Case structure

Abstract

This case structure comprises a plate-shaped cover member (30). The cover member (30) includes a main body part (100) and a plurality of folded piece parts (120). The main body part (100) has a flat first surface (31) that abuts a gasket. In the plurality of folded piece parts (120), piece parts extending outward from a peripheral edge (101) of the main body part (100) are folded back to a second surface (32) side opposite to the first surface (31) side. The main body part (100) is provided with a plurality of through-holes (110) arranged at intervals from each other along the peripheral edge (101). When viewed from the second surface (32) side, the plurality of folded piece parts (120) are each disposed at positions between adjacent through-holes (110), among the plurality of through-holes (110), along the peripheral edge (101).

Description

Case Structure

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a case structure.

[0002] International Publication No. WO 2016 / 167409 (Patent Document 1) is a prior art document that discloses the configuration of an electric compressor. The electric compressor described in Patent Document 1 includes an inverter and a cover. The cover is provided on one side of the inverter. The cover has a plurality of linear ribs.

[0003] International Publication No. WO 2024 / 057922 (Patent Document 2) is a prior art document that discloses the configuration of an inverter-integrated electric compressor. The inverter-integrated electric compressor described in Patent Document 2 includes a cover that closes an inverter accommodating section. The cover is made of sheet metal having an upper wall portion, a vertical wall portion, and a seal flange portion. The angle at which the vertical wall portion rises from the seal flange portion is adjustable.

[0004] Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2015-017577 (Patent Document 3) is a prior art document that discloses the configuration of an electric compressor. The electric compressor described in Patent Document 3 includes a housing and an inverter cover. The inverter cover is fastened to the housing with bolts. The electric compressor is provided with an electrical connection portion that electrically connects the housing and the inverter cover. The electrical connection portion is located inside the bolts in the inward / outward direction of the inverter accommodating portion.

[0005] Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2015-183525 (Patent Document 4) is a prior art document that discloses the configuration of an inverter-integrated electric compressor. The inverter-integrated electric compressor described in Patent Document 4 includes an inverter case and an inverter cover. The inverter case forms an inverter accommodating space. The inverter cover closes an opening of the inverter accommodating space. The inverter case is formed with an end face opposing surface that faces an end face of the inverter cover when the inverter cover closes the opening.

[0006] Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2013-159019 (Patent Document 5) is a prior art document that discloses the configuration of a metal-resin composite. The metal-resin composite described in Patent Document 5 is configured to include two metal plates and a fiber-reinforced resin layer disposed between the two. The edges of the metal plates are bent using a hemming process or the like.

[0007] International Publication No. 2016 / 167409 International Publication No. 2024 / 057922 JP 2015-017577 A JP 2015-183525 A JP 2013-159019 A

[0008] In Patent Documents 1 and 2, ribs or the like are added to ensure the rigidity of the cover member, ensuring vibration resistance, but this may result in the cover member becoming larger.

[0009] Patent Documents 3 and 4 disclose configurations for improving the airtightness of the space that contains the contents or the corrosion resistance of the cover member, but there is room for improving the corrosion resistance within the space that contains the contents by changing the configuration of the cover member itself.

[0010] In order to ensure the rigidity of the components, hemming of a metal-resin composite as shown in Patent Document 5 is disclosed, but the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 5 may not be suitable for a case structure. As described above, case structures that house contents are required to be miniaturized while also having improved vibration resistance and corrosion resistance.

[0011] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a case structure that is miniaturized while improving vibration resistance and corrosion resistance.

[0012] A case structure according to the present disclosure includes a case member, a plate-shaped cover member, and a gasket. The case member extends cylindrically in a first direction and accommodates contents. The cover member extends in a direction intersecting the first direction and covers the internal space of the case member from the first direction. The gasket is disposed between the case member and the cover member and seals the gap between the case member and the cover member. The cover member includes a main body portion and a plurality of folded-back pieces. The main body portion has a flat first surface that abuts the gasket. The folded-back pieces extend outward from the periphery of the main body portion and are folded back toward a second surface opposite the first surface. The main body portion has a plurality of through holes spaced apart from one another along the periphery. The cover member is fastened to the case member by fastening members inserted through each of the plurality of through holes. When viewed from the second surface, the folded-back pieces are each disposed at a position between adjacent through holes along the periphery of the plurality of through holes.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, when viewed from the second surface side, a plurality of notches are provided on the periphery of the main body portion so as to be adjacent to both ends of at least one of the plurality of folded pieces.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the cover member is made of a laminated steel plate including a resin layer.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one of the plurality of folded pieces has a longer folded length at the central portion than at both end portions.

[0016] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the periphery of the main body portion includes a curved portion that is curved convexly outward from the main body portion when viewed from the second surface side, and each of the plurality of folded-back pieces that is folded back from the curved portion has a slit formed from a tip side toward the periphery when viewed from the second surface side.

[0017] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the gasket includes a frame body and a bead portion. The frame body extends along a periphery and has a plurality of holes formed at positions corresponding to the plurality of through holes. The bead portion protrudes from the frame body toward the case member around the entire circumference of the gasket.

[0018] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of cutout portions are arranged outward from an outer edge of the bead portion when viewed from the first direction.

[0019] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of holes are arranged outward from an outer edge of the bead portion when viewed from the first direction.

[0020] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, when viewed from the first direction, a part of the bead portion is curved toward the inside of the gasket so as to follow each of the plurality of holes at intervals.

[0021] A case structure according to one embodiment of the present disclosure houses an inverter for an electric compressor as an internal component.

[0022] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a case structure that is miniaturized while improving vibration resistance and corrosion resistance.

[0023] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of an electric compressor including a case structure according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the configuration of the case structure according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a plan view illustrating the configuration of a cover member included in the case structure according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a plan view of the cover member of FIG. 3 as viewed from the back side. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of the cover member. FIG. 6 is a plan view illustrating an enlarged view of a portion of the case structure in FIG. 6. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the configuration of the case structure of FIG. 6 as viewed from the direction of the arrows VIII-VIII. FIG. 8 is a plan view illustrating the configuration of a cover member included in a case structure according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the configuration of the cover member of FIG. 9 as viewed from the direction of the arrows XI-XI. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of a cover member included in a case structure according to a modified example of the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description of the embodiments, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference characters, and description thereof may not be repeated.

[0025] In the drawings, the X direction is the direction extending along the main body of the cover member, the Y direction is the direction extending along the main body of the cover member and perpendicular to the Y direction, and the Z direction is the first direction along which the axis of the case member extends. In addition, in each configuration of the case structure, the central side of each configuration of the case structure as viewed from the first direction (Z direction) is the "inside," and the peripheral side of each configuration of the case structure as viewed from the first direction (Z direction) is the "outside."

[0026] First Embodiment First, a configuration of an electric compressor including a case structure according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of an electric compressor including a case structure according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] 1, the electric compressor 1 can be mounted on, for example, an automobile and is used, for example, for air conditioning in the automobile.

[0028] The electric compressor 1 includes a compression mechanism 2, an electric motor 3, a rotating shaft 4, a housing 5, an electric compressor inverter 6, and a case structure 10.

[0029] The compression mechanism 2 draws in, compresses, and discharges a refrigerant. The compression mechanism 2 compresses and discharges the refrigerant, for example, by using vanes (not shown). The electric motor 3 drives the compression mechanism 2 by rotating a rotary shaft 4.

[0030] The housing 5 accommodates the compression mechanism 2 and the electric motor 3. The housing 5 is made of a metal material such as an aluminum alloy. The electric compressor inverter 6 is arranged alongside the compression mechanism 2 and the electric motor 3 in the Z direction. The electric compressor inverter 6 is electrically connected to the electric motor 3. The electric compressor inverter 6 controls the rotational drive of the electric motor 3.

[0031] The case structure 10 is connected to the housing 5 by connecting members (not shown). The case structure 10 in this embodiment accommodates the electric compressor inverter 6 as its contents. Note that the contents accommodated in the case structure 10 are not limited to the electric compressor inverter 6. The contents accommodated in the case structure 10 may be, for example, a circuit board or electronic components other than the electric compressor inverter 6.

[0032] The case structure 10 has fastening members 11. The fastening members 11 connect a case member 20, a cover member 30, and a gasket 40, which will be described later. The fastening members 11 are, for example, bolts. However, the fastening members 11 may also be rivets or the like.

[0033] In the present embodiment, the case structure 10 is configured as a separate body from the housing 5, but is not limited to this configuration. The case structure 10 may also be configured such that a case member 20, which will be described later, is integrated with the housing 5.

[0034] 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the case structure according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 2, the case structure 10 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure includes a case member 20, a cover member 30, and a gasket 40.

[0035] The case member 20 extends in a cylindrical shape in the first direction (Z direction). In this embodiment, the case member 20 extends in a rectangular cylindrical shape in the first direction (Z direction). The axis C (see FIG. 1 ) of the case member 20 is aligned with the first direction (Z direction).

[0036] The case member 20 accommodates the electric compressor inverter 6 as a content in its internal space. The case member 20 is made of a metal material such as an aluminum alloy.

[0037] The case member 20 has a case end surface 21 on the side opposite to the side connected to the housing 5 in the first direction (Z direction). The case end surface 21 has a frame shape that surrounds the internal space of the case member 20. The case end surface 21 defines an opening on the inside thereof.

[0038] A plurality of fastening holes 22 are provided in the case end surface 21. The plurality of fastening holes 22 are arranged at intervals along the case end surface 21. Fastening members 11 are fastened to the plurality of fastening holes 22.

[0039] The cover member 30 is plate-shaped and extends in a direction intersecting the first direction (Z direction). The cover member 30 covers the internal space of the case member 20 from the first direction (Z direction).

[0040] The cover member 30 is provided with a plurality of through holes 110. The cover member 30 is fastened to the case member 20 by fastening members 11 inserted through each of the plurality of through holes 110.

[0041] The gasket 40 is disposed between the case member 20 and the cover member 30. The gasket 40 seals the gap between the case member 20 and the cover member 30.

[0042] The gasket 40 is made of steel plate and rubber. Specifically, the gasket 40 is made by laminating rubber on both surfaces of a steel plate. This configuration ensures the rigidity of the gasket 40, while the elasticity of the rubber makes it easy to seal the gap between the case member 20 and the cover member 30. However, the gasket 40 may be made of rubber only.

[0043] The gasket 40 has a frame body 41. The frame body 41 extends along the periphery of the cover member 30. The frame body 41 is provided with a plurality of holes 43. Each of the plurality of holes 43 is formed at a position corresponding to one of the plurality of through holes 110.

[0044] Fig. 3 is a plan view showing the configuration of a cover member included in the case structure according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, Fig. 4 is a plan view showing the cover member of Fig. 3 as viewed from the back side.

[0045] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , the cover member 30 includes a main body portion 100 and a plurality of folded pieces 120 .

[0046] The main body 100 extends on a plane perpendicular to the first direction (Z direction). That is, the main body 100 extends on the XY plane. The main body 100 in this embodiment has a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from the first direction (Z direction).

[0047] The main body 100 has a first surface 31 and a second surface 32. The first surface 31 is a flat surface that abuts against the gasket 40. In other words, the first surface 31 is the back surface of the cover member 30 that is not visible from the outer surface of the case structure 10. The second surface 32 is the surface opposite to the first surface 31. In other words, the second surface 32 is the surface of the cover member 30 that is visible from the outer surface of the case structure 10.

[0048] A plurality of through holes 110 are provided in the main body 100. The plurality of through holes 110 are arranged at intervals along the periphery 101 of the main body 100. In this embodiment, the plurality of through holes 110 are provided at the corners of the substantially rectangular main body 100 or near the centers of the four sides that make up the substantially rectangular shape.

[0049] The multiple folded pieces 120 are formed by folding back pieces that extend outward from the periphery 101 of the main body 100. By forming the multiple folded pieces 120, the rigidity of the periphery 101 of the main body 100 is improved. This allows the flatness of the main body 100 to be improved compared to when the multiple folded pieces 120 are not formed.

[0050] The plurality of folded pieces 120 are folded back toward the second surface 32. The plurality of folded pieces 120 are folded back toward the surface of the cover member 30 that is visible from the outer surface of the case structure 10.

[0051] If the multiple folded pieces are folded back toward the first surface 31, the multiple folded pieces need to be positioned outside the gasket 40 so as not to come into contact with the gasket 40. On the other hand, the multiple folded pieces 120 in this embodiment are folded back to the side opposite the gasket 40, and therefore do not come into contact with the gasket 40. This allows the folded pieces 120 to be positioned further inward than when the multiple folded pieces are folded back toward the first surface 31, and therefore allows the cover member 30 to be made smaller in size on a plane (XY plane) perpendicular to the first direction.

[0052] The plurality of folded pieces 120 are formed by, for example, press working. In this embodiment, the plurality of folded pieces 120 are formed by so-called hemming, in which the pieces are folded back flat by bending them 180 degrees relative to the main body 100.

[0053] In the present embodiment, the cover member 30 can be made thinner in the thickness direction of the main body 100, which is the first direction, compared to when the flatness of the first surface 31 of the main body is ensured by providing ribs or vertical walls extending in the Z direction on the main body, and therefore the cover member 30 can be made smaller in the thickness direction.

[0054] When viewed from the second surface 32 side, the multiple folded pieces 120 are respectively arranged at positions between adjacent through holes 110 along the periphery 101 of the multiple through holes 110. This increases the rigidity of the main body 100 at positions between adjacent through holes 110 where the axial force of the fastening member 11 is less likely to act, and allows the cover member 30 to strongly press the gasket 40 at positions between adjacent through holes 110. As a result, the airtightness of the case structure 10 can be improved.

[0055] The folded pieces 120 occupy a higher area of ​​the periphery 101 of the main body 100 than the flat surface located around the through holes 110. The folded pieces 120 occupy approximately 70% to 95% of the periphery 101 of the main body 100. If the folded pieces 120 occupy a higher area of ​​the periphery 101 of the main body 100, it is easier to ensure the rigidity of the cover member 30.

[0056] Each of the plurality of folded pieces 120 is folded back until it is positioned more inward than the outer ends of the plurality of through holes 110. This makes it possible to ensure an area in which the folded pieces 120 can be easily molded.

[0057] Each of the multiple folded pieces 120 has a central portion 121 and both end portions 122. In at least one of the multiple folded pieces 120, the folded length of the central portion 121 is longer than that of the both end portions 122. In the present embodiment, in each of the multiple folded pieces 120, the folded length of the central portion 121 is longer than that of the both end portions 122. In each of the multiple folded pieces 120, the folded length L1 of the central portion 121 is, for example, in a range of two to four times longer than the folded length L2 of the both end portions 122.

[0058] Each of the multiple folded pieces 120 is formed linearly when viewed from the first direction (Z direction). In this embodiment, each of the multiple folded pieces 120 extends linearly in the X direction or Y direction along the periphery 101 of the main body 100 when viewed from the first direction (Z direction). Because the multiple folded pieces 120 are formed linearly, deformation such as wrinkles is less likely to occur when the multiple folded pieces 120 are formed compared to when curved folded pieces are formed. This makes it easier to mold each of the multiple linear folded pieces 120.

[0059] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the cover member. As shown in Fig. 5, the cover member 30 in this embodiment has a first steel plate layer 35, a resin layer 36, and a second steel plate layer 37. The cover member 30 is made of a laminated steel plate including the resin layer 36.

[0060] The resin layer 36 is sandwiched between the first steel plate layer 35 and the second steel plate layer 37. The resin layer 36 absorbs vibrations more easily than steel plates. The thickness of the resin layer is, for example, 40 μm.

[0061] Compared to when the cover member 30 is made of a single steel plate, the thickness of each plate of the laminated steel plate is thinner than the thickness of a single steel plate. This allows the minimum bending radius of each plate of the laminated steel plate to be reduced, thereby reducing the minimum bending radius of the folded piece portion 120. As a result, the cover member 30 can be made thinner in the first direction (Z direction), allowing the cover member 30 to be made more compact.

[0062] Fig. 6 is a plan view showing the configuration of the case structure according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 7 is an enlarged plan view showing a portion of the case structure in Fig. 6. Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the configuration of the case structure in Fig. 6 as viewed from the direction of the arrows along line VIII-VIII. Note that Fig. 8 schematically illustrates a state before a bead portion, which will be described later, is crushed.

[0063] 6 to 8, the gasket 40 includes a bead portion 42. The bead portion 42 is formed on the rubber that constitutes the gasket 40.

[0064] The bead portion 42 protrudes from the frame 41 toward the case member 20 around the entire circumference of the gasket 40. When the gasket 40 is sandwiched between the case member 20 and the cover member 30, the bead portion 42 of the gasket 40 is crushed and comes into contact with the case end face 21.

[0065] 6 and 7 , the multiple holes 43 provided in the frame 41 are disposed outward from the outer edge 44 of the bead portion 42 when viewed from the first direction (Z direction). The multiple through holes 110 in the cover member 30 are also disposed outward from the outer edge 44 of the bead portion 42. The fastening members 11 inserted through the multiple holes 43 and the multiple through holes 110 are also disposed outward from the outer edge 44 of the bead portion 42 without overlapping with the bead portion 42 in the first direction (Z direction). This prevents the axial force generated in the first direction (Z direction) by the fastening members 11 from being directly applied to the bead portion 42 from the first direction (Z direction).

[0066] The cover member 30 is provided with a plurality of cutout portions 130. When viewed from the second surface 32 side, the plurality of cutout portions 130 are provided on the periphery 101 of the main body portion 100 so as to be adjacent to both end portions 122 of at least one of the plurality of folded pieces 120. In the present embodiment, when viewed from the second surface 32 side, the plurality of cutout portions 130 are provided on the periphery 101 of the main body portion 100 so as to be adjacent to both end portions 122 of each of the plurality of folded pieces 120. As a result, the folded piece 120 and the periphery 101 of the main body portion 100 corresponding to the positions where the plurality of through holes 110 are provided are separated from each other with the plurality of cutout portions 130 sandwiched therebetween.

[0067] When viewed from the first direction (Z direction), the plurality of notches 130 are disposed outside the outer edge 44 of the bead portion 42. As a result, the plurality of holes 43 do not overlap with the bead portion 42 in the first direction (Z direction), and therefore the first surface 31 of the cover member 30 can be abutted against the bead portion 42 over the entire circumference of the bead portion 42.

[0068] When viewed from the first direction (Z direction), a portion of the bead portion 42 curves toward the inside of the gasket 40 so as to follow each of the plurality of hole portions 43 at intervals. A portion of the bead portion 42 curves convexly toward the inside of the gasket 40. This allows the plurality of hole portions 43 to be positioned inside the main body portion 100, compared to when the bead portion is configured in a substantially rectangular shape to match the shape of the frame body 41, and therefore the area occupied by the gasket 40 when viewed from the first direction (Z direction) can be reduced.

[0069] In the case structure 10 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, the cover member 30 includes a plurality of folded pieces 120 folded toward the second surface 32 opposite the flat first surface 31 that abuts against the gasket 40. The folded pieces 120 are positioned between adjacent through holes 110, respectively. This reduces the footprint of the cover member 30 compared to when the folded pieces are folded toward the first surface 31, thereby enabling the cover member 30 to be miniaturized. Furthermore, the provision of the folded pieces 120 improves the rigidity of the periphery 101 of the main body 100, thereby improving the vibration resistance of the cover member 30. Furthermore, the placement of the folded pieces 120 between adjacent through holes 110 improves the rigidity of the periphery 101 of the main body 100, thereby ensuring the flatness of the first surface 31 that abuts against the gasket 40. This improves the airtightness of the case structure 10. Therefore, a case structure 10 can be provided that is compact and has improved vibration resistance and corrosion resistance.

[0070] In the case structure 10 relating to embodiment 1 of the present disclosure, multiple notch portions 130 are provided adjacent to both end portions 122 of at least one of the multiple folded piece portions 120 of the cover member 30, thereby preventing deformation of the piece portion of the cover member 30 when the folded piece portion 120 is formed from being transmitted to the main body portion 100 (so-called deformation of the main body portion), thereby making it possible to achieve a configuration that is less likely to affect the flatness of the main body portion 100.

[0071] In the case structure 10 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, the cover member 30 is configured from a laminated steel plate including the resin layer 36, and therefore the resin layer 36 can absorb vibrations, improving the vibration resistance of the case structure 10. Consequently, noise caused by vibrations can be reduced.

[0072] In the case structure 10 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, the folding length of the central portion 121 of at least one of the plurality of folding pieces 120 is longer than that of the end portions 122, so that the ends of the folding piece 120 are configured to slope away from the plurality of through holes 110, thereby improving the resistance to bending deformation of the folding piece 120 and improving the strength of the cover member 30. This makes it easier to maintain the flatness of the main body portion 100 of the cover member 30.

[0073] In the case structure 10 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, the gasket 40 is provided with a bead portion 42 that protrudes from the frame body 41 around the entire circumference of the gasket 40 toward the case member 20, thereby allowing the bead portion 42 to collapse and improving the sealing between the case member 20 and the cover member 30 compared to when the bead portion 42 is not provided.

[0074] In the case structure 10 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, when viewed from the first direction (Z direction), the multiple notches 130 of the cover member 30 are positioned outside the outer edge 44 of the bead portion 42 of the gasket 40, thereby allowing the cover member 30 to abut against the entire circumference of the bead portion 42, thereby making it possible to configure the multiple notches 130 of the cover member 30 so as not to affect the airtightness of the gasket 40.

[0075] In case structure 10 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, when viewed from the first direction (Z direction), multiple holes 43 of gasket 40 are disposed outside outer edges 44 of bead portions 42. This prevents the axial force generated by fastening fastening members 11 from being directly applied to bead portions 42, and prevents localized axial force from being applied to bead portions 42, making it easier to ensure the airtightness of gasket 40.

[0076] In case structure 10 according to embodiment 1 of the present disclosure, when viewed from the first direction (Z direction), a portion of bead portion 42 is curved toward the inside of gasket 40 so as to follow each of the plurality of hole portions 43 at intervals. This allows the plurality of hole portions 43 located on the outside of bead portion 42 to be located on the inside, compared to when bead portion 42 is provided in a substantially rectangular shape without being curved to match the shape of frame body 41, thereby enabling the gasket 40 to be made more compact. This allows the case structure 10 to be made more compact.

[0077] In the case structure 10 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, by accommodating the inverter 6 for the electric compressor as the contents, the inverter 6 for the electric compressor can be protected by the case structure 10, which has been made smaller while improving vibration resistance and corrosion resistance.

[0078] In case structure 10 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, by providing cover member 30 with multiple folded pieces 120 to improve the rigidity of cover member 30, airtightness can be ensured even if the number of multiple through holes 110 required to fasten cover member 30 to case member 20 is reduced, compared to when cover member 30 is not provided with multiple folded pieces 120. This reduces the number of multiple through holes 110, simplifying the configuration of case structure 10. When case structure 10 is applied to an electric compressor, even if case structure 10 is made larger to protect electric compressor inverter 6, an increase in size of case structure 10 can be suppressed.

[0079] A case structure according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. The case structure according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure differs from the case structure according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure mainly in the configuration of the cover member, and therefore, the description of the configuration that is the same as that of the case structure according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure will not be repeated.

[0080] Second Embodiment FIG. 9 is a plan view showing the configuration of a cover member included in a case structure according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0081] 9, the case structure according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure includes a case member, a cover member 30A, and a gasket. The cover member 30A is fastened to the case member by a fastening member with the gasket sandwiched therebetween. The case member and the gasket (not shown) have shapes that match the shape of the cover member.

[0082] The cover member 30A includes a main body 200 and a plurality of folded pieces 220. The main body 200 has a first surface 31A and a second surface 32A. The first surface 31A is a flat surface that contacts the gasket. The second surface 32A is the surface opposite to the first surface 31A.

[0083] The main body 200 extends on a plane perpendicular to the first direction (Z direction). One end of the main body 200 in the Y direction is circular, and the other end is rectangular.

[0084] The periphery 201 of the main body 200 includes a curved portion 202. When viewed from the second surface 32A side, the curved portion 202 is curved in a convex shape outward from the main body 200. In this embodiment, the curved portion 202 is arc-shaped. Note that the curved portion 202 is not limited to an arc-shaped shape, and may have a curved shape that combines multiple curves.

[0085] A plurality of through holes 210 are provided in the main body 200. The plurality of through holes 210 are arranged at intervals along the periphery 201 of the main body 200. In this embodiment, the plurality of through holes 210 are provided at 90° intervals on the circular periphery, and are also provided near the corners and centers of the sides of the rectangular periphery.

[0086] The plurality of folded pieces 220 are folded back toward the second surface 32A. When viewed from the second surface 32A side, the plurality of folded pieces 220 are respectively arranged at positions between adjacent through holes 210 along the periphery 201 in the plurality of through holes 210.

[0087] The plurality of folded pieces 220 include straight folded pieces 225 and curved folded pieces 226 .

[0088] The linear folded piece 225 is formed linearly in the rectangular portion of the main body 200 when viewed from the first direction (Z direction).

[0089] The curved folded piece 226 is curved along the curved portion 202 of the main body 200. The plurality of folded pieces 220 in this embodiment are formed in an arc shape when viewed from the first direction (Z direction). Note that the plurality of folded pieces 220 are not limited to an arc shape, and may have a curved shape that is a combination of a plurality of curves.

[0090] Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the cover member shown in Fig. 9, taken along the line X-X. Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the cover member shown in Fig. 9, taken along the line XI-XI.

[0091] 9 to 11, a slit 227 is formed in each of the curved folded pieces 226 that are folded back from the curved portion 202 in the plurality of folded pieces 220. The slit 227 is formed from the tip side toward the periphery 201 when viewed from the second surface 32A side.

[0092] The folded tip 228 of the curved folded piece 226 in which the slit 227 is formed has a shorter folded length compared to the tip 229 of the curved folded piece 226 in which the slit 227 is not formed.

[0093] If no slit is provided in the curved folded piece 226, when the curved folded piece 226 is folded to be formed, a compressive stress is applied to the curved folded piece 226 along the periphery 201. In this case, deformation such as wrinkles may occur in the curved folded piece 226.

[0094] On the other hand, in the case structure according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure, slits 227 are provided in curved folded piece 226 from the tip side toward periphery 201, which prevents compressive stress from being applied along periphery 201 when curved folded piece 226 is folded back to form, thereby preventing deformation such as wrinkles from occurring in curved folded piece 226. This improves the formability of curved folded piece 226.

[0095] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a cover member included in a case structure according to a modified example of the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0096] The multiple folded pieces may be formed by bending pieces folded back 180° or more relative to the main body. As shown in FIG. 12 , the folded piece 320 in this modification is folded back from the periphery 301 of the main body 300. The end face of the tip 328 of the folded piece 320 faces the main body 300. The multiple folded pieces 320 are formed, for example, by press working. In this manner, the shape of the folded piece is not limited to a shape folded back flat by bending the piece 180° relative to the main body. Note that the configuration in which the folded piece is bent 180° or more relative to the main body can also be applied to the cover member 30 of embodiment 1.

[0097] [Additional Note] This embodiment includes the following disclosure.

[0098] [Configuration 1] A case structure comprising: a case member that extends cylindrically in a first direction and accommodates contents; a plate-shaped cover member that extends in a direction intersecting the first direction and covers the internal space of the case member from the first direction; and a gasket that is arranged between the case member and the cover member and seals the space between the case member and the cover member, wherein the cover member includes a main body portion having a flat first surface that abuts the gasket, and a plurality of folded-back piece portions formed by folding back piece portions that extend outward from the periphery of the main body portion toward a second surface opposite to the first surface side, wherein the main body portion is provided with a plurality of through holes that are arranged at intervals along the periphery, and the cover member is fastened to the case member by fastening members that are inserted through each of the plurality of through holes, and wherein the plurality of folded-back piece portions are respectively arranged at positions between adjacent through holes along the periphery in the plurality of through holes when viewed from the second surface side.

[0099] [Configuration 2] The case structure according to Configuration 1, wherein, when viewed from the second surface side, a plurality of notches are provided on the periphery of the main body portion so as to be adjacent to both ends of at least one of the plurality of folded pieces.

[0100] [Configuration 3] The case structure according to Configuration 1 or 2, wherein the cover member is made of a laminated steel plate including a resin layer.

[0101] [Configuration 4] The case structure according to any one of Configurations 1 to 3, wherein at least one of the plurality of folded pieces has a longer folded length at the center than at both end portions.

[0102] [Configuration 5] The case structure according to any one of Configurations 1 to 4, wherein the periphery of the main body portion includes a curved portion that is curved convexly outward from the main body portion when viewed from the second surface side, and a slit is formed in each of the curved folded-back pieces that are folded back from the curved portion when viewed from the second surface side from a tip side toward the periphery.

[0103] [Configuration 6] The case structure according to Configuration 2, wherein the gasket includes: a frame body extending along the periphery and provided with a plurality of holes formed at positions corresponding to the plurality of through holes; and a bead portion protruding from the frame body toward the case member around the entire circumference of the gasket.

[0104] [Configuration 7] The case structure according to Configuration 6, wherein the plurality of cutout portions are arranged outside an outer edge of the bead portion when viewed from the first direction.

[0105] [Configuration 8] The case structure according to Configuration 6 or 7, wherein the plurality of holes are disposed outside an outer edge of the bead portion when viewed from the first direction.

[0106] [Configuration 9] The case structure according to Configuration 8, wherein, when viewed from the first direction, a portion of the bead portion is curved toward the inside of the gasket so as to follow each of the plurality of hole portions at intervals.

[0107] [Configuration 10] The case structure according to any one of Configurations 1 to 9, which houses an inverter for an electric compressor as the contents.

[0108] It should be noted that the above-described embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and are not intended to be limiting. Therefore, the technical scope of the present disclosure should not be interpreted solely by the above-described embodiments. Furthermore, all modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the claims are included. In the description of the above-described embodiments, combinable configurations may be combined with each other.

[0109] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Electric compressor 2 Compression mechanism 3 Electric motor 4 Rotating shaft 5 Housing 6 Inverter for electric compressor 10 Case structure 11 Fastening member 20 Case member 21 Case end surface 22 Fastening hole 30, 30A Cover member 31, 31A First surface 32, 32A Second surface 35 First steel plate layer 36 Resin layer 37 Second steel plate layer 40 Gasket 41 Frame body 42 Bead portion 43 Hole portion 44 Outer edge 100, 200, 300 Main body portion 101, 201, 301 Periphery 110, 210 Through hole 120, 220, 320 Folded piece portion 121 Central portion 122 Both ends 130 Notched portion 202 Curved portion 225 Straight folded piece portion 226: Curved folded piece 227: Slit 228, 229, 328: Tip C: Shaft center

Claims

1. A case structure comprising: a case member that extends cylindrically in a first direction and contains contents; a plate-shaped cover member that extends in a direction intersecting the first direction and covers the internal space of the case member from the first direction; and a gasket that is arranged between the case member and the cover member and seals the space between the case member and the cover member, wherein the cover member includes a main body portion having a flat first surface that abuts the gasket, and a plurality of folded-back pieces that are pieces that extend outward from the periphery of the main body portion and are folded back toward a second surface opposite to the first surface side, wherein the main body portion is provided with a plurality of through holes that are arranged at intervals along the periphery, and the cover member is fastened to the case member by fastening members that are inserted through each of the plurality of through holes, and wherein the plurality of folded-back pieces are each arranged at a position between adjacent through holes along the periphery in the plurality of through holes when viewed from the second surface side.

2. A case structure as described in claim 1, wherein, when viewed from the second surface side, a plurality of notches are provided on the periphery of the main body portion, adjacent to both ends of at least one of the plurality of folded pieces.

3. A case structure according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the cover member is made of a laminated steel plate including a resin layer.

4. A case structure according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one of the plurality of folded pieces has a longer folded length at the center than at both end portions.

5. A case structure as described in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the peripheral edge of the main body portion includes a curved portion that is curved convexly outward from the main body portion when viewed from the second surface side, and a slit is formed in each of the curved folded pieces that are folded back from the curved portion when viewed from the second surface side, from the tip side toward the peripheral edge.

6. A case structure as described in claim 2, wherein the gasket includes: a frame body extending along the periphery and provided with a plurality of holes formed at positions corresponding to the plurality of through holes; and a bead portion protruding from the frame body toward the case member around the entire circumference of the gasket.

7. The case structure according to claim 6, wherein the plurality of cutouts are arranged outside the outer edge of the bead portion when viewed from the first direction.

8. A case structure according to claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the plurality of holes are arranged outside the outer edge of the bead portion when viewed from the first direction.

9. A case structure according to claim 8, wherein, when viewed from the first direction, a portion of the bead portion is curved toward the inside of the gasket so as to follow each of the plurality of holes at intervals.

10. The case structure according to claim 1 or 2, which houses an inverter for an electric compressor as the contents.

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