Motor controller, and electrically driven propulsion unit

Abstract

To provide a motor controller that reduces a risk of damaging a substrate.SOLUTION: An inverter device 80 as a motor controller comprises a housing 83, a lid part 834, a substrate 821, a lid connector C10, a substrate connector C20, harnesses H, and a protection plate 822. The lid part 834 covers an opening 831a of the housing 83. The substrates 821 are arranged in respective internal spaces 83v, 834v formed by the housing 83 and the lid part 834. The lid connector C10 is attached to the lid part 834, and the substrate connector C20 is attached to the substrate 821. The harnesses H are arranged in the respective internal spaces 83v, 834v to connect the lid connector C10 and the substrate connector C20. The protection plate 822 is arranged between the harness H and the substrate 821 to protect at least a part of the substrate 821 from the harness H.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The disclosure in this specification relates to a motor control device and an electric propulsion unit that control a motor. [Background technology]

[0002] The control device described in Patent Document 1 is configured by accommodating a control board and the like in a housing. The control board is provided with a connector (board connector), and one end of a harness is connected to the board connector. In this type of control device, a connector (lid connector) to which the other end of the harness is connected may be provided on a lid that covers an opening formed in the housing. In this case, the worker assembles the control device using the following procedure.

[0003] That is, the assembler first prepares a control board with a board connector, a lid with a lid connector, and a harness that can be electrically connected to these connectors. Next, the assembler assembles the control board into the housing with the lid removed. Next, one end of the harness is connected to the board connector and the other end is connected to the lid connector. Next, the lid is assembled in the specified position on the housing, and the opening of the housing is covered with the lid. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-34754 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In a control device with the above structure, both ends of the harness are connected to the connectors with the lid open, and then the lid is closed. Therefore, a harness long enough to reach each end of the harness when the lid is open is required. In other words, the harness must be sufficiently longer than the distance between the connectors when the lid is closed. When assembling using the above procedure, the distance between the connectors becomes shorter as the lid is closed, causing the harness to bend while both ends are supported by the connectors. When the lid is closed, the harness is housed in an irregularly bent and deformed state in the internal space formed by the housing and the lid.

[0006] However, it is difficult to predict how the harness will move during the process of closing the lid, and depending on how it moves, the harness may be pressed hard against the board, potentially damaging it. Furthermore, it is difficult to adjust or visually check the harness position after the lid is closed, making it difficult to adequately manage the state of the harness after the lid is closed.

[0007] One disclosed object is to provide a motor control device and electric propulsion unit that reduces the risk of substrate damage. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, the motor control device of the present disclosure comprises: a housing (83) having an opening (831a); A lid (834) for covering the opening; a substrate (821) disposed in an internal space (83v, 834v) formed by the housing and the lid, and on which a control circuit for controlling the motor (61) is provided; a lid connector (C10) which is an electrical connector attached to the lid; a board connector (C20) which is an electrical connector attached to a board; a harness (H) disposed in the internal space and electrically connecting the lid connector and the board connector; and a protection plate (822) disposed between the harness and the substrate to protect at least a portion of the substrate from the harness.

[0009] The motor control device includes a protective plate between the harness and the circuit board to protect the circuit board from the harness, thereby reducing the risk of the harness damaging the circuit board when it moves during the process of closing the cover.

[0010] In order to achieve the above object, the electric propulsion unit of the present disclosure comprises: a motor device (60) having a motor (61) for rotating and driving a propeller (20) of an electric flying object (10) and a motor housing for accommodating the motor; a motor control device (80) that controls the operation of a motor, The motor control device a housing (83) having an opening (831a); A lid (834) for covering the opening; A substrate (821) disposed in an internal space (83v, 834v) formed by the housing and the lid, on which a control circuit for controlling the motor is provided; a lid connector (C10) which is an electrical connector attached to the lid; a board connector (C20) which is an electrical connector attached to a board; a harness (H) disposed in the internal space and electrically connecting the lid connector and the board connector; and a protection plate (822) disposed between the harness and the substrate to protect at least a portion of the substrate from the harness.

[0011] The electric propulsion unit includes a protective plate between the harness and the circuit board to protect the circuit board from the harness, thereby reducing the risk of the harness damaging the circuit board when the harness moves during the process of closing the lid.

[0012] The reference numbers in parentheses above merely indicate an example of the correspondence with specific configurations in the embodiments described below, and do not in any way limit the technical scope. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an eVTOL to which an electric propulsion unit according to a first embodiment is applied. FIG. [Figure 2] 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the layout of a motor device and an inverter device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an electrical block diagram of the electric propulsion unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view of an inverter device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the support member according to the first embodiment, as viewed from the motor side. [Figure 6] 1 is a cross-sectional view of the inverter device according to the first embodiment, seen from the side opposite the motor, with a cover, a harness, and a protective plate removed. FIG. [Figure 7] 1 is a cross-sectional view of the inverter device according to the first embodiment, seen from the side opposite the motor, with a cover and a harness removed. FIG. [Figure 8] 1 is a cross-sectional view of an inverter device according to a first embodiment, seen from the side opposite to the motor, with a cover removed. FIG. [Figure 9] 1 is a cross-sectional view of an inverter device according to a first embodiment, viewed from the side opposite to a motor. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a side view of the inverter device according to the first embodiment, seen from the radial direction, with the cover open and the connector still connected. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a side view of the inverter device according to the first embodiment, seen from the radial direction, with the lid closed and the connector still connected. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the inverter device according to the second embodiment, seen from the side opposite the motor, with the cover and harness removed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Hereinafter, several embodiments for carrying out the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In each embodiment, parts corresponding to matters described in the preceding embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions may be omitted. In each embodiment, when only a part of the configuration is described, other previously described embodiments may be applied to the other parts of the configuration. In addition to combinations of parts that are specifically specified as being combinable in each embodiment, it is also possible to partially combine embodiments even if not specified, as long as there is no particular problem with the combination.

[0015] (First embodiment) The eVTOL 10 shown in FIG. 1 is an electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft. An electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft is an electrically powered vertical take-off and landing aircraft that is capable of vertical take-off and landing. eVTOL is an abbreviation for electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing aircraft. The eVTOL 10 is an electric air vehicle that flies in the atmosphere and is sometimes referred to as an electric air vehicle. The eVTOL 10 may be either a manned air vehicle with a crew member on board or an unmanned air vehicle without a crew member on board. The eVTOL 10 is operated by a pilot as a pilot. The pilot may operate the eVTOL 10 as a crew member, or may remotely operate the eVTOL 10 without being on board the eVTOL 10.

[0016] The eVTOL 10 has an airframe 11 and a propeller 20. The airframe 11 has an airframe main body 12 and wings 13. The airframe main body 12 is the fuselage of the airframe 11 and has a shape that extends, for example, in the front-to-rear direction. The airframe main body 12 has a passenger compartment for passengers. The wings 13 extend from the airframe main body 12 and multiple wings 13 are provided on the airframe main body 12. The wings 13 are fixed wings. The multiple wings 13 include main wings, a tail, etc.

[0017] A plurality of propellers 20 are provided on the airframe 11. The eVTOL 10 is a multicopter having at least three propellers 20. For example, at least four propellers 20 are provided on the airframe 11. The propellers 20 are provided on each of the airframe body 12 and the wings 13. The propellers 20 rotate around a propeller axis. The propeller axis is, for example, the center line of the propeller 20. The propellers 20 can generate thrust and lift for the eVTOL 10. The propellers 20 are sometimes referred to as rotors or rotating blades.

[0018] The propeller 20 has blades 21. A plurality of the blades 21 are arranged in the circumferential direction of the propeller axis. In the propeller 20, the plurality of blades 21 are connected by a boss. In the propeller 20, a propeller shaft extends from the boss along the propeller axis. The propeller 20 is a variable-pitch propeller. In the propeller 20, the angle of the blades 21 with respect to the propeller axis can be changed.

[0019] Flight modes of the eVTOL 10 include vertical takeoff, vertical landing, cruising, hovering, etc. The eVTOL 10 can take off from a takeoff point by ascending vertically without running a taxiway, for example, as a vertical takeoff. The eVTOL 10 can land at a landing point by descending vertically, for example, as a vertical landing, without running a taxiway.

[0020] The eVTOL 10 is a tilt rotor aircraft. In the eVTOL 10, the tilt angle of the propeller 20 is adjustable. In the tilt rotor aircraft, one propeller 20 can function as both a lift propeller and a cruise propeller. Note that the multiple propellers 20 may include a lift propeller and a cruise propeller.

[0021] The eVTOL 10 has a battery 31, a distributor 32, an FCU 40, and an EPU 50. The battery 31 is connected to the multiple EPUs 50 so that electricity can be passed therethrough. The battery 31 is a DC voltage source that applies a DC voltage to the EPUs 50. The battery 31 has a secondary battery that can be charged and discharged. The battery 31 also supplies power to the FCU 40.

[0022] The distributor 32 is electrically connected to the battery 31 and the plurality of EPUs 50. The distributor 32 distributes the power from the battery 31 to the plurality of EPUs 50. The power distributed by the distributor 32 to the EPUs 50 is drive power for driving the EPUs 50.

[0023] The FCU 40 is a device that performs flight control for flying the eVTOL 10. FCU is an abbreviation for Flight Control Unit. The FCU 40 is communicably connected to multiple EPUs 50. The FCU 40 controls the multiple EPUs 50 individually.

[0024] The EPU 50 is a device that drives the propellers 20 to rotate, and corresponds to an electric propulsion unit. EPU is an abbreviation for Electric Propulsion Unit. An EPU 50 is provided for each of the multiple propellers 20. The EPUs 50 are arranged on the propellers 20 along the propeller axis. All of the multiple EPUs 50 are fixed to the airframe 11. The EPUs 50 support the propellers 20 so that they can rotate. The EPUs 50 are connected to the propellers 20. The propellers 20 are fixed to the airframe 11 via the EPUs 50.

[0025] The propeller 20 rotates as the EPU 50 is driven. The eVTOL 10 flies due to the rotation of the propeller 20. In other words, the eVTOL 10 moves due to 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 due to the rotation of the propeller 20. The propulsion device 15 is a device in which the propeller 20 and the EPU 50 are integrated. Note that, of the propeller 20 and the EPU 50, only the EPU 50 may be referred to as the propulsion device.

[0026] In the propulsion device 15, a propeller wind Wp (see FIG. 2) is generated as the propeller 20 rotates. The propeller wind Wp is a flow of gas such as air flowing in the axial direction AD. The propeller wind Wp flows from the propeller 20 toward the EPU 50. The EPU 50 is provided on the leeward side of the propeller wind Wp relative to the propeller 20. In this embodiment, the upwind side of the propeller wind Wp may be referred to as the upstream side, and the leeward side of the propeller wind Wp may be referred to as the downstream side. The propeller wind Wp is included in the flight wind generated as the eVTOL 10 flies.

[0027] The EPU 50 includes a motor unit 60, an inverter unit 80, an upstream fan 111, an EPU duct 120, a gear unit 100, and a pitch device 150. The motor unit 60 drives the propeller 20 to rotate. The inverter unit 80 has an inverter circuit and a control circuit. The inverter circuit converts DC power supplied from the battery 31 into AC power and supplies it to the motor unit 60. The control circuit controls the operation of the inverter circuit, thereby controlling the operation of the motor unit 60. The inverter unit 80 corresponds to a "motor control device" that controls the operation of the motor unit 60. The motor unit 60 and the inverter unit 80 are integrally configured, making the EPU 50 an integrated electro-mechanical unit. The motor unit 60 and the inverter unit 80 generate heat when current is applied. An air-cooling system that uses outside air for cooling is used as a cooling method to suppress temperature increases due to this heat generation.

[0028] 2, the inverter device 80 according to this embodiment includes a first inverter device 80A and a second inverter device 80B. In this way, by providing a plurality of inverter devices for one motor device 60, redundancy is provided in the power supply to the motor device 60.

[0029] The motor device 60 and the inverter device 80 are formed as a whole in the shape of a short cylinder and extend in the axial direction AD. The motor device 60 and the inverter device 80 are aligned in the axial direction AD. The motor device 60 and the inverter device 80 are stacked in the axial direction AD. The motor device 60 and the inverter device 80 are provided coaxially. The inverter axis Ci (see FIG. 4), which is the center line of the inverter device 80, coincides with the motor axis Cm (see FIG. 3). The motor device 60 is provided between the inverter device 80 and the propeller 20 in the axial direction AD. The first inverter device 80A and the second inverter device 80B are aligned in the axial direction AD. The first inverter device 80A is arranged closer to the motor device 60 than the second inverter device 80B.

[0030] The motor device 60 has a motor 61 and a motor housing 70. The motor housing 70 is a housing and houses the motor 61. The motor 61 is a multi-phase AC motor. The motor 61 has a stator 62, rotors 64a and 64b, and a motor shaft 130. The motor 61 is configured to include mechanical parts such as the stator 62, rotors 64a and 64b, and motor shaft 130.

[0031] The stator 62 is fixed to the motor housing 70. The stator 62 has motor coils that form armature elements. The motor 61 is an N-phase motor, where N is a natural number. The motor coils have the same number of coils as the N phases. The N-phase coils are grouped into two sets of N / 2 phases each. Each of the first coil 63a and the second coil 63b shown in FIG. 3 represents a group of N / 2 phase coils. For example, a plurality of coil portions that form the first coil 63a and a plurality of coil portions that form the second coil 63b are arranged alternately in the circumferential direction of the motor 61.

[0032] The motor 61 is driven as an N-phase motor by supplying power to both the first coil 63a and the second coil 63b, each of which has N / 2 phases. Furthermore, the motor 61 is driven as an N / 2-phase motor by supplying power to either the first coil 63a or the second coil 63b. In this embodiment, N=6, and the motor 61 can be driven as both a 6-phase motor and a 3-phase motor.

[0033] The rotors 64a, 64a rotate relative to the stator 62. The motor shaft 130 is rotatably supported by a bearing 66 fixed to the motor housing 70, and rotates together with the rotors 64a, 64b. The motor 61 is an axial gap motor. In the motor 61, the stator 62 and the rotors 64a, 64b are aligned in the axial direction AD. The motor 61 is also a double rotor motor. In the motor 61, the first rotor 64a and the second rotor 64b are aligned in the axial direction AD with the stator 62 interposed therebetween. However, the motor 61 may also be a radial gap motor in which the stator and rotors are aligned in the radial direction RD.

[0034] The axial direction AD is the direction in which the motor axis Cm extends. The motor axis Cm is the rotation axis of the rotors 64a, 64b. The rotors 64a, 64b rotate around the motor axis Cm. The outside of the radial direction RD, which is perpendicular to the axial direction AD, is sometimes referred to as the radial outside or outer circumferential side. The inside of the radial direction RD is sometimes referred to as the radial inside or inner circumferential side.

[0035] The motor housing 70 has a motor outer peripheral wall 71 and a motor facing wall 73. The motor outer peripheral wall 71 and the motor facing wall 73 are formed of a metal material or the like and have thermal conductivity. The motor outer peripheral wall 71 extends annularly in the circumferential direction CD. The motor outer peripheral wall 71 forms the outer peripheral surface of the motor housing 70. The motor outer peripheral wall 71 covers the stator 62 and the rotors 64a, 64b from the outer periphery. A pair of motor facing walls 73 are arranged in the axial direction AD. The pair of motor facing walls 73 face each other with the stator 62, the rotors 64a, 64b, and the motor outer peripheral wall 71 between them. The motor facing walls 73 extend in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction AD. The motor facing walls 73 are fixed to the motor outer peripheral wall 71.

[0036] The motor housing 70 has motor fins (not shown). The motor fins are provided on the motor outer peripheral wall 71. The motor fins dissipate heat from the motor housing 70 to the outside of the motor device 60. The motor fins are heat dissipation fins that extend outward from the motor outer peripheral wall 71. The motor fins are plate-shaped and extend in the radial direction RD and the axial direction AD. Multiple motor fins are arranged in the circumferential direction CD.

[0037] As shown in Fig. 3, the inverter device 80 has an inverter circuit 81, a control circuit 82, and a housing 83. The housing 83 is a case that houses the inverter circuit 81 and the control circuit 82. The inverter circuit 81 is configured to include multiple electronic components such as switching elements and capacitor elements, and a wiring board for a power system (for example, 400V). The control circuit 82 is configured to include multiple electronic components such as a processor and memory, and a wiring board for a control system (for example, 5V or 28V). The inverter circuit 81 and the control circuit 82 correspond to "electrical circuits" for converting DC power into AC power.

[0038] The inverter circuit 81 and the control circuit 82 are provided in the first inverter device 80A and the second inverter device 80B, respectively. In the following description, the inverter circuit 81 and the control circuit 82 provided in the first inverter device 80A will be referred to as the first inverter circuit 81A and the first control circuit 82A, respectively. The inverter circuit 81 and the control circuit 82 provided in the second inverter device 80B will be referred to as the second inverter circuit 81B and the second control circuit 82A, respectively. Furthermore, the inverter circuit 81 and the control circuit 82 will be collectively referred to as the "electrical circuit."

[0039] Furthermore, a portion of the housing 83 that accommodates the first inverter circuit 81A and the first control circuit 82A corresponds to a first housing 83A. A portion of the housing 83 that accommodates the second inverter circuit 81B and the second control circuit 82B corresponds to a second housing 83B.

[0040] 3, the motor device 60 is illustrated as eMOT, the first coil 63a as CL1, the second coil 63b as CL2, the first rotor 64a as Rot1, and the second rotor 64b as Rot2. The first inverter device 80A is illustrated as MCU1, the first inverter circuit 81A as INV1, and the first control circuit 82A as ICD1. The second inverter device 80B is illustrated as MCU2, the second inverter circuit 81B as INV2, and the second control circuit 82B as ICD2. MCU is an abbreviation for Motor Control Unit.

[0041] The first inverter circuit 81A converts DC power supplied from the battery 31 into AC power and supplies it to the first coil 63a. The second inverter circuit 81B converts 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 commands from the FCU 40. The second control circuit 82B controls the operation of the second inverter circuit 81B based on commands from the FCU 40.

[0042] In the EPU 50, when both the first control circuit 82A and the second control circuit 82B perform motor control, the motor 61 is driven as a six-phase motor. In addition, in the EPU 50, when only one of the first control circuit 82A and the second control circuit 82B performs motor control, the motor 61 is driven as a three-phase motor. The FCU 40 controls the control circuits 82A and 82B to switch between six-phase drive and three-phase drive of the motor 61. In other words, each of the two inverter control units can independently control the motor 61.

[0043] Next, the structures of the housing 83 and the motor housing 70 will be described with reference to Figure 2. The housing 83 has an inverter inner hole 83c. The inverter inner hole 83c penetrates the housing 83 in the axial direction AD. The inverter inner hole 83c extends in the axial direction AD along the motor axis Cm. The inverter inner hole 83c is provided in the center of the housing 83. The center line of the inverter inner hole 83c coincides with the motor axis Cm.

[0044] The housing 83 has an inverter outer peripheral wall 831, an inverter inner peripheral wall 832, an inverter-facing wall 833, a lid 834, and a support member 200 (see FIG. 4). The inverter outer peripheral wall 831, the inverter inner peripheral wall 832, the inverter-facing wall 833, and the lid 834 are formed of a metal material or the like and have thermal conductivity. In this embodiment, the support member 200 is made of resin, but may also be made of metal. The lid 834 may also be made of resin.

[0045] The inverter outer peripheral wall 831 and the inverter inner peripheral wall 832 extend annularly in the circumferential direction CD. The inverter outer peripheral wall 831 forms the outer peripheral surface of the housing 83. The inverter inner peripheral wall 832 forms the inner circumferential surface of the housing 83. The inverter inner peripheral wall 832 forms an inverter inner peripheral hole 83c. The inverter outer peripheral wall 831 and the inverter inner peripheral wall 832 are aligned in the radial direction RD and face each other with the inverter circuit 81 and the control circuit 82 interposed therebetween.

[0046] The inverter-facing wall 833 and the lid portion 834 are aligned in the axial direction AD. The inverter-facing wall 833 and the lid portion 834 face each other with the inverter circuit 81, the control circuit 82, the inverter outer peripheral wall 831, and the inverter inner peripheral wall 832 interposed therebetween. The inverter-facing wall 833 and the lid portion 834 extend in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction AD. The inverter-facing wall 833 and the lid portion 834 are fixed to the inverter outer peripheral wall 831 and the inverter inner peripheral wall 832. The inverter outer peripheral wall 831 and the inverter inner peripheral wall 832 are connected by a support member 200. The structure of the support member 200 will be described in detail later.

[0047] As shown in Fig. 4, housing 83 is divided into a first housing 83A and a second housing 83B. First housing 83A accommodates a high-voltage board 813A and a control board 821A, which will be described later. Second housing 83B accommodates a high-voltage board 813B and a control board 821B, which will be described later. An inverter outer peripheral wall 831 and an inverter inner peripheral wall 832 are included in first housing 83A and second housing 83B. Inverter outer peripheral wall 831 and inverter inner peripheral wall 832 are cylindrical and extend in an axial direction AD around inverter axis Ci.

[0048] An opening of inverter outer peripheral wall 831 of first housing 83A located on the opposite side to second housing 83B is closed by inverter facing wall 833. An opening 831a of inverter outer peripheral wall 831 of second housing 83B located on the opposite side to first housing 83A is closed by lid 834. In addition to functioning as a passage wall for cooling air in duct space 125, which will be described later, inverter facing wall 833 also functions as a cover for inverter outer peripheral wall 831.

[0049] The intermediate portion of the inverter outer peripheral wall 831 in the axial direction AD is partitioned by a partition plate 835. A through hole 835c is formed in the center of the partition plate 835. The partition plate 835 is in the shape of a disk extending annularly about the inverter axis Ci. The through holes 813c, 821c, and 822c of each substrate and the through hole 835c of the partition plate 835 are positioned coaxially. These through holes are formed to be the same size. Note that the support member 200 and the partition plate 835 shown in FIG. 4 are omitted from FIG. 2.

[0050] The first housing 83A has one each of an inverter outer peripheral wall 831, an inverter inner peripheral wall 832, a cover portion 834, a support member 200, and a partition plate 835. The second housing 83B has one each of an inverter outer peripheral wall 831, an inverter inner peripheral wall 832, an inverter facing wall 833, and a support member 200.

[0051] A plurality of brackets 836 are provided on the inverter outer peripheral wall 831. The brackets 836 are shaped to protrude in the radial direction RD. A plurality of the brackets 836 are arranged in the circumferential direction CD. The brackets 836 of the first housing 83A and the brackets 836 of the second housing 83B are connected by fastening members such as bolts or screws. This joins the first housing 83A and the second housing 83B to each other. In other words, the first housing 83A and the second housing 83B are arranged side by side in the axial direction AD and adjacent to each other.

[0052] The housing 83 has inverter fins 83f shown in Fig. 4. The inverter fins 83f are provided on the inverter outer peripheral wall 831. The inverter fins 83f dissipate heat from the housing 83 to the outside of the inverter device 80. The inverter fins 83f are heat dissipation fins extending from the inverter outer peripheral wall 831 toward the outer periphery. The inverter fins 83f have a plate shape extending in the radial direction RD and also in the axial direction AD. A plurality of inverter fins 83f are arranged in the circumferential direction CD.

[0053] The motor housing 70 and the housing 83 are aligned in the axial direction AD. For example, the motor outer peripheral wall 71 and the inverter outer peripheral wall 831 are aligned in the axial direction AD. The motor housing 70 and the housing 83 are provided at positions separated from each other in the axial direction AD. The motor housing 70 and the housing 83 are fixed together by fasteners such as bolts via spacers, for example.

[0054] The EPU 50 has a gear device 100 shown in Fig. 2. The gear device 100 mechanically connects the motor device 60 and the propeller 20. The gear device 100 transmits the drive of the motor device 60 to the propeller 20. The gear device 100 can change the rotation speed of the rotors 64a, 64b and the motor shaft 130 and output the changed rotation speed to the propeller 20. The motor shaft 130 is connected to the gear device 100.

[0055] The gear device 100 is provided between the motor device 60 and the propeller 20 in the axial direction AD. The gear device 100 is formed in a short cylindrical shape overall and extends in the axial direction AD. The center line of the gear device 100 coincides with the motor axis line Cm. The gear device 100 has a gear, a gear shaft, and a gear housing. The gear shaft extends in the axial direction AD and connects the motor shaft 130 and the propeller 20. The gear has a reducer and is provided on the gear shaft. The gear housing accommodates the gear.

[0056] The motor shaft 130 is connected to the gear device 100. The motor shaft 130 extends from the motor housing 70 toward the gear device 100 in the axial direction AD. The motor shaft 130 is provided so as to penetrate the motor housing 70 in the axial direction AD. The motor shaft 130 protrudes from the motor housing 70 toward the housing 83. The motor shaft 130 is aligned with the inverter inner peripheral hole 83c in the axial direction AD. The motor shaft 130 is provided at a position spaced apart from the inverter inner peripheral hole 83c in the axial direction AD.

[0057] The motor shaft 130 has a hollow structure. The motor shaft 130 is formed into a cylindrical shape as a whole. 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 in the axial direction AD along the motor axis line Cm. The center line of the shaft space 140 coincides with the motor axis line Cm. The shaft space 140 is sometimes referred to as a hollow portion, and the motor shaft 130 is sometimes referred to as a hollow shaft.

[0058] The propulsion device 15 has a pitch device 150 shown in FIG. 2. The pitch device 150 can change 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 with respect to the propeller axis. The pitch device 150 has a pitch controller 151, a pitch rod 152, and a pitch housing 153. The pitch controller 151 is configured to include an actuator such as a motor. The pitch rod 152 connects the pitch controller 151 and the propeller 20. The pitch controller 151 changes the pitch of the propeller 20 via the pitch rod 152. The pitch housing 153 accommodates the pitch controller 151. The pitch controller 151 and the pitch housing 153 are provided at positions downstream and away from the motor shaft 130 and the housing 83.

[0059] The pitch rod 152 is suspended between the pitch controller 151 and the propeller 20 via the motor shaft 130 and the gear device 100. The pitch rod 152 passes through the motor shaft 130 and extends in the axial direction AD.

[0060] The motor shaft 130 has a shaft flow passage 141. The shaft flow passage 141 is provided inside the motor shaft 130 and is a flow passage through which gas flows. The shaft flow passage 141 is a path through which the gas passes. The shaft flow passage 141 is formed to include at least a portion of the shaft space 140.

[0061] <Air cooling channel> The EPU 50 has an EPU duct 120 shown in FIG. 2. The EPU duct 120 houses the motor unit 60 and the inverter unit 80. The EPU duct 120 has thermal conductivity and is made of a metal material or a resin material. The EPU duct 120 covers the motor unit 60 and the inverter unit 80 from the outside. The EPU duct 120 covers at least a portion of the motor housing 70 from the outside. The EPU duct 120 covers at least a portion of the housing 83 from the outside. The EPU duct 120 has a duct space 125. The duct space 125 is the internal space of the EPU duct 120.

[0062] The EPU 50 has an upstream fan 111. The upstream fan 111 is housed in an EPU duct 120. The upstream fan 111 is a blower fan such as a centrifugal fan. The upstream fan 111 is fixed to a motor shaft 130. The upstream fan 111 rotates together with the motor shaft 130 as the motor 61 is driven.

[0063] The upstream fan 111 blows air so that the gas passes through the duct space 125. When the upstream fan 111 rotates, the gas flows through the duct space 125 as shown by the arrows in FIG. 2. Specifically, outside air flows from the pitch space 155 into one side of the duct space 125 and flows out from the other side of the duct space 125. As a result, heat generated by the motor device 60 and the inverter device 80 is released to the outside of the EPU duct 120 together with the gas passing through the duct space 125.

[0064] Furthermore, the upstream fan 111 blows air in the duct space 125 so that the gas passes through the shaft flow path 141. In this case, heat imparted to the motor shaft 130 from the rotors 64a, 64b and the stator 62 is released to the outside of the motor shaft 130 together with the gas passing through the shaft flow path 141.

[0065] A duct backflow Fa1 occurs in the duct space 125. The duct backflow Fa1 flows in the axial direction AD, opposite to the propeller wind Wp. Specifically, as shown by the arrows in FIG. 2 , a portion of the outside air that flows from the pitch space 155 into the duct space 125 flows from the inside to the outside in the radial direction along the inverter facing wall 833. The air then flows in the axial direction AD through the outer peripheral flow passage 125a formed between the EPU duct 120 and the inverter outer peripheral wall 831, exchanging heat with the inverter fins 83f. Furthermore, a portion of the outside air that flows into the duct space 125 flows in the axial direction AD through the inverter inner peripheral hole 83c and then flows from the inside to the outside in the radial direction through the duct intermediate passage 125d. In short, the housing 83 is air-cooled at each of the inverter facing wall 833, the inverter inner peripheral wall 832, and the inverter outer peripheral wall 831.

[0066] A shaft reverse flow Fb1 occurs in the shaft flow passage 141. The shaft reverse flow Fb1 flows in the axial direction AD, opposite to the propeller wind Wp. The shaft reverse flow Fb1 flows in the same direction as the duct reverse flow Fa1. For example, the shaft reverse flow Fb1 flows in the axial direction AD through the shaft flow passage 141, penetrating at least the motor housing 70. The upstream fan 111 blows air so that the shaft reverse flow Fb1 passes through the shaft flow passage 141. The outside air that flows into the shaft flow passage 141 from the inverter inner peripheral hole 83c cools the motor shaft 130 and the bearing 66. The outside air also flows in the axial direction AD through the outer peripheral flow passage 125a formed between the EPU duct 120 and the motor outer peripheral wall 71, exchanging heat with the motor fins. The motor housing 70 is also air-cooled by the outside air flowing through the duct intermediate passage 125d.

[0067] In other words, a gap that functions as a flow path for cooling air is formed between the motor housing 70 and the housing 83, and this gap functions as the aforementioned duct intermediate path 125d. The inverter inner peripheral hole 83c corresponds to a through flow path that penetrates the housing 83 along the inverter axis Ci. The duct intermediate path 125d (gap) also functions as a communication path that connects the through flow path and the outer peripheral flow path 125a.

[0068] <Inverter circuit> As shown in FIG. 4, inverter circuit 81 has a plurality of electronic components and a high-voltage board 813. The plurality of electronic components include a plurality of switching elements 811A, 811B and capacitor elements 812A, 812B. High-voltage board 813 is a wiring board for a power system (e.g., 400 V). High-voltage board 813 includes a high-voltage board 813A included in first inverter device 80A and a high-voltage board 813B included in second inverter device 80B. In this specification, a configuration with a reference number ending in A indicates a configuration included in first inverter device 80A. A configuration with a reference number ending in B indicates a configuration included in second inverter device 80B.

[0069] The output terminal of the switching element 811A is connected to the first coil 63a. The output terminal of the switching element 811B is connected to the second coil 63b. The multiple switching elements 811A and 811B form upper and lower arm circuits. The switching elements 811A and 811B are thermally connected to the inverter outer peripheral wall 831.

[0070] Capacitor elements 812A and 812B are mounted on the motor-side surfaces of high-voltage boards 813A and 813B. Capacitor elements 812A and 812B are connected to input terminals of switching elements 811A and 811B and battery 31. Capacitor elements 812A and 812B function as smoothing capacitors that reduce pulsation in the voltage applied to switching elements 811A and 811B.

[0071] The high-voltage substrates 813A and 813B are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the motor axis Cm. A through-hole 813c is formed in the center of the high-voltage substrates 813A and 813B. The high-voltage substrates 813A and 813B have an annular shape that extends around the inverter axis Ci.

[0072] <Control circuit> 4, the control circuit 82 is provided by a plurality of electronic components and a control board 821. The plurality of electronic components mounted on the control board 821 include an IC chip 91 and a gate resistor element 92. The IC chip 91 provides an integrated circuit such as a microcomputer.

[0073] The control board 821 is a wiring board that outputs switch on / off signals to signal terminals of the switching elements 811A and 811B. The control board 821 controls the operation of the inverter circuit 81 based on commands from the FCU 40. The control board 821 includes a control board 821A included in the first inverter device 80A and a control board 821B included in the second inverter device 80B. The control board 821A corresponds to the "first board," and the control board 821B corresponds to the "second board."

[0074] A high-voltage board 813A and a control board 821A included in the first inverter device 80A convert DC power supplied from the battery 31 into AC power and supply it to the first coil 63a. A high-voltage board 813B and a control board 821B included in the second inverter device 80B convert DC power supplied from the battery 31 into AC power and supply it to the second coil 63b. The control boards 821A and 821B are wiring boards for the control system. The power system circuits are integrated on the high-voltage boards 813A and 813B, and the control system circuits are integrated on the control boards 821A and 821B.

[0075] The control boards 821A and 821B are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the motor axis Cm. A through hole 821c is formed in the center of the control boards 821A and 821B. The control boards 821A and 821B have a shape that extends in an annular shape centered on the inverter axis Ci. The control board 821A is arranged on the opposite side of the high-voltage board 813A from the motor device 60. The control board 821B is arranged on the opposite side of the high-voltage board 813B from the motor device 60.

[0076] <Supporting member> Support member 200 is disposed between high-voltage boards 813A and 813B and control boards 821A and 821B. High-voltage boards 813A and 813B and control boards 821A and 821B are attached to and supported by support member 200.

[0077] As shown in FIG. 5 , the support member 200 has multiple beam portions 210, 220 and multiple connecting portions 230, 240. The beam portions 210, 220 are shaped like beams extending radially from the inverter axis Ci. The multiple beam portions 210, 220 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction CD. One end of the beam portions 210, 220 is fixed to the inverter outer peripheral wall 831. For example, one end of the beam portions 210, 220 is fastened to a bracket protruding inward from the inverter outer peripheral wall 831 with a fastening member such as a screw. The other end of the beam portions 210, 220 is fixed to the inverter inner peripheral wall 832. For example, the other end of the beam portions 210, 220 is fastened to a bracket protruding outward from the inverter inner peripheral wall 832 with a fastening member such as a screw.

[0078] The connecting portions 230, 240 connect the multiple beam portions 210, 220 to each other. The connecting portions 230, 240 have a beam shape extending in the circumferential direction CD centered on the inverter axis Ci. The connecting portion 230 has an annular shape and is located further outward in the radial direction RD than the connecting portion 240. The connecting portion 240 has an annular shape and is located further inward in the radial direction RD than the connecting portion 230. The axial direction AD dimensions of the connecting portions 230, 240 are the same as the axial direction AD dimensions of the beam portions 210, 220.

[0079] <Connector> A board connector C20, which is an electrical connector, is attached to each of the control boards 821A and 821B. A lid connector C10, which is also an electrical connector, is attached to the lid portion 834. The board connector C20 and the lid connector C10 are electrically connected by a harness H. The board connector C20 and the lid connector C10 each have connector terminals and connector housings (not shown). The connector terminals are made of metal and electrically connected to the harness H. The connector housing is made of resin and holds the connector terminals in an electrically insulated state.

[0080] When the lid portion 834 closes the opening 831a, the internal space 834v of the lid portion 834 and the internal space 83v of the housing 83 form a single internal space. The lid connector C10, the board connector C20, the control board 821, and the harness H are arranged in this internal space.

[0081] The board connector C20 includes a first board connector C20A and a second board connector C20B. The first board connector C20A is a board connector C20 mounted on a control board 821A of the first inverter device 80A. The second board connector C20B is a board connector C20 mounted on a control board 821B of the second inverter device 80B. A plurality of first board connectors C20A and a plurality of second board connectors C20B are provided. The board connector C20 is mounted on the surface of the control board 821 opposite the high-voltage board 813.

[0082] A lid connector C10 is provided corresponding to each of the multiple board connectors C20. In other words, the number of lid connectors C10 is the same as the number of board connectors C20. The harness H connecting one lid connector C10 and one board connector C20 may be one or more. Furthermore, the number of connector terminals provided in one connector may be one or more.

[0083] The harness H includes high-voltage harnesses H10A and H10B and low-voltage harnesses H20A and H20B. The high-voltage harness H10A and the low-voltage harness H20A are connected to a board connector C20 mounted on a control board 821A of the first inverter device 80A. The high-voltage harness H10B and the low-voltage harness H20B are connected to a board connector C20 mounted on a control board 821B of the second inverter device 80B.

[0084] The high-voltage harnesses H10A and H10B function as paths for supplying drive power to the IC chip 91. The low-voltage harnesses H20A and H20B function as paths for transmitting and receiving various signals. Specific examples of the various signals include a command signal transmitted from the FCU 40 to the inverter device 80 and an abnormality signal transmitted from the inverter device 80 to the FCU 40.

[0085] The amount of power flowing through the high-voltage harnesses H10A and H10B is greater than the amount of power flowing through the low-voltage harnesses H20A and H20B. For example, the voltage of the high-voltage harnesses H10A and H10B is 28V, while the voltage of the low-voltage harnesses H20A and H20B is 5V. Therefore, the diameter of the high-voltage harnesses H10A and H10B is greater than the diameter of the low-voltage harnesses H20A and H20B. The minimum bend radius of the high-voltage harnesses H10A and H10B is greater than the minimum bend radius of the low-voltage harnesses H20A and H20B. The weight per unit length of the high-voltage harnesses H10A and H10B is greater than the weight per unit length of the low-voltage harnesses H20A and H20B. Furthermore, the number of harnesses H connected to one board connector C20 is greater for the low-voltage harnesses H20A and H20B than for the high-voltage harnesses H10A and H10B.

[0086] The high-voltage harness H10A and low-voltage harness H20A associated with the first inverter device 80A each include first harnesses H11A, H21A and second harnesses H12A, H22A. The first harnesses H11A, H21A and the second harnesses H12A, H22A are connected by a relay connector C30. One end of the first harnesses H11A, H21A is connected to the first board connector C20A, and the other end is connected to the relay connector C30. One end of the second harnesses H12A, H22A is connected to the cover connector C10, and the other end is connected to the relay connector C30.

[0087] The connection structure between the lid connector C10, the board connector C20, and the relay connector C30 and the harness H will be described in detail below. Connectors (not shown) are attached to both ends of the harness H. These connectors will be referred to as harness connectors in the following description. The harness connectors have connector terminals and a connector housing (not shown). The connector terminals of the harness connector are made of metal and are electrically connected to the connector terminals of the lid connector C10, the board connector C20, and the relay connector C30. The connector housing of the harness connector is made of resin and holds the connector terminals of the lid connector C10, the board connector C20, and the relay connector C30 in an electrically insulated state.

[0088] The connector housings of the cover connector C10, the board connector C20, and the relay connector C30 are engaged with the connector housing of the harness connector. For example, one connector housing has an engaging claw, and the other connector housing has an engaging hole into which the engaging claw fits. These engaging claws and engaging holes function to prevent the connector housings from coming loose.

[0089] Portions of the high-voltage harness H10A and the low-voltage harness H20A are arranged in through-hole 835c, through-hole 813c, through-hole 821c, and between beam portion 210 and beam portion 220. Portions of the high-voltage harness H10A and the low-voltage harness H20A are arranged in a direction extending in the axial direction AD along the outer peripheral surface of inverter inner peripheral wall 832.

[0090] The relay connector C30 is attached to the inverter inner peripheral wall 832. The relay connector C30 may be attached to the support member 200 of the second inverter device 80B, or may be attached to the partition plate 835. The relay connector C30 may be attached to the control board 821B of the second inverter device 80B, or may be attached to the high-voltage board 813B.

[0091] 4, the relay connector C30 is disposed between the control board 821B and the control board 821A in the axial direction AD. The relay connector C30 is disposed within the projection range of the through hole 821c in the axial direction AD.

[0092] An external connector C11 is attached to the lid portion 834. The external connector C11 is configured integrally with the lid connector C10. That is, the terminals of the external connector C11 and the terminals of the lid connector C10 are common to each other. The lid connector C10 is disposed in an internal space 834v inside the lid portion 834. The external connector C11 is disposed outside the lid portion 834. An external harness (not shown) is connected to the external connector C11. The external harness includes a harness that connects the FCU 40 and the inverter device 80, a harness that connects the battery 31 and the inverter device 80, and the like.

[0093] The opening 831a and the lid portion 834 are located on the downstream side of the propeller wind Wp of the cylindrical ends of the housing 70. The external connector C11 and the lid connector C10 are arranged within a range projected on the lid portion 834 in the axial direction AD.

[0094] A protective plate 822 is disposed between the harness H and the circuit board 821. In the example shown in FIG. 4, a plurality of (three) protective plates 822 are provided. The protective plates 822 protect at least a portion of the circuit board 821 from the harness H. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the circuit board 821 to be protected by the protective plate 822 is a control circuit board 821B. A portion of the control circuit board 821B is protected from the harness H by the protective plate 822. The relevant harnesses H are the high-voltage harness H10B, the low-voltage harness H20B, and the second harnesses H12A and H22A.

[0095] The protective plate 822 is made of metal and has a plate shape that is arranged parallel to the control board 821B. The protective plate 822 is attached to the control board 821B via a plurality of spacers 94. For example, a plurality of screw insertion holes are formed in the protective plate 822 and the control board 821B. By inserting screws (not shown) into these screw insertion holes and fastening them, the protective plate 822 is fixed to the control board 821B via the spacers 94.

[0096] 4 and 7, an opening window 822a is formed in the protective plate 822. The IC chip 91 is inserted into the opening window 822a. The IC chip 91 is exposed from the opening window 822a toward the lid portion 834. In other words, the height of the spacer 94 is set so that the IC chip 91 can be inserted into the opening window 822a. A portion of the IC chip 91 protrudes from the opening window 822a toward the lid portion 834. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the opening window 822a has a ring shape that surrounds the IC chip 91, but it may also have a notch shape formed in the protective plate 822.

[0097] A cable tie 95 is attached to the protective plate 822. The cable tie 95 fastens a portion of the harness H to the protective plate 822 so that the harness H does not move in a direction away from the protective plate 822. The cable tie 95 may be attached to the support member 200. Furthermore, the cable tie 95 may be attached to the partition plate 835 or the control board 821B.

[0098] The protective plate 822 has a ground connection portion 822b. The ground connection portion 822b is connected to the beam portion 210. In other words, the portion of the protective plate 822 that is connected to the beam portion 210 is called the ground connection portion 822b. The beam portion 210 is connected to the housing 83. The housing 83 is electrically connected to an earth terminal (not shown) and is at ground potential. In short, the protective plate 822 is connected to earth via the housing 83 and is at ground potential.

[0099] Next, the procedure for connecting connectors performed by an operator will be described. First, a first housing 83A is prepared with a control board 821A attached thereto. Then, a second housing 83B is prepared with a control board 821B and a protective plate 822 attached thereto. As shown in FIG. 6, the control board 821B may be attached to the housing 83 before the protective plate 822 is attached to the control board 821B. As shown in FIG. 7, the control board 821B may be attached to the housing 83 after the protective plate 822 is attached to the control board 821B.

[0100] Next, one end of the first harnesses H11A and H21A of the high-voltage harness H10A and the low-voltage harness H20A is connected to the first board connector C20A, and the other end of the first harnesses H11A and H21A is connected to the relay connector C30.

[0101] Next, the second housing 83B is assembled to the first housing 83A by screwing the bracket 836 of the housing 83. Next, one ends of the second harnesses H12A and H22A are connected to the relay connector C30. Also, one ends of the high-voltage harness H10B and the low-voltage harness H20B are connected to the second board connector C20B. Next, as shown in FIG. 8, the portion of the harness H that is located closer to the lid 834 than the control board 821B is fastened to the protection plate 822 with a cable tie 95.

[0102] Next, the other ends of the second harnesses H12A and H22A are connected to the lid connector C10. The other ends of the high-voltage harness H10B and the low-voltage harness H20B are also connected to the lid connector C10. When this connector connection is complete, the lid portion 834 is not yet attached to the second housing 83B, and the opening 831a is open (see FIG. 10). Next, the lid portion 834 is attached to the housing 83 by fastening screws (not shown) (see FIGS. 9 and 11). Note that the high-voltage harness H10A, the low-voltage harness H20A, and the low-voltage harness H20B are not shown in FIGS. 10 and 11.

[0103] The length of the harness H is set to be longer than the shortest path connecting the lid connector C10 and the board connector C20. This makes it possible to open the lid 834 with the connectors connected, as shown in Fig. 10. The length of the harness H is also set to be shorter than the length at which the harness H hangs down from the end 822c of the protective plate 822 and comes into contact with the board 821B. This reduces the risk of the harness H coming into contact with the portion of the control board 821B that is not covered by the protective plate 822 when the lid 834 is closed with the connectors connected.

[0104] <Summary of the First Embodiment> Here, in the process of closing the lid portion 834 from the state shown in FIG. 10 , the portion of the harness H between the connectors moves within the internal spaces 83v, 834v. If the protective plate 822 were eliminated, contrary to the present embodiment, the moving harness H would be pressed against the circuit board 813, potentially damaging components mounted on the circuit board 813 and printed wiring formed on the circuit board 813. In contrast, according to the present embodiment described above, the inverter device 80 (motor control device) and the EPU 50 (electric propulsion unit) are provided with the protective plate 822. The protective plate 822 is disposed between the harness H and the circuit board 813 and protects at least a portion of the circuit board 813 from the harness H. Therefore, when the harness H moves in the process of closing the lid portion 834, the risk of the harness H damaging the circuit board 813 as described above can be reduced.

[0105] Furthermore, in this embodiment, harness H includes high-voltage harnesses H10A and H10B that supply drive power to IC chip 91. High-voltage harnesses H10A and H10B are thicker and heavier than low-voltage harnesses H20A and H20B. Therefore, if they come into contact with circuit board 813, they are more likely to damage circuit board 813. Since protective plate 822 protects circuit board 813 from such high-voltage harnesses H10A and H10B, damage to circuit board 813 can be effectively suppressed.

[0106] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the harness H includes low-voltage harnesses H20A and H20B that transmit control signals used to control the control circuit. Although the individual low-voltage harnesses H20A and H20B are thinner and lighter than the high-voltage harnesses H10A and H10B, there are more of them. Therefore, if the protective plate 822 were eliminated, as opposed to this embodiment, the harness H would be more likely to come into contact with the circuit board 813 when it moves during the process of closing the cover 834. In light of this, in this embodiment, the protective plate 822 protects the circuit board 813 from the low-voltage harnesses H20A and H20B, thereby effectively preventing damage to the circuit board 813.

[0107] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the protective plate 822 is supported by the board 813. This allows the protective plate 822 to separate the board 813 from the harness H without relying on the opening and closing movement of the lid portion 834. In other words, if the protective plate 822 were supported by the lid portion 834, as opposed to this embodiment, the protective plate 822 would also move in conjunction with the opening and closing movement of the lid portion 834. Therefore, according to this embodiment in which the protective plate 822 is supported by the board 813, the risk of damage to the board 813 can be further reduced. Moreover, it is easy to provide the protective plate 822 at locations on the board 813 that require protection and to avoid providing the protective plate 822 at locations that do not require protection. This makes it possible to suppress an increase in the weight of the EPU 50 due to the protective plate 822.

[0108] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the harness H includes first harnesses H11A and H21A, one end of which is connected to the board connector C20, and second harnesses H12A and H22A, one end of which is connected to the cover connector C10. The inverter device 80 also includes a relay connector C30 that connects the other ends of the first harnesses H11A and H21A to the other ends of the second harnesses H12A and H22A. This further restricts the movement of the harness H when the cover 834 is closed, reducing the risk of the harness H moving to an unintended position. This further reduces the risk of the harness H coming into contact with the circuit board 813. Furthermore, even when connecting connectors with the cover 834 open, the harness H is fixed by the relay connector C30, reducing the risk of the harness H coming into contact with the circuit board 813 during the connector connecting operation.

[0109] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the substrate 813 includes a control substrate 821A (first substrate) and a control substrate 821B (second substrate) that are stacked on top of each other. The first substrate is disposed on the opposite side of the lid portion 834 from the second substrate, and the second substrate has a through-hole 821c. The substrate connector C20 includes a first substrate connector C20A attached to the first substrate and a second substrate connector C20B attached to the second substrate. One end of the first harness H11A is connected to the first substrate connector C20A. In the above structure, the relay connector C30 is disposed inside the housing 83, and the harness H is disposed in the through-hole 821c. This reduces the risk that the high-voltage harness H10A and the low-voltage harness H20A connected to the first substrate farther from the lid portion 834 will come into contact with the substrate 813.

[0110] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the relay connector C30 is disposed within the projection range of the through hole 821c in the penetration direction, which further reduces the risk that the harness H connected to the first board will come into contact with the board 813.

[0111] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the length of the harness H is set to be longer than the shortest path connecting the lid connector C10 and the board connector C20. In addition, the length of the harness H is set to be shorter than the length at which the harness H hangs down from the end 822c of the protective plate 822 and comes into contact with the board 813. This makes it possible to open the lid 834 with the connectors connected, while reducing the risk of the portion of the control board 821B that is not covered by the protective plate 822 coming into contact with the harness H when the lid 834 is closed with the connectors connected.

[0112] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the inverter device 80 (motor control device) is applied to an electric flying object that uses a motor 61 to rotate the propeller 20. The housing 83 is disposed downstream of the propeller 20 and has a cylindrical shape extending in the direction of the rotation axis of the propeller 20. The lid portion 834 covers an opening 831a located on the downstream side of both ends of the cylinder of the housing 83. This prevents the external connector C11, which is formed integrally with the lid connector C10, from protruding from the outer circumferential surface of the EPU duct 120. This reduces the degree to which the external connector C11 interferes with the propeller wind Wp. This reduces the air resistance of the EPU 50.

[0113] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the protective plate 822 is formed with an opening window 822a that exposes the IC chip 91 (electronic component) mounted on the substrate 813. This reduces the degree to which the protective plate 822 hinders heat dissipation from the IC chip 91, thereby improving the heat dissipation performance of the IC chip 91. Note that, because the IC chip 91 has high rigidity, there is little risk of damage due to contact with the harness H even if the IC chip 91 is exposed from the protective plate 822. Furthermore, contact between the IC chip 91 and the harness H may be avoided by appropriately fixing the harness H with a cable tie 95 provided on the protective plate 822.

[0114] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the protection plate 822 has a ground connection portion 822b, which allows the protection plate 822 to exhibit a magnetic shielding function, thereby providing magnetic protection for the harness H.

[0115] (Second embodiment) In the first embodiment, the protective plate 822 is attached to the control board 821B. In contrast, in the present embodiment, as shown in Fig. 12, the protective plate 822 is attached to the housing 83. More specifically, a bracket 96 is attached to the second housing 83B, and the protective plate 822 is attached to this bracket 96.

[0116] In this way, the protective plate 822 according to this embodiment is supported by the housing 83. Therefore, even if a force from the harness H is applied to the protective plate 822, the force is applied to the housing 83. Therefore, compared to the case where the protective plate 822 is supported by the board 813, the effect of reducing the risk of damage to the board 813 can be enhanced.

[0117] (Other embodiments) The disclosure of this specification is not limited to the exemplified embodiments. The disclosure encompasses the exemplified embodiments and modifications thereto by those skilled in the art. For example, the disclosure is not limited to the combinations of parts and elements shown in the embodiments, and can be implemented in various modifications. The disclosure can be implemented in various combinations. The disclosure can have additional parts that can be added to the embodiments. The disclosure encompasses the omission of parts and elements from the embodiments. The disclosure encompasses the substitution or combination of parts and elements between one embodiment and another embodiment. The disclosed technical scope is not limited to the description of the embodiments. The disclosed technical scope is defined by the claims, and should be interpreted as including all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0118] In each of the above embodiments, a portion of the control board 821B is covered with the protective plate 822, but the entire control board 821B may be covered with the protective plate 822. In each of the above embodiments, there are multiple protective plates 822, but there may be only one protective plate 822.

[0119] In each of the above embodiments, the control circuit and the inverter circuit are mounted on separate boards. Alternatively, the inverter circuits may be mounted on control boards 821A and 821B, and high-voltage boards 813A and 813B may be formed integrally with control boards 821A and 821B.

[0120] The inverter device 80 (motor control device) according to each of the above embodiments controls the motor 61 that rotates and drives the propeller 20 of the eVTOL 10. However, the control target may also be a motor related to an electric flying object such as a drone that does not have a crew member. Alternatively, the control target may be a motor for driving a vehicle. In particular, an in-wheel motor mounted inside a wheel of a driving wheel is suitable as the control target.

[0121] In each of the above embodiments, the protective plate 822 is disposed between the high-voltage harness and the low-voltage harness and the board 821. However, the protective plate 822 may be disposed between either one of the harnesses and the board 821.

[0122] In each of the above embodiments, the protective plate 822 is supported by the substrate 821 or the housing 83, but this is not limitative. For example, the protective plate 822 may be supported by the inverter inner peripheral wall 832, the support member 200, or the lid portion 834.

[0123] Although the motor control device according to each of the above embodiments includes the relay connector C30, the relay connector C30 may be eliminated. The relay connector C30 may be disposed not only within the projection range of the through hole 821c in the penetration direction but also outside the projection range. The second harnesses H12A and H22A may be disposed, for example, between the outer peripheral edge of the substrate 821 and the inverter outer peripheral wall 831, instead of being disposed in the through hole 821c.

[0124] (Disclosure of technical ideas) This specification discloses multiple technical ideas described in the following multiple clauses. Some clauses may be written in a multiple dependent form, with the subsequent clause referring to the preceding clause as an alternative. Furthermore, some clauses may be written in a multiple dependent form, referring to another multiple dependent clause. These multiple dependent clauses define multiple technical ideas.

[0125] (Technical thought 1) a housing (83) having an opening (831a); A lid portion (834) for covering the opening; a substrate (821) disposed in an internal space (83v, 834v) formed by the housing and the lid, and on which a control circuit for controlling the motor (61) is provided; a lid connector (C10) that is an electrical connector attached to the lid portion; a board connector (C20) that is an electrical connector attached to the board; a harness (H) disposed in the internal space and electrically connecting the lid connector and the board connector; A motor control device comprising: a protective plate (822) disposed between the harness and the board, and protecting at least a portion of the board from the harness.

[0126] (Technical thought 2) The motor control device according to Technical Idea 1, wherein the harness includes a high-voltage harness (H10A, H10B) that supplies drive power to an IC chip (91).

[0127] (Technical Thought 3) The motor control device according to Technical Idea 1 or 2, wherein the harness includes a low-voltage harness (H20A, H20B) that transmits a control signal used to control the control circuit.

[0128] (Technical Thought 4) The motor control device according to any one of Technical Ideas 1 to 3, wherein the protection plate is supported by the substrate.

[0129] (Technical Thought 5) The motor control device according to any one of Technical Ideas 1 to 3, wherein the protection plate is supported by the housing.

[0130] (Technical Thought 6) The harnesses include a first harness (H11A, H21A) having one end connected to the board connector and a second harness (H12A, H22A) having one end connected to the cover connector, The motor control device according to any one of Technical Ideas 1 to 5, further comprising a relay connector (C30) that connects the other end of the first harness and the other end of the second harness.

[0131] (Technical Thought 7) The motor control device according to Technical Idea 6, wherein the relay connector is attached to the protection plate.

[0132] (Technical Thought 8) The motor control device according to Technical Idea 6, wherein the relay connector is arranged inside the housing.

[0133] (Technical Thought 9) The substrates include a first substrate (821A) and a second substrate (821B) stacked on top of each other, the first substrate is disposed on the opposite side of the lid portion with respect to the second substrate; The second substrate has a through hole (821c), The board connector includes a first board connector (C20A) attached to the first board and a second board connector (C20B) attached to the second board, one end of the first harness is connected to the first board connector; The motor control device according to Technical Idea 8, wherein the harness is disposed in the through hole.

[0134] (Technical Thought 10) The motor control device according to Technical Idea 9, wherein the relay connector is arranged within a projection range of the through hole in the penetration direction.

[0135] (Technical Thought 11) A motor control device described in any one of Technical Ideas 1 to 10, wherein the length of the harness is set to be longer than the shortest path connecting the lid connector and the board connector, and shorter than the length of the harness that hangs down from the edge of the protective plate and comes into contact with the board.

[0136] (Technical Thought 12) A motor control device applied to an electric flying object (10) that rotates and drives a propeller (20) by the motor, the housing is disposed downstream of the propeller and has a cylindrical shape extending in a direction of a rotation axis of the propeller, The motor control device according to any one of Technical Ideas 1 to 11, wherein the cover covers the opening located on the downstream side of both ends of the cylinder of the housing.

[0137] (Technical Thought 13) The motor control device according to any one of Technical Ideas 1 to 12, wherein the protective plate has an opening (822a) that exposes electronic components mounted on the board.

[0138] (Technical Thought 14) a motor device (60) having a motor (61) for rotating a propeller (20) of an electric flying object (10) and a motor housing for accommodating the motor; a motor control device (80) that controls the operation of the motor, The motor control device includes: a housing (83) having an opening (831a); A lid portion (834) for covering the opening; A substrate (821) disposed in an internal space (83v, 834v) formed by the housing and the lid portion, on which a control circuit for controlling the motor is provided; a lid connector (C10) that is an electrical connector attached to the lid portion; a board connector (C20) that is an electrical connector attached to the board; a harness (H) disposed in the internal space and electrically connecting the lid connector and the board connector; An electric propulsion unit comprising: a protective plate (822) disposed between the harness and the board, and protecting at least a portion of the board from the harness. [Explanation of symbols]

[0139] 10 Electric flying object, 20 Propeller, 60 Motor device, 61 Motor, 80 Motor control device, 821 Board, 821A First board, 821B Second board, 821c Through hole, 822 Protective plate, 822a Opening window, 83 Housing, 831a Opening, 834 Lid portion, 834v, 83v Internal space, 91 IC chip, 91 Electronic component, C10 Lid connector, C20 Board connector, C20A First board connector, C20B Second board connector, C30 Relay connector, H Harness, H10A, H10B High voltage harness, H11A First harness, H12A Second harness, H20A, H20B Low voltage harness, H21A First harness, H22A Second harness, IC Tips.

Claims

1. a housing (83) having an opening (831a); A lid (834) for covering the opening; a substrate (821) disposed in an internal space (83v, 834v) formed by the housing and the lid portion, and on which a control circuit for controlling the motor (61) is provided; A lid connector (C10) which is an electrical connector attached to the lid portion; A board connector (C20) that is an electrical connector attached to the board; a harness (H) disposed in the internal space and electrically connecting the lid connector and the board connector; a protection plate (822) disposed between the harness and the board, protecting at least a portion of the board from the harness.

2. 2. The motor control device according to claim 1, wherein the harness includes a high-voltage harness (H10A, H10B) for supplying drive power to an IC chip (91).

3. 2. The motor control device according to claim 1, wherein the harness includes a low-voltage harness (H20A, H20B) that transmits a control signal used to control the control circuit.

4. 4. The motor control device according to claim 1, wherein the protection plate is supported by the substrate.

5. 4. The motor control device according to claim 1, wherein the protection plate is supported by the housing.

6. The harnesses include a first harness (H11A, H21A) having one end connected to the board connector and a second harness (H12A, H22A) having one end connected to the lid connector, 4. The motor control device according to claim 1, further comprising a relay connector (C30) that connects the other end of the first harness and the other end of the second harness.

7. The motor control device according to claim 6 , wherein the relay connector is attached to the protection plate.

8. The motor control device according to claim 6 , wherein the relay connector is disposed inside the housing.

9. The substrates include a first substrate (821A) and a second substrate (821B) stacked on top of each other, the first substrate is disposed on the opposite side of the lid portion with respect to the second substrate; The second substrate has a through hole (821c), The board connector includes a first board connector (C20A) attached to the first board and a second board connector (C20B) attached to the second board, one end of the first harness is connected to the first board connector; The motor control device according to claim 8 , wherein the harness is disposed in the through hole.

10. The motor control device according to claim 9 , wherein the relay connector is disposed within a range projected in the direction of penetration of the through hole.

11. A motor control device as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the length of the harness is set to be longer than the shortest path connecting the lid connector and the board connector, and shorter than the length of the harness that hangs down from the edge of the protective plate and contacts the board.

12. A motor control device applied to an electric flying object (10) that rotates and drives a propeller (20) by the motor, the housing is disposed downstream of the propeller and has a cylindrical shape extending in a direction of a rotation axis of the propeller, 4. The motor control device according to claim 1, wherein the cover covers the opening located downstream of both ends of the cylindrical portion of the housing.

13. 4. The motor control device according to claim 1, wherein the protective plate has an opening window (822a) for exposing electronic components mounted on the substrate.

14. a motor device (60) having a motor (61) for rotating and driving a propeller (20) of an electric flying object (10) and a motor housing for accommodating the motor; a motor control device (80) that controls the operation of the motor, The motor control device includes: a housing (83) having an opening (831a); A lid (834) for covering the opening; A substrate (821) is disposed in an internal space (83v, 834v) formed by the housing and the lid portion, and on which a control circuit for controlling the motor is provided; A lid connector (C10) which is an electrical connector attached to the lid portion; A board connector (C20) that is an electrical connector attached to the board; a harness (H) disposed in the internal space and electrically connecting the lid connector and the board connector; a protective plate (822) disposed between the harness and the board, protecting at least a portion of the board from the harness.

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