Stator and rotary electric machine

The core design with an annular yoke and columnar teeth having an outer region and uneven cavity opening addresses uneven powder distribution, improving productivity and reducing torque ripple and noise in rotating electric machines.

JP2025134058APending Publication Date: 2025-09-11SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES LTD

Patent Information

Application Number
JP2025120483
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2023-12-26
Filing Date
2025-07-17
Publication Date
2025-09-11

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing powder compact manufacturing methods for axial gap type rotating electric machines result in variations in the length from the yoke to the end faces of teeth due to uneven powder distribution, necessitating a grinding step that reduces productivity.

Method used

The core design includes an annular yoke with columnar teeth that have an outer region, an uneven cavity opening shape, and a specific powder distribution mechanism to minimize powder dragging, ensuring uniform powder distribution and reducing length variations, thereby eliminating the need for grinding.

Benefits of technology

The core achieves minimal length variations, enhancing productivity and facilitating easy assembly with reduced torque ripple, noise, and vibration in the rotating electric machine.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure 2025134058000001_ABST
    Figure 2025134058000001_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

To provide a core having a small variation in a length from a reference surface of a yoke to an end surface of each of a plurality of teeth and excellent in productivity.SOLUTION: A core used in an axial gap type rotary electric machine, comprises: an annular yoke; and a plurality of columnar teeth disposed at intervals around an axis of the yoke. The yoke and the plurality of teeth are formed of an integral powder compact, and the yoke includes: a first surface having a boundary with the plurality of teeth; a second surface being a surface opposite to the first surface; and an outer peripheral surface and an inner peripheral surface connecting the first surface and the second surface. Each of the plurality of teeth includes an outer region located outward of a first envelope circle formed by the outer peripheral surface when the core is viewed in a first direction parallel to the axis.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a core and a rotating electric machine. This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-219625 filed on December 26, 2023, and incorporates by reference all of the contents of said Japanese application. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a core used in an axial gap type rotating electric machine. This core includes an annular yoke and multiple columnar teeth protruding from the surface of the yoke. The yoke and each of the multiple teeth are integrated into a powder compact. In Patent Document 1, soft magnetic powder is pressure-molded to produce a powder compact including a yoke and multiple teeth, and then the end surfaces of each tooth in the powder compact are ground. By grinding the end surfaces of each tooth, variation in height from the back surface of the yoke to the end surface of each of the multiple teeth is reduced. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-100329 Summary of the Invention

[0004] The core disclosed herein is a core for use in an axial gap type rotating electric machine, and includes an annular yoke and a plurality of columnar teeth spaced about the axis of the yoke. The yoke and the plurality of teeth are formed as an integral powder compact. The yoke includes a first surface defining a boundary between the plurality of teeth, a second surface opposite the first surface, and an outer peripheral surface and an inner peripheral surface connecting the first surface and the second surface. Each of the plurality of teeth includes an outer region located outside a first enveloping circle defined by the outer peripheral surface when the core is viewed from a first direction parallel to the axis. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0005] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a core according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic bottom view of the core of FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view of the core of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view showing one of the teeth provided in the core of FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of a die used to manufacture the core of the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view of a lower punch used to manufacture the core of the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view of an upper punch used to manufacture the core of the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic top view of the cavity formed by the die of FIG. 7 and the lower punch of FIG. 8 filled with powder. [Figure 11] 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a part of the die of FIG. 7, the lower punch of FIG. 8, and the upper punch of FIG. 9 in a combined state. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a stator including the core of FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a rotating electric machine including the stator shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0006] [Problem to be solved by this disclosure] A powder compact is produced by filling a cavity formed in a mold with powder and then pressure-molding the filled powder. Powder is fed into the cavity using a powder box with an opening at the bottom. The powder box moves back and forth linearly above the mold. As the powder box moves over the cavity, gravity causes the powder in the powder box to fall into the cavity through the opening of the powder box. As the powder box moves back and forth, the bottom of the powder box drags some of the powder filled into the cavity. Therefore, the area of ​​the cavity near the start point of powder feeding from the powder box tends to be filled with more powder than the area near the turnaround point of powder feeding. If there is an imbalance in the amount of powder filled, the powder compact obtained after pressure molding may have variations in the length from the back surface of the yoke to the end faces of each of the multiple teeth.

[0007] In the technology of Patent Document 1, a powder compact with the above-mentioned length variations is produced, and then the end surfaces of each tooth in the powder compact are ground. The technology of Patent Document 1 requires a grinding step, which requires a large number of steps, and therefore improvement in productivity is desired.

[0008] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a core that has little variation in the length from the reference surface of the yoke to the end face of each of the plurality of teeth and that is highly productive.

[0009] [Effects of this disclosure] The core of the present disclosure has small variations in the length from the reference surface of the yoke to the end face of each of the plurality of teeth, and is highly productive.

[0010] [Description of the embodiments of the present disclosure] First, embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described.

[0011] (1) A core according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is a core used in an axial gap type rotating electric machine, and includes an annular yoke and a plurality of columnar teeth spaced about the axis of the yoke. The yoke and the plurality of teeth are formed as an integral powder compact. The yoke includes a first surface defining a boundary between the plurality of teeth, a second surface opposite the first surface, and an outer peripheral surface and an inner peripheral surface connecting the first surface and the second surface. Each of the plurality of teeth includes an outer region located outside a first enveloping circle defined by the outer peripheral surface when the core is viewed from a first direction parallel to the axis.

[0012] The yoke axis is the axis of rotational symmetry of the toroidal yoke, i.e., the yoke axis is a straight line that passes through the center of the toroidal circle and is perpendicular to the first surface of the yoke.

[0013] As described above, a powder compact is produced by filling a cavity formed in a mold with powder and then pressure-molding the filled powder. The cavity has a shape corresponding to the core. For example, the cavity has a shape such that the first surface of the yoke faces downward and the second surface faces upward. The second surface of the yoke is, for example, a flat surface. A powder box that supplies powder to the cavity moves back and forth over the powder that constitutes the second surface of the yoke.

[0014] In a conventional core such as that described in Patent Document 1, when the core is viewed from a first direction, each tooth does not have an area located outside a first enveloping circle formed by the outer peripheral surface of the yoke. In a conventional core, the opening shape of the cavity is the same as the shape of the yoke, i.e., annular. If the opening is annular, the outline of the powder mass arranged on the opening surface of the cavity is circular. If the outline of the powder mass arranged on the opening surface of the cavity is circular, some of the powder is likely to be dragged by the powder box as it moves back and forth.

[0015] In a core according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when viewed from a first direction, each tooth has an outer region located outward from a first enveloping circle formed by the outer peripheral surface of the yoke. In a core according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the opening shape of the cavity is a shape combining the yoke and the outer region and has an uneven contour. With an opening having an uneven contour, the powder mass arranged on the opening surface of the cavity has an intermittent portion around the axis of the yoke. The presence of an intermittent portion makes it difficult for the powder to be dragged by the powder box even when the powder box moves back and forth. If the powder is not easily dragged by the powder box when it moves back and forth, unevenness in the amount of powder filled into the cavity is unlikely to occur. If unevenness in the amount of powder filled is unlikely to occur, variation in the length from the reference plane of the yoke to each end face of the multiple teeth is unlikely to occur in the powder compact obtained after pressure molding. Therefore, in a core according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, variation in the length from the reference plane of the yoke to each end face of the multiple teeth is small.

[0016] In the core according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, when the powder is compressed to form a powder compact, there is little variation in the length from the reference surface of the yoke to the end face of each of the multiple teeth. Therefore, after the powder compact is formed, there is no need to grind the end face of each tooth. Therefore, the core according to the embodiment of the present disclosure has excellent productivity.

[0017] (2) In the core of (1) above, each of the plurality of teeth may have a first end face located at a tip protruding from the first surface in a direction parallel to the axis, and the variation in length from the second surface to the first end face of each of the plurality of teeth may be 0.05 mm or less.

[0018] A rotating electric machine is constructed by housing a stator, which is configured by arranging a coil on each tooth of a core, together with a rotor in a case. In this case, the second surface of the yoke contacts the inner surface of the case. If the variation in length from the second surface to the first end face of each of the multiple teeth is 0.05 mm or less, when the stator and rotor are housed in the case, the end faces of each tooth face any part of the magnet at substantially uniform intervals. Therefore, a rotating electric machine constructed using the core is easy to assemble and has small torque ripple. The small torque ripple in the rotating electric machine reduces the increase in noise and vibration. The small torque ripple in the rotating electric machine reduces the wobble of the rotor's rotating shaft. In other words, the frictional force between the rotor's rotating shaft and the bearing is less likely to fluctuate. Therefore, the mechanical energy loss in the rotating electric machine is less likely to increase.

[0019] (3) In the core of (1) or (2) above, each of the plurality of teeth may have a first end face located at a tip protruding from the first surface in a direction parallel to the axis, and the external region may have a second end face that is the surface opposite to the first end face, and the second end face may be located between the extension surface of the second surface and the first end face and spaced apart from the extension surface of the second surface.

[0020] By providing a gap between the second end face and the extension of the second face, wiring space corresponding to this gap can be secured. When each tooth has an outer region, the core becomes larger in the second direction perpendicular to the first direction compared to conventional cores. However, by securing the wiring space using the outer region, the overall size of the stator configured by arranging coils on each tooth of the core is suppressed.

[0021] (4) In the core of (3) above, the second end surface may have a proximal surface located between the extension surface of the first surface and the extension surface of the second surface so as to be connected to the second surface or the outer peripheral surface, and a distal surface located farther from the outer peripheral surface than the proximal surface and farther from the extension surface of the second surface.

[0022] As described below, the mold for press-molding the core with an external region on each tooth includes a die, a lower punch, and an upper punch. The yoke is formed by supporting the first surface on the die and pressing the second surface with the upper punch. Each tooth is pressed by the lower punch and the upper punch. The second end surface is formed by transferring the shape of the convex portion formed on the upper punch. If the upper punch has a convex portion, relatively large stress is generated at the corner of the die that forms the first corner portion formed by the first surface and the outer peripheral surface of the yoke. If the second end surface has a step formed by the proximal surface and the distal surface, the above-mentioned stress generated in the die is easily reduced.

[0023] (5) In the core of any one of (1) to (4), each of the plurality of teeth may have a first end face located at a tip end protruding from the first surface in a direction parallel to the axis, and a ratio of a second length of the outer region to a first length of each of the plurality of teeth may be 60% or more and 90% or less. The first length is the length from the second surface to the first end face. The second length is the length along the first direction of a point in the outer region located farthest from the axis.

[0024] Stress generated at the corners of the die that forms the first corners of the yoke is caused by the difference between the molding pressure applied to the outer region of each tooth and the molding pressure applied to the region other than the outer region. If the ratio is 60% or more and 90% or less, the stress is easily reduced. If the ratio is 90% or less, a gap is created between the second end face, which is the surface opposite the first end face in the outer region, and the extended surface of the second face, making it easy to ensure wiring space corresponding to this gap. If the ratio is 60% or more, magnetic flux that flows from the rotor magnet into the outer region of the teeth is easily able to flow efficiently into the yoke.

[0025] (6) In any of the cores (1) to (5) above, when the core is viewed from the first direction, the angle between the first tangent and the second tangent at the first intersection point may be 90° or less. The first intersection point is an intersection point between a side surface of the outer region and the first enveloping circle. The first tangent is a tangent to the first enveloping circle that passes through the first intersection point. The second tangent is a tangent to the side surface of the outer region that passes through the first intersection point.

[0026] If the angle is 90° or less, it is easy to reduce stress generated at the corner of the die that forms the first corner portion of the yoke.

[0027] (7) In any of the cores (1) to (6) above, a first corner formed by the first surface and the outer peripheral surface, and a second corner formed by the first surface and the inner peripheral surface may each be rounded.

[0028] If the first corner is rounded, it is easy to reduce stress generated at the corner of the die that forms the first corner, and if the second corner is rounded, it is easy to reduce stress generated at the corner of the die that forms the second corner.

[0029] (8) In the core of (7) above, the radius of curvature of the first corner may be larger than the radius of curvature of the second corner.

[0030] During pressure molding, a relatively large stress occurs at the corner of the die that forms the first corner portion. If the radius of curvature of the first corner portion is larger than the radius of curvature of the second corner portion, the stress that occurs at the corner of the die that forms the first corner portion can be easily reduced.

[0031] (9) In the core according to any one of (1) to (8) above, the diameter of a second enveloping circle surrounding the plurality of teeth may be 15% or more larger than the diameter of the first enveloping circle.

[0032] The ratio of the diameter of the second envelope circle to the diameter of the first envelope circle correlates with the amount of protrusion of the external region along a second direction relative to the outer peripheral surface of the yoke. The second direction is a direction perpendicular to the first direction and parallel to the diameter of the yoke. If the diameter of the second envelope circle is 15% or more larger than the diameter of the first envelope circle, i.e., the ratio is 115% or more, the opening shape of the cavity of the mold used to produce this core has a contour with a large difference in unevenness. The greater the difference in unevenness, the less likely the powder is to be dragged by the powder box even when it moves back and forth. The greater the difference in unevenness, the smaller the variation in length from the second surface of the yoke to each end face of the multiple teeth.

[0033] (10) A rotating electric machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a rotor and a stator facing the rotor in a direction along a rotation axis of the rotor, the stator including a core according to any one of (1) to (9) above and a coil disposed on each of the plurality of teeth of the core.

[0034] The rotating electric machine according to the embodiment of the present disclosure has excellent assembly properties because it includes the core. As described above, the core has small variation in length from the second surface of the yoke to the end face of each of the multiple teeth. Therefore, when the stator and rotor are housed in the case, the core, coil, and rotor are precisely positioned. Furthermore, because the rotating electric machine according to the embodiment of the present disclosure includes the core, torque ripple can be reduced, and noise and vibration are low.

[0035] [Details of the embodiments of the present disclosure] Specific examples of the core and rotating electric machine of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The same reference numerals in the drawings indicate the same or equivalent parts. In each drawing, for the sake of convenience, some components may be exaggerated or simplified. The dimensional ratios of each part in the drawings may also differ from the actual ratios. Note that the present invention is not limited to these examples, but is defined by the claims, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended to be included.

[0036] Core A core 1 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 6 and, where appropriate, Figures 12 and 13. The core 1 is used in an axial gap type rotating electric machine 8 shown in Figure 13. Typically, the core 1 is used as the core 1 of a stator 7 shown in Figure 12.

[0037] The core 1 includes an annular yoke 2 and a plurality of columnar teeth 4. The teeth 4 are spaced apart around the axis of the yoke 2. The yoke 2 and the plurality of teeth 4 are formed as a single powder compact. One feature of the core 1 of this embodiment is that each tooth 4 includes an outer region 40. As shown in FIG. 2, the outer region 40 is a region located outside a first enveloping circle 61 formed by the outer peripheral surface of the yoke 2 when the core 1 is viewed from a first direction D1. The first direction D1 is a direction parallel to the axis of the yoke 2. Hereinafter, both the bottom-to-top direction and the top-to-bottom direction in FIG. 1 are referred to as the first direction D1. The direction perpendicular to the first direction D1 is referred to as the second direction D2. As shown in FIG. 4, the second direction D2 is a direction along the diameter of the yoke 2.

[0038] <York> As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 , the yoke 2 is a plate member having a circular planar shape. The yoke 2 has a first surface 21, a second surface 22, an outer peripheral surface 23, and an inner peripheral surface 24. The first surface 21 defines a boundary between the teeth 4, and is a surface from which the teeth 4 protrude in a direction parallel to the axis of the yoke 2. The second surface 22 is the surface opposite the first surface 21. The first surface 21 and the second surface 22 are flat surfaces. A shaft hole 25 penetrating the first surface 21 and the second surface 22 is provided in the center of the yoke 2. The outer peripheral surface 23 and the inner peripheral surface 24 connect the first surface 21 and the second surface 22. The yoke 2 magnetically couples adjacent teeth 4 of the teeth 4 arranged at intervals around the axis of the yoke 2.

[0039] 2, the yoke 2 is a portion of the core 1 where a first enveloping circle 61 formed by the outer peripheral surface 23 is a perfect circle when viewed from the first direction D1. In other words, the yoke 2 is a portion where the distance A2 between the outer peripheral surface 23 and the inner peripheral surface 24 is constant around the axis of the yoke 2. All of the portions of the core 1 located outward from the first enveloping circle 61 are part of the teeth 4, which will be described later.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 3 , a first corner 31 defined by the first surface 21 and the outer peripheral surface 23 and a second corner 32 defined by the first surface 21 and the inner peripheral surface 24 may each be rounded. Rounding the first corner 31 facilitates reducing stress generated at a corner of the die 91 shown in FIG. 7 where the first corner 31 is formed. Rounding the second corner 32 facilitates reducing stress generated at a corner of the die 91 where the second corner 32 is formed. The radius of curvature of the first corner 31 may be larger than the radius of curvature of the second corner 32. During pressure molding, relatively large stress is generated at the corner of the die 91 where the first corner 31 is formed. If the radius of curvature of the first corner 31 is larger than the radius of curvature of the second corner 32, stress generated at the corner of the die 91 where the first corner 31 is formed is easily reduced. The radius of curvature of the first corner 31 and the radius of curvature of the second corner 32 may be the same. Only the first corner 31 may be rounded. Each of the first corner 31 and the second corner 32 does not have to be rounded.

[0041] <Teeth> As shown in FIG. 1 , each tooth 4 is a columnar member. The teeth 4 are arranged at intervals around the axis of the yoke 2. Typically, the teeth 4 are arranged at equal intervals around the axis of the yoke 2. The number of teeth 4 can be two or more and can be selected appropriately. The number of teeth 4 may be three or more, or six or more. When the core 1 is used in a three-phase AC rotating device, the number of teeth 4 is, for example, a multiple of three. The drawings show a core 1 having 12 teeth 4 as an example.

[0042] [Basic configuration of teeth] Each tooth 4 has a main region that protrudes from the first surface 21 of the yoke 2 in a direction parallel to the axis of the yoke 2. Each tooth 4 has a sub-region that protrudes outward from the main region in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the yoke 2. The outward direction is the direction away from the axis of the yoke 2. As shown in FIG. 2, the sub-region is an outer region 40 located outward from the first enveloping circle 61 when viewing the core 1 from the first direction D1. As shown in FIG. 5, the outer region 40 in this example has a portion located between a first extension surface 51 extending from the first surface 21 and a second extension surface 52 extending from the second surface 22. In other words, the outer region 40 in this example has a portion that protrudes outward from the outer peripheral surface 23 of the yoke 2, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.

[0043] Each tooth 4 has a first end face 41 located at a tip end protruding from the first surface 21 in a direction parallel to the axis of the yoke 2. In this example, the first end face 41 is a surface parallel to the first surface 21. The first end face 41 may be an inclined surface having a slight angle with respect to the first surface 21. The shape of the first end face 41 is, for example, trapezoidal. In this example, the side of the trapezoidal first end face 41 that is distal from the axis of the yoke 2 is configured with a curve. The region between the first end face 41 and the first extension surface 51 of each tooth 4 has a uniform shape in the first direction D1 parallel to the axis of the yoke 2. The tooth 4 with the trapezoidal first end face 41 is a quadrangular prism. The tooth 4 with the trapezoidal first end face 41 can easily ensure a large cross-sectional area of ​​the tooth 4. The tooth 4 with the trapezoidal first end face 41 can easily ensure a large space between adjacent teeth 4. If a large space can be secured between adjacent teeth 4, it is easy to secure a large space for arranging the coil 70 shown in FIG. 12, and it is easy to construct a stator 7 (FIGS. 12 and 13) with a high space factor. The shape of the first end face 41 may be a triangle such as an isosceles triangle, a rectangle, or a circle. The region between the first end face 41 and the first extended face 51 of each tooth 4 may be configured to taper from the first extended face 51 toward the first end face 41.

[0044] The terms "trapezoid" and "triangular" used here refer not only to geometric trapezoids and triangles, but also to shapes with rounded corners, such as in this example, and encompass shapes that are essentially considered trapezoids and triangles. For example, if the contour includes straight lines, it also encompasses shapes in which the intersections of the extensions of these lines form the vertices of a polygon. For example, if the contour includes curved and straight lines, it also encompasses shapes in which the intersections of the tangents of these curved lines and the straight lines or the extensions of the straight lines form the vertices of a polygon.

[0045] Typically, the teeth 4 have the same shape and size.

[0046] [External area] As shown in FIGS. 2, 4, and 5, the outer region 40 has a second end face 42, which is the face opposite to the first end face 41. The second end face 42 is a face that extends from the outer peripheral surface 23 of the yoke 2 in a direction intersecting the first direction D1. In this example, the second end face 42 is aligned along the second direction D2. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the second end face 42 in this example is located between the first end face 41 and the second extension face 52 and is spaced apart from the second extension face 52.

[0047] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 , the second end surface 42 of this example has a proximal surface 421 and a distal surface 422. The proximal surface 421 is a surface located between the first extended surface 51 and the second extended surface 52 so as to be continuous with the second surface 22 or the outer peripheral surface 23 of the yoke 2. The proximal surface 421 of this example is located near the second extended surface 52. The distal surface 422 is a surface that is farther from the outer peripheral surface 23 than the proximal surface and is also farther from the second extended surface 52. The distal surface 422 of this example is located between the first extended surface 51 and the second extended surface 52 so as to be continuous with the side surface 43 of the outer region 40.

[0048] In this example, the second end surface 42 is mostly composed of the distal surface 422. By providing a gap A1 between the distal surface 422 and the second extension surface 52, a wiring space for the coil 70 shown in FIG. 12 can be secured in accordance with the gap A1. When each tooth 4 is provided with an outer region 40, the core 1 becomes larger in the second direction D2 compared to conventional cores. However, by utilizing the outer region 40 to secure the wiring space, the overall size of the stator 7 ( FIG. 12 ) configured by arranging the coil 70 on each tooth 4 of the core 1 is suppressed.

[0049] The distance A1 is the distance between the second end face 42 and the second extension face 52 at a position farthest from the outer peripheral face 23. The larger the distance A1, the larger the wiring space that can be secured. The distance A1 is, for example, 10% or more of the first length L1 from the second face 22 to the first end face 41. A method for measuring the first length L1 of each tooth 4 will be described later. The distance A1 is correlated with the second length L2 of the outer region 40. The second length L2 is the length along the first direction D1 of a portion of the outer region 40 that is located farthest from the axis of the yoke 2. In other words, the second length L2 is the length along the first direction D1 of a portion of the side face 43 of the outer region 40 that is located at the tip that protrudes outward from the main region of the tooth 4 along the second direction D2. As the distance A1 increases, the second length L2 decreases. Taking the second length L2 into consideration, the distance A1 is, for example, 40% or less of the first length L1. The interval A1 is, for example, 10% to 40% of the first length L1, or may be 15% to 35%, or 20% to 30% of the first length L1.

[0050] In this example, the second end surface 42 forms a step between the proximal surface 421 and the distal surface 422. As will be described later with reference to FIG. 11 , the mold 9 for press-molding the core 1, in which each tooth 4 has an outer region 40, includes a die 91, a lower punch 92, and an upper punch 93. The yoke 2 is formed by supporting the first surface 21 on the die 91 and pressing the second surface 22 with the upper punch 93. Each tooth 4 is pressed with the lower punch 92 and the upper punch 93. The second end surface 42 is formed by transferring the shape of the convex portion 934 of the upper punch 93. If the upper punch 93 has the convex portion 934, a relatively large stress is generated at the corner of the die 91 that forms the first corner portion 31. By forming the step on the second end surface 42, the stress generated in the die 91 is easily reduced.

[0051] In this example, outer peripheral surface 23 connecting second surface 22 and proximal surface 421 is configured as an inclined surface that approaches first surface 21 the closer to the outer periphery of yoke 2. In this example, the connecting surface connecting proximal surface 421 and distal surface 422 is also configured as an inclined surface that approaches first surface 21 the closer to the outer periphery of yoke 2. When outer peripheral surface 23 connecting second surface 22 and proximal surface 421 and the connecting surface are inclined surfaces, it is easy to remove upper punch 93 from the powder compact after pressure molding.

[0052] Second end surface 42 may be formed as a single surface. Second end surface 42 formed as a single surface may be an inclined surface that approaches first surface 21 toward the outer periphery of yoke 2. If second end surface 42 is an inclined surface, it is easy to remove upper punch 93 from the powder compact after pressure molding.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 3 , when the core 1 is viewed from the first direction D1, the angle θ between the first tangent T1 and the second tangent T2 at the first intersection T0 is, for example, 90° or less. The first intersection T0 is the intersection point between the side surface 43 of the outer region 40 and the first enveloping circle 61. When the core 1 is viewed from the first direction D1, the side surface 43 of the outer region 40 is a surface that is flush with the side surface of the main region of each tooth 4. In this example, the side surface 43 is a flat surface that is flush with the side surface of the main region. The side surface 43 of the outer region 40 is not limited to the flat surface in this example, and may be a curved surface with a monotonic curvature or a curved surface with a varying curvature. The first tangent T1 is a tangent to the first enveloping circle 61 that passes through the first intersection T0. The second tangent T2 is a tangent to the side surface 43 of the outer region 40 that passes through the first intersection T0. If the angle θ is 90° or less, it is easy to reduce stress generated at the corner portion that forms the first corner portion 31 in the die 91 of the mold 9 that pressure-molds the core 1. The angle θ may be less than 90°, 80° or less, or 70° or less.

[0054] [Size of outer area] As shown in FIG. 2 , when the core 1 is viewed from the first direction D1, the diameter of a second envelope circle 62 surrounding the teeth 4 is, for example, 15% or more larger than the diameter of the first envelope circle 61. The ratio of the diameter of the second envelope circle 62 to the diameter of the first envelope circle 61 correlates with the amount of protrusion of the outer region 40 in the second direction D2 from the outer peripheral surface 23 of the yoke 2. If the diameter of the second envelope circle 62 is 15% or more larger than the diameter of the first envelope circle 61, that is, if the ratio is 115% or more, the opening shape of the cavity of the mold 9 used to produce the core 1 has a contour with a large difference in concavity and convexity. The larger the difference in concavity and convexity, the smaller the variation in the length from the second surface 22 of the yoke 2 to the first end face 41 of each of the teeth 4, as described below. The larger the difference in concavity and convexity, the easier it is to reduce stress generated at the corner of the die 91 of the mold 9 used to pressure-mold the core 1, which forms the first corner portion 31.

[0055] If the ratio is too large, the magnetic properties may become non-uniform throughout the core 1. If the ratio is 130% or less, the core 1 is likely to have uniform magnetic properties throughout. The ratio may be 115% or more and 130% or less, 118% or more and 127% or less, or 120% or more and 125% or less.

[0056] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 , in each tooth 4, the ratio of the second length L2 to the first length L1 is, for example, 60% or more and 90% or less. As described above, the ratio of the second length L2 to the first length L1 is correlated with the distance between the second end face 42 and the second extended surface 52, i.e., the distance A1 between the distal surface 422 and the second extended surface 52 in this example. The stress generated at the corners forming the first corner portions 31 (FIG. 3) in the die 91 (FIG. 7) of the mold 9 that press-moldes the core 1 is caused by the difference between the molding pressure applied to the outer region 40 of each tooth 4 and the molding pressure applied to the region other than the outer region 40. Because the second end face 42 is spaced apart from the second extended surface 52, the molding pressure applied to the outer region 40 by the upper punch 93 (FIG. 9) of the mold 9 is increased. If the ratio of the second length L2 to the first length L1 is 60% or more and 90% or less, the stress is easily reduced. If the ratio of the second length L2 to the first length L1 is 90% or less, the gap A1 can be provided, and wiring space corresponding to this gap A1 can be secured. If the ratio is 60% or more, magnetic flux flowing from the magnet 84 of the rotor 80 described below into the external area 40 can easily and efficiently flow into the yoke 2. The ratio of the second length L2 to the first length L1 may be 65% or more and 85% or less, or 70% or more and 80% or less.

[0057] [Variation in the length of multiple teeth] Using the second surface 22 of the yoke 2 as a reference surface, there is little variation in the length from this reference surface to the first end face 41 of each of the multiple teeth 4. For example, the variation in the first length L1 from the second surface 22 to the first end face 41 of each tooth 4 is 0.05 mm or less. For example, suppose the core 1 is manufactured using a powder box (not shown) that starts from the bottom to the top of FIG. 2 and then turns back from the top to the bottom of FIG. 2. Even in this case, as shown in FIG. 6, the variation in the first length L1 of the multiple teeth 4 is 0.05 mm or less.

[0058] The rotating electric machine 8 shown in FIG. 13 is constructed by housing a stator 7, which is configured by arranging coils 70 on each tooth 4 of a core 1, together with a rotor 80 in a case 82. In this configuration, the second surface 22 of the yoke 2 contacts the inner surface of the case 82. If the variation in the first length L1 from the second surface 22 to the first end face 41 of each tooth 4 is 0.05 mm or less, when the stator 7 and the rotor 80 are housed in the case 82, the first end face 41 of each tooth 4 faces any portion of the magnet 84 at a substantially uniform interval. Therefore, the rotating electric machine 8 constructed using the core 1 is easy to assemble and has small torque ripple. The small torque ripple in the rotating electric machine 8 prevents noise and vibration from increasing. The small torque ripple in the rotating electric machine 8 prevents the rotating shaft 81 of the rotor 80 from wobbling. In other words, the frictional force between the rotating shaft 81 of the rotor 80 and the bearing 83 is less likely to fluctuate. Therefore, the mechanical energy loss in the rotating electrical machine 8 is unlikely to increase.

[0059] The variation in the first length L1 of the multiple teeth 4 is determined as follows. First, for each tooth 4, the first length L1 from the second surface 22 of the yoke 2 to the first end face 41 of the tooth 4 is measured. The measurement is performed using a height gauge equipped with a class 0 surface plate, with the core 1 placed on the surface plate with the first end face 41 of the tooth 4 facing upward. Multiple measurement points are selected on the first end face 41 of each tooth 4. The measurement points are set on a line drawn through the center of gravity of the tooth 4 and the axis of the yoke 2. Three or more measurement points are selected on the line. The measurement points on the line include the center of gravity of the tooth 4, the edge of the tooth 4 close to the axis of the yoke 2, and the edge of the tooth 4 far from the axis of the yoke 2. The first length L1 of each tooth 4 is calculated by measuring the length from the surface plate to each measurement point, and the average of the measured lengths. Next, the maximum and minimum first lengths L1 of the multiple teeth 4 are selected. The variation in the first length L1 of the multiple teeth 4 is found by calculating the difference between the maximum length and the minimum length. It is preferable that the variation in the first length L1 of the multiple teeth 4 is small. The variation in the first length L1 of the multiple teeth 4 is, for example, 0.04 mm or less, or 0.03 mm or less.

[0060] <Constituent materials> The core 1 is composed of a powder compact containing soft magnetic powder. The soft magnetic powder contains a plurality of iron-based particles made of, for example, pure iron or an iron-based alloy. The pure iron has a purity of 99% or more, i.e., an iron (Fe) content of 99% by mass or more. Pure iron has various advantages, such as high saturation magnetic flux density, excellent formability, and ease of densification by pressure molding. Therefore, the inclusion of iron-based particles made of pure iron can result in a core 1 with a high saturation magnetic flux density, a dense core 1 with a high relative density, and easy formability during the manufacturing process, resulting in excellent manufacturability. Furthermore, the dense core 1 facilitates an increase in saturation magnetic flux density and also exhibits excellent mechanical properties such as strength. The iron-based alloy contains an additive element, with the remainder consisting of Fe and unavoidable impurities. The iron-based alloy contains one or more additive elements. Examples of additive elements include silicon (Si), aluminum (Al), and chromium (Cr). The electrical resistance of the iron-based alloy is higher than that of pure iron. Therefore, if iron-based particles made of an iron-based alloy are included, iron loss such as eddy current loss can be reduced, resulting in a low-loss core 1. The core 1 may also include both iron-based particles made of pure iron and iron-based particles made of an iron-based alloy.

[0061] Soft magnetic powder generally contains coated particles, which are powder particles made of a soft magnetic material with an insulating coating on their surfaces. The inclusion of coated particles reduces iron loss, such as eddy current loss, resulting in a low-loss core 1. In particular, the inclusion of coated particles, which are made of pure iron powder particles and an insulating coating, results in a low-loss core 1 with a high saturation magnetic flux density and excellent magnetic properties. The insulating coating is made of an oxide, such as phosphate, silica, magnesium oxide, or aluminum oxide.

[0062] <Relative density> The relative density of the core 1 is, for example, 90% or more. A core 1 with a relative density of 90% or more has a high saturation magnetic flux density and excellent strength. The relative density of the core 1 may be 93% or more, or 95% or more. The relative density here is the ratio (%) of the actually measured density of the powder compact constituting the core 1 to the theoretical density of the powder compact constituting the core 1. The theoretical density can be used as an equivalent value to the true density of the soft magnetic powder constituting the powder compact.

[0063] In the core 1 having the outer region 40 on each tooth 4, the relative density of the outer region 40 is higher than the relative density of portions other than the outer region 40. The relative density of the outer region 40 is, for example, 93% or more, 95% or more, or 96% or more.

[0064] <Core manufacturing method> The core 1 of the embodiment can be manufactured using a mold 9 shown in Figures 7 to 11. The mold 9 includes a die 91 shown in Figure 7, a lower punch 92 shown in Figure 8, and an upper punch 93 shown in Figure 9.

[0065] The die 91 is a cylindrical member. The die 91 has a central portion 911 and an outer peripheral portion 912. The central portion 911 is a solid body that forms a central region including the axis of the die 91 and extends to both end faces of the die 91. The central portion 911 is used to form the axial hole 25 of the yoke 2 in the core 1. The outer peripheral portion 912 is located on the outer periphery of the central portion 911. The outer peripheral portion 912 has recesses 913 and through holes 917 that open to the top surface of the die 91. The recesses 913 and through holes 917 are alternately arranged around the axis of the die 91. The recesses 913 have a bottom 914, an inner surface 915, and an outer surface 916. The inner surface 915 is also a side surface of the central portion 911. The outer surface 916 is arranged to face the inner surface 915. The bottom 914 connects the inner surface 915 and the outer surface 916. The recesses 913 are intended to form the majority of the yoke 2 in the core 1. The bottom 914 constitutes the first surface 21 of the yoke 2. The outer surface 916 constitutes the outer peripheral surface 23 of the yoke 2. The inner surface 915 constitutes the inner peripheral surface 24 of the yoke 2. The through holes 917 penetrate the die 91 from top to bottom. The through holes 917 are intended to form the teeth 4 in the core 1. The through holes 917 have the same cross-sectional shape and size as the first end surfaces 41 of the teeth 4. The envelope circle surrounding the multiple through holes 917 is larger than the envelope circle surrounding the multiple recesses 913. The envelope circle surrounding the multiple recesses 913 is formed by the outer surfaces 916 of the recesses 913. The contours that form the outer peripheral portion 912 are uneven. A lower punch 92 is inserted into the through hole 917.

[0066] The lower punch 92 has a base 921 and multiple columnar portions 922. The base 921 is a cylindrical member. The multiple columnar portions 922 are arranged at intervals around the axis of the base 921. Each columnar portion 922 is inserted into a through hole 917 of the die 91. An end face 923 of each columnar portion 922 has the same shape and size as the first end faces 41 of the teeth 4. The end faces 923 constitute the first end faces 41 of the teeth 4.

[0067] The upper punch 93 is a cylindrical member. The upper punch 93 has an annular first end surface 931. The first end surface 931 constitutes the second surface 22 of the yoke 2. The upper punch 93 has a plurality of bulging portions 932 on its outer peripheral surface. The plurality of bulging portions 932 are arranged at intervals around the axis of the upper punch 93. Each bulging portion 932 extends along the top and bottom of the upper punch 93. A protruding portion 934 is provided at the tip of each bulging portion 932. The protruding portion 934 is provided at the position of the bulging portion 932 that is farthest from the axis of the upper punch 93. The bulging portion 932 has a second end surface 933 having two surfaces that form a step by the protruding portion 934. The second end surface 933 constitutes the second end surface 42 of the outer region 40 of the tooth 4. Of the two surfaces, the surface located proximal to the first end surface 931 constitutes the proximal surface 421 , and the surface located further distal from the first end surface 931 constitutes the distal surface 422 .

[0068] A cavity is formed to be filled with powder 95 by inserting the columnar portion 922 of the lower punch 92 into the through-hole 917 of the die 91. Powder is fed into the cavity using a powder box (not shown). The powder box has an opening at the bottom. The powder box moves back and forth linearly above the die 91. When the powder box moves above the cavity, the powder in the powder box falls into the cavity through the opening of the powder box due to gravity. Figure 10 shows the state in which the cavity has been filled with powder 95. After the powder 95 has been filled into the cavity, the powder box is folded back. When this folding back occurs, the bottom of the powder box tends to drag some of the powder 95 filled into the cavity.

[0069] In the mold 9 of this example, the cavity opening has an uneven contour corresponding to the contour of the outer periphery 912 of the die 91, as shown in FIG. 10. With an opening having an uneven contour, the powder 95 arranged on the cavity opening surface has discontinuous portions around the axis of the die 91. The presence of discontinuous portions makes it difficult for the powder 95 to be dragged along by the powder box even when the powder box moves back and forth. If the powder 95 is not easily dragged along by the powder box when it moves back and forth, unevenness in the amount of powder 95 filled into the cavity is unlikely to occur.

[0070] After the cavity is filled with powder 95, the powder 95 is pressed by a lower punch 92 and an upper punch 93, as shown in Fig. 11. If the amount of powder 95 filled into the cavity is less likely to be uneven, the length from the second surface 22 of the yoke 2 to the first end surface 41 of each of the plurality of teeth 4 in the powder compact obtained after pressure molding is less likely to vary.

[0071] The second end surface 42 of each tooth 4 is formed by transferring the shape of a protrusion 934 provided on the upper punch 93. When the upper punch 93 has the protrusion 934, a relatively large stress is generated at the corner between the bottom 914 and the outer surface 916 of the recess 913 provided in the die 91. This corner forms the first corner 31 of the yoke 2. If the second end surface 933 has a step formed by two surfaces, the above-mentioned stress generated in the die 91 can be easily reduced.

[0072] The corners between the bottom 914 and the outer surface 916 of the recess 913 provided in the die 91 and the corners between the bottom 914 and the inner surface 915 may be rounded. In this case, the radius of curvature of the corners between the bottom 914 and the outer surface 916 may be larger than the radius of curvature of the angle between the bottom 914 and the inner surface 915.

[0073] The core 1 obtained with the above-described die 9 has small variations in the length from the second surface 22 of the yoke 2 to the first end face 41 of each of the plurality of teeth 4 when the powder 95 is pressure-molded to produce a powder compact. Therefore, after producing the powder compact, there is no need to grind the first end face 41 of each tooth 4. Therefore, the core 1 obtained with the above-described die 9 has excellent productivity.

[0074] <Rotating electric machines> A rotating electric machine 8 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13. The rotating electric machine 8 includes a rotor 80 and a stator 7. The stator 7 faces the rotor 80 in a direction along the rotation axis of the rotor 80. The rotating electric machine 8 can be used as a motor or a generator. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along a plane parallel to the rotation axis 81 of the rotating electric machine 8. FIG. 13 illustrates a single-rotor and double-stator type rotating electric machine in which one rotor 80 is assembled so as to be sandwiched between two stators 7. Alternatively, the rotating electric machine 8 may have one rotor 80 and one stator 7, or may have one stator 7 assembled so as to be sandwiched between two rotors 80.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 12 , the stator 7 includes a core 1 and a coil 70. The coil 70 is disposed on each tooth 4 of the core 1. The coil 70 includes a cylindrical portion formed by spirally winding a wire. In this example, the coil 70 is an edgewise wound coil in the shape of a rectangular tube, with the wire being a coated rectangular wire. A wiring group 71 of the coil 70 is disposed in a space defined according to the distance A1 between the second end surface 42 and the second extension surface 52 of the outer region 40 of each tooth 4.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 13 , the stator 7 and rotor 80 are housed in a case 82 having a cylindrical internal space. The case 82 has a cylindrical portion and two plate portions. The cylindrical portion surrounds the outer periphery of the stator 7 and rotor 80. Plate portions are located on both ends of the cylindrical portion. The stator 7 and rotor 80 are housed in the case 82 so as to be sandwiched between the two plate portions. The stator 7 is fixed to the case 82 by fitting a portion of the yoke 2 of the core 1 into the plate portions of the case 82. Both plate portions have through holes in their centers. A bearing 83 is provided in the through hole, and a rotating shaft 81 is inserted through the bearing 83. A bearing (not shown) is also provided in the shaft hole 25 of the yoke 2, and the rotating shaft 81 is inserted through this bearing. The rotating shaft 81 passes through the case 82.

[0077] The rotor 80 is a flat-plate-shaped member including a plurality of magnets 84 and a rotor body that supports the magnets 84. Each magnet 84 is, for example, flat and has a planar shape that corresponds to the shape of the first end surface 41 of the tooth 4. The rotor body is an annular member that is rotatably supported relative to a case 82 by a rotating shaft 81. The magnets 84 are arranged at equal intervals around the axis of the rotor body. Each magnet 84 is magnetized in a direction along the axis of the rotating shaft 81. The magnets 84 that are adjacent around the axis of the rotor body are magnetized in opposite directions. When the rotor body rotates, the magnets 84 also rotate together with the rotor body.

[0078] The stator 7 is arranged so that the first end faces 41 of the teeth 4 face the magnets 84 of the rotor 80. The coils 70 of the stator 7 are excited to generate a rotating magnetic field, and the rotor 80 rotates relative to the stator 7 due to the attractive or repulsive force caused by the rotating magnetic field. When the rotor 80 rotates, the first end faces 41 of the teeth 4 receive magnetic flux from the rotating magnets 84.

[0079] The rotating electric machine 8 of the embodiment is easy to assemble because it includes the core 1 of the embodiment. As described above, the core 1 has little variation in the length from the second surface 22 of the yoke 2 to the first end surface 41 of each of the plurality of teeth 4. Therefore, when the stator 7 and the rotor 80 are housed in the case 82, the core 1, the coil 70, and the rotor 80 are positioned with high precision. Furthermore, because the rotating electric machine 8 of the embodiment includes the core 1 of the embodiment, torque ripple can be reduced, and noise and vibration are low.

[0080] [Test Example 1] In Test Example 1, a core with an external region on each tooth and a conventional core without an external region on each tooth were fabricated, and the variation in the length from the second surface of the yoke to the first end face of each of the teeth was measured. Sample No. 1-1 is a core with an external region on each tooth. Sample No. 1-2 is a conventional core without an external region on each tooth.

[0081] <Sample Description> For Sample No. 1-1, a powder compact was produced by pressing a powder containing soft magnetic powder using a mold 9 shown in FIGS. 7 to 11 . The core made of this powder compact was integrally formed with an annular yoke and 12 teeth. When the core was viewed from a first direction parallel to the axis of the yoke, each tooth had an outer region located outside a first enveloping circle formed by the outer peripheral surface of the yoke. The enveloping circle surrounding the teeth was referred to as a second enveloping circle. The diameter of the second enveloping circle was 17% larger than the diameter of the first enveloping circle, based on the diameter of the first enveloping circle. The ratio of the diameter of the second enveloping circle to the diameter of the first enveloping circle correlates with the amount of protrusion of the outer region along a second direction relative to the outer peripheral surface of the yoke. The second direction was perpendicular to the first direction and aligned along the diameter of the yoke.

[0082] In Sample No. 1-1, each tooth had a first end face located at the tip protruding from the first surface of the yoke in a direction parallel to the axis of the yoke, and the outer region had a second end face located on the opposite side to the first end face. The second end face was located between the extension of the second surface of the yoke and the first end face, and was spaced apart from the extension of the second surface. This space was 25% of the first length from the second surface of the yoke to the first end face of each tooth. In other words, the ratio of the length along the first direction of the portion of the outer region located farthest from the axis of the yoke to the first length was 75%.

[0083] For sample No. 1-2, a powder compact was produced by pressure molding the same powder as sample No. 1-1. The core made of this powder compact was integrally formed with an annular yoke and 12 teeth. When the core was viewed from the first direction, each tooth did not have a region located outside a first enveloping circle formed by the outer peripheral surface of the yoke.

[0084] <<Variation in length from second surface of yoke to first end surface of each of multiple teeth>> For each sample core, the variation in the length from the second surface of the yoke to the first end face of each of the multiple teeth was measured as follows. First, the first length L1 from the second surface of the yoke to the first end face of each tooth was measured. The measurement was performed using a height gauge equipped with a class 0 surface plate, with the core placed on the surface plate with the first end face of the tooth facing upward. Three or more measurement points were selected on the first end face of each tooth. In this example, the measurement points were selected on a line drawn through the center of gravity of the tooth and the center of the yoke, including the center of gravity of the tooth, the edge of the tooth close to the axis of the yoke, and the edge of the tooth far from the axis of the yoke. The length from the surface plate to each measurement point was measured, and the average of the measured lengths was defined as the first length L1 of each tooth. Next, the maximum and minimum lengths of the first lengths L1 for the multiple teeth were selected, and the difference between the maximum and minimum lengths was calculated. This difference was defined as the variation in the length from the second surface of the yoke to the first end face of each of the multiple teeth. In sample No. 1-1, the variation in length was 0.047 mm, and in sample No. 1-2, the variation in length was 0.099 mm.

[0085] The above length variation results show that a core with an external region on each tooth can reduce variation in the length from the second surface of the yoke to the first end face of each of the multiple teeth. In a core with an external region on each tooth, the opening shape of the cavity of the mold used to fabricate the core is the combined shape of the yoke and the external region, and has an uneven contour. With an opening with an uneven contour, the powder mass arranged on the opening surface of the cavity has an intermittent portion around the axis of the yoke. The presence of an intermittent portion is thought to have made it difficult for the powder to be dragged by the powder box even when the powder box moves back and forth, reducing the likelihood of unevenness in the amount of powder filled into the cavity. Because unevenness in the amount of powder filled was less likely to occur, it is thought that variation in the length from the second surface of the yoke to the first end face of each of the multiple teeth was less likely to occur in the powder compact obtained after pressure molding.

[0086] In conventional cores that do not have an outer region on each tooth, the opening shape of the cavity in the mold used to manufacture the core is the shape of a yoke, i.e., a ring. With a ring-shaped opening, the outline of the powder mass arranged on the opening surface of the cavity is circular, and it is thought that some of the powder is dragged into the powder box as it moves back and forth.

[0087] [Test Example 2] In Test Example 2, cores were fabricated in which each tooth had an external region and the ratio of the second length to the first length was different, and the maximum stress generated in the die during pressure molding was measured. The first length was the length from the second surface of the yoke to the first end face of each tooth. The second length was the length along the first direction of the point in the external region that was located farthest from the axis of the yoke. Sample No. 2-1 was a core in which the above ratio was 92%. Sample No. 2-2 was a core in which the above ratio was 85%. For both Sample No. 2-1 and Sample No. 2-2, the conditions other than the above ratio were the same as for Sample No. 1-1.

[0088] When the cores of Sample No. 2-1 and Sample No. 2-2 were manufactured, the stress distribution acting on each die was analyzed using CAE (Computer Aided Engineering).The maximum stress value (MPa) generated in the die was calculated from the CAE analysis results.

[0089] The above analysis results show that the maximum stress acts on the corner of the die that forms the first corner portion, which is formed by the first surface and the outer peripheral surface of the yoke. For sample No. 2-1, the maximum stress was 1096 MPa. For sample No. 2-2, the maximum stress was 1074 MPa.

[0090] The analysis results show that if the ratio is 90% or less, the stress generated at the corners of the die that forms the first corner of the yoke can be reduced. On the other hand, if the ratio is too small, for example, less than 60%, the magnetic flux that flows from the rotor magnet into the area outside the teeth will not flow efficiently into the yoke.

[0091] [Test Example 3] In Test Example 3, cores were fabricated in which each tooth had an outer region and the ratio of the second envelope circle to the diameter of the first envelope circle was different, and the maximum stress generated in the upper punch during pressure molding was measured. In Sample No. 3-1, the diameter of the second envelope circle was 6% larger than the diameter of the first envelope circle, based on the diameter of the first envelope circle. In Sample No. 3-2, the diameter of the second envelope circle was 13% larger than the diameter of the first envelope circle, based on the diameter of the first envelope circle. For both Sample No. 3-1 and Sample No. 3-2, the conditions other than the above ratio were the same as for Sample No. 1-1.

[0092] When the cores of Sample No. 3-1 and Sample No. 3-2 were manufactured, the stress distribution acting on the upper punch was analyzed using CAE. From the CAE analysis results, the maximum stress value (MPa) generated in the upper punch was calculated.

[0093] The above analysis results show that the maximum stress acts on the base of the convex part of the upper punch. For sample No. 3-1, the maximum stress was 2241 MPa. For sample No. 3-2, the maximum stress was 1153 MPa.

[0094] The above analysis results show that the stress generated at the base of the convex portion of the upper punch can be reduced if the diameter of the second enveloping circle is 10% or more larger than the diameter of the first enveloping circle. If this ratio is small, the contact area between the upper punch and the powder constituting the outer region becomes small, and it is thought that relatively large stress is generated at the base of the convex portion of the upper punch.

[0095] [Test Example 4] In Test Example 4, cores were fabricated in which each tooth had an external region, with a first corner defined by the first surface and outer peripheral surface of the yoke and a second corner defined by the first surface and inner peripheral surface rounded, and the maximum stress generated in the die during pressure molding was measured. Sample No. 4-1 was a core in which the curvature radius of both the first corner and the second corner was 2.5 mm. Sample No. 4-2 was a core in which the curvature radius of the first corner was 2.5 mm and the curvature radius of the second corner was 2.0 mm. For both Sample No. 4-1 and Sample No. 4-2, the conditions other than the above curvature radii were the same as Sample No. 1-1.

[0096] When the cores of Sample No. 4-1 and Sample No. 4-2 were manufactured, the stress distribution acting on each die was analyzed using CAE. From the CAE analysis results, the maximum stress value (MPa) generated in the die was calculated.

[0097] The above analysis results show that the maximum stress acts on the corner of the die that forms the first corner of the yoke. For sample No. 4-1, the maximum stress was 1009 MPa. For sample No. 4-2, the maximum stress was 983.2 MPa.

[0098] The above analysis results show that if the radius of curvature of the first corner is larger than the radius of curvature of the second corner, the stress generated at the corner of the die used to form the first corner of the yoke can be reduced. Since relatively large stress is generated at the corner of the die used to form the first corner of the yoke during pressure molding, it is thought that increasing the radius of curvature of this corner can easily achieve the effect of reducing that stress. [Explanation of symbols]

[0099] 1 core 2 York 21 first page, 22 second page 23 outer circumferential surface, 24 inner circumferential surface 25 shaft hole 31 first corner, 32 second corner 4 Teeth 40 External area 41 first end face, 42 second end face 421 proximal surface, 422 distal surface 43 Side 51 first extension surface, 52 second extension surface 61 First Enveloping Circle, 62 Second Enveloping Circle A1,A2 interval L1 first length, L2 second length T0 first intersection, T1 first tangent, T2 second tangent, θ angle D1 first direction, D2 second direction 7 stator, 70 coil, 71 wiring group 8 Rotating electric machine, 80 Rotor, 81 Rotating shaft, 82 Case 83 Bearings, 84 Magnets 9. Mold 91 Die 911 Central part 912 Outer periphery 913 recess, 914 bottom, 915 inner surface, 916 outer surface 917 Through hole 92 Down Punch 921 Base, 922 Column, 923 End face 93 Upper Punch 931 First end face 932 Swelling part, 933 Second end surface, 934 Convex part 95 powder

Claims

1. A core, a coil, and wiring for the coil, The core is A circular yoke; a plurality of columnar teeth spaced apart around the axis of the yoke; the yoke and the plurality of teeth are formed as an integral powder-pressed compact, The yoke is a first surface having a boundary with the plurality of teeth; a second surface opposite to the first surface; an outer circumferential surface and an inner circumferential surface connecting the first surface and the second surface, Each of the plurality of teeth is a first end surface located at a tip end protruding from the first surface in a direction parallel to the axis; an outer region located outside a first enveloping circle formed by the outer peripheral surface when the core is viewed from a first direction parallel to the axis, the outer region has a second end surface opposite to the first end surface, the second end surface is disposed between an extension surface of the second surface and the first end surface and spaced apart from the extension surface of the second surface, the coil is disposed on each of the plurality of teeth of the core, the wiring is disposed in a space formed between an extension of the second surface of the core and the second end surface; Stator.

2. The second end surface is a proximal surface located between the extension surface of the first surface and the extension surface of the second surface so as to be continuous with the second surface or the outer circumferential surface; The stator of claim 1 , further comprising: a distal surface located further from the outer circumferential surface than the proximal surface and further from an extension of the second surface.

3. a ratio of the second length of the outer region to the first length of each of the plurality of teeth is 60% or more and 90% or less; the first length is a length from the second surface to the first end surface, The stator according to claim 1 , wherein the second length is a length along the first direction of a point in the outer region that is located furthest from the axis.

4. The stator according to claim 1 , wherein a diameter of a second enveloping circle surrounding the plurality of teeth is greater than a diameter of the first enveloping circle by 15% or more.

5. A rotor, a stator facing the rotor in a direction along the rotation axis of the rotor, The stator is the stator according to any one of claims 1 to 4. Rotating electric motor.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Stator core, stator, rotary electric machine, and method of manufacturing stator core

    JP2021100329A

Cited By

  • Process of extracting pigment component from red algae

    KR1020250127976A