Drive unit

Abstract

To provide a driving device capable of improving a heat dissipation effect and a driving device unit.SOLUTION: In a motor housing 70, a motor fin 72 is provided on a motor outer peripheral surface 70a. In an inverter housing 90, an inverter fin 92 is provided on an inverter outer peripheral surface 90a. A fin cover 140 covers the motor fin 72 and the inverter fin 92 from the outside in a radial direction. A cover channel 160 is formed in a gap of the fin cover 140 with the motor outer peripheral surface 70a and the inverter outer peripheral surface 90a. The cover channel 160 includes a first channel 161 in which the motor fin 72 is provided and a second channel 171 in which the inverter fin 92 is provided. In the second channel 171, a second air flow Fa2 flowing into a second inflow port 172 arrives at the inverter fin 92 without passing through the first channel 161.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The disclosure in this specification relates to a drive unit. Place Regarding. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an electronic module to be installed on an aircraft. This electronic module is a drive device that drives a propulsion device installed on the aircraft. The electronic module has an inverter and a case. The case has a cylindrical portion and heat dissipation fins. The cylindrical portion extends in the axial direction and houses the inverter. The heat dissipation fins are provided on the outer surface of the cylindrical portion. A plurality of the heat dissipation fins are arranged in the axial direction. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] FR3091063 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, when a gas such as air flows axially as a cooling airflow in an electronic module, the heat dissipation effect of the heat dissipation fins tends to be enhanced by the cooling airflow. However, in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, multiple heat dissipation fins are arranged axially. As a result, the downstream heat dissipation fins exchange heat with the upstream heat dissipation fins and then exchange heat with the cooling airflow whose temperature has risen. Therefore, the heat dissipation effect of the cooling air tends to be lower for the downstream heat dissipation fins than for the upstream fins.

[0005] The main object of the present disclosure is to provide a drive device that can improve the heat dissipation effect. Place The purpose is to provide. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The multiple aspects disclosed in this specification employ different technical means to achieve their respective objectives. Furthermore, the reference symbols in parentheses in the claims and this section are merely examples showing the correspondence between specific means described in the embodiments below as one aspect, and do not limit the technical scope.

[0007] In order to achieve the above objectives, the disclosed 1st The aspect is A drive device (50) that drives a rotor (20) of an aircraft (10) to rotate the rotor (20), a heat generating portion (63, 83) that generates heat when driven to rotate the rotor; a housing (70, 90) having an outer peripheral surface (70a, 90a) extending along a rotation axis (Cm) of a fan (111, 111A) for circulating gas, and accommodating a heat generating part; an upstream fin (72) provided on the outer peripheral surface to release heat from a heat generating portion into the gas; a downstream fin (92) provided on the outer peripheral surface downstream of the upstream fin with respect to the flow of gas in the axial direction (AD) of the rotation axis, and configured to release heat from a heat generating portion into the gas; a housing cover (140) that covers the outer peripheral surface and defines between the outer peripheral surface a first flow path (161) provided with upstream fins and a second flow path (171) provided with downstream fins, and that allows gas to flow through the first flow path and the second flow path; a first inlet (162) included in the first flow path, which allows gas to flow from the outside of the housing cover into the first flow path without passing through the second flow path; a second inlet (172, 172A, 172B) included in the second flow path and configured to allow gas to flow from the outside of the housing cover into the second flow path without passing through the first flow path; Equipped with 、 The housing cover is a first cover portion (145) covering the outer peripheral surface so as to form a first flow path between the first cover portion (145) and the outer peripheral surface; a second cover portion (141) covering the first cover portion so as to form a second flow path between the first cover portion and the second cover portion; It has moreover, an intermediate outlet (163) that is at least partially provided in the second cover portion between the upstream fin and the downstream fin in the axial direction, is included in the first flow path, and allows gas to flow from the first flow path to the outside of the housing cover without passing through the second flow path; Equipped with It is a drive unit that Second The aspect is A drive device (50) that drives a rotor (20) of an aircraft (10) to rotate the rotor (20), an upstream device (60) having upstream fins (72) for dissipating heat into the gas, generating heat as it is driven, and forming an outer peripheral surface (70a, 90a); The downstream device (111, 111A) has a downstream fin (92) that releases heat to the gas, generates heat as it is driven, and forms an outer peripheral surface. The downstream device (111, 111A) is provided downstream of the upstream device in the axial direction (AD) along which the rotation axis (Cm) of the fan (111, 111A) that flows the gas extends. 80 )and, a housing cover (140) that covers the outer peripheral surface and defines between the outer peripheral surface a first flow path (161) provided with upstream fins and a second flow path (171) provided with downstream fins, and that allows gas to flow through the first flow path and the second flow path; a first inlet (162) included in the first flow path, which allows gas to flow from the outside of the housing cover into the first flow path without passing through the second flow path; a second inlet (172, 172A, 172B) included in the second flow path and configured to allow gas to flow from the outside of the housing cover into the second flow path without passing through the first flow path; Equipped with 、 The housing cover is a first cover portion (145) covering the outer peripheral surface so as to form a first flow path between the first cover portion (145) and the outer peripheral surface; a second cover portion (141) covering the first cover portion so as to form a second flow path between the first cover portion and the second cover portion; It has moreover, an intermediate outlet (163) that is at least partially provided in the second cover portion between the upstream fin and the downstream fin in the axial direction, is included in the first flow path, and allows gas to flow from the first flow path to the outside of the housing cover without passing through the second flow path; Equipped with It is a drive unit that The third aspect is A drive device (50) that drives a rotor (20) of an aircraft (10) to rotate the rotor (20), a heat generating portion (63, 83) that generates heat when driven to rotate the rotor; a housing (70, 90) having an outer peripheral surface (70a, 90a) extending along a rotation axis (Cm) of a fan (111, 111A) for circulating gas, and accommodating a heat generating part; an upstream fin (72) provided on the outer peripheral surface to release heat from a heat generating portion into the gas; a downstream fin (92) provided on the outer peripheral surface downstream of the upstream fin with respect to the flow of gas in the axial direction (AD) of the rotation axis, and configured to release heat from a heat generating portion into the gas; a housing cover (140) that covers the outer peripheral surface and defines between the outer peripheral surface a first flow path (161) provided with upstream fins and a second flow path (171) provided with downstream fins, and that allows gas to flow through the first flow path and the second flow path; a first inlet (162) included in the first flow path, which allows gas to flow from the outside of the housing cover into the first flow path without passing through the second flow path; a second inlet (172, 172A, 172B) included in the second flow path and configured to allow gas to flow from the outside of the housing cover into the second flow path without passing through the first flow path; Equipped with The housing cover is a first cover portion (145) covering the outer peripheral surface so as to form a first flow path between the first cover portion (145) and the outer peripheral surface; a second cover portion (141) covering the first cover portion so as to form a second flow path between the first cover portion and the second cover portion; It has moreover, a second cover port (172A, 172B) that serves as a second inlet and is at least partially provided between the upstream fin and the downstream fin in the axial direction in the second cover portion; The drive unit is provided with: The fourth aspect is A drive device (50) that drives a rotor (20) of an aircraft (10) to rotate the rotor (20), an upstream device (60) having upstream fins (72) for dissipating heat into the gas, generating heat as it is driven, and forming an outer peripheral surface (70a, 90a); a downstream device (80) having downstream fins (92) for dissipating heat into the gas, generating heat as the downstream device is driven, forming an outer peripheral surface, and disposed downstream of the upstream device in an axial direction (AD) along which a rotation axis (Cm) of a fan (111, 111A) for causing the gas to flow extends; a housing cover (140) that covers the outer peripheral surface and defines between the outer peripheral surface a first flow path (161) provided with upstream fins and a second flow path (171) provided with downstream fins, and that allows gas to flow through the first flow path and the second flow path; a first inlet (162) included in the first flow path, which allows gas to flow from the outside of the housing cover into the first flow path without passing through the second flow path; a second inlet (172, 172A, 172B) included in the second flow path and configured to allow gas to flow from the outside of the housing cover into the second flow path without passing through the first flow path; Equipped with The housing cover is a first cover portion (145) covering the outer peripheral surface so as to form a first flow path between the first cover portion (145) and the outer peripheral surface; a second cover portion (141) covering the first cover portion so as to form a second flow path between the first cover portion and the second cover portion; It has moreover, a second cover port (172A, 172B) that serves as a second inlet and is at least partially provided between the upstream fin and the downstream fin in the axial direction in the second cover portion; The drive unit is provided with: The fifth aspect is A drive device (50) that drives a rotor (20) of an aircraft (10) to rotate the rotor (20), a heat generating portion (63, 83) that generates heat when driven to rotate the rotor; a housing (70, 90) having an outer peripheral surface (70a, 90a) extending along a rotation axis (Cm) of a fan (111, 111A) for circulating gas, and accommodating a heat generating part; an upstream fin (72) provided on the outer peripheral surface to release heat from a heat generating portion into the gas; a downstream fin (92) provided on the outer peripheral surface downstream of the upstream fin with respect to the flow of gas in the axial direction (AD) of the rotation axis, and configured to release heat from a heat generating portion into the gas; a housing cover (140) that covers the outer peripheral surface and defines between the outer peripheral surface a first flow path (161) provided with upstream fins and a second flow path (171) provided with downstream fins, and that allows gas to flow through the first flow path and the second flow path; a first inlet (162) included in the first flow path, which allows gas to flow from the outside of the housing cover into the first flow path without passing through the second flow path; a second inlet (172, 172A, 172B) included in the second flow path and configured to allow gas to flow from the outside of the housing cover into the second flow path without passing through the first flow path; a second common port (172B) that serves as a second inlet and is at least partially provided between the upstream fin and the downstream fin in the axial direction in the housing cover so that the introduced gas flows along the downstream fin while merging with the gas that has flowed in from the first inlet and passed through the first flow path; The drive unit is provided with: The sixth aspect is A drive device (50) that drives a rotor (20) of an aircraft (10) to rotate the rotor (20), an upstream device (60) having upstream fins (72) for dissipating heat into the gas, generating heat as it is driven, and forming an outer peripheral surface (70a, 90a); a downstream device (80) having downstream fins (92) for dissipating heat into the gas, generating heat as the downstream device is driven, forming an outer peripheral surface, and disposed downstream of the upstream device in an axial direction (AD) along which a rotation axis (Cm) of a fan (111, 111A) for causing the gas to flow extends; a housing cover (140) that covers the outer peripheral surface and defines between the outer peripheral surface a first flow path (161) provided with upstream fins and a second flow path (171) provided with downstream fins, and that allows gas to flow through the first flow path and the second flow path; a first inlet (162) included in the first flow path, which allows gas to flow from the outside of the housing cover into the first flow path without passing through the second flow path; a second inlet (172, 172A, 172B) included in the second flow path and configured to allow gas to flow from the outside of the housing cover into the second flow path without passing through the first flow path; a second common port (172B) that serves as a second inlet and is at least partially provided between the upstream fin and the downstream fin in the axial direction in the housing cover so that the introduced gas flows along the downstream fin while merging with the gas that has flowed in from the first inlet and passed through the first flow path; The drive unit is provided with:

[0008] According to the above aspect, the second inlet allows gas outside the housing cover to flow into the second flow path without passing through the first flow path. With this configuration, gas that has not absorbed heat from the upstream fins flows into the second flow path from the second inlet. This prevents the gas that has flowed into the second flow path from having its ability to absorb heat from the downstream fins reduced in the second flow path because the gas has already absorbed heat from the upstream fins in the first flow path. Therefore, the gas that does not pass through the first flow path can enhance the heat dissipation effect of the downstream fins in the second flow path. This improves the heat dissipation effect of the drive unit. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an eVTOL in a first embodiment. [Figure 2] Block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the EDS in an eVTOL. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the rotor and EDS unit. [Figure 4] Perspective view of EDS. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the EDS and fin cover. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the EDS and fin cover. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the EDS and fin cover around the first outlet. [Figure 8] 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in FIG. 7, showing a motor and a fin cover. [Figure 9] 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX in FIG. 7, showing a transverse cross-sectional view of the inverter and the fin cover. [Figure 10]A partially exploded view of the outer surface of the EDS and the fin cover. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a motor and a fin cover according to a second embodiment. [Figure 12] A partially exploded view of the outer surface of the EDS and the fin cover. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an EDS and a fin cover according to a third embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the EDS and fin cover. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the EDS and fin cover around the first outlet. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an EDS and a fin cover according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the EDS and fin cover. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the EDS and fin cover around the first outlet. [Figure 19] A longitudinal cross-sectional view of the EDS and fin cover around the second outlet. [Figure 20] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an EDS and a fin cover according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the EDS and fin cover. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the EDS and fin cover around the first outlet. [Figure 23] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an EDS and a fin cover according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the EDS and fin cover. [Figure 25] FIG. 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the EDS and fin cover around the first outlet. [Figure 26] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an EDS and a fin cover according to a seventh embodiment. [Figure 27] FIG. 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the EDS and fin cover. [Figure 28] FIG. 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the EDS and fin cover around the first outlet. [Figure 29] FIG. 19 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an EDS and a fin cover according to the eighth embodiment. [Figure 30]FIG. 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the EDS and fin cover around the first outlet. [Figure 31] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an EDS and a fin cover in the ninth embodiment. [Figure 32] FIG. 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the EDS and fin cover. [Figure 33] FIG. 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the EDS and fin cover around the second inlet. [Figure 34] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the EDS and fin cover in the tenth embodiment. [Figure 35] FIG. 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the EDS and fin cover around the second inlet. [Figure 36] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of an EDS and a fin cover in an eleventh embodiment. [Figure 37] A partially exploded view of the outer surface of the EDS and the fin cover. [Figure 38] A partially developed view of the outer surface of the EDS. [Figure 39] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the EDS and the fin cover in the twelfth embodiment. [Figure 40] A partially exploded view of the outer surface of the EDS and the fin cover. [Figure 41] A partially developed view of the outer surface of the EDS. [Figure 42] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the EDS and fin cover in the thirteenth embodiment. [Figure 43] A partially exploded view of the outer surface of the EDS and the fin cover. [Figure 44] A partially developed view of the outer surface of the EDS. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] 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.

[0013] First Embodiment The drive system 30 shown in FIG. 1 is mounted on an eVTOL 10. The eVTOL 10 is an electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft, and is capable of taking off and landing vertically. eVTOL is an abbreviation for electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing aircraft. The eVTOL 10 is an aircraft that flies in the atmosphere, and corresponds to an air vehicle. The eVTOL 10 is also an electrically powered aircraft, and is sometimes referred to as an electric aircraft. The eVTOL 10 is a manned aircraft that carries a crew member. The drive system 30 is a system that drives the eVTOL 10 to fly.

[0014] The eVTOL 10 has an airframe 11 and a rotor 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.

[0015] A plurality of rotors 20 shown in Figures 1 and 3 are provided on the airframe 11. The rotors 20 are provided on the airframe body 12 and the wings 13. The rotors 20 rotate about their rotor axes. The rotor axes coincide with a rotation axis Cm, which will be described later. The rotors 20 rotate about their rotation axis Cm.

[0016] The rotor 20 has blades 21, a rotor head 22, and a rotor shaft 23. A plurality of blades 21 are arranged in the circumferential direction of the rotor axis. The rotor head 22 connects the plurality of blades 21. The blades 21 extend from the rotor head 22 in the radial direction of the rotor axis. The blades 21 are vanes that rotate together with the rotor shaft 23. The rotor shaft 23 is the rotation axis of the rotor 20 and extends from the rotor head 22 along the rotor axis. The rotor axis is, for example, the center line of the rotor shaft 23.

[0017] The eVTOL 10 is a tilt rotor aircraft. In the eVTOL 10, the rotor 20 can be tilted. That is, the tilt angle of the rotor 20 is adjustable. For example, when the eVTOL 10 ascends, the orientation of the rotor 20 is set so that the rotor axis extends in the vertical direction. In this case, the rotor 20 functions as a lift rotor for generating lift in the eVTOL 10. In other words, the rotor 20 can function as a rotating wing. When the eVTOL 10 moves forward, the orientation of the rotor 20 is set so that the rotor axis extends in the fore-and-aft direction. In this case, the rotor 20 functions as a cruise rotor for generating thrust in the eVTOL 10.

[0018] In the eVTOL 10, the wings 13 can be tilted relative to the airframe main body 12. That is, the rotor 20 can be tilted together with the wings 13. In the eVTOL 10, the tilt angle of the rotor 20 is adjusted by adjusting the tilt angle of the wings 13 relative to the airframe main body 12. Note that in the eVTOL 10, the rotor 20 may be able to be tilted relative to the airframe 11. For example, the tilt angle of the rotor 20 may be adjusted by adjusting the relative tilt angle of the rotor 20 with respect to the wings 13.

[0019] 1 and 2, the drive system 30 includes a battery 31, a distributor 32, a converter 33, a communication device 34, a storage device 35, a flight control device 40, and an EDS 50. In Fig. 2, the rotor 20 is illustrated as Rotor, the battery 31 as Battery, the distributor 32 as Distributor, and the converter 33 as DC-DC converter. In addition, the communication device 34 is illustrated as Communication Device, the storage device 35 as Memory, and the flight control device 40 as Flight Controller.

[0020] The battery 31 is electrically connected to the plurality of EDSs 50. The battery 31 is a power supply unit that supplies power to the EDSs 50 and corresponds to a power supply unit. The battery 31 is a DC voltage source that applies a DC voltage to the EDSs 50. The battery 31 has a rechargeable secondary battery. Examples of such secondary batteries include a lithium ion battery and a nickel-metal hydride battery. Note that a fuel cell, a generator, or the like may be used as the power supply unit in addition to or instead of the battery 31.

[0021] The distributor 32 is electrically connected to the battery 31 and the plurality of EDSs 50. The distributor 32 distributes power from the battery 31 to the plurality of EDSs 50. In the EDSs 50, a drive unit 81 (described later) is electrically connected to the distributor 32. Power from the battery 31 is supplied to the drive unit 81 via the distributor 32. If the voltage of the battery 31 is referred to as a high voltage, a high voltage is applied to the drive unit 81. Note that the distributor 32 may not be necessary if the configuration is such that power from the battery 31 is supplied to the plurality of EDSs 50. An example of a configuration in which the distributor 32 may not be necessary is a configuration in which each of the plurality of EDSs 50 is provided with an individual power supply unit.

[0022] The flight control device 40 is, for example, an ECU, which controls the operation of the EDS 50. ECU is an abbreviation for Electronic Control Unit. The flight control device 40 is mainly composed of, for example, a microcomputer equipped with a processor, memory, I / O, and a bus connecting these. A microcomputer is sometimes called a microcomputer. Memory is a non-transitory tangible storage medium that non-temporarily stores computer-readable programs and data. The non-transitory tangible storage medium is a non-transitory tangible storage medium, and is realized by a semiconductor memory, a magnetic disk, or the like.

[0023] The flight control device 40 is electrically connected to the storage device 35 and the EDS 50. The flight control device 40 executes various processes related to the operation of the EDS 50 by executing control programs stored in at least one of the memory and the storage device 35. The flight control device 40 performs flight control for flying the eVTOL 10. This flight control includes control of the EDS 50, tilt angle control for changing the tilt angle of the rotor 20, and the like. In the EDS 50, a drive control unit 54, which will be described later, is electrically connected to the flight control device 40. The flight control device 40 controls the EDS 50 by outputting control signals to the drive control unit 54.

[0024] The converter 33 is electrically connected to the battery 31, the flight control device 40, and the EDS 50. In the EDS 50, the drive control unit 54 is electrically connected to the converter 33. The converter 33 steps down or steps up the power from the battery 31 and supplies it to the flight control device 40 and the drive control unit 54. If the voltage of the power stepped down by the converter 33 is called a low voltage, then a low voltage is applied to the flight control device 40 and the drive control unit 54. This low voltage is a voltage lower than the voltage of the battery 31. Conversely, if the voltage of the power stepped up by the converter 33 is called a high voltage, then a high voltage is applied to the flight control device 40 and the drive control unit 54. This high voltage is a voltage higher than the voltage of the battery 31.

[0025] The EDS 50 is a device that drives the rotor 20 to rotate, and corresponds to a drive device. The EDS 50 drives the rotor 20 to rotate. The EDS 50 is an abbreviation for Electric Drive System. The EDS 50 is sometimes referred to as an electric drive unit or EPU. The EPU is an abbreviation for Electric Propulsion Unit. An EDS 50 is individually provided for each of the multiple rotors 20. The EDSs 50 are arranged on the rotor 20 along the rotor axis. All of the multiple EDSs 50 are fixed to the airframe 11. The EDSs 50 rotatably support the rotor 20. The EDSs 50 are mechanically connected to the rotor shaft 23. The multiple EDSs 50 include at least one of an EDS 50 fixed to the airframe 11 while protruding outside the airframe 11 and an EDS 50 fixed to the airframe 11 while being embedded inside the airframe 11.

[0026] The rotor 20 is fixed to the airframe 11 via the EDS 50. The EDS 50 is configured to not tilt relative to the rotor 20. The EDS 50 is capable of tilting relative to the airframe 11 together with the rotor 20. When the tilt angle of the rotor 20 is adjusted, the orientation of the EDS 50 is set together with the rotor 20.

[0027] 2, the EDS 50 has a gearbox 53, a drive control unit 54, a rotation sensor 55, a motor 61, and a drive unit 81. In Fig. 2, the gearbox 53 is illustrated as Gearbox, the drive unit 81 as Driver, the drive control unit 54 as Controller, the rotation sensor 55 as Rotation sensor, and the motor 61 as Motor.

[0028] The motor 61 is a multi-phase AC motor, for example, a three-phase AC rotating electric machine. The motor 61 functions as an electric motor that is the flight drive source for the eVTOL 10. The motor 61 has a rotor and a stator 63 (see FIG. 6). The stator 63 is a stator. The rotor is a rotor that rotates relative to the stator 63. The motor 61 is electrically connected to a drive unit 81. Power is supplied to the motor 61 from the battery 31 via the drive unit 81. The motor 61 is driven in accordance with the voltage and current supplied from the drive unit 81. For example, a brushless motor is used as the motor 61. Note that an induction motor or a reactance motor may also be used as the motor 61.

[0029] The gearbox 53 mechanically connects the motor 61 and the rotor 20. For example, the rotor shaft 23 is mechanically connected to the rotating shaft of the motor 61 via the gearbox 53. The gearbox 53 reduces the rotation of the motor 61 and transmits it to the rotor 20. The gearbox 53 includes a plurality of gears, and is sometimes referred to as a speed change gear and a reducer. The gearbox 53 is structured to match the motor characteristics of the motor 61.

[0030] The drive unit 81 drives the motor 61 by converting the power supplied to the motor 61. The drive unit 81 has an inverter. The inverter converts the power supplied to the motor 61 from direct current to alternating current. The inverter is a power conversion unit that converts power. The inverter is a multi-phase inverter that performs power conversion for each of the multiple phases. The inverter is, for example, a three-phase inverter. The inverter is an inverter circuit configured to include multiple switching elements. These switching elements include power elements such as IGBTs and MOSFETs. IGBT is an abbreviation for Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor. MOSFET is an abbreviation for Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor. The switching elements are sometimes called drive elements.

[0031] In the inverter, switching elements are connected in parallel for each of the multiple phases. For example, in a configuration in which the motor 61 is a three-phase AC motor, multiple switching elements are connected in parallel to the motor 61 for each of the U, V, and W phases. Note that multiple switching elements do not have to be connected in parallel for each of the multiple phases. For example, multiple switching elements do not have to be connected in parallel to the motor 61 for each of the U, V, and W phases.

[0032] The rotation sensor 55 is provided for the motor 61. The rotation sensor 55 is a rotation detection unit that detects the rotation speed and rotation angle of the motor 61. The rotation sensor 55 outputs a detection signal corresponding to the rotation speed of the motor 61 to the drive control unit 54. The rotation sensor 55 is configured to include, for example, an encoder, a resolver, etc.

[0033] The drive control unit 54 is, for example, an ECU, and controls the drive unit 81. Similar to the flight control device 40, the drive control unit 54 is mainly composed of a microcomputer including, for example, a processor, memory, I / O, and a bus connecting these.

[0034] The drive control unit 54 is electrically connected to the flight control device 40 and the drive unit 81. The drive control unit 54 is electrically connected to various sensors including the rotation sensor 55. The drive control unit 54 controls the drive unit 81 by outputting a command signal to the drive unit 81. The drive control unit 54 generates the command signal in response to a control signal input from the flight control device 40 and detection signals input from various sensors such as the rotation sensor 55. In the drive unit 81, an inverter is driven in response to the command signal input from the drive control unit 54, and power conversion is performed by the inverter.

[0035] The various sensors include a current sensor and a voltage sensor in addition to the rotation sensor 55. The current sensor detects, for example, the current flowing through the motor 61 for each of the multiple phases. The voltage sensor detects, for example, the voltage output from the battery 31.

[0036] As shown in Fig. 3, the rotor 20 and the EDS 50 are aligned along a rotation axis Cm. The rotor 20 generates thrust and lift for the eVTOL 10 by rotating. The rotor 20 sends air toward the EDS 50 by rotating. When the rotor 20 rotates, air flows along the rotor axis.

[0037] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the EDS 50 has a motor device 60, an inverter device 80, and a fin cover 140. The EDS 50 has, for example, one motor device 60 and one inverter device 80. The motor device 60 has a motor 61 and a motor housing 70. The motor housing 70 houses the motor 61. The motor 61 has a motor shaft 62. The motor shaft 62 is the rotation axis of the motor 61 and rotates together with the rotor. When the rotation of the rotor is referred to as the rotation of the motor 61, the motor 61 rotates around a rotation axis Cm. The rotation axis Cm is a linear imaginary line that coincides with the center line of the motor 61. The rotation axis Cm is sometimes referred to as the motor axis. The motor shaft 62 extends along the rotation axis Cm.

[0038] The direction in which the rotation axis Cm extends is referred to as the axial direction AD, and the axial direction AD, radial direction RD, and circumferential direction CD are perpendicular to the rotation axis Cm. Regarding the radial direction RD, the outside of the radial direction RD is sometimes referred to as the radially outer side, and the inside of the radial direction RD is sometimes referred to as the radially inner side.

[0039] The inverter device 80 has a drive unit 81 and an inverter housing 90. The inverter housing 90 accommodates the drive unit 81. The motor device 60 and the inverter device 80 are arranged side by side along the rotation axis Cm.

[0040] The motor housing 70 and the inverter housing 90 are arranged side by side along the rotation axis Cm. The motor housing 70 and the inverter housing 90 are formed into a cylindrical shape as a whole and extend along the rotation axis Cm. The motor housing 70 and the inverter housing 90 are stacked on top of each other in the axial direction AD. The motor housing 70 and the inverter housing 90 are fixed to each other with fasteners such as bolts. The motor housing 70 and the inverter housing 90 are made of a metal material or the like and have thermal conductivity.

[0041] The motor housing 70 and the inverter housing 90 constitute the housing of the EDS 50. The motor 61 and the drive unit 81 are driven to rotate the rotor 20, and are prone to generate heat when driven. The motor 61 and the drive unit 81 correspond to the heating element, and the motor housing 70 and the inverter housing 90 correspond to the housing.

[0042] The fin cover 140 accommodates the motor housing 70 and the inverter housing 90. The fin cover 140 is formed in a cylindrical shape overall and extends along the rotation axis Cm. The fin cover 140 spans between the motor housing 70 and the inverter housing 90 in the axial direction AD. The fin cover 140 covers the motor housing 70 and the inverter housing 90 from their outer peripheries. The fin cover 140 is provided on the outside of the motor housing 70 and the inverter housing 90 in the radial direction RD.

[0043] The fin cover 140 is made of a resin material or the like and is elastically deformable. The fin cover 140 is attached to the motor housing 70 and the inverter housing 90 in an elastically deformed state. The fin cover 140 extends at least radially outward due to elastic deformation, and its position relative to the motor housing 70 and the inverter housing 90 is maintained by a restoring force acting radially inward. In this way, the fin cover 140 is attached to the motor housing 70 and the inverter housing 90 by utilizing the restoring force due to elastic deformation. The fin cover 140 corresponds to a housing cover. The thermal conductivity of the fin cover 140 is lower than that of the motor housing 70 and the inverter housing 90.

[0044] The EDS 50 is attached with a blower 110. The blower 110 is attached to the EDS 50 and constitutes an EDS unit 130 together with the EDS 50. The EDS unit 130 is mounted on the eVTOL 10. The blower 110 is aligned with the rotor 20 and the EDS 50 along the rotation axis Cm. The blower 110 is provided between the rotor 20 and the EDS 50 in the axial direction AD. The EDS unit 130 corresponds to a drive unit.

[0045] The blower device 110 is driven to send air. The blower device 110 has a blower fan 111 and a shroud 120. The blower fan 111 rotates around a rotation axis Cm. The center line of the blower fan 111 coincides with the rotation axis Cm. The blower fan 111 sends air in the axial direction AD toward the EDS 50 as it rotates. The blower fan 111 sends cooling air toward the EDS 50 to cool the EDS 50. In this embodiment, the blower fan 111 side is upstream of the EDS 50.

[0046] The blower fan 111 has fan blades 112 and a fan shaft 113. A plurality of the fan blades 112 are arranged in the circumferential direction CD. The fan blades 112 are connected by a fan head. The fan blades 112 extend from the fan head in the radial direction RD. The fan blades 112 are blades that rotate together with the fan shaft 113. The fan shaft 113 is the rotation axis of the blower fan 111 and extends from the fan head along the rotation axis Cm.

[0047] The shroud 120 houses the blower fan 111. The shroud 120 is formed in a cylindrical shape and extends along the rotation axis Cm. The shroud 120 is provided outside the blower fan 111 in the radial direction RD. The shroud 120 is attached to the EDS 50. The shroud 120 is fixed to the motor housing 70, for example. The shroud 120 is made of a resin material or the like. The thermal conductivity of the shroud 120 is lower than the thermal conductivity of the motor housing 70 and the inverter housing 90.

[0048] The motor shaft 62 is connected to the rotor 20 and the blower fan 111. For example, the rotor shaft 23 and the fan shaft 113 are connected to the motor shaft 62. When the motor 61 is driven, the rotor 20 and the blower fan 111 rotate together with the motor shaft 62. As described above, the motor shaft 62 is connected to the rotor 20 via the gear box 53, but the gear box 53 is not shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The motor shaft 62 may be connected to the rotor 20 without the gear box 53. The motor shaft 62 may also be integrated with the fan shaft 113.

[0049] As shown in Figures 4 and 6, the motor housing 70 has a motor outer peripheral surface 70a, a motor inner peripheral surface 70b, and a motor end face 70c. The motor outer peripheral surface 70a and the motor inner peripheral surface 70b extend in the axial direction AD along the rotation axis Cm. The motor outer peripheral surface 70a and the motor inner peripheral surface 70b extend annularly in the circumferential direction CD. The motor outer peripheral surface 70a is the outer peripheral surface of the motor housing 70. The motor inner peripheral surface 70b is the inner peripheral surface of the motor housing 70. The motor end face 70c is an end face of the motor housing 70 and is provided as a pair side by side in the axial direction AD. The motor end face 70c extends in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction AD. The motor outer peripheral surface 70a includes an outer peripheral upstream end 70a1 and an outer peripheral downstream end 70a2. The outer peripheral upstream end 70a1 is the upstream end of the motor outer peripheral surface 70a and extends along the outer peripheral edge of the motor end face 70c. The outer circumferential downstream end 70a2 is the downstream end of the motor outer circumferential surface 70a.

[0050] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the motor housing 70 has a motor outer peripheral wall 71, motor fins 72, and a flange 75. The motor outer peripheral wall 71 is formed in a cylindrical shape as a whole and extends along the rotation axis Cm. The motor outer peripheral wall 71 extends annularly in the circumferential direction CD. The motor outer peripheral wall 71 is formed in a cylindrical shape as a whole. The motor outer peripheral wall 71 is the outer peripheral wall of the motor housing 70. The motor outer peripheral wall 71 is sometimes referred to as the housing main body. The inner space of the motor outer peripheral wall 71 forms the internal space of the motor housing 70. The motor outer peripheral wall 71 forms a motor outer peripheral surface 70a and a motor inner peripheral surface 70b.

[0051] The motor fins 72 are fins provided on the outer peripheral surface 70a of the motor. The motor fins 72 are heat dissipation fins that can dissipate heat from the motor device 60 to the outside. The motor fins 72 increase the surface area of ​​the motor housing 70, thereby improving the heat dissipation effect from the motor housing 70.

[0052] The motor fins 72 protrude from the motor outer peripheral surface 70a. The motor fins 72 are provided integrally with the motor outer peripheral wall 71. The motor fins 72 are formed in a plate shape. The motor fins 72 extend in a direction perpendicular to the circumferential direction CD. The motor fins 72 have a pair of plate surfaces aligned in the circumferential direction CD. A plurality of motor fins 72 are aligned in the circumferential direction CD along the motor outer peripheral surface 70a. The plurality of motor fins 72 extend parallel to one another. The motor fins 72 are provided near the center of the motor outer peripheral surface 70a in the axial direction AD. The motor fins 72 are located at a position on the motor outer peripheral surface 70a spaced apart from both the outer peripheral upstream end 70a1 and the outer peripheral downstream end 70a2.

[0053] As shown in Fig. 8, the motor device 60 has a motor fin group 73. The motor fin group 73 has a plurality of motor fins 72. In the motor fin group 73, the plurality of motor fins 72 are closely spaced and aligned in the circumferential direction CD. The motor fin group 73 is aligned in the circumferential direction CD along the motor outer peripheral surface 70a. The motor fin group 73 is included in the motor housing 70.

[0054] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the flange 75 is a protrusion provided on the motor outer peripheral surface 70a. The flange 75 is a portion for fixing the blower device 110. A plurality of flanges 75 are arranged in the circumferential direction CD. For example, the flange 75 is provided between two adjacent motor fin groups 73 in the circumferential direction CD. The shroud 120 and the like are fixed to the flange 75 using fasteners such as bolts. The blower device 110 is a fixed object that is fixed to the motor device 60. In addition to the blower device 110, other fixed objects include the gear box 53 and the like.

[0055] As shown in Figures 6 and 8, the stator 63 is housed in the motor housing 70. The stator 63 includes a coil, a core, and the like. The stator 63 is prone to generate heat as the motor 61 is driven. In the stator 63, for example, the coil generates heat when current is applied to the coil. The stator 63 generates heat when driven to rotate the rotor 20. The stator 63 corresponds to a heat-generating portion. The stator 63 is provided on the motor inner circumferential surface 70b. The stator 63 is fixed to the motor inner circumferential surface 70b with molding resin, bolts, and the like. The stator 63 extends annularly in the circumferential direction CD along the motor inner circumferential surface 70b. For example, in the stator 63, multiple coils are arranged in the circumferential direction CD along the motor inner circumferential surface 70b.

[0056] The stator 63 and the motor fins 72 are aligned in the radial direction RD. The stator 63 is provided in a position where heat is easily transferred to the motor fins 72 via the motor outer peripheral wall 71. The stator 63 is provided between the outer peripheral upstream end 70a1 and the outer peripheral downstream end 70a2. Like the motor fins 72, the stator 63 is located away from both the outer peripheral upstream end 70a1 and the outer peripheral downstream end 70a2. It is sufficient that at least a portion of the stator 63 is aligned with the motor fins 72 in the radial direction RD.

[0057] As shown in Figures 4 and 6, the inverter housing 90 has an inverter outer peripheral surface 90a, an inverter inner peripheral surface 90b, and an inverter end surface 90c. The inverter outer peripheral surface 90a and the inverter inner peripheral surface 90b extend in the axial direction AD along the rotation axis Cm. The inverter outer peripheral surface 90a and the inverter inner peripheral surface 90b extend annularly in the circumferential direction CD. The inverter outer peripheral surface 90a is the outer peripheral surface of the inverter housing 90. The inverter inner peripheral surface 90b is the inner peripheral surface of the inverter housing 90. The inverter end surface 90c is an end face of the inverter housing 90 and is provided as a pair side by side in the axial direction AD. The inverter end surface 90c extends in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction AD. The inverter outer peripheral surface 90a includes an outer peripheral upstream end 90a1 and an outer peripheral downstream end 90a2. The outer peripheral upstream end 90a1 is the upstream end of the inverter outer peripheral surface 90a. The outer circumferential downstream end 90a2 is the downstream end of the inverter outer circumferential surface 90a, and extends along the outer circumferential edge of the inverter end surface 90c.

[0058] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the inverter housing 90 has an inverter outer peripheral wall 91 and inverter fins 92. The inverter outer peripheral wall 91 is formed in a cylindrical shape as a whole and extends along the rotation axis Cm. The inverter outer peripheral wall 91 extends annularly in the circumferential direction CD. The inverter outer peripheral wall 91 is formed in a cylindrical shape as a whole. The inverter outer peripheral wall 91 is the outer peripheral wall of the inverter housing 90. The inverter outer peripheral wall 91 is sometimes referred to as a housing main body. The inner space of the inverter outer peripheral wall 91 forms the internal space of the inverter housing 90. The inverter outer peripheral wall 91 forms an inverter outer surface 90a and an inverter inner circumferential surface 90b.

[0059] The inverter fins 92 are fins provided on the outer peripheral surface 90a of the inverter. The inverter fins 92 are heat dissipation fins that can dissipate heat from the inverter device 80 to the outside. The inverter fins 92 increase the surface area of ​​the inverter housing 90, thereby improving the heat dissipation effect from the inverter housing 90.

[0060] The inverter fins 92 protrude from the inverter outer peripheral surface 90a. The inverter fins 92 are provided integrally with the inverter outer peripheral wall 91. The inverter fins 92 are formed in a plate shape. The inverter fins 92 extend in a direction perpendicular to the circumferential direction CD. The inverter fins 92 have a pair of plate surfaces aligned in the circumferential direction CD. A plurality of inverter fins 92 are aligned in the circumferential direction CD along the inverter outer peripheral surface 90a. The plurality of inverter fins 92 extend parallel to one another. The inverter fins 92 are provided near the center of the inverter outer peripheral surface 90a in the axial direction AD. The inverter fins 92 are located on the inverter outer peripheral surface 90a at positions spaced apart from both the outer circumferential upstream end 90a1 and the outer circumferential downstream end 90a2.

[0061] As shown in Fig. 9, the inverter device 80 has an inverter fin group 93. The inverter fin group 93 has a plurality of inverter fins 92. In the inverter fin group 93, the plurality of inverter fins 92 are arranged densely in the circumferential direction CD. The inverter fin group 93 is arranged in the circumferential direction CD along the inverter outer peripheral surface 90a. The inverter fin group 93 is included in the inverter housing 90.

[0062] The inverter device 80 has an inverter connector 96. The inverter connector 96 protrudes radially outward from the inverter outer peripheral surface 90a. It is a connector portion for connecting the inverter device 80 to an external device. An example of the external device is a battery 31. The inverter connector 96 is connectable to a power cable, and is connected to the external device via the power cable. The inverter connector 96 protrudes radially outward from the inverter housing 90.

[0063] As shown in Figures 6 and 9, the inverter device 80 has a switch module 83. The switch module 83 is housed in an inverter housing 90. The switch module 83 is included in the drive unit 81 and is one of the components that make up the drive unit 81. The switch module 83 is likely to generate heat as the drive unit 81 is driven. The switch module 83 has a switching element and an element protection unit. The switching element is a semiconductor element that makes up an inverter, etc. The element protection unit is made of a resin material and covers and protects the switching element. The switch module 83 generates heat as current is passed through it. The switch module 83 generates heat when driven to rotate the rotor 20. The switch module 83 corresponds to a heat-generating unit.

[0064] The switch modules 83 are provided on the inverter inner circumferential surface 90b. The switch modules 83 are fixed to the inverter inner circumferential surface 90b with adhesive, bolts, or the like. A plurality of switch modules 83 are arranged in the circumferential direction CD along the inverter inner circumferential surface 90b. A plurality of switch modules 83 are provided for each of the phases. For example, a plurality of switch modules 83 are provided for each of the U phase, V phase, and W phase. For each of the U phase, V phase, and W phase, the switching elements of each of the plurality of switch modules 83 are connected in parallel.

[0065] The switch module 83 and the inverter fins 92 are aligned in the radial direction RD. The switch module 83 is provided in a position where heat is easily transferred to the inverter fins 92 via the inverter outer peripheral wall 91. The switch module 83 is provided between the outer peripheral upstream end 90a1 and the outer peripheral downstream end 90a2 in the axial direction AD. The switch module 83 is located away from both the outer peripheral upstream end 90a1 and the outer peripheral downstream end 90a2. It is sufficient that at least a portion of the switch module 83 is aligned with the inverter fins 92 in the radial direction RD.

[0066] 9, in the inverter housing 90, a plurality of large switch modules 83 are arranged in the circumferential direction CD along the inverter inner circumferential surface 90b. In the inverter housing 90, a plurality of switch module groups may be arranged in the circumferential direction CD along the inverter inner circumferential surface 90b. The switch module groups are arranged in the circumferential direction CD so that the plurality of switch modules 83 are closely spaced. In this configuration, the switch module groups and the inverter fins 92 are arranged in the radial direction RD.

[0067] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the motor outer peripheral surface 70a and the inverter outer peripheral surface 90a are aligned in the airflow direction of the blower fan 111. The airflow direction of the blower fan 111 is the axial direction AD. In the airflow direction, the motor outer peripheral surface 70a is located upstream of the inverter outer peripheral surface 90a. Therefore, the motor fins 72 are located upstream of the inverter fins 92. The motor fins 72 correspond to upstream fins, and the inverter fins 92 correspond to downstream fins. The motor fins 72 and the inverter fins 92 are aligned in the axial direction AD. For example, the motor fin group 73 and the inverter fin group 93 are aligned in the axial direction AD, so that the motor fins 72 and the inverter fins 92 are aligned in the axial direction AD.

[0068] The tips of the motor fins 72 and the inverter fins 92 are aligned in the axial direction AD. In the radial direction RD, the length of the motor fins 72 and the length of the inverter fins 92 are approximately the same. The protrusion dimension of the motor fins 72 from the motor outer peripheral surface 70a and the protrusion dimension of the inverter fins 92 from the inverter outer peripheral surface 90a are approximately the same.

[0069] The fin cover 140 covers the motor outer peripheral surface 70a and the inverter outer peripheral surface 90a via the motor fins 72 and the inverter fins 92. The fin cover 140 covers the motor housing 70 and the inverter housing 90 from the radially outer side. The fin cover 140 covers the motor outer peripheral wall 71 and the inverter outer peripheral wall 91 from the outer periphery side. The fin cover 140 corresponds to a housing cover. The fin cover 140 is sometimes referred to as a duct and a case.

[0070] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 , the EDS 50 has a cover flow passage 160. The cover flow passage 160 is formed between the fin cover 140 and the motor outer peripheral surface 70a and the inverter outer peripheral surface 90a. The cover flow passage 160 extends in the circumferential direction CD along the motor outer peripheral surface 70a and the inverter outer peripheral surface 90a. The cover flow passage 160 is formed in an annular shape as a whole. The motor fins 72 and the inverter fins 92 are provided in the cover flow passage 160. The motor fins 72 and the inverter fins 92 are housed in the cover flow passage 160.

[0071] In the EDS 50, air sent by the rotor 20 and the blower fan 111 flows as an airflow through the cover flow passage 160 in the axial direction AD. In this way, by forcing air to flow through the cover flow passage 160 by the rotor 20 and the blower fan 111, heat is easily dissipated from the motor fins 72 and the inverter fins 92. In other words, heat generated in the stator 63 and the switch module 83 is easily dissipated from the motor housing 70 and the inverter housing 90. Note that any gas that can exchange heat with the motor housing 70 and the inverter housing 90 may flow through the cover flow passage 160.

[0072] In this embodiment, the air flowing through the cover flow path 160 is assumed to be air sent by the blower fan 111, but in reality, air sent by the rotor 20 also flows through the cover flow path 160. The blower fan 111 corresponds to a fan. For the EDS 50, the airflow direction of the blower fan 111 and the rotor 20 is the axial direction AD. The blower fan 111 is located upstream of the EDS 50.

[0073] As shown in FIGS. 6 to 9 , the fin cover 140 forms a cover flow path 160 and partitions the cover flow path 160. The fin cover 140 has an outer circumferential cover portion 141 and a flow path partition portion 144. The outer circumferential cover portion 141 forms the outer circumferential surface of the fin cover 140. The outer circumferential cover portion 141 is formed in a cylindrical shape as a whole. The outer circumferential cover portion 141 extends annularly in the circumferential direction CD. The outer circumferential cover portion 141 extends in the axial direction AD, for example, spanning between the outer circumferential upstream end 70a1 and the outer circumferential downstream end 90a2. The outer circumferential cover portion 141 extends parallel to the motor outer circumferential surface 70a and the inverter outer circumferential surface 90a. The outer circumferential cover portion 141 covers the motor fins 72 and the inverter fins 92 from the radial outside. The outer circumferential cover portion 141 covers the motor outer circumferential surface 70a and the inverter outer circumferential surface 90a from the radial outside via the motor fins 72 and the inverter fins 92. The outer circumferential cover portion 141 is provided at a position spaced apart radially outward from the motor fins 72 and the inverter fins 92 .

[0074] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the outer circumferential cover portion 141 has a motor cover portion 142 and an inverter cover portion 143. The motor cover portion 142 and the inverter cover portion 143 are aligned in the axial direction AD. The motor cover portion 142 is a portion of the outer circumferential cover portion 141 that covers the motor fins 72 from the radially outer side. The inverter cover portion 143 is a portion of the outer circumferential cover portion 141 that covers the inverter fins 92 from the radially outer side. The boundary between the motor cover portion 142 and the inverter cover portion 143, together with the boundary between the motor outer circumferential wall 71 and the inverter outer circumferential wall 91, extends annularly in the circumferential direction CD.

[0075] The flow path partition 144 partitions the cover flow path 160 so that air can reach both the motor fins 72 and the inverter fins 92. The flow path partition 144 is provided between the motor outer peripheral wall 71 and the inverter outer peripheral wall 91 and the outer peripheral cover part 141. The flow path partition 144 has an axial partition 145 and a diameter partition 146.

[0076] The shaft partition portion 145 divides the cover flow passage 160 in the axial direction AD. The shaft partition portion 145 is provided between the motor fins 72 and the inverter fins 92. The shaft partition portion 145 divides the cover flow passage 160 into a motor fin 72 side and an inverter fin 92 side. The shaft partition portion 145 is formed in a plate shape and extends in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction AD. The shaft partition portion 145 is provided, for example, at the boundary between the motor outer peripheral wall 71 and the inverter outer peripheral wall 91. The shaft partition portion 145 extends in the circumferential direction CD along the motor outer peripheral surface 70a and the inverter outer peripheral surface 90a. The shaft partition portion 145 is formed in an annular shape.

[0077] The radial partition 146 divides the cover flow passage 160 in the radial direction RD. The radial partition 146 is provided between the motor fin 72 and the outer circumferential cover portion 141. The radial partition 146 divides the cover flow passage 160 into a motor fin 72 side and an outer circumferential cover portion 141 side. The radial partition 146 is formed in a plate shape and extends in a direction perpendicular to the radial direction RD. The radial partition 146 extends in the circumferential direction CD along the motor outer circumferential surface 70a. The radial partition 146 is formed in an annular shape. The radial partition 146 is bridged across multiple motor fins 72. The radial partition 146 extends in the axial direction AD from the shaft partition 145 toward the motor fin 72 side. The radial partition 146 covers the motor fins 72 and the motor outer circumferential surface 70a from the radial outside. The diameter partitioning portion 146 is in a state of spanning, for example, the axial partitioning portion 145 and the outer circumferential upstream end 70a1.

[0078] The radial partition 146 is pressed against the motor fin 72 by the restoring force of the fin cover 140. The fin cover 140 is held in position relative to the motor housing 70 and the inverter housing 90 by the radial partition 146 being pressed against the motor fin 72. Although the motor fin 72 and the radial partition 146 are shown separated in the radial direction RD in FIG. 6, in reality, the tip of the motor fin 72 and the inner circumferential surface of the radial partition 146 are in contact with each other. However, the fin cover 140 may be fixed to the motor housing 70 and the inverter housing 90 with fasteners such as bolts. In this configuration, the motor fin 72 and the radial partition 146 may be separated in the radial direction RD.

[0079] 6 to 9, the cover flow path 160 has a first flow path 161 and a second flow path 171. The first flow path 161 and the second flow path 171 are separated in the cover flow path 160 by a flow path partition portion 144. In the cover flow path 160, an area on the motor fin 72 side with respect to the flow path partition portion 144 is the first flow path 161. Also, an area on the inverter fin 92 side with respect to the flow path partition portion 144 is the second flow path 171. A portion of the second flow path 171 is provided radially outward of the first flow path 161.

[0080] As shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, the motor fins 72 are provided in the first flow passage 161. Of the motor fins 72 and the inverter fins 92, only the motor fins 72 are provided in the first flow passage 161. The first flow passage 161 accommodates the motor fins 72. The first flow passage 161 is a space partitioned by the motor outer peripheral surface 70a and the flow passage partition portion 144. The first flow passage 161 extends annularly in the circumferential direction CD as a whole. The first flow passage 161 is provided at a position aligned with the motor outer peripheral surface 70a in the radial direction RD, but is not provided at a position aligned with the inverter outer peripheral surface 90a in the radial direction RD.

[0081] The first flow passage 161 has a first inlet 162, a first outlet 163, a first heat dissipation passage 164, and a first outlet passage 166. The first inlet 162 is an inlet of the first flow passage 161 and is provided at the upstream end of the first flow passage 161. The first inlet 162 is open in the axial direction AD. The first inlet 162 opens the first flow passage 161 in the axial direction AD toward the blower fan 111. The first inlet 162 is provided upstream of the motor fins 72. The first inlet 162 extends in the circumferential direction CD along the outer circumferential upstream end 70a1. The first inlet 162 is formed in an annular shape. The first inlet 162 corresponds to the first annular port and the first axial port. The first inlet 162 is aligned with the motor fins 72 in the axial direction AD. The first inlet 162 is located upstream of the motor fins 72 in the axial direction AD.

[0082] The first outlet 163 is an outlet of the first flow passage 161 and is provided at the downstream end of the first flow passage 161. The first outlet 163 opens the first flow passage 161 radially outward. The first outlet 163 is located on the opposite side of the first inlet 162 across the motor fin 72 in the air flow direction in the first flow passage 161. The first outlet 163 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the outer peripheral cover portion 141. The first outlet 163 is provided, for example, in the motor cover portion 142. A plurality of first outlets 163 are arranged in the circumferential direction CD. The first outlet 163 is provided between the motor fins 72 and the inverter fins 92 in the axial direction AD. For example, at least a portion of the first outlet 163 is provided between the motor fins 72 and the inverter fins 92 in the axial direction AD. The first outlet 163 corresponds to an intermediate outlet.

[0083] The first heat dissipation path 164 is a space for dissipating heat from the motor fins 72 in the first flow path 161. The first heat dissipation path 164 is a space between the motor outer peripheral surface 70a and the radial partition portion 146. The motor fins 72 are provided in the first heat dissipation path 164. In the radial direction RD, the thickness dimension of the first heat dissipation path 164 and the protruding dimension of the motor fins 72 are approximately the same. This is because the motor fins 72 and the radial partition portion 146 are in contact with each other. The first heat dissipation path 164 extends in the axial direction AD from the first inlet 162 toward the shaft partition portion 145. The first heat dissipation path 164 forms the first inlet 162. The upstream end of the first heat dissipation path 164 is the first inlet 162. The first heat dissipation path 164 is a space between the motor outer peripheral surface 70a and the flow path partition portion 144.

[0084] The first outlet path 166 extends radially outward from the first heat dissipation path 164. The first outlet path 166 forms a first outlet port 163. The downstream end of the first outlet path 166 is the first outlet port 163. The first outlet path 166 penetrates both the radial partition portion 146 and the outer circumferential cover portion 141 and opens radially outward. The first outlet path 166 extends in the radial direction RD from the first heat dissipation path 164 along the axial partition portion 145. A plurality of first outlet paths 166 are arranged in the circumferential direction CD.

[0085] The fin cover 140 has an outflow forming portion 148. The outflow forming portion 148 forms a first outflow path 166. The outflow forming portion 148 is formed in a cylindrical shape and extends in the axial direction AD. The outflow forming portion 148 connects the flow path partition portion 144 and the outer circumferential cover portion 141. The internal space of the outflow forming portion 148 forms the first outflow path 166. The outflow forming portion 148 extends along the axial partition portion 145. A plurality of the outflow forming portions 148 are arranged in the circumferential direction CD. The outflow forming portion 148 is formed to include a portion of the axial partition portion 145. Note that the outflow forming portion 148 may be formed without including the axial partition portion 145.

[0086] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 10 , the first outlet 163 is provided at a position offset in the circumferential direction CD from the motor fin 72. For example, the first outlet 163 is located between two motor fin groups 73 adjacent in the circumferential direction CD. The first outlet 163 is located away in the circumferential direction CD from either of the two motor fin groups 73 adjacent in the circumferential direction CD. The first outlet 163 is located between the shaft partition portion 145 and the motor fin 72 in the axial direction AD. The first outlet 163 is located away from the motor fin 72 in the axial direction AD. The first outlet channel 166, together with the first outlet 163, is provided at a position offset in the circumferential direction CD from the motor fin 72. Note that the first outlet 163 may be located so as to overlap a portion of the motor fin 72 in the axial direction AD.

[0087] As shown in FIGS. 6, 7, and 9, the second flow passage 171 is provided with inverter fins 92. Of the motor fins 72 and the inverter fins 92, only the inverter fins 92 are provided in the second flow passage 171. The second flow passage 171 accommodates the inverter fins 92. The second flow passage 171 is a space partitioned by the inverter outer peripheral surface 90a, the flow passage partition portion 144, and the outer peripheral cover portion 141. The second flow passage 171 generally extends annularly in the circumferential direction CD. The second flow passage 171 extends in the axial direction AD and spans between the radial partition portion 146 and the inverter outer peripheral surface 90a. A portion of the second flow passage 171 is provided radially outward of the first flow passage 161. In other words, the first flow passage 161 is interposed between the second flow passage 171 and the motor outer peripheral surface 70a. The first flow passage 161 and the second flow passage 171 form a double flow passage aligned in the radial direction RD.

[0088] The second flow path 171 has a second inlet 172, a second outlet 173, a second heat dissipation path 174, and a second inlet path 175. The second inlet 172 is an inlet of the second flow path 171 and is provided at the upstream end of the second flow path 171. The second inlet 172 is open in the axial direction AD. The second inlet 172 opens the second flow path 171 in the axial direction AD toward the blower fan 111. The second inlet 172 is provided upstream of the inverter fins 92. The second inlet 172 extends in the circumferential direction CD along the outer circumferential upstream end 70a1. The second inlet 172 is formed in an annular shape. The second inlet 172 corresponds to a second annular port and a second axial port.

[0089] The second inlet 172 is provided radially outward of the first inlet 162. In the radial direction RD, the first inlet 162 is provided between the motor outer peripheral surface 70a and the second inlet 172. The first inlet 162 and the second inlet 172 are aligned in the radial direction RD. The second inlet 172 is provided at a position spaced apart from the inverter fins 92 in both the axial direction AD and the radial direction RD. The second inlet 172 is located at a position spaced apart radially outward from the inverter fins 92 via the first inlet 162. The second inlet 172 is located at a position spaced apart upstream from the inverter fins 92 via the first flow path 161 in the axial direction AD. The radial partition 146 is provided between the first inlet 162 and the second inlet 172. The radial partition 146 separates the second inlet 172 from the second inlet 172 in the radial direction RD.

[0090] The second outlet 173 is an outlet of the second flow path 171 and is provided at the downstream end of the second flow path 171. The second outlet 173 opens the second flow path 171 in the axial direction AD facing away from the blower fan 111. The second outlet 173 is provided downstream of the inverter fins 92. The second outlet 173 extends in the circumferential direction CD along the outer circumferential downstream end 90a2. The second outlet 173 is formed in an annular shape.

[0091] The second outlet 173 is disposed across the inverter outer peripheral surface 90a and the outer peripheral cover portion 141 in the radial direction RD. The second outlet 173 is arranged in the axial direction AD with both the first inlet 162 and the second inlet 172. In the radial direction RD, the width dimension of the second outlet 173 is larger than both the width dimension of the first inlet 162 and the width dimension of the second inlet 172.

[0092] The second heat dissipation path 174 is a space for dissipating heat from the inverter fins 92 in the second flow path 171. The second heat dissipation path 174 is a space between the inverter outer peripheral surface 90a and the outer peripheral cover portion 141. The inverter fins 92 are provided in the second heat dissipation path 174. In the radial direction RD, the thickness dimension of the second heat dissipation path 174 is larger than the protruding dimension of the inverter fins 92. This is because the outer peripheral cover portion 141 is provided at a position radially outwardly spaced from the radial partition portion 146 by the amount of the second inlet path 175. The second heat dissipation path 174 extends in the axial direction AD from the second outlet 173 toward the axial partition portion 145. The second heat dissipation path 174 forms the second outlet 173. The downstream end of the second heat dissipation path 174 is the second outlet 173. The second heat dissipation path 174 is a space between the inverter outer peripheral surface 90a and the inverter cover portion 143.

[0093] The second inlet passage 175 extends in the axial direction AD from the second heat dissipation passage 174 toward the blower fan 111. The second inlet passage 175 forms a second inlet 172. The upstream end of the second inlet passage 175 is the second inlet 172. The second inlet passage 175 is a space between the flow path partition portion 144 and the motor cover portion 142.

[0094] The second inlet passage 175 is provided radially outward of the first heat dissipation passage 164. The second inlet passage 175 is aligned with the first heat dissipation passage 164 in the radial direction RD. In the radial direction RD, the second inlet passage 175 is located between the first heat dissipation passage 164 and the motor cover portion 142. The second inlet passage 175 extends annularly in the circumferential direction CD. The first outlet passage 166 and the outflow formation portion 148 penetrate the second inlet passage 175 in the radial direction RD.

[0095] The fin cover 140 forms a first flow path 161 and a second flow path 171 between itself and the outer peripheral surfaces 70a, 90a. The flow path partition portion 144 covers the motor outer peripheral surface 70a so as to form the first flow path 161 between itself and the motor outer peripheral surface 70a. The flow path partition portion 144 corresponds to a first cover portion. The outer peripheral cover portion 141 covers the flow path partition portion 144 and the inverter outer peripheral surface 90a so as to form a second flow path 171 between itself and the inverter outer peripheral surface 90a. The outer peripheral cover portion 141 corresponds to a second cover portion.

[0096] In the first flow path 161, the first inlet 162 allows air to flow into the first flow path 161 from the outside of the fin cover 140 without passing through the second flow path 171. The first outlet 163 allows the air in the first flow path 161 to flow out to the outside of the fin cover 140 without passing through the second flow path 171. In the second flow path 171, the second inlet 172 allows air to flow into the second flow path 171 from the outside of the fin cover 140 without passing through the first flow path 161. The second outlet 173 allows the air in the second flow path 171 to flow out to the outside of the fin cover 140 without passing through the first flow path 161.

[0097] As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the airflow flowing through the cover flow path 160 includes a first airflow Fa1 and a second airflow Fa2. The first airflow Fa1 is an airflow that flows through the first flow path 161. The first airflow Fa1 flows from the first inlet 162 into the first heat dissipation path 164. The first airflow Fa1 exchanges heat with the motor fins 72 in the first heat dissipation path 164. After heat is imparted to the first airflow Fa1 from the motor fins 72, the first airflow Fa1 passes through the first outlet path 166 and is released to the outside of the fin cover 140 from the first outlet 163. The first airflow Fa1 cools the motor fins 72 by flowing along the motor fins 72 in the first flow path 161. The first airflow Fa1 is sometimes referred to as cooling air.

[0098] In the first heat dissipation path 164, the first airflow Fa1 tends to flow along the plate surfaces of the motor fins 72 due to contact between the radial partitions 146 and the tips of the motor fins 72. The first airflow Fa1 tends to flow between two motor fins 72 that are adjacent in the circumferential direction CD. In this way, the area over which the first airflow Fa1 flows along the motor fins 72 is large, making it easier for the first airflow Fa1 to absorb heat from the motor fins 72.

[0099] 8, the first airflow Fa1 flows out radially outward from each of the multiple first outlets 163. In this case, the first airflow Fa1 flows out from the first outlet 163 at a position away from the downstream side of both the first inlet 162 and the second inlet 172. Therefore, the first airflow Fa1 that flows out from the first outlet 163 does not flow back into the first inlet 162 or the second inlet 172.

[0100] As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the second airflow Fa2 is an airflow that flows through the second flow path 171. The second airflow Fa2 flows from the second inlet 172 through the second inlet 175 into the second heat dissipation path 174. The second airflow Fa2 exchanges heat with the inverter fins 92 in the second heat dissipation path 174. After heat is imparted to the second airflow Fa2 from the inverter fins 92, the second airflow Fa2 is released from the second outlet 173 to the outside of the fin cover 140. The second airflow Fa2 cools the inverter fins 92 by flowing along the inverter fins 92 in the second flow path 171. The second airflow Fa2 is sometimes referred to as cooling air.

[0101] 10 , after flowing into the first inlet 162, the first airflow Fa1 tends to flow along the plate surfaces of the motor fins 72 by simply moving in the axial direction AD. Therefore, in the first flow path 161, heat from the motor fins 72 is easily transferred to the first airflow Fa1. Similarly, after flowing into the second inlet 172, the second airflow Fa2 tends to flow along the plate surfaces of the inverter fins 92 by simply moving in the axial direction AD. Therefore, in the second flow path 171, heat from the inverter fins 92 is easily transferred to the second airflow Fa2.

[0102] According to the present embodiment described above, the second inlet 172 allows air outside the fin cover 140 to flow as the second airflow Fa2 into the second flow path 171 without passing through the first flow path 161. With this configuration, the second airflow Fa2 that has not yet absorbed heat from the motor fins 72 flows from the second inlet 172 into the second flow path 171. This prevents the second airflow Fa2 that has flowed into the second flow path 171 from having a reduced ability to absorb heat from the inverter fins 92 in the second flow path 171 because the first flow path 161 has already absorbed heat from the motor fins 72. For example, this prevents the temperature of the second airflow Fa2 from already being high due to the heat from the motor fins 72 when the second airflow Fa2 reaches the inverter fins 92. Therefore, the second airflow Fa2 that does not pass through the first flow path 161 can enhance the heat dissipation effect of the inverter fins 92 in the second flow path 171. This can improve the heat dissipation effect of the EDS 50 and the EDS unit 130.

[0103] According to the present embodiment, in the fin cover 140, the radial partition portion 146 forms a first flow path 161 between itself and the motor outer peripheral surface 70a, and the outer peripheral cover portion 141 forms a second flow path 171 between itself and the radial partition portion 146. In this configuration, the first flow path 161 and the second flow path 171 are separated in the radial direction RD by the radial partition portion 146. Therefore, the second airflow Fa2 flows through the second flow path 171 on the radial outside of the first flow path 161, and can reach the inverter fins 92 without passing through the first flow path 161. This prevents the second airflow Fa2 from absorbing heat from the motor outer peripheral wall 71 before reaching the inverter fins 92.

[0104] For example, consider a configuration in which the second flow passage 171 does not accommodate the motor fins 72 but is formed by the motor outer peripheral surface 70a, unlike the present embodiment. In this configuration, the second airflow Fa2 does not absorb heat from the motor fins 72 in the second flow passage 171, but may absorb heat from the motor outer peripheral wall 71 through the motor outer peripheral surface 70a. For this reason, there is a concern that the second airflow Fa2 may absorb heat from the motor outer peripheral wall 71 before reaching the inverter fins 92.

[0105] According to this embodiment, the first inlet 162 extends annularly in the circumferential direction CD along the motor outer peripheral surface 70a. In this configuration, the annular shape of the first inlet 162 can be utilized to maximize the opening area of ​​the first inlet 162. This maximizes the amount of the first airflow Fa1 that flows into the first inlet 162. In this way, the first airflow Fa1 can be made to flow as much as possible through the first flow path 161, thereby enhancing the cooling effect of the first airflow Fa1 on the motor fins 72.

[0106] Furthermore, the second inlet 172 extends annularly in the circumferential direction CD along the inverter outer peripheral surface 90a. In this configuration, the annular shape of the second inlet 172 is utilized to maximize the opening area of ​​the second inlet 172. This maximizes the amount of second airflow Fa2 flowing into the second inlet 172. In this way, the second airflow Fa2 can flow as much as possible through the second flow path 171, thereby enhancing the cooling effect of the second airflow Fa2 on the inverter fins 92.

[0107] Moreover, the second inlet 172 is provided radially outward of the first inlet 162. In this configuration, even if the first inlet 162 and the second inlet 172 have the same width dimension in the radial direction RD, the opening area of ​​the second inlet 172 is larger than the opening area of ​​the first inlet 162. In this manner, a configuration can be realized that makes it easy to increase the opening area of ​​the second inlet 172. Therefore, the second airflow Fa2 does not pass through the first flow path 161, and the flow rate of the second airflow Fa2 flowing through the second flow path 171 is likely to be large, thereby improving the cooling effect of the inverter fin group 93.

[0108] According to the present embodiment, the first inlet 162 and the second inlet 172 are open in the axial direction AD. Therefore, it is possible to realize a configuration in which the first airflow Fa1 flowing in the axial direction AD easily flows into the first inlet 162, and the second airflow Fa2 easily flows into the second inlet 172. Furthermore, in a configuration in which the second flow passage 171 is provided radially outward of the first flow passage 161, by opening both the first inlet 162 and the second inlet 172 in the axial direction AD, it is possible to simplify the configuration for arranging the first inlet 162 and the second inlet 172 in the radial direction RD.

[0109] According to the present embodiment, at least a portion of the first outlet 163 is provided between the motor fins 72 and the inverter fins 92 in the axial direction AD. In this configuration, the first flow passage 161 does not need to extend in the axial direction AD to the position of the inverter fins 92. Therefore, the second flow passage 171 can be arranged to extend entirely in the circumferential direction CD at the position where the inverter fins 92 are provided. Therefore, the second airflow Fa2 flowing through the second flow passage 171 can cool the entire inverter outer peripheral wall 91 and the inverter fins 92 in the circumferential direction CD.

[0110] In this embodiment, the motor fin group 73 and the inverter fin group 93 are aligned in the axial direction AD, and the first outlet 163 is shifted in the circumferential direction CD from the motor fin group 73. With this configuration, it is not necessary to dispose the first outlet 163 between the second inlet 172 and the inverter fins 92 in the axial direction AD. Therefore, the second airflow Fa2 that flows into the second inlet 172 does not need to detour in the circumferential direction CD around the outlet formation portion 148 that forms the first outlet 163 before reaching the inverter fins 92. Since the second airflow Fa2 can easily reach the inverter fins 92 in this way, the heat dissipation effect of the inverter fins 92 by the second airflow Fa2 can be improved.

[0111] According to this embodiment, the rotor 20 rotates about the rotation axis Cm. In this configuration, it is easy to form the cover flow passage 160 so that the air flowing due to the rotation of the rotor 20 flows into the cover flow passage 160.

[0112] According to this embodiment, the rotor 20 rotates so that air flows through the first flow path 161 and the second flow path 171. In this configuration, both the air flowing due to the rotation of the blower fan 111 and the air flowing due to the rotation of the rotor 20 flow through the first flow path 161 and the second flow path 171. This makes it easier to increase the amount of air flowing through the cover flow path 160. Therefore, the heat dissipation effect of the motor fins 72 and the inverter fins 92 can be improved by the rotor 20.

[0113] Second Embodiment In the first embodiment, the first outlet 163 is provided at a position offset in the circumferential direction CD from the motor fin group 73. In contrast, in the second embodiment, the first outlet 163 is not offset in the circumferential direction CD from the motor fin group 73. The configuration, action, and effect of the second embodiment that are not particularly described are the same as those of the first embodiment. The second embodiment will be described mainly focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0114] As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 , the first outlet 163 is not separated from the motor fin group 73 in the circumferential direction CD. The first outlet 163 is provided in a position aligned with the motor fin group 73 in the axial direction AD. That is, the first outlet 163 is aligned with the motor fin 72 in the axial direction AD. Therefore, the first outlet 163 is not separated from the motor fin 72 in the circumferential direction CD, and is not displaced from the motor fin 72 in the circumferential direction CD. For example, the first outlet 163 is disposed near the center of the motor fin group 73 in the circumferential direction CD. In the axial direction AD, the motor fin 72 is located between the first inlet 162 and the first outlet 163. That is, the motor fin group 73 is located between the first inlet 162 and the first outlet 163.

[0115] 12, in this embodiment, the first airflow Fa1 that flows in through the first inlet 162 flows along the motor fins 72 and then reaches the first outlet 163. Therefore, the first airflow Fa1 is more likely to absorb heat from the motor fins 72 before flowing out through the first outlet 163. In other words, it is possible to prevent the first airflow Fa1 that flows in through the first inlet 162 from flowing out through the first outlet 163 without absorbing heat from the motor fins 72. This increases the cooling effect of the first airflow Fa1 on the motor fins 72.

[0116] <Third embodiment> In the first embodiment, the EDS 50 includes one motor device 60 and one inverter device 80. In contrast, in the third embodiment, the EDS 50 includes a plurality of motor devices 60 and a plurality of inverter devices 80. The configurations, actions, and effects of the third embodiment that are not specifically described are the same as those of the first embodiment. The third embodiment will be described mainly focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0117] As shown in FIG. 13, the EDS 50 has two motor devices 60 and two inverter devices 80. That is, the EDS 50 has two motor housings 70 and two inverter housings 90. The two motor devices 60 and the two inverter devices 80 are stacked in the axial direction AD. In the axial direction AD, the two motor devices 60 are arranged side by side, and the two inverter devices 80 are arranged side by side. There is one boundary between the motor devices 60 and the inverter devices 80. The fin cover 140 covers all of the two motor devices 60 and the two inverter devices 80 from the outer periphery.

[0118] 14 and 15, the motor fin groups 73 of the two motor devices 60 are aligned in the axial direction AD. The inverter fins 92 of the two inverter devices 80 are aligned in the axial direction AD. The motor fin group 73 of the motor device 60 and the inverter fin group 93 of the inverter device 80 are aligned in the axial direction AD.

[0119] In the fin cover 140, a radial partition 146 covers the two motor devices 60 from the outer periphery. An axial partition 145 and a first outlet 163 are provided at the boundary between the motor device 60 and the inverter device 80 adjacent to each other in the axial direction AD. As in the first embodiment, at least a portion of the first outlet 163 is provided between the motor fins 72 and the inverter fins 92 in the axial direction AD. The first airflow Fa1 flows along each of the two motor fins 72 aligned in the axial direction AD in the first flow path 161, and then flows out from the first outlet 163. The second airflow Fa2 flows along each of the two inverter fins 92 aligned in the axial direction AD in the second flow path 171, and then flows out from the second outlet 173.

[0120] <Fourth embodiment> In the first embodiment, the airflow passage is formed double in the radial direction RD. In contrast, in the fourth embodiment, the airflow passage is formed triple in the radial direction RD. The configuration, operation, and effects of the fourth embodiment that are not particularly described are the same as those of the first embodiment. In the fourth embodiment, the differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0121] As shown in FIG. 16 , in the EDS 50, three heat dissipation fins, such as motor fins 72, are arranged in the axial direction AD. The EDS 50 has three housings, such as the motor housing 70. The three housings are arranged in the axial direction AD. For example, the EDS 50 has two motor devices 60 and one inverter device 80. The two motor devices 60 are arranged in the axial direction AD with one inverter device 80 interposed between them. The two motor fins 72 are arranged in the axial direction AD with one inverter fin 92 interposed between them. In other words, the two motor fin groups 73 are arranged in the axial direction AD with one inverter fin group 93 interposed between them.

[0122] 17, 18, and 19, the outer circumferential cover portion 141 covers the two motor devices 60 and one inverter device 80 from the radially outer side. The outer circumferential cover portion 141 extends in the axial direction AD so as to span the two motor devices 60 via one inverter device 80. The outer circumferential cover portion 141 spans two inverter fins 92 via one inverter fin 92 in the axial direction AD. The outer circumferential cover portion 141 covers, from the radially outer side, the upstream motor fins 72 and inverter fins 92 provided on the blower fan 111 side, and the downstream motor fins 72 provided on the opposite side of the inverter fin 92 from the blower fan 111.

[0123] The outer periphery cover portion 141 has a first motor cover portion 142a and a second motor cover portion 142b as the motor cover portion 142. The first motor cover portion 142a and the second motor cover portion 142b are arranged in the axial direction AD via the inverter cover portion 143. The first motor cover portion 142a covers the upstream motor fins 72 from the outer periphery. The second motor cover portion 142b covers the downstream motor fins 72 from the outer periphery.

[0124] The flow path partition 144 has a first shaft partition 145a and a second shaft partition 145b as the shaft partition 145. The first shaft partition 145a and the second shaft partition 145b are aligned in the axial direction AD. The first shaft partition 145a is provided between the upstream motor fins 72 and the inverter fins 92. The second shaft partition 145b is provided between the inverter fins 92 and the downstream motor fins 72.

[0125] The flow path divider 144 has a first radial divider 146a and a second radial divider 146b as the radial divider 146. The first radial divider 146a and the second radial divider 146b are aligned in the radial direction RD. The first radial divider 146a covers the upstream motor fins 72 from the radial outside. The second radial divider 146b spans between the first radial divider 146a and the inverter fins 92 in the axial direction AD. The second radial divider 146b covers the first radial divider 146a and the inverter fins 92 from the radial outside. The second radial divider 146b covers the upstream motor fins 72 from the radial outside via the first radial divider 146a.

[0126] The outer circumferential cover portion 141 spans between the second radial partition portion 146b and the downstream-side motor fin 72 in the axial direction AD. The outer circumferential cover portion 141 covers the second radial partition portion 146b and the downstream-side motor fin 72 from the radial outside. The outer circumferential cover portion 141 covers the inverter fins 92 from the radial outside via the second radial partition portion 146b. The outer circumferential cover portion 141 covers the motor fins 72 from the radial outside via the first radial partition portion 146a and the second radial partition portion 146b.

[0127] The cover flow path 160 has a third flow path 181 in addition to the first flow path 161 and the second flow path 171. An upstream motor fin 72 is provided in the first flow path 161. An inverter fin 92 is provided in the second flow path 171. A downstream motor fin 72 is provided in the third flow path 181. The first flow path 161, the second flow path 171, and the third flow path 181 extend annularly in the circumferential direction CD as a whole.

[0128] A portion of the second flow path 171 is provided radially outward of the first flow path 161. A portion of the third flow path 181 is provided radially outward of the first flow path 161 and the second flow path 171. The first flow path 161 is provided between the upstream motor fin 72 and the second flow path 171. The second flow path 171 is provided between the first flow path 161 and the third flow path 181. The first flow path 161 and the second flow path 171 are separated by a first axial partition 145a and a first radial partition 146a. The second flow path 171 and the third flow path 181 are separated by a second axial partition 145b and a second radial partition 146b.

[0129] As shown in FIGS. 16 and 18 , the first flow path 161 has a first inlet 162, a first outlet 163, a first heat radiation path 164, and a first outlet path 166, similar to the first embodiment. The second flow path 171 has a second outlet 173A as a second outlet 173. The second flow path 171 has a second outlet path 176 in addition to the second inlet 172, the second outlet 173A, the second heat radiation path 174, and the second inlet path 175. The third flow path 181 has a third inlet 182, a third outlet 183, and a third heat radiation path 184. The fin cover 140 has a first outlet formation portion 148a and a second outlet formation portion 148b as the outlet formation portion 148.

[0130] The upstream motor fins 72 are provided in the first heat dissipation path 164. The inverter fins 92 are provided in the second heat dissipation path 174. The downstream motor fins 72 are provided in the third heat dissipation path 184. The first heat dissipation path 164, the second heat dissipation path 174, and the third heat dissipation path 184 are aligned in the axial direction AD. These heat dissipation paths 164, 174, and 184 extend annularly in the circumferential direction CD. The first heat dissipation path 164 is formed between the upstream motor outer peripheral surface 70a and the first radial partition portion 146a. The second heat dissipation path 174 is formed between the inverter outer peripheral surface 90a and the second radial partition portion 146b. The third heat dissipation path 184 is formed between the downstream motor outer peripheral surface 70a and the outer peripheral cover portion 141.

[0131] In the first flow path 161, the first outlet path 166 penetrates the first radial partition portion 146a and the second radial partition portion 146b and opens radially outward. The first flow path 161 is formed by the first outlet forming portion 148a. The first outlet forming portion 148a is in a state of spanning the first radial partition portion 146a, the first radial partition portion 146a, and the outer circumferential cover portion 141 in the radial direction RD. The first flow path 161 and the first outlet forming portion 148a penetrate the second inlet path 175 and the third inlet path 185 in the radial direction RD. A plurality of first outlets 163, first outlet paths 166, and first outlet forming portions 148a are arranged in the circumferential direction CD.

[0132] As shown in FIGS. 16 and 19 , the second outlet 173A is provided in the outer circumferential cover portion 141, unlike the second outlet 173 of the first embodiment. The second outlet 173A opens the second flow path 171 radially outward. The second outlet 173A is provided in the inverter cover portion 143 of the outer circumferential cover portion 141. A plurality of second outlets 173A are arranged in the circumferential direction CD. The second outlet 173A is provided between the upstream motor fin 72 and the inverter fin 92 in the axial direction AD. For example, at least a portion of the second outlet 173A is provided between the upstream motor fin 72 and the inverter fin 92 in the axial direction AD. The second outlet 173A corresponds to an intermediate outlet.

[0133] The second outlet path 176 extends radially outward from the second heat dissipation path 174. The second outlet path 176 forms a second outlet port 173A. The second outlet path 176 penetrates both the flow path partition portion 144 and the outer circumferential cover portion 141 and opens radially outward. The second outlet path 176 is formed by a second outlet forming portion 148b. The second outlet forming portion 148b spans between the second radial partition portion 146b and the outer circumferential cover portion 141 in the radial direction RD. The second flow path 171 and the second outlet forming portion 148b penetrate the third inlet path 185 in the radial direction RD. A plurality of second outlet ports 173A, second outlet paths 176, and second outlet forming portions 148b are arranged in the circumferential direction CD.

[0134] The third flow passage 181 has the same configuration as the second flow passage 171 in that it covers the other flow passages from the radially outer side. The second flow passage 171 covers the first flow passage 161 from the radially outer side, whereas the third flow passage 181 covers the second flow passage 171 from the radially outer side. Similar to the first flow passage 162 and the second flow passage 172, the third inlet 182 is open in the axial direction AD and extends annularly in the circumferential direction CD. The third inlet 185 extends from the third heat dissipation passage 184 in the axial direction AD and forms the third inlet 182. Similar to the second outlet 173 of the first embodiment, the third outlet 183 is open in the axial direction AD and extends annularly in the circumferential direction CD.

[0135] As shown in FIGS. 16 to 19, the airflow flowing through the cover flow path 160 includes a third airflow Fa3 in addition to the first airflow Fa1 and the second airflow Fa2. The third airflow Fa3 is an airflow that flows through the third flow path 181. The third airflow Fa3 flows from the third inlet 182 into the third heat dissipation path 184. The third airflow Fa3 exchanges heat with the downstream motor fins 72 in the third heat dissipation path 184. After the heat of the downstream motor fins 72 is imparted to the third airflow Fa3, the third airflow Fa3 is discharged from the third outlet 183 to the outside of the fin cover 140. The third airflow Fa3 cools the downstream motor fins 72 by flowing along the downstream motor fins 72 in the third flow path 181. The third airflow Fa3 is sometimes referred to as cooling air.

[0136] Fifth Embodiment In the first embodiment, the outer circumferential cover portion 141 extends in the axial direction AD parallel to the motor outer circumferential surface 70a and the inverter outer circumferential surface 90a. In contrast, in the fifth embodiment, the outer circumferential cover portion 141 is inclined relative to the motor outer circumferential surface 70a and the inverter outer circumferential surface 90a. The configurations, actions, and effects not specifically described in the fifth embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment. The fifth embodiment will be described mainly focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0137] 20, 21, and 22, the outer peripheral cover portion 141 is inclined so that the outer peripheral surface of the outer peripheral cover portion 141 faces away from the blower fan 111. The distance between the outer peripheral cover portion 141 and the motor outer peripheral surface 70a in the radial direction RD gradually decreases toward the side away from the blower fan 111 in the axial direction AD. Similarly, the distance between the outer peripheral cover portion 141 and the inverter outer peripheral surface 90a in the radial direction RD gradually decreases toward the side away from the blower fan 111 in the axial direction AD. On the other hand, the radial partition portion 146 extends in the axial direction AD parallel to the motor outer peripheral surface 70a.

[0138] The second flow path 171 has an overall thickness dimension in the radial direction RD that gradually decreases toward the downstream side. The cross-sectional area of ​​the second flow path 171, perpendicular to the axial direction AD, gradually decreases toward the downstream side. For example, the thickness dimension of the second inlet path 175 in the radial direction RD gradually decreases toward the second outlet 173 in the axial direction AD. Furthermore, the thickness dimension of the second heat dissipation path 174 in the radial direction RD gradually decreases toward the second outlet 173 in the axial direction AD.

[0139] 21 and 22, the second airflow Fa2 flows into the second inlet 172 and then flows along the inner circumferential surface of the outer circumferential cover portion 141 toward the second outlet 173. The second airflow Fa2 is guided radially inward by the outer circumferential cover portion 141 so as to approach the inverter fins 92 in the second heat dissipation path 174. This makes it easier for the second airflow Fa2 to pass between two inverter fins 92 that are adjacent in the circumferential direction CD. In other words, the second airflow Fa2 tends to flow along the plate surfaces of the inverter fins 92.

[0140] Sixth Embodiment In the first embodiment, the motor fins 72 and the inverter fins 92 have the same length in the radial direction RD. In contrast, in the sixth embodiment, the length of the inverter fins 92 in the radial direction RD is greater than the length of the motor fins 72. Configurations, actions, and effects not specifically described in the sixth embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment. The sixth embodiment will be described mainly focusing on differences from the first embodiment.

[0141] 23, 24, and 25, the protrusion dimension of the inverter fins 92 from the inverter outer peripheral surface 90a in the radial direction RD is greater than the protrusion dimension of the motor fins 72 from the motor outer peripheral surface 70a. For example, the inverter fins 92 protrude radially outward beyond the radial partitions 146 in the radial direction RD. The tips of the inverter fins 92 are located between the radial partitions 146 and the outer peripheral cover 141 in the radial direction RD. The tips of the inverter fins 92 are aligned with the second inlets 172 in the axial direction AD.

[0142] The tip ends of the inverter fins 92 are in contact with the outer peripheral cover portion 141. For example, the outer peripheral cover portion 141 is pressed against the inverter fins 92 by the restoring force of the fin cover 140. The fin cover 140 is held in position relative to the motor housing 70 and the inverter housing 90 by the outer peripheral cover portion 141 being pressed against the inverter fins 92.

[0143] Note that, in the radial direction RD, it is preferable that the positional relationship between the inverter fins 92 and the outer peripheral cover portion 141 is the same as the positional relationship between the motor fins 72 and the radial partition portion 146. For example, as long as the motor fins 72 and the radial partition portion 146 are spaced apart in the radial direction RD, the inverter fins 92 and the outer peripheral cover portion 141 may also be spaced apart in the radial direction RD. In this configuration, the distance between the inverter fins 92 and the outer peripheral cover portion 141 in the radial direction RD may be approximately the same as the distance between the motor fins 72 and the radial partition portion 146.

[0144] 24 and 25 , the second airflow Fa2 flows into the second inlet 172 and then simply flows in the axial direction AD along the outer circumferential cover portion 141, thereby easily reaching the tips of the inverter fins 92. This is because the inverter fins 92 are aligned in the axial direction AD at the second inlet 172 and the second inlet path 175. Therefore, after flowing from the second inlet path 175 into the second heat dissipation path 174, the second airflow Fa2 easily reaches the inverter fins 92 without flowing radially inward. In this way, the second airflow Fa2 easily flows along the plate surfaces of the inverter fins 92 even when simply flowing in the axial direction AD along the outer circumferential cover portion 141.

[0145] Seventh Embodiment In the first embodiment, the motor outer peripheral surface 70a and the inverter outer peripheral surface 90a are aligned in the axial direction AD. In contrast, in the seventh embodiment, the inverter outer peripheral surface 90a is provided radially outward of the motor outer peripheral surface 70a. The configurations, actions, and effects of the seventh embodiment that are not specifically described are the same as those of the first embodiment. The seventh embodiment will be described mainly focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0146] As shown in Figures 26, 27, and 28, the inverter housing 90 protrudes radially outward beyond the motor housing 70. For example, the inverter outer peripheral wall 91 protrudes radially outward beyond the motor outer peripheral wall 71. The inverter outer peripheral surface 90a is provided at a position spaced radially outward from the motor outer peripheral surface 70a. The inverter fins 92, together with the inverter outer peripheral surface 90a, are provided at a position spaced radially outward from the motor outer peripheral surface 70a. The inverter fins 92 protrude radially outward beyond the motor fins 72 by an amount that the inverter outer peripheral surface 90a protrudes radially outward from the motor outer peripheral surface 70a.

[0147] 27 and 28 , the tip ends of the inverter fins 92 are located between the radial partition portion 146 and the outer peripheral cover portion 141 in the radial direction RD, as in the sixth embodiment. For example, the inverter outer peripheral surface 90a is located at a position spaced radially outward from the motor outer peripheral surface 70a to such an extent that the tip ends of the inverter fins 92 come into contact with the outer peripheral cover portion 141. As in the sixth embodiment, the second airflow Fa2 is likely to flow along the plate surface of the inverter fins 92 even if it simply flows in the axial direction AD along the outer peripheral cover portion 141.

[0148] The second heat dissipation path 174 is thinner in the radial direction RD by the amount that the inverter outer peripheral surface 90a protrudes radially outward from the motor outer peripheral surface 70a. The inverter outer peripheral surface 90a is disposed at a position closer to the outer peripheral cover part 141 in the radially outward direction. Therefore, the second airflow Fa2 is more likely to flow along the inverter outer peripheral surface 90a after flowing from the second inlet path 175 into the second heat dissipation path 174. Therefore, the second airflow Fa2 is more likely to absorb heat from the inverter outer peripheral wall 91 through the inverter outer peripheral surface 90a.

[0149] Eighth Embodiment In the first embodiment, the first heat dissipation path 164 and the second heat dissipation path 174 are aligned in the axial direction AD. In contrast, in the eighth embodiment, the second heat dissipation path 174 is provided at a position spaced apart radially outward from the first heat dissipation path 164. The configurations, actions, and effects of the eighth embodiment that are not specifically described are the same as those of the first embodiment. The eighth embodiment will be described mainly focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0150] As shown in Figures 29 and 30, the inverter outer peripheral wall 91 is provided at a position aligned with the radial partitioning portion 146 in the axial direction AD. The inverter outer peripheral surface 90a is aligned with the outer peripheral surface of the radial partitioning portion 146 in the axial direction AD. In this embodiment, as in the seventh embodiment, the inverter outer peripheral surface 90a is provided radially outward of the motor outer peripheral surface 70a. The inverter housing 90 protrudes radially outward beyond the first heat dissipation path 164. In the inverter housing 90, the upstream inverter end face 90c defines the first heat dissipation path 164.

[0151] In the second flow path 171, the thickness dimension of the second inlet path 175 and the thickness dimension of the second heat dissipation path 174 in the radial direction RD are substantially the same. Furthermore, the second inlet path 175 and the second heat dissipation path 174 are aligned in the axial direction AD. In the second flow path 171, the thickness dimension in the radial direction RD is uniform in the axial direction AD. Therefore, the second airflow Fa2 that flows into the second inlet 172 easily flows along the plate surfaces of the inverter fins 92 by simply flowing through the second inlet path 175 and the second heat dissipation path 174.

[0152] Ninth Embodiment In the first embodiment, the second inlet 172 is provided upstream of the motor fin 72. In contrast, in the ninth embodiment, the second inlet 172 is provided downstream of the motor fin 72. The configurations, actions, and effects of the ninth embodiment that are not specifically described are the same as those of the first embodiment. The ninth embodiment will be described mainly focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0153] As shown in FIGS. 31 and 33 , the second flow path 171 has a second inlet 172A as the second inlet 172. Unlike the second inlet 172 of the first embodiment, the second inlet 172A is provided in the outer circumferential cover portion 141. The second inlet 172A opens the second flow path 171 radially outward. The second inlet 172A is provided in the inverter cover portion 143 of the outer circumferential cover portion 141. A plurality of second inlets 172A are arranged in the circumferential direction CD. The second inlet 172A is provided between the motor fins 72 and the inverter fins 92 in the axial direction AD. For example, at least a portion of the second inlet 172A is provided between the motor fins 72 and the inverter fins 92 in the axial direction AD. The second inlet 172A corresponds to a second cover port.

[0154] 32 and 33 , the axial partition 145 is provided between the first heat dissipation path 164 and the second heat dissipation path 174, as in the first embodiment, and separates the first heat dissipation path 164 and the second heat dissipation path 174 in the axial direction AD. Unlike the first embodiment, the radial partition 146 is provided between the inverter fins 92 and the outer circumferential cover 141. The radial partition 146 covers the inverter fins 92 from the radially outer side. The radial partition 146 may or may not be in contact with the tip end of the inverter fin 92.

[0155] Unlike the first embodiment, the first outlet path 166 extends in the axial direction AD from the first heat dissipation path 164 toward the downstream side. The first outlet path 166 has a first outlet 163A as the first outlet 163. The first outlet 163A opens the first outlet path 166 in the axial direction AD toward the downstream side. The first outlet 163A is provided radially outside the second outlet 173. The first outlet 163A extends in the radial direction RD along the second outlet 173. The first outlet 163A is formed in an annular shape.

[0156] As shown in Figures 31 and 33, the second inlet 172A is an inlet of the second inlet passage 175. The second inlet passage 175 extends radially outward from the second heat dissipation passage 174. The second inlet passage 175 penetrates both the radial partition portion 146 and the outer circumferential cover portion 141 and opens radially outward. The second inlet passage 175 extends in the radial direction RD from the second heat dissipation passage 174 along the axial partition portion 145. A plurality of second inlet passages 175 are arranged in the circumferential direction CD.

[0157] The fin cover 140 has an inlet forming portion 149. The inlet forming portion 149 forms the second inlet channel 175 and the second inlet port 172A. The inlet forming portion 149 is formed in a cylindrical shape and extends in the axial direction AD. The inlet forming portion 149 connects the flow path partition portion 144 and the outer circumferential cover portion 141. The internal space of the inlet forming portion 149 forms the second inlet channel 175. The inlet forming portion 149 extends along the axial partition portion 145. The inlet forming portion 149 is formed to include a part of the axial partition portion 145. A plurality of the inlet forming portions 149 are arranged in the circumferential direction CD. Note that the inlet forming portion 149 may be formed without including the axial partition portion 145.

[0158] As shown in FIG. 31 , the EDS unit 130 has a blower fan 111A as the blower fan 111. The blower fan 111A is provided downstream of the EDS 50. A blower device 110 having the blower fan 111A is provided downstream of the EDS 50. The blower fan 111A sends air in the axial direction AD toward the opposite side from the EDS 50. The blower fan 111A causes air to flow out from a first outlet 163A so as to suck out air in the first flow path 161, thereby causing external air to flow into the first inlet 162. The blower fan 111A also causes air to flow out from a second outlet 173 so as to suck out air in the second flow path 171, thereby causing external air to flow into the second outlet 173. The blower fan 111A corresponds to a downstream fan.

[0159] As the blower fan 111A is driven, a first airflow Fa1 and a second airflow Fa2 flow through the cover flow path 160. The first airflow Fa1 flows out from the first outlet 163A and into the first inlet 162. The second airflow Fa2 flows in from the second inlet 172A and into the second outlet 173A.

[0160] According to the present embodiment, at least a portion of the second inlet 172A is provided between the motor fins 72 and the inverter fins 92 in the axial direction AD. This configuration makes it easy to provide the second inlet 172A downstream of the motor fins 72. That is, it is easy to provide a configuration that does not require the motor fins 72 to be provided in the second flow path 171. This reliably prevents the second airflow Fa2 that flows into the second inlet 172A from absorbing heat from the motor fins 72.

[0161] According to the present embodiment, the blower fan 111A is provided downstream of the second outlet 173. In this configuration, the second airflow Fa2 flows so as to be sucked out of the second outlet 173 by the airflow of the blower fan 111A, and the second airflow Fa2 can be caused to flow in through the second inlet 172A. Therefore, even if the second inlet 172A is open radially outward, a configuration can be realized in which the second airflow Fa2 flows into the second inlet 172A.

[0162] Tenth Embodiment In the ninth embodiment, the fin cover 140 has a flow path partition portion 144. In contrast, in the tenth embodiment, the fin cover 140 does not have a flow path partition portion 144. The configurations, actions, and effects of the tenth embodiment that are not specifically described are the same as those of the ninth embodiment. The tenth embodiment will be described mainly focusing on the differences from the ninth embodiment.

[0163] As shown in FIGS. 34 and 35 , the fin cover 140 does not separate the first flow path 161 and the second flow path 171. The cover flow path 160 does not have a flow path divider 144. The first flow path 161 and the second flow path 171 are aligned in the axial direction AD and form a continuous space. In the cover flow path 160, the space accommodating the motor fins 72 is the first flow path 161, and the space accommodating the inverter fins 92 is the second flow path 171. The boundary between the first flow path 161 and the second flow path 171 is aligned in the radial direction RD at the boundary between the motor outer peripheral surface 70 a and the inverter outer peripheral surface 90 a. The first outlet 163 is included in the boundary between the first flow path 161 and the second flow path 171.

[0164] The second flow path 171 has a second inlet 172B as the second inlet 172. The second inlet 172B is provided in the outer circumferential cover portion 141, similar to the second inlet 172A of the ninth embodiment. A plurality of second inlets 172B are arranged in the circumferential direction CD. The second inlets 172B are provided between the motor fins 72 and the inverter fins 92 in the axial direction AD. For example, at least a portion of the second inlet 172B is provided between the motor fins 72 and the inverter fins 92 in the axial direction AD. The second inlet 172B corresponds to the second cover port and the second common port.

[0165] A through hole that forms the second inlet 172B is provided in the outer circumferential cover portion 141. This through hole penetrates the outer circumferential cover portion 141 in the radial direction RD. This through hole forms the second inlet 172B as well as the second inlet channel 175. The inner space of this through hole is the second inlet channel 175. The portion of the outer circumferential cover portion 141 that forms this through hole also serves as the inlet forming portion 149 that forms the second inlet channel 175.

[0166] In this embodiment, similarly to the ninth embodiment, the blower fan 111A is provided downstream of the EDS 50. The blower fan 111A causes air to flow out from the second outlet 173 so as to suck out the air in the second flow path 171, thereby causing external air to flow into the second inlet 172B. In addition, the blower fan 111A causes air to flow out from the second outlet 173 so as to suck out the air in the second flow path 171, thereby causing external air to flow into the first inlet 162.

[0167] In the cover flow path 160, as in the ninth embodiment, a first airflow Fa1 and a second airflow Fa2 flow as the blower fan 111A is driven. The second airflow Fa2 flows into the second inlet 172B as the air flows out from the second outlet 173. The first airflow Fa1 flows into the first inlet 162 as the second airflow Fa2 flows out from the second outlet 173. The first airflow Fa1 that has flowed into the first inlet 162 then flows from the first flow path 161 through the second flow path 171 to the outside from the second outlet 173. The second airflow Fa2 flows from the second inlet 172B into the second flow path 171, and then flows along the inverter fins 92 while merging with the first flow path 161 that has flowed into the second flow path 171 from the first flow path 161.

[0168] According to the present embodiment, at least a portion of the second inlet 172B is provided between the motor fins 72 and the inverter fins 92 in the axial direction AD. With this configuration, it is possible to realize a configuration in which the second inlet 172B is provided downstream of the motor fins 72. This makes it possible to reliably prevent the second airflow Fa2 that flows into the second inlet 172B from absorbing heat from the motor fins 72.

[0169] According to the present embodiment, similarly to the ninth embodiment, the blower fan 111A is provided downstream of the second outlet 173. In this configuration, the second airflow Fa2 flows so as to be sucked out of the second outlet 173 by the air blown by the blower fan 111A, and the second airflow Fa2 can be made to flow in through the second inlet 172B. Therefore, even if the second inlet 172B is open radially outward, a configuration can be realized in which the second airflow Fa2 flows into the second inlet 172B.

[0170] According to the present embodiment, at least a portion of second inlet 172B is located in outer circumferential cover part 141 between motor fins 72 and inverter fins 92 in the axial direction AD so that second airflow Fa2 merges with first airflow Fa1 and flows along inverter fins 92. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent second airflow Fa2 flowing in from second inlet 172 from absorbing heat from motor fins 72, even without separating first flow path 161 and second flow path 171. Therefore, with the simple configuration of simply providing second inlet 172B in outer circumferential cover part 141, it is possible to improve the heat dissipation effect of inverter fins 92 in second flow path 171 by using second airflow Fa2 that does not pass through first flow path 161.

[0171] Eleventh Embodiment In the first embodiment, the first flow path 161 and the second flow path 171 are partitioned in the radial direction RD. In contrast, in the eleventh embodiment, the first flow path 161 and the second flow path 171 are partitioned in the circumferential direction CD. The configurations, actions, and effects of the eleventh embodiment that are not specifically described are the same as those of the first embodiment. The eleventh embodiment will be described mainly focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0172] As shown in Figures 36, 37, and 38, the motor fins 72 and the inverter fins 92 are provided at positions offset in the circumferential direction CD. That is, the motor fin groups 73 and the inverter fin groups 93 are at positions offset in the circumferential direction CD. For example, the region between two motor fin groups 73 adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction CD is aligned with the inverter fin groups 93 in the axial direction AD. Similarly, the region between two inverter fin groups 93 adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction CD is aligned with the motor fin groups 73 in the axial direction AD.

[0173] In this embodiment, the first flow passages 161 and the second flow passages 171 are arranged side by side in the circumferential direction CD. A plurality of the first flow passages 161 and a plurality of the second flow passages 171 are arranged side by side in the circumferential direction CD. For example, the first flow passages 161 and the second flow passages 171 are arranged alternately one by one in the circumferential direction CD. In the first flow passages 161 and the second flow passages 171, the first inlets 162 and the second inlets 172 are arranged side by side in the circumferential direction CD. Furthermore, the first outlets 163 and the second outlets 173 are arranged side by side in the circumferential direction CD.

[0174] At a position aligned in the radial direction RD on the motor outer peripheral surface 70a, the first heat dissipation path 164 and the second inlet path 175 are aligned in the circumferential direction CD. The second inlet path 175 is provided between two motor fin groups 73 adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction CD. At a position aligned in the radial direction RD on the inverter outer peripheral surface 90a, the second heat dissipation path 174 and the first outlet path 166 are aligned in the circumferential direction CD. The first outlet path 166 is provided between two inverter fin groups 93 adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction CD.

[0175] The first heat dissipation path 164 and the second heat dissipation path 174 are adjacent to each other in at least one of the axial direction AD and the circumferential direction CD. For example, in the circumferential direction CD, the width dimension of the first heat dissipation path 164 is larger than the width dimension of the first outlet path 166. Furthermore, the width dimension of the second heat dissipation path 174 is larger than the width dimension of the second inlet path 175. A portion of the first heat dissipation path 164 is aligned with the second heat dissipation path 174 in the axial direction AD. A portion of the second heat dissipation path 174 is aligned with the first heat dissipation path 164 in the axial direction AD.

[0176] The flow path partitioning portion 144 has a circumferential partitioning portion 147. The circumferential partitioning portion 147 is provided in the cover flow path 160 between the first flow path 161 and the second flow path 171. The circumferential partitioning portion 147 separates the first flow path 161 and the second flow path 171 in the circumferential direction CD between the motor outer circumferential surface 70a and the inverter outer circumferential surface 90a and the outer circumferential cover portion 141. The outer circumferential cover portion 141 covers the motor outer circumferential surface 70a and the inverter outer circumferential surface 90a so as to form both the first flow path 161 and the second flow path 171. The outer circumferential cover portion 141 corresponds to a circumferential extension portion.

[0177] The first airflow Fa1 and the second airflow Fa2 basically flow in the axial direction AD. The first airflow Fa1 that flows into the first inlet 162 absorbs heat from the motor fins 72 in the first heat dissipation path 164, then passes through the first outlet path 166 and flows out from the first outlet 163. The second airflow Fa2 that flows into the second inlet 172 passes through the second inlet path 175 and reaches the second heat dissipation path 174, where it absorbs heat from the inverter fins 92, then flows out from the second outlet 173.

[0178] The outer circumferential cover portion 141 is in contact with both the motor fins 72 and the inverter fins 92. For example, the outer circumferential cover portion 141 is pressed against both the motor fins 72 and the inverter fins 92 by the restoring force of the fin cover 140. In this configuration, the first airflow Fa1 tends to flow along the plate surfaces of the motor fins 72, and the second airflow Fa2 tends to flow along the plate surfaces of the inverter fins 92.

[0179] According to the present embodiment, the circumferential partition 147 separates the first flow path 161 from the second flow path 171 so that the first flow path 161 and the second flow path 171 are aligned in the circumferential direction CD. With this configuration, it is not necessary to overlap the first flow path 161 and the second flow path 171 in the radial direction RD. Therefore, similar to the first embodiment, the second airflow Fa2 that does not pass through the first flow path 161 can improve the heat dissipation effect of the inverter fins 92 in the second flow path 171 while preventing the fin cover 140 from becoming large in the radial direction RD.

[0180] <Twelfth embodiment> In the eleventh embodiment, the first outlet 163 is open in the axial direction AD. In contrast, in the twelfth embodiment, the first outlet 163 is open radially outward. The configurations, actions, and effects of the twelfth embodiment that are not specifically described are the same as those of the eleventh embodiment. The twelfth embodiment will be described mainly focusing on the differences from the eleventh embodiment.

[0181] As shown in Figures 39, 40, and 41, the first outlet 163 is provided in the outer circumferential cover portion 141, as in the first embodiment. The first outlet 163 opens the first heat dissipation path 164 radially outward. The first outlet 163 is provided between the motor fins 72 and the inverter fins 92 in the axial direction AD. For example, the first outlet 163 is provided at a position that straddles the boundary between the motor outer circumferential surface 70a and the inverter outer circumferential surface 90a in the axial direction AD. Note that the first outlet 163 may be located closer to the motor fins 72 or closer to the inverter fins 92 than the boundary between the motor outer circumferential surface 70a and the inverter outer circumferential surface 90a.

[0182] The outer circumferential cover portion 141 is provided with a through hole that forms the first outflow port 163. This through hole penetrates the outer circumferential cover portion 141 in the radial direction RD, and forms the first outflow path 166 in addition to the first outflow port 163. The inner space of this through hole is the first outflow path 166. In the outer circumferential cover portion 141, the portion that forms this through hole also serves as the outflow formation portion 148 that forms the first outflow path 166.

[0183] The first outlet path 166 is not provided at a position aligned with the second heat dissipation path 174 in the circumferential direction CD. In other words, the first outlet path 166 does not extend from the first heat dissipation path 164 downstream along the inverter outer peripheral surface 90a in the axial direction AD. In the axial direction AD, the entire area downstream of the first heat dissipation path 164 is the second heat dissipation path 174. The second heat dissipation path 174 may be divided into multiple parts in the circumferential direction CD. For example, a dividing portion dividing the second heat dissipation path 174 in the circumferential direction CD may be provided between two inverter fin groups 93 adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction CD.

[0184] The flow path divider 144 has an axial divider 145 in addition to the circumferential divider 147. The axial divider 145 connects two adjacent circumferential dividers 147 in the circumferential direction CD via the motor fin group 73. The axial divider 145 separates the first heat dissipation path 164 and the second heat dissipation path 174 in the axial direction AD between the motor fins 72 and the inverter fins 92 in the axial direction AD.

[0185] According to this embodiment, the first outlet passage 166 does not cross the inverter outer peripheral surface 90a in the axial direction AD. This configuration maximizes the range over which the second airflow Fa2 flows along the inverter outer peripheral surface 90a. This allows the second airflow Fa2, which has not absorbed heat from the motor fins 72, to cool a wide range of the inverter outer peripheral surface 90a.

[0186] <Thirteenth embodiment> In the eleventh embodiment, the first flow path 161 and the second flow path 171 are partitioned in the circumferential direction CD. In contrast, in the thirteenth embodiment, the first flow path 161 and the second flow path 171 are partitioned in the axial direction AD. The configurations, actions, and effects of the thirteenth embodiment that are not specifically described are the same as those of the twelfth embodiment. The thirteenth embodiment will be described mainly focusing on the differences from the twelfth embodiment.

[0187] As shown in Figures 42, 43, and 44, the first flow passage 161 and the second flow passage 171 are arranged side by side in the axial direction AD. The first flow passage 161 and the second flow passage 171 extend annularly in the circumferential direction CD. The first flow passage 161 is provided upstream of the second flow passage 171 in the axial direction AD. In the first flow passage 161, a first inlet 162 is open in the axial direction AD, while a first outlet 163 is open radially outward. The first outlet 163 is provided in the outer circumferential cover portion 141, as in the twelfth embodiment. The outer circumferential cover portion 141 corresponds to an axial extension portion.

[0188] In the second flow path 171, the second outlet 173 is open in the axial direction AD, while the second inlet 172 is open radially outward. Like the first outlet 163, the second inlet 172 is provided in the outer circumferential cover portion 141. The second inlet 172 opens the second heat dissipation path 174 radially outward. The second inlet 172 is provided between the motor fins 72 and the inverter fins 92 in the axial direction AD. For example, the second inlet 172 is provided at a position that straddles the boundary between the motor outer circumferential surface 70a and the inverter outer circumferential surface 90a in the axial direction AD. Note that the second inlet 172 may be located closer to the motor fins 72 or closer to the inverter fins 92 than the boundary between the motor outer circumferential surface 70a and the inverter outer circumferential surface 90a.

[0189] The outer circumferential cover portion 141 is provided with a through hole that forms the second inlet 172. This through hole penetrates the outer circumferential cover portion 141 in the radial direction RD, and forms the second inlet 172 as well as the second inlet passage 175. The inner space of this through hole is the second inlet passage 175. The portion of the outer circumferential cover portion 141 that forms this through hole also serves as the inlet forming portion 149 that forms the second inlet passage 175.

[0190] The flow path partition 144 has an axial partition 145 but does not have a circumferential partition 147. The axial partition 145 is provided between the first heat dissipation path 164 and the second heat dissipation path 174 in the axial direction AD. The axial partition 145 extends in the circumferential direction CD and separates the first heat dissipation path 164 and the second heat dissipation path 174 in the axial direction AD.

[0191] The first outlets 163 and the second inlets 172 are arranged alternately in the circumferential direction CD. At least a portion of the second inlets 172 is provided upstream of the first outlets 163 in the axial direction AD. The first outlets 163 are provided closer to the motor fins 72 than the flow path divider 144. The second inlets 172 are provided closer to the inverter fins 92 than the flow path divider 144.

[0192] Like the second heat dissipation path 174 of the twelfth embodiment, the first heat dissipation path 164 may be divided into a plurality of parts in the circumferential direction CD. For example, a dividing portion that divides the first heat dissipation path 164 in the circumferential direction CD may be provided between two motor fin groups 73 adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction CD.

[0193] As shown in FIG. 42, in the EDS unit 130, blower fans 111 are provided on both the upstream side and downstream side of the EDS 50. For example, the blower fan 111 serving as an upstream fan is provided on the upstream side of the EDS 50, and the blower fan 111A serving as a downstream fan is provided on the downstream side of the EDS 50. When both the blower fans 111 and 111A are driven, a first airflow Fa1 and a second airflow Fa2 flow through the cover flow path 160. The blower fan 111 serving as the upstream fan forces the first airflow Fa1 to flow into the first inlet 162 so as to push the first airflow Fa1, causing the first airflow Fa1 to flow out from the first outlet 163. The blower fan 111A serving as the downstream fan causes the second airflow Fa2 to flow out from the second outlet 173 so as to be sucked out, causing the second airflow Fa2 to flow into the first inlet 162.

[0194] In the cover flow path 160, at least a portion of the first outlet 163, through which the first airflow Fa1 flows out, is provided upstream of the second inlet 172, through which the second airflow Fa2 flows in. Moreover, the first outlet 163 and the second inlet 172 are provided at positions spaced apart in the circumferential direction CD. For this reason, it is unlikely that the first airflow Fa1 flowing out from the first outlet 163 will flow into the second inlet 172. This makes it possible to prevent the first airflow Fa1 from mixing with the second airflow Fa2 flowing into the second inlet 172 and causing the temperature of the second airflow Fa2 to rise.

[0195] According to the present embodiment, the axial partition portion 145 separates the first flow path 161 and the second flow path 171 so that the first flow path 161 and the second flow path 171 are aligned in the axial direction AD. With this configuration, as in the eleventh embodiment, it is not necessary to overlap the first flow path 161 and the second flow path 171 in the radial direction RD. Therefore, as in the eleventh embodiment, the second airflow Fa2 that does not pass through the first flow path 161 can improve the heat dissipation effect of the inverter fins 92 in the second flow path 171 while preventing the fin cover 140 from becoming large in the radial direction RD.

[0196] <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.

[0197] In each of the above embodiments, the motor fins 72 may be provided in any manner on the motor outer peripheral surface 70a as long as they can dissipate heat from the motor outer peripheral wall 71, such as heat from the stator 63, to the outside. Similarly, the inverter fins 92 may be provided in any manner on the inverter outer peripheral surface 90a as long as they can dissipate heat from the inverter outer peripheral wall 91, such as heat from the switch module 83, to the outside. For example, the motor fins 72 and the inverter fins 92 may extend in a direction inclined in the circumferential direction CD with respect to the rotation axis Cm.

[0198] In each of the above embodiments, the motor housing 70 may be provided downstream of the inverter housing 90. For example, the motor housing 70 may be provided between the inverter housing 90 and the blower fan 111 in the axial direction AD. In the EDS unit 130, the motor device 60 may be located between the blower fan 111 and the inverter device 80 in the axial direction AD, or the inverter device 80 may be located between the blower fan 111 and the motor device 60.

[0199] In each of the above embodiments, the motor device 60 and the inverter device 80 may share a housing. For example, the motor 61 and the drive unit 81 may be housed in a single housing. Furthermore, the housing of the EDS 50 does not necessarily house both the motor 61 and the drive unit 81. It is sufficient that the housing contains heat generating elements such as the motor 61 and the drive unit 81.

[0200] In each of the above embodiments, the heating element may be embedded in the housing as long as it is accommodated in the housing. For example, in the inverter device 80, the switch module 83 may be embedded in the inverter outer peripheral wall 91. In this configuration, the switch module 83 is provided in the inverter housing 90 between the inverter outer peripheral surface 90a and the inverter inner peripheral surface 90b.

[0201] In each of the above embodiments, the rotor axis does not have to coincide with the rotation axis Cm. That is, the center of rotation of the rotor 20 does not have to be the rotation axis Cm. For example, the rotor axis may be located at a position spaced apart from the rotation axis Cm in the radial direction RD, or may be inclined with respect to the rotation axis Cm.

[0202] In each of the above embodiments, the airflow flowing through the cover flow path 160 may be an airflow generated by the rotation of at least the rotor 20 and the blower fan 111. For example, the air flowing due to the rotation of the rotor 20 does not have to flow through the cover flow path 160.

[0203] In each of the above embodiments, the drive device unit such as the EDS unit 130 may be a unit including a drive device such as the EDS 50 and a fan such as the blower fan 111. For example, the drive device unit may include only the blower fan 111 out of the blower fan 111 and the shroud 120. Alternatively, the drive device unit may be a unit including the rotor 20 in addition to the drive device and the fan.

[0204] In each of the above embodiments, the fin cover 140 may be fixed to a housing such as the motor housing 70 by fasteners such as bolts. The fin cover 140 does not have to be elastically deformable. The fin cover 140 may be located at a position spaced radially outward from the heat dissipation fins such as the motor fins 72. The shroud 120 may also be fixed to the fin cover 140. Furthermore, the fin cover 140 and the shroud 120 may be formed integrally.

[0205] In each of the above embodiments, the eVTOL 10 does not have to be a tilt rotor aircraft. That is, the rotors 20 of the eVTOL 10 do not have to be able to tilt. For example, the multiple rotors 20 of the eVTOL 10 may include a rotor 20 for lift and a rotor 20 for cruise. In this eVTOL 10, for example, the rotor 20 for lift is driven when ascending, and the rotor 20 for cruise is driven when moving forward.

[0206] In each of the above embodiments, the aircraft on which the EDS 50 and the EDS unit 130 are mounted does not have to be a vertical take-off and landing aircraft. For example, the aircraft may be a rotary-wing aircraft or a fixed-wing aircraft. In a rotary-wing aircraft, the rotor corresponds to the rotor. In a fixed-wing aircraft, the propeller corresponds to the rotor. The aircraft may also be an unmanned aerial vehicle.

[0207] 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.

[0208] Technical thought 1 A drive device (50) that drives a rotor (20) of an aircraft (10) to rotate the rotor (20), a heat generating portion (63, 83) that generates heat when driven to rotate the rotor; a housing (70, 90) having an outer peripheral surface (70a, 90a) extending along a rotation axis (Cm) of a fan (111, 111A) for circulating gas, and accommodating the heat generating portion; an upstream fin (72) provided on the outer peripheral surface and configured to release heat from the heat generating portion into gas; a downstream fin (92) provided on the outer peripheral surface downstream of the upstream fin with respect to a gas flow in the axial direction (AD) of the rotation axis, and configured to release heat from the heat generating portion into the gas; a housing cover (140) that covers the outer peripheral surface and forms, between the outer peripheral surface and the housing cover (140), a first flow path (161) in which the upstream fins are provided and a second flow path (171) in which the downstream fins are provided, and allows gas to flow through the first flow path and the second flow path; a first inlet (162) included in the first flow path, which allows gas to flow from the outside of the housing cover into the first flow path without passing through the second flow path; a second inlet (172, 172A, 172B) included in the second flow path and configured to allow gas to flow from the outside of the housing cover into the second flow path without passing through the first flow path; A drive unit comprising:

[0209] Technical thought 2 The housing cover is a first cover portion (145) covering the outer peripheral surface so as to form the first flow path between the outer peripheral surface and the first cover portion (145); a second cover portion (141) covering the first cover portion so as to form the second flow path between the first cover portion and the second cover portion; The driving device according to Technical Idea 1,

[0210] Technical thought 3 As the first inlet, a first annular port (162) extending annularly along the outer circumferential surface in the circumferential direction (CD) of the rotation axis; a second annular opening (172) extending annularly in the circumferential direction along the first cover portion as the second inlet; The drive device according to Technical Idea 2 is provided with:

[0211] Technical thought 4 a first axial port (162) that is open in the axial direction as the first inlet; As the second inlet, a second axial port (172) is provided on the outer circumferential side of the first inlet via the first cover portion and is open in the axial direction; The drive device according to Technical Idea 2 or 3, comprising:

[0212] Technical thought 5 A drive device described in any one of technical ideas 2 to 4, which is provided with an intermediate outlet (163) that is at least partially provided in the second cover portion between the upstream fin and the downstream fin in the axial direction, is included in the first flow path, and allows gas to flow from the first flow path to the outside of the housing cover without passing through the second flow path.

[0213] technical thought 6 A driving device described in any one of technical ideas 2 to 5, which is provided with a second cover opening (172A, 172B) as the second inlet, at least a portion of which is provided in the second cover portion between the upstream fin and the downstream fin in the axial direction.

[0214] Technical thought 7 The housing cover is a circumferential extension portion (141) covering the outer circumferential surface so as to form the first flow path and the second flow path between the outer circumferential surface and the circumferential extension portion (141); a circumferential partition portion (147) provided between the outer circumferential surface and the circumferential extension portion, which partitions the first flow path and the second flow path so that the first flow path and the second flow path are aligned in a circumferential direction (CD) of the rotation axis; The driving device according to any one of Technical Ideas 1 to 6, wherein:

[0215] Technical thought 8 The housing cover is an axial extension portion (141) covering the outer peripheral surface so as to form the first flow path and the second flow path between the outer peripheral surface and the axial extension portion (141); an axial partitioning portion (145) provided between the outer circumferential surface and the axial extending portion, which partitions the first flow path and the second flow path so that the first flow path and the second flow path are aligned in the axial direction; The driving device according to any one of Technical Ideas 1 to 7, wherein:

[0216] Technical thought 9 A drive device described in any one of technical ideas 1 to 8, which is provided with a second common port (172B) as the second inlet, at least a portion of which is provided in the housing cover between the upstream fin and the downstream fin in the axial direction so that the gas that flows in from the first inlet flows along the downstream fin while merging with the gas that has flowed in from the first inlet and passed through the first flow path.

[0217] Technical thought 10 a second outlet (173) included in the second flow path and allowing gas to flow out of the second flow path; the fan is a downstream fan (111A) that is provided downstream of the second outlet and causes gas to flow from the outside of the housing cover into the second common port as the gas flows out of the second outlet; The drive device according to Technical Idea 9, comprising:

[0218] Technical thought 11 the upstream fin is provided at a position aligned with the first inlet in the axial direction, The drive device according to any one of Technical Ideas 1 to 10, wherein the downstream fin is provided at a position aligned with the second inlet in the axial direction.

[0219] Technical thought 12 A drive unit (130) mounted on an air vehicle (10), comprising: a drive unit (50) for driving the rotor (20) of the flying object to rotate; a fan (111, 111A) that rotates around a rotation axis (Cm) to send gas and is aligned with the drive unit along the rotation axis; Equipped with The drive device is a heat generating portion (63, 83) that generates heat when driven to rotate the rotor; a housing (70, 90) having an outer peripheral surface (70a, 90a) extending along the rotation axis and accommodating the heat generating portion; an upstream fin (72) provided on the outer peripheral surface and configured to release heat from the heat generating portion into gas; a downstream fin (92) provided on the outer peripheral surface downstream of the upstream fin with respect to a gas flow in the axial direction (AD) of the rotation axis, and configured to release heat from the heat generating portion into the gas; a housing cover (140) that covers the outer peripheral surface and forms, between the outer peripheral surface and the housing cover (140), a first flow path (161) in which the upstream fins are provided and a second flow path (171) in which the downstream fins are provided, and allows gas to flow through the first flow path and the second flow path; a first inlet (162) included in the first flow path, which allows gas to flow from the outside of the housing cover into the first flow path without passing through the second flow path; a second inlet (172, 172A, 172B) included in the second flow path and configured to allow gas to flow from the outside of the housing cover into the second flow path without passing through the first flow path; A drive unit having:

[0220] Technical thought 13 The drive unit according to Technical Idea 12, wherein the rotor rotates around the rotation axis.

[0221] Technical thought 14 The drive unit according to Technical Idea 12 or 13, wherein the rotor rotates so that gas flows through the first flow path and the second flow path. [Explanation of symbols]

[0222] 10... eVTOL as flying vehicle, 20... rotor as fan, 50... EDS as drive device, 63... stator as heat generating part, 70... motor housing as housing, 70a... motor outer peripheral surface as outer peripheral surface, 72... motor fins as upstream fins, 83... switch module as heat generating part, 90... inverter housing as housing, 90a... inverter outer peripheral surface as outer peripheral surface, 92... inverter fins as downstream fins, 111, 111A... blower fan as fan, 111A... blower fan as fan and downstream fan, 130... drive device unit and EDS unit as a housing cover, 140...fin cover as a housing cover, 141...second cover portion, outer peripheral cover portion as a circumferential extension portion and an axial extension portion, 145...axial partition portion as a first cover portion, 147...circumferential partition portion, 161...first flow path, 162...first inlet as a first annular port and a first axial port, 163...first outlet as an intermediate outlet, 171...second flow path, 172...second inlet as a second annular port and a second axial port, 172A...second inlet as a second cover port, 172B...second inlet as a second cover port and a second common port, 173...second outlet, Cm...rotation axis, AD...axial direction, CD...circumferential direction.

Claims

1. A drive device (50) that drives a rotor (20) of an aircraft (10) to rotate the rotor, comprising: a heat generating portion (63, 83) that generates heat when driven to rotate the rotor; a housing (70, 90) that has an outer peripheral surface (70a, 90a) extending along a rotation axis (Cm) of a fan (111, 111A) that flows gas and that accommodates the heat generating portion; an upstream fin (72) provided on the outer circumferential surface and dissipating heat from the heat generating portion into gas; a downstream fin (92) provided on the outer peripheral surface downstream of the upstream fin with respect to a gas flow in the axial direction (AD) of the rotation axis, and configured to release heat from the heat generating portion into the gas; a housing cover (140) that covers the outer circumferential surface and forms, between the outer circumferential surface and the housing cover, a first flow path (161) provided with the upstream fins and a second flow path (171) provided with the downstream fins, and allows gas to flow through the first flow path and the second flow path; a first inlet (162) included in the first flow path, for allowing gas to flow from the outside of the housing cover into the first flow path without passing through the second flow path; a second inlet (172, 172A, 172B) included in the second flow path and configured to allow gas to flow from the outside of the housing cover into the second flow path without passing through the first flow path; Equipped with The housing cover is a first cover portion (145) covering the outer circumferential surface so as to form the first flow path between the outer circumferential surface and the first cover portion (145); a second cover portion (141) covering the first cover portion so as to form the second flow path between the first cover portion and the second cover portion; It has moreover, an intermediate outlet (163) that is at least partially provided in the second cover portion between the upstream fin and the downstream fin in the axial direction, is included in the first flow path, and allows gas to flow from the first flow path to the outside of the housing cover without passing through the second flow path; A drive unit comprising:

2. A drive device (50) that drives a rotor (20) of an aircraft (10) to rotate the rotor, comprising: an upstream device (60) having upstream fins (72) that release heat into the gas, generating heat as it is driven, and forming an outer peripheral surface (70a, 90a); a downstream device (80) having downstream fins (92) for dissipating heat into the gas, generating heat as the downstream device is driven, forming the outer peripheral surface, and being provided downstream of the upstream device in an axial direction (AD) along which a rotation axis (Cm) of a fan (111, 111A) for flowing the gas extends; a housing cover (140) that covers the outer circumferential surface and forms, between the outer circumferential surface and the housing cover, a first flow path (161) provided with the upstream fins and a second flow path (171) provided with the downstream fins, and allows gas to flow through the first flow path and the second flow path; a first inlet (162) included in the first flow path, for allowing gas to flow from the outside of the housing cover into the first flow path without passing through the second flow path; a second inlet (172, 172A, 172B) included in the second flow path and configured to allow gas to flow from the outside of the housing cover into the second flow path without passing through the first flow path; Equipped with The housing cover is a first cover portion (145) covering the outer circumferential surface so as to form the first flow path between the outer circumferential surface and the first cover portion (145); a second cover portion (141) covering the first cover portion so as to form the second flow path between the first cover portion and the second cover portion; It has moreover, an intermediate outlet (163) that is at least partially provided in the second cover portion between the upstream fin and the downstream fin in the axial direction, is included in the first flow path, and allows gas to flow from the first flow path to the outside of the housing cover without passing through the second flow path; A drive unit comprising:

3. A drive device (50) that drives a rotor (20) of an aircraft (10) to rotate the rotor, comprising: a heat generating portion (63, 83) that generates heat when driven to rotate the rotor; a housing (70, 90) that has an outer peripheral surface (70a, 90a) extending along a rotation axis (Cm) of a fan (111, 111A) that flows gas and that accommodates the heat generating portion; an upstream fin (72) provided on the outer circumferential surface and dissipating heat from the heat generating portion into gas; a downstream fin (92) provided on the outer peripheral surface downstream of the upstream fin with respect to a gas flow in the axial direction (AD) of the rotation axis, and configured to release heat from the heat generating portion into the gas; a housing cover (140) that covers the outer circumferential surface and forms, between the outer circumferential surface and the housing cover, a first flow path (161) provided with the upstream fins and a second flow path (171) provided with the downstream fins, and allows gas to flow through the first flow path and the second flow path; a first inlet (162) included in the first flow path, for allowing gas to flow from the outside of the housing cover into the first flow path without passing through the second flow path; a second inlet (172, 172A, 172B) included in the second flow path and configured to allow gas to flow from the outside of the housing cover into the second flow path without passing through the first flow path; Equipped with The housing cover is a first cover portion (145) covering the outer circumferential surface so as to form the first flow path between the outer circumferential surface and the first cover portion (145); a second cover portion (141) covering the first cover portion so as to form the second flow path between the first cover portion and the second cover portion; It has moreover, a second cover port (172A, 172B) at least a portion of which is provided between the upstream fin and the downstream fin in the axial direction in the second cover portion as the second inlet; A drive unit comprising:

4. A drive device (50) that drives a rotor (20) of an aircraft (10) to rotate the rotor, comprising: an upstream device (60) having upstream fins (72) that release heat into the gas, generating heat as it is driven, and forming an outer peripheral surface (70a, 90a); a downstream device (80) having downstream fins (92) for dissipating heat into the gas, generating heat as the downstream device is driven, forming the outer peripheral surface, and being provided downstream of the upstream device in an axial direction (AD) along which a rotation axis (Cm) of a fan (111, 111A) for flowing the gas extends; a housing cover (140) that covers the outer circumferential surface and forms, between the outer circumferential surface and the housing cover, a first flow path (161) provided with the upstream fins and a second flow path (171) provided with the downstream fins, and allows gas to flow through the first flow path and the second flow path; a first inlet (162) included in the first flow path, for allowing gas to flow from the outside of the housing cover into the first flow path without passing through the second flow path; a second inlet (172, 172A, 172B) included in the second flow path and configured to allow gas to flow from the outside of the housing cover into the second flow path without passing through the first flow path; Equipped with The housing cover is a first cover portion (145) covering the outer circumferential surface so as to form the first flow path between the outer circumferential surface and the first cover portion (145); a second cover portion (141) covering the first cover portion so as to form the second flow path between the first cover portion and the second cover portion; It has moreover, a second cover port (172A, 172B) at least a portion of which is provided between the upstream fin and the downstream fin in the axial direction in the second cover portion as the second inlet; A drive unit comprising:

5. A drive device (50) that drives a rotor (20) of an aircraft (10) to rotate the rotor, comprising: a heat generating portion (63, 83) that generates heat when driven to rotate the rotor; a housing (70, 90) that has an outer peripheral surface (70a, 90a) extending along a rotation axis (Cm) of a fan (111, 111A) that flows gas and that accommodates the heat generating portion; an upstream fin (72) provided on the outer circumferential surface and dissipating heat from the heat generating portion into gas; a downstream fin (92) provided on the outer peripheral surface downstream of the upstream fin with respect to a gas flow in the axial direction (AD) of the rotation axis, and configured to release heat from the heat generating portion into the gas; a housing cover (140) that covers the outer circumferential surface and forms, between the outer circumferential surface and the housing cover, a first flow path (161) provided with the upstream fins and a second flow path (171) provided with the downstream fins, and allows gas to flow through the first flow path and the second flow path; a first inlet (162) included in the first flow path, for allowing gas to flow from the outside of the housing cover into the first flow path without passing through the second flow path; a second inlet (172, 172A, 172B) included in the second flow path and configured to allow gas to flow from the outside of the housing cover into the second flow path without passing through the first flow path; a second common port (172B) that serves as the second inlet and is at least partially provided between the upstream fin and the downstream fin in the axial direction in the housing cover so that the introduced gas flows along the downstream fin while merging with the gas that has flowed in from the first inlet and passed through the first flow path; A drive unit comprising:

6. A drive device (50) that drives a rotor (20) of an aircraft (10) to rotate the rotor, comprising: an upstream device (60) having upstream fins (72) that release heat into the gas, generating heat as it is driven, and forming an outer peripheral surface (70a, 90a); a downstream device (80) having downstream fins (92) for dissipating heat into the gas, generating heat as the downstream device is driven, forming the outer peripheral surface, and being provided downstream of the upstream device in an axial direction (AD) along which a rotation axis (Cm) of a fan (111, 111A) for flowing the gas extends; a housing cover (140) that covers the outer circumferential surface and forms, between the outer circumferential surface and the housing cover, a first flow path (161) provided with the upstream fins and a second flow path (171) provided with the downstream fins, and allows gas to flow through the first flow path and the second flow path; a first inlet (162) included in the first flow path, for allowing gas to flow from the outside of the housing cover into the first flow path without passing through the second flow path; a second inlet (172, 172A, 172B) included in the second flow path and configured to allow gas to flow from the outside of the housing cover into the second flow path without passing through the first flow path; a second common port (172B) that serves as the second inlet and is at least partially provided between the upstream fin and the downstream fin in the axial direction in the housing cover so that the introduced gas flows along the downstream fin while merging with the gas that has flowed in from the first inlet and passed through the first flow path; A drive unit comprising:

7. 7. The drive device according to claim 2, wherein one of the upstream device and the downstream device is a motor device (60) having a motor (61), and the other is an inverter device (80) having a drive unit (81) that drives the motor.

8. The motor device a motor outer peripheral surface (70a) that is the outer peripheral surface and is provided on the outside of the motor; a motor fin (72) which is one of the upstream fin and the downstream fin and is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the motor; It has The inverter device is The outer circumferential surface is an inverter outer circumferential surface (90a) provided outside the drive unit; an inverter fin (92) which is the other of the upstream fin and the downstream fin and is provided on the inverter outer peripheral surface; 8. The drive device according to claim 7, further comprising:

9. the motor fin is provided in one of the first flow path and the second flow path, The drive device according to claim 8 , wherein the inverter fins are provided in the other of the first flow path and the second flow path.

10. The housing cover is a first cover portion (145) covering the outer circumferential surface so as to form the first flow path between the outer circumferential surface and the first cover portion (145); a second cover portion (141) covering the first cover portion so as to form the second flow path between the first cover portion and the second cover portion; 7. The drive device according to claim 5, further comprising:

11. As the first inlet, a first annular port (162) extending annularly along the outer circumferential surface in a circumferential direction (CD) of the rotation axis; As the second inlet, a second annular port (172) extending annularly in the circumferential direction along the first cover portion; The drive device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising:

12. As the first inlet, a first axial port (162) that is open in the axial direction; As the second inlet, a second axial port (172) is provided on the outer circumferential side of the first inlet via the first cover portion and is open in the axial direction; The drive device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising:

13. 11. The drive device of claim 10, further comprising an intermediate outlet (163) that is at least partially provided in the second cover portion between the upstream fin and the downstream fin in the axial direction, is included in the first flow path, and allows gas to flow from the first flow path to the outside of the housing cover without passing through the second flow path.

14. The drive device according to claim 10, further comprising a second cover opening (172A, 172B) at least a portion of which is provided between the upstream fin and the downstream fin in the axial direction in the second cover portion as the second inlet.

15. The housing cover is a circumferential extension portion (141) covering the outer circumferential surface so as to form the first flow path and the second flow path between the outer circumferential surface and the circumferential extension portion (141); a circumferential partition portion (147) provided between the outer circumferential surface and the circumferential extension portion, which partitions the first flow path and the second flow path so that the first flow path and the second flow path are aligned in a circumferential direction (CD) of the rotation axis; 7. The drive device according to claim 1, further comprising:

16. The housing cover is an axial extension portion (141) covering the outer peripheral surface so as to form the first flow path and the second flow path between the outer peripheral surface and the axial extension portion (141); an axial partition portion (145) provided between the outer circumferential surface and the axial extension portion, which partitions the first flow path and the second flow path so that the first flow path and the second flow path are aligned in the axial direction; 7. The drive device according to claim 1, further comprising:

17. A drive device as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising, as the second inlet, a second common port (172B) that is provided at least partially between the upstream fin and the downstream fin in the axial direction in the housing cover so that the gas that flows in from the first inlet and passes through the first flow path merges with the gas that flows in along the downstream fin.

18. a second outlet (173) included in the second flow path for allowing gas to flow out of the second flow path; the fan is a downstream fan (111A) that is provided downstream of the second outlet and causes gas to flow from the outside of the housing cover into the second common port as the gas flows out of the second outlet; 7. The drive device according to claim 5, further comprising:

19. the upstream fin is provided at a position aligned with the first inlet in the axial direction, 7. The drive unit according to claim 1, wherein the downstream fin is provided at a position aligned with the second inlet in the axial direction.

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