Inverter device

Abstract

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

Description

Inverter Device CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is based on Patent Application No. 2024-032537 filed in Japan on March 4, 2024, and the contents of the original application are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0002] The disclosure in this specification relates to an inverter device that converts DC power into AC power.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes an inverter device that converts DC power into AC power and supplies it to a motor. The inverter device has a control board on which various electronic components are mounted. This control board is divided into multiple boards (divided boards) arranged in the circumferential direction of the motor rotation. These divided boards are attached to and supported by an inverter case. The component mounting surfaces of the divided boards have attachment portions for attaching to the inverter case.

[0004] JP 2014-183615 A

[0005] However, the layout of the electronic components and printed wiring mounted on the divided boards is restricted by the presence of the mounting parts, and it is difficult to effectively utilize the component mounting surface, especially around the mounting parts, which leads to an increase in the size of the divided boards.

[0006] One disclosed object is to provide an inverter device that is miniaturized by effectively utilizing divided substrates.

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, an inverter device according to a first aspect of the present disclosure comprises: an inverter circuit that converts DC power into AC power and supplies it to a motor device; a control circuit that controls the operation of the inverter circuit; a plurality of divided substrates on which the inverter circuit or the control circuit is mounted and which are arranged in the circumferential direction of the rotation of the motor device; and a support member that supports the plurality of divided substrates, wherein two of the plurality of divided substrates that are adjacent in the circumferential direction are designated as a first divided substrate and a second divided substrate, wherein the end face of the first divided substrate facing the second divided substrate is formed with a first convex portion that protrudes in the circumferential direction and is attached to the support member, and the end face of the second divided substrate facing the first divided substrate is formed with a second convex portion that protrudes in the circumferential direction and is attached to the support member, and the first convex portion and the second convex portion are located at different positions on a common straight line that passes through the center of rotation of the motor device.

[0008] Here, if no convex portions are formed on the end faces of the divided substrates, as opposed to the first aspect, the area of ​​the divided substrates radially adjacent to the attachment portions to the support member will have a narrow shape that is difficult to utilize effectively. This narrow area is likely to become wasted space. In such cases, the divided substrates will be larger in the circumferential direction by the size of the attachment portions. In contrast, in the first aspect, the first and second convex portions, which are the attachment portions to the support member of the divided substrates, are shaped to protrude in the circumferential direction. This eliminates the wasted space that is difficult to utilize effectively. Moreover, because the first and second convex portions are located at different positions on a common line passing through the rotation center of the motor device, the increase in size in the circumferential direction can also be suppressed.

[0009] In order to achieve the above object, an inverter device according to a second aspect of the present disclosure comprises: an electrical circuit for converting DC power into AC power; and a divided substrate on which the electrical circuit is mounted; the divided substrate has a shape extending in an arc in a predetermined circumferential direction; one end face of the divided substrate in the circumferential direction has a first convex portion formed thereon, the first convex portion having a shape protruding in the circumferential direction and being attached to a predetermined support member; and the other end face of the substrate in the circumferential direction has a second convex portion having a shape protruding in the circumferential direction and being attached to the support member; the first convex portion and the second convex portion are positioned at different radial positions on the divided substrate.

[0010] By arranging a plurality of divided substrates according to the second aspect in the circumferential direction, the first convex portion of one divided substrate and the second convex portion of the other divided substrate are positioned at different radial positions. This allows the first convex portion of one divided substrate and the second convex portion of the other divided substrate to be positioned at different positions on a common straight line passing through the center of the arc. This eliminates the wasted space that is difficult to use effectively and prevents the device from becoming too large in the circumferential direction.

[0011] The reference numbers in parentheses above merely indicate an example of the correspondence with specific configurations in the embodiments described below, and do not in any way limit the technical scope.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an eVTOL to which the electric propulsion unit according to the first embodiment is applied. FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the layout of the motor device and inverter device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is an electrical block diagram of the electric propulsion unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of the inverter device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the drive board according to the first embodiment, seen from the motor side. FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the support member according to the first embodiment, seen from the motor side. FIG. 7 is a plan view showing the positional relationship of multiple divided boards. FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a single divided board. FIG. 9 is a plan view showing the positional relationship of multiple divided boards in a second embodiment.

[0013] Hereinafter, several embodiments for carrying out the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In each embodiment, parts corresponding to matters described in the preceding embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions may be omitted. In each embodiment, when only a part of the configuration is described, other previously described embodiments may be applied to the other parts of the configuration. In addition to combinations of parts that are specifically specified as being combinable in each embodiment, it is also possible to partially combine embodiments even if not specified, as long as there is no particular problem with the combination.

[0014] First Embodiment The propulsion system 30 shown in FIG. 1 is mounted on an eVTOL 10. The eVTOL 10 is an electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft. An electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft is an electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft capable of vertical take-off and landing. eVTOL is an abbreviation for electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing aircraft. The eVTOL 10 is an electric air vehicle that flies in the atmosphere and is sometimes referred to as an electric air vehicle. The eVTOL 10 is also an electric aircraft and is sometimes referred to as an electric aircraft. The eVTOL 10 may be either a manned air vehicle with a crew member on board or an unmanned air vehicle without a crew member on board. The eVTOL 10 is operated by a pilot as an operator. The pilot may operate the eVTOL 10 as an air vehicle crew member, or may remotely operate the eVTOL 10 without being on board the eVTOL 10. The propulsion system 30 is a system that drives the eVTOL 10 to fly.

[0015] The eVTOL 10 has an airframe 11 and a propeller 20. The airframe 11 has an airframe main body 12 and wings 13. The airframe main body 12 is the fuselage of the airframe 11 and has a shape that extends, for example, from front to back. The airframe main body 12 has a crew compartment for crew members. The wings 13 extend from the airframe main body 12 and multiple wings 13 are provided on the airframe main body 12. The wings 13 are fixed wings. The multiple wings 13 include main wings, a tail, and the like.

[0016] A plurality of propellers 20 are provided on the airframe 11. The eVTOL 10 is a multicopter having at least three propellers 20. For example, at least four propellers 20 are provided on the airframe 11. The propellers 20 are provided on each of the airframe body 12 and the wings 13. The propellers 20 rotate about a propeller axis. The propeller axis is, for example, the center line of the propeller 20. The propellers 20 can generate thrust and lift for the eVTOL 10. The propellers 20 are sometimes referred to as rotors or rotating blades.

[0017] The propeller 20 has blades 21. A plurality of the blades 21 are arranged in the circumferential direction of the propeller axis. In the propeller 20, the plurality of blades 21 are connected by bosses. In the propeller 20, a propeller shaft extends from the boss along the propeller axis. The propeller 20 is a variable-pitch propeller. In the propeller 20, the angle of the blades 21 with respect to the propeller axis can be changed.

[0018] Flight modes of the eVTOL 10 include vertical takeoff, vertical landing, cruising, and hovering. The eVTOL 10 can take off from a takeoff point by ascending vertically without running a taxiway, for example, as a vertical takeoff. The eVTOL 10 can land at a landing point by descending vertically, for example, as a vertical landing, without running a taxiway.

[0019] The eVTOL 10 is a tilt rotor aircraft. In the eVTOL 10, the tilt angle of the propeller 20 is adjustable. In a tilt rotor aircraft, one propeller 20 can function as both a lift propeller and a cruise propeller. Note that the multiple propellers 20 may include both a lift propeller and a cruise propeller.

[0020] The eVTOL 10 has a battery 31, a distributor 32, an FCU 40, and an EPU 50. The battery 31, the distributor 32, the FCU 40, and the EPU 50 are included in the propulsion system 30. The battery 31 is connected to the multiple EPUs 50 so that electricity can be transmitted between them. The battery 31 is a DC voltage source that applies a DC voltage to the EPUs 50. The battery 31 has a secondary battery that can be charged and discharged. The battery 31 also supplies power to the FCU 40.

[0021] The distributor 32 is electrically connected to the battery 31 and the plurality of EPUs 50. The distributor 32 distributes the power from the battery 31 to the plurality of EPUs 50. The power distributed by the distributor 32 to the EPUs 50 is drive power for driving the EPUs 50.

[0022] The FCU 40 is a flight control device that controls the propulsion system 30. FCU is an abbreviation for Flight Control Unit. The FCU 40 performs flight control for flying the eVTOL 10. The FCU 40 is communicatively connected to multiple EPUs 50. The FCU 40 controls the multiple EPUs 50 individually.

[0023] The EPU 50 is a driving device for driving the propeller 20 to rotate, and corresponds to an electric propulsion unit. EPU is an abbreviation for Electric Propulsion Unit. An EPU 50 is provided for each of the multiple propellers 20. The EPUs 50 are arranged on the propellers 20 along the propeller axis. All of the multiple EPUs 50 are fixed to the airframe 11. The EPUs 50 support the propellers 20 so that they can rotate. The EPUs 50 are connected to the propellers 20. The propellers 20 are fixed to the airframe 11 via the EPUs 50.

[0024] The propeller 20 rotates as the EPU 50 is driven. The eVTOL 10 flies due to the rotation of the propeller 20. In other words, the eVTOL 10 moves due to the rotation of the propeller 20. The eVTOL 10 has a propulsion device 15. The propulsion device 15 has the propeller 20 and the EPU 50. The propulsion device 15 propels the eVTOL 10 due to the rotation of the propeller 20. The propulsion device 15 is a device in which the propeller 20 and the EPU 50 are integrated. Note that, of the propeller 20 and the EPU 50, only the EPU 50 may be referred to as the propulsion device.

[0025] In the propulsion device 15, a propeller wind Wp (see FIG. 2 ) is generated as the propeller 20 rotates. The propeller wind Wp is a flow of gas, such as air, flowing in the axial direction AD. The propeller wind Wp flows from the propeller 20 toward the EPU 50. The EPU 50 is provided on the downwind side of the propeller wind Wp relative to the propeller 20. In this embodiment, the upwind side of the propeller wind Wp may be referred to as the upstream side, and the downwind side of the propeller wind Wp may be referred to as the downstream side. The propeller wind Wp is included in the flight wind generated as the eVTOL 10 flies.

[0026] The EPU 50 includes a motor device 60, an inverter device 80, an upstream fan 111, an EPU duct 120, a gear device 100, and a pitch device 150. The motor device 60 drives the propeller 20 to rotate. The inverter device 80 converts DC power supplied from the battery 31 into AC power and supplies it to the motor device 60. The motor device 60 and the inverter device 80 are integrally configured, making the EPU 50 an integrated electro-mechanical unit. The motor device 60 and the inverter device 80 generate heat when current is applied. An air-cooling system that uses outside air for cooling is used as a cooling system to suppress temperature increases due to this heat generation.

[0027] 2, the inverter device 80 according to this embodiment includes a first inverter device 80A and a second inverter device 80B. In this way, by providing a plurality of inverter devices for one motor device 60, redundancy in the power supply to the motor device 60 is ensured.

[0028] The motor device 60 and the inverter device 80 are formed as a whole in the shape of a short cylinder and extend in the axial direction AD. The motor device 60 and the inverter device 80 are aligned in the axial direction AD. The motor device 60 and the inverter device 80 are stacked in the axial direction AD. The motor device 60 and the inverter device 80 are arranged coaxially. The inverter axis Ci (see FIG. 4), which is the center line of the inverter device 80, coincides with the motor axis Cm (see FIG. 3). The motor device 60 is arranged between the inverter device 80 and the propeller 20 in the axial direction AD. The first inverter device 80A and the second inverter device 80B are aligned in the axial direction AD. The first inverter device 80A is arranged closer to the motor device 60 than the second inverter device 80B.

[0029] The motor device 60 has a motor 61 and a motor case 70. The motor case 70 is a housing that houses the motor 61. The motor 61 is a multi-phase AC motor. The motor 61 has a stator 62, rotors 64a and 64b, and a motor shaft 130. The motor 61 is configured to include mechanical parts such as the stator 62, rotors 64a and 64b, and motor shaft 130.

[0030] The stator 62 is fixed to the motor case 70. The stator 62 has motor coils that form armature elements. The motor 61 is an N-phase motor, where N is a natural number. The motor coils have the same number of coils as the N phases. The N-phase coils are grouped into two sets of N / 2 phases each. Each of the first coil 63a (winding) and the second coil 63b (winding) shown in FIG. 3 represents a group of N / 2 phase coils. For example, the multiple coil portions that form the first coil 63a and the multiple coil portions that form the second coil 63b are arranged alternately in the circumferential direction of the motor 61.

[0031] The motor 61 operates as an N-phase motor by supplying power to both the first coil 63a and the second coil 63b, each of which has N / 2 phases. Furthermore, the motor 61 operates as an N / 2-phase motor by supplying power to either the first coil 63a or the second coil 63b. In this embodiment, N=6, and the motor 61 can be operated as both a six-phase motor and a three-phase motor.

[0032] The rotors 64a, 64a rotate relative to the stator 62. The motor shaft 130 is rotatably supported by bearings 66 fixed to the motor case 70, and rotates together with the rotors 64a, 64b. The motor 61 is an axial gap motor. In the motor 61, the stator 62 and the rotors 64a, 64b are aligned in the axial direction AD. The motor 61 is also a double-rotor motor. In the motor 61, the first rotor 64a and the second rotor 64b are aligned in the axial direction AD with the stator 62 interposed between them.

[0033] The axial direction AD is the direction in which the motor axis Cm extends. The motor axis Cm is the rotation axis of the rotors 64a, 64b. The rotors 64a, 64b rotate around the motor axis Cm. The outside of the radial direction RD, which is perpendicular to the axial direction AD, is sometimes referred to as the radially outer side or the outer circumferential side. The inside of the radial direction RD is sometimes referred to as the radially inner side or the inner circumferential side.

[0034] The motor case 70 has a motor outer peripheral wall 71 and a motor facing wall 73. The motor outer peripheral wall 71 and the motor facing wall 73 are formed of a metal material or the like and have thermal conductivity. The motor outer peripheral wall 71 extends annularly in the circumferential direction CD. The motor outer peripheral wall 71 forms the outer peripheral surface of the motor case 70. The motor outer peripheral wall 71 covers the stator 62 and the rotors 64a, 64b from the outer periphery. A pair of motor facing walls 73 are arranged in the axial direction AD. The pair of motor facing walls 73 face each other with the stator 62, the rotors 64a, 64b, and the motor outer peripheral wall 71 interposed between them. The motor facing walls 73 extend in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction AD. The motor facing walls 73 are fixed to the motor outer peripheral wall 71.

[0035] The motor case 70 has motor fins (not shown). The motor fins are provided on the motor outer peripheral wall 71. The motor fins dissipate heat from the motor case 70 to the outside of the motor device 60. The motor fins are heat dissipation fins that extend outward from the motor outer peripheral wall 71. The motor fins are plate-shaped and extend in the radial direction RD and the axial direction AD. Multiple motor fins are arranged in the circumferential direction CD.

[0036] The inverter device 80 has an inverter circuit 81, a control circuit 82, and an inverter case 83. The inverter case 83 is a housing that houses the inverter circuit 81 and the control circuit 82. The inverter circuit 81 is configured to include multiple electronic components such as switching elements and capacitor elements, and a high-voltage (e.g., 400 V) wiring board. The control circuit 82 is configured to include multiple electronic components such as a processor and memory, and a low-voltage (e.g., 15 V) wiring board. The inverter circuit 81 and the control circuit 82 correspond to "electrical circuits" for converting DC power to AC power.

[0037] The inverter circuit 81, control circuit 82, and inverter case 83 are provided in each of the first inverter device 80A and the second inverter device 80B. In the following description, the inverter circuit 81, control circuit 82, and inverter case 83 provided in the first inverter device 80A will be referred to as the first inverter circuit 81A, the first control circuit 82A, and the first inverter case 83A, respectively. The inverter circuit 81, control circuit 82, and inverter case 83 provided in the second inverter device 80B will be referred to as the second inverter circuit 81B, the second control circuit 82A, and the second inverter case 83B, respectively. The inverter circuit 81 and the control circuit 82 will be collectively referred to as the "electrical circuit."

[0038] 3, the motor device 60 is illustrated as eMOT, the first coil 63a as CL1, the second coil 63b as CL2, the first rotor 64a as Rot1, and the second rotor 64b as Rot2. The first inverter device 80A is illustrated as MCU1, the first inverter circuit 81A as INV1, and the first control circuit 82A as ICD1. The second inverter device 80B is illustrated as MCU2, the second inverter circuit 81B as INV2, and the second control circuit 82B as ICD2. MCU is an abbreviation for Motor Control Unit.

[0039] The first inverter circuit 81A converts DC power supplied from the battery 31 into AC power and supplies it to the first coil 63a. The second inverter circuit 81B converts DC power supplied from the battery 31 into AC power and supplies it to the second coil 63b. The first control circuit 82A controls the operation of the first inverter circuit 81A based on commands from the FCU 40. The second control circuit 82B controls the operation of the second inverter circuit 81B based on commands from the FCU 40.

[0040] In the EPU 50, when both the first control circuit 82A and the second control circuit 82B perform motor control, the motor 61 is driven as a six-phase motor. In addition, when only one of the first control circuit 82A and the second control circuit 82B performs motor control, the motor 61 is driven as a three-phase motor. The FCU 40 controls the control circuits 82A and 82B to switch between six-phase drive and three-phase drive of the motor 61. In other words, each of the two inverter control units can independently control the motor 61.

[0041] Next, the structures of the inverter case 83 and the motor case 70 will be described with reference to FIG. 2. The inverter case 83 has an inverter inner peripheral hole 83c. The inverter inner peripheral hole 83c penetrates the inverter case 83 in the axial direction AD. The inverter inner peripheral hole 83c extends in the axial direction AD along the motor axis Cm. The inverter inner peripheral hole 83c is provided in the center of the inverter case 83. The center line of the inverter inner peripheral hole 83c coincides with the motor axis Cm.

[0042] The inverter case 83 has an inverter outer peripheral wall 831, an inverter inner peripheral wall 832, an inverter facing wall 833, and a support member 200. The inverter outer peripheral wall 831, the inverter inner peripheral wall 832, and the inverter facing wall 833 are formed of a metal material or the like and have thermal conductivity. In this embodiment, the support member 200 is made of resin, but it may also be made of metal.

[0043] The inverter outer peripheral wall 831 and the inverter inner peripheral wall 832 extend annularly in the circumferential direction CD. The inverter outer peripheral wall 831 forms the outer peripheral surface of the inverter case 83. The inverter inner peripheral wall 832 forms the inner circumferential surface of the inverter case 83. The inverter inner peripheral wall 832 forms the inverter inner peripheral hole 83c. The inverter outer peripheral wall 831 and the inverter inner peripheral wall 832 are aligned in the radial direction RD and face each other with the inverter circuit 81 and the control circuit 82 interposed therebetween.

[0044] The inverter facing walls 833 are arranged in a pair in the axial direction AD. The pair of inverter facing walls 833 face each other with the inverter circuit 81, the control circuit 82, the inverter outer peripheral wall 831, and the inverter inner peripheral wall 832 interposed therebetween. The inverter facing walls 833 extend in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction AD. The inverter facing walls 833 are fixed to the inverter outer peripheral wall 831 and the inverter inner peripheral wall 832. The inverter outer peripheral wall 831 and the inverter inner peripheral wall 832 are connected by a support member 200. The structure of the support member 200 will be described in detail later.

[0045] As shown in Fig. 4, the inverter case 83 is divided into a first inverter case 83A and a second inverter case 83B. The first inverter case 83A accommodates a high-voltage board 813A, a drive board 821A, and a control board 822A (described later). The second inverter case 83B accommodates a high-voltage board 813B, a drive board 821B, and a control board 822B (described later). An inverter outer peripheral wall 831 and an inverter inner peripheral wall 832 are included in the first inverter case 83A and the second inverter case 83B. The inverter outer peripheral wall 831 and the inverter inner peripheral wall 832 are cylindrical and extend in the axial direction AD around the inverter axis Ci.

[0046] An opening of the inverter outer peripheral wall 831 of the first inverter case 83A located on the opposite side to the second inverter case 83B is closed by an inverter facing wall 833. An opening of the inverter outer peripheral wall 831 of the second inverter case 83B located on the opposite side to the first inverter case 83A is closed by the inverter facing wall 833. The inverter facing wall 833 functions as a passage wall for cooling air in a duct space 125, which will be described later, and also functions as a cover for the inverter outer peripheral wall 831.

[0047] The intermediate portion of the inverter outer peripheral wall 831 in the axial direction AD is partitioned by a partition plate 835. A through-hole 835c is formed in the center of the partition plate 835. The partition plate 835 has a circular plate shape extending annularly about the inverter axis Ci. The through-holes 813c, 821c, and 822c of each substrate and the through-hole 835c of the partition plate 835 are positioned coaxially. These through-holes are formed to be the same size. Note that the support member 200 and the partition plate 835 shown in FIG. 4 are omitted from FIG. 2.

[0048] The first inverter case 83A has one each of an inverter outer peripheral wall 831, an inverter inner peripheral wall 832, an inverter facing wall 833, a support member 200, and a partition plate 835. The second inverter case 83B has one each of an inverter outer peripheral wall 831, an inverter inner peripheral wall 832, a support member 200, and an inverter facing wall 833.

[0049] A plurality of brackets 836 are provided on the inverter outer peripheral wall 831. The brackets 836 are shaped to protrude in the radial direction RD. As shown in FIG. 5 , a plurality of brackets 836 are arranged in the circumferential direction CD. The brackets 836 of the first inverter case 83A and the brackets 836 of the second inverter case 83B are connected by fastening members such as bolts or screws. This joins the first inverter case 83A and the second inverter case 83B to each other. In other words, the first inverter case 83A and the second inverter case 83B are arranged side by side in the axial direction AD and adjacent to each other.

[0050] The inverter case 83 has inverter fins 83f shown in FIG. 4. The inverter fins 83f are provided on the inverter outer peripheral wall 831. The inverter fins 83f dissipate heat from the inverter case 83 to the outside of the inverter device 80. The inverter fins 83f are heat dissipation fins extending outward from the inverter outer peripheral wall 831. The inverter fins 83f have a plate shape extending in the radial direction RD and in the axial direction AD. A plurality of inverter fins 83f are arranged in the circumferential direction CD.

[0051] The motor case 70 and the inverter case 83 are aligned in the axial direction AD. For example, the motor outer peripheral wall 71 and the inverter outer peripheral wall 831 are aligned in the axial direction AD. The motor case 70 and the inverter case 83 are provided at positions separated from each other in the axial direction AD. The motor case 70 and the inverter case 83 are fixed together by fasteners such as bolts via spacers, for example.

[0052] The EPU 50 has a gear device 100. The gear device 100 mechanically connects the motor device 60 and the propeller 20. The gear device 100 transmits the drive of the motor device 60 to the propeller 20. The gear device 100 can change the rotation speed of the rotors 64a, 64b and the motor shaft 130 and output the rotation speed to the propeller 20. The gear device 100 is connected to the motor shaft 130.

[0053] The gear device 100 is provided between the motor device 60 and the propeller 20 in the axial direction AD. The gear device 100 is formed in a short cylindrical shape overall, and extends in the axial direction AD. The gear device 100 is arranged next to the motor device 60 and the inverter device 80 in the axial direction AD. The gear device 100 is provided between the motor device 60 and the inverter device 80 and the propeller 20 in the axial direction AD. The gear device 100 is provided coaxially with the motor device 60 and the inverter device 80. The center line of the gear device 100 coincides with the motor axis line Cm.

[0054] The gear device 100 includes a gear, a gear shaft, and a gear housing. The gear shaft extends in the axial direction AD and connects the motor shaft 130 and the propeller 20. The gear includes a reducer and is provided on the gear shaft. The gear housing accommodates the gear.

[0055] The gear device 100 is arranged in the axial direction AD on the motor case 70 and the inverter case 83. The gear device 100 is provided in a position adjacent to the motor case 70, either on the motor case 70 or the inverter case 83. The gear device 100 and the motor case 70 are provided at positions spaced apart in the axial direction AD.

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

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

[0058] The propulsion device 15 has a pitch device 150. The pitch device 150 can change the pitch of the propeller 20. For example, the pitch device 150 changes the pitch of the propeller 20 by changing the angle of the blades 21 with respect to the propeller axis. The pitch device 150 has a pitch controller 151, a pitch rod 152, and a pitch housing 153. The pitch controller 151 is configured to include an actuator such as a motor. The pitch rod 152 connects the pitch controller 151 and the propeller 20. The pitch controller 151 changes the pitch of the propeller 20 via the pitch rod 152. The pitch housing 153 houses the pitch controller 151. The pitch controller 151 and the pitch housing 153 are provided at positions downstream and away from the motor shaft 130 and the inverter case 83.

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

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

[0061] <Air-Cooling Flow Path> The EPU 50 has an EPU duct 120. The EPU duct 120 houses the motor device 60 and the inverter device 80. The EPU duct 120 has thermal conductivity and is formed from a metal material or a resin material. The EPU duct 120 covers the motor device 60 and the inverter device 80 from the outside. The EPU duct 120 covers at least a portion of the motor case 70 from the outside. The EPU duct 120 covers at least a portion of the inverter case 83 from the outside. The EPU duct 120 has a duct space 125. The duct space 125 is the internal space of the EPU duct 120.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0068] <Inverter Circuit> As shown in Fig. 4, the inverter circuit 81 has a plurality of electronic components and high-voltage boards 813A and 813B. The plurality of electronic components include a plurality of switching elements 811A and 811B and capacitor elements 812A and 812B. The high-voltage boards 813A and 813B are wiring boards for a high voltage system (e.g., 400V). In this specification, components with a reference number ending in A indicate components included in the first inverter device 80A. Components with a reference number ending in B indicate components included in the second inverter device 80B.

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

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

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

[0072] 4, the control circuit 82 has a plurality of electronic components, drive boards 821A and 821B, and control boards 822A and 822B. The plurality of electronic components mounted on the drive boards 821A and 821B include an integrated circuit chip (IC91), a gate resistor element 92, and a signal connector 93. The plurality of electronic components mounted on the control boards 822A and 822B include a microcomputer 94.

[0073] The drive boards 821A, 821B are wiring boards that output switch on / off signals to signal terminals of the switching elements 811A, 811B. The control boards 822A, 822B control the operation of the inverter circuit 81 by controlling the operation of the drive boards 821A, 821B based on commands from the FCU 40. The drive boards 821A, 821B and the control boards 822A, 822B are connected via wiring connected to a signal connector 93. The command signals are transmitted from the control boards 822A, 822B to the drive boards 821A, 821B via this wiring.

[0074] The drive boards 821A, 821B and the control boards 822A, 822B are arranged perpendicular to the motor axis Cm. Through holes 821c, 822c are formed in the centers of the drive boards 821A, 821B and the control boards 822A, 822B. The drive boards 821A, 821B and the control boards 822A, 822B are shaped to extend in an annular shape centered on the inverter axis Ci. The drive boards 821A, 821B are arranged between the control boards 822A, 822B and the high-voltage boards 813A, 813B.

[0075] Drive boards 821A, 821B and control boards 822A, 822B are low-voltage (e.g., 15 V) wiring boards. That is, high-voltage circuits are concentrated on high-voltage boards 813A, 813B, and low-voltage circuits are concentrated on drive boards 821A, 821B and control boards 822A, 822B. Low-voltage power supplied to inverter device 80 is supplied to drive boards 821A, 821B and control boards 822A, 822B via a low-voltage bus bar (not shown).

[0076] In short, the high-voltage board 813A, drive board 821A, and control board 822A of the first inverter device 80A convert the DC power supplied from the battery 31 into AC power and supply it to the first coil 63a. The high-voltage board 813B, drive board 821B, and control board 822B of the second inverter device 80B convert the DC power supplied from the battery 31 into AC power and supply it to the second coil 63b.

[0077] <Support Member> The support member 200 is disposed between the high-voltage boards 813A, 813B and the drive boards 821A, 821B. The high-voltage boards 813A, 813B and the drive boards 821A, 821B are attached to and supported by the support member 200. The control boards 822A, 822B are attached to and supported by the drive boards 821A, 821B.

[0078] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 , the support member 200 has multiple beam portions 210, 220 and multiple connecting portions 230, 240. The beam portions 210, 220 have a beam shape extending radially from the inverter axis Ci. The multiple beam portions 210, 220 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction CD. One end of the beam portions 210, 220 is fixed to the inverter outer peripheral wall 831. For example, one end of the beam portions 210, 220 is fastened to a bracket protruding inward from the inverter outer peripheral wall 831 with a fastening member such as a screw. The other end of the beam portions 210, 220 is fixed to the inverter inner peripheral wall 832. For example, the other end of the beam portions 210, 220 is fastened to a bracket protruding outward from the inverter inner peripheral wall 832 with a fastening member such as a screw.

[0079] The connecting portions 230, 240 connect the multiple beam portions 210, 220 to each other. The connecting portions 230, 240 have a beam shape extending in the circumferential direction CD centered on the inverter axis Ci. The connecting portion 230 has an annular shape and is located outward in the radial direction RD from the connecting portion 240. The connecting portion 240 has an annular shape and is located inward in the radial direction RD from the connecting portion 230. The axial direction AD dimensions of the connecting portions 230, 240 are the same as the axial direction AD dimensions of the beam portions 210, 220.

[0080] <Split Substrates> The drive substrate 821A and the drive substrate 821B have the same structure, and the structure of the drive substrate 821A will be described below. The drive substrate 821A is configured with multiple split substrates 821. The number of split substrates 821 is the same as the number of phases of the first coil 63a to which power is supplied by the first inverter device 80A. In this embodiment, the first coil 63a has three phases, so there are three split substrates 821. In FIG. 7 , the three split substrates 821 adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction CD are referred to as the first split substrate 8211, the second split substrate 8212, and the third split substrate 8213.

[0081] Each divided substrate 821 is mounted with an IC 91, a gate resistor 92, and a signal connector 93. The IC 91 and the gate resistor 92 correspond to a "drive circuit" that outputs drive signals to the inverter circuit for each of the N phases. Electronic components such as a microcomputer 94 mounted on the control substrates 822A and 822B correspond to a "command circuit" that commands the operation of the drive circuit. In other words, each divided substrate 821 is equipped with a drive circuit that operates in response to commands from the command circuit. Letting m and N / m be natural numbers, N / 2m drive circuits are mounted on one divided substrate 821. Since the motor device 60 according to this embodiment has six phases, N = 6. Since the first inverter device 80A and the second inverter device 80B drive a six-phase motor, the number of drive circuits required for one inverter device is N / 2m. Since m = 1 in this embodiment, the number of drive circuits required for the first inverter device 80A is three. The first inverter device 80A has three divided boards 821, and each divided board 821 is equipped with a drive circuit for one phase.

[0082] The divided substrate 821 has an arc shape extending in the circumferential direction CD. The inner peripheral end face of the divided substrate 821 has an arc shape that forms part of the through hole 821c. The outer peripheral end face 821d of the divided substrate 821 has a polygonal shape formed by connecting multiple straight lines. These straight lines coincide with the tangent direction described below.

[0083] The upper arm assigned to one phase of the first coil 63a is provided by a plurality of switching elements 811A connected in parallel. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the upper arm is formed by eight switching elements 811A. For example, four of the eight switching elements 811A are held by one holding member 811c. The holding member 811c has a frame shape that extends linearly in a tangential direction of the inverter outer peripheral wall 831, and the four switching elements 811A are arranged in this tangential direction. The aforementioned multiple straight lines of the outer peripheral end surface 821d include a straight line that is parallel to the tangential direction of the holding member 811c.

[0084] Similarly to the upper arm, the lower arm is also formed of eight switching elements 811A, and the multiple switching elements 811A are held by one holding member 811c. In short, a total of four holding members 811c for the upper and lower arms face the outer peripheral end surface 821d of one divided substrate 821. In other words, a total of 16 switching elements 811A for the upper and lower arms face the outer peripheral end surface 821d of one divided substrate 821.

[0085] 7 and 8, a convex portion P1 (first convex portion) that protrudes in the circumferential direction CD is formed on an end face P of the first divided substrate 8211 that faces the second divided substrate 8212. A convex portion Q1 (second convex portion) that protrudes in the circumferential direction CD is formed on an end face Q of the second divided substrate 8212 that faces the first divided substrate 8211. The convex portions P1 and Q1 are trapezoidal when viewed from the axial direction AD. The thickness of the convex portions P1 and Q1 is the same as the thickness of the portion of the divided substrate 821 on which drive circuit components such as ICs 91 are mounted.

[0086] The first and second convex portions are positioned differently in the radial direction RD and overlap each other in the circumferential direction CD. The tip of convex portion P1 on end face P of the first divided substrate 8211 faces the base of convex portion Q1 on end face Q of the second divided substrate 8212. In other words, the pair of opposing end faces P, Q face each other so that convex portions P1, Q1 fit together. Note that convex portion P1 is positioned outward in the radial direction RD than convex portion Q1.

[0087] The protrusions P1 and Q1 are attached to the support member 200. Specifically, the protrusions P1 and Q1 are fastened to fastening receiving portions 211 and 212 provided on the beam portion 210 by fastening members such as screws (not shown). The protrusion P1 is attached to the fastening receiving portion 211, and the protrusion Q1 is attached to the fastening receiving portion 212. An insertion hole Ph is formed in the protrusion P1. A screw to be fastened to the fastening receiving portion 211 is inserted into the insertion hole Ph. The protrusion Q1 is formed in the protrusion Q1. A screw to be fastened to the fastening receiving portion 212 is inserted into the insertion hole Qh. The fastening receiving portions 211 and 212 are aligned on a straight line extending in the radial direction RD. The insertion hole Ph and the insertion hole Qh are aligned on a straight line extending in the radial direction RD. The insertion hole Ph corresponds to the "first fastening portion," and the insertion hole Qh corresponds to the "second fastening portion."

[0088] A convex portion P1 (first convex portion) protruding in the circumferential direction CD is formed on an end face P of the second divided substrate 8212 facing the third divided substrate 8213. A convex portion Q1 (second convex portion) protruding in the circumferential direction CD is formed on an end face Q of the third divided substrate 8213 facing the second divided substrate 8212. A convex portion P1 (first convex portion) protruding in the circumferential direction CD is formed on an end face P of the third divided substrate 8213 facing the first divided substrate 8211. A convex portion Q1 (second convex portion) protruding in the circumferential direction CD is formed on an end face Q of the first divided substrate 8211 facing the third divided substrate 8213. In short, both convex portions P1 and Q1 are formed on each of the three divided substrates 821 so that each of the three divided substrates 821 corresponds to any of the first divided substrate, second divided substrate, and third divided substrate. All three divided substrates 821 have the same outer shape.

[0089] In addition to the first convex portion, convex portion P1, a convex portion P2 is also formed on the end face P. Convex portion P2 is located more inward in the radial direction RD than convex portion P1. The two convex portions P1 and P2 are aligned on a straight line extending in the radial direction RD. In addition to the second convex portion, convex portion Q1, a convex portion Q2 is also formed on the end face Q. Convex portion Q2 is located more outward in the radial direction RD than convex portion Q1. The two convex portions Q1 and Q2 are aligned on a straight line extending in the radial direction RD. Convex portions P2 and Q2 have a shape that protrudes in the circumferential direction, and are positioned differently in the radial direction from the first and second convex portions, and are positioned overlapping in the circumferential direction CD with the first and second convex portions. Convex portions P2 and Q2 correspond to a "third convex portion" to which a retaining member 95 is attached.

[0090] The second protrusions Q1 and P2 are positioned differently in the radial direction RD and overlap each other in the circumferential direction CD. The pair of opposing end faces P and Q face each other so that the protrusions P2 and Q1 fit together. The protrusion P2 is located more inward in the radial direction RD than the protrusion Q1. The first protrusions P1 and Q2 are positioned differently in the radial direction RD and overlap each other in the circumferential direction CD. The pair of opposing end faces P and Q face each other so that the protrusions Q2 and P1 fit together. The protrusion Q2 is located more outward in the radial direction RD than the protrusion P1. As shown in FIG. 7 , the protrusions P2, Q1, P1, and Q2 are aligned in the radial direction RD in this order from the inside in the radial direction RD.

[0091] The control board 822A is fixed to the support member 200 via a holding member 95 shown in FIG. 4 . Note that instead of fixing the holding member 95 to the support member 200, the holding member 95 may be fixed to the divided board 821. A plurality of holding members 95 are arranged in a row at equal intervals in the circumferential direction CD. The holding members 95 have a shape that extends in the axial direction AD. One end of the holding member 95 is attached to the support member 200. Specifically, one end of the holding member 95 is fastened to fastening receiving portions 213, 222 provided on the beam portions 210, 220 by a fastening member such as a screw (not shown).

[0092] Insertion holes Pi and Qi are formed in the protrusions P2 and Q2. A holding member 95 is inserted into the insertion holes Pi and Qi. As shown in FIG. 7 , the insertion holes Pi, Qh, Ph, and Qi are aligned in the radial direction RD, starting from the inner side in the radial direction RD. A holding member 95 is also attached to a portion of the divided substrate 821 (mounting portion) that is separate from the protrusions P2 and Q2 and faces the beam portion 220. A through hole Ri through which the holding member 95 is inserted is formed in this mounting portion. The holding member 95 inserted into the insertion hole Ri is fastened to the fastening receiving portion 222 of the beam portion 220. The multiple insertion holes Ri are aligned in a straight line extending in the radial direction RD.

[0093] Summary of First Embodiment According to the present embodiment described above, a convex portion P1 (first convex portion) protruding in the circumferential direction CD is formed on the end face P of the first divided substrate 8211 facing the second divided substrate 8212. A convex portion Q1 (second convex portion) protruding in the circumferential direction CD is formed on the end face Q of the second divided substrate 8212 facing the first divided substrate 8211. The first convex portion and the second convex portion are positioned differently in the radial direction RD and overlap each other in the circumferential direction CD. In other words, the first convex portion and the second convex portion are located at different positions on a common line passing through the center of rotation of the motor device 60. The "common line" corresponds to the dashed line in FIG. 7 . The "center of rotation" corresponds to any point on the motor axis Cm or the inverter axis Ci.

[0094] Contrary to this embodiment, if no convex portions are formed on the end faces P and Q of the divided substrate 821, the region of the divided substrate 821 radially adjacent to the attachment portion to the support member 200 would have a narrow shape that is difficult to use effectively. This narrow region is likely to become wasted space. In that case, the divided substrate 821 would be enlarged in the circumferential direction CD by the size of the attachment portion. In contrast, in this embodiment, the attachment portion of the divided substrate 821 to the support member 200 (convex portions P1, Q1) has a shape that protrudes in the circumferential direction CD, thereby eliminating the wasted space that is difficult to use effectively. Moreover, because the circumferential CD positions of the two convex portions P1, Q1 overlap each other, the enlargement in the circumferential direction CD can also be suppressed.

[0095] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the drive substrates 821A and 821B are divided into multiple pieces. Therefore, the divided substrates 821 are manufactured individually, and then the divided substrates 821 are attached to the support member 200 and arranged in a circular ring shape. Therefore, the equipment for manufacturing the divided substrates 821 can be made smaller than when manufacturing a single circular drive substrate 821A, 821B. Moreover, since the divided substrates can be stored in the inverter case 83 in a circularly arranged state, the gaps between the substrates can be reduced, thereby making efficient use of storage space. Furthermore, since the divided substrates 821 can be stored and transported individually until they need to be arranged in a circular ring shape, the inventory space and transportation efficiency of the divided substrates 821 can be improved.

[0096] Furthermore, in this embodiment, both the first convex portion and the second convex portion are formed on each of the plurality of divided substrates 821 so that each of the plurality of divided substrates 821 corresponds to both the first divided substrate 8211 and the second divided substrate 8212. Therefore, the effects of eliminating the wasted space and suppressing an increase in size in the circumferential direction CD described above are exerted in each divided substrate 821.

[0097] Furthermore, in this embodiment, all of the divided substrates 821 have the same outer shape. Therefore, it is possible to standardize the divided substrates 821, thereby improving productivity. Furthermore, in this embodiment, all of the divided substrates 821 for each of the first inverter device 80A and the second inverter device 80B have the same outer shape, so it is possible to promote improvement in productivity by standardizing the divided substrates 821.

[0098] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the drive circuits that output drive signals to the inverter circuits for each of the N phases are mounted on the separate substrates 821. The drive circuits for each phase do not need to send and receive signals to each other. Therefore, there is little need to electrically connect the separate substrates 821 to each other, and the division of the substrates is unlikely to result in complicated electrical wiring.

[0099] Furthermore, in this embodiment, N / 2m drive circuits are mounted on one divided board 821, where N=6 and m=3. In other words, the motor device 60 is a six-phase motor, and the six drive circuits required for each phase are mounted on separate divided boards 821. This simplifies the structure of the divided board 821. Furthermore, since the six drive circuits are divided into groups of three and distributed and mounted on the first inverter device 80A and the second inverter device 80B, redundancy of the device can be achieved.

[0100] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the support member 200 has a plurality of beams 210 extending in the radial direction, and the first and second protrusions are attached to the beams 210. These first and second protrusions overlap each other in the circumferential direction CD, so the beams 210 can also be made smaller in size in the circumferential direction CD. Since weight reduction is highly required for the eVTOL 10, weight reduction achieved by making the beams 210 smaller is significant.

[0101] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first protrusion has a first fastening portion (insertion hole Ph) that is fastened to the beam portion 210. The second protrusion has a second fastening portion (insertion hole Qh) that is fastened to the beam portion 210. The first fastening portion and the second fastening portion are aligned in the radial direction RD. This facilitates the miniaturization of the beam portion 210 in the circumferential direction CD, and facilitates the weight reduction of the EPU 50.

[0102] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the divided substrate 821 is formed with protrusions P2 and Q2 (third protrusions) that protrude in the circumferential direction CD and to which the holding members 95 for holding the control substrates 822A and 822B are attached. The third protrusions are positioned differently in the radial direction RD than the first and second protrusions and overlap in the circumferential direction CD than the first and second protrusions. In other words, the first, second, and third protrusions are located at different positions on a common line passing through the center of rotation. This allows the area of ​​the divided substrate 821 that is radially adjacent to the first and second protrusions—i.e., a narrow area that is difficult to utilize effectively—to be used effectively as space for attaching the holding members 95.

[0103] Second Embodiment In the first embodiment, the circumferential CD positions of the entire first convex portion (convex portion P1) and the entire second convex portion (convex portion Q1) overlap with each other. In contrast, in the present embodiment shown in Fig. 9, the circumferential CD positions of a portion of the tip of the first convex portion and a portion of the tip of the second convex portion overlap with each other. Also, for the third convex portions P2 and Q2, the circumferential CD positions of only a portion of the tip overlap with each other.

[0104] In the first embodiment, the through holes Pi, Qh, Ph, and Qi are aligned in a straight line extending in the radial direction RD. In contrast, in the present embodiment, the through holes Pi and Ph are offset from the through holes Qh and Qi in the circumferential direction CD. In the first embodiment, the fastening receiving portions 211, 212, and 213 are aligned in a straight line extending in the radial direction RD. In contrast, in the present embodiment, the fastening receiving portions 211, 212, and 213 are offset from each other in the circumferential direction CD.

[0105] As described above, in this embodiment, the first and second protrusions are positioned differently in the radial direction RD and overlap each other in the circumferential direction CD, which eliminates wasted space in the divided substrate 821 that is difficult to use effectively and also prevents the divided substrate 821 from becoming larger in the circumferential direction CD.

[0106] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the tip of the protrusion P1 contacts the end face Q of the adjacent divided substrate 821, and the tip of the protrusion Q1 also contacts the end face P of the adjacent divided substrate 821. In contrast, in the present embodiment, the tips of the protrusions P1 and Q1 are spaced from the end faces P and Q, leaving a gap in the circumferential direction CD. Therefore, the dimensional error of the divided substrate 821 in the circumferential direction CD can be absorbed by this gap. Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the side of the first protrusion contacts the side of the second protrusion. In contrast, in the present embodiment, the side of the first protrusion and the side of the second protrusion are spaced apart in the radial direction RD, leaving a gap. Therefore, the dimensional error of the first protrusion and the second protrusion in the radial direction RD can be absorbed by this gap.

[0107] As a modification of this embodiment, the insertion holes Pi, Qh, Ph, and Qi may be aligned on a straight line extending in the radial direction RD while having the circumferential gaps described above. Also, the fastening receiving portions 211, 212, and 213 may be aligned on a straight line extending in the radial direction RD while having the circumferential gaps described above.

[0108] (Other Embodiments) The disclosure of this specification is not limited to the exemplified embodiments. The disclosure encompasses the exemplified embodiments and modifications thereto by those skilled in the art. For example, the disclosure is not limited to the combinations of parts and elements shown in the embodiments, and can be implemented in various modifications. The disclosure can be implemented in various combinations. The disclosure can have additional parts that can be added to the embodiments. The disclosure encompasses embodiments in which parts and elements of the embodiments are omitted. The disclosure encompasses the substitution or combination of parts and elements between one embodiment and another embodiment. The disclosed technical scope is not limited to the description of the embodiments. The disclosed technical scope is defined by the claims, and should be interpreted as including all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0109] In the first embodiment, N / 2m drive circuits are mounted on one divided substrate 821. For example, six divided substrates 821 are provided for a six-phase motor, and one divided substrate 821 is provided with a drive circuit for one phase. Alternatively, N / m drive circuits may be mounted on one divided substrate 821. For example, three divided substrates 821 may be provided for a six-phase motor, and one divided substrate 821 may be provided with a drive circuit for two phases.

[0110] In the first embodiment, both the first convex portion and the second convex portion are formed on each of the multiple divided substrates 821. In contrast to this, it is sufficient that at least the first divided substrate 8211 is provided with the first convex portion and the second divided substrate 8212 is provided with the second convex portion;

[0111] In the first embodiment, all of the divided substrates 821 have the same outer shape, but as long as the shapes of the first convex portion and the second convex portion are the same, the shapes of the other portions do not need to be the same.

[0112] In the first embodiment, the drive substrates 821A and 821B are divided into a plurality of pieces and used as divided substrates 821. In contrast to this, the high-voltage substrates 813A and 813B may be divided into a plurality of pieces and used as divided substrates 821. Furthermore, the control substrates 822A and 822B may be divided into a plurality of pieces and used as divided substrates 821.

[0113] In the first embodiment, the drive circuit and the command circuit are mounted on separate substrates. However, a command circuit such as a microcomputer 94 may be mounted on drive substrates 821A and 821B as divided substrate 821, and control substrates 822A and 822B may be formed integrally with drive substrates 821A and 821B. Also, in the first embodiment, the drive circuit and the inverter circuit are mounted on separate substrates. However, an inverter circuit may be mounted on drive substrates 821A and 821B as divided substrate 821, and high-voltage substrates 813A and 813B may be formed integrally with drive substrates 821A and 821B.

[0114] In the first embodiment, the control boards 822A and 822B are supported by the support member 200 via the holding member 95. In contrast, the control boards 822A and 822B may be supported by the drive boards 821A and 821B, or may be supported by the inverter case 83.

[0115] In the first embodiment, the protrusions P1 and Q1 are attached to the beam portion 210. However, the support member 200 may have a plate-shaped portion, and the protrusions P1 and Q1 may be attached to the plate-shaped portion. Alternatively, the inverter case 83 may have a bracket as a support member, and the protrusions P1 and Q1 may be attached to the bracket.

[0116] (Disclosure of Technical Ideas) This specification discloses multiple technical ideas described in the following multiple clauses. Some clauses may be described in a multiple dependent form, with the subsequent clause alternatively referring to the preceding clause. Furthermore, some clauses may be described in a multiple dependent form, with the subsequent clause referring to another multiple dependent clause. These multiple dependent clauses define multiple technical ideas.

[0117] (Technical Idea 1) An inverter device comprising: an inverter circuit (81) that converts DC power into AC power and supplies it to a motor device (60); a control circuit (82) that controls the operation of the inverter circuit; a plurality of divided substrates (821) on which the inverter circuit or the control circuit is mounted and which are arranged in the circumferential direction of the rotation of the motor device; and a support member (200) that supports the plurality of divided substrates, wherein two of the plurality of divided substrates adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction are designated as a first divided substrate (8211) and a second divided substrate (8212), wherein an end face (P) of the first divided substrate facing the second divided substrate is formed with a first convex portion (P1) that protrudes in the circumferential direction and is attached to the support member, and an end face (Q) of the second divided substrate facing the first divided substrate is formed with a second convex portion (Q1) that protrudes in the circumferential direction and is attached to the support member, and wherein the first convex portion and the second convex portion are located at different positions on a common straight line that passes through the center of rotation of the motor device.

[0118] (Technical Idea 2) An inverter device according to Technical Idea 1, in which both the first convex portion and the second convex portion are formed on each of the plurality of divided substrates so that each of the plurality of divided substrates corresponds to both the first divided substrate and the second divided substrate.

[0119] (Technical Concept 3) The inverter device according to Technical Concept 1 or 2, wherein all of the plurality of divided substrates have the same outer shape.

[0120] (Technical Idea 4) An inverter device according to any one of Technical Ideas 1 to 3, wherein N is a natural number, the motor device has windings (63a, 63b) for N phases, the control circuit includes drive circuits (91, 92) that output drive signals to the inverter circuit for each of the N phases, and a command circuit (94) that commands the operation of the drive circuits, and the drive circuits are mounted on the divided substrate.

[0121] (Technical Concept 5) The inverter device according to Technical Concept 4, wherein m and N / m are natural numbers, and N / m drive circuits are mounted on one divided substrate.

[0122] (Technical Concept 6) The inverter device according to Technical Concept 4, wherein m and N / m are natural numbers, and N / 2m drive circuits are mounted on one divided substrate.

[0123] (Technical Concept 7) The inverter device according to Technical Concept 6, wherein N=6 and m=3.

[0124] (Technical Idea 8) An inverter device according to any one of Technical Ideas 4 to 7, wherein the command circuit issues commands to the plurality of drive circuits collectively and is mounted on a control board (822A, 822B) separate from the divided board, the divided board is formed with a third convex portion (P2, Q2) that protrudes in the circumferential direction and to which a holding member (95) that holds the control board is attached, and the first convex portion, the second convex portion and the third convex portion are located at different positions on a common straight line that passes through the center of rotation.

[0125] (Technical Idea 9) The inverter device according to any one of Technical Ideas 1 to 8, wherein the support member has a plurality of beam portions (210) extending radially, and the first convex portion and the second convex portion are attached to the beam portions.

[0126] (Technical Idea 10) An inverter device described in Technical Idea 9, wherein the first convex portion has a first fastening portion (Ph) fastened to the beam portion, the second convex portion has a second fastening portion (Qh) fastened to the beam portion, and the first fastening portion and the second fastening portion are aligned in the radial direction.

[0127] (Technical Idea 11) An inverter device comprising: an electric circuit (81, 82) for converting DC power into AC power; and a divided substrate (821) on which the electric circuit is mounted, wherein the divided substrate has a shape extending in an arc in a predetermined circumferential direction; one end face (P) of the divided substrate in the circumferential direction has a first convex portion (P1) that has a shape that protrudes in the circumferential direction and is attached to a predetermined support member (200); and the other end face (Q) of the divided substrate in the circumferential direction has a second convex portion (Q1) that has a shape that protrudes in the circumferential direction and is attached to the support member; and the first convex portion and the second convex portion are positioned differently in the radial direction of the divided substrate.

Claims

1. An inverter device comprising: an inverter circuit (81) that converts DC power into AC power and supplies it to a motor device (60); a control circuit (82) that controls the operation of the inverter circuit; a plurality of divided substrates (821) on which the inverter circuit or the control circuit is mounted and which are arranged in the circumferential direction of the rotation of the motor device; and a support member (200) that supports the plurality of divided substrates, wherein two of the plurality of divided substrates adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction are designated as a first divided substrate (8211) and a second divided substrate (8212), wherein an end face (P) of the first divided substrate facing the second divided substrate is formed with a first convex portion (P1) that protrudes in the circumferential direction and is attached to the support member, and an end face (Q) of the second divided substrate facing the first divided substrate is formed with a second convex portion (Q1) that protrudes in the circumferential direction and is attached to the support member, and wherein the first convex portion and the second convex portion are located at different positions on a common straight line that passes through the center of rotation of the motor device.

2. An inverter device as described in claim 1, wherein both the first convex portion and the second convex portion are formed on each of the plurality of divided substrates so that each of the plurality of divided substrates corresponds to both the first divided substrate and the second divided substrate.

3. The inverter device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein all of the plurality of divided substrates have the same external shape.

4. An inverter device as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein N is a natural number, the motor device has windings (63a, 63b) for N phases, the control circuit includes drive circuits (91, 92) that output drive signals to the inverter circuit for each of the N phases, and a command circuit (94) that commands the operation of the drive circuits, and the drive circuits are mounted on the divided board.

5. The inverter device according to claim 4, wherein m and N / m are natural numbers, and N / m drive circuits are mounted on one divided substrate.

6. The inverter device according to claim 4, wherein m and N / m are natural numbers, and N / 2m drive circuits are mounted on one divided substrate.

7. The inverter device according to claim 6, wherein N=6 and m=3.

8. The inverter device according to claim 4, wherein the command circuit issues commands to the plurality of drive circuits collectively and is mounted on a control board (822A, 822B) separate from the divided boards, the divided boards are formed with third convex portions (P2, Q2) that protrude in the circumferential direction and to which a holding member (95) that holds the control board is attached, and the first convex portion, the second convex portion and the third convex portion are located at different positions on a common straight line that passes through the center of rotation.

9. The inverter device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the support member has a plurality of beam portions (210) extending in the radial direction, and the first protrusion and the second protrusion are attached to the beam portions.

10. The inverter device according to claim 9, wherein the first convex portion has a first fastening portion (Ph) fastened to the beam portion, the second convex portion has a second fastening portion (Qh) fastened to the beam portion, and the first fastening portion and the second fastening portion are aligned in the radial direction.

11. An inverter device comprising: an electric circuit (81, 82) for converting DC power into AC power; and a divided substrate (821) on which the electric circuit is mounted, wherein the divided substrate has a shape extending in an arc in a predetermined circumferential direction; one end face (P) of the divided substrate in the circumferential direction has a first convex portion (P1) formed thereon, the first convex portion having a shape protruding in the circumferential direction and attached to a predetermined support member (200); and the other end face (Q) of the divided substrate in the circumferential direction has a second convex portion (Q1) formed thereon, the second convex portion having a shape protruding in the circumferential direction and attached to the support member; and the first convex portion and the second convex portion are positioned at different radial positions on the divided substrate.

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