 31a1 and 32a1 is a terminal on the positive potential side, and the other terminal 32a2 and 32a2 is a terminal on the 0V side. As can be seen from FIG. 2C , the two terminals 31a1 and 31a2 of the first terminal block 31a are electrically connected to the two terminals 32a1 and 32a2 of the second terminal block 32a, respectively. In the embodiments described below, the terminal block or connector is also assumed to include a terminal on the positive potential side and a terminal on the 0V side.

[0031] Fig. 2D is a perspective view of a motor drive assembly according to the second embodiment. The motor drive assembly 10b shown in Fig. 2D includes a plurality of motor drive units 1b, for example, three motor drive units 1b.

[0032] In Fig. 2D, three motor drive units 1b are arranged adjacent to each other so that the three first mounting portions 21 are aligned in a straight line. These first mounting portions 21 are then mounted to one surface 12a of the mounting wall portion 12 of the control panel 11 as described above. Three openings 16 (not shown in Fig. 2D) are formed in the mounting wall portion 12 according to the dimensions of the heat sinks 14. Therefore, each heat sink 14 protrudes from the other surface 12b of the mounting wall portion 12 through a respective opening 16. In other words, Fig. 2D shows a structure for dissipating heat to the outside of the control panel 11.

[0033] In two adjacent motor drive devices 1b, a pair of bus bars 41a connects the two terminals 31a1 and 31a2 of the first terminal block 31a of one motor drive device 1b to the two terminals 31a1 and 31a2 of the first terminal block 31a of the other motor drive device 1b. The length of the bus bar 41a is approximately equal to the width of the first opposing surface 23.

[0034] In this way, the plurality of motor drive devices 1b are electrically connected by the bus bar 41a and the first terminal block 31a, so that the motor drive device assembly 10b can be driven by a single power source.

[0035] Furthermore, Fig. 2E is a perspective view of another motor drive device assembly according to the second embodiment. The motor drive device assembly 10b' shown in Fig. 2E also has a plurality of motor drive devices 1b, for example, three motor drive devices 1b.

[0036] In Fig. 2E, three motor drive units 1b are arranged adjacent to each other so that the three second mounting portions 22 are aligned in a straight line. These second mounting portions 22 are then mounted to one surface 12a of the mounting wall portion 12 of the control panel 11 as described above. It is preferable that the mounting wall portion 12 does not have the openings described above. Therefore, each heat sink 14 is located on the one surface 12a of the mounting wall portion 12. In other words, Fig. 2E shows a structure for dissipating heat into the interior of the control panel 11.

[0037] In two adjacent motor drive devices 1b, a pair of bus bars 41b connects the two terminals 32a1 and 32a2 of the second terminal block 32a of one motor drive device 1b to the two terminals 32a1 and 32a2 of the second terminal block 32a of the other motor drive device 1b. The length of the bus bars 41b is approximately equal to the width of the second opposing surface 24.

[0038] In this way, the plurality of motor drive devices 1b are electrically connected by the bus bar 41b and the second terminal block 32a, so that the motor drive device assembly 10b' can be driven by a single power source.

[0039] In the second embodiment as well, it is easy to switch between a structure that dissipates heat outside the control panel 11 and a structure that dissipates heat inside the control panel 11, thereby achieving the same effects as described above. Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the first terminal block 31a and the second terminal block 32a, which are at a 90-degree angle from each other, are integrally configured, so that the multiple motor drive units 1b can be electrically connected regardless of the arrangement direction of the multiple motor drive units 1b.

[0040] Fig. 3A is a perspective view of a motor drive device according to a third embodiment. The motor drive device 1c shown in Fig. 3A has a surface, such as an upper surface 25, that is perpendicular to both the first mounting portion 21 and the second mounting portion 22. A terminal block 33 is disposed in a recess formed in the upper surface 25 in the same manner as described above. The terminal block 33 is preferably disposed in a corner of the upper surface 25. Fig. 3B is a perspective view of the terminal block according to the third embodiment. The terminal block 33 has two terminals.

[0041] 3C is a perspective view of a motor drive assembly 10c according to a third embodiment. The motor drive assembly 10c shown in FIG. 3C includes a plurality of, for example, three, motor drive units 1c.

[0042] In Figure 3C, three motor drive units 1c are arranged adjacent to each other so that the three first mounting portions 21 are aligned in a straight line. These first mounting portions 21 are then mounted to one surface 12a of the mounting wall portion 12 of the control panel 11 as described above. As described above, the mounting wall portion 12 has three openings 16 (not shown in Figure 3C) formed therein. Therefore, each heat sink 14 passes through the openings 16 and protrudes from the other surface 12b of the mounting wall portion 12. In other words, Figure 3C shows a structure for dissipating heat to the outside of the control panel 11.

[0043] In two adjacent motor drive devices 1c, a pair of bus bars 42a connects two terminals of the terminal block 33 of one motor drive device 1c to two terminals of the terminal block 33 of the other motor drive device 1c. The length of the bus bars 42a is approximately equal to the width of the first opposing surface 23.

[0044] Fig. 3D is a perspective view of another motor drive assembly according to the third embodiment. The motor drive assembly 10c' shown in Fig. 3D includes a plurality of, for example, three motor drive units 1c.

[0045] In Fig. 3D, three motor drive units 1c are arranged adjacent to each other so that the three second mounting portions 22 are aligned in a straight line. These second mounting portions 22 are then mounted to one surface 12a of the mounting wall portion 12 of the control panel 11 as described above. It is preferable that the mounting wall portion 12 does not have the openings described above. Therefore, each heat sink 14 is located on the one surface 12a of the mounting wall portion 12. In other words, Fig. 3D shows a structure for dissipating heat into the interior of the control panel 11.

[0046] In two adjacent motor drive devices 1c, a pair of bus bars 42b connects two terminals of the terminal block 33 of one motor drive device 1c to two terminals of the terminal block 33 of the other motor drive device 1c. The length of the bus bars 42b is approximately equal to the width of the second opposing surface 24.

[0047] In the third embodiment as well, it is easy to switch between a structure that dissipates heat to the outside of the control panel 11 and a structure that dissipates heat to the inside of the control panel 11, and therefore the same effects as those described above can be obtained. Furthermore, in the third embodiment, since the terminal block 33 is disposed on the top surface 25, it will be understood that the distance between the mounting wall 12 and the front wall 13 of the control panel 11 can be shortened.

[0048] Fig. 4A is a perspective view of a motor drive device 1d according to a fourth embodiment. Connectors 34a and 34b are disposed on the first opposing surface 23 and the second opposing surface 24 of the motor drive device 1d shown in Fig. 4A, respectively. As shown in the figure, the connectors 34a and 34b are preferably disposed in recesses formed in the first opposing surface 23 and the second opposing surface 24, similar to the terminal blocks described above. Furthermore, the connectors 34a and 34b are preferably provided in corners of the first opposing surface 23 and the second opposing surface 24 so as to be close to each other. Fig. 4B is a perspective view of the connectors according to the fourth embodiment. The connectors 34a and 34b have a common shape and are equipped with two terminals.

[0049] Fig. 4C is a perspective view of a motor drive assembly 10d according to a fourth embodiment. The motor drive assembly 10d shown in Fig. 4C includes a plurality of motor drive units 1d, for example, three motor drive units 1d.

[0050] In Fig. 4C, three motor drive units 1d are arranged adjacent to each other so that the three first mounting portions 21 are aligned in a straight line. These first mounting portions 21 are then mounted to one surface 12a of the mounting wall portion 12 of the control panel 11 as described above. Each radiator 14 protrudes from the other surface 12b of the mounting wall portion 12 through a corresponding one of the openings 16 described above. In other words, Fig. 4C shows a structure for radiating heat to the outside of the control panel 11.

[0051] In two adjacent motor drive devices 1d, a pair of bus bars 43a connects two terminals of the connector 34a of one motor drive device 1d to two terminals of the connector 34a of the other motor drive device 1d. The length of the bus bars 43a is approximately equal to the width of the first opposing surface 23.

[0052] Fig. 4D is a perspective view of another motor drive assembly according to the fourth embodiment. The motor drive assembly 10d' shown in Fig. 4D includes a plurality of, for example, three motor drive units 1d.

[0053] In Fig. 4D, three motor drive units 1d are arranged adjacent to each other so that the three second mounting portions 22 are aligned in a straight line. These second mounting portions 22 are then attached to one surface 12a of the mounting wall portion 12 of the control panel 11 as described above. Therefore, each heat sink 14 is located on the one surface 12a side of the mounting wall portion 12. In other words, Fig. 4D shows a structure for dissipating heat into the interior of the control panel 11.

[0054] In two adjacent motor drive devices 1d, a pair of bus bars 43b connects two terminals of the connector 34b of one motor drive device 1d to two terminals of the connector 34b of the other motor drive device 1d. The length of the bus bars 43b is approximately equal to the width of the second opposing surface 24.

[0055] In the fourth embodiment as well, it is possible to easily switch between a structure for radiating heat to the outside of the control panel 11 and a structure for radiating heat to the inside of the control panel 11, thereby obtaining the same effects as those described above.

[0056] Fig. 5A is a perspective view of a motor drive device according to a fifth embodiment. The motor drive device 1e shown in Fig. 5A has a surface, such as the top surface 25, that is perpendicular to both the first mounting portion 21 and the second mounting portion 22. Connectors 35a and 35b are respectively disposed in two recesses formed in the top surface 25 in the same manner as described above. Preferably, one connector 35a is disposed adjacent to the first opposing surface 23, and the other connector 35b is disposed adjacent to the second opposing surface 24. Fig. 5B is a perspective view of the connectors according to the fifth embodiment. The connectors 35a and 35b have a common shape and are provided with two terminals.

[0057] Fig. 5C is a perspective view of a motor drive assembly 10e according to a fourth embodiment. The motor drive assembly 10e shown in Fig. 5C includes a plurality of motor drive units 1e, for example, three motor drive units 1e.

[0058] In Fig. 5C, three motor drive units 1e are arranged adjacent to each other so that the three first mounting portions 21 form a straight line. These first mounting portions 21 are then attached to one surface 12a of the mounting wall portion 12 of the control panel 11 as described above. Each radiator 14 passes through a corresponding one of the openings 16 described above and protrudes from the other surface 12b of the mounting wall portion 12. In other words, Fig. 5C shows a structure for radiating heat to the outside of the control panel 11.

[0059] In two adjacent motor drive devices 1e, a pair of bus bars 44a connects two terminals of the connector 35a of one motor drive device 1e to two terminals of the connector 35a of the other motor drive device 1e. The length of the bus bars 44a is approximately equal to the width of the first opposing surface 23.

[0060] Fig. 5D is a perspective view of another motor drive assembly according to the fifth embodiment. The motor drive assembly 10e' shown in Fig. 5D includes a plurality of, for example, three motor drive units 1e.

[0061] In Fig. 5D, three motor drive units 1d are arranged adjacent to each other so that the three second mounting portions 22 are aligned in a straight line. These second mounting portions 22 are then attached to one surface 12a of the mounting wall portion 12 of the control panel 11 as described above. Therefore, each heat sink 14 is located on the one surface 12a side of the mounting wall portion 12. In other words, Fig. 5D shows a structure for dissipating heat into the interior of the control panel 11.

[0062] In two adjacent motor drive devices 1e, a pair of bus bars 44b connects two terminals of the connector 35b of one motor drive device 1e to two terminals of the connector 35b of the other motor drive device 1e. The length of the bus bars 44b is approximately equal to the width of the second opposing surface 24.

[0063] In the fifth embodiment, too, it is easy to switch between a structure that dissipates heat to the outside of the control panel 11 and a structure that dissipates heat to the inside of the control panel 11, and therefore the same effects as those described above can be obtained. Furthermore, in the fifth embodiment, since the terminal blocks 35a, 35b are arranged on the top surface 25, it will be understood that the distance between the mounting wall 12 and the front wall 13 of the control panel 11 can be shortened.

[0064] Fig. 6A is a perspective view of a motor drive device according to a sixth embodiment. A first connector group 36a and a second connector group 36b are arranged on the first opposing surface 23 and the second opposing surface 24 of the motor drive device 1f shown in Fig. 6A, respectively. The first connector group 36a and the second connector group 36b are aligned in a line in the height direction of the main body 9. Furthermore, it is preferable that the first connector group 36a is arranged near an edge of the first opposing surface 23 that is proximal to the second mounting portion 22, and the second connector group 36b is arranged near an edge of the second opposing surface 24 that is distal from the first mounting portion 21. When the first opposing surface 23 is viewed from the front, the distance from one edge, e.g., the right edge, of the first opposing surface 23 to the first connector group 36a is equal to the distance from one edge, e.g., the right edge, of the second opposing surface 24 to the second connector group 36b when the second opposing surface 24 is viewed from the front. This allows the base plate 51, which will be described later, to be shared by the first opposing surface 23 and the second opposing surface 24.

[0065] As shown, each of the first connector group 36a and the second connector group 36b includes a plurality of connectors. The types and positional relationship of the plurality of connectors in the first connector group 36a are the same as the types and positional relationship of the plurality of connectors in the second connector group 36b. The rows of the first connector group 36a and the second connector group 36b may include a plurality of through holes.

[0066] Fig. 6B is a perspective view of a base plate according to the sixth embodiment. A plurality of connector groups 51a are arranged on one surface of the base plate 51 shown in Fig. 6B. The plurality of connector groups 51a are arranged parallel to one another. Each set of connector groups 51a includes a plurality of connectors, which are aligned in a row. The plurality of connectors in each connector group 51a are arranged so as to be engageable with the plurality of connectors in the first connector group 36a and the second connector group 36b, respectively.

[0067] Although not shown in the drawings, the multiple connector groups 51a are electrically connected to each other inside or on the back surface of the base plate 51. Furthermore, when the row of the first connector group 36a and the row of the second connector group 36b include multiple through holes, each of the rows of the multiple connector groups 51a may include multiple through holes at corresponding positions.

[0068] 6A , the overall footprint of the main body 9 and the heat sink 14 is substantially square. In other words, the total distance between the length of the heat sink 14 in the width direction of the second opposing surface 24 and the width of the second opposing surface 24 is approximately equal to the width of the first opposing surface 23. In such a case, it is preferable that the spacing between the multiple connector groups 51 a on the base plate 51 is approximately equal to the width of the first opposing surface 23.

[0069] 6C and 6D are perspective views of a motor drive assembly 10f according to a sixth embodiment. The motor drive assembly 10f shown in these drawings includes a plurality of, for example, three, motor drive units 1f.

[0070] 6C and 6D, three motor drive units 1f are arranged adjacent to each other so that the three first mounting portions 21 are aligned in a straight line. These first mounting portions 21 are then mounted to one surface 12a of the mounting wall portion 12 of the control panel 11 as described above. Each radiator 14 protrudes from the other surface 12b of the mounting wall portion 12 through the opening 16 described above.

[0071] The base plate 51 is then positioned so that the surface on which the multiple connector groups 51a are arranged faces the connector groups 36a of the multiple motor drive devices 1f. Next, the base plate 51 is brought close to the three motor drive devices 1f, so that the multiple connector groups 51a of the base plate 51 engage with the connector groups 36a of the multiple motor drive devices 1f. Next, screws or the like are passed through the through holes to secure the base plate 51 to the multiple motor drive devices 1f. This forms a structure that dissipates heat to the outside of the control panel 11.

[0072] 6E and 6F are perspective views of another motor drive assembly according to the sixth embodiment. The motor drive assembly 10f' shown in these drawings includes a plurality of, for example, three motor drive units 1f.

[0073] In these drawings, three motor drive units 1f are arranged adjacent to each other so that the three second mounting portions 22 are aligned in a straight line. These second mounting portions 22 are attached to the surface 12a of the mounting wall 12 of the control panel 11 as described above. Therefore, each heat sink 14 is located on the surface 12a of the mounting wall 12.

[0074] The base plate 51 is then positioned so that the surface on which the multiple connector groups 51a are arranged faces the connector groups 36b of the multiple motor drive devices 1f. Next, the base plate 51 is brought close to the three motor drive devices 1f, thereby engaging the multiple connector groups 51a of the base plate 51 with the connector groups 36b of the multiple motor drive devices 1f. Next, screws or the like are passed through the through holes to secure the base plate 51 to the multiple motor drive devices 1f. This forms a heat dissipation structure inside the control panel 11.

[0075] In the sixth embodiment, too, it is easy to switch between a structure that dissipates heat outside the control panel 11 and a structure that dissipates heat inside the control panel 11, thereby achieving the same effects as described above. Furthermore, because the overall footprint of the main body 9 and the heat sink 14 is square, the distance between adjacent connector groups 36a when multiple motor drive units 1f are arranged as shown in FIG. 6C is approximately equal to the distance between adjacent connector groups 36b when multiple motor drive units 1f are arranged as shown in FIG. 6E. Therefore, in the sixth embodiment, a common base plate 51 can be applied to both the structure that dissipates heat outside the control panel 11 and the structure that dissipates heat inside the control panel 11. In other words, there is no need to prepare different base plates 51 for the structure that dissipates heat outside the control panel 11 and the structure that dissipates heat inside the control panel 11.

[0076] FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a motor drive device according to a seventh embodiment. The first opposing surface 23 of the motor drive device 1g has a first recess 27 extending parallel to the connector group 36a. The second opposing surface 24 has a second recess 28 extending parallel to the connector group 36b. The depths of the first recess 27 and the second recess 28 correspond to the protruding heights of the connector groups 36a and 36b. When the first opposing surface 23 is viewed from the front, the distance from one edge of the first opposing surface 23, e.g., the right edge, to the first connector group 36a is equal to the distance from one edge of the second opposing surface 24, e.g., the right edge, to the second connector group 36b when the second opposing surface 24 is viewed from the front. This allows the first opposing surface 23 and the second opposing surface 24 to share a base plate 52, described below.

[0077] 7A , the first recess 27 and the second recess 28 are formed over the entire height of the first opposing surface 23 and the second opposing surface 24. However, in an embodiment not shown, the first recess 27 and the second recess 28 may be formed in the height direction of the main body 9 by a distance corresponding to the connector groups 36 a and 36 b.

[0078] Fig. 7B is a perspective view of a base plate according to the seventh embodiment. A plurality of connector groups 52a to 52i, similar to those described above, are arranged on one surface of the base plate 52 shown in Fig. 7B. The plurality of connector groups 52a to 52i are arranged parallel to one another at equal distances.

[0079] 7A , the overall footprint of the main body 9 and the heat sink 14 is a rectangle. This rectangle has a short side with a length L1 corresponding to the width of the first opposing surface 23 and a long side with a length L2 corresponding to the sum of the length of the heat sink 14 in the width direction of the second opposing surface 24 and the width of the second opposing surface 24.

[0080] For ease of understanding, in one example, the length L1 is 120 mm and the length L2 is 180 mm. In this case, the first recess 27 and the second recess 28 are formed so that the distance between the center line of the connector group 36a on the first opposing surface 23 and the center line of the first recess 27 is 60 mm, and the distance between the center line of the connector group 36b on the second opposing surface 24 and the center line of the second recess 28 is also 60 mm. Furthermore, the center-to-center distance between any two adjacent connector groups among the multiple connector groups 52a to 52i on the base plate 52 is 60 mm. In other words, the center-to-center distance between the multiple connector groups 52a to 52i corresponds to the greatest common divisor of the lengths L1 and L2.

[0081] 7B, two adjacent connector groups are included within an area of ​​length L1 in the width direction of the base plate 52. Similarly, three adjacent connector groups are included within an area of ​​length L2 in the width direction of the base plate 52.

[0082] 7C and 7D are perspective views of a motor drive assembly according to a seventh embodiment. The motor drive assembly 10g shown in these drawings includes a plurality of, for example, three, motor drives 1g.

[0083] 7C and 7D, three motor drive units 1g are arranged adjacent to each other so that the three first mounting portions 21 are aligned in a straight line. These first mounting portions 21 are then mounted to one surface 12a of the mounting wall portion 12 of the control panel 11 as described above. Each radiator 14 passes through the opening 16 described above and protrudes from the other surface 12b of the mounting wall portion 12.

[0084] The base plate 52 is then positioned so that the surface on which the multiple connector groups 52a to 52i are arranged faces the connector groups 36a and first recesses 27 of the multiple motor drive units 1g. The base plate 52 is then brought close to the three motor drive units 1g. As a result, the connector group 52a of the base plate 52 engages with the connector group 36a of the motor drive unit 1g on the right in Figure 7C. The connector group 52b of the base plate 52 is inserted into the first recess 27 of the right motor drive unit 1g.

[0085] Similarly, the connector group 52c of the base plate 52 engages with the connector group 36a of the central motor drive unit 1g, and the connector group 52d of the base plate 52 is inserted into the first recess 27 of the central motor drive unit 1g. Furthermore, the connector group 52e of the base plate 52 engages with the connector group 36a of the left motor drive unit 1g, and the connector group 52f of the base plate 52 is inserted into the first recess 27 of the left motor drive unit 1g.

[0086] In other words, adjacent connector groups among the multiple connector groups 52a to 52i engage with the connector group 36a of the motor drive unit 1g and the first recess 27. Next, screws or the like are passed through the aforementioned through holes to fix the base plate 52 to the multiple motor drive units 1g. This forms a structure that dissipates heat to the outside of the control panel 11.

[0087] 7E and 7F are perspective views of another motor drive assembly according to the seventh embodiment, in which a motor drive assembly 10g' includes a plurality of, for example, three, motor drives 1g.

[0088] In these drawings, three motor drive units 1g are arranged adjacent to each other so that the three second mounting portions 22 are aligned in a straight line. These second mounting portions 22 are attached to the surface 12a of the mounting wall portion 12 of the control panel 11 as described above. Therefore, each heat sink 14 is located on the surface 12a of the mounting wall portion 12.

[0089] The base plate 52 is then positioned so that the surface on which the multiple connector groups 52a-52i are arranged faces the connector groups 36b and the second recesses 28 of the multiple motor drive units 1g. The base plate 52 is then brought close to the three motor drive units 1g. This causes the connector group 52a of the base plate 52 to engage with the connector group 36b of the motor drive unit 1g on the right in FIG. 7E. The connector group 52b of the base plate 52 is inserted into the second recess 28 of the right motor drive unit 1g. The connector group 52c of the base plate 52 is then adjacent to the heat sink 14 attached to the right motor drive unit 1b. It is preferable to size the heat sink 14 so that the connector group 52c does not come into contact with the heat sink 14.

[0090] Similarly, the connector group 52d of the base plate 52 engages with the connector group 36b of the central motor drive unit 1g, the connector group 52e of the base plate 52 is inserted into the second recess 28 of the central motor drive unit 1g, and the connector group 52f of the base plate 52 is adjacent to the heat sink 14 attached to the central motor drive unit 1g. Furthermore, the connector group 52g of the base plate 52 engages with the connector group 36b of the left motor drive unit 1g, the connector group 52h of the base plate 52 is inserted into the second recess 28 of the left motor drive unit 1g, and the connector group 52i of the base plate 52 is adjacent to the heat sink 14 attached to the left motor drive unit 1g.

[0091] In other words, three adjacent connector groups among the multiple connector groups 52a to 52i engage with the connector group 36b of the motor drive unit 1g and the second recess 28, and are adjacent to the heat sink 14 of the motor drive unit 1g. Next, screws or the like are passed through the through holes to fix the base plate 52 to the multiple motor drive units 1g. This forms a structure that dissipates heat inside the control panel 11.

[0092] In the seventh embodiment, too, it is easy to switch between a structure that dissipates heat outside the control panel 11 and a structure that dissipates heat inside the control panel 11, thereby achieving the same effects as described above. Furthermore, the dimensions are determined so that the center-to-center distance between two adjacent connector groups among the multiple connector groups 52a to 52i on the base plate 52 corresponds to the greatest common divisor of the lengths L1 and L2. Therefore, a common base plate 52 can be used for both the structure that dissipates heat outside the control panel 11 and the structure that dissipates heat inside the control panel 11. In other words, there is no need to prepare different base plates 52 for the structure that dissipates heat outside the control panel 11 and the structure that dissipates heat inside the control panel 11.

[0093] 8A is a perspective view of a motor drive device according to an eighth embodiment. In the eighth embodiment, a first mounting portion 21 and a second mounting portion 22 are provided on two opposing sides of the four side surfaces of the main body 9. Therefore, the first mounting portion 21 and the second mounting portion 22 are arranged parallel to each other. The dimensions of the first mounting portion 21 and the second mounting portion 22 are at least partially larger in the height direction than the entire corresponding side surfaces of the main body 9. A heat sink 14 is attached to the first mounting portion 21 provided on one side surface of the main body 9.

[0094] In the eighth to twelfth embodiments, the width of the first mounting portion 21 and the second mounting portion 22 is the distance of the first mounting portion 21 in a direction perpendicular to both the joining direction in which the main body 9 and the heat sink 14 are joined and the height direction of the main body 9.

[0095] Fig. 8B is a view of the motor drive device shown in Fig. 8A as seen from the second mounting portion side. As shown in Fig. 8B, the first mounting portion 21 partially protrudes upward and downward near both edges. In contrast, the second mounting portion 22 partially protrudes upward and downward near the center. Through holes 2a are formed in the upper protruding portions of the first mounting portion 21 and the second mounting portion 22, and notches 2b are formed in the lower protruding portions.

[0096] 8B , when viewed from the side of the second mounting portion 22, the protruding portions of the first mounting portion 21 and the second mounting portion 22 do not overlap with each other. The reason for this is that when screws are fastened using the through holes 2 a in the protruding portions, an industrial robot or an operator can easily perform the screw fastening work from the front of the protruding portions.

[0097] 8C and 8D are perspective views showing the motor drive device shown in Fig. 8A attached to a control panel. In Fig. 8C, the first mounting portion 21 on which the heat sink 14 is disposed is attached around the opening 16 (not shown in Fig. 8C etc.) on one surface 12a of the mounting wall portion 12. Therefore, the heat sink 14 extends to the outside of the control panel 11 through the opening 16 of the mounting wall portion 12. Therefore, Fig. 8C shows a structure for dissipating heat to the outside of the control panel 11.

[0098] The main body 9 shown in Fig. 8D is rotated 180 degrees relative to the main body 9 shown in Fig. 8C. Therefore, the first mounting portion 21 of the main body 9 is not attached to the mounting wall portion 12, and the second mounting portion 22 is attached to one surface 12a of the mounting wall portion 12. The heat sink 14 attached to the first mounting portion 21 is located on the one surface 12a side of the mounting wall portion 12 without passing through the opening 16 of the mounting wall portion 12. In other words, Fig. 8D shows a structure for dissipating heat generated by the motor drive device 1h into the inside of the control panel 11.

[0099] In this way, in the eighth embodiment, the first mounting portion 21 and the second mounting portion 22 are provided which are parallel to each other, so that by simply rotating the main body 9 180 degrees, it is possible to switch between a structure that dissipates heat inside the control panel 11 and a structure that dissipates heat outside the control panel 11.

[0100] FIG. 8E is a perspective view of a motor drive device according to a modification of the eighth embodiment. The motor drive device 1h′ shown in FIG. 8E includes a seal member S around the heat sink 14 disposed in the first mounting portion 21. The seal member S has a shape suitable for sealing the opening 16 in the mounting wall portion 12. Therefore, when the motor drive device 1h′ is mounted to the mounting wall portion 12 as described above, the presence of the seal member S prevents heat from the motor drive device 1h′ from directly escaping to the outside of the control panel 11, and also improves soundproofing. Furthermore, sealing with the seal member S prevents outside air contaminated by cutting fluid or the like from the outside of the control panel 11 from entering the control panel 11 and damaging the electronic components therein.

[0101] Fig. 9A is a perspective view of a motor drive device according to a ninth embodiment. Similar to motor drive device 1h, motor drive device 1i shown in Fig. 9A includes first and second mounting portions 21 and 22 arranged parallel to each other. A groove 30b extending across the entire width of first and second mounting portions 21 and 22 is formed in the upper surface 25. In Fig. 9A, groove 30b is formed near second mounting portion 22. Fig. 9B is a perspective view of a terminal block according to the ninth embodiment. A terminal block 30a equipped with two terminals is arranged at the bottom of groove 30b in the same manner as described above.

[0102] 9C is a perspective view of a motor drive assembly according to a ninth embodiment. The motor drive assembly 10i shown in these figures includes a plurality of, for example, three, motor drives 1i.

[0103] In Figure 9C, three motor drive units 1i are arranged adjacent to each other so that the three first mounting portions 21 form a straight line. These first mounting portions 21 are then mounted to one surface 12a of the mounting wall portion 12 of the control panel 11 as described above. As described above, three openings 16 (not shown in Figure 9B) are formed in the mounting wall portion 12. Therefore, each radiator 14 passes through the openings 16 and protrudes from the other surface 12b of the mounting wall portion 12. In other words, Figure 9B shows a structure for radiating heat to the outside of the control panel 11.

[0104] In two adjacent motor drive devices 1 i, a pair of bus bars 45 a connects two terminals of the terminal block 30 a of one motor drive device 1 i to two terminals of the terminal block 30 a of the other motor drive device 1 i. The length of the bus bars 45 a is approximately equal to the width of the first mounting portion 21 and the second mounting portion 22.

[0105] Fig. 9D is a perspective view of another motor drive assembly in the ninth embodiment. The motor drive assembly 10i' shown in Fig. 9D includes a plurality of, for example, three motor drive units 1i.

[0106] In Fig. 9D, three motor drive units 1i are arranged adjacent to each other so that the three second mounting portions 22 are aligned in a straight line. These second mounting portions 22 are then mounted to one surface 12a of the mounting wall portion 12 of the control panel 11 as described above. The mounting wall portion 12 preferably has the openings described above formed therein. Therefore, each heat sink 14 is located on the one surface 12a side of the mounting wall portion 12. In other words, Fig. 9D shows a structure for dissipating heat into the interior of the control panel 11.

[0107] In two adjacent motor drive devices 1i, a pair of bus bars 45b connects two terminals of the terminal block 30a of one motor drive device 1i to two terminals of the terminal block 30a of the other motor drive device 1i. The length of the bus bar 45b is the same as the length of the bus bar 45a.

[0108] In the ninth embodiment, too, it is easy to switch between a structure that dissipates heat to the outside of the control panel 11 and a structure that dissipates heat to the inside of the control panel 11, and therefore the same effects as those described above can be obtained. Furthermore, in the ninth embodiment, the terminal block 33 is disposed on the top surface 25, so it will be understood that the distance between the mounting wall 12 and the front wall 13 of the control panel 11 can be shortened. Furthermore, since bus bars 45a, 45b of the same length can be used in the structure that dissipates heat to the outside of the control panel 11 and the structure that dissipates heat to the inside of the control panel 11, manufacturing costs can be reduced.

[0109] Fig. 10A is a perspective view of a motor drive device according to a tenth embodiment. Like motor drive device 1h, motor drive device 1j shown in Fig. 10A includes first and second mounting portions 21 and 22 arranged parallel to each other. A groove 37b extending across the entire width of first and second mounting portions 21 and 22 is formed on the top surface 25. In Fig. 10A, groove 37b is formed near second mounting portion 22. A connector 37a is disposed at the bottom of groove 37b in the same manner as described above. Fig. 10B is a perspective view of the connector according to the tenth embodiment. As shown in Fig. 10B, connector 37a includes two terminals.

[0110] 10C is a perspective view of a motor drive assembly 10j according to a tenth embodiment. The motor drive assembly 10j shown in these figures includes a plurality of, for example, three, motor drives 1j.

[0111] In Figure 10C, three motor drive units 1j are arranged adjacent to each other so that the three first mounting portions 21 are aligned in a straight line. These first mounting portions 21 are then mounted to one surface 12a of the mounting wall portion 12 of the control panel 11 as described above. As described above, three openings 16 (not shown in Figure 9B) are formed in the mounting wall portion 12. Therefore, each radiator 14 passes through the openings 16 and protrudes from the other surface 12b of the mounting wall portion 12. In other words, Figure 10C shows a structure for radiating heat to the outside of the control panel 11.

[0112] In two adjacent motor drive devices 1j, a pair of bus bars 46a connects two terminals of the connector 37a of one motor drive device 1j to two terminals of the connector 37a of the other motor drive device 1j. The length of the bus bars 46a is approximately equal to the width of the first mounting portion 21 and the second mounting portion 22.

[0113] Fig. 10D is a perspective view of another motor drive assembly in the tenth embodiment. The motor drive assembly 10j' shown in Fig. 9C includes a plurality of, for example, three motor drive units 1j.

[0114] In Fig. 10D, three motor drive units 1j are arranged adjacent to each other so that the three second mounting portions 22 are aligned in a straight line. These second mounting portions 22 are then mounted to one surface 12a of the mounting wall portion 12 of the control panel 11 as described above. The mounting wall portion 12 preferably has the openings described above formed therein. Therefore, each heat sink 14 is located on the one surface 12a side of the mounting wall portion 12. In other words, Fig. 10D shows a structure for dissipating heat into the interior of the control panel 11.

[0115] In two adjacent motor driving devices 1j, a pair of bus bars 46b connects two terminals of the connector 37a of one motor driving device 1j to two terminals of the connector 37a of the other motor driving device 1j. The length of the bus bars 46b is the same as the length of the bus bars 46a.

[0116] In the tenth embodiment, too, it is easy to switch between a structure that dissipates heat to the outside of the control panel 11 and a structure that dissipates heat to the inside of the control panel 11, and therefore the same effects as those described above can be obtained. Furthermore, in the tenth embodiment, the terminal block 33 is disposed on the top surface 25, so it will be understood that the distance between the mounting wall 12 and the front wall 13 of the control panel 11 can be shortened. Furthermore, since bus bars 46a, 46b of the same length can be used in the structure that dissipates heat to the outside of the control panel 11 and the structure that dissipates heat to the inside of the control panel 11, manufacturing costs can be reduced.

[0117] 11A is a perspective view of a motor drive device according to an eleventh embodiment. Similar to motor drive device 1h, motor drive device 1k shown in FIG. 11A includes first and second mounting portions 21 and 22 arranged parallel to each other.

[0118] Furthermore, the second mounting portion 22 of the motor drive device 1k shown in FIG. 11A is formed with a third recess 38b, except for the vicinity of the upper and lower ends. The depth of the third recess 38b is approximately equal to the thickness of a base plate 53, which will be described later. A connector group 38a similar to that described above is provided at the bottom of the third recess 38b. The connector group 38a is preferably disposed near one edge of the second mounting portion 22.

[0119] Fig. 11B is a perspective view of a base plate according to the eleventh embodiment. A plurality of connector groups 53a similar to those described above are arranged on one surface of the base plate 53 shown in Fig. 11B. The plurality of connector groups 53a are arranged parallel to each other at equal distances. Each of the plurality of connector groups 53a is preferably recessed and included in the thickness portion of the base plate 53.

[0120] 11B , the distance between adjacent connector groups 53a is smaller than the width of the first mounting portion 21 and the second mounting portion 22. In one embodiment, the distance between adjacent connector groups 53a may be equal to the width of the first mounting portion 21 and the second mounting portion 22. In an embodiment not shown, the connector group 38a provided on the bottom of the third recess 38b may be concave, and the connector group 53a provided on the base plate 53 may be convex. In such a case, a groove capable of accommodating the connector group 53a is formed in the motor drive device as necessary.

[0121] 11C and 11D are perspective views of a motor drive assembly 10k according to an eleventh embodiment. The motor drive assembly 10k shown in these drawings includes a plurality of, for example, three, motor drive units 1k.

[0122] 11C and 11D, three motor drive units 1k are arranged adjacent to each other so that the three first mounting portions 21 are aligned in a straight line. These first mounting portions 21 are then mounted to one surface 12a of the mounting wall portion 12 of the control panel 11 as described above. Each radiator 14 passes through the opening 16 described above and protrudes from the other surface 12b of the mounting wall portion 12.

[0123] The base plate 53 is then positioned so that the surface on which the multiple connector groups 53a are arranged faces the connector groups 38a of the multiple motor drive devices 1k. The base plate 53 is then brought close to the three motor drive devices 1k. This causes the multiple connector groups 53a of the base plate 53 to engage with the respective connector groups 38a of the multiple motor drive devices 1k. The base plate 53 is then fixed to the multiple motor drive devices 1k by inserting screws or the like into the through holes. This creates a structure that dissipates heat to the outside of the control panel 11. In the configuration shown in FIGS. 11C and 11D , in order to improve operability, it is preferable to first attach the multiple motor drive devices 1k to the mounting wall 12 of the control panel 11, and then fix the base plate 53 to the multiple motor drive devices 1k.

[0124] 11E and 11F are perspective views of another motor drive assembly according to the eleventh embodiment. The motor drive assembly 10k' shown in these drawings includes a plurality of, for example, three motor drive units 1k.

[0125] In these drawings, the surface of the base plate 53 opposite to the group of connectors 53a is first attached to one surface 12a of the mounting wall 12. The mounting wall 12 preferably has an opening 16 formed therein.

[0126] Next, the three motor drive units 1k are arranged adjacent to each other so that the three second mounting portions 22 are aligned in a straight line. These second mounting portions 22 are then attached to the surface 12a of the mounting wall 12 of the control panel 11 as described above. This allows the multiple connector groups 53a of the base plate 53 to engage with the respective connector groups 38a of the multiple motor drive units 1k. At this time, the heat sinks 14 are arranged in a straight line at a location inside the control panel 11, away from the surface 12a of the mounting wall 12. This forms a heat dissipation structure inside the control panel 11. In the configurations shown in FIGS. 11E and 11F , it is preferable to attach the base plate 53 to the mounting wall 12 of the control panel 11 and then attach the multiple motor drive units 1k to the mounting wall 12 of the control panel 11 and the base plate 53, in order to improve workability.

[0127] In the eleventh embodiment, too, it is possible to easily switch between a structure that dissipates heat to the outside of the control panel 11 and a structure that dissipates heat to the inside of the control panel 11, thereby obtaining the same effects as those described above. Furthermore, a common base plate 53 can be applied to both the structure that dissipates heat to the outside of the control panel 11 and the structure that dissipates heat to the inside of the control panel 11.

[0128] FIG. 11G is a perspective view of a motor drive device according to a modification of the eleventh embodiment, and FIG. 11H is a perspective view of a motor drive device according to another modification of the eleventh embodiment. FIG. 11G shows a motor drive device 1k' having mounting portions 21, 22 narrower than the mounting portions 21, 22 of the motor drive device 1k shown in FIG. 11A. FIG. 11H shows a motor drive device 1k'' having mounting portions 21, 22 narrower than the mounting portions 21, 22 of the motor drive device 1k shown in FIG. 11A but wider than the mounting portions 21, 22 of the motor drive device 1k' shown in FIG. 11G. The width of the mounting portions 21, 22 of the motor drive device 1k' is equal to the distance between adjacent connector groups 53a on the base plate 53. The width of the mounting portions 21, 22 of the motor drive device 1k'' is equal to a multiple of the distance between adjacent connector groups 53a. The connector groups 38a of the motor drive devices 1k' and 1k'' are the same as those described above.

[0129] Fig. 11I is a perspective view of yet another motor drive assembly according to the eleventh embodiment. The motor drive assembly 10k'' shown in Fig. 11I includes motor drives 1k, 1k'', and 1k'.

[0130] In Figure 11I, three motor drive units 1k, 1k'', 1k are arranged in order so that their first mounting portions 21 are aligned in a straight line. These first mounting portions 21 are then mounted on one surface 12a of the mounting wall portion 12 of the control panel 11 as described above. Each radiator 14 protrudes from the other surface 12b of the mounting wall portion 12 through the opening 16 described above.

[0131] Then, the base plate 53 is positioned so that the surface on which the multiple connector groups 53a are arranged faces the respective connector groups 38a of the three motor drive units 1k, 1k", and 1k'. Next, the base plate 53 is brought closer to the three motor drive units 1k, 1k", and 1k'. As described above, in the eleventh embodiment, the widths of the mounting portions 21 and 22 of the motor drive units 1k' and 1k" are equal to the distance between two adjacent connector groups 38a provided on the base plate 53, or correspond to a multiple of this distance.

[0132] Therefore, the connector group 38a of each of the motor drive units 1k, 1k", and 1k' engages with one of the multiple connector groups 53a of the base plate 53. Next, screws or the like are passed through the aforementioned through holes to fix the base plate 53 to each of the multiple motor drive units 1k, 1k", and 1k'. This forms a structure that dissipates heat to the outside of the control panel 11. It will be understood that, as described with reference to Figures 11E and 11F, a structure that dissipates heat to the inside of the control panel 11 can also be formed with the motor drive unit assembly 10k" that includes the three motor drive units 1k, 1k", and 1k'.

[0133] In the eleventh embodiment, even if the motor drive unit assembly 10k'' includes motor drive units 1k', 1k'' having dimensions different from those shown in FIG. 11A, etc., it will be understood that the same base plate 53 as shown in FIG. 11B can be applied to such a motor drive unit assembly 10k''. This effect can be obtained when the motor drive unit assembly 10k'' includes multiple motor drive units 1k', 1k'', even if the locations of the motor drive units 1k', 1k'' are different from those shown in FIG. 11I.

[0134] Fig. 12A is a perspective view of a motor drive device according to a twelfth embodiment, and Fig. 12B is a front view of the motor drive device shown in Fig. 12A. Like motor drive device 1h, motor drive device 1l shown in Fig. 12A has a first mounting portion 21 and a second mounting portion 22 that are arranged parallel to each other. Furthermore, main body 9 of motor drive device 1l has two side portions that are perpendicular to first mounting portion 21 and second mounting portion 22.

[0135] As can be seen from Figures 12A and 12B, one side portion is provided with two sets of protruding portions 39a as engaging portions. Each of the two sets of protruding portions 39a extends in the width direction of one side portion. The other side portion is formed with two sets of recessed grooves 39b as engaged portions. Each of the two sets of recessed grooves 39b extends in the width direction of the other side portion at positions corresponding to the two sets of protruding portions 39a. The two sets of protruding portions 39a and the two sets of recessed grooves 39b have shapes that allow them to engage with each other.

[0136] As will be described later, when a plurality of motor drive units 11 are arranged so that the first mounting portions 21 or the second mounting portions 22 are aligned, the plurality of motor drive units 11 can be fixed to one another by the two sets of protrusions 39a and the two sets of recessed grooves 39b. Note that in an embodiment not shown, only one set of protrusions 39a and one set of recessed grooves 39b may be provided, or three or more sets of protrusions 39a and three or more sets of recessed grooves 39b may be provided.

[0137] 12A and 12B , on one side, a first side connector 39d is provided between each pair of protrusions 39a. Similarly, on the other side, a second side connector 39c is provided between each pair of grooves 39b. As can be seen from the figures, the first side connector 39d and the second side connector 39c may be conductive flat plates extending in the height direction of the main body 9 between the two protrusions 39a and the two grooves 39b, respectively. Therefore, the first side connector 39d and the second side connector 39c are in surface contact with each other, thereby electrically connecting the first side connector 39d and the second side connector 39c.

[0138] 12C and 12D are perspective views of a motor drive assembly according to a twelfth embodiment. The motor drive assembly 101 shown in these drawings includes a plurality of, for example, three, motor drive units 11.

[0139] 12C and 12D , the first mounting portion 21 of one motor drive unit 11 is mounted on one surface 12a of the mounting wall 12 of the control panel 11 as described above. Then, the adjacent motor drive unit 11 is slid relative to the motor drive unit 11 so that the recessed groove 39b of the other motor drive unit 11 engages with the protrusion 39a of the other motor drive unit 11. This electrically connects the second side connector 39c of the one motor drive unit 11 and the first side connector 39d of the other motor drive unit 11.

[0140] By repeating this operation, the three first mounting portions 21 and the three second mounting portions 22 are aligned in a straight line, as shown in Fig. 12D. At this time, each heat sink 14 protrudes from the other surface 12b of the mounting wall portion 12 through one of the openings 16 or the common opening 16 (see Fig. 12C). This forms a structure that dissipates heat to the outside of the control panel 11, as shown in Fig. 12D.

[0141] 12E and 12F are perspective views of another motor drive assembly according to the twelfth embodiment. The motor drive assembly 10l' shown in these drawings includes a plurality of, for example, three motor drive units 1l.

[0142] 12E and 12F , the second mounting portion 22 of one motor drive unit 11 is mounted to one surface 12a of the mounting wall 12 of the control panel 11 as described above. Then, the adjacent motor drive unit 11 is slid relative to the one motor drive unit 11 so that the protrusion 39a of the other motor drive unit 11 engages with the recessed groove 39b of the one motor drive unit 11. This electrically connects the second side connector 39c of the one motor drive unit 11 and the first side connector 39d of the other motor drive unit 11.

[0143] By repeating this operation, the three first mounting portions 21 and the three second mounting portions 22 are aligned in a straight line, as shown in Fig. 12F. At this time, the heat sinks 14 are arranged in a straight line at a location far from the surface 12a of the mounting wall 12 inside the control panel 11. This forms a heat dissipating structure inside the control panel 11, as shown in Fig. 12F.

[0144] In the twelfth embodiment, too, it is easy to switch between a structure that dissipates heat outside the control panel 11 and a structure that dissipates heat inside the control panel 11, thereby achieving the same effects as described above. Furthermore, in the twelfth embodiment, the base plates 51-53 are not required, so the motor drive unit 11 and the motor drive unit assemblies 101, 101' can be made relatively small, and since bus bars are not required, it will be understood that manufacturing costs can be reduced. Furthermore, in the twelfth embodiment, the first side connector 39d and the second side connector 39c can be easily electrically connected simply by sliding the motor drive unit 11 while engaging the protrusion 39a with the recessed groove 39b.

[0145] An effect of at least one of the embodiments described above is that the user can easily switch between a structure that dissipates heat inside the control panel and a structure that dissipates heat outside the control panel according to their needs, without requiring additional costs or complicated work.

[0146] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail, the present disclosure is not limited to the individual embodiments described above. Various additions, substitutions, modifications, partial deletions, etc. are possible to these embodiments without departing from the gist of the invention or the concept and spirit of the present invention derived from the content of the claims and their equivalents. For example, in the above-described embodiments, the order of each operation and the order of each process are shown as examples and are not limited to these. The same applies when numerical values ​​or mathematical formulas are used in the description of the above-described embodiments. Furthermore, appropriate combinations of several of the above-described embodiments are within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0147] The following supplementary notes are further disclosed regarding the above embodiments and variations. (Supplementary Note 1) A motor drive device comprising: a first mounting portion to be mounted around an opening formed in a mounting wall portion of a control panel; a second mounting portion different from the first mounting portion to be mounted on the mounting wall portion of the control panel; and a heat sink arranged on the first mounting portion. (Supplementary Note 2) The motor drive device according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion are perpendicular to each other. (Supplementary Note 3) The motor drive device according to Supplementary Note 2, further comprising: one of a first terminal block and a first connector arranged on a first opposing surface of the motor drive device facing the first mounting portion; and one of a second terminal block and a second connector arranged on a second opposing surface of the motor drive device facing the second mounting portion. (Supplementary Note 4) The motor drive device according to Supplementary Note 2 or 3, further comprising: one of a terminal block and a connector arranged on a surface of the motor drive device perpendicular to both the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion. (Supplementary Note 5) The motor drive device according to any one of Supplements 2 to 4, comprising: a first connector group arranged on a first opposing surface of the motor drive device opposing the first mounting portion; and a second connector group arranged on a second opposing surface of the motor drive device opposing the second mounting portion. (Supplementary Note 6) The motor drive device according to Supplementary Note 5, wherein the width of the first mounting portion and the total distance between the second mounting portion and the heat sink in a direction perpendicular to the width direction of the first mounting portion are equal to each other, and the distance from one edge of the first opposing surface to the first connector group is equal to the distance from a corresponding edge of the second opposing surface to the second connector group. (Supplementary Note 7) The motor drive device according to Supplementary Note 5, wherein a first recess is formed at a predetermined position on the first opposing surface, and a second recess is formed at another predetermined position on the second opposing surface.(Supplementary Note 8) The motor drive device according to Supplementary Note 7, wherein the width of the first mounting portion and the total distance between the second mounting portion and the heat sink in a direction perpendicular to the width direction of the first mounting portion are different, the distance from one edge of the first opposing surface to the first connector group is equal to the distance from a corresponding edge of the second opposing surface to the second connector group, the distance from one edge of the first opposing surface to the first recess is equal to the distance from a corresponding edge of the second opposing surface to the second recess, and the distance between the first connector group and the first recess is equal to the distance between the second connector group and the second recess. (Supplementary Note 9) The motor drive device according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion are parallel to each other. (Supplementary Note 10) The motor drive device according to Supplementary Note 9, further comprising one of a terminal block and a connector arranged on a surface of the motor drive device perpendicular to both the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion. (Supplementary Note 11) The motor drive device according to Supplementary Note 9 or 10, wherein a third recess is formed in the second mounting portion, and further comprising a third set of connectors arranged at the bottom of the third recess. (Supplementary Note 12) The motor drive device according to any of Supplementary Notes 9 to 11, comprising one of an engaging portion and an engaged portion formed on a first side portion of the motor drive device perpendicular to both the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion, and the other of the engaging portion and the engaged portion formed on a second side portion of the motor drive device perpendicular to both the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion. (Supplementary Note 13) The motor drive device according to Supplementary Note 12, comprising a first side connector arranged on the first side portion, and a second side connector arranged on the second side portion and connectable to the first side connector. (Appendix 14) A motor drive device assembly comprising: a plurality of motor drive devices according to any one of Appendices 5 to 13; and a base plate on which a plurality of connector groups are arranged, the connector groups being connected to at least one of the first connector group of the plurality of motor drive devices and the second connector group of the plurality of motor drive devices.(Appendix 15) A motor drive device assembly further comprising: a plurality of motor drive devices according to any one of Appendices 11 to 13; and a base plate on which a plurality of connector groups are arranged to connect to the third set of connector groups of the plurality of motor drive devices, the base plate engaging with the third recess.

[0148] REFERENCE SIGNS 1a to 1l Motor drive device 2a Through hole 2b Notch 9 Main body 10b to 10g, 10i to 10l, 10b' to 10f', 10i' to 10l' Motor drive device assembly 11 Control panel 12 Mounting wall portion 12a One surface 12b Other surface 13 Front wall portion 14 Heat sink 16 Opening 21 First mounting portion 22 Second mounting portion 23 First opposing surface 24 Second opposing surface 25 Upper surface 27 First recess 28 Second recess 30a, 31a, 32a, 33, 35a, 35b Terminal block 32a1, 32a2 Terminals 34a, 34b, 35a, 35b Connectors 36a First connector group 36b Second connector group 37a Connector 30b, 37b Groove 38a Connector group 38b Third recess 39a Protrusion 39b Recessed groove 39d First side connector 39d First side connector 41a, 41b, 42a, 42b, 44a, 44b, 45a, 45b, 46a, 46b Bus bars 51 to 53 Base plates 52a to 52i Connector group

Claims

1. A motor drive device comprising: a first mounting portion to be mounted around an opening formed in a mounting wall portion of a control panel; a second mounting portion different from the first mounting portion to be mounted on the mounting wall portion of the control panel; and a heat sink arranged on the first mounting portion.

2. The motor drive device according to claim 1, wherein the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion are perpendicular to each other.

3. The motor drive device according to claim 2, further comprising: one of a first terminal block and a first connector arranged on a first opposing surface of the motor drive device facing the first mounting portion; and one of a second terminal block and a second connector arranged on a second opposing surface of the motor drive device facing the second mounting portion.

4. The motor drive device according to claim 2 or 3, further comprising one of a terminal block and a connector arranged on a surface of the motor drive device perpendicular to both the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion.

5. A motor drive device as described in any one of claims 2 to 4, comprising: a first group of connectors arranged on a first opposing surface of the motor drive device facing the first mounting portion; and a second group of connectors arranged on a second opposing surface of the motor drive device facing the second mounting portion.

6. A motor drive device as described in claim 5, wherein the width of the first mounting portion and the total distance between the second mounting portion and the heat sink in a direction perpendicular to the width direction of the first mounting portion are equal to each other, and the distance from one edge of the first opposing surface to the first connector group is equal to the distance from a corresponding edge of the second opposing surface to the second connector group.

7. The motor drive device according to claim 5, wherein a first recess is formed at a predetermined position on said first opposing surface, and a second recess is formed at another predetermined position on said second opposing surface.

8. A motor drive device as described in claim 7, wherein the width of the first mounting portion and the total distance between the second mounting portion and the heat sink in a direction perpendicular to the width direction of the first mounting portion are different from each other, the distance from one edge of the first opposing surface to the first connector group is equal to the distance from one corresponding edge of the second opposing surface to the second connector group, the distance from one edge of the first opposing surface to the first recess is equal to the distance from one corresponding edge of the second opposing surface to the second recess, and the distance between the first connector group and the first recess is equal to the distance between the second connector group and the second recess.

9. The motor drive device according to claim 1, wherein the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion are parallel to each other.

10. The motor drive device of claim 9, further comprising one of a terminal block and a connector disposed on a surface of the motor drive device perpendicular to both the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion.

11. A motor drive device according to claim 9 or 10, wherein a third recess is formed in the second mounting portion, and further comprising a third set of connectors arranged at the bottom of the third recess.

12. A motor drive device as described in any one of claims 9 to 11, comprising one of an engaging portion and an engaged portion formed on a first side portion of the motor drive device that is perpendicular to both the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion, and the other of an engaging portion and an engaged portion formed on a second side portion of the motor drive device that is perpendicular to both the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion.

13. The motor drive device according to claim 12, comprising: a first side connector disposed on the first side; and a second side connector disposed on the second side and connectable to the first side connector.

14. A motor drive device assembly comprising: a plurality of motor drive devices according to any one of claims 5 to 13; and a base plate on which are arranged a plurality of connector groups that connect to at least one of the first connector group of the plurality of motor drive devices and the second connector group of the plurality of motor drive devices.

15. A motor drive device assembly comprising: a plurality of motor drive devices according to any one of claims 11 to 13; and a base plate on which a plurality of connector groups are arranged to connect to the third set of connector groups of the plurality of motor drive devices, the base plate engaging with the third recess.

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