Inverter device

Abstract

An inverter device includes: an inverter circuit; a control circuit that controls an operation of the inverter circuit; a plurality of divided substrates (821) in which the control circuit is mounted and which are arranged in a circumferential direction (CD); and a support member (200) that supports the plurality of divided substrates (821). Two divided substrates adjacent in the circumferential direction among the plurality of divided substrates (821) are provided as a first divided substrate (8211) and a second divided substrate (8212). A first protrusion (protrusion P1) that is in a shape protruding in the circumferential direction and is mounted to the support member (200) is formed on an end surface of the first divided substrate (8211). A second protrusion (protrusion Q1) that is in a shape protruding in the circumferential direction and is mounted to the support member (200) is formed on an end surface of the second divided substrate (8212). The first protrusion and the second protrusion are located at different positions on a common straight line passing through a rotation center.

Description

[0001] Mutual citation of related applications

[0002] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-032537, filed on March 4, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The disclosure in this specification relates to an inverter device that converts direct current (DC) power to alternating current (AC) power. Background Technology

[0004] Patent Document 1 describes an inverter device that converts direct current (DC) power into alternating current (AC) power and supplies it to an electric motor. The inverter device has a control board on which various electronic components are mounted. This control board is divided into multiple boards (segmented boards) arranged circumferentially along the rotation of the electric motor. These segmented boards are mounted on and supported by an inverter housing. Mounting portions relative to the inverter housing are present on the component mounting surfaces of the segmented boards.

[0005] Existing technical documents

[0006] Patent documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-183615 Summary of the Invention

[0008] However, the layout of electronic components and printed wiring mounted on the partitioned substrate is constrained by the presence of the mounting section. In particular, it is difficult to effectively utilize the component mounting surface in the periphery of the mounting section, leading to a larger partitioned substrate.

[0009] One object of this disclosure is to provide an inverter device that achieves miniaturization by effectively utilizing a segmented substrate.

[0010] To achieve the above objectives, the inverter device of the first aspect of this disclosure includes: An inverter circuit that converts DC power into AC power and supplies it to the motor unit; The control circuit controls the operation of the inverter circuit. Multiple segmented substrates, each equipped with inverter circuitry or control circuitry, are arranged circumferentially along the rotational direction of the motor assembly; and Supporting member that supports multiple segmented substrates. Two circumferentially adjacent segmented substrates among a plurality of segmented substrates are designated as the first segmented substrate and the second segmented substrate. A first protrusion is formed on the end face of the first segmented substrate opposite to the second segmented substrate. The first protrusion is circumferentially protruding and is mounted on a support member. A second protrusion is formed on the end face of the second segmented substrate opposite to the first segmented substrate. The second protrusion is circumferentially protruding and is mounted on the support member. The first convex part and the second convex part are located at different positions on a common straight line passing through the rotation center of the motor device.

[0011] In contrast to the first approach described above, when no protrusion is formed on the end face of the segmented substrate, the region of the segmented substrate that is radially adjacent to the portion mounted to the support member becomes a narrow shape that is difficult to utilize effectively. This narrow region easily becomes useless space. In this case, the segmented substrate becomes larger in the circumferential direction to a degree corresponding to the mounting portion. In contrast, in the first approach described above, the first and second protrusions of the segmented substrate that serve as the portion mounted to the support member are circumferentially protruding. Therefore, the aforementioned useless space that is difficult to utilize effectively can be eliminated. Moreover, since the first and second protrusions are located at different positions on a common straight line passing through the rotation center of the motor device, circumferential enlargement can also be suppressed.

[0012] To achieve the above objectives, the inverter device of the second aspect of this disclosure includes: Electrical circuits used to convert direct current (DC) power to alternating current (AC) power; and A segmented substrate, which is equipped with electrical circuits. The segmented substrate is shaped to extend in an arc along a specified circumferential direction. A first protrusion is formed on one end face of the segmented substrate in the circumferential direction. The first protrusion is circumferentially projecting and is mounted on a specified support member. A second protrusion is formed on the other end face of the substrate in the circumferential direction. The second protrusion is circumferentially projecting and is mounted on the support member. The first protrusion and the second protrusion are located at different positions in the radial direction of the segmented substrate.

[0013] If multiple segmented substrates of the second method described above are arranged circumferentially, the radial positions of the first protrusion of one segmented substrate and the second protrusion of another segmented substrate will be different. Therefore, it is possible to position the first protrusion of one segmented substrate and the second protrusion of another segmented substrate at different positions on a common straight line passing through the center of the arc. As a result, the aforementioned unused space that is difficult to utilize effectively can be eliminated, and the circumferential enlargement can be suppressed.

[0014] Furthermore, the reference numerals in parentheses above are merely one example of the correspondence with the specific structures in the embodiments described later, and do not constitute any limitation on the scope of the technology. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1This is a diagram showing the structure of the eVTOL using the electric propulsion unit of the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a longitudinal sectional view showing the configuration layout of the motor device and inverter device according to the first embodiment.

[0017] Figure 3 This is an electrical block diagram of the electric propulsion unit according to the first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 4 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the inverter device according to the first embodiment.

[0019] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the drive substrate of the first embodiment viewed from the motor side.

[0020] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the support member of the first embodiment as viewed from the motor side.

[0021] Figure 7 It is a top view showing the positional relationship of multiple segmented substrates.

[0022] Figure 8 This is a top view showing a single segmented substrate.

[0023] Figure 9 This is a top view showing the positional relationship of multiple segmented substrates in the second embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0024] Hereinafter, various embodiments for implementing this disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each embodiment, the same reference numerals are sometimes used to denote parts corresponding to those described in prior embodiments, and repeated descriptions are omitted. Where only a portion of the structure is described in each embodiment, other previously described embodiments may be applied to the remaining parts of the structure. Not only can the parts explicitly shown to be specifically combinable in each embodiment be combined with each other, but even without explicit indication, embodiments may be partially combined with each other where such combination will not particularly hinder it.

[0025] (First Implementation)

[0026] Figure 1The propulsion system 30 shown is installed on the eVTOL 10. The eVTOL 10 is an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. An eVTOL is an electrically powered vertical takeoff and landing aircraft capable of vertical takeoff and landing. eVTOL is short for electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing aircraft. The eVTOL 10 is an electrically powered aircraft that flies in the atmosphere, sometimes referred to as an electric aircraft. The eVTOL 10 can be either a manned aircraft with passengers or an unmanned aircraft without passengers. The eVTOL 10 is operated by a pilot. The pilot can operate the eVTOL 10 as a passenger or remotely without being a passenger. The propulsion system 30 is the system that drives the eVTOL 10 to fly.

[0027] The eVTOL 10 has a fuselage 11 and a propeller 20. The fuselage 11 has a main body 12 and wings 13. The main body 12 is the fuselage of the fuselage 11, for example, in a shape that extends forward and backward. The main body 12 has a crew cabin for passengers. Wings 13 extend from the main body 12, and multiple wings are provided on the main body 12. Wings 13 are fixed wings. The multiple wings 13 include main wings, tail fins, etc.

[0028] Multiple propellers 20 are provided on the fuselage 11. The eVTOL 10 is a multi-rotor aircraft with at least three propellers 20. For example, at least four propellers 20 are provided on the fuselage 11. The propellers 20 are respectively provided on the main body 12 and the wings 13. The propellers 20 rotate around the propeller axis. The propeller axis is, for example, the centerline of the propeller 20. The propellers 20 enable the eVTOL 10 to generate thrust and lift. The propellers 20 are sometimes referred to as rotor bodies or rotary wings.

[0029] The propeller 20 has blades 21. Multiple blades 21 are arranged circumferentially along the propeller axis. In the propeller 20, the multiple blades 21 are connected by a hub. In the propeller 20, the propeller shaft extends from the hub along the propeller axis. The propeller 20 is a variable-pitch propeller. In the propeller 20, the angle of the blades 21 relative to the propeller axis can be changed.

[0030] The eVTOL 10's flight modes include vertical takeoff, vertical landing, cruise, and hovering. For example, in vertical takeoff, the eVTOL 10 can ascend vertically without taxiing to take off from its launch site. Similarly, in vertical landing, the eVTOL 10 can descend vertically to land at its landing site without taxiing.

[0031] The eVTOL 10 is a tiltrotor aircraft. In the eVTOL 10, the tilt angle of the propeller 20 is adjustable. In a tiltrotor aircraft, a single propeller 20 can function as both a lift propeller and a cruise propeller. Alternatively, multiple propellers 20 can include both lift propellers and cruise propellers.

[0032] The eVTOL 10 includes a battery 31, a distributor 32, an FCU 40, and an EPU 50. The battery 31, distributor 32, FCU 40, and EPU 50 are contained within the propulsion system 30. The battery 31 is connected to the multiple EPUs 50 in a power-conducting manner. The battery 31 is a DC voltage source that applies DC voltage to the EPUs 50. The battery 31 has a rechargeable secondary battery. The battery 31 also supplies power to the FCU 40.

[0033] Distributor 32 is electrically connected to battery 31 and multiple EPUs 50. Distributor 32 distributes power from battery 31 to multiple EPUs 50. The power distributed by distributor 32 to EPUs 50 is the driving power used to drive EPUs 50.

[0034] FCU 40 is the flight control unit that controls the propulsion system 30. FCU is short for Flight Control Unit. FCU 40 performs flight control for enabling the eVTOL 10 to fly. FCU 40 is communicatively connected to multiple EPUs 50. FCU 40 controls multiple EPUs 50 individually.

[0035] EPU 50 is a device for driving the rotation of propeller 20, equivalent to an electric propulsion unit. EPU is short for Electric Propulsion Unit. EPU 50 is individually configured for each of the multiple propellers 20. EPU 50 is arranged along the propeller axis and with the propeller 20. Multiple EPUs 50 are fixed to the body 11. EPU 50 supports the propeller 20 for rotation. EPU 50 is connected to propeller 20. Propeller 20 is fixed to body 11 via EPU 50.

[0036] The propeller 20 rotates in conjunction with the EPU 50. The eVTOL 10 flies by the rotation of the propeller 20. That is, the eVTOL 10 moves by the rotation of the propeller 20. The eVTOL 10 has a propulsion device 15. The propulsion device 15 has the propeller 20 and the EPU 50. The propulsion device 15 propels the eVTOL 10 by the rotation of the propeller 20. The propulsion device 15 is an integrated device of the propeller 20 and the EPU 50. Alternatively, the propeller 20 and the EPU 50 may be referred to simply as the propulsion device.

[0037] In the propulsion device 15, propeller wind Wp is generated along with the rotation of propeller 20 (see reference). Figure 2 The propeller wind Wp is the flow of air or other gases along the axial direction AD. The propeller wind Wp flows from the propeller 20 toward the EPU 50. The EPU 50 is positioned leeward of the propeller wind Wp relative to the propeller 20. In this embodiment, the leeward side relative to the propeller wind Wp is sometimes referred to as the upstream side, and the leeward side relative to the propeller wind Wp is sometimes referred to as the downstream side. The propeller wind Wp is included in the flight wind generated accompanying the flight of the eVTOL 10.

[0038] EPU 50 includes a motor unit 60, an inverter unit 80, an upstream fan 111, an EPU duct 120, a gear assembly 100, and a pitch assembly 150. The motor unit 60 drives the propeller 20 to rotate. The inverter unit 80 converts the DC power supplied from the battery 31 into AC power and supplies it to the motor unit 60. By integrating the motor unit 60 and the inverter unit 80 into one unit, EPU 50 becomes an electromechanical unit. The motor unit 60 and the inverter unit 80 generate heat when powered on. As a cooling method to suppress the temperature rise caused by this heat generation, an air cooling method using external air is adopted.

[0039] like Figure 2 As shown, the inverter device 80 of this embodiment includes a first inverter device 80A and a second inverter device 80B. Thus, by providing multiple inverter devices to a single motor device 60, redundancy is achieved in the power supply to the motor device 60.

[0040] The motor unit 60 and inverter unit 80 are integrally formed as a short cylinder, extending along the axial direction AD. The motor unit 60 and inverter unit 80 are arranged along the axial direction AD. The motor unit 60 and inverter unit 80 are stacked along the axial direction AD. The motor unit 60 and inverter unit 80 are coaxially arranged. The inverter axis Ci (refer to...) serves as the center line of the inverter unit 80. Figure 4 ) and the motor axis Cm (refer to Figure 3 The motor unit 60 is positioned along the axial direction AD between the inverter unit 80 and the propeller 20. The first inverter unit 80A and the second inverter unit 80B are arranged along the axial direction AD. The first inverter unit 80A is positioned closer to the motor unit 60 than the second inverter unit 80B.

[0041] The electric motor assembly 60 includes an electric motor 61 and an electric motor housing 70. The electric motor housing 70 is a casing that houses the electric motor 61. The electric motor 61 is a multi-phase AC electric motor. The electric motor 61 includes a stator 62, rotors 64a and 64b, and an electric motor shaft 130. The electric motor 61 is configured to include mechanical components such as the stator 62, rotors 64a and 64b, and the electric motor shaft 130.

[0042] The stator 62 is fixed to the motor housing 70. The stator 62 has motor coils forming the armature. Let N be a natural number, the motor 61 is an N-phase motor. The motor coils have a number of coils in N phases. The N-phase coils are grouped into two groups of N / 2 phases each. Figure 3 The first coil 63a (winding) and the second coil 63b (winding) shown represent the N / 2 phase coils after grouping. For example, the multiple coil portions forming the first coil 63a and the multiple coil portions forming the second coil 63b are arranged alternately along the circumference of the motor 61.

[0043] For motor 61, by supplying power to both the first coil 63a and the second coil 63b, which are each N / 2 phases, motor 61 is driven as an N-phase motor. Alternatively, by supplying power to either the first coil 63a or the second coil 63b, motor 61 is driven as an N / 2 phase motor. In this embodiment, N=6, and motor 61 can be driven as either a six-phase motor or a three-phase motor.

[0044] Rotors 64a and 64b rotate relative to stator 62. Motor shaft 130 is supported by bearing 66 fixed to motor housing 70 and is rotatable, rotating together with rotors 64a and 64b. Motor 61 is an axially spaced type motor. In motor 61, stator 62 and rotors 64a and 64b are arranged along axis AD. Alternatively, motor 61 is a dual-rotor type motor. In motor 61, first rotor 64a and second rotor 64b are arranged along axis AD, separated from stator 62.

[0045] Axial axis AD is the direction in which the motor axis Cm extends. Motor axis Cm is the axis of rotation for rotors 64a and 64b. Rotors 64a and 64b rotate around motor axis Cm. Additionally, the outer side of radial axis RD, which is orthogonal to axial axis AD, is sometimes referred to as the radial outer side or outer circumferential side. The inner side of radial axis RD is sometimes referred to as the radial inner side or inner circumferential side.

[0046] The motor housing 70 has an outer peripheral wall 71 and opposing walls 73. The outer peripheral wall 71 and opposing walls 73 are formed of a metallic material or the like and are thermally conductive. The outer peripheral wall 71 extends annularly along the circumferential direction CD. The outer peripheral wall 71 forms the outer peripheral surface of the motor housing 70. The outer peripheral wall 71 covers the stator 62 and rotors 64a and 64b from the outer peripheral side. A pair of opposing walls 73 are arranged along the axial direction AD. The pair of opposing walls 73 are opposite each other, separated by the stator 62, rotors 64a and 64b, and the outer peripheral wall 71. The opposing walls 73 extend in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction AD. The opposing walls 73 are fixed to the outer peripheral wall 71.

[0047] The motor housing 70 has motor fins (not shown). The motor fins are disposed on the outer peripheral wall 71 of the motor. The motor fins dissipate heat from the motor housing 70 to the outside of the motor assembly 60. The motor fins are heat dissipation fins extending from the outer peripheral wall 71 of the motor towards the outer periphery. The motor fins are plate-shaped, extending radially RD and axially AD. Multiple motor fins are arranged circumferentially CD.

[0048] The inverter device 80 includes an inverter circuit 81, a control circuit 82, and an inverter housing 83. The inverter housing 83 is a enclosure that houses the inverter circuit 81 and the control circuit 82. The inverter circuit 81 is configured as a wiring board including multiple electronic components such as switching elements and capacitor elements, as well as a high-voltage system (e.g., 400V). The control circuit 82 is configured as a wiring board including multiple electronic components such as a processor and a memory, as well as a low-voltage system (e.g., 15V). The inverter circuit 81 and the control circuit 82 are equivalent to an "electrical circuit" for converting direct current (DC) power to alternating current (AC) power.

[0049] The inverter circuit 81, control circuit 82, and inverter housing 83 are respectively disposed in the first inverter device 80A and the second inverter device 80B. In the following description, the inverter circuit 81, control circuit 82, and inverter housing 83 disposed in the first inverter device 80A will be referred to as the first inverter circuit 81A, the first control circuit 82A, and the first inverter housing 83A, respectively. The inverter circuit 81, control circuit 82, and inverter housing 83 disposed in the second inverter device 80B will be referred to as the second inverter circuit 81B, the second control circuit 82A, and the second inverter housing 83B, respectively. Furthermore, the inverter circuit 81 and the control circuit 82 are collectively referred to as "electrical circuits".

[0050] In addition, Figure 3In the diagram, motor unit 60 is illustrated as eMOT, first coil 63a as CL 1, second coil 63b as CL 2, first rotor 64a as Rot 1, and second rotor 64b as Rot 2. First inverter unit 80A is illustrated as MCU 1, first inverter circuit 81A as INV 1, and first control circuit 82A as ICD 1. Second inverter unit 80B is illustrated as MCU 2, second inverter circuit 81B as INV 2, and second control circuit 82B as ICD 2. MCU is short for Motor Control Unit.

[0051] The first inverter circuit 81A converts the DC power supplied from the battery 31 into AC power and supplies it to the first coil 63a. The second inverter circuit 81B converts the DC power supplied from the battery 31 into AC power and supplies it to the second coil 63b. The first control circuit 82A controls the operation of the first inverter circuit 81A based on instructions from the FCU 40. The second control circuit 82B controls the operation of the second inverter circuit 81B based on instructions from the FCU 40.

[0052] In EPU 50, when both the first control circuit 82A and the second control circuit 82B control the motor, the motor 61 is driven as a six-phase motor. Alternatively, in EPU 50, when only one of the first control circuit 82A or the second control circuit 82B controls the motor, the motor 61 is driven as a three-phase motor. FCU 40 can switch between six-phase and three-phase drive of the motor 61 by controlling the control circuits 82A and 82B. In short, each of the two inverter control units can independently control the motor 61.

[0053] Next, use Figure 2 The structures of the inverter housing 83 and the motor housing 70 are described below. The inverter housing 83 has an inverter inner circumferential hole 83c. The inverter inner circumferential hole 83c penetrates the inverter housing 83 along the axial direction AD. The inverter inner circumferential hole 83c extends along the motor axis Cm along the axial direction AD. The inverter inner circumferential hole 83c is located at the center of the inverter housing 83. The centerline of the inverter inner circumferential hole 83c coincides with the motor axis Cm.

[0054] The inverter housing 83 includes an outer peripheral wall 831, an inner peripheral wall 832, a opposing wall 833, and a support member 200. The outer peripheral wall 831, inner peripheral wall 832, and opposing wall 833 are formed of a metallic material and are thermally conductive. In this embodiment, the support member 200 is made of resin, but it can also be made of metal.

[0055] The inverter's outer peripheral wall 831 and inner peripheral wall 832 extend in a ring shape along the circumferential direction CD. The inverter's outer peripheral wall 831 forms the outer peripheral surface of the inverter housing 83. The inverter's inner peripheral wall 832 forms the inner peripheral surface of the inverter housing 83. The inverter's inner peripheral wall 832 forms an inverter inner peripheral hole 83c. The inverter's outer peripheral wall 831 and inner peripheral wall 832 are arranged radially RD and are opposite each other, separated by the inverter circuit 81 and the control circuit 82.

[0056] A pair of inverter opposing walls 833 are arranged along the axial direction AD. The pair of inverter opposing walls 833 are positioned opposite each other, separated by the inverter circuit 81, the control circuit 82, the outer peripheral wall 831 of the inverter, and the inner peripheral wall 832 of the inverter. The inverter opposing walls 833 extend in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction AD. The inverter opposing walls 833 are fixed to the outer peripheral wall 831 and the inner peripheral wall 832 of the inverter. The outer peripheral wall 831 and the inner peripheral wall 832 of the inverter are connected by a support member 200. The structure of the support member 200 will be described in detail later.

[0057] like Figure 4 As shown, the inverter housing 83 is divided into a first inverter housing 83A and a second inverter housing 83B. The first inverter housing 83A internally houses the high-voltage substrate 813A, the drive substrate 821A, and the control substrate 822A (described later). The second inverter housing 83B internally houses the high-voltage substrate 813B, the drive substrate 821B, and the control substrate 822B (described later). An outer peripheral wall 831 and an inner peripheral wall 832 of the inverter are included in the first inverter housing 83A and the second inverter housing 83B. The outer peripheral wall 831 and the inner peripheral wall 832 of the inverter are cylindrical in shape, extending axially AD with the inverter axis Ci as the center.

[0058] The opening in the inverter outer peripheral wall 831 of the first inverter housing 83A, located on the opposite side of the second inverter housing 83B, is closed by the inverter opposing wall 833. The opening in the inverter outer peripheral wall 831 of the second inverter housing 83B, located on the opposite side of the first inverter housing 83A, is also closed by the inverter opposing wall 833. In addition to functioning as a passageway for cooling air in the duct space 125 (described later), the inverter opposing wall 833 also functions as a cover for the inverter outer peripheral wall 831.

[0059] The middle portion of the axial direction AD in the outer peripheral wall 831 of the inverter is separated by a partition plate 835. A through hole 835c is formed in the center of the partition plate 835. The partition plate 835 is a circular plate extending annularly around the inverter axis Ci. The through holes 813c, 821c, and 822c of each substrate are coaxial with the through hole 835c of the partition plate 835. These through holes are formed to be the same size as each other. In addition, Figure 4 The support member 200 and the partition plate 835 shown are in Figure 2The middle part is omitted.

[0060] The first inverter housing 83A has an inverter outer peripheral wall 831, an inverter inner peripheral wall 832, an inverter opposite wall 833, a support member 200, and a partition plate 835. The second inverter housing 83B has an inverter outer peripheral wall 831, an inverter inner peripheral wall 832, a support member 200, and an inverter opposite wall 833.

[0061] Multiple brackets 836 are provided on the outer peripheral wall 831 of the inverter. The brackets 836 are shaped to protrude radially RD. For example... Figure 5 As shown, multiple brackets 836 are arranged circumferentially along the CD direction. The brackets 836 of the first inverter housing 83A and the brackets 836 of the second inverter housing 83B are connected by fastening components such as bolts and screws. Thus, the first inverter housing 83A and the second inverter housing 83B are joined together. In other words, the first inverter housing 83A and the second inverter housing 83B are arranged along the AD direction and are adjacent to each other.

[0062] Inverter housing 83 has Figure 4 The inverter fins 83f are shown. Inverter fins 83f are disposed on the outer peripheral wall 831 of the inverter. Inverter fins 83f dissipate heat from the inverter housing 83 to the outside of the inverter unit 80. Inverter fins 83f are heat dissipation fins extending from the outer peripheral wall 831 of the inverter towards the outer periphery. Inverter fins 83f are plate-shaped, extending radially RD and axially AD. Multiple inverter fins 83f are arranged circumferentially CD.

[0063] The motor housing 70 and the inverter housing 83 are arranged along the axial direction AD. For example, the outer peripheral wall 71 of the motor and the outer peripheral wall 831 of the inverter are arranged along the axial direction AD. The motor housing 70 and the inverter housing 83 are located at a position that is separated along the axial direction AD. The motor housing 70 and the inverter housing 83 are fixed together, for example, by bolts or other fasteners with a spacer between them.

[0064] EPU 50 has a gear assembly 100. The gear assembly 100 mechanically connects the electric motor assembly 60 to the propeller 20. The gear assembly 100 transmits the drive of the electric motor assembly 60 to the propeller 20. The gear assembly 100 can change the rotational speed of the rotors 64a, 64b and the electric motor shaft 130 and output the change to the propeller 20. The electric motor shaft 130 is connected to the gear assembly 100.

[0065] A gear assembly 100 is disposed along the axial direction AD between the motor assembly 60 and the propeller 20. The gear assembly 100 is integrally formed as a short cylinder and extends along the axial direction AD. The gear assembly 100, the motor assembly 60, and the inverter assembly 80 are arranged along the axial direction AD. The gear assembly 100 is disposed along the axial direction AD between the motor assembly 60, the inverter assembly 80, and the propeller 20. The gear assembly 100 is coaxially arranged with the motor assembly 60 and the inverter assembly 80. The centerline of the gear assembly 100 coincides with the motor axis Cm.

[0066] The gear assembly 100 includes a gear, a gear shaft, and a gear housing. The gear shaft extends axially AD and connects the motor shaft 130 and the propeller 20. The gear has a reducer and is disposed on the gear shaft. The gear housing houses the gear.

[0067] The gear assembly 100 is arranged along the axial direction AD with the motor housing 70 and the inverter housing 83. The gear assembly 100 is located adjacent to the motor housing 70 in the motor housing 70 and the inverter housing 83. The gear assembly 100 is located separately from the motor housing 70 along the axial direction AD.

[0068] The motor shaft 130 is connected to the gear assembly 100. The motor shaft 130 extends axially AD from the motor housing 70 toward the gear assembly 100. The motor shaft 130 is arranged to pass through the motor housing 70 axially AD. The motor shaft 130 protrudes from the motor housing 70 toward the inverter housing 83. The motor shaft 130 and the inverter inner circumferential hole 83c are aligned axially AD. The motor shaft 130 is positioned at a point where it separates from the inverter inner circumferential hole 83c axially AD.

[0069] The motor shaft 130 has a hollow structure. The motor shaft 130 is integrally formed as a cylinder. The motor shaft 130 has a shaft space 140. The shaft space 140 is the internal space of the motor shaft 130. The hollow structure of the motor shaft 130 is realized by the shaft space 140. The shaft space 140 extends axially AD along the motor axis Cm. The centerline of the shaft space 140 coincides with the motor axis Cm. The shaft space 140 is sometimes referred to as the hollow portion, and the motor shaft 130 is sometimes referred to as the hollow shaft.

[0070] The propulsion device 15 includes a pitch device 150. The pitch device 150 is capable of changing the pitch of the propeller 20. For example, the pitch device 150 changes the pitch of the propeller 20 by changing the angle of the blades 21 relative to the propeller axis. The pitch device 150 includes a pitch controller 151, a pitch lever 152, and a pitch housing 153. The pitch controller 151 is configured to include an actuator such as a motor. The pitch lever 152 connects the pitch controller 151 to the propeller 20. The pitch controller 151 changes the pitch of the propeller 20 via the pitch lever 152. The pitch housing 153 houses the pitch controller 151. The pitch controller 151 and the pitch housing 153 are located at a position separated downstream from the motor shaft 130 and the inverter housing 83.

[0071] The pitch lever 152 is positioned between the pitch controller 151 and the propeller 20 via the motor shaft 130 and the gear assembly 100. The pitch lever 152 passes through the motor shaft 130 and extends axially AD.

[0072] The motor shaft 130 has an axial flow path 141. The axial flow path 141 is disposed inside the motor shaft 130 and is a flow path for gas flow. The axial flow path 141 is a gas passage. The axial flow path 141 is formed to include at least a portion of the shaft space 140.

[0073] <Air-cooled flow path>

[0074] EPU 50 has an EPU conduit 120. The EPU conduit 120 houses a motor assembly 60 and an inverter assembly 80. The EPU conduit 120 is thermally conductive and is formed of a metallic or resin material. The EPU conduit 120 covers the motor assembly 60 and the inverter assembly 80 from the outside. The EPU conduit 120 covers at least a portion of the motor housing 70 from the outside. The EPU conduit 120 covers at least a portion of the inverter housing 83 from the outside. The EPU conduit 120 has a conduit space 125. The conduit space 125 is the internal space of the EPU conduit 120.

[0075] EPU 50 has an upstream fan 111. The upstream fan 111 is housed in EPU duct 120. The upstream fan 111 is a centrifugal fan or other air supply fan. The upstream fan 111 is fixed to the motor shaft 130. The upstream fan 111 rotates together with the motor shaft 130 in conjunction with the drive of the motor 61.

[0076] The upstream fan 111 directs airflow by forcing gas through the duct space 125. When the upstream fan 111 rotates, as... Figure 2As indicated by the arrows, gas flows within the duct space 125. Specifically, outside air flows into one side of the duct space 125 from the pitch space 155 and exits from the other side of the duct space 125. As a result, the heat generated in the motor unit 60 and the inverter unit 80, along with the gas passing through the duct space 125, is released to the outside of the EPU duct 120.

[0077] Additionally, the upstream fan 111 delivers air by passing gas through the axial flow path 141 in the duct space 125. In this case, the heat attached to the motor shaft 130 from the rotors 64a, 64b, and stator 62, along with the gas passing through the axial flow path 141, is released to the outside of the motor shaft 130.

[0078] A countercurrent Fa1 is generated in the duct space 125. The countercurrent Fa1 flows along the axial direction AD in the opposite direction to the propeller wind Wp. Specifically, as... Figure 2 As indicated by the arrows, a portion of the external air flowing from the pitch space 155 into the duct space 125 flows radially inward to outward along the inverter's opposing wall 833. Then, it flows axially AD through the outer peripheral flow path 125a formed between the EPU duct 120 and the inverter's outer peripheral wall 831, and exchanges heat with the inverter fins 83f. Additionally, a portion of the external air flowing into the duct space 125 flows axially AD through the inverter's inner peripheral hole 83c, and then flows radially inward to outward through the duct's central flow path 125d. In summary, the inverter housing 83 is air-cooled at the inverter opposing wall 833, the inverter's inner peripheral wall 832, and the inverter's outer peripheral wall 831, respectively.

[0079] A counter-current flow Fb1 is generated in the axial flow path 141. The counter-current flow Fb1 flows axially AD in the opposite direction to the propeller wind Wp. The counter-current flow Fb1 flows in the same direction as the counter-current flow Fa1 in the duct. For example, the counter-current flow Fb1 flows axially AD through the axial flow path 141 at least through the motor housing 70. The upstream fan 111 delivers air in such a way that the counter-current flow Fb1 passes through the axial flow path 141. External air flowing into the axial flow path 141 from the inverter inner peripheral hole 83c cools the motor shaft 130 and the bearing 66. In addition, it flows axially AD through the outer peripheral flow path 125a formed between the EPU duct 120 and the outer peripheral wall 71 of the motor and exchanges heat with the motor fins. In addition, the motor housing 70 is also air-cooled by external air flowing through the middle flow path 125d of the duct.

[0080] In summary, a gap is formed between the motor housing 70 and the inverter housing 83, functioning as a flow path for cooling air. This gap also functions as the intermediate flow path 125d of the aforementioned duct. The inner circumferential hole 83c of the inverter corresponds to a through flow path that penetrates the inverter housing 83 along the inverter axis Ci. Furthermore, the intermediate flow path 125d (gap) also functions as a connecting path that connects the through flow path and the outer circumferential flow path 125a.

[0081] <Inverter Circuit>

[0082] like Figure 4 As shown, the inverter circuit 81 includes multiple electronic components and high-voltage substrates 813A and 813B. The multiple electronic components include multiple switching elements 811A and 811B and capacitor elements 812A and 812B. The high-voltage substrates 813A and 813B are wiring substrates for a high-voltage system (e.g., 400V). Furthermore, in this specification, structures ending in A indicate structures included in the first inverter device 80A. Structures ending in B indicate structures included in the second inverter device 80B.

[0083] The output terminal of switching element 811A is connected to the first coil 63a. The output terminal of switching element 811B is connected to the second coil 63b. Multiple switching elements 811A and 811B form an upper and lower arm circuit. Switching elements 811A and 811B are thermally connected to the outer peripheral wall 831 of the inverter.

[0084] Capacitor elements 812A and 812B are mounted on the motor side of the high-voltage substrates 813A and 813B. Capacitor elements 812A and 812B are connected to the input terminals of switching elements 811A and 811B and to the battery 31. Capacitor elements 812A and 812B function as smoothing capacitors to reduce voltage ripples applied to the switching elements 811A and 811B.

[0085] High-voltage substrates 813A and 813B are arranged perpendicular to the motor axis Cm. A through-hole 813c is formed in the center of high-voltage substrates 813A and 813B. High-voltage substrates 813A and 813B are shaped to extend in a ring around the inverter axis Ci.

[0086] <Control Circuit>

[0087] like Figure 4 As shown, the control circuit 82 includes multiple electronic components, drive substrates 821A and 821B, and control substrates 822A and 822B. The multiple electronic components mounted on drive substrates 821A and 821B include integrated circuit chips (IC 91), gate resistors 92, and signal connectors 93, etc. The multiple electronic components mounted on control substrates 822A and 822B include microcomputers 94, etc.

[0088] Driver boards 821A and 821B are wiring boards that output switch on / off signals to the signal terminals of switching elements 811A and 811B. Control boards 822A and 822B control the operation of driver boards 821A and 821B based on commands from FCU 40, thereby controlling the operation of inverter circuit 81. Driver boards 821A and 821B are connected to control boards 822A and 822B via wiring connected to signal connector 93. The signals of the aforementioned commands are sent from control boards 822A and 822B to driver boards 821A and 821B through this wiring.

[0089] The drive substrates 821A and 821B and the control substrates 822A and 822B are arranged perpendicular to the motor axis Cm. Through holes 821c and 822c are formed in the center of the drive substrates 821A and 821B and the control substrates 822A and 822B. The drive substrates 821A and 821B and the control substrates 822A and 822B are arranged in a ring shape extending around the inverter axis Ci. The drive substrates 821A and 821B are disposed between the control substrates 822A and 822B and the high-voltage substrates 813A and 813B.

[0090] The drive boards 821A and 821B and the control boards 822A and 822B are wiring boards for low-voltage systems (e.g., 15V). That is, the circuitry for high-voltage systems is concentrated on the high-voltage boards 813A and 813B, while the circuitry for low-voltage systems is concentrated on the drive boards 821A and 821B and the control boards 822A and 822B. Low-voltage power supplied to the inverter device 80 is supplied to the drive boards 821A and 821B and the control boards 822A and 822B via a low-voltage bus (not shown).

[0091] In summary, the high-voltage board 813A, drive board 821A, and control board 822A of the first inverter device 80A convert the DC power supplied from the battery 31 into AC power and supply it to the first coil 63a. The high-voltage board 813B, drive board 821B, and control board 822B of the second inverter device 80B convert the DC power supplied from the battery 31 into AC power and supply it to the second coil 63b.

[0092] <Supporting Components>

[0093] Support member 200 is disposed between high voltage substrates 813A and 813B and drive substrates 821A and 821B. High voltage substrates 813A and 813B and drive substrates 821A and 821B are mounted on and supported by support member 200. Control substrates 822A and 822B are mounted on and supported by drive substrates 821A and 821B.

[0094] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the support member 200 has multiple beam portions 210 and 220 and multiple connecting portions 230 and 240. The beam portions 210 and 220 are beams extending radially outward from the inverter axis Ci. The multiple beam portions 210 and 220 are arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction CD. One end of each beam portion 210 and 220 is fixed to the outer peripheral wall 831 of the inverter. For example, one end of each beam portion 210 and 220 is fastened to a bracket protruding inward from the outer peripheral wall 831 of the inverter by fastening members such as screws. The other end of each beam portion 210 and 220 is fixed to the inner peripheral wall 832 of the inverter. For example, the other end of each beam portion 210 and 220 is fastened to a bracket protruding outward from the inner peripheral wall 832 of the inverter by fastening members such as screws.

[0095] Connecting portions 230 and 240 connect multiple beam portions 210 and 220 to each other. Connecting portions 230 and 240 are beam-shaped, extending circumferentially along the inverter axis Ci. Connecting portion 230 is located radially outward of connecting portion 240 and extends in a ring shape. Connecting portion 240 is located radially inward of connecting portion 230 and extends in a ring shape. The axial AD dimension of connecting portions 230 and 240 is the same as the axial AD dimension of beam portions 210 and 220.

[0096] <Divided substrate>

[0097] The drive substrate 821A and drive substrate 821B have the same structure; the structure of drive substrate 821A will be described below. Drive substrate 821A is configured to have multiple segmented substrates 821. The number of segmented substrates 821 is the same as the number of phases of the first coil 63a, which supplies power to the first inverter device 80A. In this embodiment, the first coil 63a is three-phase, therefore the number of segmented substrates 821 is three. Figure 7 In the process, the three adjacent segmented substrates 821 on the circumferential CD are respectively referred to as the first segmented substrate 8211, the second segmented substrate 8212 and the third segmented substrate 8213.

[0098] Each partitioned substrate 821 is equipped with an IC 91, a gate resistor element 92, and a signal connector 93. The IC 91 and the gate resistor element 92 correspond to a "drive circuit" that outputs drive signals to the inverter circuit for each of the N phases. Additionally, electronic components such as a microcomputer 94 mounted on control substrates 822A and 822B correspond to an "instruction circuit" that commands the operation of the drive circuit. In short, each partitioned substrate 821 is equipped with a drive circuit that operates according to commands from the instruction circuit. Let m and N / m be natural numbers, then N / 2m drive circuits are installed on one partitioned substrate 821. The motor device 60 in this embodiment is six-phase, therefore N = 6. Furthermore, the six-phase motor is driven by the first inverter device 80A and the second inverter device 80B, therefore the number of drive circuits required for one inverter device is N / 2m. In this embodiment, m = 1, therefore the first inverter device 80A requires three drive circuits. The first inverter device 80A has three partitioned substrates 821, and thus one partitioned substrate 821 is equipped with a drive circuit for one phase.

[0099] The segmented substrate 821 has an arc shape extending circumferentially CD. The inner peripheral end face of the segmented substrate 821 has an arc shape forming a portion of the through hole 821c. The outer peripheral end face 821d of the segmented substrate 821 has a polygonal shape formed by multiple connected straight lines. These straight lines are consistent with the tangent direction described below.

[0100] The upper arm of one phase portion allocated to the first coil 63a is provided by a plurality of switching elements 811A connected in parallel. Figure 5 In the example shown, the upper arm is formed by eight switching elements 811A. For example, four of the eight switching elements 811A are held by a retaining member 811c. The retaining member 811c is a frame shape extending linearly in the tangential direction to the outer peripheral wall 831 of the inverter, along which the four switching elements 811A are arranged. The aforementioned multiple straight lines on the outer peripheral end face 821d include lines parallel to the tangential direction extending from the retaining member 811c.

[0101] Similar to the upper arm, the lower arm is also formed by eight switching elements 811A, which are held by a holding member 811c. In total, a total of four holding members 811c in the upper and lower arms are opposite to the outer peripheral end face 821d of a segmented substrate 821. That is, a total of sixteen switching elements 811A in the upper and lower arms are opposite to the outer peripheral end face 821d of a segmented substrate 821.

[0102] like Figure 7 and Figure 8As shown, a protrusion P1 (first protrusion) with a circumferentially protruding shape CD is formed on the end face P of the first segmented substrate 8211 opposite to the second segmented substrate 8212. A protrusion Q1 (second protrusion) with a circumferentially protruding shape CD is formed on the end face Q of the second segmented substrate 8212 opposite to the first segmented substrate 8211. Viewed from the axial direction AD, protrusions P1 and Q1 are trapezoidal in shape. The thickness of protrusions P1 and Q1 is the same as the thickness of the portion of the segmented substrate 821 in which the driving circuit components such as IC 91 are mounted.

[0103] The first and second protrusions are positioned differently in the radial direction RD, and their positions overlap in the circumferential direction CD. The front end of the protrusion P1 in the end face P of the first segmented substrate 8211 is opposite to the root portion of the protrusion Q1 in the end face Q of the second segmented substrate 8212. In short, the opposing pair of end faces P and Q are opposite each other in such a way that their protrusions P1 and Q1 are fitted together. In addition, the protrusion P1 is located further outward in the radial direction RD than the protrusion Q1.

[0104] Protrusions P1 and Q1 are mounted on the support member 200. Specifically, protrusions P1 and Q1 are fastened to fastening receiving portions 211 and 212 provided in the beam portion 210 by fastening members such as screws (not shown). Protrusion P1 is mounted on fastening receiving portion 211, and protrusion Q1 is mounted on fastening receiving portion 212. A through hole Ph is formed in protrusion P1. The screw fastened to fastening receiving portion 211 is inserted through the through hole Ph. A through hole Qh is formed in protrusion Q1. The screw fastened to fastening receiving portion 212 is inserted through the through hole Qh. Fastening receiving portions 211 and 212 are arranged on the same straight line extending radially RD. Through holes Ph and Qh are arranged on the same straight line extending radially RD. Through hole Ph corresponds to the "first fastening portion", and through hole Qh corresponds to the "second fastening portion".

[0105] A protrusion P1 (first protrusion) with a circumferentially protruding shape CD is formed on the end face P of the second segmented substrate 8212 opposite to the third segmented substrate 8213. A protrusion Q1 (second protrusion) with a circumferentially protruding shape CD is formed on the end face Q of the third segmented substrate 8213 opposite to the second segmented substrate 8212. A protrusion P1 (first protrusion) with a circumferentially protruding shape CD is formed on the end face P of the third segmented substrate 8213 opposite to the first segmented substrate 8211. A protrusion Q1 (second protrusion) with a circumferentially protruding shape CD is formed on the end face Q of the first segmented substrate 8211 opposite to the third segmented substrate 8213. In summary, both protrusions P1 and Q1 are formed in each of the three segmented substrates 821, so that each of the three segmented substrates 821 corresponds to any one of the first, second, and third segmented substrates. Furthermore, all three segmented substrates 821 have the same external shape.

[0106] On end face P, in addition to protrusion P1, which serves as the first protrusion, protrusion P2 is also formed. Protrusion P2 is located radially inward of protrusion P1. The two protrusions P1 and P2 are arranged on the same straight line extending radially RD. On end face Q, in addition to protrusion Q1, which serves as the second protrusion, protrusion Q2 is also formed. Protrusion Q2 is located radially outward of protrusion Q1. The two protrusions Q1 and Q2 are arranged on the same straight line extending radially RD. Protrusions P2 and Q2 are circumferentially projecting, and their radial positions differ relative to the first and second protrusions, but their circumferential positions overlap relative to the first and second protrusions CD. Protrusions P2 and Q2 correspond to the "third protrusion" for mounting the retaining member 95.

[0107] The second protrusion, Q1, and protrusion P2, are positioned differently in the radial direction RD and overlap in the circumferential direction CD. Opposing end faces P and Q are met by their protrusions P2 and Q1 fitting together. Furthermore, protrusion P2 is located radially inward of protrusion Q1. The first protrusion, P1, and protrusion Q2, are positioned differently in the radial direction RD and overlap in the circumferential direction CD. Opposing end faces P and Q are met by their protrusions Q2 and P1 fitting together. Furthermore, protrusion Q2 is located radially outward of protrusion P1. For example... Figure 7 As shown, convex parts P2, Q1, P1, and Q2 are arranged sequentially along the radial direction RD, starting from the inner side of the radial direction RD.

[0108] Control board 822A via Figure 4 The retaining member 95 shown is fixed to the support member 200. Alternatively, the retaining member 95 can be fixed to the segmented base plate 821 instead of the support member 200. Multiple retaining members 95 are arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction CD. The retaining members 95 are shaped to extend along the axial direction AD. One end of the retaining member 95 is mounted to the support member 200. Specifically, one end of the retaining member 95 is fastened to the fastening receiving portions 213 and 222 provided in the beam portions 210 and 220 by fastening members such as screws (not shown).

[0109] Through holes Pi and Qi are formed on the protrusions P2 and Q2. The retaining member 95 is inserted into the through holes Pi and Qi. Figure 7As shown, through holes Pi, Qh, Ph, and Qi are arranged sequentially along the radial direction RD from the inner side of the radial direction RD. A retaining member 95 is also installed in the portion of the segmented substrate 821 that is different from the protrusions P2 and Q2 and opposite to the beam portion 220 (mounting portion). An through hole Ri is formed in this mounting portion for the retaining member 95 to pass through. The retaining member 95, inserted into the through hole Ri, is fastened to the fastening receiving portion 222 of the beam portion 220. The multiple through holes Ri are arranged on the same straight line extending along the radial direction RD.

[0110] <Summary of the First Implementation>

[0111] According to the embodiment described above, a protrusion P1 (first protrusion) with a circumferentially protruding shape CD is formed on the end face P of the first dividing substrate 8211 opposite to the second dividing substrate 8212. A protrusion Q1 (second protrusion) with a circumferentially protruding shape CD is formed on the end face Q of the second dividing substrate 8212 opposite to the first dividing substrate 8211. Furthermore, the first protrusion and the second protrusion are at different positions in the radial direction RD, and their positions in the circumferential direction CD overlap. That is, the first protrusion and the second protrusion are located at different positions on a common straight line passing through the rotation center of the motor device 60. The aforementioned "common straight line" corresponds to... Figure 7 The single-dot dashed line in the diagram. The aforementioned "center of rotation" corresponds to any point on the motor axis Cm or the inverter axis Ci.

[0112] In contrast to this embodiment, when no protrusions are formed on the end faces P and Q of the segmented substrate 821, the region of the segmented substrate 821 that is radially adjacent to the portion mounted to the support member 200 becomes a narrow shape that is difficult to utilize effectively. This narrow region easily becomes useless space. In this case, the segmented substrate 821 will become larger in the circumferential direction CD to a degree corresponding to the mounting portion. In contrast, in this embodiment, the portion of the segmented substrate 821 that is mounted to the support member 200 (protrusions P1 and Q1) has a shape that protrudes along the circumferential direction CD. Therefore, the aforementioned useless space that is difficult to utilize effectively can be eliminated. Moreover, since the positions of the two protrusions P1 and Q1 on the circumferential direction CD overlap, it is also possible to suppress the large size on the circumferential direction CD.

[0113] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the drive substrates 821A and 821B are divided into multiple segments. Therefore, the segmented substrates 821 can be manufactured individually in advance, and then mounted on the support member 200 and arranged in a ring. Thus, compared to manufacturing a single ring-shaped drive substrate 821A and 821B, the equipment used to manufacture the segmented substrates 821 can be miniaturized. Moreover, since they can be stored in the inverter housing 83 in a ring-shaped arrangement, the gaps between the substrates can be reduced, thereby improving storage space. Additionally, the segmented substrates 821 can be stored and transported individually before the ring-shaped arrangement is required, thus improving the storage space and transportation efficiency of the segmented substrates 821.

[0114] Furthermore, in this embodiment, each of the plurality of segmented substrates 821 is formed with both a first protrusion and a second protrusion, so that each of the plurality of segmented substrates 821 can correspond to either the first segmented substrate 8211 or the second segmented substrate 8212. Therefore, the effects of eliminating the aforementioned useless space and suppressing enlargement on the circumferential CD are achieved in each segmented substrate 821.

[0115] Furthermore, in this embodiment, all of the multiple partition substrates 821 have the same external shape. Therefore, the partition substrates 821 can be generalized, which can improve productivity. In addition, in this embodiment, the partition substrates 821 of the first inverter device 80A and the second inverter device 80B also have the same external shape, which can promote the productivity improvement brought about by the generalization of the partition substrates 821.

[0116] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a drive circuit is installed on the segmented substrate 821 to output drive signals to the inverter circuit for each of the N phases. The drive circuits of each phase do not need to transmit or receive signals from each other. Therefore, since the necessity for multiple segmented substrates 821 to be electrically connected to each other is relatively small, it is less likely to lead to complex electrical wiring caused by segmentation.

[0117] Furthermore, in this embodiment, N / 2m drive circuits are mounted on a single partitioned substrate 821, where N = 6 and m = 3. In summary, the motor device 60 is a six-phase motor, with the six drive circuits required for each phase mounted on different partitioned substrates 821. Therefore, the structure of the partitioned substrate 821 can be simplified. Additionally, by grouping the six drive circuits into sets of three and distributing them across the first inverter device 80A and the second inverter device 80B, redundancy of the device can be achieved.

[0118] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the support member 200 has a plurality of radially extending beam portions 210, with first and second protrusions mounted on the beam portions 210. Since the positions of these first and second protrusions overlap in the circumferential direction CD, the beam portions 210 can also be miniaturized in the circumferential direction CD. Because the eVTOL 10 has high requirements for lightweighting, the lightweighting achieved by miniaturizing the beam portions 210 is significant.

[0119] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first protrusion has a first fastening portion (through hole Ph) that is fastened to the beam portion 210. The second protrusion has a second fastening portion (through hole Qh) that is fastened to the beam portion 210. The first and second fastening portions are arranged radially RD. Therefore, miniaturization of the beam portion 210 in the circumferential direction CD can be facilitated, and the weight reduction of the EPU 50 can be achieved.

[0120] Furthermore, in this embodiment, protrusions P2 and Q2 (third protrusions) are formed on the segmented substrate 821. These protrusions P2 and Q2 are shaped to protrude circumferentially CD and are used to mount the holding members 95 of the control substrates 822A and 822B. The third protrusion is located at a different position in the radial direction RD relative to the first and second protrusions, and overlaps with the first and second protrusions in the circumferential direction CD. That is, the first, second, and third protrusions are located at different positions on a common straight line passing through the center of rotation. Accordingly, the region in the segmented substrate 821 that is radially adjacent to the first and second protrusions—a narrow region that is difficult to utilize effectively—can be effectively used as space for mounting the holding members 95.

[0121] (Second Implementation)

[0122] In the first embodiment described above, the first protrusion (protrusion P1) and the second protrusion (protrusion Q1) overlap in position along the circumferential direction CD. In contrast, in... Figure 9 In the embodiment shown, a portion of the front end of the first protrusion and a portion of the front end of the second protrusion overlap each other in the circumferential direction CD. Furthermore, the front ends of protrusions P2 and Q2, which are the third protrusions, also overlap each other in the circumferential direction CD.

[0123] Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, the through holes Pi, Qh, Ph, and Qi are arranged on the same straight line extending radially RD. In contrast, in this embodiment, the through holes Pi and Ph are offset from the through holes Qh and Qi in the circumferential direction CD. Additionally, in the first embodiment described above, the fastening receiving portions 211, 212, and 213 are arranged on the same straight line extending radially RD. In contrast, in this embodiment, the fastening receiving portions 211, 212, and 213 are offset in the circumferential direction CD.

[0124] Based on the above, in this embodiment, the first protrusion and the second protrusion are positioned differently in the radial direction RD, and their positions overlap in the circumferential direction CD. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate useless space in the partition substrate 821 that is difficult to utilize effectively, and it is also possible to suppress enlargement in the circumferential direction CD.

[0125] Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, the front end of protrusion P1 contacts the end face Q of the adjacent segmented substrate 821, and the front end of protrusion Q1 also contacts the end face P of the adjacent segmented substrate 821. In contrast, in this embodiment, the front ends of protrusions P1 and Q1 are separated from end faces P and Q, and have a circumferential gap CD. Therefore, the dimensional errors on the circumferential CD of the segmented substrate 821 can be absorbed using this gap. Additionally, in the first embodiment described above, the side surface of the first protrusion contacts the side surface of the second protrusion. In contrast, in this embodiment, the side surface of the first protrusion and the side surface of the second protrusion are separated radially RD and have a gap. Therefore, the dimensional errors on the radial RD of the first and second protrusions can be absorbed using this gap.

[0126] Furthermore, as a variation of this embodiment, while having the aforementioned circumferential gap, the insertion holes Pi, Qh, Ph, and Qi can be arranged on the same straight line extending radially RD. Alternatively, while having the aforementioned circumferential gap, the fastening receiving portions 211, 212, and 213 can be arranged on the same straight line extending radially RD.

[0127] (Other implementation methods)

[0128] The disclosure in this specification is not limited to the illustrated embodiments. The disclosure includes the illustrated embodiments and modifications made by those skilled in the art based on these. For example, the disclosure is not limited to the combinations of components and elements shown in the embodiments, and various modifications can be made to implement it. The disclosure can be implemented through multiple combinations. The disclosure may have additional parts that can be added to the embodiments. The disclosure includes omitting components and elements in the embodiments. The disclosure includes substitutions or combinations of components and elements between one embodiment and other embodiments. The scope of the disclosed technology is not limited to the description of the embodiments. The scope of the disclosed technology is shown by the description in the claims and should be understood to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the description in the claims.

[0129] In the first embodiment described above, N / 2m drive circuits are mounted on a single segmented substrate 821. For example, six segmented substrates 821 are provided for a six-phase motor, and one segment of drive circuits is mounted on each segmented substrate 821. Conversely, N / m drive circuits may also be mounted on a single segmented substrate 821. For example, three segmented substrates 821 may be provided for a six-phase motor, and two segments of drive circuits may be mounted on each segmented substrate 821.

[0130] In the first embodiment described above, each of the plurality of partition substrates 821 has both a first protrusion and a second protrusion. In contrast, it is sufficient to provide at least a first protrusion on the first partition substrate 8211 and a second protrusion on the second partition substrate 8212, or it is possible to omit the provision of the second protrusion on the first partition substrate 8211 and omit the provision of the first protrusion on the second partition substrate 8212.

[0131] In the first embodiment described above, all of the multiple segmented substrates 821 have the same external shape, but as long as the first protrusion and the second protrusion have the same shape, the shapes of the other parts may also be different.

[0132] In the first embodiment described above, the driving substrates 821A and 821B are divided into multiple portions and used as a partition substrate 821. Similarly, the high-voltage substrates 813A and 813B can also be divided into multiple portions and used as partition substrates 821. Furthermore, the control substrates 822A and 822B can also be divided into multiple portions and used as partition substrates 821.

[0133] In the first embodiment described above, the drive circuit and the instruction circuit are mounted on different substrates. Conversely, the instruction circuit, such as a microcomputer 94, can also be mounted on the drive substrates 821A and 821B, which serve as partition substrates 821, so that the control substrates 822A and 822B are integrally formed with the drive substrates 821A and 821B. Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, the drive circuit and the inverter circuit are mounted on different substrates. Conversely, the inverter circuit can also be mounted on the drive substrates 821A and 821B, which serve as partition substrates 821, so that the high-voltage substrates 813A and 813B are integrally formed with the drive substrates 821A and 821B.

[0134] In the first embodiment described above, control boards 822A and 822B are supported on support member 200 via retaining member 95. In contrast, control boards 822A and 822B may also be supported on drive boards 821A and 821B, or on inverter housing 83.

[0135] In the first embodiment described above, protrusions P1 and Q1 are mounted on the beam portion 210, which is in the shape of a beam. However, a plate-shaped portion may also be provided on the support member 200, and protrusions P1 and Q1 may be mounted on this plate-shaped portion. Alternatively, a bracket serving as a support member may be provided on the inverter housing 83, and protrusions P1 and Q1 may be mounted on this bracket.

[0136] (Disclosure of technical concepts)

[0137] This specification discloses several technical concepts as listed below. Some claims are sometimes set in a multiple dependent form, where a later claim alternatively references an earlier claim. Furthermore, some claims are sometimes set in a multiple dependent form, referring to another multiple dependent form. These claims set in multiple dependent forms define multiple technical concepts.

[0138] (Technical Concept 1)

[0139] An inverter device, comprising: Inverter circuit (81) converts DC power into AC power and supplies it to motor unit (60). Control circuit (82), which controls the operation of the inverter circuit; Multiple segmented substrates (821), each equipped with the inverter circuit or the control circuit, are arranged circumferentially along the rotational direction of the motor assembly; and Support member (200) that supports the plurality of said segmented substrates. Two adjacent segmented substrates in the circumferential direction among the plurality of segmented substrates are designated as the first segmented substrate (8211) and the second segmented substrate (8212). A first protrusion (P1) is formed on the end face (P) of the first segmented substrate opposite to the second segmented substrate. The first protrusion is shaped to protrude circumferentially and is mounted on the support member. A second protrusion (Q1) is formed on the end face (Q) of the second segmented substrate opposite to the first segmented substrate. The second protrusion is shaped to protrude circumferentially and is mounted on the support member. The first protrusion and the second protrusion are located at different positions on a common straight line passing through the rotation center of the electric motor device.

[0140] (Technical Concept 2)

[0141] According to the inverter device of technical concept 1, each of the plurality of segmented substrates is formed with both the first protrusion and the second protrusion, such that each of the plurality of segmented substrates can be equivalent to either the first segmented substrate or the second segmented substrate.

[0142] (Technical Concept 3)

[0143] According to the inverter device described in technical concept 1 or 2, all of the plurality of said segmented substrates have the same external shape.

[0144] (Technical Concept 4)

[0145] The inverter device according to any one of technical concepts 1 to 3, wherein... Let N be a natural number, and the electric motor device has N phase windings (63a, 63b). The control circuit includes: a drive circuit (91, 92) that outputs drive signals to the inverter circuit for each of the N phases; and an instruction circuit (94) that instructs the operation of the drive circuit. The driving circuit is mounted on the segmented substrate.

[0146] (Technical Concept 5)

[0147] According to the inverter device described in technical concept 4, where m and N / m are natural numbers, N / m of the drive circuits are mounted on one of the segmented substrates.

[0148] (Technical Concept 6)

[0149] According to the inverter device described in technical concept 4, where m and N / m are natural numbers, N / 2m of the drive circuits are mounted on one of the segmented substrates.

[0150] (Technical Concept 7)

[0151] The inverter device according to technical concept 6, wherein N = 6 and m = 3.

[0152] (Technical Concept 8)

[0153] The inverter device according to any one of technical concepts 4 to 7, wherein... The instruction circuit coordinates instructions to the multiple drive circuits and is mounted on a control board (822A, 822B) that is different from the segmented substrate. A third protrusion (P2, Q2) is formed on the segmented substrate. The third protrusion is shaped to protrude along the circumferential direction and is used to mount the holding member (95) that holds the control substrate. The first protrusion, the second protrusion, and the third protrusion are located at different positions on a common straight line passing through the center of rotation.

[0154] (Technical Concept 9)

[0155] The inverter device according to any one of technical concepts 1 to 8, wherein... The support member has a plurality of beams (210) extending radially. The first protrusion and the second protrusion are mounted on the beam.

[0156] (Technical Concept 10)

[0157] According to the inverter device described in technical concept 9, wherein... The first protrusion has a first fastening part (Ph) that is fastened to the beam portion. The second protrusion has a second fastening part (Qh) that is fastened to the beam. The first fastening part and the second fastening part are arranged along the radial direction.

[0158] (Technical Concept 11)

[0159] An inverter device, comprising: Electrical circuits (81, 82) are used to convert direct current (DC) power to alternating current (AC) power; and A segmented substrate (821) on which the aforementioned electrical circuitry is mounted. The segmented substrate is shaped to extend in an arc along a predetermined circumferential direction. A first protrusion (P1) is formed on one end face (P) in the circumferential direction of the segmented substrate. The first protrusion is in the shape of protruding along the circumferential direction and is mounted on a specified support member (200). A second protrusion (Q1) is formed on the other end face (Q) in the circumferential direction of the segmented substrate. The second protrusion is shaped to project along the circumferential direction and is mounted on the support member. The first protrusion and the second protrusion are located at different positions in the radial direction of the segmented substrate.

Claims

1. An inverter device, comprising: Inverter circuit (81) converts DC power into AC power and supplies it to motor unit (60). Control circuit (82), which controls the operation of the inverter circuit; Multiple segmented substrates (821) are provided with the inverter circuit or the control circuit and are arranged circumferentially along the rotation of the motor device; as well as Support member (200) that supports the plurality of said segmented substrates. Two adjacent segmented substrates in the circumferential direction among the plurality of segmented substrates are designated as the first segmented substrate (8211) and the second segmented substrate (8212). A first protrusion (P1) is formed on the end face (P) of the first segmented substrate opposite to the second segmented substrate. The first protrusion is shaped to protrude circumferentially and is mounted on the support member. A second protrusion (Q1) is formed on the end face (Q) of the second segmented substrate opposite to the first segmented substrate. The second protrusion is shaped to protrude circumferentially and is mounted on the support member. The first protrusion and the second protrusion are located at different positions on a common straight line passing through the rotation center of the electric motor device.

2. The inverter device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the plurality of segmented substrates is formed with both the first protrusion and the second protrusion, such that each of the plurality of segmented substrates can be equivalent to either the first segmented substrate or the second segmented substrate.

3. The inverter device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, All of the aforementioned segmented substrates have the same external shape.

4. The inverter device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Let N be a natural number, and the electric motor device has N phase windings (63a, 63b). The control circuit includes: a drive circuit (91, 92) that outputs drive signals to the inverter circuit for each of the N phases; and an instruction circuit (94) that instructs the operation of the drive circuit. The driving circuit is mounted on the segmented substrate.

5. The inverter device according to claim 4, characterized in that, Let m and N / m be natural numbers, and N / m of the driving circuits are mounted on one of the segmented substrates.

6. The inverter device according to claim 4, characterized in that, Let m and N / m be natural numbers, and N / 2m of the driving circuits are mounted on one of the segmented substrates.

7. The inverter device according to claim 6, characterized in that, N = 6 and m = 3.

8. The inverter device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The instruction circuit coordinates instructions to the multiple drive circuits and is mounted on a control board (822A, 822B) that is different from the segmented substrate. A third protrusion (P2, Q2) is formed on the segmented substrate. The third protrusion is shaped to protrude along the circumferential direction and is used to mount the holding member (95) that holds the control substrate. The first protrusion, the second protrusion, and the third protrusion are located at different positions on a common straight line passing through the center of rotation.

9. The inverter device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The support member has a plurality of beams (210) extending radially. The first protrusion and the second protrusion are mounted on the beam.

10. The inverter device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The first protrusion has a first fastening part (Ph) that is fastened to the beam portion. The second protrusion has a second fastening part (Qh) that is fastened to the beam. The first fastening part and the second fastening part are arranged along the radial direction.

11. An inverter device, comprising: Electrical circuits (81, 82) are used to convert direct current power into alternating current power. as well as A segmented substrate (821) on which the aforementioned electrical circuitry is mounted. The segmented substrate is shaped to extend in an arc along a predetermined circumferential direction. A first protrusion (P1) is formed on one end face (P) in the circumferential direction of the segmented substrate. The first protrusion is in the shape of protruding along the circumferential direction and is mounted on a specified support member (200). A second protrusion (Q1) is formed on the other end face (Q) in the circumferential direction of the segmented substrate. The second protrusion is shaped to project along the circumferential direction and is mounted on the support member. The first protrusion and the second protrusion are located at different positions in the radial direction of the segmented substrate.

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