Drive unit

Abstract

To provide a drive device capable of suppressing abnormality generated due to foreign matter entering inside, while realizing internal cooling by cooling air.SOLUTION: An EPU 50 has a motor unit 100, an air blower 120, and a labyrinth structure part 700. The motor unit 100 has a motor 61, an inverter 81, and a unit housing 101. The unit housing 101 stores the motor 61 and the inverter 81 in a unit space 102. A unit inflow port 112 and a unit outflow port 114 are communicated with the unit space 102 at the unit housing 101. Cooling air flows into the unit space 102 from the unit inflow port 112, and flows out from the unit outflow port 114 according to air blowing of the air blower 120 at the EPU 50. The cooling air flows into the unit inflow port 112 after passing through the labyrinth structure part 700. Foreign matter is removed from the cooling air at the labyrinth structure part 700.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The disclosure in this specification relates to a driving device.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a driving device for driving an aircraft. This driving device has a motor, an inverter, and a case. The case has a cylindrical portion and heat dissipation fins. The motor and the inverter are housed inside the cylindrical portion. The heat dissipation fins are provided on the outer surface of the cylindrical portion and release the heat of the motor and the inverter to the outside of the case.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the above Patent Document 1, the heat of the motor and the inverter is released to the outside air through the case. In this configuration, the outside air indirectly cools the motor and the inverter through the case. Thus, in a configuration where the motor and the inverter are indirectly cooled, there is a concern that the cooling effect of the driving device is insufficient.

[0005] One object of the present disclosure is to provide a driving device that can suppress the occurrence of abnormalities due to the entry of foreign matter into the interior while realizing internal cooling by cooling air.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The various embodiments disclosed in this specification employ different technical means to achieve their respective objectives. Furthermore, the claims and the reference numerals in parentheses in this section are merely examples illustrating the correspondence with specific means described later in the embodiments, and do not limit the technical scope.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the disclosed aspects are: A drive device (50) is provided on a movable body (10) that moves by the rotation of a rotating body (20), and is driven by electric power to rotate the rotating body, A motor (61) to which power is supplied, An inverter (81) that converts the power supplied to the motor, A housing (101) that houses at least one of the motor and the inverter, The housing is provided with housing inlets (112, 112A, 112B) that allow cooling air (Fa, Fa1, Fa2) to flow from the outside to the inside of the housing for cooling the inside of the housing, Housing outlets (114, 114A, 114B) are provided in the housing and allow cooling air to flow out to the outside of the housing, Leading to the housing inlet labyrinth Inlet (71 1) It has, labyrinth Foreign object control section (70 0) and, Equipped with, labyrinth The inlet is a drive device that opens towards the leeward side of the rotating wind generated by the rotation of the rotating body. The disclosed aspects are: A drive device (50) that is driven by electric power, A motor (61) to which power is supplied, An inverter (81) that converts the power supplied to the motor, A housing (101) that houses at least one of the motor and the inverter, The housing is provided with housing inlets (112, 112A, 112B) that allow cooling air (Fa, Fa1, Fa2) to flow from the outside to the inside of the housing for cooling the inside of the housing, Housing outlets (114, 114A, 114B) are provided in the housing and allow cooling air to flow out to the outside of the housing, Foreign matter restriction sections (700, 750, 770) that restrict foreign matter (MF) from entering the interior of the housing from the housing inlet, An inverter device (80) having an inverter and an inverter housing (90) which is included in a housing and houses the inverter, Equipped with, The inverter device is A switch component (530) for converting power, Capacitor components (527, 528, 580) are connected to the switch component in a way that allows current to flow through them, It is provided such that its outer peripheral end (512) extends along the inner wall surface (91a) of the inverter housing, and is connected to a wiring board (510) on which capacitor components are mounted, It has, The capacitor components are arranged so that the cooling air cools the capacitor components first, and then the switch components. The switch component is a drive device installed between the capacitor component and the inner wall surface, such that cooling air flowing along the wiring board toward the inner wall surface cools the capacitor component before cooling the switch component.

[0008] According to the above drive device, cooling air flows into the housing through the housing inlet and out of the housing through the housing outlet. In this configuration, the heat from the motor and inverter inside the housing is directly transferred to the cooling air. This heat is then released to the outside of the housing through the housing outlet along with the cooling air. Therefore, the motor and inverter can be directly cooled by the cooling air inside the housing.

[0009] However, when the cooling air flows into the inside of the housing, there is a concern that foreign matter may enter the inside of the housing together with the cooling air. In contrast, according to the above-described drive device, the entry of foreign matter from the housing inlet is restricted by the foreign matter restricting portion. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of an abnormality in the drive device due to foreign matter that has entered the inside of the housing.

[0010] As described above, in the drive device, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of an abnormality due to the entry of foreign matter into the inside while realizing internal cooling by the cooling air.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011] [Figure 1] Vertical cross-sectional view of the EPU in the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Cross-sectional view of the inverter device. [Figure 3] Vertical cross-sectional view around the labyrinth structure in the EPU. [Figure 4] Vertical cross-sectional view of the labyrinth structure portion. [Figure 5] Diagram showing the configuration of the eVTOL. [Figure 6] Diagram showing the electrical configuration of the drive system. [Figure 7] Vertical cross-sectional view of the labyrinth structure portion in the second embodiment. [Figure 8] Vertical cross-sectional view of the EPU in the third embodiment. [Figure 9] Vertical cross-sectional view of the centrifugal separator. [Figure 10] Vertical cross-sectional view of the EPU in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 11] Vertical cross-sectional view of the EPU in the fifth embodiment. [Figure 12] Vertical cross-sectional view of the filter sheet. [Figure 13] Vertical cross-sectional view of the EPU in the sixth embodiment. [Figure 14] Vertical cross-sectional view of the EPU in the seventh embodiment. [Figure 15] Vertical cross-sectional view of the EPU in the eighth embodiment. [Figure 16]A longitudinal cross-sectional view of the EPU in the ninth embodiment. [Figure 17] A longitudinal cross-sectional view of the EPU in the tenth embodiment. [Figure 18] A longitudinal cross-sectional view of the EPU in the 11th embodiment. [Figure 19] A longitudinal cross-sectional view of the EPU in the twelfth embodiment. [Figure 20] A schematic longitudinal section view of the EPU in the 13th embodiment. [Figure 21] A schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of the EPU in the 14th embodiment. [Figure 22] A schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of the EPU in the 15th embodiment. [Figure 23] A schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of the EPU in the 16th embodiment. [Figure 24] A schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of the EPU in the 17th embodiment. [Figure 25] Schematic cross-section of the EPU. [Figure 26] A schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of the EPU in the 18th embodiment. [Figure 27] Schematic cross-section of the EPU. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] Several embodiments for implementing this disclosure are described below with reference to the drawings. In each embodiment, parts corresponding to matters described in a preceding embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations may be omitted. If only a part of the configuration is described in each embodiment, other parts of the configuration can be applied to other embodiments described in advance. Not only are combinations of parts that are explicitly shown to be combinable in each embodiment possible, but embodiments can also be partially combined even if not explicitly shown, as long as there are no particular problems with the combination.

[0013] <First Embodiment> The drive system 30 shown in Figure 5 is installed on the eVTOL 10. The eVTOL 10 is an electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft, 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 is equivalent to a flying object. The eVTOL 10 is also an electric-powered aircraft and is sometimes referred to as an electric flying object. The eVTOL 10 is a manned aircraft that carries a crew. The drive system 30 is the system that drives the eVTOL 10 to fly.

[0014] The eVTOL 10 has an airframe 11 and a propeller 20. The airframe 11 has a fuselage body 12 and wings 13. The fuselage body 12 is the body of the airframe 11 and has a shape that extends, for example, forward and backward. The fuselage body 12 has a crew compartment for the crew. The wings 13 extend from the fuselage body 12 and are provided in multiples on the fuselage body 12. The wings 13 are fixed wings. The multiple wings 13 include main wings, tail wings, etc.

[0015] Multiple propellers 20 are provided on the airframe 11. The eVTOL 10 is a multirotor having at least three propellers 20. For example, at least four propellers 20 are provided on the airframe 11. The propellers 20 are provided on the airframe body 12 and the wings 13, respectively. The propellers 20 rotate around their propeller axis. The propeller axis is, for example, the center line of the propeller 20. The propellers 20 can generate thrust and lift for the eVTOL 10. The propellers 20 are also sometimes referred to as rotors or rotor blades.

[0016] The propeller 20 has blades 21 and a boss 22. Multiple blades 21 are arranged in the circumferential direction of the propeller axis. The boss 22 connects the multiple blades 21. The blades 21 extend radially from the boss 22 along the propeller axis. The propeller 20 has a propeller shaft (not shown). The propeller shaft is the axis of rotation of the propeller 20 and extends from the boss 22 along the propeller axis. The propeller shaft is sometimes referred to as the propeller shaft.

[0017] The eVTOL10 is a tiltrotor aircraft. The eVTOL10's propeller 20 can be tilted; that is, the tilt angle of the propeller 20 is adjustable. For example, when the eVTOL10 is ascending, the propeller 20 is oriented so that its axis extends vertically. In this case, the propeller 20 functions as a lift rotor to generate lift for the eVTOL10. This function of the propeller 20 as a lift rotor enables the eVTOL10 to hover and take off / land vertically. When the eVTOL10 is moving forward, the propeller 20 is oriented so that its axis extends longitudinally. In this case, the propeller 20 functions as a cruise rotor to generate thrust for the eVTOL10.

[0018] The eVTOL 10 has a battery 31, a distributor 32, a flight control system 40, and an EPU 50. The battery 31, distributor 32, flight control system 40, and EPU 50 are included in the drive system 30. The battery 31 is connected to multiple EPUs 50 so that it can be energized. The battery 31 is a power supply unit that supplies power to the EDS 50 and corresponds to a power supply unit. The battery 31 is a DC voltage source that applies a DC voltage to the EDS 50. The battery 31 is a rechargeable secondary battery. The battery 31 also supplies power to the flight control system 40. In addition to the battery 31, a fuel cell or a generator may be used as a power supply unit.

[0019] The distributor 32 is electrically connected to the battery 31 and the multiple EPUs 50. The distributor 32 distributes power from the battery 31 to the multiple EPUs 50. The power that the distributor 32 distributes to the EPUs 50 is the driving power required to operate the EPUs 50.

[0020] The flight control device 40 controls the drive system 30. The flight control device 40 performs flight control to fly the eVTOL 10. The flight control device 40 is communicatively connected to multiple EPUs 50. The flight control device 40 controls the multiple EPUs 50 individually. The flight control device 40 controls the EPUs 50 via a control circuit 160, which will be described later. The flight control device 40 controls the control circuit 160.

[0021] The EPU 50 is a device that drives the propeller 20 to rotate, and is equivalent to a drive unit. EPU is an abbreviation for Electric Propulsion Unit. The EPU 50 is sometimes referred to as an electric drive unit or electric drive system. An EPU 50 is provided individually for each of the multiple propellers 20. The EPU 50s are arranged along the propeller axis of the propeller 20. All of the multiple EPU 50s are fixed to the aircraft body 11. The EPU 50 rotatably supports the propeller 20. The EPU 50 is connected to the propeller 20. The propeller 20 is fixed to the aircraft body 11 via the EPU 50. When the tilt angle of the propeller 20 is changed, the angle of the EPU 50 is also changed.

[0022] The eVTOL 10 has a propulsion system 15. The propulsion system 15 is a device for propelling the eVTOL 10. The eVTOL 10 can perform lifts and other types of flights through the propulsion provided by the propulsion system 15. The propulsion system 15 has a propeller 20 and an EPU 50. In the propulsion system 15, the propeller 20 rotates in conjunction with the drive of the EPU 50. The propeller 20 is a rotating body. The eVTOL 10 flies by the rotation of the propeller 20. In other words, the eVTOL 10 moves by the rotation of the propeller 20. The eVTOL 10 is a moving body.

[0023] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the EPU 50 has a motor unit 60 and an inverter unit 80. For example, the EPU 50 has one motor unit 60 and one inverter unit 80. The motor unit 60 has a motor 61. The inverter unit 80 has an inverter 81. The motor 61 is electrically connected to the battery 31 via the inverter 81. The motor 61 is driven according to the power supplied from the battery 31 via the inverter 81.

[0024] Motor 61 is a multi-phase AC motor. Motor 61 is, for example, a three-phase AC motor and has U-phase, V-phase, and W-phase. Motor 61 is a power source for moving the moving object and functions as an electric motor. For example, a brushless motor is used as Motor 61. Motor 61 functions as a generator during regeneration. Motor 61 has multiple-phase motor coils. The motor coils are windings and form the armature. Motor coils are provided for each of the U-phase, V-phase, and W-phase. Note that Motor 61 corresponds to a rotating electric machine, and EPU 50 corresponds to a rotating electric machine unit.

[0025] In Figure 6, the inverter 81 drives the motor 61 by converting the power supplied to the motor 61. The inverter 81 converts the power supplied to the motor 61 from DC to AC. The inverter 81 is a power conversion unit that converts power. The inverter 81 is a multi-phase power conversion unit and performs power conversion for each of the multiple phases. For example, the inverter 81 is a three-phase inverter and performs power conversion for each of the U-phase, V-phase, and W-phase. The inverter device 80 is sometimes referred to as a power conversion device.

[0026] The inverter device 80 has a P line 141 and an N line 142. The P line 141 and the N line 142 electrically connect the battery 31 and the inverter 81. The P line 141 is electrically connected to the positive electrode of the battery 31. The N line 142 is electrically connected to the negative electrode of the battery 31. In the battery 31, the positive electrode is the electrode on the high potential side, and the negative electrode is the electrode on the low potential side. The P line 141 and the N line 142 are power lines for supplying power. The P line 141 is the power line on the high potential side and is sometimes referred to as the high potential line. The N line 142 is the power line on the low potential side and is sometimes referred to as the low potential line.

[0027] The EPU50 has an output line 143. The output line 143 is a power line for supplying power to the motor 61. The output line 143 electrically connects the motor 61 and the inverter 81. The output line 143 is connected to the motor unit 60 and the inverter unit 80.

[0028] The inverter device 80 includes a smoothing capacitor 145 and an EMI filter 150. The smoothing capacitor 145 is a capacitor that smooths the DC voltage supplied from the battery 31. The smoothing capacitor 145 is connected to the P line 141 and the N line 142 between the battery 31 and the inverter 81. The smoothing capacitor 145 is connected in parallel to the inverter 81.

[0029] The EMI filter 150 is a filter circuit that reduces electromagnetic noise. The EMI filter 150 is connected to the P line 141 and the N line 142 between the battery 31 and the inverter 81. The EMI filter 150 is connected in parallel to, for example, the smoothing capacitor 145 and the inverter 81.

[0030] The EMI filter 150 includes a common-mode coil 151, a normal-mode coil 152, a Y-capacitor 153, an X-capacitor 154, and a varistor 155. The common-mode coil 151 is a common-mode choke coil and can reduce common-mode noise. The normal-mode coil 152 is a normal-mode choke coil and can reduce normal-mode noise. The Y-capacitor 153 is a line bypass capacitor and can reduce common-mode noise. The X-capacitor 154 is an across-the-line capacitor and can reduce normal-mode noise. The varistor 155 can absorb surge voltages and reduces them. The Y-capacitor 153 and the varistor 155 are grounded to GND.

[0031] The inverter 81 is a power conversion circuit, for example, a DC-AC conversion circuit. The inverter 81 has upper and lower arm circuits 83 for multiple phases. For example, the inverter 81 has upper and lower arm circuits 83 for each of the U phase, V phase, and W phase. The upper and lower arm circuits 83 are sometimes referred to as legs or arms. The upper and lower arm circuits 83 have an upper arm 84 and a lower arm 85. The upper arm 84 and the lower arm 85 are connected in series to the battery 31. The upper arm 84 is connected to the P line 141, and the lower arm 85 is connected to the N line 142.

[0032] Output line 143 is connected to the upper and lower arm circuit 83 for each of the multiple phases. Output line 143 is connected between the upper arm 84 and the lower arm 85. Output line 143 connects the upper and lower arm circuit 83 and the coil for each of the multiple phases. Output line 143 is connected to the coil on the opposite side from the neutral point.

[0033] The upper arm 84 and the lower arm 85 have an arm switch 86 and a diode 87. The arm switch 86 is a transistor such as a MOSFET. MOSFET is an abbreviation for Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor. The arm switch 86 is a switching element and is capable of converting power by switching. The switching element can be any semiconductor element such as a power element. The arm switch 86 is a conversion switch for converting power.

[0034] In the upper arm 84, the drain of the arm switch 86 is connected to the P line 141. In the lower arm 85, the source of the arm switch 86 is connected to the N line 142. The source of the arm switch 86 in the upper arm 84 and the drain of the arm switch 86 in the lower arm 85 are interconnected. In both the upper arm 84 and the lower arm 85, a diode 87 is connected in antiparallel to the arm switch 86 for freewheeling. The anode of the diode 87 is connected to the source of the corresponding arm switch 86, and the cathode is connected to the drain. The arm switch 86 can also be referred to as a semiconductor switch.

[0035] Both the upper arm 84 and the lower arm 85 have multiple arm switches 86 and diodes 87. In each of the upper arm 84 and the lower arm 85, multiple arm switches 86 and multiple diodes 87 are connected in parallel. In arms 84 and 85, one arm switch 86 and one diode 87 are considered as one set, and multiple sets are connected in parallel. For example, in each of the upper arm 84 and the lower arm 85, six arm switches 86 and six diodes 87 are connected in parallel.

[0036] The EPU50 has a control circuit 160 and a drive circuit 161. The control circuit 160 and the drive circuit 161 are included in the inverter device 80. The control circuit 160 controls the drive of the inverter 81. The control circuit 160 controls the drive of the motor 61 via the inverter 81. The control circuit 160 is sometimes referred to as the motor control unit. In Figure 6, the control circuit 160 is shown as CD, the drive circuit 161 as DD, and the motor 61 as MG.

[0037] The control circuit 160 is a control device such as an ECU. ECU is an abbreviation for Electronic Control Unit. The control circuit 160 is mainly composed of a microcomputer equipped with, for example, a processor, memory, I / O, and a bus connecting them. Memory is a non-transitory tangible storage medium that non-temporarily stores programs and data that can be read by the computer. A non-transitory tangible storage medium is a non-transitory tangible storage medium and is implemented by semiconductor memory or magnetic disks, etc.

[0038] The control circuit 160 executes various processes related to driving the inverter 81 by running a control program stored in memory. The control circuit 160 is electrically connected to external devices, the inverter 81, and various sensors. The external devices are, for example, higher-level ECUs such as integrated ECUs mounted on mobile bodies. The various sensors are, for example, provided on the EPU 50. The control circuit 160 controls the inverter 81 by outputting command signals to the inverter 81. The control circuit 160 generates command signals in response to control signals input from external devices and detection signals input from various sensors. The control circuit 160 controls the inverter 81 via the drive circuit 161. The control circuit 160 causes the inverter 81 to perform power conversion.

[0039] The drive circuit 161 is electrically connected to each of the multiple arm switches 86 of the inverter 81. The drive circuit 161 drives the inverter 81 in response to command signals from the control circuit 160. The drive circuit 161 drives the arm switches 86 by applying a drive voltage corresponding to the command signal to the gate of each arm switch 86. The drive circuit 161 can turn the arm switches 86 on and off. The drive circuit 161 is sometimes referred to as a driver.

[0040] The inverter device 80 has a motor current sensor 146 and a battery current sensor 147. The motor current sensor 146 detects the current flowing through the motor 61. The motor current sensor 146 is provided for the output line 143. The motor current sensor 146 detects the current flowing through the motor 61 via the output line 143. The motor current sensor 146 is provided for each of the U-phase, V-phase, and W-phase, for example. The motor current sensor 146 is electrically connected to the control circuit 160 and outputs a detection signal to the control circuit 160.

[0041] The battery current sensor 147 detects the current flowing through the battery 31. The battery current sensor 147 is provided for the P line 141. The battery current sensor 147 detects the current flowing from the battery 31 to the inverter 81 via the P line 141. The battery current sensor 147 is electrically connected to the control circuit 160 and outputs a detection signal to the control circuit 160.

[0042] As shown in Figure 1, the EPU 50 has an EPU shaft 51. The EPU shaft 51 connects the motor 61 and the propeller 20. The EPU shaft 51 rotates together with the propeller 20 as the motor 61 drives it. The EPU shaft 51 rotates around the EPU axis Cepu. The EPU axis Cepu is the centerline of the EPU shaft 51. The EPU axis Cepu coincides with the propeller axis.

[0043] In the propulsion system 15, the propeller 20 and the EPU 50 are arranged along the EPU axis Cepu. In the propulsion system 15, propeller airflow is generated as the propeller 20 rotates. The propeller airflow is a gas, such as air, that flows from the propeller 20 towards the EPU 50 along the EPU axis Cepu. The propeller airflow corresponds to rotational wind. The EPU 50 is located downwind of the propeller airflow relative to the propeller 20. As the propeller airflow flows along the outer surface of the EPU 50, heat from the EPU 50 is released into the propeller airflow. In this way, the EPU 50 is cooled from the outside by the propeller airflow. That is, the EPU 50 is externally cooled by the propeller airflow.

[0044] In the EPU50, the motor unit 60 and the inverter unit 80 are arranged in the axial direction AD along the motor axis Cm. The motor unit 60 is located upwind of the propeller wind than the inverter unit 80. The motor unit 60 is located between the propeller 20 and the inverter unit 80 in the axial direction AD. The motor axis Cm is the centerline of the motor 61 and is a hypothetical line extending in a straight line. The axial direction AD is the direction in which the motor axis Cm extends.

[0045] Regarding the motor axis Cm, the axial direction AD, radial direction RD, and circumferential direction CD are mutually orthogonal. The circumferential direction CD is the rotation direction of the motor 61. The radial direction RD is sometimes referred to as the radial outer side and the radial inner side. The motor axis Cm coincides with the EPU axis Cepu. Note that the motor axis Cm may be located at a position offset in the radial direction RD from the EPU axis Cepu. Figure 1 shows a longitudinal section of the EPU 50 cut along the motor axis Cm.

[0046] The EPU50 has a motor unit 100. The motor unit 100 has a motor device 60 and an inverter device 80. In the motor unit 100, the motor device 60 and the inverter device 80 are integrated into a single unit. Figure 2 shows a cross-section of the inverter device 80 cut perpendicular to the motor axis Cm.

[0047] The motor unit 100 has a unit housing 101. The unit housing 101 houses the motor 61 and the inverter 81. The unit housing 101 is formed in a cylindrical shape as a whole and extends in the axial direction AD along the motor axis Cm. In the motor unit 100, the motor device 60 and the inverter device 80 are integrated by housing the motor 61 and the inverter 81 in the unit housing 101. The unit housing 101 corresponds to the housing.

[0048] The motor unit 100 has an upstream wall surface 101a, a downstream wall surface 101b, and an outer periphery wall surface 101c. These walls 101a to 101c are included in the outer surface of the motor unit 100. The upstream wall surface 101a and the downstream wall surface 101b extend in a direction perpendicular to the motor axis Cm. The upstream wall surface 101a faces the upstream side with respect to the propeller wind. The downstream wall surface 101b faces the downstream side with respect to the propeller wind. The outer periphery wall surface 101c extends in a direction perpendicular to the radial direction RD. The propeller wind tends to flow along the outer periphery wall surface 101c in the axial direction AD.

[0049] The unit housing 101 has a unit outer perimeter wall 105, an upstream plate 106, a downstream plate 107, and a partition plate 108. The unit outer perimeter wall 105 and plates 106-108 are made of a metal or the like and have thermal conductivity. The unit outer perimeter wall 105 forms the unit outer perimeter wall surface 101c. The unit outer perimeter wall 105 extends in an annular shape in the circumferential direction CD. The upstream plate 106 forms the unit upstream wall surface 101a. The downstream plate 107 forms the unit downstream wall surface 101b. The upstream plate 106 and the downstream plate 107 extend in a plate-like shape in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction AD. The unit outer perimeter wall 105 is in a state where it spans the upstream plate 106 and the downstream plate 107.

[0050] The unit housing 101 has a unit space 102. The unit space 102 is the internal space of the unit housing 101. The partition plate 108 is provided inside the unit housing 101. The partition plate 108 extends in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction AD. The partition plate 108 partitions the unit space 102 so as to divide it in the axial direction AD. The partition plate 108 is provided between the upstream plate 106 and the downstream plate 107. The partition plate 108 is located at a distance in the axial direction AD from both the upstream plate 106 and the downstream plate 107.

[0051] Plates 106-108 are components independent of the unit's outer wall 105. Plates 106-108 are fixed to the unit's outer wall 105 by bolts, welding, or the like. In other words, plates 106-108 are retrofitted to the unit's outer wall 105. One of plates 106-108 and the unit's outer wall 105 may be integrally molded. For example, partition plate 108 and the unit's outer wall 105 may be integrally molded.

[0052] The unit housing 101 has an inner wall surface 105a. The inner wall surface 105a is included in the inner surface of the unit housing 101. The inner wall surface 105a is formed by the outer wall surface 105 of the unit. Of the pair of wall surfaces of the outer wall surface 105, the wall surface facing radially inward is the inner wall surface 105a, and the wall surface facing radially outward is the outer wall surface 101c of the unit.

[0053] The motor device 60 has a motor housing 70 in addition to the motor 61. The motor housing 70 houses the motor 61. The motor housing 70 has a motor space 74. The motor space 74 is the internal space of the motor housing 70. The motor space 74 is the space that houses the motor 61. The motor housing 70 has a motor outer periphery wall 71. The motor outer periphery wall 71 extends in an annular shape in the circumferential direction CD. The motor space 74 is the inner space of the motor outer periphery wall 71.

[0054] The inverter device 80 has an inverter housing 90 in addition to an inverter 81. The inverter housing 90 houses the inverter 81. The inverter housing 90 has an inverter space 94. The inverter space 94 is the internal space of the inverter housing 90. The inverter space 94 is the space that houses the inverter 81. The inverter housing 90 has an inverter outer wall 91. The inverter outer wall 91 extends in an annular shape in the circumferential direction CD. The inverter space 94 is the inner space of the inverter outer wall 91.

[0055] In the unit housing 101, the motor housing 70 and the inverter housing 90 are integrated. The motor housing 70 and the inverter housing 90 are included in the unit housing 101. For example, the motor outer wall 71 and the inverter outer wall 91 are included in the unit outer wall 105. In the unit housing 101, the motor housing 70 and the inverter housing 90 are arranged in the axial direction A and D. The inverter housing 90 is located downwind of the motor housing 70 in the propeller wind direction. For example, in the unit outer wall 105, the upwind portion is the motor housing 70, and the downwind portion is the inverter housing 90.

[0056] In the unit housing 101, the motor housing 70 is the part that forms the motor space 74. For example, in the unit housing 101, the motor outer periphery wall 71, the upstream plate 106, and the partition plate 108 form the motor housing 70. The motor housing 70 has a motor upstream wall surface 70a, a motor outer periphery wall surface 70c, and a motor inner wall surface 71a. The motor upstream wall surface 70a is included in the unit upstream wall surface 101a. The motor outer periphery wall surface 70c is included in the unit outer periphery wall surface 101c. The motor inner wall surface 71a is included in the unit inner wall surface 105a. The motor outer periphery wall surface 70c and the motor inner wall surface 71a are formed by the motor outer periphery wall 71.

[0057] In the unit housing 101, the part forming the inverter space 94 is the inverter housing 90. For example, in the unit housing 101, the inverter outer wall 91, the downstream plate 107, and the partition plate 108 form the inverter housing 90. The inverter housing 90 has an inverter downstream wall surface 90b, an inverter outer wall surface 90c, and an inverter inner wall surface 91a. The inverter downstream wall surface 90b is included in the unit downstream wall surface 101b. The inverter outer wall surface 90c is included in the unit outer wall surface 101c. The inverter inner wall surface 91a is included in the unit inner wall surface 105a. The inverter outer wall surface 90c and the inverter inner wall surface 91a are formed by the inverter outer wall surface 91. The inverter inner wall surface 91a corresponds to the inner wall surface.

[0058] The motor space 74 and the inverter space 94 are aligned in the axial direction A and D. The partition plate 108 is located between the motor space 74 and the inverter space 94. The motor space 74 and the inverter space 94 are separated by the partition plate 108. The motor space 74 is the space between the upstream plate 106 and the partition plate 108. The inverter space 94 is the space between the downstream plate 107 and the partition plate 108.

[0059] The motor 61 has a stator 200, a first rotor 300a, a second rotor 300b, and a motor shaft 340. The stator 200 is the stator. The stator 200 has motor coils. The rotors 300a and 300b are rotors. The rotors 300a and 300b rotate relative to the stator 200. The rotors 300a and 300b rotate around the motor axis Cm. The motor axis Cm is the centerline of the rotors 300a and 300b. The stator 200 and motor coils extend in an annular shape in the circumferential direction CD. The centerline of the stator 200 coincides with the motor axis Cm.

[0060] Motor device 60 is an axial gap type rotating electric machine. Motor 61 is an axial gap type motor. In motor 61, the stator 200 and rotors 300a and 300b are arranged in the axial direction AD along the motor axis Cm. Motor device 60 is a double rotor type rotating electric machine. Motor 61 is a double rotor type motor. The first rotor 300a and the second rotor 300b are arranged in the axial direction AD. The stator 200 is located between the two rotors, the first rotor 300a and the second rotor 300b. The stator 200 is located away from the rotors 300a and 300b in the axial direction AD. Motor 61 in this embodiment is sometimes referred to as a double axial motor.

[0061] In the axial direction AD, the first rotor 300a is located on the upstream plate 106 side. The first rotor 300a is positioned away from the upstream plate 106 towards the partition plate 108 side. The first rotor 300a extends circumferentially CD along the upstream plate 106. In the axial direction AD, the second rotor 300b is located on the partition plate 108 side. The second rotor 300b is positioned away from the partition plate 108 towards the upstream plate 106 side. The second rotor 300b extends circumferentially CD along the partition plate 108. Rotors 300a and 300b are positioned radially inward from the motor outer wall 71.

[0062] The motor shaft 340 supports the rotors 300a and 300b. The motor shaft 340 rotates together with the rotors 300a and 300b around the motor axis Cm. The centerline of the motor shaft 340 coincides with the motor axis Cm. The motor shaft 340 connects the rotors 300a and 300b to the EPU shaft 51. The motor shaft 340 and the EPU shaft 51 are aligned in the axial direction AD. The centerline of the motor shaft 340 coincides with the EPU axis Cepu. However, the centerline of the motor shaft 340 may be located radially RD away from the EPU axis Cepu.

[0063] The motor shaft 340 has a shaft body 341 and a shaft flange 342. The shaft body 341 is cylindrical and extends axially AD along the motor axis Cm. The shaft flange 342 extends radially outward from the shaft body 341. The shaft flange 342 is fixed to the rotors 300a and 300b. The shaft flange 342 partitions the motor space 74 so as to divide it axially AD. The rotors 300a and 300b are located radially outward from the shaft body 341.

[0064] The rotors 300a and 300b have magnets 310 and magnet holders 320. Multiple magnets 310 are arranged in the circumferential direction CD on each of the rotors 300a and 300b. The magnets 310 are permanent magnets and form a disclosure. The magnets 310 of the first rotor 300a and the magnets 310 of the second rotor 300b are arranged in the axial direction AD via the stator 200. The magnet holders 320 support the magnets 310. The magnet holders 320 as a whole form the outer casing of the rotors 300a and 300b. The magnet holders 320 are fixed to the shaft flange 342.

[0065] The motor device 60 has an upstream bearing 360 and a downstream bearing 361. The bearings 360 and 361 rotatably support the motor shaft 340. The upstream bearing 360 and the downstream bearing 361 are aligned in the axial direction AD via a shaft flange 342. The upstream bearing 360 is fixed to the upstream plate 106. The downstream bearing 361 is fixed to the downstream plate 107.

[0066] The inverter device 80 includes a drive board 510, a filter component 524, an arm switch unit 530, a control board 550, and a smoothing capacitor unit 580. The drive board 510, filter component 524, arm switch unit 530, control board 550, and smoothing capacitor 145 are housed in an inverter housing 90. The drive board 510 and the arm switch unit 530, etc., form the inverter 81. A microcontroller 165 is mounted on the control board 550. The control board 550 and the microcontroller 165, etc., form the control circuit 160.

[0067] The drive board 510 and the control board 550 are formed in a plate shape and extend in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction A and D. The drive board 510 and the control board 550 are circuit boards having wiring patterns, etc. The drive board 510 and the control board 550 are arranged side by side in the axial direction A and D. The control board 550 is located between the drive board 510 and the downstream plate 107. In the axial direction A and D, the distance between the drive board 510 and the control board 550 is smaller than the distance between the drive board 510 and the partition plate 108.

[0068] The drive board 510 divides the inverter space 94 into a first drive space 94a and a second drive space 94b. The first drive space 94a and the second drive space 94b are included in the inverter space 94. The first drive space 94a and the second drive space 94b are aligned in the axial direction A and D via the drive board 510. The first drive space 94a is the space between the drive board 510 and the partition plate 108. The second drive space 94b is the space between the drive board 510 and the downstream plate 107. The control board 550 is located in the second drive space 94b.

[0069] The control board 550 has a substrate opening 553. The substrate opening 553 penetrates the control board 550 in the axial direction AD. The substrate opening 553 is located in the center of the control board 550. The center of the substrate opening 553 is located where the motor axis Cm passes through. The inner diameter of the substrate opening 553 is larger than, for example, the outer diameter of the shaft body 341.

[0070] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, in the drive board 510, the drive outer periphery end 512 extends circumferentially in the CD direction along the inverter inner wall surface 91a. The drive outer periphery end 512 is the outer periphery end of the drive board 510. The drive outer periphery end 512 is located radially inward from the inverter inner wall surface 91a. In the control board 550, the control outer periphery end 552 extends circumferentially in the CD direction along the inverter inner wall surface 91a. The control outer periphery end 552 is the outer periphery end of the control board 550. The control outer periphery end 552 is located in contact with or close to the inverter inner wall surface 91a. In the radial direction RD, the distance between the drive outer periphery end 512 and the inverter inner wall surface 91a is greater than the distance between the control outer periphery end 552 and the inverter inner wall surface 91a.

[0071] The drive board 510 has a first drive surface 510a and a second drive surface 510b. Of the pair of plate surfaces of the drive board 510, the plate surface on the partition plate 108 side is the first drive surface 510a, and the plate surface on the downstream plate 107 side is the second drive surface 510b. The second drive surface 510b extends along the control board 550. The drive board 510 corresponds to a wiring board. The first drive surface 510a corresponds to a first plate surface, and the second drive surface 510b corresponds to a second plate surface.

[0072] The drive board 510 is a circuit board to which power is supplied for driving the motor 61. The drive board 510 is sometimes referred to as a power board. Multiple filter components 524 and smoothing capacitor sections 580 are provided on the drive board 510. The filter components 524 and smoothing capacitor sections 580 are mounted on the drive board 510 in a state where they protrude from the first drive surface 510a. On the drive board 510, the protrusion dimensions of the filter components 524 and the smoothing capacitor sections 580 are greater than the distance between the drive board 510 and the control board 550 in the axial direction AD.

[0073] The smoothing capacitor section 580 is a component having a smoothing capacitor 145. The smoothing capacitor section 580 has an element that forms the smoothing capacitor 145 and a protective part made of resin or the like that protects this element.

[0074] As shown in Figure 2, the filter components 524 include a common mode coil section 525, a normal mode coil section 526, a Y capacitor section 527, and an X capacitor section 528. The common mode coil section 525 has a common mode coil 151. The common mode coil section 525 has an element that forms the common mode coil 151 and a protective part such as resin that protects this element. Multiple common mode coil sections 525 are provided on the drive board 510. The normal mode coil section 526 has a normal mode coil 152. The normal mode coil section 526 has an element that forms the normal mode coil 152 and a protective part such as resin that protects this element. Multiple normal mode coil sections 526 are provided on the drive board 510.

[0075] The Y-capacitor section 527 has a Y-capacitor 153. The Y-capacitor section 527 has an element that forms the Y-capacitor 153 and a protective part made of resin or the like that protects this element. Multiple Y-capacitor sections 527 are provided on the drive board 510. The X-capacitor section 528 has an X-capacitor 154. The X-capacitor section 528 has an element that forms the X-capacitor 154 and a protective part made of resin or the like that protects this element. Multiple X-capacitor sections 528 are provided on the drive board 510.

[0076] The current sensors 146 and 147 are provided on the drive board 510 together with the smoothing capacitor section 580, etc. The current sensors 146 and 147 are mounted on the drive board 510 in a state where they protrude from the first drive surface 510a. Multiple motor current sensors 146 are provided to correspond to the U phase, V phase, and W phase. One battery current sensor 147 is provided to correspond to the P line 141.

[0077] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the inverter device 80 has an arm switch section 530. The arm switch section 530 has an arm switch 86. The arm switch section 530 has elements such as MOSFETs that form the arm switch 86 and protective parts such as resin that protect these elements. Multiple arm switch sections 530 are arranged in the circumferential direction CD along the inner wall surface 91a of the inverter. The arm switch section 530 is provided on the first drive surface 510a side with respect to the drive board 510. For example, the arm switch section 530 is located away from the drive board 510 towards the partition plate 108 side.

[0078] The arm switch section 530 has a switch body and switch terminals. The switch body has elements such as a MOSFET and a protective section. The switch body is formed, for example, in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped. The switch terminals are terminals such as drain terminals that extend from the switch body. In the arm switch section 530, the switch body is located away from the drive board 510, while the switch terminals are connected to the drive board 510 in a way that allows current to flow.

[0079] Multiple arm switch units 530 are arranged along the drive outer peripheral end 512. The arm switch units 530 and the drive outer peripheral end 512 are aligned in the axial direction AD. The arm switch units 530 are positioned to straddle the drive outer peripheral end 512 in the radial direction RD. In the radial direction RD, the distance between the inverter inner wall surface 91a and the drive outer peripheral end 512 is smaller than the thickness dimension of the arm switch unit 530.

[0080] The arm switch unit 530 is provided on the inner wall surface 91a of the inverter. The arm switch unit 530 is provided on the inner wall surface 91a of the inverter so that the heat from the arm switch unit 530 is transferred to the outer wall surface 91 of the inverter. Direct heat exchange occurs between the arm switch unit 530 and the outer wall surface 91 of the inverter. For example, the arm switch unit 530 is in contact with the inner wall surface 91a of the inverter. The arm switch unit 530 is fixed to the outer wall surface 91 of the inverter by fasteners such as screws.

[0081] Furthermore, if the heat from the arm switch section 530 is transferred to the inverter's outer wall 91, the arm switch section 530 and the inverter's inner wall surface 91a do not need to be in contact. For example, a heat transfer material such as a heat transfer gel may be provided between the arm switch section 530 and the inverter's inner wall surface 91a.

[0082] The arm switch section 530 has a diode 87 in addition to the arm switch 86. In the arm switch section 530, the elements forming the diode 87 are protected by a protective section.

[0083] In the inverter device 80, the smoothing capacitor section 580 is located radially inward from the arm switch section 530. The smoothing capacitor section 580 is located radially inward from the drive outer peripheral end 512. Multiple smoothing capacitor sections 580 are arranged in a circumferential direction CD along the drive outer peripheral end 512. The smoothing capacitor section 580 is formed as a rectangular parallelepiped so as to extend radially RD. In the smoothing capacitor section 580, the longer side extends radially RD, and the shorter side extends circumferentially CD.

[0084] The filter components 524, like the smoothing capacitor section 580, are located radially inward from the arm switch section 530. The filter components 524 are located radially inward from the smoothing capacitor section 580. Multiple filter components 524 are arranged in the circumferential direction CD, similar to the smoothing capacitor section 580. At least some of the filter components 524 are formed as a rectangular parallelepiped so as to extend radially RD. At least some of the filter components 524 have their long sides extending radially RD and their short sides extending circumferentially CD.

[0085] In the multiple filter components 524, multiple Y capacitor sections 527 and X capacitor sections 528 are arranged in the circumferential direction CD. The Y capacitor sections 527 and X capacitor sections 528 are formed as a whole in a rectangular parallelepiped shape so as to extend in the radial direction RD. In the Y capacitor sections 527 and X capacitor sections 528, the longer sides extend in the radial direction RD, and the shorter sides extend in the circumferential direction CD.

[0086] In the inverter device 80, heat is more easily generated in the radially outer parts. The arm switch section 530, the smoothing capacitor section 580, and the filter component 524 are heat-generating components that generate heat when energized. In the inverter device 80, components that generate heat more easily when energized are placed radially outward. The arm switch section 530 generates more heat than the smoothing capacitor section 580 and the filter component 524. Therefore, the arm switch section 530 is placed radially outward from both the smoothing capacitor section 580 and the filter component 524. For example, the arm switch section 530 generates more heat and is more prone to becoming hotter than both the smoothing capacitor section 580 and the filter component 524.

[0087] The filter component 524 generates less heat than either the arm switch section 530 or the smoothing capacitor section 580. For this reason, the filter component 524 is positioned radially inward from either the arm switch section 530 or the smoothing capacitor section 580. For example, the filter component 524 is less likely to become hotter than either the arm switch section 530 or the smoothing capacitor section 580.

[0088] In the multiple filter components 524, the X capacitor section 528 and the Y capacitor section 527 are radially inward from the smoothing capacitor section 580. The X capacitor section 528 and the Y capacitor section 527, together with the smoothing capacitor section 580, are radially inward from the arm switch section 530. The X capacitor section 528 and the Y capacitor section 527, like the smoothing capacitor section 580, generate less heat than the arm switch section 530. The arm switch section 530 corresponds to a switch component. The smoothing capacitor section 580, the X capacitor section 528, and the Y capacitor section 527 correspond to capacitor components.

[0089] The inverter device 80 has a power connector 96 and a signal connector 97. The power connector 96 and the signal connector 97 are connectors for connecting the inverter device 80 to external devices. An example of an external device to which the power connector 96 is connected is a battery 31. For example, the power connector 96 is connected to the battery 31 so that power can be supplied via a power cable or the like. An example of an external device to which the signal connector 97 is connected is a flight control device 40. For example, the signal connector 97 is connected to the flight control device 40 so that communication can take place via a signal cable or the like.

[0090] The power connector 96 and the signal connector 97 are provided on the outer surface of the inverter housing 90. For example, the power connector 96 is provided on the outer peripheral wall surface 90c of the inverter. The signal connector 97 is provided on the downstream wall surface 90b of the inverter.

[0091] In the EPU50, a cooling air Fa (see Figure 3) flows inside the motor unit 100. The cooling air Fa is a gas, such as outside air, that flows inside the motor unit 100. The outside air is outside air that flows into the EPU50 from the outside. For example, when the cooling air Fa flows into the unit space 102, the heat from the motor 61 and inverter 81 is transferred to the cooling air Fa, and this heat is released to the outside of the motor unit 100 along with the cooling air Fa. In this way, the EPU50 is cooled from the inside by the cooling air Fa.

[0092] The motor unit 100 has a unit inlet 111 and a unit inlet 112. The unit inlet 112 is an inlet for allowing cooling air Fa to flow from outside the unit housing 101 into the unit space 102. The unit inlet 112 is provided on the outer surface of the unit housing 101. The unit inlet 112 corresponds to the housing inlet.

[0093] The unit inflow hole 111 is provided in the unit housing 101. The unit inflow hole 111 communicates with the unit space 102. The unit inflow hole 111 opens the unit space 102 to the outside of the motor unit 100. The unit inflow hole 111 forms the unit inlet 112. The outer end of the unit inflow hole 111 is the unit inlet 112.

[0094] The motor unit 100 has a unit outflow hole 113 and a unit outlet 114. The unit outlet 114 is an outlet for allowing the cooling air Fa to flow out from the unit space 102 to the outside of the unit housing 101. The unit outlet 114 is provided on the outer surface of the unit housing 101. The unit outlet 114 corresponds to the housing outlet.

[0095] The unit outflow hole 113 is a hole penetrating the unit housing 101. The unit outflow hole 113 communicates with the unit space 102. The unit outflow hole 113 opens the unit space 102 to the outside of the motor unit 100. The unit outflow hole 113 forms the unit outlet 114. The outer end of the unit outflow hole 113 is the unit outlet 114.

[0096] In the motor unit 100, the inlet area Sin and the outlet area Sout are approximately the same. Even if there is a difference between the inlet area Sin and the outlet area Sout, the difference is within the allowable range. The inlet area Sin is the area of the unit inlet 112. The outlet area Sout is the area of the unit outlet 114. For example, the area ratio RA is within the allowable range. The area ratio RA is the ratio of the inlet area Sin to the outlet area Sout. The area ratio RA is, for example, the value obtained by dividing the inlet area Sin by the outlet area Sout. That is, RA = Sin / Sout holds. The allowable range is the range between 0.8 and 1.2. That is, 0.8 < RA < 1.2 holds.

[0097] In this embodiment, the cooling air Fa that flows into the motor unit 100 cools the motor 61 and then the inverter 81. The motor unit 100 has a motor inlet 111A and a motor inlet 112A, which are unit inlet holes 111 and unit inlets 112. The motor inlet 112A is an inlet for allowing the cooling air Fa to flow from outside the unit housing 101 into the motor space 74. The motor inlet 112A is provided on the outer surface of the motor housing 70. For example, the motor inlet 112A is provided on the motor upstream wall surface 70a. The motor inlet 112A corresponds to the housing inlet.

[0098] The motor inlet 111A is provided in the motor housing 70. The motor inlet 111A leads to the motor space 74. For example, the motor inlet 111A penetrates the upstream plate 106 in the axial direction AD. The motor inlet 111A is provided between the shaft body 341 and the stator 200 in the radial direction RD. The motor inlet 111A is located inward in the radial direction RD, closer to the shaft body 341 than the motor outer peripheral wall 71. Multiple motor inlet 111A are arranged in the circumferential direction CD.

[0099] The motor unit 100 has an inverter outlet 113B and an inverter outlet 114B, which serve as a unit outlet 113 and a unit outlet 114. The inverter outlet 114B is an outlet for releasing cooling air Fa from the inverter space 94 to the outside of the motor unit 100. The inverter outlet 114B is provided on the outer surface of the inverter housing 90. For example, the inverter outlet 114B is provided on the downstream wall surface 90b of the inverter. The inverter outlet 114B corresponds to the housing outlet.

[0100] The inverter outlet hole 113B is provided in the inverter housing 90. The inverter outlet hole 113B leads to the inverter space 94. For example, the inverter outlet hole 113B penetrates the downstream plate 107 in the axial direction AD. The inverter outlet hole 113B is located in the center of the downstream plate 107. The center of the inverter outlet hole 113B is located where the motor axis Cm passes through. The inner diameter of the inverter outlet hole 113B is larger than, for example, the outer diameter of the shaft body 341.

[0101] The motor unit 100 has a unit connection hole 115. The unit connection hole 115 provides a ventilated connection between the motor space 74 and the inverter space 94. Cooling air Fa flows from the motor space 74 through the unit connection hole 115 into the inverter space 94. The motor unit 100 also has a plate connection hole 115A as the unit connection hole 115. The plate connection hole 115A penetrates the partition plate 108 in the axial direction AD. The plate connection hole 115A is located between the shaft body 341 and the stator 200 in the radial direction RD. The plate connection hole 115A is located at least radially inward from the smoothing capacitor section 580. For example, the plate connection hole 115A is radially inward from the filter component 524. The plate connection hole 115A is located inward in the radial direction RD, closer to the shaft body 341 than the unit outer peripheral wall 105. Multiple plate connection holes 115A are arranged in the circumferential direction CD.

[0102] The EPU50 has a blower 120. The blower 120 is a device for circulating cooling air Fa inside the motor unit 100. The cooling air Fa flows into the motor space 74 as the blower 120 blows air, passes through the inverter space 94, and then flows out to the outside. The blower 120 uses the drive of the motor 61 to circulate the cooling air Fa. The blower 120 blows air in conjunction with the drive of the motor 61 and stops blowing air when the motor 61 stops.

[0103] The blower 120 is located outside the motor unit 100. The blower 120 is arranged in the axial direction A and D relative to the motor unit 100. The blower 120 is located on the windward side of the propeller wind relative to the motor unit 100. The blower 120 is positioned to allow cooling air Fa to flow into the motor inlet 112A. The blower 120 is located on the windward side of the motor inlet 112A.

[0104] The blower device 120 has a blower fan 121 and a blower case 125. The blower case 125 houses the blower fan 121. The blower case 125 covers the motor inlet 112A from the outside. The blower case 125 has a case space 126. The case space 126 is the internal space of the blower case 125. The blower case 125 has an outer case surface 125a and an inner case surface 125b. The outer case surface 125a is the outer surface of the blower case 125. The inner case surface 125b is the inner surface of the blower case 125 and forms the case space 126.

[0105] The blower case 125 has a case inlet 127 and a case outlet 128. The case inlet 127 and the case outlet 128 open the case space 126 to the outside of the blower case 125. The case inlet 127 is an inlet for allowing cooling air Fa to flow into the case space 126. The case inlet 127 opens the case space 126 in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction AD. For example, the case inlet 127 opens the case space 126 radially outward.

[0106] The case outlet 128 is an outlet for releasing cooling air Fa from the case space 126. The case outlet 128 is connected to the motor inlet 112A. The case outlet 128 provides a ventilated connection between the case space 126 and the motor inlet 112A. The case outlet 128 and the motor inlet 112A are aligned in the axial direction AD. Multiple case outlets 128 are arranged in the circumferential direction CD, similar to the motor inlet 112A.

[0107] The blower fan 121 is a fan capable of supplying cooling air Fa. The blower fan 121 corresponds to a cooling air fan. The blower fan 121 is housed in the case space 126. The blower fan 121 is connected to the motor 61 via the EPU shaft 51. The blower fan 121 is mounted on the EPU shaft 51 outside the motor unit 100. The blower fan 121 rotates together with the EPU shaft 51 around the motor axis Cm. The blower fan 121 is an axial flow fan and supplies air in the axial direction AD. In the blower device 120, as the blower fan 121 rotates, the cooling air Fa that flows in from the case inlet 127 flows out from the case outlet 128. The cooling air Fa that flows out from the case outlet 128 flows into the motor inlet 112A.

[0108] The blower fan 121 has blower blades 122 and a blower boss 123. Multiple blower blades 122 are arranged in the circumferential direction CD. The blower boss 123 connects the multiple blower blades 122. The blower blades 122 extend radially outward from the blower boss 123. The blower boss 123 is fixed to the EPU shaft 51. The blower boss 123 extends circumferentially CD along the outer surface of the EPU shaft 51. The blower blades 122 are in a state where they extend radially outward from the EPU shaft 51. At least a portion of the blower blades 122 are positioned aligned axially AD with respect to the case outlet 128.

[0109] When the blower fan 121 is blowing air, as shown in Figure 3, the cooling air Fa flows into the motor space 74 from the motor inlet 112A, passes through the inverter space 94, and flows out from the inverter outlet 114B.

[0110] In the motor space 74, at least a portion of the cooling air Fa flows through the motor gap 450. The motor gap 450 is included in the motor space 74 and is the gap through which the cooling air Fa flows. The motor gap 450 is a labyrinthine, elongated space with a bent shape in multiple sections. The motor gap 450 has multiple bends. In the motor gap 450, multiple sections extending radially RD are arranged in the axial direction AD between the motor inlet 112A and the unit connection hole 115. The motor gap 450 extends annularly in the circumferential direction CD along the inner wall surface 71a of the motor.

[0111] The motor gap 450 includes a first outer gap 451, a second outer gap 452, and an inner gap 453. The first outer gap 451 and the second outer gap 452 are aligned axially AD via the inner gap 453. The inner gap 453 connects the first outer gap 451 and the second outer gap 452. The first outer gap 451 leads to the motor inlet 112A. The second outer gap 452 leads to the unit connection hole 115. Each of the outer gaps 451, 452, and the inner gap 453 has a portion extending radially RD and at least one bend.

[0112] The first outer gap 451 is the gap between the first rotor 300a and the motor housing 70. In the first outer gap 451, the gap between the first rotor 300a and the upstream plate 106 extends radially RD. The second outer gap 452 is the gap between the second rotor 300b and the motor housing 70. In the second outer gap 452, the gap between the second rotor 300b and the downstream plate 107 extends radially RD.

[0113] The inner gap 453 is the gap between the rotors 300a and 300b and the stator 200. In the inner gap 453, the first axial gap 453a and the second axial gap 453b extend radially RD. The first axial gap 453a is the gap between the first rotor 300a and the stator 200. The second axial gap 453b is the gap between the second rotor 300b and the stator 200.

[0114] In the motor space 74, at least a portion of the cooling air Fa flowing in from the motor inlet 112A flows into the motor gap 450. The cooling air Fa flows through the motor gap 450 so as to flow along the outer surfaces of the rotors 300a and 300b and the stator 200. The cooling air Fa cools the rotors 300a and 300b and the stator 200 as it flows through the motor gap 450. In the motor gap 450, the cooling air Fa flows radially outward through the first outer gap 451 and radially inward through the first axial gap 453a of the inner gap 453. Subsequently, the cooling air Fa flows radially outward through the second axial gap 453b and radially inward through the second outer gap 452. Finally, the cooling air Fa flows from the motor gap 450 into the inverter space 94 through the unit connection hole 115.

[0115] In the inverter space 94, the first drive space 94a leads to the unit connection hole 115. The second drive space 94b leads to the inverter outlet 114B. The first drive space 94a and the second drive space 94b are connected ventilated by a drive gap 94c. The drive gap 94c is included in the inverter space 94. The drive gap 94c is the gap between the drive substrate 510 and the inverter outer peripheral wall 91. The drive gap 94c is the space between the drive outer peripheral end 512 and the inverter inner wall surface 91a. The drive gap 94c extends annularly in the circumferential direction CD along the drive outer peripheral end 512. The drive gap 94c corresponds to the substrate gap.

[0116] In the inverter space 94, cooling air Fa flows into the first drive space 94a from the unit connection hole 115. The cooling air Fa flows radially outward from the unit connection hole 115 towards the drive gap 94c. The cooling air Fa passes through the filter component 524 and reaches the smoothing capacitor section 580, then passes through the arm switch section 530 and reaches the drive gap 94c. The cooling air Fa cools the filter component 524, then the smoothing capacitor 145, and then the arm switch section 530. The cooling air Fa cools the drive board 510 by flowing along the first drive surface 510a.

[0117] The cooling air Fa cools the arm switch section 530 and then flows from the drive gap 94c into the second drive space 94b. The cooling air Fa flows radially inward in the second drive space 94b. The cooling air Fa cools the drive substrate 510 by flowing along the second drive surface 510b. After reaching the substrate opening 553 from the second drive space 94b, the cooling air Fa flows out to the outside through the unit outlet hole 113 via the substrate opening 553.

[0118] Inside the motor unit 100, it is unlikely that the flow velocity or flow rate of the cooling air Fa will become excessively large. For example, the flow velocity and flow rate of the cooling air Fa are limited as it flows through the labyrinthine motor gap 450. In other words, the pressure loss that occurs when the cooling air Fa flows through the motor gap 450 prevents the flow velocity and flow rate of the cooling air Fa from becoming too large. Therefore, it is prevented that the motor unit 100 will malfunction due to an excessively large flow velocity or flow rate of the cooling air Fa.

[0119] For example, unlike this embodiment, consider a configuration in which the motor space 74 does not have a labyrinth-shaped motor gap 450. In this configuration, the flow velocity and flow rate of the cooling air Fa are not restricted and tend to become excessively large. If the flow velocity and flow rate of the cooling air Fa become excessively large, abnormalities such as mounted components on the drive board 510 or control board 550 becoming detached are more likely to occur. In contrast, as in this embodiment, when the flow velocity and flow rate of the cooling air Fa are restricted by a labyrinth-shaped motor gap 450 or the like, abnormalities such as mounted components becoming detached are less likely to occur.

[0120] Furthermore, within the motor unit 100, the motor 61 and inverter 81 are easily cooled by the cooling air Fa. For example, in the motor space 74, the cooling air Fa flows through the motor gap 450, making multiple turns in the radial direction RD. In the inverter space 94, the drive gap 94c is located radially outward from the unit connection hole 115 and the unit outlet hole 113, causing the cooling air Fa to flow multiple turns in the radial direction RD. In this way, the flow path for the cooling air Fa is long in both the motor space 74 and the inverter space 94. As a result, the contact area between the cooling air Fa and the motor 61 and inverter 81 is increased, making it easier for heat to be transferred from the motor 61 and inverter 81 to the cooling air Fa. In other words, the cooling effect of the cooling air Fa on the motor 61 and inverter 81 is easily enhanced.

[0121] As shown in Figures 1 and 4, the EPU 50 has a labyrinth structure 700. The labyrinth structure 700 restricts foreign matter MF (see Figure 4), such as water and dirt, from entering the inside of the motor unit 100 from the motor inlet 112A. The labyrinth structure 700 corresponds to a foreign matter restricting section. The labyrinth structure 700 is attached to the blower 120. The labyrinth structure 700 is located on the outside of the case inlet 127. By restricting the entry of foreign matter MF into the case inlet 127, the labyrinth structure 700 restricts the entry of foreign matter MF into the unit space 102.

[0122] The labyrinth structure 700 has a labyrinth passage 710. The labyrinth passage 710 is a long, labyrinth-shaped passage that is bent in multiple places. The labyrinth passage 710 has multiple bends. The labyrinth passage 710 is a bent passage. In the labyrinth structure 700, foreign matter MF is removed from the cooling air Fa as it passes through the labyrinth passage 710.

[0123] The labyrinth passage 710 has a labyrinth inlet 711 and a labyrinth outlet 712. The labyrinth inlet 711 is an inlet for allowing cooling air Fa to flow into the labyrinth passage 710. The labyrinth outlet 712 is an outlet for allowing cooling air Fa to flow out of the labyrinth passage 710. The labyrinth inlet 711 and the labyrinth outlet 712 are arranged radially RD. In the labyrinth passage 710, multiple portions extending in the axial direction AD are arranged radially RD between the labyrinth inlet 711 and the labyrinth outlet 712.

[0124] As shown in Figure 4, the labyrinth structure 700 includes a labyrinth housing 701, a labyrinth partition plate 702, a labyrinth support portion 705, and a labyrinth engagement portion 706. The labyrinth housing 701, labyrinth partition plate 702, labyrinth support portion 705, and labyrinth engagement portion 706 are formed from a resin material or the like. The labyrinth housing 701 covers the case inlet 127 from the outside. The labyrinth housing 701 is formed in a cylindrical shape as a whole and extends in the radial direction RD. The labyrinth partition plate 702 partitions the internal space of the labyrinth housing 701 so that the internal space of the labyrinth housing 701 becomes a labyrinth passage 710. The labyrinth support portion 705 supports the labyrinth housing 701. The labyrinth engagement portion 706 fixes the labyrinth support portion 705 to the blower case 125. The labyrinth engagement portion 706 is, for example, hooked onto the inner surface 125b of the case.

[0125] The labyrinth inlet 711 and the labyrinth outlet 712 are provided on the outer surface of the labyrinth housing 701. The labyrinth outlet 712 is connected to the case inlet 127. The labyrinth inlet 711 is open toward the leeward side of the propeller wind. The labyrinth inlet 711 is open toward the opposite side of the propeller 20 in the axial direction AD. The labyrinth inlet 711 is not open toward the windward side of the propeller wind. Multiple labyrinth inlets 711 may be provided on the outer surface of the labyrinth housing 701. Preferably, the multiple labyrinth inlets 711 do not include any labyrinth inlets 711 that are open toward the windward side of the propeller wind.

[0126] When the blower fan 121 is blowing air, the cooling air Fa flows into the labyrinth passage 710 as if being sucked in from the labyrinth inlet 711. The cooling air Fa reaches the case space 126 through the labyrinth passage 710. If foreign matter MF enters the labyrinth inlet 711 along with the cooling air Fa, this foreign matter MF is likely to get caught on the inner surface of the labyrinth passage 710. For example, foreign matter MF is likely to get caught on the labyrinth partition plate 702. In this way, the labyrinth structure 700 is designed so that even if foreign matter MF enters the labyrinth inlet 711, it is difficult for this foreign matter MF to reach the labyrinth outlet 712.

[0127] Because the labyrinth inlet 711 faces downwind of the propeller airflow, it is unlikely that foreign matter MF will enter the labyrinth inlet 711 along with the propeller airflow. Also, when the angle of the EPU 50 is changed in accordance with the change in the tilt angle of the propeller 20, the orientation of the labyrinth inlet 711 is changed. For example, when the propeller 20 functions as a lift rotor, the labyrinth inlet 711 faces downward. In this case, even if foreign matter MF enters the labyrinth inlet 711 along with the cooling air Fa, the foreign matter MF is likely to be expelled to the outside from the labyrinth outlet 712 due to its own weight. Furthermore, when the propeller 20 functions as a cruise rotor, the labyrinth inlet 711 faces the rear of the eVTOL 10. Therefore, it is unlikely that the cruise airflow generated by the cruising of the eVTOL 10 will flow into the labyrinth inlet 711. Therefore, it is unlikely that foreign matter MF will enter the labyrinth inlet 711 along with the cruise airflow.

[0128] As shown in Figure 1, the EPU 50 has an outlet filter 720. The outlet filter 720 is provided for the unit outlet 114. The outlet filter 720 covers the unit outlet 114 from the outside. The outlet filter 720 is fixed to the outer peripheral wall surface 101c of the unit with adhesive or the like. The outlet filter 720 restricts the entry of foreign matter MF from the unit outlet 114 into the unit space 102. For example, the outlet filter 720 restricts the passage of water while allowing the passage of moisture and water vapor. For example, the outlet filter 720 is attached to the downstream wall surface 90b of the inverter so as to cover the inverter outlet 114B. The outlet filter 720 restricts the entry of foreign matter MF from the inverter outlet 114B into the inverter space 94.

[0129] According to the embodiment described above, the cooling air Fa flows into the unit housing 101 from the unit inlet 112 and flows out to the outside of the unit housing 101 from the unit outlet 114. In this configuration, the heat from the motor 61 and inverter 81 inside the unit housing 101 is directly transferred to the cooling air Fa. This heat is then released to the outside of the unit housing 101 from the unit outlet 114 along with the cooling air Fa. Therefore, the motor 61 and inverter 81 can be directly cooled by the cooling air Fa inside the unit housing 101. In other words, the motor unit 100 can be cooled internally by the cooling air Fa.

[0130] However, when the cooling air Fa flows into the unit housing 101, there is a concern that foreign matter MF may enter the unit housing 101 along with the cooling air Fa. In contrast, according to this embodiment, the entry of foreign matter MF from the unit inlet 112 is restricted by the labyrinth structure 700. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of an abnormality in the EPU 50 due to foreign matter MF entering the unit housing 101. For example, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a short circuit abnormality in the drive board 510 caused by foreign matter MF adhering to the drive board 510.

[0131] As a result, the EPU50 achieves internal cooling using cooling air Fa while suppressing malfunctions caused by the entry of foreign matter MF into the interior.

[0132] According to this embodiment, the unit inlet 112 and unit outlet 114 are arranged so that the cooling air Fa that flows into the unit inlet 112 passes through the motor space 74, then through the inverter space 94, and then flows out from the unit outlet 114. In this configuration, the motor 61 is cooled by the cooling air Fa when it is not heated by the inverter 81. Therefore, the cooling effect of the cooling air Fa on the motor 61 can be enhanced. Consequently, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of abnormalities in the EPU 50 caused by the motor 61 becoming excessively hot.

[0133] According to this embodiment, the blower fan 121 sends cooling air Fa so that the cooling air Fa that flows into the unit inlet 112 flows out from the unit outlet 114. In this configuration, the blower fan 121 can forcibly circulate the cooling air Fa inside the unit housing 101. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the cooling effect of the cooling air Fa on the motor 61 and inverter 81 due to insufficient flow velocity or flow rate of the cooling air Fa.

[0134] According to this embodiment, the labyrinth structure 700 restricts the entry of foreign matter MF into the unit housing 101 via the labyrinth passage 710. In this configuration, foreign matter MF is easily removed from the cooling air Fa as it flows through the labyrinth passage 710. Moreover, the labyrinth structure 700 can properly manage the pressure loss when the cooling air Fa flows through the labyrinth passage 710. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the pressure loss in the labyrinth passage 710 from becoming too large, resulting in insufficient flow velocity and flow rate of the cooling air Fa and insufficient cooling effect on the EPU 50 by the cooling air Fa. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent the pressure loss in the labyrinth passage 710 from becoming too small, resulting in excessive flow velocity and flow rate of the cooling air Fa and inducing malfunctions in the motor 61 or inverter 81 due to the cooling air Fa.

[0135] In this embodiment, the labyrinth inlet 711 faces downwind of the propeller wind. In this configuration, it is unlikely that the propeller wind will directly flow into the labyrinth inlet 711. Therefore, it is unlikely that foreign matter MF will enter the labyrinth inlet 711 along with the propeller wind. Thus, the orientation of the labyrinth inlet 711 can suppress the entry of foreign matter MF into the labyrinth passage 710.

[0136] In this embodiment, the labyrinth structure 700 is mounted on a tiltrotor aircraft. In this configuration, the orientation of the labyrinth inlet 711 is changed in accordance with the change in the tilt angle of the propeller 20. By changing the orientation of the labyrinth inlet 711, foreign matter MF inside the labyrinth passage 710 is made more easily discharged from the labyrinth inlet 711. For example, if the tilt angle of the propeller 20 is changed so that the labyrinth inlet 711 faces downward, the foreign matter MF inside the labyrinth passage 710 will fall by its own weight and be discharged from the labyrinth inlet 711.

[0137] According to this embodiment, within the inverter housing 90, the capacitor sections 527, 528, 580 and the arm switch section 530 are arranged such that the cooling air Fa cools the capacitor sections 527, 528, 580 first, and then the arm switch section 530. In this configuration, the capacitor sections 527, 528, 580 are cooled by the cooling air Fa before the arm switch section 530 is subjected to heat. Therefore, the cooling effect of the cooling air Fa on the capacitor sections 527, 528, 580 can be enhanced. In this way, the cooling air Fa can sufficiently dissipate heat from the capacitor sections 527, 528, 580 without significantly hindering the heat dissipation of the arm switch section 530, which generates a relatively large amount of heat.

[0138] In this embodiment, the capacitor sections 527, 528, and 580 are located between the unit connection hole 115 and the arm switch section 530 in the radial direction RD. In this configuration, the capacitor sections 527, 528, and 580 are located upstream of the arm switch section 530 in the flow of cooling air Fa in the inverter space 94. Therefore, a configuration can be achieved in which the cooling air Fa cools the capacitor sections 527, 528, and 580 before reaching the arm switch section 530.

[0139] In this embodiment, the capacitor sections 527, 528, and 580 are mounted on the drive board 510 on the first drive surface 510a. In this configuration, the cooling air Fa flowing along the first drive surface 510a easily hits the capacitor sections 527, 528, and 580. Therefore, a configuration can be achieved in which the capacitor sections 527, 528, and 580 are reliably cooled by the cooling air Fa. Furthermore, the arm switch section 530 is provided between the capacitor sections 527, 528, and 580 and the inner wall surface 91a of the inverter. Therefore, the cooling air Fa that has passed through the capacitor sections 527, 528, and 580 easily hits the arm switch section 530. Therefore, a configuration can be achieved in which the arm switch section 530 is reliably cooled by the cooling air Fa.

[0140] According to this embodiment, the arm switch section 530 is configured such that the cooling air Fa cools the arm switch section 530 before flowing through the drive gap 94c. In this configuration, even if the pressure loss in the drive gap 94c increases and the flow velocity and flow rate of the cooling air Fa in the drive gap 94c decrease, it is unlikely that the flow velocity and flow rate of the cooling air Fa cooling the arm switch section 530 will be insufficient. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the reduction in the cooling effect of the arm switch section 530 by the cooling air Fa due to the drive gap 94c.

[0141] In this embodiment, the arm switch section 530 is provided between the unit connection hole 115 and the drive gap 94c in the axial direction AD. In this configuration, the arm switch section 530 is located upstream of the drive gap 94c in the flow of cooling air Fa in the inverter space 94. Therefore, a configuration can be achieved in which the cooling air Fa cools the arm switch section 530 before passing through the drive gap 94c.

[0142] Furthermore, in the inverter space 94, the first drive space 94a and the second drive space 94b are connected by a drive gap 94c. Therefore, the cooling air Fa cools the capacitor sections 527, 528, 580 and the arm switch section 530 in the first drive space 94a, and then flows into the second drive space 94b through the drive gap 94c. As a result, the cooling air Fa cools the arm switch section 530 before passing through the drive gap 94c. In other words, it is unlikely that any cooling air Fa will pass through the drive gap 94c without cooling the arm switch section 530. Therefore, the arm switch section 530 can be cooled by as much cooling air Fa as possible.

[0143] In this embodiment, the arm switch section 530 is provided on the inverter inner wall surface 91a so that the heat from the arm switch section 530 is transferred to the inverter inner wall surface 91a. In this configuration, the heat from the arm switch section 530 is easily released to the outside of the unit housing 101 via the inverter outer wall 91. The arm switch section 530 can be cooled by external cooling of the motor unit 100 by propeller airflow.

[0144] In this embodiment, multiple arm switch units 530 are arranged in a circumferential direction CD along the inner wall surface 91a of the inverter. In this configuration, each of the multiple arm switch units 530 can be individually provided with external cooling. Therefore, even if there are many arm switch units 530, it is possible to suppress the accumulation of heat from the arm switch units 530 inside the inverter housing 90.

[0145] Furthermore, since the arm switch section 530 is provided on the inner wall surface 91a of the inverter, the row of arm switch sections 530 is located as close as possible to the inner wall surface 91a of the inverter. The row of arm switch sections 530 is formed by multiple arm switch sections 530 and extends in the circumferential direction CD along the inner wall surface 91a of the inverter. In the row of arm switch sections 530, the closer to the radially outward position, the longer the circumferential length CD becomes. For this reason, in a configuration where the arm switch section 530 is located as close as possible to the inner wall surface 91a of the inverter, the number of arm switch sections 530 forming the row can be maximized. In other words, the number of parallel arm switch sections 530 can be increased. The number of parallel arm switch sections 530 is the number of arm switch sections 530 connected in parallel to each other in one phase.

[0146] Furthermore, in the inverter device 80, the heat generated by the arm switch section 530 is greater than that generated by the smoothing capacitor section 580 and the filter component 524. For this reason, a larger number of arm switch sections 530 is advantageous for cooling the arm switch sections 530. This is because the more arm switch sections 530 there are, the easier it is to reduce the heat generated in each individual arm switch section 530.

[0147] According to this embodiment, the EPU 50 is driven to fly the eVTOL 10. In this configuration, while the eVTOL 10 is flying due to the operation of the EPU 50, internal cooling of the EPU 50 by cooling air Fa is achieved, while preventing malfunctions caused by the entry of foreign matter MF into the EPU 50. Therefore, by suppressing malfunctions caused by heat and foreign matter MF in the EPU 50, the deterioration of the eVTOL 10's safety can be suppressed. In eVTOL 10 aircraft, there are strict requirements for suppressing concerns about malfunctions, as well as strict requirements for the EPU 50's power density [kg / kW]. Therefore, by achieving both cooling by cooling air Fa and restriction of foreign matter MF entry into the EPU 50, it is possible to achieve both foreign matter countermeasures and weight reduction.

[0148] <Second Embodiment> In the first embodiment described above, the labyrinth inlet 711 faced downwind of the propeller wind. In contrast, in the second embodiment, the labyrinth inlet 711 faces upwind of the propeller wind. Configurations, operations, and effects not specifically described in the second embodiment are the same as in the first embodiment. This second embodiment will mainly describe the differences from the first embodiment.

[0149] As shown in Figure 7, the labyrinth structure 700 has multiple labyrinth inlets 711. Multiple labyrinth inlets 711 are provided on the outer surface of the labyrinth housing 701. The multiple labyrinth inlets 711 include labyrinth inlets 711 facing downwind of the propeller wind and labyrinth inlets 711 facing upwind of the propeller wind. The labyrinth inlets 711 facing upwind are oriented toward the propeller 20 in the axial direction AD. The labyrinth inlets 711 facing upwind and the labyrinth inlets 711 facing downwind are oriented opposite to each other in the axial direction AD.

[0150] The multiple labyrinth inlets 711 include labyrinth inlets 711 that are open in the circumferential direction CD. In Figure 7, the labyrinth inlets 711 that are open in the circumferential direction CD are not shown. The labyrinth inlets 711 that are open in the circumferential direction CD, the labyrinth inlets 711 that face upwind, and the labyrinth inlets 711 that face downwind are oriented in different directions from each other. The multiple labyrinth inlets 711 are arranged, for example, in at least one of the axial direction AD and the circumferential direction CD.

[0151] In this embodiment, the labyrinth passage 710 has multiple labyrinth inlets 711. In this configuration, even if foreign matter MF enters the labyrinth passage 710 from one of the multiple labyrinth inlets 711, another labyrinth inlet 711 can discharge the foreign matter MF to the outside. For example, even if foreign matter MF enters the labyrinth passage 710 from a labyrinth inlet 711 facing upwind of the propeller wind, the foreign matter MF is easily discharged to the outside from a labyrinth inlet 711 facing downwind. Therefore, a configuration can be realized in which foreign matter MF is easily discharged from the labyrinth passage 710 to the outside of the labyrinth housing 701.

[0152] <Third Embodiment> In the first embodiment described above, a labyrinth structure 700 was used as the foreign matter regulating section. In contrast, in the third embodiment, a foreign matter separation section is used as the foreign matter regulating section. Configurations, operations, and effects not specifically described in the third embodiment are the same as in the first embodiment described above. In this third embodiment, the differences from the first embodiment described above will be explained in detail.

[0153] As shown in Figure 8, the EPU 50 has a centrifuge 750 and a separation connecting pipe 755. The centrifuge 750 restricts foreign matter MF from entering the inside of the motor unit 100 from the motor inlet 112A. The centrifuge 750 corresponds to the foreign matter restricting section. The centrifuge 750 is attached to the blower 120. The centrifuge 750 is located outside the case inlet 127. By restricting the entry of foreign matter MF into the case inlet 127, the centrifuge 750 restricts the entry of foreign matter MF into the unit space 102.

[0154] The centrifuge 750 is capable of separating the cooling air Fa from the foreign matter MF by centrifugal force. In the centrifuge 750, the foreign matter MF is removed from the cooling air Fa using centrifugal force. The centrifuge 750 corresponds to the foreign matter separation section. The separation connecting pipe 755 connects the centrifuge 750 to the blower 120. The separation connecting pipe 755 is formed of, for example, a flexible piping member. The separation connecting pipe 755 supplies the cooling air Fa from which the foreign matter MF has been removed in the centrifuge 750 to the blower 120.

[0155] As shown in Figure 9, the centrifuge 750 has a separation passage 760. The separation passage 760 has a separation inlet 761, a separation outlet 762, a foreign matter outlet 763, and a separation space 765. The separation inlet 761 is an inlet for allowing cooling air Fa to flow into the separation passage 760. The separation outlet 762 is an outlet for allowing cooling air Fa to flow out of the separation passage 760. The foreign matter outlet 763 is an outlet for discharging foreign matter MF separated from the cooling air Fa to the outside of the centrifuge 750. The separation space 765 is connected to the separation inlet 761, the separation outlet 762, and the foreign matter outlet 763. The separation space 765 is a space in which cooling air Fa and foreign matter MF can be separated by centrifugal force.

[0156] The cooling air Fa containing foreign matter MF flows from the separation inlet 761 into the separation passage 760, and then separates into cooling air Fa and foreign matter MF in the separation space 765. The cooling air Fa then flows from the separation outlet 762 into the blower 120 via the separation connecting pipe 755. Meanwhile, the foreign matter MF is discharged from the foreign matter outlet 763. The separation connecting pipe 755 connects the separation outlet 762 and the case inlet 127 in a ventilated manner.

[0157] The centrifuge 750 has a separation housing 751. The separation housing 751 is made of a resin material or the like. The separation housing 751 forms a separation passage 760. A separation inlet 761, a separation outlet 762, and a foreign matter discharge port 763 are provided on the outer surface of the separation housing 751. The separation housing 751 is fixed to the unit housing 101 by fasteners such as bolts. The separation housing 751 is provided, for example, on the radially outer side of the unit housing 101 and is fixed to the outer peripheral wall surface 101c of the unit.

[0158] In the centrifuge 750, the separation inlet 761, separation outlet 762, and foreign matter outlet 763 are open in different directions from each other. The foreign matter outlet 763 is open towards the leeward side of the propeller wind. Therefore, it is unlikely that foreign matter MF that is about to be discharged from the foreign matter outlet 763 will be pushed back into the separation passage 760 by the propeller wind. The separation inlet 761 is open, for example, in the circumferential direction CD. The separation outlet 762 is open, for example, in the axial direction AD.

[0159] According to this embodiment, the centrifuge 750 restricts the entry of foreign matter MF into the unit housing 101 by separating the cooling air Fa from the foreign matter MF using centrifugal force. In this configuration, the cooling air Fa containing foreign matter MF is separated into cooling air Fa and foreign matter MF as it flows through the inside of the centrifuge 750. Because centrifugal force is utilized in the centrifuge 750 in this way, it is easier to remove foreign matter MF from the cooling air Fa compared to, for example, the labyrinth structure 700 of the first embodiment.

[0160] In the centrifuge 750, if centrifugal force is generated in the separation space 765, there is no need to make the separation passage 760 long. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the problem of excessive pressure loss in the separation passage 760, which would result in insufficient flow velocity and flow rate of the cooling air Fa, and thus insufficient cooling effect of the cooling air Fa on the EPU 50. Consequently, a lower pressure loss can be achieved compared to, for example, the labyrinth structure 700 of the first embodiment described above.

[0161] According to this embodiment, the foreign matter discharge port 763 faces downwind of the propeller wind. In this configuration, it is unlikely that the propeller wind will directly flow into the foreign matter discharge port 763. Therefore, it is possible to suppress foreign matter MF from entering the foreign matter discharge port 763 along with the propeller wind, and foreign matter MF that should be discharged from the foreign matter discharge port 763 from being pushed back into the separation space 765 by the propeller wind. Thus, in the centrifuge 750, a configuration can be realized in which foreign matter MF is reliably discharged from the foreign matter discharge port 763. In addition, since foreign matter MF is less likely to be blown away by the propeller wind and reach the EPU 50, it is possible to suppress foreign matter MF from adhering to the outer surface of the EPU 50.

[0162] <Fourth Embodiment> In the third embodiment described above, the foreign matter discharge port 763 faced downwind of the propeller wind. In contrast, in the fourth embodiment, the foreign matter discharge port 763 faces in a direction intersecting the propeller wind. Configurations, operations, and effects of the fourth embodiment that are not specifically described are the same as those of the third embodiment described above. The fourth embodiment will be described mainly in terms of the differences from the third embodiment described above.

[0163] As shown in Figure 10, the centrifuge 750 is provided such that the foreign matter outlet 763 is open in the radial direction RD. The foreign matter outlet 763 is open in a direction perpendicular to the propeller wind. For example, the foreign matter outlet 763 faces radially outward. In the centrifuge 750, the separation inlet 761 is open in the circumferential direction CD. Also, the separation outlet 762 faces radially inward. In the centrifuge 750, the separation housing 751 is arranged in the axial direction AD on the unit housing 101. For example, the separation housing 751 is provided on the windward side of the propeller wind relative to the unit housing 101 and is fixed to the upstream wall surface 101a of the unit.

[0164] In this embodiment, the foreign matter discharge port 763 is open in a direction perpendicular to the propeller airflow. In this configuration, the foreign matter discharge direction and the flight direction are perpendicular. The foreign matter discharge direction is the direction in which foreign matter MF is discharged from the foreign matter discharge port 763, for example, the radial direction RD. The flight direction is the direction in which the eVTOL 10 moves, and tends to coincide with the direction in which the propeller airflow flows. In this way, when the foreign matter discharge direction and the flight direction are perpendicular, foreign matter MF is less likely to be blown away by the flight airflow and reach the EPU 50. This improves the suppression of foreign matter adhesion to the EPU 50. The direction in which the propeller airflow flows tends to coincide with the direction in which the flight airflow generated as the eVTOL 10 flies.

[0165] <Fifth Embodiment> In the first embodiment described above, a labyrinth structure 700 was used as the foreign matter regulating section, and in the second embodiment described above, a centrifuge 750 was used as the foreign matter regulating section. In contrast, in the fifth embodiment, a filtration filter is used as the foreign matter regulating section. Configurations, operations, and effects not specifically described in the fifth embodiment are the same as in the first embodiment described above. This fifth embodiment will mainly be described in terms of the differences from the first embodiment described above.

[0166] As shown in Figure 11, the EPU 50 has a filter sheet 770. The filter sheet 770 restricts foreign matter MF from entering the motor unit 100 from the motor inlet 112A. The filter sheet 770 corresponds to a foreign matter restricting section. The filter sheet 770 is attached to the blower 120. The filter sheet 770 restricts the entry of foreign matter MF into the unit space 102 by restricting the entry of foreign matter MF into the case inlet 127.

[0167] The filter sheet 770 removes foreign matter MF from the cooling air Fa by filtering the cooling air Fa. The filter sheet 770 is a sheet-shaped filter component. The filter sheet 770 can be a filter component containing nonwoven fabric, etc. The filter sheet 770 is equivalent to a filter. The filter sheet 770 covers the case inlet 127 from the outside. The filter sheet 770 is fixed to the outer surface 125a of the case with adhesive or the like.

[0168] The filter sheet 770 is a waterproof and breathable sheet. The filter sheet 770 is waterproof and breathable. The filter sheet 770 allows moisture and water vapor to pass through along with the cooling air Fa, while restricting the passage of water, which is a foreign substance MF. The filter sheet 770 has a pair of sheet surfaces. One sheet surface is the adhesive surface attached to the outer surface 125a of the case. The other sheet surface is the exposed surface exposed on the opposite side from the outer surface 125a of the case. Multiple layers are laminated in the filter sheet 770.

[0169] As shown in Figure 12, the filter sheet 770 has a filter layer 771, an inner protective layer 772, an outer protective layer 773, a flexible layer 774, and an outer layer 775. These layers 771 to 775 are laminated together to form the filter sheet 770. Layers 771 to 775 are formed in sheet form from a resin material or the like.

[0170] The filtration layer 771 is waterproof and breathable. The filtration layer 771 allows moisture and water vapor to pass through along with the cooling air Fa, while restricting the passage of water, which is a foreign substance MF. The filtration layer 771 is a porous membrane. The flexible layer 774 is flexible and forms the surface to which the filtration sheet 770 is attached. The outer layer 775 is abrasion resistant and forms the exposed surface of the filtration sheet 770. The inner protective layer 772 is provided between the filtration layer 771 and the flexible layer 774 and protects the filtration layer 771 from the inside. The outer protective layer 773 is provided between the filtration layer 771 and the outer layer 775 and protects the filtration layer 771 from the outside.

[0171] According to this embodiment, the filter sheet 770 restricts the entry of foreign matter MF into the unit housing 101 by filtering the cooling air Fa. In this configuration, foreign matter MF is removed from the cooling air Fa as it passes through the filter sheet 770. The filter sheet 770 does not need to form a labyrinth passage 710 as in the first embodiment or a separation passage 760 as in the third embodiment. Therefore, by using the filter sheet 770 as the foreign matter restricting part, the foreign matter restricting part can be made lighter and smaller. In addition, the filter sheet 770 easily removes foreign matter MF from the cooling air Fa by filtering the cooling air Fa. Therefore, by using the filter sheet 770 as the foreign matter restricting part, the reliability of foreign matter removal can be increased.

[0172] In this embodiment, the filter sheet 770 or other filter does not have to be in sheet form. For example, the filter may be columnar or rectangular as long as it has a filtering function. The filter may also be inserted into the unit inlet 112. For example, the filter may be embedded in the unit inlet hole 111 so as to block the unit inlet 112.

[0173] <Sixth Embodiment> In the first embodiment described above, the unit connection hole 115 was provided in the partition plate 108 as a plate connection hole 115A. In contrast, in the sixth embodiment, the unit connection hole 115 is provided in the motor shaft 340. Configurations, operations, and effects of the sixth embodiment that are not specifically described above are the same as in the first embodiment. The sixth embodiment will be described mainly in terms of the differences from the first embodiment.

[0174] As shown in Figure 13, the shaft body 341 has a shaft space 341a. The shaft space 341a is the internal space of the shaft body 341. The shaft space 341a is connected to the inverter space 94. The shaft body 341 has the partition plate 108 passing through it in the axial direction AD. The shaft space 341a is radially inside the motor space 74. The shaft body 341 separates the shaft space 341a from the motor space 74.

[0175] The motor unit 100 has a shaft connection hole 115B as a unit connection hole 115. The shaft connection hole 115B is provided in the shaft body 341. The shaft connection hole 115B penetrates the shaft body 341 radially RD. The shaft connection hole 115B is connected to the shaft space 341a. The shaft connection hole 115B connects the motor space 74 and the inverter space 94 in a ventilated manner via the shaft space 341a. The shaft connection hole 115B is provided between the shaft flange 342 and the partition plate 108 in the axial direction AD. The shaft connection hole 115B is located in a position that is connected to the second outer gap 452. Multiple shaft connection holes 115B are arranged in the circumferential direction CD.

[0176] The cooling air Fa flows from the motor space 74 through the shaft connection hole 115B into the shaft space 341a. Then, the cooling air Fa flows from the shaft space 341a along the motor axis Cm into the inverter space 94. As a result, the central part of the inverter space 94 in the radial direction RD is easily cooled by the cooling air Fa.

[0177] The motor unit 100 has motor fins 72 and inverter fins 92. The motor fins 72 and inverter fins 92 are provided on the outer peripheral wall surface 101c of the unit. The motor fins 72 and inverter fins 92 are heat dissipation fins that release heat from the motor unit 100 to the outside. The motor fins 72 and inverter fins 92 cool the motor unit 100 by dissipating heat. The motor fins 72 and inverter fins 92 can enhance the cooling effect of the motor unit 100 by propeller airflow. Multiple motor fins 72 and inverter fins 92 are arranged in the circumferential direction CD.

[0178] The motor fins 72 are contained within the motor housing 70. The motor fins 72 are provided on the outer circumferential wall surface 70c of the motor. The motor fins 72 extend radially outward from the outer circumferential wall 71 of the motor. The motor fins 72 are positioned to align radially RD with the stator 200. Heat from the stator 200 is easily transferred to the motor fins 72 via the outer circumferential wall 71 of the motor.

[0179] The inverter fins 92 are provided on the inverter housing 90. The inverter fins 92 are provided on the outer peripheral wall surface 90c of the inverter. The inverter fins 92 extend radially outward from the outer peripheral wall 91 of the inverter. The inverter fins 92 are provided in a position aligned radially RD with the arm switch section 530. Heat from the arm switch section 530 is easily transferred to the inverter fins 92 via the outer peripheral wall 91 of the inverter.

[0180] The shaft connection hole 115B may also be configured to allow ventilation between the motor space 74 and the inverter space 94 without passing through the shaft space 341a. For example, in a configuration where the shaft body 341 is a solid columnar member, it is preferable that the shaft connection hole 115B extends in at least one of the axial AD and radial RD directions in order to connect the motor space 74 and the inverter space 94.

[0181] The EPU50 may have a fin cover. The fin cover covers at least one of the motor fins 72 and the inverter fins 92 from the radially outer side. The fin cover is a cover member that covers the heat dissipation fins from the radially outer side. In the EPU50, a cover flow path is provided between the unit outer peripheral wall 105 and the fin cover. In the cover flow path, propeller air flows axially AD along the unit outer peripheral wall surface 101c. At least one of the motor fins 72 and the inverter fins 92 is housed in the cover flow path. Heat is released from the motor fins 72 and the inverter fins 92 into the propeller air in the cover flow path.

[0182] The EPU50 may have a fin fan. The fin fan is a fan for cooling at least one of the motor fins 72 and the inverter fins 92. The fin fan blows air in the same direction as the propeller airflow. The fin fan is provided on at least one of the upstream and downstream sides of the motor fins 72 and the inverter fins 92. The airflow generated by the fin fan promotes heat dissipation from at least one of the motor fins 72 and the inverter fins 92.

[0183] <Seventh Embodiment> In the first embodiment described above, the unit outlet 114 was provided in the inverter housing 90 as the inverter outlet 114B. In contrast, in the seventh embodiment, the unit outlet 114 is provided in the motor housing 70. Configurations, operations, and effects of the seventh embodiment that are not specifically described are the same as in the first embodiment described above. The seventh embodiment will be described mainly in terms of the differences from the first embodiment described above.

[0184] As shown in Figure 14, the motor unit 100 has a motor outlet 113A and a motor outlet 114A, which are unit outlet holes 113 and unit outlets 114. The motor outlet 114A is an outlet for allowing cooling air Fa to flow out of the motor space 74 to the outside of the motor unit 100. The motor outlet 114A is provided on the outer surface of the motor housing 70. For example, the motor outlet 114A is provided on the outer peripheral wall surface 70c of the motor. Multiple motor outlets 114A are arranged in the circumferential direction CD. The motor outlet 114A corresponds to the housing outlet.

[0185] The motor outlet hole 113A is provided in the motor housing 70. The motor outlet hole 113A leads to the motor space 74. For example, the motor outlet hole 113A penetrates the motor outer peripheral wall 71 in the radial direction RD. The motor outlet hole 113A is provided between the partition plate 108 and the stator 200 in the axial direction AD. The motor outlet hole 113A is located in a position that leads to the motor gap 450. For example, the motor outlet hole 113A leads to the second outer gap 452. Multiple motor outlet holes 113A are arranged in the circumferential direction CD.

[0186] The outlet filter 720 is attached to the outer peripheral wall surface 70c of the motor so as to cover the motor outlet 114A. The outlet filter 720 restricts the entry of foreign matter MF from the motor outlet 114A into the motor space 74. In this embodiment, similar to the fifth embodiment described above, the entry of foreign matter MF from the motor inlet 112A into the motor space 74 is restricted by the filter sheet 770.

[0187] In this embodiment, similar to the sixth embodiment described above, a shaft connection hole 115B is provided in the motor shaft 340. Unlike the sixth embodiment, the shaft connection hole 115B is located in a position that leads to the first outer gap 451. The shaft connection hole 115B is located between the shaft flange 342 and the upstream plate 106 in the axial direction AD.

[0188] The cooling air Fa flows into the motor space 74 from the motor inlet 112A, and then branches into at least motor air Fa1 and inverter air Fa2. In other words, the cooling air Fa includes motor air Fa1 and inverter air Fa2.

[0189] The motor airflow Fa1 cools the motor 61 in the motor space 74. For example, the motor airflow Fa1 flows into the motor gap 450 in the motor space 74 and cools the stator 200 by flowing through the second outer gap 452. After cooling the stator 200, the motor airflow Fa1 flows out from the motor outlet 114A without flowing into the inverter space 94. This prevents the heat transferred from the stator 200 to the motor airflow Fa1 from flowing into the inverter space 94 along with the motor airflow Fa1. In the motor device 60, the motor coils of the stator 200 are the most prone to generating heat. Therefore, when heat is transferred from the motor coils to the motor airflow Fa1, the temperature of the motor airflow Fa1 tends to rise, and the cooling performance of the motor airflow Fa1 tends to decrease.

[0190] The inverter airflow Fa2 cools the inverter 81 in the inverter space 94 without cooling the stator 200 in the motor space 74. For example, the inverter airflow Fa2 flows into the inverter space 94 through the shaft connection hole 115B and the shaft space 341a in the motor space 74. The inverter airflow Fa2 can flow into the inverter space 94 without passing through the motor gap 450. As described in the first embodiment above, the inverter airflow Fa2 cools the arm switch section 530 and the like in the inverter space 94.

[0191] In the motor unit 100, the flow rate of the motor airflow Fa1 tends to be greater than the flow rate of the inverter airflow Fa2. The cross-sectional area of ​​the motor gap 450 and the cross-sectional area of ​​the shaft connection hole 115B are set so that the flow rate of the motor airflow Fa1 is greater than the flow rate of the inverter airflow Fa2. For example, the cross-sectional area of ​​the narrowest part of the motor gap 450 is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the shaft connection hole 115B. When the flow rate of the motor airflow Fa1 is greater than the flow rate of the inverter airflow Fa2, the cooling effect of the motor airflow Fa1 on the stator 200 can be maximized. In this way, prioritizing the cooling of the motor 61 over the inverter 81 by the cooling airflow Fa is effective in cooling the motor unit 100, where the heat generated by the motor coil is greater than the heat generated by the arm switch section 530.

[0192] <Eighth Embodiment> In the first embodiment described above, the motor inlet 112A was located radially inward from the stator 200. In contrast, in the eighth embodiment, the motor inlet 112A is located aligned with the stator 200 in the axial direction AD. Configurations, operations, and effects of the eighth embodiment that are not specifically described are the same as those of the first embodiment described above. The eighth embodiment will be described mainly in terms of the differences from the first embodiment described above.

[0193] As shown in Figure 15, the EPU 50 does not have a blower 120. In this embodiment, propeller air flows into the motor space 74 from the motor inlet 112A as cooling air Fa. The motor inlet 112A faces the windward side of the propeller air on the motor upstream wall surface 70a. The EPU 50 has a filter sheet 770, similar to the fifth embodiment described above. The filter sheet 770 covers the motor inlet 112A from the outside. The filter sheet 770 is fixed to the motor upstream wall surface 70a with adhesive or the like. By being directly provided to the motor inlet 112A, the filter sheet 770 restricts the entry of foreign matter MF into the motor inlet 112A. Multiple motor inlets 112A and filter sheets 770 are arranged in the circumferential direction CD.

[0194] Unlike the first embodiment described above, the motor inlet 112A is located in a position closer to the motor outer peripheral wall 71 than the shaft body 341 in the radial direction RD. The motor inlet 112A is located opposite the stator 200 via the first rotor 300a. The motor inlet 112A and the stator 200 are aligned in the axial direction AD via the first rotor 300a. The motor inlet 112A is located in a position that leads to the first outer gap 451. For example, the motor inlet 112A is located in the gap between the first rotor 300a and the motor outer peripheral wall 71, aligned in the axial direction AD.

[0195] Unlike the first embodiment described above, the plate connection hole 115A is located in a position closer to the outer peripheral wall 105 of the unit than to the shaft body 341 in the radial direction RD. The plate connection hole 115A is located opposite the stator 200 via the second rotor 300b. The plate connection hole 115A and the stator 200 are aligned in the axial direction AD via the second rotor 300b. The plate connection hole 115A is located in a position that leads to the second outer gap 452. For example, the plate connection hole 115A is located in the gap between the second rotor 300b and the outer peripheral wall 71 of the motor, aligned in the axial direction AD.

[0196] The plate connection hole 115A is located radially outward from the filter component 524. For example, the plate connection hole 115A is located radially outward from the smoothing capacitor section 580. The plate connection hole 115A is located axially aligned AD with the arm switch section 530. The plate connection hole 115A is aligned axially AD with the motor inlet 112A via the stator 200.

[0197] The cooling air Fa that flows into the motor inlet 112A passes through the motor inlet hole 111A in the axial direction AD and continues on to the axial direction AD, reaching the stator 200. Therefore, the cooling air Fa can cool the stator 200 in the inner gap 453 without heat being applied from other parts of the motor device 60. After flowing out of the inner gap 453, the cooling air Fa passes through the plate connection hole 115A in the axial direction AD and continues on to the axial direction AD, reaching the arm switch section 530. Therefore, the cooling air Fa can cool the arm switch section 530 without heat being applied from other parts of the inverter device 80.

[0198] <Ninth Embodiment> In the first embodiment described above, the labyrinth structure 700, which serves as a foreign matter restricting section, was provided on the upstream side of the blower fan 121. In contrast, in the ninth embodiment, the foreign matter restricting section is provided on the downstream side of the blower fan 121. Configurations, operations, and effects of the ninth embodiment that are not specifically described above are the same as those of the first embodiment. The ninth embodiment will be described mainly in terms of the differences from the first embodiment.

[0199] As shown in Figure 16, the EPU 50, similar to the fifth embodiment described above, has a filter sheet 770 as a foreign matter restricting section. The filter sheet 770 is provided between the blower fan 121 and the motor inlet 112A in the axial direction AD. Similar to the eighth embodiment described above, the filter sheet 770 covers the motor inlet 112A from the outside.

[0200] The blower case 125 of this embodiment is formed in a cylindrical shape and extends in the axial direction A and D. In the blower case 125, the case inlet 127 and the case outlet 128 are arranged in the axial direction A and D. The case inlet 127 faces the upstream side of the propeller airflow. The case outlet 128 faces the downstream side of the propeller airflow. The motor inlet 112A is arranged in the axial direction A and D in the case inlet 127 and the case outlet 128.

[0201] In the blower fan 121, the blower boss 123 is longer than the blower blade 122 in the radial direction RD. The blower blade 122 is positioned at the motor inlet 112A, aligned with the axial direction AD. The blower boss 123 is positioned radially inward from the motor inlet 112A. The cooling air Fa flows axially AD as the blower fan 121 rotates and flows into the motor inlet 112A. When the propeller air reaches the blower fan 121, the blower fan 121 can direct the propeller air into the motor inlet 112A as cooling air Fa.

[0202] <Tenth Embodiment> In the first embodiment described above, the blower fan 121 was configured to act as a cooling fan and circulate cooling air Fa. In contrast, in the tenth embodiment, the rotors 300a and 300b are configured to act as cooling fans and circulate cooling air Fa. Configurations, operations, and effects of the tenth embodiment that are not specifically described are the same as those of the first embodiment described above. The tenth embodiment will be described mainly in terms of the differences from the first embodiment described above.

[0203] As shown in Figure 17, the rotors 300a and 300b have a holder body 321 and a holder rib 323. The holder body 321 and the holder rib 323 are contained within the magnet holder 320. The holder body 321 and the holder rib 323 are made of a metal material or the like. The holder body 321 extends in a plate shape in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction AD. The holder body 321 extends in an annular shape in the circumferential direction CD. The holder body 321 supports the magnet 310. The magnet 310 is positioned inside the holder body 321 from the stator 200 side.

[0204] The holder rib 323 protrudes from the holder body 321 toward the opposite side from the stator 200. The holder rib 323 extends in an elongated shape radially RD along the holder body 321. Multiple holder ribs 323 are arranged in the circumferential direction CD. At least a portion of the holder rib 323 is positioned to align with the magnet 310 in the axial direction AD.

[0205] The rotors 300a and 300b are capable of circulating cooling air Fa. The rotors 300a and 300b function as cooling air fans. When the rotors 300a and 300b rotate, the holder ribs 323 move in the circumferential direction CD, causing the cooling air Fa to flow. In the rotors 300a and 300b, the holder ribs 323 function as blades of the cooling air fan. The rotors 300a and 300b, acting as cooling air fans, are housed in the motor housing 70. In other words, the cooling air fans are housed in the unit housing 101.

[0206] When rotors 300a and 300b rotate, the cooling air Fa flows into the motor space 74 from the motor inlet 112A, passes through the inverter space 94, and flows out from the inverter outlet 114B, similar to the first embodiment described above. The holder rib 323 is shaped to facilitate the flow of the cooling air Fa as the rotors 300a and 300b rotate. For example, the holder rib 323 is curved such that its central portion bulges outwards in one direction in the circumferential direction CD. This curvature of the holder rib 323 makes it easier for the flow velocity and flow rate of the cooling air Fa to increase.

[0207] In this embodiment, only one of the rotors 300a and 300b may have the holder rib 323. In the motor 61, if at least one of the rotors 300a and 300b has the holder rib 323, cooling air Fa will flow as the rotors 300a and 300b rotate.

[0208] <Embodiment 11> In the first embodiment described above, an outlet filter 720 was provided at the unit outlet 114. In contrast, in the eleventh embodiment, a valve body is provided at the unit outlet 114. Configurations, operations, and effects of the eleventh embodiment that are not specifically described are the same as those of the first embodiment described above. This eleventh embodiment will be described mainly in terms of the differences from the first embodiment described above.

[0209] As shown in Figure 18, the EPU50 has a check valve 780. The check valve 780 is provided to cover the unit outlet 114 from the outside. The check valve 780 is a valve body that opens and closes the unit outlet 114. The check valve 780 is superimposed on the downstream wall surface 101b of the unit. A part of the check valve 780 is fixed to the downstream wall surface 101b of the unit with adhesive or the like. The check valve 780 is made of rubber or the like and is elastically deformable.

[0210] The check valve 780 can transition between a closed state and an open state by elastic deformation. When the check valve 780 is in the closed state, it closes the unit outlet 114. When the check valve 780 is in the closed state, it prevents foreign matter MF from entering the unit space 102 from the unit outlet 114. When the check valve 780 is in the open state, it opens the unit outlet 114. When the check valve 780 is in the open state, the cooling air Fa flows out from the unit outlet 114. The check valve 780 transitions from the closed state to the open state by elastic deformation due to the air pressure of the cooling air Fa.

[0211] <Twelfth Embodiment> In the first embodiment described above, the smoothing capacitor unit 580 was provided on the drive board 510, and the microcontroller 165 was provided on the control board 550. In contrast, in the twelfth embodiment, both the smoothing capacitor unit 580 and the microcontroller 165 are provided on a single circuit board. Configurations, operations, and effects of the twelfth embodiment that are not specifically described are the same as those of the first embodiment described above. This twelfth embodiment will be described mainly in terms of the differences from the first embodiment described above.

[0212] As shown in Figure 19, in the motor unit 100, both the smoothing capacitor section 580 and the microcontroller 165 are provided on the drive board 510. On the drive board 510, the smoothing capacitor section 580 is mounted on the first drive surface 510a. The microcontroller 165 is mounted on the second drive surface 510b. On the first drive surface 510a, in addition to the smoothing capacitor section 580, a filter component 524 is also mounted, similar to the first embodiment described above. The motor unit 100 has a drive board 510, but does not have a control board 550.

[0213] The microcontroller 165 may be mounted on the same surface as the smoothing capacitor section 580 on the drive board 510. For example, both the microcontroller 165 and the smoothing capacitor section 580 may be mounted on the first drive surface 510a. Alternatively, the smoothing capacitor section 580 and the microcontroller 165 may be mounted on the control board 550 as a single circuit board.

[0214] <13th Embodiment> In the first embodiment described above, the cooling air Fa passed through the motor space 74 and then through the inverter space 94 before flowing out from the unit outlet 114. In contrast, in the thirteenth embodiment, the cooling air Fa passed through only one of the motor space 74 and the inverter space 94 before flowing out from the unit outlet 114. Configurations, operations, and effects of the thirteenth embodiment that are not specifically described are the same as those of the first embodiment described above. The thirteenth embodiment will be described mainly in terms of the differences from the first embodiment described above.

[0215] As shown in Figure 20, in the motor unit 100, the motor space 74 and the inverter space 94 are independent spaces. In the unit space 102, the motor space 74 and the inverter space 94 are not connected. In the motor unit 100, direct ventilation does not occur between the motor space 74 and the inverter space 94. For example, the motor unit 100 does not have a unit connection hole 115.

[0216] In the motor unit 100, similar to the seventh embodiment described above, the cooling air Fa includes motor air Fa1 and inverter air Fa2. Motor air Fa1 flows into the motor space 74 from outside the unit housing 101 without passing through the inverter space 94. Motor air Fa1 also flows out from the motor space 74 to the outside of the unit housing 101 without passing through the inverter space 94. Inverter air Fa2 flows into the inverter space 94 from outside the unit housing 101 without passing through the motor space 74. Inverter air Fa2 also flows out from the inverter space 94 to the outside of the unit housing 101 without passing through the motor space 74.

[0217] The motor unit 100 has a motor inlet 112A and an inverter inlet 112B as unit inlets 112. The motor inlet 112A allows motor airflow Fa1 to flow into the motor space 74. For example, the motor inlet 112A is provided on the motor upstream wall surface 70a, similar to the first embodiment described above. The motor inlet 112A is positioned to allow motor airflow Fa1 generated by the blower fan 121 to flow in easily.

[0218] The inverter inlet 112B is an inlet for allowing cooling air Fa to flow from outside the unit housing 101 into the inverter space 94. The inverter inlet 112B can allow inverter air Fa2 to flow into the inverter space 94. The inverter inlet 112B is provided on the outer surface of the motor housing 70. For example, the inverter inlet 112B is provided on the outer peripheral wall surface 70c of the motor. The motor inlet 112A and the inverter inlet 112B correspond to the housing inlets.

[0219] The EPU50 has a guide duct 790. The guide duct 790 guides the cooling air Fa to the unit inlet 112. The cooling air Fa is guided to the unit inlet 112 by flowing inside the guide duct 790. The guide duct 790 is located on the outside of the unit housing 101. For example, the guide duct 790 extends along the outer surface of the unit housing 101.

[0220] In this embodiment, the guide duct 790 guides the inverter airflow Fa2 generated by the blower fan 121 to the inverter inlet 112B. The inverter airflow Fa2 is guided to the inverter inlet 112B by flowing inside the guide duct 790. The guide duct 790 is connected to the blower 120 and the inverter inlet 112B. Alternatively, the guide duct 790 may guide the motor airflow Fa1 to the motor inlet 112A. In a configuration where the guide duct 790 is connected to both the motor inlet 112A and the inverter inlet 112B, of the cooling airflow Fa flowing through the guide duct 790, the motor airflow Fa1 flows into the motor inlet 112A, and the inverter airflow Fa2 flows into the inverter inlet 112B.

[0221] The motor unit 100 has a motor outlet 114A and an inverter outlet 114B as unit outlets 114. The motor outlet 114A is capable of releasing motor air Fa1 from the motor space 74 to the outside of the unit housing 101. For example, the motor outlet 114A is provided on the outer circumferential wall surface 70c of the motor, similar to the seventh embodiment described above.

[0222] The inverter outlet 114B allows inverter airflow Fa2 from the inverter space 94 to the outside of the unit housing 101. For example, the inverter outlet 114B is provided on the outer peripheral wall surface 90c of the inverter. The motor outlet 114A and the inverter outlet 114B correspond to the housing outlets.

[0223] According to this embodiment, the unit inlet 112 and unit outlet 114 are arranged so that the cooling air Fa flowing into the unit inlet 112 passes through only one of the motor space 74 and the inverter space 94 and flows out from the unit outlet 114. In this configuration, the motor space 74 and the inverter space 94 are cooled individually by the cooling air Fa. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the heat imparted to the cooling air Fa in one of the motor space 74 and the inverter space 94 flowing into the other with the cooling air Fa. Consequently, it is possible to suppress the reduction in the cooling effect of the other due to heat generated in one of the motor space 74 and the inverter space 94.

[0224] In this embodiment, the motor airflow Fa1 flows into the motor space 74 from the motor inlet 112A and then flows out from the motor outlet 114A without passing through the inverter space 94. In this configuration, of the motor space 74 and the inverter space 94, only the motor space 74 is cooled by the motor airflow Fa1. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the motor airflow Fa1 being imparted with heat from the inverter space 94 and this heat flowing into the motor space 74 together with the motor airflow Fa1. Thus, it is possible to suppress the reduction in the cooling effect of the motor space 74 by the motor airflow Fa1 due to the heat of the inverter space 94.

[0225] Furthermore, the inverter airflow Fa2 flows into the inverter space 94 from the inverter inlet 112B and then flows out from the inverter outlet 114B without passing through the motor space 74. In this configuration, of the motor space 74 and the inverter space 94, only the inverter space 94 is cooled by the inverter airflow Fa2. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the heat from the motor space 74 being transferred to the inverter airflow Fa2 and this heat flowing into the inverter space 94 together with the inverter airflow Fa2. Thus, it is possible to suppress the reduction in the cooling effect of the inverter space 94 by the inverter airflow Fa2 due to the heat from the motor space 74. In particular, when the heat from the motor 61 is greater than the heat from the inverter 81, preventing the heat from the motor 61 from flowing into the inverter space 94 together with the cooling airflow Fa is effective in improving the cooling effect of the inverter 81.

[0226] <14th Embodiment> In the 13th embodiment described above, only one blower fan 121, which serves as a cooling air fan, was provided for the motor unit 100. In contrast, in the 14th embodiment, multiple cooling air fans are provided for the motor unit 100. Configurations, operations, and effects of the 14th embodiment that are not specifically described are the same as those of the 13th embodiment described above. This 14th embodiment will be described mainly in terms of the differences from the 13th embodiment described above.

[0227] As shown in Figure 21, the EPU 50 has a motor fan 121A and an inverter fan 121B as a blower fan 121. The motor fan 121A is a fan for blowing motor air Fa1 into the motor space 74. The motor fan 121A is provided at least one of the motor inlet 112A and the motor outlet 114A. For example, the motor fan 121A is provided upstream of the motor air Fa1 with respect to the motor inlet 112A. The motor fan 121A blows air toward the motor inlet 112A, causing the motor air Fa1 to flow into the motor inlet 112A. In the motor housing 70, as the motor air Fa1 flows into the motor inlet 112A, the motor air Fa1 flows out from the motor outlet 114A.

[0228] The motor inlet 112A is provided on the motor upstream wall 70a, similar to the first embodiment described above. The motor fan 121A is provided at a position aligned with the motor inlet 112A in the axial direction A and D. The motor fan 121A is aligned with the motor housing 70 in the axial direction A and D.

[0229] The inverter fan 121B is a fan for circulating inverter air Fa2 into the inverter space 94. The inverter fan 121B is installed at least one of the inverter inlet 112B and the inverter outlet 114B. For example, the inverter fan 121B is installed downstream of the inverter air Fa2 relative to the inverter outlet 114B. The inverter fan 121B blows air in the opposite direction from the inverter outlet 114B, causing the inverter air Fa2 to flow out of the inverter outlet 114B. The inverter fan 121B then begins to draw in the inverter air Fa2 from the inverter outlet 114B. In the motor unit 100, as the inverter air Fa2 flows out from the inverter outlet 114B, the inverter air Fa2 flows into the inverter inlet 112B.

[0230] The inverter outlet 114B is located on the downstream wall 90b of the inverter. The inverter fan 121B is positioned in the axial direction A and D relative to the inverter outlet 114B. The inverter fan 121B is positioned in the axial direction A and D relative to the inverter housing 90. The inverter fan 121B is located on the opposite side of the motor fan 121A in the axial direction A and D via the motor unit 100.

[0231] <15th Embodiment> In the first embodiment described above, the cooling air Fa was configured to flow through the motor space 74 before entering the inverter space 94. In contrast, in the fifteenth embodiment, the cooling air Fa is configured to flow through the inverter space 94 before entering the motor space 74. Configurations, operations, and effects of the fifteenth embodiment that are not specifically described are the same as those of the first embodiment described above. The fifteenth embodiment will be described mainly in terms of the differences from the first embodiment described above.

[0232] As shown in Figure 22, in the EPU 50, the inverter device 80 is located upwind of the propeller wind relative to the motor device 60. The inverter device 80 is installed between the propeller 20 and the motor device 60.

[0233] In the unit housing 101, the upstream wall surface 101a of the unit is formed by the inverter housing 90. The inverter housing 90 has an inverter upstream wall surface 90a. The inverter upstream wall surface 90a is included in the unit upstream wall surface 101a. The inverter upstream wall surface 90a is formed by the upstream plate 106. The downstream wall surface 101b of the unit is formed by the motor housing 70. The motor housing 70 has a motor downstream wall surface 70b. The motor downstream wall surface 70b is included in the unit downstream wall surface 101b. The motor downstream wall surface 70b is formed by the downstream plate 107.

[0234] The motor unit 100, similar to the 13th embodiment described above, has an inverter inlet 112B as the unit inlet 112. The inverter inlet 112B is provided, for example, on the upstream wall surface 90a of the inverter. The inverter inlet 112B is located in a position where the cooling air Fa generated by the blower fan 121 can easily flow in. The motor unit 100, similar to the 7th embodiment described above, has a motor outlet 114A as the unit outlet 114. The motor outlet 114A is provided, for example, on the downstream wall surface 70b of the motor.

[0235] The cooling air Fa flows from outside the motor unit 100 into the inverter inlet 112B as the blower fan 121 blows air. After cooling the inverter 81 in the inverter space 94, the cooling air Fa flows into the motor space 74 through the unit connection hole 115. After cooling the motor 61 in the motor space 74, the cooling air Fa flows out to the outside of the motor unit 100 from the motor outlet 114A.

[0236] According to this embodiment, the unit inlet 112 and unit outlet 114 are arranged so that the cooling air Fa that flows into the unit inlet 112 passes through the inverter space 94, then through the motor space 74, and then flows out from the unit outlet 114. In this configuration, the inverter 81 is cooled by the cooling air Fa before it is heated by the motor 61. This enhances the cooling effect of the cooling air Fa on the inverter 81. Consequently, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of abnormalities in the EPU 50 caused by the inverter 81 becoming excessively hot. In particular, when the heat from the motor 61 is greater than the heat from the inverter 81, cooling the inverter 81 with the cooling air Fa before it is heated by the motor 61 is effective in enhancing the cooling effect of the inverter 81.

[0237] <Embodiment 16> In the first embodiment described above, the blower fan 121 was provided in relation to the unit inlet 112. In contrast, in the sixteenth embodiment, the blower fan 121 is provided in relation to the unit outlet 114. The configuration, operation, and effects of the sixteenth embodiment that are not specifically described are the same as those of the first embodiment described above. The sixteenth embodiment will be described mainly in terms of the differences from the first embodiment described above.

[0238] As shown in Figure 23, the blower fan 121 is located downstream of the cooling air Fa relative to the unit outlet 114. The blower fan 121 is located downwind of the propeller airflow relative to the motor unit 100. The blower fan 121 is located on the opposite side of the propeller 20 from the motor unit 100 in the axial direction AD. The blower fan 121 blows air away from the unit outlet 114, causing the cooling air Fa to flow out of the unit outlet 114. The blower fan 121 then begins to draw in the cooling air Fa from the unit outlet 114. In the motor unit 100, as the cooling air Fa flows out from the unit outlet 114, the cooling air Fa flows into the unit inlet 112.

[0239] <Embodiment 17> In the first embodiment described above, the motor housing 70 and the inverter housing 90 were arranged in the axial direction AD. In contrast, in the seventeenth embodiment, the motor housing 70 and the inverter housing 90 are arranged in the radial direction RD. Configurations, operations, and effects of the seventeenth embodiment that are not specifically described are the same as those of the first embodiment described above. The seventeenth embodiment will be described mainly in terms of the differences from the first embodiment described above.

[0240] As shown in Figures 24 and 25, in the motor unit 100, the motor device 60 and the inverter device 80 are arranged radially RD. The inverter device 80 is located radially outside the motor device 60. In the unit housing 101, the inverter housing 90 is located radially outside the motor housing 70. The inverter housing 90 extends annularly in the circumferential direction CD along the outer surface of the motor housing 70. The motor space 74 is located radially inside the inverter space 94. The inverter space 94 extends annularly in the circumferential direction CD along the motor space 74.

[0241] In the unit housing 101, the outer perimeter wall surface 101c of the unit is formed by the inverter housing 90. The outer perimeter wall surface 101c of the unit includes the outer perimeter wall surface 90c of the inverter. The upstream wall surface 101a of the unit and the downstream wall surface 101b of the unit are formed by the motor housing 70 and the inverter housing 90. The upstream wall surface 101a of the unit includes the upstream motor wall surface 70a and the upstream inverter wall surface 90a. The downstream wall surface 101b of the unit includes the downstream motor wall surface 70b and the downstream inverter wall surface 90b.

[0242] In the motor housing 70, the motor inlet 112A is provided on the motor upstream wall surface 70a. The motor outlet 114A is provided on the motor downstream wall surface 70b. Multiple motor inlets 112A and motor outlets 114A are arranged in the circumferential direction CD. The inverter inlet 112B is provided on the inverter upstream wall surface 90a. The inverter outlet 114B is provided on the inverter downstream wall surface 90b. Multiple inverter inlets 112B and inverter outlets 114B are arranged in the circumferential direction CD.

[0243] In this embodiment, similar to the 13th embodiment described above, the cooling air Fa flows out from the unit outlet 114 through only one of the motor space 74 and the inverter space 94. The EPU 50 also has a guide duct 790. Unlike the 13th embodiment described above, the guide duct 790 is connected to both the motor inlet 112A and the inverter inlet 112B. The guide duct 790 guides the motor air Fa1 of the cooling air Fa to the motor inlet 112A and the inverter air Fa2 to the inverter inlet 112B.

[0244] <Embodiment 18> In the 17th embodiment described above, the motor unit 100 had one motor housing 70 and one inverter housing 90. In contrast, in the 17th embodiment, the motor unit 100 has multiple motor housings 70 and inverter housings 90, at least one of each. The configurations, operations, and effects of the 18th embodiment that are not specifically described are the same as those of the 17th embodiment described above. The 18th embodiment will be described mainly in terms of the differences from the 17th embodiment described above.

[0245] As shown in Figures 26 and 27, the motor unit 100 has one motor housing 70 and multiple inverter housings 90. The unit housing 101 contains one motor housing 70 and multiple inverter housings 90. For example, two inverter housings 90 are included in the unit housing 101. The motor housing 70 and the inverter housings 90 are arranged radially RD. For example, two inverter housings 90 are arranged radially RD through one motor housing 70. Each of the multiple inverter housings 90 has an inverter space 94 and each houses an inverter 81.

[0246] In this embodiment, similar to the 17th embodiment described above, the cooling air Fa flows out from the unit outlet 114 through only one of the motor space 74 and the inverter space 94. For multiple inverter housings 90, the inverter air Fa2 flowing through one inverter space 94 flows out to the outside of the motor unit 100 without flowing through the other inverter spaces 94. This prevents heat from one inverter 81 from flowing into the other inverter spaces 94 along with the inverter air Fa2.

[0247] <Other Embodiments> The disclosure in this specification is not limited to the exemplary embodiments. The disclosure encompasses the exemplary embodiments and variations thereof by those skilled in the art. For example, the disclosure is not limited to the combinations of parts and elements shown in the embodiments, but can be implemented in various variations. The disclosure can be implemented in a variety of combinations. The disclosure may have additional parts that can be added to the embodiments. The disclosure encompasses embodiments in which parts and elements have been omitted. The disclosure encompasses substitutions or combinations of parts and elements between one embodiment and another. The scope of the disclosed technical field is not limited to the descriptions of the embodiments. The scope of the disclosed technical field is indicated by the claims and should be understood to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0248] In each of the above embodiments, the foreign matter restricting section, such as the labyrinth structure 700, may be provided at any position relative to the unit housing 101, as long as it can restrict foreign matter MF from entering the interior of the housing from the housing inlet. For example, the foreign matter restricting section may be provided inside the unit housing 101 or inside the blower 120. For example, in the first embodiment, the labyrinth structure 700 may be provided inside the blower case 125 or inside the motor housing 70.

[0249] In each of the above embodiments, the components such as the smoothing capacitor section 580 and the arm switch section 530 may be arranged in any way inside the inverter housing 90. For example, the arm switch section 530 may be provided on the first drive surface 510a instead of the inverter inner wall surface 91a. Also, the arm switch section 530 may be provided radially inward from the smoothing capacitor section 580. Furthermore, multiple drive gaps 94c may be arranged in the circumferential direction CD. There may be no drive gap 94c between the drive substrate 510 and the inverter inner wall surface 91a.

[0250] In each of the above embodiments, the motor 61 does not have to be a double-rotor motor. For example, the motor 61 may be a single-rotor motor having one rotor. Also, the motor 61 does not have to be an axial-gap motor. For example, the motor 61 may be a radial-gap motor. In this motor 61, for example, the stator is provided radially outward of the rotor.

[0251] In each of the above embodiments, the cooling air fan, such as the blower fan 121, may be installed anywhere as long as the cooling air Fa flows inside the unit housing 101. For example, in the first embodiment, the blower fans 121 may be arranged radially RD in the unit housing 101. Alternatively, the cooling air fan may be installed inside the unit housing 101. For example, in the first embodiment, the blower fan 121 may be housed in the inverter housing 90. In the tenth embodiment, the rotors 300a and 300b, which function as cooling air fans, are housed in the motor housing 70.

[0252] In each of the above embodiments, the cooling fan does not have to be connected to the motor 61. For example, in the first embodiment, the blower fan 121 may be provided disconnected from the EPU shaft 51. In this configuration, the blower fan 121 rotates in conjunction with the drive of a different drive source than the motor 61. For example, the blower fan 121 may be an electrically powered fan.

[0253] In each of the above embodiments, the EPU 50 does not have a cooling fan. For example, as in the eighth embodiment, the EPU 50 does not have a blower 120. In this configuration, it is preferable that the propeller airflow flows into the unit inlet 112 as cooling air Fa. For example, it is preferable that the unit inlet 112 is positioned on the blade 21 in the axial direction AD, with the unit inlet 112 facing the windward side of the propeller airflow.

[0254] In each of the above embodiments, the unit housing 101 does not necessarily have to divide the unit space 102 into a motor space 74 and an inverter space 94. For example, in the first embodiment, the unit housing 101 does not have to have a partition plate 108. Even in this configuration, if the motor space 74 is located in a position leading to the unit inlet 112 and the inverter space 94 is located in a position leading to the unit outlet 114, the cooling air Fa can easily flow from the motor space 74 into the inverter space 94.

[0255] In each of the above embodiments, the housing such as the unit housing 101 only needs to house at least one of the motor 61 and the inverter 81. For example, in the first embodiment above, the unit housing 101 may house only one of the motor 61 and the inverter 81. For example, in a configuration where the motor 61 is housed in the unit housing 101, the motor 61 is cooled by the cooling air Fa flowing into the interior of the unit housing 101.

[0256] In each of the above embodiments, in the eVTOL 10, it is only necessary that at least one propeller 20 is driven by at least one EPU 50. For example, a configuration in which one propeller 20 is driven by a plurality of EPUs 50 may be used, or a configuration in which a plurality of propellers 20 are driven by one EPU 50 may be used.

[0257] [[ID=ID=10]]In each of the above embodiments, the eVTOL 10 does not have to be a tilt-rotor aircraft. For example, in the eVTOL 10, the plurality of propellers 20 may each include a lift propeller 20 and a cruise propeller 20. In this eVTOL 10, for example, when ascending, the lift propeller 20 is driven, and when moving forward, the cruise propeller 20 is driven.

[0258] In each of the above embodiments, the flying vehicle on which the EPU 50 is mounted does not have to be a vertical takeoff and landing aircraft as long as it is electric. For example, the flying vehicle may be an electric aircraft, a flying vehicle capable of takeoff and landing with taxiing. Further, the flying vehicle may be a rotary-wing aircraft or a fixed-wing aircraft. The flying vehicle may be an unmanned flying vehicle that does not carry people.

[0259] In each of the above embodiments, the moving body on which the EPU 50 is mounted does not have to be an aircraft as long as it can move by the rotation of a rotating body. For example, the moving body may be a vehicle, a ship, a construction machine, or an agricultural machine. For example, when the moving body is a vehicle or a construction machine, the rotating body is a moving wheel or the like, and the output shaft portion is an axle or the like. When the moving body is a ship, the rotating body is a propulsion screw propeller or the like, and the output shaft portion is a propeller shaft or the like.

[0260] (Disclosure of Technical Ideas) This specification discloses a plurality of technical ideas described in a plurality of claims listed below. Some claims may be described in a multiple dependent form in which a preceding claim is alternatively cited in a subsequent claim. Further, some claims may be described in a multiple dependent form that cites a claim in another multiple dependent form. The claims described in these multiple dependent forms define a plurality of technical ideas.

[0261] (Technical Idea 1) A drive device (50) driven by electric power, A motor (61) to which electric power is supplied, An inverter (81) that converts the electric power supplied to the motor, A housing (101) that houses at least one of the motor and the inverter, A housing inlet (112, 112A, 112B) provided in the housing and allowing cooling air (Fa, Fa1, Fa2) for cooling the inside of the housing to flow from the outside of the housing into the inside, A housing outlet (114, 114A, 114B) provided in the housing and allowing the cooling air to flow out to the outside of the housing, A foreign matter restricting portion (700, 750, 770) that restricts the entry of foreign matter (MF) from the housing inlet into the inside of the housing A drive unit equipped with this.

[0262] (Technical thought 2) The drive device according to technical concept 1, wherein the housing inlet and the housing outlet are provided such that the cooling air that flows into the interior of the housing from the housing inlet passes through the space (74) housing the motor, then through the space (94) housing the inverter, and then flows out from the housing outlet.

[0263] (Technical Thought 3) The drive device according to technical concept 1, wherein the housing inlet and the housing outlet are provided such that the cooling air that flows into the interior of the housing from the housing inlet passes through the space (94) housing the inverter, then passes through the space (74) housing the motor, and then flows out from the housing outlet.

[0264] (Technical Thought 4) The drive device according to technical concept 1, wherein the housing inlet and the housing outlet are provided such that the cooling air that flows into the interior of the housing from the housing inlet passes through only one of the space housing the motor (74) and the space housing the inverter (94) and flows out from the housing outlet.

[0265] (Technical Thought 5) A drive device according to any one of technical ideas 1 to 4, comprising a cooling air fan (121, 121A, 121B, 300a, 300b) that sends cooling air so that the cooling air that flows into the housing inlet flows out from the housing outlet.

[0266] (Technical Thought 6) The drive device according to any one of technical concepts 1 to 5, comprising a labyrinth structure (700) having a bent labyrinth passage (710) that leads to the housing inlet, and which restricts the entry of foreign matter by the labyrinth passage.

[0267] (Technical Thought 7) A drive device provided on a movable body (10) that moves by the rotation of a rotating body (20), which is driven by electric power to rotate the rotating body, The drive device according to technical concept 6, wherein the labyrinth structure has a labyrinth inlet (711) for introducing the cooling air into the labyrinth passage, and the labyrinth inlet is positioned to face downwind of the rotational air generated by the rotation of the rotating body.

[0268] (Technical Thought 8) The drive device according to any one of technical concepts 1 to 7, comprising a foreign matter separation unit (750) which restricts the entry of foreign matter by separating the cooling air and the foreign matter using centrifugal force, as the foreign matter regulating unit.

[0269] (Technical Thought 9) A drive device provided on a movable body (10) that moves by the rotation of a rotating body (20), which is driven by electric power to rotate the rotating body, The drive device according to technical concept 8, wherein the foreign matter separation unit has a foreign matter discharge port (763) for discharging the foreign matter, and the foreign matter discharge port is positioned to face downwind of the rotating wind generated by the rotation of the rotating body.

[0270] (Technical Thought 10) The drive device according to any one of technical concepts 1 to 9, comprising a filtration filter (770) that restricts the entry of foreign matter by filtering the cooling air, as the foreign matter restricting section.

[0271] (Technical Thought 11) An inverter device (80) comprising the inverter and an inverter housing (90) included in the housing housing and housing the inverter, The inverter device is, A switch component (530) for converting the aforementioned power, Capacitor components (527, 528, 580) are connected to the aforementioned switch component in a way that allows current to flow through them, having, The switch component and the capacitor component are provided such that the cooling air cools the capacitor component and then cools the switch component, the drive device according to any one of Technical Ideas 1 to 10.

[0272] (Technical Idea 12) The inverter device is provided such that its outer peripheral end (512) extends along the inner wall surface (91a) of the inverter housing, and has a wiring board (510) on which the capacitor component is mounted. The switch component is provided between the capacitor component and the inner wall surface such that the cooling air flowing along the wiring board toward the inner wall surface cools the capacitor component and then cools the switch component, the drive device according to Technical Idea 11.

[0273] (Technical Idea 13) includes a board gap (94c) which is a gap between the outer peripheral end and the inner wall surface and through which the cooling air flows. The switch component is provided such that the cooling air cools the switch component and then flows through the board gap, the drive device according to Technical Idea 12.

[0274] (Technical Idea 14) The switch component is provided on the inner wall surface such that heat of the switch component is transmitted to the inner wall surface, the drive device according to Technical Idea 12 or 13.

[0275] (Technical Idea 15) A drive device provided in a flying object (10) and driven by electric power to fly the flying object, the drive device according to any one of Technical Ideas 1 to 14.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0276] 10...eVTOL as a mobile and flying object, 20...propeller as a rotating body, 50...EPU as a drive unit, 61...motor, 74...motor space, 80...inverter device, 81...inverter, 90...inverter housing, 91a...inverter inner wall surface as inner wall surface, 94...inverter space, 94c...drive gap as substrate gap, 101...unit housing as housing housing, 112...unit inlet as housing inlet, 112A...motor inlet as housing inlet, 112B...inverter inlet as housing inlet, 114...unit outlet as housing outlet, 115A...motor outlet as housing outlet, 116B...inverter outlet as housing outlet, 121...blower fan as cooling fan, 121A... Motor fan as a cooling air fan, 121A... Inverter fan as a cooling air fan, 300a... First rotor as a cooling air fan, 300b... Second rotor as a cooling air fan, 510... Drive board as a wiring board, 512... Drive outer edge as an outer edge, 527... Y capacitor section as a capacitor component, 528... X capacitor section as a capacitor component, 530... Arm switch section as a switch component, 580... Smoothing capacitor section as a capacitor component, 700... Labyrinth structure section as a foreign matter restriction section, 710... Labyrinth passage, 711... Labyrinth inlet, 750... Centrifuge as a foreign matter restriction section and foreign matter separation section, 763... Foreign matter outlet, 770... Filter sheet as a foreign matter restriction section and filtration filter, Fa... Cooling air, Fa1... Motor air, Fa2... Inverter air.

Claims

1. A drive device (50) is provided on a movable body (10) that moves by the rotation of a rotating body (20), and is driven by electric power to rotate the rotating body, A motor (61) to which power is supplied, An inverter (81) that converts the power supplied to the motor, A housing (101) that houses at least one of the motor and the inverter, The housing is provided with housing inlets (112, 112A, 112B) that allow cooling air (Fa, Fa1, Fa2) to flow from the outside to the inside of the housing for cooling the inside of the housing, The housing is provided with housing outlets (114, 114A, 114B) that allow the cooling air to flow out to the outside of the housing, It has a labyrinth inlet (711) leading to the housing inlet, and a foreign matter restricting section (700) that restricts foreign matter (MF) that enters the labyrinth inlet from passing through itself, Equipped with, The drive device has a labyrinth inlet that is open toward the leeward side of the rotating wind generated by the rotation of the rotating body.

2. The inverter device (80) comprises the inverter and an inverter housing (90) which is included in the housing and houses the inverter, The inverter device is, A switch component (530) for converting the aforementioned power, Capacitor components (527, 528, 580) are electrically connected to the aforementioned switch component, It has, The drive device according to claim 1, wherein the switch component and the capacitor component are arranged such that the cooling air cools the capacitor component first and then the switch component.

3. The inverter device is, It is provided such that its outer peripheral end (512) extends along the inner wall surface (91a) of the inverter housing, and has a wiring board (510) on which the capacitor component is mounted. The drive device according to claim 2, wherein the switch component is provided between the capacitor component and the inner wall surface such that the cooling air flowing along the wiring board toward the inner wall surface cools the capacitor component before cooling the switch component.

4. A drive device (50) that is driven by electric power, A motor (61) to which power is supplied, An inverter (81) that converts the power supplied to the motor, A housing (101) that houses at least one of the motor and the inverter, The housing is provided with housing inlets (112, 112A, 112B) that allow cooling air (Fa, Fa1, Fa2) to flow from the outside to the inside of the housing for cooling the inside of the housing, The housing is provided with housing outlets (114, 114A, 114B) that allow the cooling air to flow out to the outside of the housing, Foreign matter restricting sections (700, 750, 770) that restrict foreign matter (MF) from entering the interior of the housing from the housing inlet, An inverter device (80) having the inverter and an inverter housing (90) included in the housing and housing the inverter, Equipped with, The inverter device is, A switch component (530) for converting the aforementioned power, Capacitor components (527, 528, 580) are electrically connected to the aforementioned switch component, It is provided such that its outer peripheral end (512) extends along the inner wall surface (91a) of the inverter housing, and the wiring board (510) on which the capacitor component is mounted, It has, The capacitor component is arranged such that the cooling air cools the capacitor component first and then the switch component. The drive device is provided between the capacitor component and the inner wall surface such that the cooling air flowing along the wiring board toward the inner wall surface cools the capacitor component before cooling the switch component.

5. The gap between the outer peripheral end and the inner wall surface is a substrate gap (94c) through which the cooling air flows, The drive device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the switch component is provided such that the cooling air cools the switch component before flowing through the gap in the substrate.

6. The drive device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the switch component is provided on the inner wall surface such that the heat of the switch component is transferred to the inner wall surface.

7. The drive device according to claim 1 or 4, wherein the housing inlet and the housing outlet are provided such that the cooling air that flows into the interior of the housing from the housing inlet passes through the space (74) housing the motor, then passes through the space (94) housing the inverter, and then flows out from the housing outlet.

8. The drive device according to claim 1 or 4, wherein the housing inlet and the housing outlet are provided such that the cooling air that flows into the interior of the housing from the housing inlet passes through the space (94) housing the inverter, then passes through the space (74) housing the motor, and then flows out from the housing outlet.

9. The drive device according to claim 1 or 4, wherein the housing inlet and the housing outlet are provided such that the cooling air that flows into the interior of the housing from the housing inlet passes through only one of the space housing the motor (74) and the space housing the inverter (94) and flows out from the housing outlet.

10. The drive device according to claim 1 or 4, further comprising cooling air fans (121, 121A, 121B, 300a, 300b) that send cooling air so that the cooling air that flows into the housing inlet flows out from the housing outlet.

11. The drive device according to claim 1 or 4, further comprising a labyrinth structure (700) having a bent labyrinth passage (710) that leads to the housing inlet, and which restricts the entry of foreign matter by the labyrinth passage.

12. The drive device according to claim 11, wherein the labyrinth structure has a labyrinth inlet (711) for introducing the cooling air into the labyrinth passage, and the labyrinth inlet is positioned to face downwind of the rotational air generated by the rotation of the rotating body (20).

13. The drive device according to claim 4, further comprising a foreign matter separation unit (750) as the foreign matter regulating unit, which restricts the entry of foreign matter by separating the cooling air and the foreign matter using centrifugal force.

14. The drive device according to claim 13, wherein the foreign matter separation unit has a foreign matter discharge port (763) for discharging the foreign matter, and the foreign matter discharge port is positioned to face downwind of the rotating wind generated by the rotation of the rotating body (20).

15. The drive device according to claim 4, further comprising a filtration filter (770) that restricts the entry of foreign matter by filtering the cooling air, as the foreign matter restricting section.

16. The drive device according to claim 1 or 4, which is provided on the flying body (10) and is driven by electric power to make the flying body fly.

Images