Propulsion device

Abstract

A propulsion device (15) includes a propeller (20) and an EPU (50). The EPU (50) has an EPU housing (55), a pitch device (110), a pedestal (121), and a pedestal rib (128). The pedestal (121) and the pedestal rib (128) are provided on the side opposite the propeller (20) with the EPU housing (55) interposed therebetween in an axial direction (AD). The pitch device (110) has a pitch controller (111) and a pitch rod (115). The pitch controller (111) is placed on the pedestal (121). The pitch rod (115) extends in the axial direction (AD) so as to bridge the pitch controller (111) and the propeller (20) via the EPU housing (55) and the pedestal (121). A pedestal rib (128) is provided so as to restrict displacement of the pedestal (121) in a radial direction (RD) with respect to the EPU housing (55).

Description

Propulsion device Cross-reference to related applications

[0001] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-165511 filed in Japan on September 24, 2024, and the content of the base application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] The disclosure in this specification relates to a propulsion device.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a pump device driven by a motor. In this pump device, an elastic body is provided between a motor casing that houses the motor and a casing that houses the control unit. In Patent Document 1, it is stated that the elastic body can suppress the transmission of vibration from the motor casing to the casing.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2023-36311

[0005] In the above Patent Document 1, due to the provision of an elastic body between the motor casing and the casing, the motor casing and the casing are relatively easy to move. For this reason, for example, in a configuration in which a rod-shaped member extending in a rod shape is provided so as to span between the motor casing and the casing, there is a concern that the rod-shaped member may be deformed due to the relative movement between the motor casing and the casing.

[0006] One object of the present disclosure is to provide a propulsion device that can suppress deformation of a rod-shaped member provided in the propulsion device.

[0007] The plurality of aspects disclosed in this specification adopt different technical means in order to achieve their respective objects. Also, the claims and the reference numerals in parentheses described in this section are an example showing the correspondence relationship with the specific means described in the embodiments described later as one aspect, and do not limit the technical scope.

[0008] To achieve the above objective, the disclosed embodiment is a propulsion device for propelling a moving body by the rotation of a rotating body, comprising: a drive unit that drives to propel the moving body; a drive housing that houses the drive unit; a base that protrudes from the drive housing in the direction of alignment between the rotating body and the drive housing; an auxiliary device that drives to assist the drive unit, is mounted on the base, and is fixed to the base; a rod-shaped member that extends in a rod shape in the direction of alignment so as to span between the drive housing and the auxiliary device via the base, and operates in accordance with the drive of the auxiliary device; and a base restricting part that is provided on the drive housing so as to be aligned with the base in an orthogonal direction perpendicular to the direction of alignment, and restricts the displacement of the base in a direction perpendicular to the drive housing.

[0009] In the above propulsion system, the auxiliary device is mounted on the drive housing via a base. In this configuration, the base may oscillate in a direction perpendicular to the drive housing. In this case, there is a concern that the rod-shaped member may deform if the auxiliary device is displaced in a direction perpendicular to the drive housing.

[0010] In contrast, according to the above-described propulsion device, the base restrictor restricts the displacement of the base in a direction perpendicular to the drive housing. In this configuration, the base restrictor can prevent the auxiliary device from being displaced perpendicular to the drive housing along with the base, and the rod-shaped member from bending in a perpendicular direction. Therefore, deformation of the rod-shaped member provided in the propulsion device can be suppressed.

[0011] A diagram showing the configuration of the eVTOL in the first embodiment. A schematic longitudinal section view of the propulsion device. A side view of the EPU seen from the short side wall. A side view of the EPU seen from the long side wall. A plan view of the EPU seen from the base side. A cross-sectional view of the inverter device, shown as a cross-section along line VI-VI in Figure 4. A plan view of the EPU in modified example 1-1. A plan view of the EPU in the second embodiment. A cross-sectional view of the inverter device in the third embodiment. A schematic longitudinal section view of the propulsion device in the fourth embodiment. A schematic cross-sectional view of the propulsion device in the fifth embodiment. A schematic cross-sectional view of the propulsion device in the sixth embodiment.

[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 previously described embodiments can be applied to the remaining parts of the configuration. 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 propulsion system 30 shown in Figure 1 is mounted on the 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 that is capable of vertical take-off and landing. eVTOL is an abbreviation for electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing aircraft. The eVTOL 10 is an electric flying vehicle that flies in the atmosphere and is sometimes referred to as an electric flying vehicle. The eVTOL 10 is also an electric aircraft and is sometimes referred to as an electric aircraft. The eVTOL 10 is a manned flying vehicle that carries a crew. The crew of the eVTOL 10 includes a pilot as the operator or driver. The propulsion system 30 is a system that drives the eVTOL 10 to fly. The propulsion system 30 is sometimes referred to as a flight system.

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

[0015] The eVTOL 10 has an aircraft cabin. The aircraft cabin is located inside the eVTOL 10. For example, the aircraft cabin is the internal space of the aircraft body 12 and is formed by the aircraft body 12. The aircraft cabin may include a crew compartment 14 or a cargo compartment. The crew compartment 14 may include a passenger cabin or a pilot's cabin. The crew compartment 14 is equipped with seats for the crew. The crew compartment 14 does not have to be occupied by crew members and may contain cargo.

[0016] Multiple propellers 20 are provided on the aircraft body 11. The eVTOL 10 is a multirotor having at least three propellers 20. For example, at least four propellers 20 are provided on the aircraft body 11. The propellers 20 are provided on the aircraft 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 are sometimes referred to as rotors or rotor blades.

[0017] As shown in Figure 2, the propeller 20 has blades 21, a boss 22, and a propeller shaft 23. Multiple blades 21 are arranged in the circumferential direction of the propeller axis. The boss 22 connects the multiple blades 21. The propeller shaft 23 extends from the boss 22 along the propeller axis. The propeller 20 is a pitch-variable propeller. In the propeller 20, the angle of the blades 21 with respect to the propeller axis can be changed.

[0018] In Figure 1, the multiple propellers 20 include lift propellers and cruise propellers. The lift propellers are oriented so that their propeller axes extend in the vertical direction. The lift propellers are capable of generating lift for the eVTOL 10. The cruise propellers are oriented so that their propeller axes extend in the longitudinal direction. The cruise propellers are capable of generating thrust for the eVTOL 10. Note that the eVTOL 10 may be a tiltrotor aircraft.

[0019] The eVTOL 10 has an EPU 50. The EPU 50 is a device that drives the propeller 20 to rotate and is equivalent to a drive device. EPU is an abbreviation for Electric Propulsion Unit. The EPU 50 is sometimes referred to as an electric drive device 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 on 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.

[0020] The propeller 20 rotates in conjunction with the drive of the EPU 50. The propeller 20 corresponds to a rotating body. The eVTOL 10 flies or moves by the rotation of the propeller 20. The eVTOL 10 corresponds to a moving body. The propeller 20 can propel the eVTOL 10 by providing thrust to it. The propeller 20 is sometimes referred to as a thruster. The eVTOL 10 has a propulsion device 15. The propulsion device 15 has a propeller 20 and an EPU 50. The propulsion device 15 propels the eVTOL 10 by 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.

[0021] As shown in Figure 2, the EPU 50 has a motor unit 60 and an inverter unit 80. The motor unit 60 and the inverter unit 80 are formed as a whole in a short cylindrical shape and extend in the axial direction A and D. The motor unit 60 and the inverter unit 80 are arranged side by side in the axial direction A and D. The motor unit 60 and the inverter unit 80 are superimposed in the axial direction A and D. The motor unit 60 and the inverter unit 80 are provided coaxially. The center line of the inverter unit 80 coincides with the motor axis Cm. The motor unit 60 is provided between the inverter unit 80 and the propeller 20 in the axial direction A and D.

[0022] The motor unit 60 comprises a motor 61 and a motor housing 70. The motor housing 70 is a casing that houses the motor 61. The motor 61 is a multi-phase AC motor. The motor unit 60 drives the eVTOL 10 to propel it. The motor unit 60 is the flight drive source for the eVTOL 10 and functions as an electric motor. The motor unit 60 is sometimes referred to as a rotating electric machine.

[0023] The motor 61 has a stator 62, a rotor 64, and a motor shaft 65. The motor 61 is composed of mechanical parts such as the stator 62, rotor 64, and motor shaft 65. The stator 62 is a stator and is fixed to the motor housing 70. The stator 62 has motor coils (not shown). The motor coils are multi-phase coils. The motor coils are windings and form the armature.

[0024] The rotor 64 is a rotor that rotates relative to the stator 62. The motor shaft 65 supports the rotor 64. The motor shaft 65 rotates together with the rotor 64. The motor 61 is an axial gap type motor. In the motor 61, the stator 62 and rotor 64 are arranged in the axial direction A and D. The motor 61 is also a double rotor type motor. In the motor 61, two rotors 64 are arranged in the axial direction A and D via the stator 62.

[0025] The axial direction AD is the direction in which the motor axis Cm extends. The motor axis Cm is the rotation axis of the rotor 64. The rotor 64 rotates around the motor axis Cm. The motor axis Cm is, for example, the center line of the rotor 64. The motor axis Cm is also the center line of the motor 61, stator 62, and motor shaft 65. The motor axis Cm corresponds to the rotation axis. With respect to the motor axis Cm, the axial direction AD, radial direction RD, and circumferential direction CD are orthogonal to each other. The area outside the radial direction RD is sometimes referred to as the radial outer side or outer circumference side. The area inside the radial direction RD is sometimes referred to as the radial inner side or inner circumference side.

[0026] As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the motor housing 70 has a motor outer periphery wall 71, a motor opposing wall 73, a motor column 74, and a motor fin 79. The motor outer periphery wall 71, the motor opposing wall 73, the motor column 74, and the motor fin 79 are made of a metal or the like and have thermal conductivity. The motor outer periphery wall 71 extends in an annular shape in the circumferential direction CD. The motor outer periphery wall 71 forms the outer circumferential surface of the motor housing 70. The motor outer periphery wall 71 is sometimes referred to as the outer periphery of the motor housing 70. A pair of motor opposing walls 73 are arranged in the axial direction AD via the motor outer periphery wall 71. The motor opposing walls 73 extend in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction AD. The motor opposing walls 73 are fixed to the motor outer periphery wall 71.

[0027] The motor fins 79 are provided on the outer peripheral wall 71 of the motor. The motor fins 79 release heat from the motor housing 70 to the outside of the motor device 60. The motor fins 79 are heat dissipation fins that extend outward from the outer peripheral wall 71 of the motor. The motor fins 79 extend in a direction perpendicular to the circumferential direction CD. Multiple motor fins 79 are arranged in the circumferential direction CD. In Figures 3 and 4, the region where multiple motor fins 79 are provided is shown by a dashed line.

[0028] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the motor column 74 extends columnarly in the axial direction AD along the motor outer circumferential wall 71. For example, the motor column 74 extends in the axial direction AD so as to span a pair of motor opposing walls 73. The motor column 74 is provided so as to project radially RD from the motor outer circumferential wall 71. The motor column 74 projects from the motor outer circumferential wall 71 to at least one of the outer and inner circumferential sides. For example, the motor column 74 projects from the motor outer circumferential wall 71 to the outer circumferential side. The motor column 74 is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the motor outer circumferential wall 71. The motor column 74 is sometimes referred to as a wall-mounted column.

[0029] The motor columns 74 are arranged in a circumferential direction CD on the motor fins 79. Multiple motor columns 74 are arranged in a circumferential direction CD. Multiple motor fins 79 are provided between two adjacent motor columns 74 in a circumferential direction CD.

[0030] The motor column 74 has a horizontal flange 74a and a vertical flange 74b. The flanges 74a and 74b protrude outward from the motor outer peripheral wall 71. The flanges 74a and 74b are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the motor outer peripheral wall 71. The horizontal flange 74a extends in a plate shape in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction AD. The horizontal flange 74a forms the end face of the motor column 74. A pair of horizontal flanges 74a are arranged in the axial direction AD via the vertical flange 74b. The vertical flange 74b extends in a plate shape in a direction perpendicular to the circumferential direction CD. The vertical flange 74b forms the side surface of the motor column 74. A pair of vertical flanges 74b are arranged in the circumferential direction CD via the horizontal flange 74a. The vertical flange 74b extends in the axial direction AD so as to span across the pair of horizontal flanges 74a. The vertical flange 74b is sometimes referred to as a beam.

[0031] The motor column 74 has a shape in which the central part of the motor column 74 is recessed toward the inner circumference. The recess in the motor column 74 is formed by a pair of horizontal flanges 74a and a pair of vertical flanges 74b. The space between the pair of horizontal flanges 74a and the space between the pair of vertical flanges 74b constitutes the inner space of the motor column 74. The inner space of the motor column 74 is open toward the outer circumference.

[0032] As shown in Figure 2, the motor device 60 has motor bearings 66. The motor bearings 66 rotatably support the motor shaft 65. The motor bearings 66 are bearing members. Multiple motor bearings 66 are arranged in the axial direction A and D. The motor bearings 66 are fixed to the motor housing 70. For example, the motor bearings 66 are fixed to the motor-facing wall 73. The motor bearings 66 may also be provided in the inverter device 80. For example, the motor bearings 66 may be fixed to the inverter housing 90, which will be described later.

[0033] The inverter device 80 drives the motor device 60. The inverter device 80 has an inverter unit 81 and an inverter housing 90. The inverter housing 90 is a casing and houses the inverter unit 81. The inverter housing 90 is provided on the motor housing 70 in a position aligned with the axial direction A and D. The inverter housing 90 corresponds to a conversion housing. The inverter unit 81 drives the motor 61 by converting the power supplied to the motor 61. The inverter unit 81 corresponds to a power conversion unit.

[0034] The inverter section 81 is formed including an inverter and an inverter control section. The inverter is composed of multiple electronic components such as switching elements and capacitor elements. In the inverter, the electronic components are mounted on a circuit board or the like. Examples of switching elements include semiconductor elements such as IGBTs and MOSFETs. IGBT is an abbreviation for Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor. MOSFET is an abbreviation for Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor. The switching elements may be formed including SiC semiconductors or Si semiconductors. SiC is silicon carbide. Si is silicon.

[0035] The inverter control unit controls the motor 61 by controlling the inverter. The inverter control unit is composed of multiple electronic components, including a microcontroller, processor, and memory. These electronic components are mounted on a circuit board or the like in the inverter control unit. The inverter device 80 controls the power supplied to the motor coil.

[0036] The inverter housing 90 is formed in an annular shape. As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the inverter housing 90 has an inverter outer circumferential wall 91, an inverter inner circumferential wall 92, an inverter opposing wall 93, an inverter column 94, and an inverter fin 99. The inverter outer circumferential wall 91, the inverter inner circumferential wall 92, the inverter opposing wall 93, the inverter column 94, and the inverter fin 99 are formed of a metal material or the like and have thermal conductivity.

[0037] The inverter outer periphery wall 91 and the inverter inner periphery wall 92 extend in an annular shape in the circumferential direction CD. The inverter outer periphery wall 91 forms the outer circumferential surface of the inverter housing 90. The inverter outer periphery wall 91 is sometimes referred to as the outer periphery of the inverter housing 90. The inverter inner periphery wall 92 forms the inner circumferential surface of the inverter housing 90. The inverter inner periphery wall 92 forms the inverter housing hole 95. The inverter outer periphery wall 91 and the inverter inner periphery wall 92 are arranged radially RD via the inverter opposing wall 93. The inverter outer periphery wall 91 corresponds to the outer periphery wall.

[0038] The inverter opposing walls 93 are arranged in pairs in the axial direction AD via the inverter outer wall 91 and the inverter inner wall 92. The inverter opposing walls 93 extend in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction AD. The inverter opposing walls 93 are fixed to the inverter outer wall 91 and the inverter inner wall 92.

[0039] The inverter fins 99 are provided on the outer peripheral wall 91 of the inverter. The inverter fins 99 release heat from the inverter housing 90 to the outside of the inverter device 80. The inverter fins 99 are heat dissipation fins that extend outward from the outer peripheral wall 91 of the inverter. The inverter fins 99 extend in a direction perpendicular to the circumferential direction CD. Multiple inverter fins 99 are arranged in the circumferential direction CD. In Figures 3 and 4, the region where multiple inverter fins 99 are provided is shown by a dashed line.

[0040] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the inverter column 94 extends columnarly in the axial direction AD along the inverter outer wall 91. For example, the inverter column 94 extends in the axial direction AD so as to span a pair of motor-facing walls 73. The inverter column 94 is provided so as to project radially RD from the inverter outer wall 91. For example, the inverter column 94 projects outward from the inverter outer wall 91. The inverter column 94 is provided on the outer surface of the inverter outer wall 91. The inverter column 94 corresponds to a column with a wall.

[0041] The inverter columns 94 are arranged in a circumferential direction CD on the inverter fins 99. Multiple inverter columns 94 are arranged in a circumferential direction CD. Multiple inverter fins 99 are provided between two adjacent inverter columns 94 in the circumferential direction CD.

[0042] The inverter column 94 has a horizontal flange 94a and a vertical flange 94b. The flanges 94a and 94b protrude outward from the inverter outer peripheral wall 91. The flanges 94a and 94b are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the inverter outer peripheral wall 91. The horizontal flange 94a extends in a plate shape in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction AD. The horizontal flange 94a forms the end face of the inverter column 94. A pair of horizontal flanges 94a are arranged in the axial direction AD via the vertical flange 94b. The vertical flange 94b extends in a plate shape in a direction perpendicular to the circumferential direction CD. The vertical flange 94b forms the side surface of the inverter column 94. A pair of vertical flanges 94b are arranged in the circumferential direction CD via the horizontal flange 94a. The vertical flange 94b extends in the axial direction AD so as to span across the pair of horizontal flanges 94a.

[0043] The inverter column 94 has a shape in which the central part of the inverter column 94 is recessed toward the inner circumference. The recess is formed by a pair of horizontal flanges 94a and a pair of vertical flanges 94b in the inverter column 94. The space between the pair of horizontal flanges 94a and the space between the pair of vertical flanges 94b is the inner space of the inverter column 94. The inner space of the inverter column 94 is open toward the outer circumference.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 6, the inverter unit 81 has a switch component 82. The switch component 82 forms a switching element of the inverter. The switch component 82 generates heat as electricity is supplied to the switch component 82 and as the switch component 82 is driven. The switch component 82 generates heat as the motor 61 and the inverter unit 81 are driven. The switch component 82 corresponds to a heat-generating component. A plurality of switch components 82 are arranged in the circumferential direction CD along the outer peripheral wall 91 of the inverter. At least a part of the switch component 82 is provided at a position arranged in the radial direction RD on the inverter fin 99. The switch component 82 is provided at a position separated from the inverter column 94 in the circumferential direction CD.

[0045] The switch component 82 is directly fixed to the outer peripheral wall 91 of the inverter by bolts, an adhesive, or the like. The switch component 82 is attached to the outer peripheral wall 91 of the inverter in a state where the heat of the switch component 82 is transmitted to the outer peripheral wall 91 of the inverter. The switch component 82 is a component with a relatively large amount of heat generation due to the adoption of a SiC semiconductor or the like. The switch component 82 may be referred to as a high heat-generating body. Note that the switch component 82 may be indirectly fixed to the outer peripheral wall 91 of the inverter via a separate member such as a substrate.

[0046] The EPU 50 has a plurality of inverter devices 80. The plurality of inverter devices 80 includes a first inverter device 80A and a second inverter device 80B. The first inverter device 80A and the second inverter device 80B are arranged in the axial direction AD. The first inverter device 80A is provided between the motor device 60 and the second inverter device 80B in the axial direction AD.

[0047] The first inverter device 80A and the second inverter device 80B have corresponding members and parts. For example, the inverter housing 90 of the first inverter device 80A may be referred to as the first inverter housing 90A. The first inverter housing 90A corresponds to the first housing. The inverter housing 90 of the second inverter device 80B may be referred to as the second inverter housing 90B. The second inverter housing 90B corresponds to the second housing.

[0048] The motor housing 70 and the inverter housing 90 are arranged in the axial direction AD. For example, the outer peripheral wall 71 of the motor and the outer peripheral wall 91 of the inverter are arranged in the axial direction AD. The motor device 60 and the inverter device 80 are fixed to each other. For example, the motor housing 70 and the inverter housing 90 are fixed by a fixture such as a bolt. This fixture fixes the outer peripheral wall 71 of the motor and the outer peripheral wall 91 of the inverter. The outer peripheral wall 71 of the motor and the outer peripheral wall 91 of the inverter are arranged in the axial direction AD.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 2, 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 is provided between the motor device 60 and the propeller 20 in the axial direction AD. The gear device 100 may be referred to as a gear box. The gear device 100 is formed in a short cylindrical shape as a whole and extends in the axial direction AD. The gear device 100 is arranged in the axial direction AD with the motor device 60 and the inverter device 80. 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 Cm.

[0050] The gear device 100 has a gear 101, a gear shaft 102, and a gear housing 105. The gear shaft 102 extends in the axial direction AD and connects the motor shaft 65 and the propeller 20. For example, the gear shaft 102 is connected to the propeller shaft 23. The gear 101 has a speed reducer and is provided on the gear shaft 102. The gear housing 105 houses the gear 101. The gear housing 105 is formed of a metal material or the like and has heat conductivity.

[0051] The propulsion system 15 has a pitch device 110. The pitch device 110 can change the pitch of the propeller 20. For example, the pitch device 110 changes the pitch of the propeller 20 by changing the angle of the blades 21 with respect to the propeller axis. By changing the pitch of the propeller 20, the pitch device 110 can change the state of the propeller 20 and the flight state of the eVTOL 10. The pitch device 110 is sometimes referred to as a pitch control device.

[0052] The pitch device 110 includes a pitch controller 111 and a pitch rod 115. The pitch controller 111 is connected to the propeller 20 via the pitch rod 115. The pitch controller 111 drives the propeller 20 to change its pitch via the pitch rod 115. The pitch controller 111 assists the rotation of the propeller 20 and the flight of the eVTOL 10 by the motor 61 and the inverter unit 81. In other words, the pitch controller 111 drives to assist the driving of the motor 61 and the inverter unit 81. The pitch controller 111 is an auxiliary device.

[0053] The pitch controller 111 has a pitch changing section 112 and a pitch housing 113. The pitch changing section 112 is formed including an actuator such as a motor. The pitch changing section 112 is capable of operating the pitch rod 115 so that the pitch of the propeller 20 changes. The pitch changing section 112 is controlled by a flight control device or the like. The flight control device controls the EPU 50 or the like to fly the eVTOL 10. The pitch housing 113 houses the pitch changing section 112. The pitch housing 113 is formed in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped. In plan view, the pitch housing 113 is formed in the shape of a rectangle. For example, the lower surface of the pitch housing 113 is formed in the shape of a rectangle. The pitch rod 115 extends from the lower surface of the pitch housing 113 in the axial direction AD.

[0054] The pitch controller 111 is arranged in the axial direction AD along with the motor unit 60, the inverter unit 80, and the propeller 20. The pitch controller 111 is located on the opposite side of the propeller 20 via the motor unit 60 and the inverter unit 80 in the axial direction AD. The pitch controller 111 is fixed to at least one of the motor housing 70 and the inverter housing 90. For example, the pitch controller 111 is fixed to the motor housing 70 via a support base 120, which will be described later.

[0055] The pitch rod 115 is provided to span between the pitch controller 111 and the propeller 20. The pitch rod 115 is formed in a rod shape from a metal material or the like. The pitch rod 115 corresponds to a rod-shaped member. The pitch rod 115 may also be formed in a columnar or cylindrical shape. Rod-shaped members include columnar members and cylindrical members. The pitch rod 115 is connected to the pitch controller 111 and the propeller 20, respectively. For example, the pitch rod 115 is connected to the pitch changing section 112 while inside the pitch housing 113. The pitch rod 115 is sometimes referred to as a propeller member.

[0056] The pitch rod 115 extends axially AD through the motor unit 60, inverter unit 80, gear unit 100, and support base 120. The pitch rod 115 also passes through the propeller shaft 23, motor shaft 65, and gear shaft 102 axially AD. The pitch rod 115 is inserted through shafts 23, 65, and 102 in a manner that allows it to move in the axial AD and circumferential CD directions. For example, the pitch controller 111 changes the pitch of the propeller 20 by operating the pitch rod 115 so that it is displaced in the axial AD and circumferential CD directions. The shafts 23, 65, and 102 extend cylindrically in the axial AD directions.

[0057] As described above, the propulsion device 15 has a motor 61 and an inverter unit 81. In the propulsion device 15, the propeller 20 rotates when the motor 61 and inverter unit 81 are driven. The motor 61 and inverter unit 81 drive the propeller 20 to rotate in order to propel the EPU 50. The motor 61 and inverter unit 81 correspond to the drive unit.

[0058] The EPU 50 has an EPU housing 55. The EPU housing 55 is a casing that houses the motor 61 and the inverter unit 81. The EPU housing 55 corresponds to the drive housing. The EPU housing 55 and the propeller 20 are aligned in the axial direction A and D. The axial direction A and D corresponds to the alignment direction. The EPU housing 55 is composed of a motor housing 70 and an inverter housing 90. The EPU housing 55 may also include a gear housing 105. The EPU housing 55 may also house a gear 101.

[0059] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the EPU housing 55 has a housing facing surface 55a and a housing outer peripheral surface 55b. The housing facing surface 55a and the housing outer peripheral surface 55b are included in the outer surface of the EPU housing 55. The housing facing surface 55a is the end face on the pitch controller 111 side of a pair of end faces of the EPU housing 55. At least a portion of the housing facing surface 55a faces the pitch controller 111. The housing facing surface 55a faces away from the propeller 20 in the axial direction AD. The housing outer peripheral surface 55b is the outer peripheral surface of the EPU housing 55.

[0060] The EPU housing 55 has a housing body 56, a housing lid 57, and an EPU column 58. The housing body 56 is formed in a cylindrical shape overall. The housing body 56 forms at least a part of the housing outer surface 55b. For example, the housing body 56 does not form the housing opposing surface 55a. The housing body 56 may form the end face of the pair of end faces that the EPU housing 55 has, the one that is not the housing opposing surface 55a.

[0061] The housing cover portion 57 forms the housing facing surface 55a. In addition to the housing facing surface 55a, the housing cover portion 57 also forms a part of the housing outer peripheral surface 55b. The housing cover portion 57 supports the pitch controller 111. The housing cover portion 57 has sufficient strength to support the pitch controller 111. For example, the end face portion of the housing cover portion 57 that forms the housing facing surface 55a has sufficient thickness. The housing cover portion 57 may also be provided with reinforcing parts such as ribs to reinforce the housing cover portion.

[0062] In the EPU housing 55, the motor housing 70 and the first inverter housing 90A are included in the housing body 56. In the second inverter housing 90B, the inverter-facing wall 93 on the side of the first inverter housing 90A and the inverter outer periphery wall 91 are included in the housing body 56. Of the pair of inverter-facing walls 93, the inverter-facing wall 93 on the side of the pitch controller 111 is included in the housing cover portion 57. The housing cover portion 57 may also include a part of the inverter outer periphery wall 91.

[0063] As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the housing cover portion 57 is provided with a cover flange 57a. The cover flange 57a protrudes outward from the housing cover portion 57. The cover flange 57a is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the housing cover portion 57. The cover flange 57a extends in a plate-like shape in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction AD. The housing cover portion 57 and the cover flange 57a are included in the second inverter housing 90B. In the second inverter housing 90B, the inverter column 94 and the cover flange 57a are arranged in the axial direction AD.

[0064] The EPU column 58 is formed including a motor column 74, an inverter column 94, and a cover flange 57a. In the EPU column 58, the motor column 74, the inverter column 94 of the first inverter housing 90A, the inverter column 94 of the second inverter housing 90B, and the cover flange 57a are fixed to each other in an axial direction A and D. The EPU column 58 extends axially A and D so as to span between the motor housing 70 and the housing cover portion 57 via the first inverter housing 90A. The EPU column 58 is sometimes referred to as a through column.

[0065] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, for example, the motor column 74 of the motor housing 70 and the inverter column 94 of the first inverter housing 90A are fixed to each other in an axial direction A and D. For example, the lateral flange 74a of the motor column 74 and the lateral flange 94a of the inverter column 94 are fixed to each other by fasteners such as bolts in an overlapping state. The heads of fasteners are positioned between a pair of vertical flanges 74b and between a pair of vertical flanges 94b.

[0066] The inverter column 94 of the first inverter housing 90A and the inverter column 94 of the second inverter housing 90B are fixed to each other in an axial direction A and D. For example, the lateral flange 94a of the first inverter housing 90A and the lateral flange 94a of the second inverter housing 90B are fixed to each other by fasteners in an overlapping state. In the inverter housings 90A and 90B, the head of a fastener or the like is positioned between a pair of vertical flanges 94b.

[0067] The inverter column 94 and the lid flange 57a of the second inverter housing 90B are fixed to each other in an axial direction A and D. For example, the horizontal flange 74a and the lid flange 57a of the second inverter housing 90B are fixed to each other by fasteners in an overlapping state. In the second inverter housing 90B, the head of a fastener is positioned between a pair of vertical flanges 74b. The housing lid 57 is fixed to the second inverter housing 90B and the housing body 56 by fixing the inverter column 94 and the lid flange 57a.

[0068] The EPU 50 has a support base 120. The support base 120 is provided between the EPU housing 55 and the pitch controller 111 in the axial direction AD. The support base 120 supports the pitch controller 111 while being fixed to the EPU housing 55. The pitch controller 111 is fixed to the housing cover 57 via the support base 120. The support base 120 is fixed to the housing cover 57.

[0069] The support base 120 has a base 121 and a base rib 128. The base 121 protrudes from the EPU housing 55 in the axial direction AD. For example, the base 121 is provided on the side opposite to the propeller 20 via the EPU housing 55 in the axial direction AD. The base 121 protrudes from the EPU housing 55 toward the side opposite to the propeller 20. The base 121 is provided on the housing facing surface 55a. The base 121 is fixed to the housing cover 57 by bolts, welding, or the like.

[0070] The pitch controller 111 is mounted on a base 121. The pitch controller 111 is fixed to the EPU housing 55 via the base 121. The base 121 fastens the pitch controller 111 and the EPU housing 55. The base 121 is sometimes referred to as the fastening portion. The base 121 has a base surface 125. The base surface 125 is the surface on which the pitch controller 111 is mounted. For example, the lower surface of the pitch controller 111 rests on the base surface 125. The base surface 125 extends in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction AD. The base surface 125 is included in the outer surface of the base 121.

[0071] The base 121 is formed in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped. As shown in Figure 5, the base surface 125 is formed in the shape of a rectangle. The base surface 125 has a long side 125a and a short side 125b. The long side 125a and the short side 125b extend in directions perpendicular to each other. On the base surface 125, of two adjacent sides, one is the long side 125a and the other is the short side 125b, which is shorter than the long side 125a. The pitch controller 111 is placed on the base surface 125 so as not to protrude radially RD from the base surface 125. For example, in a plan view, the pitch controller 111 is placed on the base surface 125 with its long side extending along the long side 125a and its short side extending along the short side 125b.

[0072] The base 121 has a base top plate 122, long side walls 123, and short side walls 124. The base top plate 122 forms the base surface 125. The base top plate 122 extends in a plate shape in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction AD. The base top plate 122 is provided at a position away from the housing opposing surface 55a in the axial direction AD via the long side walls 123 and the short side walls 124.

[0073] Walls 123 and 124 extend in a plate-like manner in a direction perpendicular to the radial direction RD. Walls 123 and 124 support the base plate 122 while fixed to the housing lid 57. Walls 123 and 124 are included in the outer peripheral wall of the base 121. The outer peripheral wall of the base 121 extends in the circumferential direction CD along the outer peripheral edge of the base plate 122. The long side wall 123 and the short side wall 124 are arranged in the circumferential direction CD along the outer peripheral edge of the base plate 122. The long side wall 123 extends along the long side 125a. The short side wall 124 extends along the short side 125b. The long side walls 123 are arranged in pairs in the radial direction RD via the short side wall 124. The short side walls 124 are arranged in pairs in the radial direction RD via the long side wall 123. The long side wall 123 and the short side wall 124 correspond to the base wall.

[0074] The base 121 has a base outer circumferential surface 126. The base outer circumferential surface 126 is the outer circumferential surface of the base 121. The base outer circumferential surface 126 extends in the circumferential direction CD along the outer circumferential edge of the base surface 125. The base outer circumferential surface 126 is formed by walls 123 and 124. The base outer circumferential surface 126 includes a long side wall surface 126a and a short side wall surface 126b. The long side wall surface 126a is the outer wall surface of the long side wall 123. The long side wall surface 126a extends in the radial direction RD along the long side 125a. The long side wall surface 126a corresponds to the long side surface. The short side wall surface 126b is the outer wall surface of the short side wall 124. The short side wall surface 126b extends in the radial direction RD along the short side 125b. The short side wall surface 126b corresponds to the short side surface.

[0075] The base 121 forms a base space 127. The base space 127 is the space formed between the base top plate 122 and the housing lid 57. The base space 127 is surrounded on all four sides by long side walls 123 and short side walls 124. The base space 127 is also the space formed between the pair of long side walls 123 and the space formed between the pair of short side walls 124.

[0076] A base hole 121a is formed in the base 121. The base hole 121a opens the base space 127 to the outside of the base 121. The base hole 121a is formed in at least one of the long side wall 123 and the short side wall 124. For example, the base hole 121a is formed in the long side wall 123. The base hole 121a penetrates the long side wall 123 in the radial direction RD. The base hole 121a is formed in each of the pair of long side walls 123. The base hole 121a corresponds to a wall hole.

[0077] The pitch rod 115 extends axially A and D across the base 121 to the EPU housing 55 and the pitch controller 111. The pitch rod 115 penetrates the base 121 axially A and D. For example, the top plate 122 of the base has a through hole through which the pitch rod 115 is inserted. The pitch rod 115 passes through the base space 127 axially A and D. The pitch rod 115 is exposed to the outside of the base 121 through the base hole 121a.

[0078] The base 121 is provided so as not to protrude outward from the EPU housing 55. The base 121 is located away from the outer edge of the housing cover 57 towards the inner circumference. In a plan view, the base surface 125 is located away from the outer edge of the housing facing surface 55a towards the inner circumference.

[0079] The base ribs 128 are provided on the base 121 in a position aligned radially RD. The base ribs 128 are provided on the base 121 in a horizontal position along the housing opposing surface 55a. The base ribs 128 are provided between the base 121 and the outer peripheral edge of the housing opposing surface 55a in the radial direction RD. The base ribs 128 extend axially AD from the housing opposing surface 55a. The base ribs 128 do not protrude axially AD beyond the base surface 125. The base ribs 128 extend outward from the outer peripheral surface 126 of the base. The base ribs 128 do not protrude outward beyond the outer peripheral surface 55b of the housing.

[0080] The base rib 128 restricts the displacement of the base 121 in the radial direction RD relative to the EPU housing 55. Radial direction RD corresponds to the orthogonal direction. The base rib 128 corresponds to the base restricting portion. The base rib 128 is fixed to the housing opposing surface 55a and the base outer peripheral surface 126, respectively, while spanning across the housing opposing surface 55a and the base outer peripheral surface 126. The base rib 128 is fixed to the housing lid 57 and the base 121, respectively, by bolts, welding, etc. The base rib 128 is sometimes referred to as a beam.

[0081] The base rib 128 is positioned to span the outer circumferential end of the housing opposing surface 55a and the free end of the base outer circumferential surface 126. The outer circumferential end of the housing opposing surface 55a is positioned to align with the housing outer circumferential surface 55b in the axial direction AD. The free end of the base outer circumferential surface 126 is positioned to align with the outer circumferential end of the base surface 125 in the radial direction RD. In the axial direction AD, the end of the base rib 128 on the pitch controller 111 side is at the same height as the base surface 125.

[0082] The base rib 128 extends in a plate-like shape in a direction perpendicular to the circumferential direction CD. The upper end surface of the base rib 128 extends outward from the outer edge of the base surface 125. The upper end surface of the base rib 128 is inclined with respect to the base surface 125 so as to face outward. The height dimension of the base rib 128 in the axial direction AD is smaller the further it is from the base 121.

[0083] The base rib 128 fixed to the long side wall surface 126a of the outer peripheral surface 126 of the base is sometimes referred to as the long side rib 128A. The long side rib 128A is fixed to both the housing opposing surface 55a and the long side wall surface 126a, spanning across both surfaces. The long side rib 128A is fixed to the long side wall 123. The long side rib 128A restricts the displacement of the base 121 relative to the EPU housing 55 in the short side direction. The short side direction is the direction in which the short side 125b extends. The short side direction is the direction perpendicular to the long side direction. The long side direction is the direction in which the long side 125a extends. Both the short side direction and the long side direction are one of the radial directions RD. The short side direction and the long side direction correspond to orthogonal directions.

[0084] The base ribs 128 are provided on one and the other side in the radial direction RD via the base 121. For example, the long side ribs 128A are provided on one and the other side in the short side direction via the base 121. The long side ribs 128A are arranged in the short side direction via the base 121. The long side ribs 128A are fixed to each of the pair of long side walls 123.

[0085] Multiple long-side ribs 128A are arranged along the long side 125a. The base holes 121a are located between two adjacent base holes 121a in the long-side direction. The long-side ribs 128A are offset from the base holes 121a in the long-side direction. The long-side ribs 128A are located in a position that does not overlap with the base holes 121a in the short-side direction. The base holes 121a are open in the radial direction RD and in the short-side direction through the space between two adjacent base holes 121a in the long-side direction.

[0086] The base hole 121a is a work hole. For example, during the manufacturing or maintenance of the propulsion device 15, workers can insert their fingers or jigs into the base space 127 through the base hole 121a to perform installation, adjustment, and inspection work on the pitch rod 115. The base hole 121a is sometimes referred to as a service hole. Installation work on the pitch rod 115 includes inserting the pitch rod 115 into the pitch controller 111 or propeller 20. Adjustment work on the pitch rod 115 includes adjusting the position and angle of the pitch rod 115. The size and shape of the base hole 121a, and the spacing between the two adjacent long side ribs 128A across the base hole 121a, are set to allow workers to perform work on the pitch rod 115.

[0087] Furthermore, if it is possible for an operator to work on the pitch rod 115, the base ribs 128, such as the long side rib 128A, may be positioned to align with the base hole 121a in the radial direction RD or the short side direction. For example, a part of the base rib 128 may be positioned to overlap with the base hole 121a in the short side direction. From the viewpoint of reinforcing the base 121 with the base rib 128, it is preferable that the base rib 128 be provided as close as possible to the base hole 121a. For example, from the viewpoint of increasing the strength of the base 121 with the long side rib 128A, it is preferable that the long side rib 128A be provided to align with the base hole 121a in the short side direction.

[0088] Furthermore, the support base 120 may have a cover member that covers the base hole 121a. The cover member restricts foreign matter from entering the base space 127 through the base hole 121a. The cover member is attached to the base 121 or base rib 128 so as to be openable and closable. The cover member may also be attached to the base 121 or base 121 so as to be detachable. By displacing the cover member to open the base hole 121a, the operator can access the pitch rod 115 through the base hole 121a.

[0089] According to the embodiment described above, the base rib 128 restricts the displacement of the base 121 radially RD relative to the EPU housing 55. In this configuration, the base rib 128 can restrict the displacement of the pitch controller 111 radially RD relative to the EPU housing 55 together with the base 121, and the bending of the pitch rod 115 radially RD. Therefore, deformation of the pitch rod 115 provided in the propulsion device 15 can be suppressed.

[0090] For example, even if vibration occurs in the EPU housing 55 due to the rotation of the propeller 20 or the driving of the motor 61, the base rib 128 can restrict the vibration of the pitch controller 111 relative to the EPU housing 55 together with the base 121. Therefore, the base rib 128 can suppress deformation of the pitch rod 115 due to vibration of the EPU housing 55.

[0091] For example, if the pitch rod 115 deforms, the operational accuracy of the pitch rod 115 may decrease. In this case, the adjustment accuracy of the pitch device 110 when adjusting the pitch of the propeller 20 may decrease. In contrast, in this embodiment, the deformation of the pitch rod 115 is suppressed by the base rib 128, so that the reduction in the pitch adjustment accuracy of the pitch device 110 can be suppressed.

[0092] For example, unlike this embodiment, in a configuration where the support base 120 does not have a base rib 128, the horizontal rigidity of the base 121 is low, and the resonant frequency of the base 121 and the pitch controller 111 tends to be low. The horizontal rigidity of the base 121 is the rigidity of the base 121 with respect to the radial direction RD. In this configuration, if the base 121 as a support column is weak, the base top plate 122 and the pitch controller 111 tend to sway radially RD around the boundary between the base 121 and the housing lid 57.

[0093] In contrast, in this embodiment, base ribs 128 are provided at positions aligned with the base 121 in the radial direction RD, where the base 121 is prone to vibration. In this configuration, the horizontal rigidity of the base 121 is increased by the base ribs 128, which tends to increase the resonant frequency of the base 121 and the pitch controller 111. As a result, the vibration of the base top plate 122 and the pitch controller 111 in the radial direction RD is more easily suppressed.

[0094] According to this embodiment, the base rib 128 is provided so as to span across the housing-facing surface 55a and the base outer peripheral surface 126, and is fixed to both the housing-facing surface 55a and the base outer peripheral surface 126, respectively. Therefore, a configuration can be achieved in which the displacement of the base 121 and the pitch controller 111 relative to the EPU housing 55 is restricted by the base rib 128. Moreover, the base rib 128 is formed in a plate shape. Therefore, deformation of the pitch rod 115 can be suppressed while reducing the weight of the propulsion device 15.

[0095] For example, unlike this embodiment, in a configuration where the support base 120 does not have a base rib 128, the base 121 and pitch controller 111 are more likely to vibrate in the short-side direction relative to the EPU housing 55 than in the long-side direction. In contrast, according to this embodiment, the long-side rib 128A, which is the base rib 128, is provided so as to span across the long-side wall surface 126a and the housing-facing surface 55a of the outer peripheral surface 126 of the base, and is fixed to the long-side wall surface 126a and the housing-facing surface 55a, respectively. In this configuration, the long-side rib 128A can suppress the displacement of the base 121 and pitch controller 111 in the short-side direction relative to the EPU housing 55. Therefore, a configuration in which the base 121 and pitch controller 111 are less likely to vibrate in the short-side direction can be realized.

[0096] For example, unlike this embodiment, in a configuration where only one long-side rib 128A is provided for each long-side wall surface 126a, there is a concern that the base 121 will rotate in the circumferential direction CD around the single long-side rib 128A while being displaced radially RD relative to the EPU housing 55. In contrast, according to this embodiment, multiple long-side ribs 128A are arranged along the long side 125a. In this configuration, the rotation of the base 121 and the pitch controller 111 in the circumferential direction CD can be suppressed by the multiple long-side ribs 128A. Therefore, the seismic resistance of the pitch device 110 against torsional vibration can be improved by the multiple long-side ribs 128A.

[0097] According to this embodiment, the long side wall 123 has a base hole 121a that penetrates the long side wall 123 and leads to the base space 127, provided between two long side ribs 128A that are aligned along the long side 125a. In this configuration, when workers perform work on the pitch rod 115 during the manufacturing or maintenance of the propulsion device 15, the long side ribs 128A are less likely to interfere with the work. Therefore, deformation of the pitch rod 115 can be suppressed by the long side ribs 128A, while preventing a decrease in workability on the pitch rod 115 due to the long side ribs 128A.

[0098] In the support base 120, there is a concern that the strength of the base 121 may be insufficient because a base hole 121a is formed in the long side wall 123. However, since the long side rib 128A is fixed to the long side wall 123, the long side wall 123 in which the base hole 121a is formed can be reinforced by the long side rib 128A. Therefore, the long side rib 128A can suppress the insufficient strength of the base 121 caused by the base hole 121a, as well as the increased displacement of the base 121 and pitch controller 111 relative to the EPU housing 55 caused by the base hole 121a. Moreover, since the long side rib 128A is provided on both sides of the base hole 121a in the long side direction, a configuration can be realized in which the reduction in strength of the base 121 caused by the base hole 121a can be easily compensated for by the long side rib 128A.

[0099] According to this embodiment, the base ribs 128 are provided on both the one and the other side in the short-side direction via the base 121. In this configuration, the base ribs 128 support the base 121 from both the one and the other side in the short-side direction. Therefore, displacement of the base 121 and the pitch controller 111 in the short-side direction relative to the EPU housing 55 can be restricted more reliably. For example, even if the base 121 vibrates in the short-side direction around the motor axis Cm relative to the EPU housing 55, the base ribs 128 can restrict the vibration of the base 121 relative to the EPU housing 55 from both the one and the other side in the radial direction RD via the motor axis Cm.

[0100] In this embodiment, the upper end surface of the base rib 128 extends outward from the outer peripheral end of the base surface 125. In this configuration, the base rib 128 can support the entire base 121 from the outer peripheral side in the axial direction AD. Therefore, the effect of the base rib 128 in restricting the displacement of the base 121 relative to the EPU housing 55 can be enhanced. Furthermore, the upper end surface of the base rib 128 is inclined with respect to the base surface 125 so as to face outward. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which, for example, the upper end surface of the base rib 128 extends outward along the extension of the base surface 125, the volume and weight of the base rib 128 can be reduced. In this way, even if the height dimension of the base rib 128 in the axial direction AD gradually decreases toward the outer peripheral side, the base rib 128 can exert the effect of suppressing vibration of the base 121. Therefore, it is possible to suppress vibrations of the base 121 and pitch controller 111 using the base rib 128, and to reduce the weight of the base rib 128.

[0101] According to this embodiment, the pitch controller 111 is positioned in the axial direction AD, aligned with the EPU housing 55 and the motor 61 via the base 121. In this configuration, even if vibration of the EPU housing 55 occurs due to the driving of the motor 61, the vibration of the pitch controller 111 and the base 121 relative to the EPU housing 55 can be restricted by the base rib 128.

[0102] In this embodiment, the base 121 is provided on the opposite side of the motor housing 70 via the inverter housing 90 in the axial direction AD. In this configuration, when the inverter housing 90 is displaced radially RD relative to the motor housing 70, and the base 121 is displaced radially RD relative to the inverter housing 90, the amount of displacement of the base 121 relative to the motor housing 70 tends to be large.

[0103] In contrast, in this embodiment, the displacement of the base 121 relative to the inverter housing 90 is reduced by the base rib 128, thereby reducing the displacement of the base 121 relative to the motor housing 70. Therefore, the base rib 128 can suppress deformation of the pitch rod 115 due to a large displacement of the base 121 relative to the motor housing 70. For example, if vibration occurs in the motor housing 70, the deformation of the pitch rod 115 due to the base 121 vibrating relative to the motor housing 70 can be suppressed.

[0104] In the EPU 50, the motor unit 60 tends to be heavier than the inverter unit 80. In this configuration, when the EPU housing 55 vibrates around the motor housing 70, the vibration tends to be greater in parts further away from the motor housing 70. That is, the vibration of the base 121 and pitch controller 111, which are farther from the motor housing 70, tends to be greater. In contrast, in this embodiment, even if the EPU housing 55 vibrates around the motor housing 70, the vibration of the base 121 and pitch controller 111 relative to the inverter housing 90 can be reduced by the base rib 128.

[0105] In this embodiment, the pitch rod 115 extends axially AD so as to span between the propeller 20 and the pitch controller 111 via the EPU housing 55 and the base 121. In this configuration, when the EPU housing 55 is displaced radially RD relative to the propeller 20, and the base 121 is displaced radially RD relative to the EPU housing 55, the amount of displacement of the base 121 relative to the propeller 20 tends to be large.

[0106] In contrast, in this embodiment, the displacement of the base 121 relative to the EPU housing 55 is reduced by the base rib 128, thereby reducing the displacement of the base 121 relative to the propeller 20. Therefore, the base rib 128 can suppress deformation of the pitch rod 115 due to a large displacement of the base 121 relative to the propeller 20. For example, if vibration occurs in the propeller 20, the deformation of the pitch rod 115 due to the base 121 vibrating relative to the propeller 20 can be suppressed. In the propulsion device 15, the propeller 20 is a common source of vibration, so suppressing vibrations of the base 121 and pitch controller 111, which are far from the propeller 20, by the base rib 128 is effective in suppressing deformation of the pitch rod 115.

[0107] In this embodiment, the base 121 is provided on the opposite side from the first inverter housing 90A via the second inverter housing 90B in the axial direction AD. In this configuration, the displacement of the base 121 relative to the first inverter housing 90A tends to be large because the base 121 is displaced radially RD relative to the first inverter housing 90A via the second inverter housing 90B.

[0108] In contrast, according to this embodiment, the inverter column 94 of the first inverter housing 90A and the inverter column 94 of the second inverter housing 90B are aligned in the axial direction AD and fixed to each other. In this configuration, because the inverter columns 94 are fixed to each other, the second inverter housing 90B is less likely to be displaced radially RD relative to the first inverter housing 90A. Therefore, in addition to the base rib 128, the inverter columns 94 can reduce the amount of displacement of the base 121 relative to the first inverter housing 90A.

[0109] Furthermore, the inverter column 94 extends in the axial direction AD so as to span across a pair of inverter-facing walls 93. In this configuration, the inverter column 94 restricts the relative displacement of one of the pair of inverter-facing walls 93 in the radial direction RD relative to the other in each of the first inverter housing 90A and the second inverter housing 90B. Therefore, the inverter column 94 can suppress the increase in the amount of displacement of the base 121 relative to the first inverter housing 90A due to the deformation of the inverter housings 90A and 90B.

[0110] Simply fastening the first inverter housing 90A and the second inverter housing 90B together with bolts or the like may cause one of them to move relative to the other if a large excitation force is applied to either the first inverter housing 90A or the second inverter housing 90B.

[0111] In contrast, in this embodiment, the inverter column 94 of the first inverter housing 90A and the inverter column 94 of the second inverter housing 90B are connected to each other. Therefore, relative movement of one of the first inverter housing 90A and the other inverter housing 90B with respect to the other can be suppressed. For example, the vertical flange 94b of the first inverter housing 90A and the vertical flange 94b of the second inverter housing 90B are aligned in a straight line in the axial direction AD. These vertical flanges 94b act as through columns, thereby suppressing relative movement of the first inverter housing 90A and the second inverter housing 90B with respect to the other.

[0112] For example, when the motor 61 vibrates radially RD, the amplitude tends to be larger at positions further from the motor 61 in the axial direction AD. As a result, the pitch controller 111 vibrates significantly radially RD, making it easier for forces to act that try to separate the housing body 56 and the housing cover 57, and forces that try to separate the first inverter housing 90A and the second inverter housing 90B.

[0113] In contrast, in this embodiment, the EPU column 58 is formed including the inverter column 94 and the cover flange 57a. In this configuration, the EPU column 58 acts as a continuous column, which suppresses the relative motion between the first inverter housing 90A and the second inverter housing 90B. This suppresses the vibrations transmitted from the second inverter housing 90B to the pitch controller 111. In addition, even if vibrations in the pitch controller 111 generate a force that tries to separate the first inverter housing 90A and the second inverter housing 90B, the EPU column 58 can increase resistance to this force. Therefore, vibrations of the entire EPU housing 55 can be suppressed.

[0114] According to this embodiment, the switch component 82 is provided on the inverter outer wall 91 so as to be aligned with at least the inverter fins 99 of the inverter fins 99 and the inverter column 94 via the inverter outer wall 91. In this configuration, even if the inverter column 94 is provided relative to the inverter outer wall 91, the heat generated by the switch component 82 can be released from the inverter fins 99 to the outside of the inverter housing 90. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the accumulation of heat from the switch component 82 in the inverter outer wall 91 and the inverter column 94.

[0115] On the inverter's outer perimeter wall 91, the portion facing the inverter fins 99 is the most efficient at dissipating heat. Therefore, by providing the switch component 82 on the portion facing the inverter fins 99 via the inverter's outer perimeter wall 91, the inverter fins 99 can enhance the heat dissipation effect of the switch component 82. Moreover, the switch component 82 is positioned offset from the inverter column 94 in the circumferential direction CD. In this configuration, heat from the switch component 82 is less likely to accumulate in the inverter column 94. In this way, the positional relationship between the switch component 82 and the inverter column 94, which does not overlap in the radial direction RD, allows the inverter column 94 to suppress vibrations of the inverter housing 90 and the base 121 without impairing the heat dissipation effect of the inverter housing 90.

[0116] According to this embodiment, the pitch rod 115 can change the state of the propeller 20 by operating in response to the drive of the pitch controller 111. Therefore, by suppressing the deformation of the pitch rod 115 with the base rib 128, a decrease in the accuracy of changing the state of the propeller 20 by the pitch rod 115 can be suppressed. For example, a decrease in the accuracy of changing the pitch of the propeller 20 can be suppressed.

[0117] In the eVTOL 10, a manned aircraft, the motor 61 is prone to becoming a major source of vibration due to its high output. Furthermore, depending on the flight conditions of the eVTOL 10, the eVTOL 10 itself may vibrate, so vibration countermeasures for the base 121 and pitch controller 111 using the base rib 128 are effective.

[0118] The pitch controller 111 for adjusting the thrust of the propeller 20 is mounted coaxially with the motor 61. Therefore, unlike in this embodiment, for example, the expansion of the EPU 50's size in the radial direction RD can be suppressed compared to a configuration where the pitch controller 111 is mounted in a position aligned radially RD with respect to the motor 61. Furthermore, since the pitch rod 115 is inserted through the hollow portion of the shafts 23, 65, and 102, it becomes possible to position the pitch controller 111 coaxially with the motor 61. For this reason, in order to accurately control the pitch of the propeller 20 with the pitch controller 111, it is extremely important to suppress vibrations of the pitch controller 111 relative to the EPU housing 55.

[0119] In this embodiment, as a modification 1-1, the long side rib 128A may be provided at a position away from the base hole 121a in the long side direction. For example, as shown in Figure 7, the long side rib 128A may be provided at the end of the long side wall 123 in the long side direction. The long side rib 128A may be provided at a position aligned with the short side wall 124 in the short side direction. In this configuration, the distance between the two long side ribs 128A arranged along the long side 125a can be made as large as possible, thereby improving the seismic resistance of the pitch device 110 against torsional vibrations.

[0120] <Second Embodiment> In the first embodiment described above, the base rib 128 is fixed to the long side wall 123 of the base 121. In contrast, in the second embodiment, the base rib 128 may be fixed to the short side wall 124 of the base 121. Configurations, operations, and effects not specifically described in the second embodiment are the same as in the first embodiment described above. The second embodiment will be described mainly in terms of the differences from the first embodiment described above.

[0121] As shown in Figure 8, the multiple base ribs 128 include short-side ribs 128B in addition to the long-side ribs 128A. The short-side ribs 128B are fixed to the housing opposing surface 55a and the short-side wall surface 126b, respectively, as they span across the housing opposing surface 55a and the short-side wall surface 126b. The short-side ribs 128B are fixed to the short-side wall 124. The short-side ribs 128B restrict the displacement of the base 121 in the short-side direction relative to the EPU housing 55.

[0122] The short-side ribs 128B are provided on one and the other sides in the direction of the long side via the base 121. The short-side ribs 128B are arranged in the direction of the long side via the base 121. The short-side ribs 128B are fixed to each of the pair of short-side walls 124. At least one short-side rib 128B is provided for each short side 125b. Multiple short-side ribs 128B may be arranged along the short side 125b.

[0123] Furthermore, multiple base ribs 128 may include only one of the long side ribs 128A and the short side ribs 128B. For example, multiple base ribs 128 may include only the short side rib 128B among the long side ribs 128A and the short side ribs 128B.

[0124] <Third Embodiment> In the first embodiment described above, walled columns such as inverter columns 94 are provided on the outside of the outer peripheral wall such as the inverter outer peripheral wall 91. In contrast, in the third embodiment, walled columns do not need to be provided on the outside of the outer peripheral wall. 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 the main points to be explained.

[0125] As shown in Figure 9, the inverter column 94 is provided inside the inverter outer periphery wall 91. The inverter column 94 protrudes inward from the inverter outer periphery wall 91. The inverter column 94 is housed in the inverter housing 90. The inverter column 94 is provided side by side with the switch components 82 in the circumferential direction CD. Multiple switch components 82 are provided between two adjacent inverter column 94 in the circumferential direction CD. Regardless of the position of the inverter column 94 relative to the inverter outer periphery wall 91, it is preferable that the inverter column 94 of the first inverter housing 90A and the inverter column 94 of the second inverter housing 90B are fixed to each other by bolts or the like.

[0126] The motor column 74 may be located inside the motor outer circumferential wall 71. In this configuration, the motor column 74 protrudes inward from the motor outer circumferential wall 71. The motor column 74 is housed within the motor housing 70. Regardless of the position of the motor column 74 relative to the motor outer circumferential wall 71, it is preferable that the motor column 74 and the inverter column 94 are fixed to each other by bolts or the like.

[0127] Furthermore, wall-mounted columns such as inverter columns 94 may protrude from the outer peripheral wall such as the inverter outer peripheral wall 91 on both the outer and inner peripheral sides. In other words, wall-mounted columns may protrude from the outer peripheral wall on at least one of the outer and inner peripheral sides.

[0128] <Fourth Embodiment> In the first embodiment described above, the base 121 is provided on the opposite side of the motor housing 70 via the inverter housing 90. In contrast, in the fourth embodiment, the base 121 may be provided on the opposite side of the inverter housing 90 via the motor housing 70. Configurations, operations, and effects not specifically described in the fourth embodiment are the same as in the first embodiment described above. The fourth embodiment will be described mainly in terms of the differences from the first embodiment described above.

[0129] As shown in Figure 10, the base 121 is fixed to the motor housing 70. In this embodiment, the motor housing 70 has the housing cover 57, rather than the inverter housing 90 having the housing cover 57. For example, of the pair of motor-facing walls 73, the motor-facing wall 73 on the pitch controller 111 side is included in the housing cover 57. Note that the housing cover 57 may also include a part of the motor outer peripheral wall 71.

[0130] <Fifth Embodiment> In the first embodiment described above, the auxiliary device of the propulsion device 15 is a pitch controller 111. In contrast, in the fifth embodiment, the auxiliary device does not have to be a pitch controller 111. Configurations, operations, and effects not specifically described in the fifth embodiment are the same as in the first embodiment described above. In this fifth embodiment, the differences from the first embodiment described above will be explained in detail.

[0131] As shown in Figure 11, the propulsion device 15 has a locking device 130. The locking device 130 can hold the rotor 64 in a stationary state. When the locking device 130 is in the locked state, the rotation of the rotor 64 is prohibited because the rotor 64 is locked by the locking device 130. When the locking device 130 is in the unlocked state, the rotation of the rotor 64 is permitted because the lock on the rotor 64 by the locking device 130 has been released.

[0132] The locking device 130 includes a lock controller 131, a locking rod 135, and a locking part 136. The lock controller 131 is formed including an actuator such as a motor. The lock controller 131 is connected to the locking part 136 via the locking rod 135. The lock controller 131 can displace the locking part 136 between a locked position and an unlocked position by operating the locking rod 135. The lock controller 131 is driven to assist in the driving of the motor 61 and the inverter unit 81. The lock controller 131 is fixed to the base 121 in place of the pitch controller 111 in the first embodiment. The lock controller 131 corresponds to an auxiliary device.

[0133] The locking mechanism 136 is provided on the motor 61. When the locking mechanism 136 is in the locked position, it prevents the rotor 64 from rotating by engaging with the rotor 64. When the locking mechanism 136 is in the unlocked position, it allows the rotor 64 to rotate by not engaging with the rotor 64.

[0134] The locking rod 135 is provided so as to span between the locking controller 131 and the motor housing 70. The locking rod 135 is formed in a rod shape from a metal material or the like. The locking rod 135 corresponds to a rod-shaped member. The locking rod 135 is sometimes referred to as a motor member. The locking rod 135 extends axially AD through the base 121 and the inverter housing 90. For example, the locking rod 135 penetrates at least a portion of the motor shaft 65 axially AD. The locking controller 131 prohibits or allows the rotation of the motor 61 by operating the locking rod 135 in the axial direction AD or circumferential direction CD.

[0135] <Sixth Embodiment> In the sixth embodiment described above, the auxiliary device of the propulsion device 15 is a lock controller 131. In contrast, in the sixth embodiment, the auxiliary device does not have to be a lock controller 131. Configurations, operations, and effects not specifically described in the sixth embodiment are the same as in the first embodiment described above. The sixth embodiment will be described mainly in terms of the differences from the first embodiment described above.

[0136] As shown in Figure 12, the propulsion device 15 has a cooling device 140. The cooling device 140 is capable of cooling the EPU 50 using a refrigerant. As the refrigerant, a fluid such as a coolant liquid is used. Cooling methods using a refrigerant are sometimes called liquid cooling. The cooling device 140 has a refrigerant pump 141 and a flow path forming section 142. The flow path forming section 142 forms a flow path through which the refrigerant flows. The refrigerant pump 141 is capable of supplying refrigerant to the flow path forming section 142. The flow path forming section 142 is provided inside the motor housing 70 and the inverter housing 90 so that the refrigerant cools the motor device 60 and the inverter device 80. In Figure 12, a part of the motor housing 70 is shown by a dashed line.

[0137] The flow path forming section 142 has a piping member 142a. The piping member 142a is provided to span between the refrigerant pump 141 and the EPU housing 55. The piping member 142a is formed in a cylindrical shape by piping or the like. This cylindrical shape is included in the rod shape. The piping member 142a corresponds to a rod-shaped member. The piping member 142a is sometimes referred to as a cooling member. The piping member 142a extends in the axial direction AD, passing through the base 121 and the inverter housing 90. For example, the piping member 142a passes through at least a portion of the motor shaft 65 in the axial direction AD.

[0138] The refrigerant pump 141 is driven to cool the motor 61 and the inverter unit 81. By cooling the motor 61 and the inverter unit 81, the refrigerant pump 141 assists in the driving of the motor 61 and the inverter unit 81. The refrigerant pump 141 is fixed to the base 121, replacing the pitch controller 111 in the first embodiment described above. The refrigerant pump 141 corresponds to an auxiliary device.

[0139] <Other Embodiments> The disclosures in this specification are not limited to the exemplary embodiments. The disclosures encompass the exemplary embodiments and variations thereof by those skilled in the art. For example, the disclosures are not limited to the combinations of parts and elements shown in the embodiments, but can be implemented in various variations. The disclosures can be implemented in a variety of combinations. The disclosures may have additional parts that can be added to the embodiments. The disclosures encompass embodiments in which parts and elements have been omitted. The disclosures encompass 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.

[0140] In each of the above embodiments, the base rib 128 may be provided on only one side in the radial direction RD via the base 121. For example, in the first embodiment, the long side rib 128A may be provided on only one side in the short side direction via the base 121. Also, only one long side rib 128A may be provided for each long side wall 123.

[0141] In each of the above embodiments, the base rib 128 may have any shape or size as long as it is provided so as to span across the housing opposing surface 55a and the base outer peripheral surface 126. For example, the plate surface of the base rib 128 may be formed in a rectangular, trapezoidal, or triangular shape. The base rib 128 may also be provided at a position away from the outer peripheral end of the housing opposing surface 55a toward the inner circumference, or it may protrude outward from the outer peripheral end of the housing opposing surface 55a. The base rib 128 may also be provided at a position away from the free end of the base outer peripheral surface 126 toward the housing opposing surface 55a, or it may protrude toward the pitch controller 111 from the free end of the base outer peripheral surface 126.

[0142] In each of the above embodiments, the base restricting portion, such as the base rib 128, does not have to be formed in a plate shape. For example, the base restricting portion may be formed in a columnar or rectangular parallelepiped shape, as long as it can restrict the displacement of the base 121 in the radial direction RD relative to the EPU housing 55. In this configuration as well, the base restricting portion only needs to be fixed to the housing-facing surface 55a and the outer peripheral surface 126 of the base. Furthermore, the base restricting portion may have columnar or rectangular parallelepiped members in addition to the base rib 128.

[0143] In each of the above embodiments, the EPU housing 55 may be configured in any way. For example, the EPU housing 55 may have one motor housing 70 and one inverter housing 90, or it may have multiple motor housings 70 and inverter housings 90. In the EPU housing 55, two inverter housings 90 may be arranged in the axial direction AD via the motor housing 70.

[0144] In each of the above embodiments, the walled columns, such as the inverter column 94, may be provided in any way on the outer wall, such as the inverter outer wall 91. For example, the walled columns may be formed in a solid column shape. That is, the walled columns do not need to have an inner space.

[0145] In each of the above embodiments, the walled column may be provided in any of the housings of the EPU housing 55. For example, the motor column 74 and the inverter column 94 may each be walled columns, and the motor housing 70 and the inverter housing 90 may be fixed together by connecting their respective walled columns. In a configuration in which two motor housings 70 are arranged in the axial direction AD, one motor housing 70 and the other motor housing 70 may be fixed together by connecting their respective walled columns.

[0146] In each of the above embodiments, the propulsion device 15 may have a tilt device that can adjust the tilt angle of the propeller 20. The tilt device includes a tilt controller and a tilt rod. The tilt controller may be fixed to the base 121 instead of the pitch controller 111 in the first embodiment. The tilt rod may be provided so as to span between the tilt controller and the propeller 20 via the EPU housing 55 and the base 121, instead of the pitch controller 111. In this configuration, the tilt controller corresponds to an auxiliary device, and the tilt rod corresponds to a rod-shaped member. The tilt rod is a member that operates in response to the drive of the tilt controller, and the state of the propeller 20 can be changed by changing the tilt angle.

[0147] In each of the above embodiments, the drive housing, such as the EPU housing 55, only needs to house at least one of the motor 61 and the inverter unit 81. Alternatively, the motor 61 and the inverter unit 81 may be housed in a single drive housing having a single housing space.

[0148] 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. 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 a radial-gap motor, the rotor and stator are arranged radially RD.

[0149] In each of the above embodiments, the vertical take-off and landing aircraft equipped with the propulsion system 15 may be an electrically powered vertical take-off and landing aircraft in which at least one propeller 20 is driven by at least one EPU 50. For example, one propeller 20 may be driven by multiple EPUs 50, or multiple propellers 20 may be driven by one EPU 50.

[0150] In each of the above embodiments, the aircraft on which the motor 61 is mounted does not have to be a vertical take-off and landing aircraft, as long as it is electrically powered. For example, the aircraft may be an electric aircraft capable of taking off and landing with a runway. Furthermore, the aircraft may be a rotary-wing aircraft or a fixed-wing aircraft. The aircraft may be an unmanned aircraft that does not carry a person. The unmanned aircraft may have a crew compartment 14 or it may not have a crew compartment 14. Also, the pilot may remotely control the aircraft. The eVTOL 10 may be referred to as a manned aircraft even if it does not carry a person, as long as it is capable of carrying a person.

[0151] In each of the above embodiments, the mobile body on which the motor 61 is mounted does not have to be an aircraft, as long as it can be moved by the rotation of a rotating body. For example, the mobile body may be a vehicle, a ship, construction machinery, or agricultural machinery. For example, if the mobile body is a vehicle or construction machinery, the rotating body may be a wheel for movement, and the output shaft may be an axle. If the mobile body is a ship, the rotating body may be a screw propeller for propulsion, and the output shaft may be a propeller shaft. The mobile body may also be an automated guided vehicle (AGV) or an electric wheelchair. For example, an AGV or an electric wheelchair may be equipped with a relatively small motor 61.

[0152] For example, in a configuration where the rotating body is a screw propeller for propulsion, it is preferable that the pitch controller 111 can change the pitch of the screw propeller. In this configuration, the pitch rod 115 may extend in the axial direction AD so as to span between the screw propeller and the pitch controller 111.

[0153] In each of the above embodiments, the object on which the motor 61 is mounted does not have to be a moving object. For example, the motor 61 may be installed on stationary equipment, machinery, or devices. Thus, the motor 61 is not limited to moving objects and can be used as a drive device for various applications.

[0154] (Disclosure of Technical Ideas) This specification discloses several technical ideas as described in the following paragraphs. Some paragraphs may be written in a multiple dependent form, where subsequent paragraphs optionally refer to preceding paragraphs. Furthermore, some paragraphs may be written in a multiple dependent form, where they refer to other multiple dependent forms. These paragraphs written in multiple dependent forms define several technical ideas.

[0155] (Technical Concept 1) A propulsion device (15) that propels a moving body (10) by the rotation of a rotating body (20), comprising: a drive unit (61, 81) that drives to propel the moving body; a drive housing (55) that houses the drive unit; a base (121) that protrudes from the drive housing in the direction (AD) in which the rotating body and the drive housing are aligned; an auxiliary device (111, 131, 141) that is driven to assist the drive unit, is mounted on the base, and is fixed to the base; a rod-shaped member (115, 135, 142a) that extends in a rod shape in the direction of alignment so as to span the drive housing and the auxiliary device via the base, and operates in accordance with the drive of the auxiliary device; and a base restricting unit (128) that is provided on the drive housing so as to be aligned with the base in an orthogonal direction (RD) perpendicular to the direction of alignment, and restricts the displacement of the base in the direction perpendicular to the drive housing.

[0156] (Technical Concept 2) The propulsion device according to Technical Concept 1, wherein the base restricting portion is provided so as to span across the end face (55a) of the drive housing and the outer peripheral surface (126) of the base, and has plate-shaped base ribs (128) fixed to the end face and the outer peripheral surface, respectively.

[0157] (Technical Idea 3) The propulsion device according to Technical Idea 2, wherein the auxiliary device is placed on the base surface (125) of the base, and the outer peripheral surface has a long side surface (126a) extending along the long side (125a) of the base surface, and a short side surface (126b) extending along the short side (125b) of the base surface, and the base rib has a long side rib (128A) provided so as to span the end surface and the long side surface and fixed to the end surface and the long side surface, respectively.

[0158] (Technical Concept 4) The propulsion device according to Technical Concept 3, wherein the long side ribs are arranged in multiple rows along the long side.

[0159] (Technical Idea 5) The propulsion device according to technical idea 3 or 4, wherein the rod-shaped member extends across the drive housing and the auxiliary device through a base space (127) formed between the base surface and the drive housing, the base has base walls (123, 124) provided to surround the base space, and the base walls have wall holes (121a) that penetrate the base walls to lead to the base space, between two long-side ribs arranged along the long side.

[0160] (Technical Idea 6) The propulsion device according to any one of Technical Ideas 2 to 4, wherein the base ribs are provided on one side and the other side in the orthogonal direction via the base.

[0161] (Technical Concept 7) The propulsion device according to any one of Technical Concepts 1 to 6, wherein the drive unit has a motor (61), the drive housing is provided at a position aligned with the rotating body in the axial direction (AD) to which the rotation axis (Cm) of the motor extends, and the auxiliary device is provided at a position aligned with the drive housing and the motor in the axial direction via the base.

[0162] (Technical Concept 8) The propulsion device according to any one of Technical Concepts 1 to 7, wherein the drive unit comprises a motor (61) and a power conversion unit (81) that converts the power supplied to the motor, the drive housing comprises a motor housing (70) housing the motor, and a conversion housing (90) provided at a position aligned with the motor housing in the axial direction (AD) to which the rotation axis (Cm) of the motor extends, and housing the power conversion unit, and the base and the base restricting unit are provided on the opposite side from the other via one of the motor housing and the conversion housing.

[0163] (Technical Idea 9) The propulsion device according to any one of Technical Ideas 1 to 8, wherein the base and the base restricting portion are provided on the opposite side from the rotating body via the drive housing in the direction of alignment, and the rod-shaped member extends in the direction of alignment so as to span between the rotating body and the auxiliary device via the drive housing and the base.

[0164] (Technical Idea 10) The propulsion device according to any one of Technical Ideas 1 to 9, wherein the drive housing comprises a first housing (90A) and a second housing (90B) arranged in the axial direction (AD) of the drive housing, and the first housing and the second housing each comprises an outer peripheral wall (91) forming the outer peripheral surface (55b) of the drive housing and a walled column (94) provided to protrude from the outer peripheral wall toward at least one of the outer peripheral and inner peripheral sides, and extending columnarly in the axial direction along the outer peripheral wall, and the walled column of the first housing and the walled column of the second housing are arranged in the axial direction and fixed to each other, and the base and the base restricting portion are provided on the opposite side from the other via one of the first housing and the second housing.

[0165] (Technical Concept 11) The propulsion device according to Technical Concept 10, wherein at least one of the first housing and the second housing is provided in a position aligned with the walled column in the circumferential direction (CD) of the drive housing, and has heat dissipation fins (99) extending outward from the outer peripheral wall and releasing heat from the outer peripheral wall, and the drive unit is housed in at least one of the first housing and the second housing, generates heat in conjunction with the drive unit, and has a heat-generating component (82) provided on the outer peripheral wall so as to be aligned with the heat dissipation fins and at least the heat dissipation fins of the walled column via the outer peripheral wall.

[0166] (Technical Concept 12) The propulsion device according to any one of Technical Concepts 1 to 11, wherein the rod-shaped member extends in a rod shape so as to penetrate the drive housing and the base and span between the rotating body and the auxiliary device, and can change the state of the rotating body by operating in accordance with the drive of the auxiliary device.

[0167] (Technical Idea 13) The propulsion device according to any one of Technical Ideas 1 to 12, wherein the moving body is a flying aircraft (10), the rotating body is a propeller (20) that rotates to propel the aircraft, and the rod-shaped member extends in a rod shape through the drive housing and the base and is connected to the propeller and the auxiliary device, and can change the pitch of the propeller by operating in accordance with the drive of the auxiliary device.

Claims

1. A propulsion device (15) that propels a moving body (10) by the rotation of a rotating body (20), comprising: a drive unit (61, 81) that drives to propel the moving body; a drive housing (55) that houses the drive unit; a base (121) that protrudes from the drive housing in the direction (AD) in which the rotating body and the drive housing are aligned; an auxiliary device (111, 131, 141) that is driven to assist the drive unit, is mounted on the base, and is fixed to the base; a rod-shaped member (115, 135, 142a) that extends in a rod shape in the direction of alignment so as to span the drive housing and the auxiliary device via the base, and operates in accordance with the drive of the auxiliary device; and a base restricting unit (128) that is provided on the drive housing so as to be aligned with the base in an orthogonal direction (RD) perpendicular to the direction of alignment, and restricts the displacement of the base in the direction perpendicular to the drive housing.

2. The propulsion device according to claim 1, wherein the base restricting portion is provided so as to span across the end face (55a) of the drive housing and the outer peripheral surface (126) of the base, and has plate-shaped base ribs (128) fixed to the end face and the outer peripheral surface, respectively.

3. The propulsion device according to claim 2, wherein the auxiliary device is placed on the base surface (125) of the base, and the outer peripheral surface has a long side surface (126a) extending along the long side (125a) of the base surface, and a short side surface (126b) extending along the short side (125b) of the base surface, and the base rib has a long side rib (128A) provided so as to span the end surface and the long side surface and fixed to the end surface and the long side surface, respectively.

4. The propulsion device according to claim 3, wherein the long side ribs are arranged in a plurality along the long side.

5. The propulsion device according to claim 3, wherein the rod-shaped member extends across the drive housing and the auxiliary device through a base space (127) formed between the base surface and the drive housing, the base has base walls (123, 124) provided to surround the base space, and the base walls have wall holes (121a) that penetrate the base walls to lead to the base space, between two long-side ribs aligned along the long side.

6. The propulsion device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the base ribs are provided on one side and the other side in the orthogonal direction via the base.

7. The propulsion device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the drive unit has a motor (61), the drive housing is provided at a position aligned with the rotating body in the axial direction (AD) to which the rotation axis (Cm) of the motor extends, and the auxiliary device is provided at a position aligned with the drive housing and the motor in the axial direction via the base.

8. The propulsion device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the drive unit comprises a motor (61) and a power conversion unit (81) for converting power supplied to the motor, the drive housing comprises a motor housing (70) housing the motor, and a conversion housing (90) provided at a position aligned with the motor housing in the axial direction (AD) to which the rotation axis (Cm) of the motor extends, and housing the power conversion unit, and the base and the base restricting unit are provided on the opposite side from the other via one of the motor housing and the conversion housing.

9. The propulsion device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the base and the base restricting portion are provided on the opposite side from the rotating body via the drive housing in the direction of alignment, and the rod-shaped member extends in the direction of alignment so as to span between the rotating body and the auxiliary device via the drive housing and the base.

10. The propulsion device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the drive housing comprises a first housing (90A) and a second housing (90B) aligned with the first housing in the axial direction (AD) of the drive housing, and the first housing and the second housing each comprises an outer peripheral wall (91) forming the outer peripheral surface (55b) of the drive housing and a walled column (94) provided to project from the outer peripheral wall toward at least one of the outer peripheral and inner peripheral sides, and extending columnarly in the axial direction along the outer peripheral wall, and the walled column of the first housing and the walled column of the second housing are aligned in the axial direction and fixed to each other, and the base and the base restricting portion are provided on the opposite side from the other via one of the first housing and the second housing.

11. The propulsion device according to claim 10, wherein at least one of the first housing and the second housing is provided in a position aligned with the walled column in the circumferential direction (CD) of the drive housing, and has heat dissipation fins (99) extending outward from the outer peripheral wall and releasing heat from the outer peripheral wall, and the drive unit is housed in at least one of the first housing and the second housing, generates heat in conjunction with the drive unit, and has a heat-generating component (82) provided on the outer peripheral wall so as to be aligned with the heat dissipation fins and at least the heat dissipation fins of the walled column via the outer peripheral wall.

12. The propulsion device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the rod-shaped member extends in a rod shape so as to penetrate the drive housing and the base and span between the rotating body and the auxiliary device, and can change the state of the rotating body by operating in accordance with the drive of the auxiliary device.

13. The propulsion device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the moving body is a flying aircraft (10), the rotating body is a propeller (20) that rotates to propel the aircraft, and the rod-shaped member extends in a rod shape through the drive housing and the base and is connected to the propeller and the auxiliary device, and can change the pitch of the propeller by operating in accordance with the drive of the auxiliary device.

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