Motor magnet, motor component, and motor

Abstract

To provide a motor magnet, a motor component, and a motor in which an increase in a magnetic flux in a specific area is suppressed.SOLUTION: A motor has a magnet 90. An outer surface of the magnet 90 includes a first facing surface 91, a second facing surface 92, a first end surface 93, and a second end surface 94. The first facing surface 91 and the second facing surface 92 are arranged in a radial direction RD, and the first end surface 93 and the second end surface 94 are arranged in a circumferential direction CD. A plurality of orientations OR are distributed in the magnet 90. At least a part of the plurality of orientations OR has a first orientation component ORa along the radial direction RD and a second orientation component ORb along the circumferential direction CD. The second orientation component ORb is larger on the second facing surface 92 side than on the first facing surface 91 side, and is larger on the end surfaces 93 and 94 side than on a longitudinal central part 97 side. The first orientation component ORa is smaller on the second facing surface 92 side than on the first facing surface 91 side, and smaller on the end surfaces 93 and 94 side than on the longitudinal central part 97 side.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The disclosure herein relates to motor magnets, motor components, and motors. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a permanent magnet motor including a stator and a rotor arranged radially opposite each other. The rotor has a plurality of permanent magnets arranged in the circumferential direction. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-217517 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The permanent magnets described in Patent Document 1 are magnetized in the radial direction. Therefore, the magnetic path formed by the magnetic flux of the permanent magnets is likely to be formed in the radial direction. There is a risk that the magnetic flux in the rotor equipped with the permanent magnets will increase on the side opposite to the area facing the stator. There is a risk that the magnetic flux in a specific area will increase.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a motor magnet, a motor component, and a motor in which an increase in magnetic flux in a specific region is suppressed. [Means for solving the problem]

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

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, the disclosed embodiment comprises: a first surface (91) and a second surface (92) aligned in a first direction (RD; AD; RD); a first end (93) and a second end (94) aligned in a second direction (CD; CD; AD) intersecting the first direction; a plurality of orientations (OR) distributed between the first surface and the second surface and between the first end and the second end; At least some of the orientations have a first orientation component (ORa) along a first direction and a second orientation component (ORb) along a second direction; the first orientation component is oriented in a first direction from one of the first surface and the second surface to the other, and is smaller in the first direction on the second surface side than on the first surface side, and is smaller in the second direction on each of the first end side and the second end side than on a central portion (97) side between the first end side and the second end side; the second alignment component is larger on the second surface side than on the first surface side in the first direction, and is larger on each of the first end side and the second end side than on the central portion side in the second direction; The second orientation component of the motor magnet (90) is in the opposite direction between the central portion and the first end portion and between the central portion and the second end portion.

[0008] This suppresses the formation of a magnetic path on the second surface side of the motor magnet, and in a configuration in which the motor magnet is incorporated into a motor, suppresses an increase in magnetic flux on the second surface side (specific region) of the motor magnet.

[0009] The disclosed aspects include: A motor component (40; 140; 240) having a motor magnet (90), The motor magnet is a first surface (91) and a second surface (92) aligned in a first direction (RD; AD; RD); a first end (93) and a second end (94) aligned in a second direction (CD; CD; AD) intersecting the first direction; a plurality of orientations (OR) distributed between the first surface and the second surface and between the first end and the second end; At least some of the orientations have a first orientation component (ORa) along a first direction and a second orientation component (ORb) along a second direction; the first orientation component is oriented in a first direction from one of the first surface and the second surface to the other, and is smaller in the first direction on the second surface side than on the first surface side, and is smaller in the second direction on each of the first end side and the second end side than on a central portion (97) side between the first end side and the second end side; the second alignment component is larger on the second surface side than on the first surface side in the first direction, and is larger on each of the first end side and the second end side than on the central portion side in the second direction; In this motor component, the second orientation component is oriented in opposite directions between the central portion and the first end portion and between the central portion and the second end portion.

[0010] The motor component can achieve the same effects as the motor magnet.

[0011] The disclosed aspects include: An exciter (30; 130; 230) that is excited by current flow, a field element (40; 140; 240) having a motor magnet (90) and aligned with the exciter element in a first direction (RD; AD; RD); The motor magnet is a first surface (91) and a second surface (92) aligned in a first direction; a first end (93) and a second end (94) aligned in a second direction (CD; CD; AD) intersecting the first direction, The motor magnet is a first surface (91) and a second surface (92) aligned in a first direction; a first end (93) and a second end (94) aligned in a second direction; a plurality of orientations (OR) distributed between the first surface and the second surface and between the first end and the second end; At least some of the orientations have a first orientation component (ORa) along a first direction and a second orientation component (ORb) along a second direction; the first orientation component is oriented in a first direction from one of the first surface and the second surface to the other, and is smaller in the first direction on the second surface side than on the first surface side, and is smaller in the second direction on each of the first end side and the second end side than on a central portion (97) side between the first end side and the second end side; the second alignment component is larger on the second surface side than on the first surface side in the first direction, and is larger on each of the first end side and the second end side than on the central portion side in the second direction; The motors (10; 110; 210) are arranged in a row such that the second orientation component is in the opposite direction between the center and the first end and between the center and the second end.

[0012] The motor can achieve the same effects as the motor magnet. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the motor according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a partial plan view of the rotor and stator unfolded so that the circumferential direction is a linear direction. [Figure 4] A diagram of the rotor as seen from the outside in the radial direction, developed on a plane. [Figure 5] A diagram showing the orientation direction of a magnet. [Figure 6] A diagram showing the orientation of an S magnet. [Figure 7] Diagram showing the orientation direction of an N magnet. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an orientation measurement result. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a partial plan view of a rotor and a stator in a second embodiment, developed so that the circumferential direction is a linear direction. [Figure 10] A diagram showing the orientation of an S magnet. [Figure 11] Diagram showing the orientation direction of an N magnet. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a motor according to a third embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. [Figure 14] A diagram showing the orientation direction of a magnet. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the orientation direction of a magnet in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 16] A diagram showing the orientation of an S magnet. [Figure 17] Diagram showing the orientation direction of an N magnet. [Figure 18] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the orientation direction of a magnet in the fifth embodiment. [Figure 19] A diagram showing the orientation of an S magnet. [Figure 20] Diagram showing the orientation direction of an N magnet. [Figure 21] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the orientation direction of a magnet in the sixth embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the orientation direction of a magnet in the seventh embodiment. [Figure 23] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the orientation direction of a magnet in the eighth embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 13 is a partial plan view of a rotor according to a ninth embodiment. [Figure 25] FIG. 23 is a partial plan view of a rotor according to a tenth embodiment. [Figure 26] FIG. 23 is a partial plan view of a rotor according to an eleventh embodiment. [Figure 27] FIG. 23 is a partial plan view of a rotor according to a twelfth embodiment. [Figure 28] FIG. 23 is a plan view of an outer rotor type motor according to a thirteenth embodiment. [Figure 29] FIG. 23 is a plan view of a brushed motor according to a fourteenth embodiment. [Figure 30] FIG. 23 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view of an axial motor according to a fifteenth embodiment. [Figure 31] FIG. [Figure 32] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the rotor and stator as viewed from the radially outer side. [Figure 33] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a linear motor according to a sixteenth embodiment. [Figure 34] FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Hereinafter, several embodiments for carrying out the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In each embodiment, parts corresponding to matters described in the preceding embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions may be omitted. In each embodiment, when only a part of the configuration is described, other previously described embodiments may be applied to the other parts of the configuration. In addition to combinations of parts that are specifically specified as being combinable in each embodiment, it is also possible to partially combine embodiments even if not specified, as long as there is no particular problem with the combination.

[0015] First Embodiment The motor 10 shown in FIG. 1 is provided in various devices and the like. The motor 10 is driven to operate the various devices and the like. Power is supplied to the motor 10 from a power supply unit such as a battery. When power is supplied from the power supply unit, the motor 10 functions as an electric motor. The motor 10 is a multi-phase AC motor. The motor 10 is a motor generator. The motor 10 functions as a generator during regeneration. The motor 10 is sometimes called a rotating electric machine.

[0016] In the following description, the three mutually orthogonal directions are referred to as an axial direction AD, a radial direction RD, and a circumferential direction CD. The radial direction RD is sometimes referred to as a radial direction, and the axial direction AD is sometimes referred to as an axial direction.

[0017] An imaginary line that runs along the linear axial direction AD and passes through the center of the motor 10 is referred to as the motor axis Cm. Unless otherwise specified, hereinafter, the direction that intersects with and is perpendicular to the motor axis Cm will be referred to simply as the radial direction RD. The direction around the motor axis Cm will be referred to simply as the circumferential direction CD. Furthermore, of the two directions spaced apart in the radial direction RD, the side farther from the motor axis Cm may be referred to as the radially outer side or outer circumferential side, and the side closer to the motor axis Cm may be referred to as the radially inner side or inner circumferential side.

[0018] The motor 10 has a housing 11, a shaft 12, a stator 30, and a rotor 40. The housing 11 is made of a metal material or the like. The housing 11 is a case, and its outer and inner peripheral surfaces are formed in an annular shape. At least a portion of the shaft 12, the stator 30, and the rotor 40 are housed in the space surrounded by this annular inner peripheral surface.

[0019] In Figures 1 and 2, the stator 30 is a stator, and the rotor 40 is a rotor. The shaft 12 is fixed to the rotor 40. The shaft 12 and the rotor 40 rotate relative to the stator 30. The shaft 12 and the rotor 40 rotate about a motor axis Cm. The motor axis Cm extends in the axial direction AD through the center of the shaft 12 and the center of the rotor 40. The motor axis Cm is the rotation axis of the motor 10. The shaft 12 extends in the axial direction AD along the motor axis Cm. The rotor 40 rotates about the shaft 12. The shaft 12 corresponds to the rotation axis. The shaft 12 is rotatably supported by a bearing member such as a bearing. The motor 10 is sometimes referred to as a rotary motor that performs rotary motion.

[0020] The motor 10 is a radial gap type motor. Radial gap type motors are sometimes called radial motors. In the motor 10, a stator 30 and a rotor 40 are arranged in the radial direction RD. The motor 10 is provided with one stator 30 and one rotor 40. A radial gap 20 is present between the stator 30 and the rotor 40. The radial gap 20 is a gap. The stator 30 and the rotor 40 are arranged in the radial direction RD with the radial gap 20 interposed between them.

[0021] In this embodiment, the rotor 40 is provided on the inner periphery of the stator 30. For example, the motor 10 is a brushless motor. The motor 10 in which the rotor 40 is provided on the inner periphery of the stator 30 is sometimes referred to as an inner rotor type motor. The rotor 40 provided on the inner periphery of the stator 30 is sometimes referred to as an inner rotor.

[0022] The stator 30 is fixed to the housing 11. The stator 30 extends in the circumferential direction CD along the inner circumferential surface of the housing 11. For example, the stator 30 is formed in an annular shape as a whole. The stator 30 is an exciter that is excited by passing current through it. The stator 30 is sometimes called an armature. The stator 30 has a stator core 31 and a coil 35. The stator 30 is excited by passing current through the coil 35. The coil 35 is formed from an electric wire or the like and is capable of passing current through it.

[0023] The stator core 31 is an iron core. The stator core 31 is made of a soft magnetic material or the like. The stator core 31 can form a magnetic path through which magnetic flux such as interlinkage magnetic flux passes. The stator core 31 has core teeth 32 and a core outer periphery 33. A plurality of core teeth 32 are arranged in the circumferential direction CD along the inner circumferential surface of the housing 11. Coils 35 are wound around the core teeth 32. The core outer periphery 33 is provided on the outer periphery of the core teeth 32. The core outer periphery 33 supports the core teeth 32. The core outer periphery 33 is fixed directly or indirectly to the housing 11. The core outer periphery 33 extends in the circumferential direction CD so as to be wrapped around the plurality of core teeth 32. For example, the core outer periphery 33 is formed in an annular shape.

[0024] The rotor 40 is a field element. The field element corresponds to a motor component. In this embodiment, the rotor 40 corresponds to the motor component. The rotor 40 has a rotor core 50 and magnets 90. In the rotor 40, the magnets 90 generate a magnetic field. The magnets 90 are attached to the rotor core 50 by adhesive or the like. The rotor core 50 is formed into a cylindrical shape as a whole. A plurality of magnets 90 are arranged in the circumferential direction CD along the outer peripheral edge of the rotor core 50.

[0025] The rotor core 50 has a magnet support portion 51, a holder fixing portion 52, and a holder arm portion 53. The magnet support portion 51 forms the outer circumferential side of the rotor core 50. The magnet support portion 51 extends in the circumferential direction CD so as to form a ring. The magnet support portion 51 supports a magnet 90. The magnet support portion 51 corresponds to a support portion. The magnet 90 is fixed to the magnet support portion 51. The magnet 90 is provided on the outer circumferential side of the rotor core 50. A plurality of magnets 90 are arranged along the outer circumferential surface 51a of the magnet support portion 51.

[0026] The holder fixing portion 52 forms the inner circumferential side of the rotor core 50. The holder fixing portion 52 extends in the circumferential direction CD so as to be annular. The holder fixing portion 52 is provided on the inner circumferential side of the magnet support portion 51. The holder fixing portion 52 is fixed to the shaft 12. For example, the shaft 12 is fixed to the holder fixing portion 52 in a state where it is inserted into the inner circumferential side of the holder fixing portion 52.

[0027] The holder arm portion 53 connects the magnet support portion 51 and the holder fixing portion 52. The holder arm portion 53 extends in the radial direction RD so as to bridge between the magnet support portion 51 and the holder fixing portion 52. A plurality of holder arm portions 53 are arranged in the circumferential direction CD.

[0028] The rotor core 50 is formed from a metal material or the like. At least a portion of the rotor core 50 is formed from a soft magnetic material or the like. In the rotor core 50, at least the magnet support portion 51 is formed from a soft magnetic material. The magnet support portion 51 is a soft magnetic body. In the rotor core 50, at least the magnet support portion 51 can form a magnetic path through which magnetic flux such as interlinkage magnetic flux passes. A magnetic path is sometimes referred to as a magnetic circuit. The magnet support portion 51 is a back core for the magnet 90, which will be described later. The magnet support portion 51 is sometimes referred to as a yoke or a yoke. The magnet support portion 51 has the property of passing magnetic flux.

[0029] The rotor 40 has a magnet ring portion 70. The magnet ring portion 70 is formed by a plurality of magnets 90. In the magnet ring portion 70, the plurality of magnets 90 are arranged in a ring shape. The magnet ring portion 70 is formed in a ring or ring shape and extends in the axial direction AD. The magnet ring portion 70 is included in a motor component. The magnet ring portion 70 has an annular outer peripheral surface 71, an annular inner peripheral surface 72, a first annular surface 73, and a second annular surface 74. Surfaces 71 to 74 are included in the outer surface of the magnet ring portion 70.

[0030] The annular outer peripheral surface 71 is the outer peripheral surface of the magnet ring portion 70. In a plan view of the magnet ring portion 70 seen from the axial direction AD, the annular outer peripheral surface 71 extends in the circumferential direction CD along the outer peripheral edge of the magnet ring portion 70. For example, the annular outer peripheral surface 71 forms the outer peripheral edge of the magnet ring portion 70. The annular inner peripheral surface 72 is the inner peripheral surface of the magnet ring portion 70. In a plan view, the annular inner peripheral surface 72 extends in the circumferential direction CD along the inner peripheral edge of the magnet ring portion 70. For example, the annular outer peripheral surface 71 forms the inner peripheral edge of the magnet ring portion 70. Both the outer peripheral edge and the inner peripheral edge of the magnet ring portion 70 are circular. In the magnet ring portion 70, the outer peripheral edge and the inner peripheral edge each form an arc. In the magnet ring portion 70, the outer peripheral edge and the inner peripheral edge are concentric. The centers of the annular outer peripheral surface 71 and the annular inner peripheral surface 72 are both located at positions where the motor axis Cm passes.

[0031] Of the pair of end faces of the magnet annular portion 70, one is a first annular surface 73 and the other is a second annular surface 74. The annular surfaces 73, 74 extend in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction AD. The first annular surface 73 and the second annular surface 74 extend parallel to each other. The first annular surface 73 and the second annular surface 74 are aligned in the axial direction AD via the annular outer peripheral surface 71 and the annular inner peripheral surface 72. The annular outer peripheral surface 71 and the annular inner peripheral surface 72 extend in the axial direction AD to span between the first annular surface 73 and the second annular surface 74.

[0032] Magnet ring portion 70 is a component that constitutes part of motor 10. Magnet ring portion 70 is fixed to magnet support portion 51. In motor 10, the portion where magnet ring portion 70 and magnet support portion 51 are integrated is sometimes referred to as a motor component.

[0033] The magnet annular portion 70 has a plurality of magnets 90. The plurality of magnets 90 are arranged in a row in the circumferential direction CD along the outer peripheral surface of the magnet support portion 51. Each of the plurality of magnets 90 extends in the axial direction AD, and the plurality of magnets 90 are not arranged in the axial direction AD. The plurality of magnets 90 form a first annular surface 73 and a second annular surface 74 of the magnet annular portion 70. Note that a configuration in which the plurality of magnets 90 are arranged in a row in the axial direction AD may also be employed.

[0034] When power is supplied to the motor 10 from the power supply, a magnetic field is generated as current flows through the coils 35. In this magnetic field, multiple magnetic fluxes MF are passed between the stator 30 and the rotor 40. The magnetic path through which this magnetic flux MF passes is determined by the magnetic fluxes emitted from the stator 30 and the rotor 40, as well as the surrounding housing 11. On the stator 30 side, the magnetic flux passes through the core teeth 32, the core outer periphery 33, and the like. On the rotor 40 side, the magnetic flux passes through the magnets 90, the magnet support portion 51, and the like.

[0035] 3, the multiple magnetic fluxes MF include a first magnetic flux MF1 and a second magnetic flux MF2. The magnetic fluxes MF1 and MF2 flow from the stator 30 toward the rotor 40. The magnetic fluxes MF1 and MF2 then make a U-turn at the rotor 40 and flow from the rotor 40 toward the stator 30. For example, the magnetic fluxes MF1 and MF2 flow so as to be passed between the two core teeth 32 via the magnet annular portion 70. The first magnetic flux MF1 does not extend beyond the magnet annular portion 70 to the side opposite the core teeth 32 in the radial direction RD.

[0036] The first magnetic flux MF1 and the second magnetic flux MF2 coexist in the rotor 40. In the rotor 40, the magnetic path through which the first magnetic flux MF1 passes is a closed magnetic path within the magnet annular portion 70. The magnetic path through which the second magnetic flux MF2 passes is a magnetic path that passes through the magnet support portion 51 (back core).

[0037] In motor 10, the orientation OR of magnet 90 is set so as to reduce the number of second magnetic fluxes MF2. The orientation OR of magnet 90 is also set so as to increase the number of first magnetic fluxes MF1. For example, in magnet 90, the orientation OR is set so that magnetic fluxes MF, such as interlinkage magnetic flux, are concentrated near the center of magnet 90. The orientation OR is also the orientation of magnet annular portion 70. The orientation OR faces the direction of easy magnetization in magnet 90. The easy magnetization direction is the direction in which magnet 90 is easily magnetized. The orientation OR is sometimes referred to as magnet orientation. In motor 10, the presence of orientation OR in magnet 90 is sometimes expressed as magnet 90 having multiple orientations OR. Magnet 90 is sometimes referred to as an anisotropic magnet.

[0038] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, in magnet 90, the orientation OR as a whole faces the circumferential direction CD. As shown in Figure 4, the orientation OR is not inclined toward the axial direction AD with respect to the radial direction RD. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 3, in magnet 90, at least some of the orientations OR are inclined toward the circumferential direction CD with respect to the radial direction RD. In Figure 3 and other figures, the orientations OR are indicated by white arrows. The white arrows indicate the direction of the orientation OR. For convenience, if the orientation OR has a magnitude, the magnitude of the orientation OR is the same for all orientations OR. In other words, in magnet 90, the magnitude of the orientations OR is constant. Note that it is conceivable that an infinite number of orientations OR exist in magnet 90, but for convenience, only a predetermined number are shown in Figure 3 and other figures. Although there may be some bias in an actual magnet, the predetermined number of orientations OR are illustrated as being evenly distributed.

[0039] The direction of the orientation OR is expressed by the magnitude and angle of the orientation component. As shown in Figure 6, the orientation components of the orientation OR include a first orientation component ORa and a second orientation component ORb. The first orientation component ORa is an orientation component in the radial direction RD. The second orientation component ORb is an orientation component in the circumferential direction CD. The orientation OR is decomposed into the radial direction RD and the circumferential direction CD, and is decomposed into the first orientation component ORa and the second orientation component ORb. The orientation OR is obtained by combining the first orientation component ORa and the second orientation component ORb. The orientation components ORa and ORb have magnitudes according to the direction of the orientation OR. As described above, in magnet 90, the magnitude of the orientation OR is constant, so the orientation components ORa and ORb have a relationship such that as the second orientation component ORb increases, the first orientation component ORa decreases, and as the second orientation component ORb decreases, the first orientation component ORa increases.

[0040] In this embodiment, the radial direction RD corresponds to the first direction, and the circumferential direction CD corresponds to the second direction. The first orientation component ORa is an orientation component in the first direction. The second orientation component ORb is an orientation component in the second direction. The magnet 90 corresponds to the motor magnet. A configuration in which the magnet 90 and the stator 30 are arranged side by side in the radial direction RD corresponds to a configuration in which the motor magnet and the exciter are arranged side by side in the first direction.

[0041] The orientation OR has a third orientation component in addition to the first orientation component ORa and the second orientation component ORb. The third orientation component is an orientation component in the axial direction AD. In this embodiment, a magnet 90 is assumed in which the third orientation component of the orientation OR is zero. The orientation OR is not inclined with respect to the axial direction AD. For example, the orientation OR faces one side of a direction perpendicular to the motor axis Cm. In this embodiment, the axial direction AD corresponds to the third direction. The third orientation component is an orientation component in the third direction.

[0042] The orientation OR may be inclined toward the axial direction AD with respect to the radial direction RD. For example, the third orientation component of the orientation OR may not be zero. Even with this configuration, the magnitude of the orientation OR in a planar view is constant in magnet 90, regardless of the magnitude of the third orientation component. For example, in magnet 90, the magnitude of the orientation OR obtained by combining the first orientation component ORa and the second orientation component ORb is constant regardless of the magnitude of the third orientation component.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 5, the orientation OR has an orientation angle θ. The orientation angle θ is the angle of the orientation OR. The orientation angle θ is the angle between the radial direction RD and the orientation OR. Two angles are formed by the radial direction RD and the orientation OR, and the orientation angle θ is the smaller of the two angles. The orientation angle θ is 90° or less. The orientation angle θ is the inclination angle of the orientation OR inclined toward the circumferential direction CD with respect to the radial direction RD. For example, the orientation angle θ is the inclination angle of the orientation OR inclined toward the second reference line Lr2 with respect to the first reference line Lr1. The first reference line Lr1 is a reference line extending in the first direction. For example, the first reference line Lr1 is a virtual line that passes through the motor axis Cm and extends linearly in the radial direction RD. The second reference line Lr2 is a reference line extending in the second direction. For example, the second reference line Lr2 is a virtual line that extends linearly in the circumferential direction CD. The first reference line Lr1 and the second reference line Lr2 are perpendicular to each other and perpendicular to the motor axis Cm.

[0044] The first reference line Lr1 is a normal to the annular outer peripheral surface 71 and the annular inner peripheral surface 72 of the magnet annular portion 70. The radial direction RD is sometimes referred to as the normal direction in which a normal line extends. The second reference line Lr2 is a tangent to the annular outer peripheral surface 71 of the magnet annular portion 70 or the outer peripheral surface 51a of the magnet support portion 51. The circumferential direction CD is sometimes referred to as the tangential direction in which a tangent line extends. The circumferential direction CD is also sometimes referred to as the rotation direction or movement direction. There can be an infinite number of first reference lines Lr1, but for convenience, only one or more are shown as examples in Figure 1, etc. There can also be an infinite number of second reference lines Lr2, but for convenience, only one or more are shown as examples in Figure 1, etc.

[0045] The orientation angle θ is in the range of 0° or more and 90° or less. The relationship of 0°≦θ≦90° holds for the orientation angle θ. The orientation angle θ indicates the angle between the orientation OR and the first reference line Lr1, based on the orientation of the orientation OR. For example, in FIG. 5, the orientation angle θ is the angle between the head of the arrow in the orientation OR and the first reference line Lr1. Therefore, for convenience, the orientation angle θ may be the same for multiple orientations OR with different orientations. For example, the orientation angle θ may be the same for an orientation OR facing the upper left of the page in FIG. 5 and an orientation OR facing the lower left of the page in FIG. 5. Furthermore, the orientation angle θ may be the same for an orientation OR facing the upper left of the page in FIG. 5 and an orientation OR facing the upper right of the page in FIG. 5.

[0046] As described above, since the magnitude of the orientation OR is constant in magnet 90, the orientation angle θ is determined by the magnitude relationship between the first orientation component ORa and the second orientation component ORb. For magnet 90, Equations 1 and 2 hold true.

[0047] A1=Acosθ···Formula 1 A2 = Asinθ Equation 2 In Equations 1 and 2, for convenience, the magnitude of the orientation OR is denoted as A, the magnitude of the first orientation component ORa is denoted as A1, and the magnitude of the second orientation component ORb is denoted as A2.

[0048] The magnet 90 is a magnetic member formed from a magnetic material or the like. Examples of magnetic members include sintered magnets and bonded magnets. One magnet 90 is formed from one magnetic member. The magnetic material is a material containing magnetic powder. The magnet 90 is formed containing magnetic powder. The magnetic powder is sometimes called magnetic powder or magnetic powder. In the magnet 90, the magnetic powder is in a magnetized state. In the magnet ring portion 70, multiple magnets 90 are fixed to each other with an adhesive or the like. In this embodiment, the magnet 90 is the smallest component of the magnet ring portion 70, but this is not limited to this. The smallest component may be smaller or larger than the magnet 90 shown in this embodiment. For example, the smallest component may be half or twice the size of the magnet 90.

[0049] In the magnet 90, the direction of the orientation OR is set by magnetization or the like. Fine magnetic powder is used as the magnetic powder of the magnet 90. In the magnet 90, the degree of freedom regarding the orientation OR is increased due to the fine magnetic powder. In the magnet 90, the arrangement of the orientation OR is complex. In the magnet 90, multiple orientations OR are distributed so as to reduce the number of second magnetic fluxes MF2.

[0050] The magnetic powder forming the magnet 90 includes magnetic powder made of a metal material. Magnetic powder made of a metal material includes base metal magnetic powder, rare metal magnetic powder, and rare earth magnetic powder. Base metal magnetic powder is magnetic powder made of a base metal. Rare metal magnetic powder is magnetic powder made of a rare metal. Rare earth magnetic powder is magnetic powder made of a rare earth. The magnet 90 is formed including at least one of base metal magnetic powder, rare metal magnetic powder, and rare earth magnetic powder.

[0051] The magnet 90 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. In reality, the magnet 90 has a shape that extends along an arc, as shown in FIG. 2. In FIG. 6 and other figures, the curved lines that extend along the arc of the magnet 90 are illustrated as straight lines. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the magnet 90 has a first opposing surface 91, a second opposing surface 92, a first end surface 93, a second end surface 94, a first side surface 95, and a second side surface 96. These surfaces 91 to 96 are included in the outer surface of the magnet 90.

[0052] The opposing surfaces 91, 92 extend in a direction perpendicular to the radial direction RD. The opposing surfaces 91, 92 extend in the circumferential direction CD to span between a first end surface 93 and a second end surface 94. The first opposing surface 91 and the second opposing surface 92 are aligned in the radial direction RD via surfaces 93 to 96. In the magnet annular portion 70, the first opposing surface 91 is located on the outer circumferential side, and the second opposing surface 92 is located on the inner circumferential side. The first opposing surface 91 is included in the annular outer circumferential surface 71. The second opposing surface 92 is included in the annular inner circumferential surface 72. The first opposing surface 91 faces the stator 30 across the radial gap 20. The second opposing surface 92 is on the opposite side of the stator 30 in the radial direction RD. The second opposing surface 92 is superimposed on the outer circumferential surface 51a of the magnet support portion 51. The first opposing surface 91 corresponds to the first surface, and the second opposing surface 92 corresponds to the second surface.

[0053] The end faces 93, 94 extend in a direction perpendicular to the circumferential direction CD. The end faces 93, 94 extend in the radial direction RD so as to bridge between the first opposing surface 91 and the second opposing surface 92. The first end face 93 and the second end face 94 are arranged in the circumferential direction CD via surfaces 91, 92, 95, and 96. In two magnets 90 adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction CD, the first end face 93 of one magnet 90 and the second end face 94 of the other magnet 90 are overlapped with each other. The first end face 93 corresponds to a first end, and the second end face 94 corresponds to a second end.

[0054] The side surfaces 95, 96 extend in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction AD. The first side surface 95 and the second side surface 96 are aligned in the axial direction AD via the end surfaces 93, 94 and the opposing surfaces 91, 92. The first side surface 95 is included in the first annular surface 73. The second side surface 96 is included in the second annular surface 74.

[0055] In the following, to explain magnet 90 in more detail, magnet 90 will be subdivided. When subdivided, magnet 90 has a vertical central portion 97, opposing parallel portions 98, and end surface parallel portions 99. These subdivided elements are set for the sake of convenience, and in reality, some of them are not clearly separate entities. Some of these vertical central portion 97, opposing parallel portions 98, and end surface parallel portions 99 may be included in the rest. These subdivided elements are set to explain specific locations on magnet 90.

[0056] The vertical central portion 97 is the central portion of the magnet 90 in the circumferential direction CD. The vertical central portion 97 is located midway between the first end face 93 and the second end face 94 in the circumferential direction CD. The vertical central portion 97 extends in the radial direction RD so as to span between the first opposing surface 91 and the second opposing surface 92. The vertical central portion 97 corresponds to the center portion. The vertical central portion 97 is sometimes referred to as the middle portion of the magnetic pole.

[0057] The vertical central portion 97 does not have to be exactly at the center between the first end face 93 and the second end face 94. The vertical central portion 97 may be located on the first end face 93 side or the second end face 94 side from this center position. Furthermore, the vertical central portion 97 may not be a line, but may have a certain width in the circumferential direction CD. This width may be, for example, one to one-third of the length of the magnet 90 in the circumferential direction CD. When the vertical central portion 97 has a width in the circumferential direction CD in this way, the vertical central portion 97 includes the exact center position between the first end face 93 and the second end face 94.

[0058] The opposing parallel portions 98 are regions of the magnet 90 that extend parallel to the first opposing surface 91 and the second opposing surface 92. A plurality of opposing parallel portions 98 are arranged in the radial direction RD of the magnet 90. The plurality of opposing parallel portions 98 include a region that extends in the circumferential direction CD along the first opposing surface 91, a region that extends in the circumferential direction CD along the second opposing surface 92, and a region that extends in the circumferential direction CD through the center of the magnet 90. Although the magnet 90 has a large number of opposing parallel portions 98, for convenience, only three opposing parallel portions 98 are illustrated in Figures 6 and 7, aligned with the outline arrows indicating the orientation OR.

[0059] In magnet 90, the orientation OR at the opposing parallel portion 98 that is closest to the first opposing surface 91 among the multiple opposing parallel portions 98 is the orientation OR on the first opposing surface 91 side. The orientation components ORa and ORb at this opposing parallel portion 98 are the orientation components ORa and ORb on the first opposing surface 91 side. Also, in magnet 90, the orientation OR at the opposing parallel portion 98 that is closest to the second opposing surface 92 among the multiple opposing parallel portions 98 is the orientation OR on the second opposing surface 92 side. The orientation components ORa and ORb at this opposing parallel portion 98 are the orientation components ORa and ORb on the second opposing surface 92 side.

[0060] The end surface parallel portions 99 are regions of the magnet 90 that extend parallel to the first end face 93 and the second end face 94. A plurality of the end surface parallel portions 99 are arranged in the circumferential direction CD on the magnet 90. The plurality of end surface parallel portions 99 include a region extending in the radial direction RD along the first end face 93, a region extending in the radial direction RD along the second end face 94, and a region extending in the radial direction RD along the vertical central portion 97. For example, a plurality of the end surface parallel portions 99 are arranged in the circumferential direction CD between the first end face 93 and the vertical central portion 97, and between the second end face 94 and the vertical central portion 97. Note that although the magnet 90 has a large number of end surface parallel portions 99, for convenience, only six end surface parallel portions 99 are illustrated in FIG. 6 in accordance with the outline arrows indicating the orientation OR.

[0061] In magnet 90, the orientation OR at the end face parallel portion 99 closest to the first end face 93 among the multiple end face parallel portions 99 is the orientation on the first end face 93 side. The orientation components ORa and ORb at this end face parallel portion 99 are the orientation components ORa and ORb on the first end face 93 side. Also, in magnet 90, the orientation OR at the end face parallel portion 99 closest to the second end face 94 among the multiple end face parallel portions 99 is the orientation on the second end face 94 side. The orientation components ORa and ORb at this end face parallel portion 99 are the orientation components ORa and ORb on the second end face 94 side.

[0062] In Figure 6 and other figures, magnet 90 is shown as a rectangular shape in plan view as a schematic plan view of magnet 90. However, in reality, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, magnet 90 is formed in a roughly fan shape in plan view. Therefore, in magnet 90, opposing surfaces 91 and 92 are curved so as to bulge outward toward the outer periphery. The distance between first end surface 93 and second end surface 94 gradually increases toward the outer periphery. Meanwhile, first side surface 95 and second side surface 96 extend parallel to each other with a constant distance between them.

[0063] Magnet 90 has an S pole and an N pole as magnetic poles. Magnet 90 has an S pole face, which is the surface that forms the S pole, and an N pole face, which is the surface that forms the N pole. In magnet 90, magnetic flux MF is generated so that it enters the interior of magnet 90 through the S pole face. In addition, magnetic flux MF is generated so that it leaves the interior of magnet 90 through the N pole face.

[0064] As shown in Figures 3 and 5, the motor 10 has an N magnet 90N and an S magnet 90S. The magnets 90N and 90S are magnets 90. The magnets 90N and 90S are included in the multiple magnets 90 in the magnet ring portion 70. The N magnets 90N and S magnets 90S are arranged alternately one by one in the circumferential direction CD in the magnet ring portion 70. In the magnet ring portion 70, of two magnets 90 adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction CD, one is the N magnet 90N and the other is the S magnet 90S.

[0065] 3, 5, and 6, magnetic flux MF passes through the S magnet 90S in the radial direction RD, away from the stator 30. The S magnet 90S is configured so that its orientation OR does not face the first opposing surface 91 as a whole. For example, the S magnet 90S is configured so that its orientation OR faces the second opposing surface 92 and the end faces 93 and 94 as a whole.

[0066] In the S magnet 90S, the first opposing surface 91 is an S pole face. In the S magnet 90S, the strength of the S pole is not uniform on the first opposing surface 91. In the S magnet 90S, the second opposing surface 92, the first end surface 93, and the second end surface 94 are N pole faces. The N pole face is the surface that forms the N pole of the magnet 90. The N pole is the magnetic pole of the magnet 90. In the magnet 90, magnetic flux MF is generated so as to exit the interior of the magnet 90 through the N pole face. In the S magnet 90S, the strength of the N pole is not uniform on each of the second opposing surface 92, the first end surface 93, and the second end surface 94.

[0067] In the S magnet 90S, the first opposing surface 91, which is the S pole surface, may be referred to as the first opposing surface 91S. In addition, in the magnet 90S, the second opposing surface 92, which is the N pole surface, the first end surface 93, and the second end surface 94 may be referred to as the second opposing surface 92N, the first end surface 93N, and the second end surface 94N.

[0068] As shown in Figures 3, 5, and 7, magnetic flux passes through the N magnet 90N in a direction approaching the stator 30 in the radial direction RD. The N magnet 90N is set so that the orientation OR faces the first opposing surface 91 as a whole. For example, the N magnet 90N is set so that the orientation OR does not face the second opposing surface 92 or the end faces 93, 94. The first opposing surface 91 of the N magnet 90N is the N-pole surface. The strength of the N-pole at the first opposing surface 91 of the N magnet 90N is not uniform.

[0069] In the N-shaped magnet 90N, the second opposing surface 92, the first end surface 93, and the second end surface 94 are S-pole surfaces. In the N-shaped magnet 90N, the strength of the S-pole is not uniform in each of the second opposing surface 92, the first end surface 93, and the second end surface 94. In the second opposing surface 92, there is an S-pole portion at a position away from the vertical center portion 97 toward the first end surface 93, and at a position away from the vertical center portion 97 toward the second end surface 94. For example, there is an S-pole portion at each of the corners where the second opposing surface 92 and the first end surface 93 intersect, and where the second opposing surface 92 and the second end surface 94 intersect.

[0070] In the north magnet 90N, the first opposing surface 91, which is the north pole surface, may be referred to as the first opposing surface 91N. In addition, in the magnet 90N, the second opposing surface 92, which is the south pole surface, the first end surface 93, and the second end surface 94 may be referred to as the second opposing surface 92S, the first end surface 93S, and the second end surface 94S.

[0071] 3, 5, and 6, the S magnet 90S has orientations OR set so as to change the direction of the magnetic flux MF flowing within the S magnet 90S from the radial direction RD to the circumferential direction CD. In the S magnet 90S, multiple orientations OR are distributed between the first opposing surface 91 and the second opposing surface 92, and between the first end face 93 and the second end face 94. In the S magnet 90S, the direction of each of the multiple orientations OR is set so as to bend the magnetic flux MF flowing in the radial direction RD from the stator 30 toward the S magnet 90S toward the circumferential direction CD from the S magnet 90S toward the N magnet 90N.

[0072] In the S magnet 90S, as a whole, the multiple orientations OR face toward the second opposing surface 92 in the radial direction RD. In the S magnet 90S, at least some of the multiple orientations OR have a first orientation component ORa along the radial direction RD. In the S magnet 90S, the first orientation component ORa faces from the first opposing surface 91 to the second opposing surface 92 in the radial direction RD. The S magnet 90S has multiple orientations OR with a first orientation component ORa facing from the first opposing surface 91 to the second opposing surface 92. The S magnet 90S corresponds to the first motor magnet.

[0073] In the S magnet 90S, the orientations of the orientations OR in the circumferential direction CD are different on the first end face 93 side and the second end face 94 side across the vertical central portion 97. On the first end face 93 side of the vertical central portion 97, the multiple orientations OR face as a whole toward the first end face 93 side. On the second end face 94 side of the vertical central portion 97, the multiple orientations OR face as a whole toward the second end face 94 side. The orientations OR on the first end face 93 side of the vertical central portion 97 and the orientations OR on the second end face 94 side of the vertical central portion 97 face in opposite directions to each other as a whole in the circumferential direction CD.

[0074] In the S magnet 90S, at least some of the multiple orientations OR have a second orientation component ORb along the circumferential direction CD. In the S magnet 90S, the second orientation component ORb is oriented in opposite directions between the first end face 93 and the vertical central portion 97 and between the second end face 94 and the vertical central portion 97. In the S magnet 90S, between the first end face 93 and the vertical central portion 97, the second orientation component ORb is oriented from the vertical central portion 97 to the first end face 93 in the circumferential direction CD. In the S magnet 90S, between the second end face 94 and the vertical central portion 97, the second orientation component ORb is oriented from the vertical central portion 97 to the second end face 94 in the circumferential direction CD.

[0075] 3, 5, and 7, in the N magnet 90N, the orientations OR are set so that the direction of the magnetic flux MF flowing within the N magnet 90N is changed from the circumferential direction CD to the radial direction RD. In the N magnet 90N, multiple orientations OR are distributed between the first opposing surface 91 and the second opposing surface 92, and between the first end face 93 and the second end face 94. In the N magnet 90N, the orientations of the multiple orientations OR are set so that the magnetic flux MF flowing in the circumferential direction CD from the S magnet 90S toward the N magnet 90N is bent toward the radial direction RD from the N magnet 90N toward the stator 30.

[0076] In the N magnet 90N, as a whole, the multiple orientations OR face toward the first opposing surface 91 in the radial direction RD. In the N magnet 90N, at least some of the multiple orientations OR have a first orientation component ORa along the radial direction RD. In the N magnet 90N, the first orientation component ORa faces from the second opposing surface 92 to the first opposing surface 91 in the radial direction RD. The N magnet 90N has multiple orientations OR with a first orientation component ORa facing from the second opposing surface 92 to the first opposing surface 91. The N magnet 90N corresponds to the second motor magnet.

[0077] In the N magnet 90N, the orientations of the orientations OR in the circumferential direction CD are different between the first end face 93 side and the second end face 94 side across the vertical central portion 97. On the first end face 93 side of the vertical central portion 97, the multiple orientations OR face toward the vertical central portion 97 as a whole. On the second end face 94 side of the vertical central portion 97, the multiple orientations OR face toward the vertical central portion 97 as a whole. The orientations OR on the first end face 93 side of the vertical central portion 97 and the orientations OR on the second end face 94 side of the vertical central portion 97 face each other as a whole in the circumferential direction CD.

[0078] In the N magnet 90N, at least some of the multiple orientations OR have a second orientation component ORb along the circumferential direction CD. In the N magnet 90N, the second orientation component ORb is oriented in opposite directions between the first end face 93 and the vertical central portion 97 and between the second end face 94 and the vertical central portion 97. In the N magnet 90N, between the first end face 93 and the vertical central portion 97, the second orientation component ORb is oriented from the first end face 93 to the vertical central portion 97 in the circumferential direction CD. In the N magnet 90N, between the second end face 94 and the vertical central portion 97, the second orientation component ORb is oriented from the second end face 94 to the vertical central portion 97 in the circumferential direction CD.

[0079] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the orientation OR of the N magnet 90N and the S magnet 90S relative to the first opposing surface 91 is opposite in the radial direction RD. In the N magnet 90N, the orientation OR faces toward the first opposing surface 91 as a whole. That is, in the N magnet 90N, the first orientation component ORa faces toward the first opposing surface 91. On the other hand, in the S magnet 90S, the orientation OR faces away from the first opposing surface 91 as a whole. That is, in the S magnet 90S, the first orientation component ORa faces toward the second opposing surface 92.

[0080] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5 , the magnet annular portion 70 has an N-pole center portion 75, an S-pole center portion 76, and an inter-pole portion 77. The N-pole center portion 75, the S-pole center portion 76, and the inter-pole portion 77 are regions in the magnet annular portion 70 that extend in a direction perpendicular to the circumferential direction CD. A plurality of N-pole center portions 75, S-pole center portions 76, and inter-pole portions 77 are arranged in the circumferential direction CD in the magnet annular portion 70. One of the N-pole center portions 75 and the S-pole center portion 76 is provided between two inter-pole portions 77 adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction CD. The N-pole center portions 75 and the S-pole center portions 76 are arranged alternately in the circumferential direction CD with the inter-pole portions 77 interposed therebetween. The N-pole center portions 75 and the S-pole center portions 76 are sometimes referred to as magnetic pole centers.

[0081] As shown in Figures 1, 5, and 6, the S-pole center portion 76 is a region of the magnet annular portion 70 that includes the S-pole portion. The S-pole center portion 76 is provided in the S-magnet 90S. The S-pole center portion 76 extends in the radial direction RD from the S-pole portion of the S-magnet 90S. The S-pole center portion 76 is the vertical center portion 97 of the S-magnet 90S.

[0082] As shown in Figures 1, 5, and 7, the N-pole center portion 75 is a region in the magnet annular portion 70 that includes the N-pole portion. The N-pole center portion 75 is provided in the N-magnet 90N. The N-pole center portion 75 extends in the radial direction RD from the N-pole portion of the N-magnet 90N. The N-pole center portion 75 is the vertical center portion 97 of the N-magnet 90N.

[0083] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, the inter-pole portion 77 is the region between the north and south poles in the magnet annular portion 70. The inter-pole portion 77 is sometimes referred to as the pole end or the inter-pole. The pole end is the end of a magnetic pole. The pole end is the end of the north pole or the end of the south pole. The inter-pole portion 77 is the region between the north magnet 90N and the south magnet 90S in the magnet annular portion 70. For example, the inter-pole portion 77 is the boundary between the north magnet 90N and the south magnet 90S. An example of the inter-pole portion 77 is an inter-pole portion 77 where the first end face 93N and the second end face 94S face each other. In this inter-pole portion 77, an attractive force is likely to be generated between the first end face 93N and the second end face 94S. Another example of the inter-pole portion 77 is an inter-pole portion 77 where the first end face 93S and the second end face 94N face each other. In this inter-pole portion 77, an attractive force is likely to be generated between the first end face 93S and the second end face 94N.

[0084] On the annular inner peripheral surface 72, the N magnets 90N and the S magnets 90S are alternately arranged in the circumferential direction CD, so that the first opposing surfaces 91N and the first opposing surfaces 91S are alternately arranged in the circumferential direction CD. Similarly, on the annular outer peripheral surface 71, the second opposing surfaces 92N and the second opposing surfaces 92S are alternately arranged in the circumferential direction CD.

[0085] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the magnitude of the second orientation component ORb varies among the orientations OR in each of the north magnet 90N and the south magnet 90S. The second orientation component ORb is larger on the second opposing surface 92 side than on the first opposing surface 91 side in the radial direction RD. That is, the second orientation component ORb is smaller on the stator 30 side than on the side farther from the stator 30 in the radial direction RD. The second orientation component ORb gradually increases from the first opposing surface 91 side toward the second opposing surface 92 side. For example, the second orientation component ORb gradually increases continuously from the first opposing surface 91 side toward the second opposing surface 92 side. Note that the second orientation component ORb may also gradually increase in stages from the first opposing surface 91 side toward the second opposing surface 92 side. The degree of change in the second orientation component ORb is not particularly limited.

[0086] In each of the multiple end face parallel portions 99, the second alignment component ORb is larger on the second opposing surface 92 side than on the first opposing surface 91 side. For example, in the end face parallel portion 99 at the left end in Figures 6 and 7, the second alignment component ORb of the alignment ORmn on the second opposing surface 92 side is larger than the second alignment component ORb of the alignment OR1n on the first opposing surface 91 side.

[0087] Furthermore, the second alignment component ORb gradually increases from the first opposing surface 91 side toward the second opposing surface 92 side in each of the multiple end surface parallel portions 99. For example, in the end surface parallel portion 99 at the left end in Figures 6 and 7, the second alignment component ORb of the alignment OR2n at the intermediate position is larger than the second alignment component ORb of the alignment OR1n, but smaller than the second alignment component ORb of the alignment ORmn.

[0088] Note that the relationship that the second orientation component ORb is larger on the second opposing surface 92 side than on the first opposing surface 91 side does not necessarily have to hold for each of the entire N magnet 90N and the entire S magnet 90S. In other words, the relationship between the multiple end face parallel portions 99 does not necessarily have to hold that the second orientation component ORb is larger on the second opposing surface 92 side than on the first opposing surface 91 side. For example, in the S magnet 90S, the second orientation component ORb of the orientation ORm1 on the second opposing surface 92 side of the third end face parallel portion 99 from the left in FIG. 6 does not have to be larger than the second orientation component ORb of the orientation OR1n on the first opposing surface 91 side of the leftmost end face parallel portion 99 in FIG. 6.

[0089] Furthermore, the relationship that the second orientation component ORb gradually increases from the first opposing surface 91 toward the second opposing surface 92 does not necessarily have to hold for the entire north magnet 90N and the entire south magnet 90S.

[0090] The second alignment component ORb is larger on each of the first end face 93 side and the second end face 94 side than on the vertical central portion 97 side in the circumferential direction CD. The second alignment component ORb gradually increases from the vertical central portion 97 side toward the first end face 93 side and the second end face 94 side. For example, the second alignment component ORb gradually increases continuously from the vertical central portion 97 side toward the end faces 93, 94 side. Note that the second alignment component ORb may also gradually increase in steps from the vertical central portion 97 side toward the end faces 93, 94 side. The degree of change in the second alignment component ORb is not particularly limited.

[0091] In each of the multiple opposing parallel portions 98, the second orientation component ORb is larger on the first end face 93 side and the second end face 94 side than on the vertical central portion 97 side. For example, in the opposing parallel portion 98 at the top in Figures 6 and 7, the second orientation component ORb of orientation OR1n on the first end face 93 side is larger than the second orientation component ORb of orientation OR11 on the vertical central portion 97 side.

[0092] Furthermore, the second alignment component ORb gradually increases from the vertical central portion 97 toward the first end face 93 and the second end face 94 in each of the multiple opposing parallel portions 98. For example, in the opposing parallel portion 98 at the upper end in Figures 6 and 7, the second alignment component ORb of alignment OR12 at the intermediate position is larger than the second alignment component ORb of alignment OR11, but smaller than the second alignment component ORb of alignment OR1n.

[0093] Note that the relationship that the second orientation component ORb is larger on each of the first end face 93 side and the second end face 94 side than on the vertical central portion 97 side does not necessarily have to hold for each of the entire N magnet 90N and the entire S magnet 90S. In other words, the relationship between the multiple facing parallel portions 98 does not necessarily have to hold that the second orientation component ORb is larger on each of the first end face 93 side and the second end face 94 side than on the vertical central portion 97 side. For example, in the S magnet 90S, the second orientation component ORb of the orientation OR1n located on the vertical central portion 97 side of the facing parallel portion 98 at the lower end in FIG. 6 does not have to be larger than the second orientation component ORb of the orientation ORm1 located on the first end face 93 side of the facing parallel portion 98 at the upper end in FIG. 6.

[0094] Furthermore, the relationship in which the second orientation component ORb gradually increases as it moves from the vertical central portion 97 side toward the first end face 93 side and the second end face 94 side does not necessarily have to hold for the entire N magnet 90N and the entire S magnet 90S.

[0095] In each of the N magnet 90N and the S magnet 90S, the magnitude of the first orientation component ORa varies among the multiple orientations OR. In the radial direction RD, the first orientation component ORa is larger on the first opposing surface 91 side than on the second opposing surface 92 side. The first orientation component ORa gradually increases from the second opposing surface 92 side toward the first opposing surface 91 side.

[0096] The first alignment component ORa is larger on the first opposing surface 91 side than on the second opposing surface 92 side in each of the end face parallel portions 99. Moreover, the first alignment component ORa gradually increases from the second opposing surface 92 side toward the first opposing surface 91 side in each of the end face parallel portions 99.

[0097] Note that the relationship that the first orientation component ORa is larger on the first opposing surface 91 side than on the second opposing surface 92 side does not necessarily have to hold for the entire N magnet 90N and the entire S magnet 90S. Similarly, the relationship that the first orientation component ORa gradually increases from the second opposing surface 92 toward the first opposing surface 91 side does not necessarily have to hold for the entire N magnet 90N and the entire S magnet 90S.

[0098] The first orientation component ORa is larger in the circumferential direction CD on the vertical central portion 97 side than on the first end face 93 side and the second end face 94 side. The first orientation component ORa gradually increases from the first end face 93 side and the second end face 94 side toward the vertical central portion 97 side.

[0099] In each of the plurality of opposing parallel portions 98, the first alignment component ORa is larger on the vertical central portion 97 side than on the first end face 93 side and the second end face 94 side. In each of the plurality of opposing parallel portions 98, the first alignment component ORa gradually increases from the first end face 93 side and the second end face 94 side toward the vertical central portion 97 side.

[0100] The relationship that the first orientation component ORa is larger on the vertical center portion 97 side than on the first end face 93 side and the second end face 94 side does not necessarily have to hold for the entire N magnet 90N and the entire S magnet 90S. Similarly, the relationship that the first orientation component ORa gradually increases from the first end face 93 side and the second end face 94 side toward the vertical center portion 97 side does not necessarily have to hold for the entire N magnet 90N and the entire S magnet 90S.

[0101] As shown in Figure 5, the orientation angle θ of each of the N magnet 90N and the S magnet 90S varies among multiple orientations OR. The orientation angle θ is larger on the second opposing surface 92 side than on the first opposing surface 91 side in the radial direction RD. That is, the orientation angle θ is smaller on the stator 30 side than on the side farther from the stator 30 in the radial direction RD. The orientation angle θ gradually increases from the first opposing surface 91 side toward the second opposing surface 92 side. That is, the orientation angle θ gradually decreases from the side farther from the stator 30 toward the stator 30 in the radial direction RD.

[0102] In magnets 90N and 90S, in each of the multiple end face parallel portions 99, the orientation angle θ on the second opposing surface 92 side is larger than the orientation angle θ on the first opposing surface 91 side. For example, in the end face parallel portion 99 at the left end in Figures 6 and 7, the orientation angle θmn on the second opposing surface 92 side is larger than the orientation angle θ1n on the first opposing surface 91 side (see Figure 5).

[0103] Furthermore, in magnets 90N and 90S, the orientation angle θ of each of the multiple end face parallel portions 99 increases as the position in the radial direction RD approaches the second opposing surface 92. That is, the orientation angle θ increases as the position in the radial direction RD approaches the first opposing surface 91. For example, in the end face parallel portion 99 at the left end in FIGS. 6 and 7, the orientation angle θ2n at the intermediate position is larger than the orientation angle θ1n on the first opposing surface 91 side, but is smaller than the orientation angle θmn on the second opposing surface 92 side (see FIG. 5).

[0104] Note that the relationship that the orientation angle θ on the second opposing surface 92 side is larger than the orientation angle θ on the first opposing surface 91 side does not necessarily have to hold for each of the entire N magnet 90N and the entire S magnet 90S. In other words, the relationship between the multiple end face parallel portions 99 does not necessarily have to hold that the orientation angle θ on the second opposing surface 92 side is larger than the orientation angle θ on the first opposing surface 91 side. For example, in the S magnet 90S, the orientation angle θm1 on the second opposing surface 92 side of the third end face parallel portion 99 from the left in FIG. 6 does not have to be larger than the orientation angle θ1n on the first opposing surface 91 side of the end face parallel portion 99 at the left end in FIG. 6 (see FIG. 5).

[0105] Furthermore, the relationship that the orientation angle θ increases the closer to the second opposing surface 92 in the radial direction RD does not necessarily have to hold for the entire N magnet 90N and the entire S magnet 90S.

[0106] The orientation angle θ is larger on each of the first end face 93 side and the second end face 94 side in the circumferential direction CD than on each of the vertical central portion 97 side. The orientation angle θ gradually increases from the vertical central portion 97 side toward the first end face 93 side and the second end face 94 side.

[0107] In each of the multiple opposing parallel portions 98, the orientation angle θ is larger on the first end face 93 side and the second end face 94 side than on the vertical central portion 97 side. For example, in the opposing parallel portion 98 at the upper end in Figures 6 and 7, the orientation angle θ1n on the first end face 93 side is larger than the orientation angle θ11 on the vertical central portion 97 side (see Figure 5).

[0108] Furthermore, in magnets 90N and 90S, the orientation angle θ in each of the multiple opposing parallel portions 98 increases the closer the position is to the first end face 93 and the second end face 94 in the circumferential direction CD. That is, the orientation angle θ increases the farther the position is from the vertical central portion 97 in the radial direction RD. For example, in the opposing parallel portion 98 at the upper end in Figures 6 and 7, the orientation angle θ12 at the intermediate position is larger than the orientation angle θ11 on the vertical central portion 97 side, but is smaller than the orientation angle θ1n on the first end face 93 side.

[0109] Note that the relationship that the orientation angle θ is larger on the end face 93, 94 side than on the vertical central portion 97 side does not necessarily have to hold for each of the entire N magnet 90N and the entire S magnet 90S. In other words, the relationship between the multiple facing parallel portions 98 does not necessarily have to hold that the orientation angle θ is larger on the end face 93, 94 side than on the vertical central portion 97 side. For example, in the S magnet 90S, the orientation angle θ1n on the vertical central portion 97 side of the facing parallel portion 98 at the lower end in FIG. 6 does not have to be larger than the orientation angle θm1 on the first end face 93 side of the facing parallel portion 98 at the upper end in FIG. 6 (see FIG. 5).

[0110] Furthermore, the relationship that the orientation angle θ becomes larger the closer to the end faces 93, 94 in the circumferential direction CD does not necessarily have to hold for the entire N magnet 90N and the entire S magnet 90S.

[0111] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, the reference for the orientation angle θ is set individually on the first end face 93 side and the second end face 94 side of each of the N magnet 90N and the S magnet 90S via the vertical central portion 97 so that the orientation angle θ is within the range of 0° to 90°.

[0112] For example, for the S magnet 90S, the orientation angle θ is set to a state in which the orientation OR overlaps the first reference line Lr1 and faces the second opposing surface 92. Between the vertical center portion 97 and the first end face 93 of the S magnet 90S, the orientation angle θ is set to 0° as the reference and ranges from 0° to 90° clockwise, corresponding to the orientation OR being tilted toward the first end face 93 with respect to the first reference line Lr1. Meanwhile, between the vertical center portion 97 and the second end face 94 of the S magnet 90S, the orientation angle θ is set to 0° as the reference and ranges from 0° to 90° counterclockwise, corresponding to the orientation OR being tilted toward the second end face 94 with respect to the first reference line Lr1.

[0113] In the N magnet 90N, the reference state for the orientation angle θ is when the orientation OR overlaps the first reference line Lr1 and faces the first opposing surface 91. Between the vertical center portion 97 and the first end face 93 of the N magnet 90N, the orientation angle θ is set from 0° to 90° clockwise, with 0° as the reference, in response to tilting the orientation OR toward the vertical center portion 97 with respect to the first reference line Lr1. Meanwhile, between the vertical center portion 97 and the second end face 94 of the N magnet 90N, the orientation angle θ is set from 0° to 90° counterclockwise, with 0° as the reference, in response to tilting the orientation OR toward the vertical center portion 97 with respect to the first reference line Lr1.

[0114] The reference for the orientation angle θ may be the same for the north magnet 90N and the south magnet 90S. That is, a common reference may be set for all magnets 90. In this case, the orientation angle θ is within the range of 0° to 360°. For example, for the magnet 90, the reference for the orientation angle θ is the state in which the orientation OR overlaps the first reference line Lr1 and faces the first opposing surface 91. Then, the orientation angle θ is set from 0° to 90° counterclockwise, with 0° as the reference.

[0115] In this case, the orientation angle θ between the vertical central portion 97 and the first end face 93 of the N magnet 90N is set in the range of 270° to 360°. With this setting, the orientation angle θ of 360° to 270° between the vertical central portion 97 and the first end face 93 of the N magnet 90N corresponds to the orientation angle θ of 0° to 90° in this embodiment. With this setting, the orientation angle θ of 0° to 90° between the vertical central portion 97 and the second end face 94 of the N magnet 90N is set in the range of 0° to 90°. With this setting, the orientation angle θ of 0° to 90° between the vertical central portion 97 and the second end face 94 of the N magnet 90N corresponds to the orientation angle θ of 0° to 90° in this embodiment.

[0116] The orientation angle θ of the S magnet 90S is set in the range of 90° to 180° between the vertical center portion 97 and the first end face 93. In this setting, the orientation angle θ of 180° to 90° between the vertical center portion 97 and the first end face 93 of the S magnet 90S corresponds to the orientation angle θ of 0° to 90° in this embodiment. In the S magnet 90S, the orientation angle θ of 180° to 270° between the vertical center portion 97 and the second end face 94 of the S magnet 90S is set in the range of 180° to 270°. In this setting, the orientation angle θ of 180° to 270° between the vertical center portion 97 and the second end face 94 of the S magnet 90S corresponds to the orientation angle θ of 0° to 90° in this embodiment.

[0117] Next, we will explain how to measure the orientation of a motor magnet such as magnet 90. An operator can measure the orientation of a motor magnet by using a measurement device. For example, the operator removes at least a portion of the motor magnet from the motor as the measurement target and measures the orientation of the measurement target. The orientation measured by the measurement device is displayed on a display screen or the like of the measurement device, with only multiple positions on the motor magnet sampled.

[0118] For example, as shown in Figure 8, when the orientation direction of an S magnet 90S is measured using a measurement device, the actual orientations ORc actually measured at multiple positions on the S magnet 90S are displayed on a display screen or the like. The actual orientations ORc are displayed as shapes such as triangles. The measurement results shown in Figure 8 show that the multiple actual orientations ORc distributed on the S magnet 90S are oriented in the same way as the multiple orientations OR shown in Figure 6, etc. In Figure 8, the locations where the actual orientations ORc are shown are the measurement locations where the orientations of the actual orientations ORc were measured.

[0119] The worker may also perform orientation analysis on the motor magnet. In the orientation analysis, tasks and processes are performed to analyze the orientation of the motor magnet. For example, the worker may perform orientation analysis by detecting the magnetic flux generated by the motor magnet using a detection device or the like, and then estimating or calculating the orientation of the motor magnet using the detected magnetic flux. The worker may also use the results of the orientation analysis to identify the magnetic path through magnetic circuit analysis. Furthermore, the worker may perform orientation analysis using electron backscatter diffraction. Electron backscatter diffraction is sometimes referred to as EBSD. Electron backscatter diffraction is a method for measuring the crystal orientation of a motor magnet. Electron backscatter diffraction makes it possible to quantitatively evaluate the degree to which the easy axis of magnetization, which is the orientation of a magnet, is oriented in a given direction.

[0120] Next, we will explain the issues facing motors. In motors, polar anisotropic orientation of magnets is sometimes used to increase torque. With polar anisotropic orientation, the magnetic flux density distribution on the magnet surface becomes sinusoidal, increasing the effective magnetic flux and contributing to improving motor torque.

[0121] However, with polar anisotropic orientation, the magnet orientation path and the magnetic path through which the magnetic flux passes tend to become concentric, so motors with a small number of magnetic poles require thicker magnets. For example, in radial motors, the magnets need to be thicker in the radial direction RD. Therefore, as the amount of magnet used increases, there are concerns that the motor's weight will increase, the motor's inertia will increase unnecessarily, and the torque efficiency will decrease relative to the amount of magnet used.

[0122] On the other hand, in a configuration where the orientation is parallel to make the magnet thinner, the back core of the soft magnetic material must be thick to prevent magnetic saturation. This configuration, in addition to the inability to concentrate the magnetic flux, also raises the above concerns about the motor. For example, in a radial motor, the orientation is oriented to one side of the radial direction RD due to parallel orientation. In parallel orientation, the orientation OR is the same. For example, in the parallel orientation region, the magnitude of the second orientation component ORb is the same for all orientations OR. Also, in the parallel orientation region, the orientation angle θ is the same for all orientations OR.

[0123] In contrast, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 3 etc., a gradually changing orientation is employed for the magnet 90, which makes it possible to increase the effective magnetic flux without increasing the magnet thickness or back core. With the gradually changing orientation, the orientation OR gradually changes from one side to the other in each of the two directions, the radial direction RD and the circumferential direction CD.

[0124] In the magnet 90, the change in the orientation angle θ from the first opposing surface 91 toward the second opposing surface 92 is greater than the change determined by the arc of the concentric circle due to polar anisotropic orientation. Furthermore, the change in the orientation angle θ from the vertical center portion 97 toward the first end surface 93 or the second end surface 94 is greater than the change determined by the arc of the concentric circle due to polar anisotropic orientation. For these reasons, the motor 10 employing gradual orientation can reduce the thickness of the magnet 90 and the back core compared to a motor employing polar anisotropic orientation. Therefore, the motor 10 can maximize the concentration of the interlinkage magnetic flux while minimizing the thickness of the magnet 90 and the back core. By maximizing the concentration of the interlinkage magnetic flux, the motor 10 can achieve high torque generation efficiency relative to the amount of material used. In other words, the motor 10 can suppress magnetic saturation even with a thin back core, thereby achieving the desired motor torque while minimizing the amount of magnet and core used.

[0125] The torque generation efficiency relative to the amount of material used includes the torque generation efficiency relative to the amount of magnet used and the torque generation efficiency relative to the amount of core used. The amount of magnet used is, for example, the amount of magnetic powder forming the magnet annular portion 70 and the magnet 90. The amount of core used is the amount of soft magnetic material forming the back core of the magnet support portion 51. The amount of material used includes the volume and weight of the material. For example, the amount of magnet used is the volume and weight of the magnetic powder. The amount of core used is the volume and weight of the soft magnetic material.

[0126] According to the present embodiment described so far, the formation of a magnetic path is suppressed on the second opposing surface 92 side of the magnet 90. In a configuration in which the magnet 90 is incorporated into the motor 10, an increase in magnetic flux MF is suppressed on the second opposing surface 92 side of the magnet 90. When converting magnetic flux into torque, an increase in magnetic flux is suppressed in an area (specific area) where the magnet support portion 51 is required.

[0127] According to this embodiment, the second orientation component ORb is larger in the circumferential direction CD on the first end face 93 side and the second end face 94 side than on the vertical center portion 97 side. In this configuration, the magnetic flux MF passing through the first opposing surface 91 in the radial direction RD is more likely to bend toward the circumferential direction CD at positions closer to the first end face 93 or the second end face 94 in the circumferential direction CD.

[0128] Furthermore, the second orientation component ORb is larger on the second opposing surface 92 side than on the first opposing surface 91 side in the radial direction RD. In this configuration, the magnetic flux MF passing through the first opposing surface 91 in the radial direction RD is more likely to bend toward the circumferential direction CD the closer it is to the second opposing surface 92 in the radial direction RD. Therefore, it is less likely that the magnetic flux MF passing through the first opposing surface 91 in the radial direction RD will pass through the second opposing surface 92 in the radial direction RD without bending toward the circumferential direction CD. In other words, the magnetic flux MF passing through the first opposing surface 91 in the radial direction RD is bent toward the circumferential direction CD, making it easier for it to pass through the first end surface 93 and the second end surface 94 in the circumferential direction CD. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the magnetic flux MF passing through the first opposing surface 91 in the radial direction RD from leaking from the second opposing surface 92 to the outside of the magnet 90.

[0129] According to the present embodiment and the following, the first orientation component ORa is smaller in the circumferential direction CD on the first end face 93 side and the second end face 94 side than on the vertical central portion 97 side. In this configuration, the magnetic flux MF passing through the first opposing surface 91 in the radial direction RD tends to concentrate on the vertical central portion 97 side.

[0130] Moreover, the first orientation component ORa is smaller in the radial direction RD on the second opposing surface 92 side than on the first opposing surface 91 side. With this configuration, the magnetic flux MF passing through the second opposing surface 92 in the radial direction RD toward the side opposite to the stator 30 can be reduced.

[0131] According to the present embodiment, the second orientation component ORb gradually increases in the circumferential direction CD from the vertical central portion 97 toward the first end face 93 and the second end face 94. In this configuration, the magnetic flux MF passing through the first opposing surface 91 in the radial direction RD tends to bend toward the circumferential direction CD gradually increasing from the vertical central portion 97 toward the first end face 93 and the second end face 94. Therefore, the magnetic flux MF passing through the first opposing surface 91 in the radial direction RD tends to concentrate more easily toward the vertical central portion 97.

[0132] According to the present embodiment, the second orientation component ORb gradually increases in the radial direction RD from the first opposing surface 91 side toward the second opposing surface 92 side. In this configuration, the magnetic flux MF passing through the first opposing surface 91 in the radial direction RD is more likely to bend in the circumferential direction CD from the first opposing surface 91 side toward the second opposing surface 92 side. Therefore, the magnetic flux MF passing through the first opposing surface 91 in the radial direction RD is more likely to bend in the circumferential direction CD and more likely to pass through the first end surface 93 and the second end surface 94.

[0133] According to this embodiment, the first orientation component ORa gradually decreases in the circumferential direction CD from the vertical central portion 97 toward the first end face 93 and the second end face 94. In this configuration, the flow of magnetic flux MF in the radial direction RD gradually increases from the first end face 93 or the second end face 94 toward the vertical central portion 97. Therefore, the magnetic flux MF passing through the first opposing surface 91 in the radial direction RD is more likely to concentrate on the vertical central portion 97 side.

[0134] According to the present embodiment, the first orientation component ORa gradually decreases in the radial direction RD from the first opposing surface 91 side toward the second opposing surface 92 side. With this configuration, the magnetic flux MF passing through the second opposing surface 92 in the radial direction RD toward the side opposite to the stator 30 can be reduced.

[0135] According to the present embodiment, the magnet 90 is provided on the rotor 40 as a field element. In this configuration, as described above, the magnetic flux MF is less likely to leak from the second opposing surface 92 of the magnet 90, and this makes it possible to prevent the magnetic flux MF from leaking to the outside from the rotor 40 in the radial direction RD.

[0136] According to this embodiment, the S magnet 90S has a first orientation component ORa that extends from the first opposing surface 91 to the second opposing surface 92 in the radial direction RD. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3 , in the S magnet 90S, the magnetic flux MF that flows in the radial direction RD from the stator 30 toward the first opposing surface 91 is more likely to bend in the circumferential direction CD so as to flow toward the end faces 93, 94 the closer it is to the end faces 93, 94 on the first opposing surface 91. Furthermore, in the S magnet 90S, the magnetic flux MF that has passed through the first opposing surface 91 in the radial direction RD is more likely to bend in the circumferential direction CD the closer it is to the second opposing surface 92. This prevents the magnetic flux MF from passing through the second opposing surface 92 in the radial direction RD and leaking to the side opposite the stator 30.

[0137] The N magnet 90N has a first orientation component ORa that extends from the second opposing surface 92 toward the first opposing surface 91 in the radial direction RD. For this reason, in the N magnet 90N, the magnetic flux MF that flows in the circumferential direction CD from the S magnet 90S, etc. toward the end faces 93, 94 tends to bend toward the radial direction RD so as to flow toward the first opposing surface 91 the closer it is to the first opposing surface 91 on the end faces 93, 94. Also, in the N magnet 90N, the magnetic flux MF that has passed through the first end face 93 or the second end face 94 in the circumferential direction CD tends to bend toward the radial direction RD the closer it is to the vertical center portion 97.

[0138] Furthermore, in the rotor 40, the N magnets 90N and the S magnets 90S are arranged alternately in the circumferential direction CD. Therefore, the magnetic flux MF flowing in the radial direction RD from the stator 30 side toward the S magnet 90S is bent at the S magnet 90S to flow from the first opposing surfaces 91 toward 93, 94, making it easier to flow in the circumferential direction CD toward the N magnet 90N. Furthermore, the magnetic flux MF flowing from the S magnet 90S to the N magnet 90N is bent at the N magnet 90N to flow from the end faces 93, 94 toward the first opposing surface 91, making it easier to pass through the first opposing surface 91 and flow in the radial direction RD toward the stator 30 side. Therefore, the N magnet 90N and the S magnet 90S can prevent the magnetic flux MF from leaking from the second opposing surface 92 to the opposite side from the stator 30 in the radial direction RD.

[0139] According to the present embodiment, the second opposing surfaces 92 of the N magnet 90N and the S magnet 90S face the magnet support portion 51, and the S magnet 90S and the N magnet 90N are each provided on the magnet support portion 51. With this configuration, magnetic saturation of the magnet support portion 51 due to the magnetic flux MF emitted from the second opposing surfaces 92 of the magnets 90N, 90S is suppressed. To avoid magnetic flux leakage due to magnetic saturation of the magnet support portion 51, an increase in the thickness of the magnet support portion 51 in the radial direction RD is suppressed.

[0140] In the rotor 40 of this embodiment, the magnet support portion 51 is provided on the opposite side of the stator 30 with respect to the N magnet 90N and the S magnet 90S. As described above, the N magnet 90N and the S magnet 90S prevent the magnetic flux MF from leaking to the outside from the second opposing surface 92. Therefore, in the rotor 40, the second magnetic flux MF2 that passes from the N magnet 90N through the magnet support portion 51 to the S magnet 90S tends to be reduced. Therefore, the cross-sectional area of ​​the magnet support portion 51 can be reduced according to the amount of second magnetic flux MF2 that passes through the magnet support portion 51. This allows the thickness dimension of the magnet support portion 51 in the radial direction RD to be reduced. The cross-sectional area of ​​the magnet support portion 51 is the cross-sectional area of ​​a plane obtained by cutting the magnet support portion 51 in a direction perpendicular to the circumferential direction CD.

[0141] The first magnetic flux MF1 flows from the inside of the S magnet 90S to the inside of the N magnet 90N in a magnetic path that passes only through the S magnet 90S, the N magnet 90N, and any intervening objects between the N magnet 90N and the S magnet 90S, without passing through any parts other than the magnet annular portion 70, such as the magnet support portion 51. The first magnetic flux MF1 passes through a magnetic path that is completed only within the magnet annular portion 70 (a completed magnetic path). The second magnetic flux MF2 passes through a back-core magnetic path that runs from the magnets 90N and 90S through the magnet support portion 51 (back core). The second magnetic flux MF2 flows from the N magnet 90N, passing through the magnet support portion 51 and returning to the S magnet 90S. Therefore, in the rotor 40, the magnetic path through which the magnetic flux MF passes is a mixture of a completed magnetic path and a back-core magnetic path.

[0142] Furthermore, in rotor 40, the amount of second magnetic flux MF2 passing through magnet support portion 51 is reduced, making it less likely that magnetic saturation will occur in magnet support portion 51. Therefore, in rotor 40, even if magnet support portion 51 is made thinner in the radial direction RD, magnetic saturation can be suppressed from occurring in magnet support portion 51. In magnet support portion 51, magnetic saturation occurs when the amount of magnetic flux MF passing through magnet support portion 51 reaches the upper limit value of magnet support portion 51.

[0143] According to this embodiment, the rotor 40 having the magnets 90 is aligned in the radial direction RD with the stator 30, which is excited by energization, and moves relative to the stator 30 in the circumferential direction CD. Therefore, magnetic flux MF generated when energization of the stator 30 occurs flows in the radial direction RD so as to be interposed between the stator 30 and the rotor 40. In this configuration, as described above, leakage from the second opposing surface 92 of the magnet 90 is suppressed, and therefore leakage of the magnetic flux MF from the magnet support portion 51 to the side opposite the stator 30 in the rotor 40 can be suppressed. This suppresses weakening of the magnetic field generated by the motor 10 due to leakage magnetic flux from the magnet support portion 51. Therefore, by increasing the torque generation rate relative to the amount of magnet used, it is possible to achieve both improved output and a more compact motor 10.

[0144] Furthermore, as described above, in magnet 90, second orientation component ORb is larger on the end face 93, 94 side than on the longitudinal center portion 97 side. In this configuration, magnetic flux MF flowing across stator 30 and rotor 40 tends to concentrate at a position on the longitudinal center portion 97 side in the circumferential direction CD. In this way, the magnetic flux MF tends to concentrate around pole centers 75, 76, which tends to strengthen the magnetic field generated when current is applied to coil 35, thereby increasing motor output such as motor torque.

[0145] According to this embodiment, the magnet 90 is provided in a radial motor. In the radial motor, the first opposing surface 91 and the second opposing surface 92 are aligned in a radial direction RD perpendicular to the shaft 12. Furthermore, the first end surface 93 and the second end surface 94 are aligned in a circumferential direction CD around the shaft 12. With this configuration, an increase in magnetic flux MF on the second opposing surface 92 side of the magnet 90 can be suppressed in the radial motor.

[0146] Second Embodiment In the second embodiment, one magnet 90 may be divided into multiple pieces. The configuration, actions, and effects not specifically described in the second embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment. The second embodiment will be described mainly focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the other embodiments will also be described mainly focusing on the differences from the previously described embodiments.

[0147] As shown in Figures 9, 10, and 11, the magnet 90 has a plurality of magnet pieces 60. In this embodiment, one magnet 90 has two magnet pieces 60. In one magnet 90, the two magnet pieces 60 are arranged in the circumferential direction CD. In the magnet annular portion 70, a plurality of magnet pieces 60 are arranged in the circumferential direction CD, thereby realizing a configuration in which a plurality of magnets 90 are arranged in the circumferential direction CD. The magnet pieces 60 are magnet members formed from a magnetic material or the like. One magnet piece 60 is formed from one magnet member.

[0148] The S magnet 90S has a first magnet piece 60S1 and a second magnet piece 60S2. The first magnet piece 60S1 and the second magnet piece 60S2 are magnet pieces 60. The first magnet piece 60S1 and the second magnet piece 60S2 are adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction CD. The boundary between the first magnet piece 60S1 and the second magnet piece 60S2 extends in the radial direction RD so as to span the first opposing surface 91 and the second opposing surface 92 of the S magnet 90S. The boundary between the first magnet piece 60S1 and the second magnet piece 60S2 coincides with the vertical center portion 97 of the S magnet 90S.

[0149] The first magnet piece 60S1 and the second magnet piece 60S2 do not have to have exactly the same shape. For example, if the lengths of the first magnet piece 60S1 and the second magnet piece 60S2 in the circumferential direction CD are different, the boundary between the first magnet piece 60S1 and the second magnet piece 60S2 will not be exactly in the middle between the first end face 93 of the first magnet piece 60S1 and the second end face 94 of the second magnet piece 60S2 that are adjacent to each other. If the vertical center portion 97 shown in the first embodiment is a line and is located exactly in the middle between the first end face 93 of the first magnet piece 60S1 and the second end face 94 of the second magnet piece 60S2 that are adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction CD, the boundary between the first magnet piece 60S1 and the second magnet piece 60S2 and the vertical center portion 97 will be offset in the circumferential direction CD.

[0150] In the S magnet 90S, the first magnet piece 60S1 and the second magnet piece 60S2 are separated by a vertical center portion 97. In the S magnet 90S, a first end face 93 is formed by the first magnet piece 60S1. The first magnet piece 60S1 has the first end face 93. In addition, in the S magnet 90S, a second end face 94 is formed by the second magnet piece 60S2. The second magnet piece 60S2 has the second end face 94.

[0151] The N magnet 90N has a first magnet piece 60N1 and a second magnet piece 60N2. The first magnet piece 60N1 and the second magnet piece 60N2 are magnet pieces 60. The first magnet piece 60N1 and the second magnet piece 60N2 are arranged adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction CD. The boundary between the first magnet piece 60N1 and the second magnet piece 60N2 extends in the radial direction RD so as to span the first opposing surface 91 and the second opposing surface 92 of the N magnet 90N. The boundary between the first magnet piece 60N1 and the second magnet piece 60N2 coincides with the vertical center portion 97 of the N magnet 90N.

[0152] In the N magnet 90N, the first magnet piece 60N1 and the second magnet piece 60N2 are separated by a vertical center portion 97. In the N magnet 90N, a first end face 93 is formed by the first magnet piece 60N1. The first magnet piece 60N1 has the first end face 93. In addition, in the N magnet 90N, a second end face 94 is formed by the second magnet piece 60N2. The second magnet piece 60N2 has the second end face 94.

[0153] <Third embodiment> In the third embodiment, the magnet ring 70 does not necessarily have to include a plurality of magnets 90.

[0154] As shown in Figures 12, 13, and 14, the magnet ring portion 70 is formed by a single magnet member. This magnet member has the same shape and size as the magnet ring portion 70. That is, the magnet ring portion 70 has one ring-shaped magnet member. In this embodiment, the orientation in the magnet ring portion 70 is the same as the orientation in the magnet ring portion 70 of the first embodiment. The magnet ring portion 70 has an N magnet region 101N and an S magnet region 101S.

[0155] The N magnet region 101N corresponds to the N magnet 90N of the first embodiment in the magnet ring portion 70. The orientation in the N magnet region 101N is the same as the orientation in the N magnet 90N of the first embodiment. The S magnet region 101S corresponds to the S magnet 90S of the first embodiment. The orientation in the S magnet region 101S is the same as the orientation in the S magnet 90S of the first embodiment. In the magnet ring portion 70, the N magnet region 101N is sometimes referred to as the N magnet portion, and the S magnet region 101S is sometimes referred to as the S magnet portion.

[0156] The N magnet region 101N is a region in the magnet annular portion 70 that includes the N-pole center portion 75. For example, the N magnet region 101N is a region between two inter-pole portions 77 that are adjacent in the circumferential direction CD with the N-pole center portion 75 interposed therebetween in the magnet annular portion 70. The N magnet region 101N extends in the circumferential direction CD so as to span between the two inter-pole portions 77 that are adjacent in the circumferential direction CD with the N-pole center portion 75 interposed therebetween.

[0157] The S magnet region 101S is a region in the magnet annular portion 70 that includes the S pole center portion 76. For example, the S magnet region 101S is a region between two inter-pole portions 77 that are adjacent in the circumferential direction CD with the S pole center portion 76 interposed therebetween in the magnet annular portion 70. The S magnet region 101S extends in the circumferential direction CD so as to span between the two inter-pole portions 77 that are adjacent in the circumferential direction CD with the S pole center portion 76 interposed therebetween.

[0158] The N magnet regions 101N and S magnet regions 101S are arranged alternately one by one in the circumferential direction CD, similar to the N magnets 90N and S magnets 90S of the first embodiment. The N magnet regions 101N and S magnet regions 101S correspond to motor magnets. The S magnet region 101S corresponds to the first motor magnet, and the N magnet region 101N corresponds to the second motor magnet. In this embodiment, the orientation of the N magnet region 101N and the orientation of the S magnet region 101S can achieve the same effects as those achieved by the orientation of the N magnet 90N and the orientation of the S magnet 90S in the first embodiment.

[0159] In this embodiment, the magnet ring portion 70, which is one magnet member, is fitted onto the magnet support portion 51. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which multiple magnet members are each fixed to the magnet support portion 51, the magnet ring portion 70 is more likely to remain fixed to the magnet support portion 51. For example, it is less likely that a part of the magnet ring portion 70 will come off the magnet support portion 51.

[0160] In this embodiment, because the magnet ring portion 70 is formed from a single magnet member, there is no need to provide a gap or adhesive between the N magnet region 101N and the S magnet region 101S. Therefore, the magnetic flux MF passing through the boundary between the N magnet region 101N and the S magnet region 101S does not need to pass through a gap or adhesive. This prevents the magnetic flux MF from passing through a gap or adhesive, thereby preventing the magnetic force in the magnet ring portion 70 from being weakened.

[0161] The magnet ring portion 70 may have a plurality of annular magnet members. For example, the magnet ring portion 70 may have a plurality of annular magnet members arranged in the radial direction RD or the axial direction AD. Even in this configuration, the orientation of the magnet ring portion 70 may be the same as that of the magnet ring portion 70 of the first embodiment.

[0162] <Fourth embodiment> In the fourth embodiment, the orientation OR of at least a portion of the magnet 90 does not have to be inclined with respect to the radial direction RD.

[0163] In this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the magnet 90 is formed from a single magnet member. As shown in FIGS. 15 to 17, in a portion of the magnet 90, the orientation OR is not inclined toward the circumferential direction CD with respect to the radial direction RD. In the magnet 90, some of the orientations OR among the multiple orientations OR are not inclined with respect to the radial direction RD. The orientation OR that is not inclined with respect to the radial direction RD has a first orientation component ORa but does not have a second orientation component ORb. The orientation angle θ of the orientation OR that is not inclined with respect to the radial direction RD is 0°. The direction of the orientation OR that is not inclined with respect to the radial direction RD is parallel to the first reference line Lr1.

[0164] In magnet 90, the orientation OR is not inclined with respect to the radial direction RD in at least a portion on the side of vertical central portion 97. For example, in magnets 90N and 90S, the orientation OR is not inclined with respect to the radial direction RD in the entire end face parallel portion 99 closest to vertical central portion 97.

[0165] For example, as shown in Figure 16, in the S magnet 90S, the end face parallel portion 99 closest to the vertical center portion 97 is included in the parallel orientation region. As shown in Figure 17, in the N magnet 90N, the end face parallel portion 99 closest to the vertical center portion 97 is included in the parallel orientation region.

[0166] In this embodiment, the orientation angle θ is equal between the first opposing surface 91 and the second opposing surface 92 near the magnetic pole center of the magnet annular portion 70. The orientation angle θ is, for example, 0° near the magnetic pole center.

[0167] In this embodiment, as in the second embodiment, the magnet 90 may have two magnet pieces 60. For example, in an S magnet 90S having a first magnet piece 60S1 and a second magnet piece 60S2, the end face parallel portion 99 closest to the vertical center portion 97 is included in the parallel orientation region. In each of the first magnet piece 60S1 and the second magnet piece 60S2, the end face parallel portion 99 closest to the vertical center portion 97 is included in the parallel orientation region.

[0168] In addition, in the N-type magnet 90N having the first magnet piece 60N1 and the second magnet piece 60N2, the end face parallel portion 99 closest to the vertical center portion 97 is included in the parallel orientation region. In each of the first magnet piece 60N1 and the second magnet piece 60N2, the end face parallel portion 99 closest to the vertical center portion 97 is included in the parallel orientation region.

[0169] Fifth Embodiment In the fifth embodiment, in at least a portion of the magnet 90, the orientation OR may be perpendicular to the radial direction RD.

[0170] As shown in Figures 18, 19, and 20, in part of the magnet 90, the orientation OR is perpendicular to the radial direction RD. In the magnet 90, some of the orientations OR among the multiple orientations OR are perpendicular to the radial direction RD. The orientations OR perpendicular to the radial direction RD have a second orientation component ORb but do not have a first orientation component ORa. The orientation angle θ of the orientation OR perpendicular to the radial direction RD is 90°. The direction of the orientation OR perpendicular to the radial direction RD is parallel to the second reference line Lr2.

[0171] In magnet 90, the orientation OR is perpendicular to the radial direction RD in at least a portion on the side of first end face 93 and at least a portion on the side of second end face 94. For example, in magnets 90N and 90S, the orientation OR is perpendicular to the radial direction RD over the entire end face parallel portion 99 closest to end faces 93 and 94.

[0172] In this embodiment, similar to the second embodiment, the orientation OR is not inclined with respect to the radial direction RD in at least a part of the magnet 90. For example, as shown in Figures 18 to 20, in magnets 90N and 90S, the orientation OR is not inclined with respect to the radial direction RD over the entire end face parallel portion 99 closest to the vertical central portion 97.

[0173] In this embodiment, the orientation angle θ is equal between the first opposing surface 91 and the second opposing surface 92 near the magnetic pole end of the magnet annular portion 70. The orientation angle θ is, for example, 90° near the magnetic pole end.

[0174] Depending on the number of motor poles and design guidelines, the ratio of areas containing only one of the first and second orientation components to areas containing both the first and second orientation components can be changed. This makes it easier to create a design that maximizes the torque generation rate relative to the amount of magnet used. Design guidelines include reducing the amount of magnet used. Furthermore, depending on the combination of the motor's number of poles and slots, it is expected that the torque generation efficiency relative to the amount of magnet used can be further improved.

[0175] Sixth Embodiment In the sixth embodiment, one magnet 90 is formed by a plurality of magnet pieces 60. In the sixth to eighth embodiments, similar to the second embodiment, the S magnet 90S has a first magnet piece 60S1 and a second magnet piece 60S2, and the N magnet 90N has a first magnet piece 60N1 and a second magnet piece 60N2.

[0176] As shown in FIG. 21 , the magnet 90 includes three or more magnet pieces 60. The multiple magnet pieces 60 are arranged in the circumferential direction CD and the radial direction RD in the magnet annular portion 70 and the magnet 90. A first joint 81 and a second joint 82 are formed in the magnet annular portion 70 and the magnet 90. The joints 81 and 82 include the joining surfaces of the magnet pieces 60. Two adjacent magnet pieces 60 are joined at the joints 81 and 82 with an adhesive or the like. The joints 81 and 82 include the boundary between the magnet pieces 60. The first joint 81 includes the boundary between two magnet pieces 60 adjacent in the circumferential direction CD. The first joint 81 extends in the radial direction RD. The second joint 82 includes the boundary between two magnet pieces 60 adjacent in the radial direction RD. The second joint 82 extends in the circumferential direction CD.

[0177] The magnet pieces 60 are anisotropic magnets. The orientation OR is the same in each magnet piece 60. The entire magnet piece 60 is a region of parallel orientation. The magnet pieces 60 are sometimes referred to as parallel-oriented magnets. In the magnet 90, multiple magnet pieces 60 are arranged side by side, so that the orientation OR changes stepwise in the radial direction RD and the circumferential direction CD. The orientation OR of two adjacent magnet pieces 60 in the radial direction RD and the circumferential direction CD is different from each other.

[0178] In magnet 90, the gradually varying orientation region is formed by combining magnet pieces 60, which are relatively easy to manufacture, such as parallel-oriented magnets. In this way, a gradually varying orientation magnet is easily produced in a configuration in which a gradually varying orientation magnet is formed using multiple parallel-oriented magnets. This allows for simplification of the manufacturing equipment required to produce gradually varying orientation magnets, such as magnet 90. Furthermore, a collection of parallel-oriented magnets allows for a simple approximation of gradually varying orientation.

[0179] In the magnet 90, the multiple magnet pieces 60 are arranged so as to be line-symmetrical between the portion on the first end face 93 side and the portion on the second end face 94 side with respect to the vertical center portion 97. The magnet 90 includes multiple magnet pieces 60 that differ from one another in shape and size. For example, two magnet pieces 60 adjacent to one another in the circumferential direction CD or the radial direction RD have different shapes and sizes.

[0180] In the magnet 90, a plurality of second joints 82 extending in the circumferential direction CD are arranged in the radial direction RD. In the magnet 90, the plurality of magnet pieces 60 are arranged so that the plurality of second joints 82 arranged in the radial direction RD are not parallel to each other. One of the plurality of second joints 82 arranged in the radial direction RD is inclined toward the radial direction RD relative to the others. As a result, the plurality of second joints 82 are not concentric.

[0181] In the magnet 90, a plurality of first joint portions 81 extending in the radial direction RD are arranged in the circumferential direction CD. In the magnet 90, the plurality of magnet pieces 60 are arranged so that the plurality of first joint portions 81 arranged in the circumferential direction CD are not arranged radially. One of the plurality of first joint portions 81 arranged in the circumferential direction CD is inclined toward the circumferential direction CD relative to the others. As a result, the plurality of first joint portions 81 are not arranged radially.

[0182] In this embodiment, as described above, the multiple magnet pieces 60 are arranged so that the multiple second joints 82 are not arranged concentrically and the multiple first joints 81 are not arranged radially. Therefore, in a configuration in which an approximate gradually varying orientation is formed using multiple magnet pieces 60 that are parallel magnets, the magnetic flux MF generated in the multiple magnet pieces 60 tends to connect smoothly. This makes it easier to ensure appropriate torque generation efficiency for the magnet pieces 60. Furthermore, the smooth connection of the magnetic flux MF can also be expected to have the effect of suppressing torque ripple.

[0183] For example, unlike this embodiment, in a configuration in which multiple second joints 82 are arranged concentrically or multiple first joints 81 are arranged radially, there are concerns that torque generation efficiency will decrease and torque ripple will be more likely to occur.

[0184] In the magnet 90, the size and shape of the magnet pieces 60 may be the same for multiple magnet pieces 60. For example, in the magnet 90, the multiple magnet pieces 60 may be arranged so that the multiple second joints 82 are arranged concentrically. Alternatively, the multiple magnet pieces 60 may be arranged so that the multiple first joints 81 are arranged radially.

[0185] Eighth Embodiment In the seventh embodiment, an end rib 55 is provided between the north magnet 90N and the south magnet 90S.

[0186] As shown in FIG. 22, the motor 10 has an end rib 55. The end rib 55 is included in the rotor 40. The end rib 55 is provided between the N magnet 90N and the S magnet 90S. The N magnet 90N and the S magnet 90S are adjacent in the circumferential direction CD with the end rib 55 interposed between them. A plurality of end ribs 55 are arranged in the circumferential direction CD. One of the N magnet 90N and the S magnet 90S is provided between two end ribs 55 adjacent in the circumferential direction CD. The magnet 90 is positioned between the two end ribs 55 adjacent in the circumferential direction CD. The end rib 55 corresponds to an interposed portion.

[0187] The end ribs 55 are provided on the outer periphery of the magnet support portion 51. The end ribs 55 are connected to the magnet support portion 51. The end ribs 55 extend from the magnet support portion 51 toward the stator 30. The end ribs 55 have a protruding shape that protrudes from the magnet support portion 51 toward the stator 30. The end ribs 55 are included in the rotor core 50. In the rotor core 50, the magnet support portion 51 and the end ribs 55 are integrally molded. The end ribs 55 and the magnet support portion 51 may be connected by welding or the like. The end ribs 55 are joined to the magnet 90 by an adhesive or the like. The end ribs 55 position the magnet 90 at least in the circumferential direction CD.

[0188] The end ribs 55 are made of a soft magnetic material. The end ribs 55 are soft magnetic bodies. The end ribs 55 can form a magnetic path through which magnetic flux passes. In other words, the end ribs 55 are included in the magnetic circuit. The end ribs 55 have the property of passing magnetic flux. The end ribs 55 form a core together with the magnet support portion 51. The end ribs 55 are sometimes called yokes or yokes.

[0189] The motor 10 has an end spacer 56. The end spacer 56 is included in the rotor 40. The end spacer 56 is provided between the N magnet 90N and the S magnet 90S. The N magnet 90N and the S magnet 90S are positioned adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction CD with the end spacer 56 interposed therebetween. A plurality of end spacers 56 are arranged in the circumferential direction CD. Either the N magnet 90N or the S magnet 90S is provided between two end spacers 56 adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction CD.

[0190] The end spacer 56 is provided on the outer periphery of the magnet support portion 51. The end spacer 56 is provided on the outer periphery of the end rib 55. The end spacer 56 and the end rib 55 are aligned in the radial direction RD. The end spacer 56 is joined to the end rib 55 and the magnet 90 with an adhesive or the like. The end spacer 56 is fitted between the N magnet 90N and the S magnet 90S. In the radial direction RD, the length dimension of the end spacer 56 is greater than the length dimension of the end rib 55. Note that the length dimension of the end spacer 56 may be smaller than the length dimension of the end rib 55 or may be the same as the length dimension of the end rib 55.

[0191] The end spacers 56 are made of a metal material or the like. For example, the end spacers 56 are made of a soft magnetic material. The end spacers 56 are soft magnetic bodies. The end spacers 56 have the property of allowing magnetic flux to pass through. The end spacers 56, together with the magnet support portions 51 and the end ribs 55, form a core. The end spacers 56 are sometimes called yokes or yokes.

[0192] The end spacer 56 does not have to be a soft magnetic material. For example, the end spacer 56 may be a magnetic member made of a magnetic material or the like. The end spacer 56 may also be made of a resin material or the like. Furthermore, the end spacer 56 does not have to be provided between the north magnet 90N and the south magnet 90S. For example, there may be a gap on the outer periphery of the end rib 55 between the north magnet 90N and the south magnet 90S. Furthermore, the end rib 55 may be provided between the north magnet 90N and the south magnet 90S so that no gap is created.

[0193] According to this embodiment, the end ribs 55 provided between the N magnet 90N and S magnet 90S that are adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction CD contain a soft magnetic material. In this configuration, the torque generation efficiency relative to the amount of magnet used in the rotor 40 is increased by the amount of the end ribs 55 between the N magnet 90N and S magnet 90S.

[0194] According to this embodiment, the magnet support portion 51 and the end rib 55 are connected. In this configuration, the end rib 55 can position the magnet 90 in the circumferential direction CD. Furthermore, the end rib 55 can restrict displacement of the magnet 90 in the circumferential direction CD relative to the magnet support portion 51. In this way, the end rib 55 can hold the magnet 90 in the appropriate position.

[0195] In this embodiment, the magnet 90 may be formed from a single magnet member. Alternatively, multiple magnets 90 may be formed from a single magnet member. In this configuration, the end rib 55 and the end spacer 56 may be embedded in a single magnet member. For example, the end rib 55 may be provided in a rib recess formed in the magnet member.

[0196] Eighth Embodiment In the eighth embodiment, a central rib 57 is provided on the vertical central portion 97 side of a motor magnet such as the magnet 90.

[0197] As shown in FIG. 23, the motor 10 has a central rib 57. The central rib 57 is included in the rotor 40. The central rib 57 is provided on the vertical central portion 97 side of the magnet 90. The central rib 57 is provided on the vertical central portion 97 side of at least one of the N magnet 90N and the S magnet 90S. The central rib 57 of this embodiment is provided on the vertical central portion 97 side of each of the N magnet 90N and the S magnet 90S. The central rib 57 corresponds to a protrusion.

[0198] In one magnet 90, the first magnet pieces 60N1, 60S1 and the second magnet pieces 60N2, 60S2 are positioned adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction CD with a central rib 57 interposed therebetween. In the rotor 40, a plurality of central ribs 57 are arranged in the circumferential direction CD. Between two central ribs 57 adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction CD, one right magnet and the other left magnet are provided, out of two magnets 90 adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction CD. One right magnet and the other left magnet are sandwiched between the two central ribs 57 adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction CD.

[0199] The central rib 57 is provided on the outer periphery of the magnet support portion 51. The central rib 57 is connected to the magnet support portion 51. The central rib 57 extends from the magnet support portion 51 toward the stator 30. The central rib 57 has a protruding shape that protrudes from the magnet support portion 51 toward the stator 30. The central rib 57 is included in the rotor core 50. In the rotor core 50, the magnet support portion 51 and the central rib 57 are integrally molded. The central rib 57 and the magnet support portion 51 may be connected by welding or the like. The central rib 57 is joined to the magnet 90 by an adhesive or the like. The central rib 57 positions the magnet 90 at least in the circumferential direction CD.

[0200] The central rib 57 is made of a soft magnetic material. The central rib 57 is a soft magnetic body. The central rib 57 can form a magnetic path through which magnetic flux passes. In other words, the central rib 57 is included in the magnetic circuit. The central rib 57 has the property of passing magnetic flux. The central rib 57 forms a core together with the magnet support portion 51. The central rib 57 is sometimes called a yoke or a yoke.

[0201] The motor 10 has a central spacer 58. The central spacer 58 is included in the rotor 40. A plurality of central spacers 58 are arranged in the circumferential direction CD. The central spacer 58 is provided between the first magnet piece 60N1 and the second magnet piece 60N2. The first magnet piece 60N1 and the second magnet piece 60N2 are adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction CD with the central spacer 58 interposed therebetween. The central spacer 58 is provided between the first magnet piece 60S1 and the second magnet piece 60S2. The first magnet piece 60S1 and the second magnet piece 60S2 are adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction CD with the central spacer 58 interposed therebetween. Between two central spacers 58 adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction CD, one of the combination of the first magnet piece 60N1 and the second magnet piece 60S2 and the combination of the second magnet piece 60N2 and the first magnet piece 60S1 is inserted.

[0202] The central spacer 58 is provided on the outer periphery of the magnet support portion 51. The central spacer 58 is provided on the outer periphery of the central rib 57. The central spacer 58 and the central rib 57 are aligned in the radial direction RD. The central spacer 58 is bonded to the central rib 57 and the magnet 90 with an adhesive or the like. The multiple central spacers 58 include a central spacer 58 fitted between the first magnet piece 60N1 and the second magnet piece 60N2, and a central spacer 58 fitted between the first magnet piece 60S1 and the second magnet piece 60S2. In the radial direction RD, the length of the central spacer 58 is greater than the length of the central rib 57. Note that the length of the central spacer 58 may be smaller than the length of the central rib 57 or may be the same as the length of the central rib 57.

[0203] The central spacer 58 is made of a metal material or the like. For example, the central spacer 58 is made of a soft magnetic material. The central spacer 58 is a soft magnetic body. The central spacer 58 has the property of allowing magnetic flux to pass through. The central spacer 58, together with the magnet support portion 51 and the central rib 57, forms a core. The central spacer 58 is sometimes called a yoke or a yoke.

[0204] The central spacer 58 does not have to be made of a soft magnetic material. For example, the central spacer 58 may be a magnetic member formed of a magnetic material or the like. The central spacer 58 may also be formed of a resin material or the like. Furthermore, the central spacer 58 does not have to be provided between the first magnet piece 60N1 and the second magnet piece 60N2 or between the first magnet piece 60S1 and the second magnet piece 60S2. For example, a gap may be formed on the outer periphery of the central rib 57 between the first magnet piece 60N1 and the second magnet piece 60N2 or between the first magnet piece 60S1 and the second magnet piece 60S2. Furthermore, the central rib 57 may be provided between the first magnet piece 60N1 and the second magnet piece 60N2 or between the first magnet piece 60S1 and the second magnet piece 60S2 so as to prevent a gap from being formed.

[0205] In the N magnet 90N, a central rib 57 and a central spacer 58 are provided at the N pole center 75. In the S magnet 90S, a central rib 57 and a central spacer 58 are provided at the S pole center 76. Note that it is sufficient that the central rib 57 and the central spacer 58 are provided for at least one of the N magnet 90N and the S magnet 90S.

[0206] According to this embodiment, the central rib 57 provided on the vertical central portion 97 side of at least one of the north magnet 90N and the south magnet 90S contains a soft magnetic material. With this configuration, the amount of magnet used in the rotor 40 can be reduced by the amount of central rib 57 located on the vertical central portion 97 side of the north magnet 90N or the vertical central portion 97 side of the south magnet 90S.

[0207] According to this embodiment, the magnet support portion 51 and the central rib 57 are connected. In this configuration, the central rib 57 can position the magnet 90 in the circumferential direction CD. Furthermore, the central rib 57 can restrict displacement of the magnet 90 in the circumferential direction CD relative to the magnet support portion 51. In this way, the central rib 57 can hold the magnet 90 in the appropriate position.

[0208] In this embodiment, as in the seventh embodiment, the magnet 90 may be formed from a single magnet member. In a configuration in which the magnet 90 is formed from a single magnet member, the central rib 57 and the central spacer 58 may be embedded in the single magnet member. For example, the central rib 57 may be provided in a rib recess formed in the magnet member.

[0209] Ninth Embodiment In the first embodiment, the outer peripheral edge of the magnet annular portion 70 is formed in a circular shape in a plan view. In contrast to this, in the ninth embodiment, the outer peripheral edge of the magnet annular portion 70 is formed in a polygonal shape in a plan view. In the ninth and eleventh embodiments, similar to the second embodiment, the S magnet 90S has a first magnet piece 60S1 and a second magnet piece 60S2, and the N magnet 90N has a first magnet piece 60N1 and a second magnet piece 60N2.

[0210] As shown in FIG. 24 , the outer peripheral end of the magnet annular portion 70 is polygonal in plan view, so that the outer peripheral end and the inner peripheral end are not concentric. The outer peripheral end of the magnet annular portion 70 is polygonal in plan view, with multiple linear segments arranged in the circumferential direction CD. At the outer peripheral end of the magnet annular portion 70, multiple polygonal corners are arranged in the circumferential direction CD. The corners are formed by two adjacent linear segments in the circumferential direction CD. The corners form the vertices of the polygon. The corners are provided at the south pole center 76, the north pole center 75, and the inter-pole portion 77. For example, the corners are provided at the boundary between two adjacent magnets 90 in the circumferential direction CD or the boundary between two adjacent magnet pieces 60 in the circumferential direction CD. At the outer peripheral end of the magnet annular portion 70, the corners protrude toward the side opposite the inner peripheral end.

[0211] In the magnet annular portion 70, the straight portions are formed by the first opposing surfaces 91. In the magnet 90, at least a portion of the first opposing surfaces 91 is a flat surface. In the first opposing surfaces 91, a plurality of flat surfaces are arranged in the circumferential direction CD, thereby forming a plurality of straight portions arranged in the circumferential direction CD in the magnet annular portion 70. The flat surfaces formed in the first opposing surfaces 91 extend flatly in a direction perpendicular to the radial direction RD.

[0212] In the magnet ring portion 70 of this embodiment, the polygonal outer edge is shaped and sized to be inscribed within the circular outer edge of the first embodiment. Therefore, in this embodiment, the polygonal outer edge is partially inside the circular outer edge, resulting in a smaller volume of the magnet ring portion 70 compared to the first embodiment. In the magnet ring portion 70 of this embodiment, the area between the polygonal outer edge and the circular outer edge is scraped away to reduce fluctuations in motor torque due to ripples, etc. This, among other factors, increases the torque generation efficiency relative to the amount of magnet used. Furthermore, the orientation of the magnet ring 70 and the shape of the outer edge in plan view are set to reduce ripples in motor torque.

[0213] The magnet ring portion 70 may have any shape or size as long as the outer peripheral edge is formed in a polygonal shape. For example, the polygonal corners at the outer peripheral edge of the magnet ring portion 70 may be provided between the pole centers 75, 76 and the inter-pole portion 77. Furthermore, one or more polygonal corners at the outer peripheral edge of the magnet ring portion 70 may be provided for one magnet 90, or one corner may be provided for multiple magnets 90.

[0214] Tenth Embodiment In the ninth embodiment, the outer peripheral edge of the magnet annular portion 70 is formed in a polygonal shape. In contrast to this, in the tenth embodiment, the outer peripheral edge of the magnet annular portion 70 is formed in an uneven shape. In the tenth and twelfth embodiments, as in the first embodiment, the magnet 90 is formed from a single magnet member.

[0215] 25, the magnet annular portion 70 has an outer peripheral recess 71a. The outer peripheral recess 71a is provided on the annular outer peripheral surface 71. The outer peripheral recess 71a is formed by recessing a portion of the annular outer peripheral surface 71 toward the annular inner peripheral surface 72.

[0216] Eleventh Embodiment In the first embodiment, the inner peripheral end of the magnet annular portion 70 is formed into a circular shape in a plan view. In contrast to this, in the eleventh embodiment, the inner peripheral end of the magnet annular portion 70 is formed into a polygonal shape in a plan view.

[0217] As shown in Figure 26, the inner peripheral end of the magnet annular portion 70 is polygonal in plan view, so the outer peripheral end and the inner peripheral end are not concentric. The inner peripheral end of the magnet annular portion 70 is polygonal in plan view, so that multiple linear portions extending linearly are arranged in the circumferential direction CD. The corners of the polygon form the vertices of the polygon, and are provided at the south pole center 76, the north pole center 75, and the inter-pole portion 77, as in the ninth embodiment. However, at the inner peripheral end of the magnet annular portion 70, the corners are recessed toward the outer periphery.

[0218] The magnet annular portion 70 is fitted onto the magnet support portion 51. The outer peripheral end of the magnet support portion 51 is shaped to restrict displacement of the magnet annular portion 70 in the circumferential direction CD relative to the magnet support portion 51. The outer peripheral end of the magnet support portion 51 is shaped to hook onto polygonal corners at the inner peripheral end of the magnet annular portion 70. The outer peripheral end of the magnet support portion 51 is formed into a polygonal shape in plan view, similar to the outer peripheral end of the magnet annular portion 70 in the ninth embodiment. The polygonal corners at the outer peripheral end of the magnet support portion 51 fit into corners at the inner peripheral end of the magnet annular portion 70. The corners of the magnet support portion 51 and the corners of the magnet annular portion 70 hook onto each other, restricting displacement of the magnet annular portion 70 in the circumferential direction CD relative to the magnet support portion 51.

[0219] In this embodiment, the corners of the magnet annular portion 70 and the corners of the magnet support portion 51 are provided at the boundary between two magnet pieces 60 adjacent in the circumferential direction CD. For example, the corners of the magnet annular portion 70 and the corners of the magnet support portion 51 are provided at the south pole center portion 76, the north pole center portion 75, and the inter-pole portion 77, respectively. That is, the corners of the magnet annular portion 70 and the corners of the magnet support portion 51 are provided at the first end face 93, the second end face 94, and the vertical center portion 97, respectively, of the magnet 90. Furthermore, in the magnet annular portion 70 and the magnet support portion 51, the straight line portions of the polygons span between the end faces 93, 94 and the vertical center portion 97.

[0220] According to this embodiment, both the inner peripheral end of the magnet annular portion 70 and the outer peripheral end of the magnet support portion 51 are formed in a polygonal shape. With this configuration, the annular inner peripheral surface 72 of the magnet annular portion 70 and the outer peripheral surface 51a of the magnet support portion 51 can be brought into contact with each other at their flat surfaces. This allows a stable installation surface for installing the magnet annular portion 70 on the magnet support portion 51 serving as a back core. For example, the outer peripheral surface 51a of the magnet support portion 51 can be brought into contact with each of the multiple magnet pieces 60 individually at their flat surfaces.

[0221] For example, unlike this embodiment, consider a configuration in which both the inner circumferential edge of magnet annular portion 70 and the outer circumferential edge of magnet support portion 51 extend in an arc shape in the circumferential direction CD. In this configuration, if magnet annular portion 70 is misaligned in the radial direction RD relative to magnet support portion 51, there is a concern that the inner circumferential edge of magnet annular portion 70 and the outer circumferential edge of magnet support portion 51 may come into point contact. An example of a case in which magnet annular portion 70 is misaligned in the radial direction RD relative to magnet support portion 51 is when the center of magnet annular portion 70 is misaligned from the center of magnet support portion 51.

[0222] <Twelfth embodiment> In the eleventh embodiment, the linear portions of the polygon in the magnet annular portion 70 and the magnet support portion 51 are bridged between the end faces 93, 94 and the vertical center portion 97. In contrast, in the twelfth embodiment, the linear portions of the polygon in the magnet annular portion 70 and the magnet support portion 51 are bridged between the first end face 93 and the second end face 94.

[0223] As shown in FIG. 27, one or more polygonal corners may be provided for one magnet 90 at the inner circumferential end of the magnet annular portion 70, or one corner may be provided for multiple magnets 90.

[0224] <Thirteenth embodiment> In the first embodiment, the motor 10 is a radial gap inner rotor type motor, whereas in the thirteenth embodiment, the motor 10 is a radial gap outer rotor type motor.

[0225] As shown in FIG. 28, in the motor 10 of this embodiment, the rotor 40 is provided on the outer peripheral side of the stator 30. A motor 10 in which the rotor 40 is provided on the outer peripheral side of the stator 30 is sometimes referred to as an outer rotor type motor. A rotor 40 provided on the outer peripheral side of the stator 30 is sometimes referred to as an outer rotor. In this embodiment, a field element such as the rotor 40 is provided on the outer peripheral side of an exciter such as the stator 30. In FIG. 28, the housing 11 and the shaft 12 are not shown.

[0226] In the rotor 40, the magnet ring portion 70 and the magnets 90 are provided on the inner circumferential side of the rotor core 50. The magnet ring portion 70 and the magnets 90 are provided on the outer circumferential side of the stator 30. In the magnets 90, a first surface such as a first opposing surface 91 faces the inner circumferential side, and a second surface such as a second opposing surface 92 faces the outer circumferential side.

[0227] <Fourteenth embodiment> In the first embodiment, the stator 30 is an exciter and the rotor 40 is a field element. In contrast to this, in the fourteenth embodiment, the rotor 40 is an exciter and the stator 30 is a field element.

[0228] As shown in FIG. 29 , in the motor 10 of this embodiment, the stator 30 has a rotor core 50, magnet pieces 60, a magnet ring portion 70, and magnets 90. The rotor 40 has a stator core 31 and coils 35. The rotor 40 is excited by passing current through the coils 35. In this embodiment, the rotor 40, which is an exciter, is provided on the inner periphery of the stator 30, which is a field element. The motor 10 is an inner rotor type motor. For example, the motor 10 is a brushed motor. In the motor 10, the rotor core 50 and magnets 90 are fixed to the housing 11.

[0229] According to the present embodiment, the magnet 90 is provided in the stator 30 as a field element. In this configuration, as described above, the magnetic flux MF is less likely to leak from the second opposing surface 92 of the magnet 90, and this makes it possible to prevent the magnetic flux MF from leaking to the outside from the rotor 40 in the radial direction RD.

[0230] The motor 10 may be an outer rotor type motor. For example, the stator 30, which is a field element, may be provided on the inner circumferential side of the rotor 40, which is an exciter.

[0231] <Fifteenth embodiment> In the first embodiment, the motor 10 is a radial motor, whereas in the fifteenth embodiment, the motor is an axial motor.

[0232] The motor 110 shown in FIG. 30 is an axial gap motor. An axial gap motor is sometimes called an axial motor. The motor 110 is sometimes called a rotary motor. In the motor 110, a stator 130 and a rotor 140 are arranged in the axial direction AD along a shaft 112. An axial gap 120 is present between the stator 130 and the rotor 140. The axial gap 120 is a gap between the stator 130 and the rotor 140. The stator 130 and the rotor 140 are arranged in the axial direction AD via the axial gap 120.

[0233] In this embodiment, the motor 110, shaft 112, stator 130, and rotor 140 are configured to correspond to the motor 10, shaft 12, stator 30, and rotor 40 of the first embodiment. The motor 110 of this embodiment differs significantly from the motor 10 of the first embodiment in that the stator 130 and rotor 140 are arranged in the axial direction AD. In this embodiment, the stator 130 corresponds to the exciter, and the rotor 140 corresponds to the field element. The shaft 112 corresponds to the rotation axis. The circumferential direction CD is the direction around the rotation axis.

[0234] 31 and 32, in the magnet 90, the first annular surface 73 faces the stator 130 across the axial gap 120. The second annular surface 74 faces the opposite side from the stator 130. In the magnet 90, the first opposing surface 91 faces the stator 130 across the axial gap 120. The first opposing surface 91 is included in the first annular surface 73. In addition, the second opposing surface 92 faces the opposite side from the stator 130 in the axial direction AD.

[0235] As shown in FIG. 32, in the magnet 90, the first opposing surface 91 and the second opposing surface 92 are aligned in the axial direction AD. The first end surface 93 and the second end surface 94 are aligned in the circumferential direction CD. In the magnet 90, at least a portion of the orientation OR is inclined toward the circumferential direction CD with respect to the axial direction AD. In this embodiment, the axial direction AD corresponds to the first direction, and the circumferential direction CD corresponds to the second direction. The orientation of the orientation OR relative to the first and second directions is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0236] In the magnet 90, the orientation OR as a whole faces the circumferential direction CD. In the magnet 90, the orientation OR is not inclined toward the radial direction RD with respect to the circumferential direction CD. For example, in the magnet piece 60, all of the orientations OR extend in a direction perpendicular to a single third reference line Lr3 that passes through the magnet piece 60. The radial direction RD corresponds to the third direction. The third reference line Lr3 is a reference line that extends in the third direction. For example, the third reference line Lr3 is an imaginary line that passes through the motor axis Cm and extends linearly in the radial direction RD.

[0237] According to this embodiment, the magnet 90 is provided in an axial motor. In the axial motor, the first opposing surface 91 and the second opposing surface 92 are aligned in the axial direction AD along the shaft 112. The first end surface 93 and the second end surface 94 are aligned in the circumferential direction CD. With this configuration, in the axial motor, leakage of magnetic flux MF from the second opposing surface 92 side of the magnet 90 to the outside of the motor 110 can be suppressed.

[0238] An axial motor may be provided with a plurality of stators 130 and rotors 140. For example, in the motor 110, two rotors 140 may be arranged side by side in the axial direction AD with the stator 130 interposed therebetween. This motor 110 may be referred to as a double-rotor motor. Also, two stators 130 may be arranged side by side in the axial direction AD with the rotor 140 interposed therebetween. This motor 110 may be referred to as a double-stator motor.

[0239] <Sixteenth embodiment> In the first embodiment, the motor 10 is a rotary motor, whereas in the sixteenth embodiment, the motor is a linear motor.

[0240] The motor 210 shown in Figure 33 is a linear motor that performs linear motion. In the motor 210, a stator 230 and a mover 240 are arranged side by side in the radial direction RD. The mover 240 and a shaft 212 are movable in the axial direction AD relative to the stator 230. The mover 240 is provided on the shaft 212. The shaft 212 moves linearly in the axial direction AD. The motor 210 has a linear gap 220. The linear gap 220 is a gap between the stator 230 and the mover 240. The linear gap 220 extends in a direction perpendicular to the radial direction RD. The stator 230 and the mover 240 are arranged side by side in the radial direction RD via the linear gap 220.

[0241] A plurality of magnets 90 are arranged in a straight line along the axial direction AD. In the mover 240, the magnet support portion 51 and the magnet assembly extend along the axial direction AD. The magnet assembly is a region of the mover 240 that corresponds to the magnet annular portion 70 of the first embodiment. The magnet assembly is formed to include a plurality of magnets 90. In the magnet assembly, a plurality of magnets 90 are integrated. For example, in the magnet assembly, a plurality of magnets 90 are connected by the magnet support portion 51 or the like. Note that in the magnet assembly, two magnets 90 adjacent to each other in the axial direction AD may be disposed at positions spaced apart in the axial direction AD.

[0242] In this embodiment, the motor 210, shaft 212, stator 230, and mover 240 have configurations corresponding to the motor 10, shaft 12, stator 30, and rotor 40 of the first embodiment. The motor 210 of this embodiment differs greatly from the motor 10 of the first embodiment in that the mover 240 moves in the axial direction AD relative to the stator 230. In this embodiment, the stator 230 corresponds to the exciter, and the mover 240 corresponds to the field element. The shaft 212 corresponds to the linear motion axis. The axial direction AD is the direction along the linear motion axis.

[0243] 34, in the stator 230, multiple core teeth 32 and coils 35 are arranged in the axial direction AD. In the mover 240, multiple magnets 90 are arranged in the axial direction AD. A first opposing surface 91 of the magnet 90 faces the stator 230 across the linear gap 220. A second opposing surface 92 faces the shaft 212 in the radial direction RD.

[0244] In the magnet 90, the first opposing surface 91 and the second opposing surface 92 are aligned in the radial direction RD. The first end surface 93 and the second end surface 94 are aligned in the axial direction AD. In the magnet 90, at least a portion of the orientation OR is inclined toward the axial direction AD with respect to the radial direction RD. In this embodiment, the radial direction RD corresponds to the first direction, and the axial direction AD corresponds to the second direction. The orientation of the orientation OR with respect to the first direction and the second direction is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0245] In the magnet 90, the orientation OR as a whole faces the axial direction AD. In the magnet 90, the orientation OR is not inclined toward the circumferential direction CD with respect to the axial direction AD. In this embodiment, the circumferential direction CD corresponds to the third direction.

[0246] According to this embodiment, the magnet 90 is provided in a linear motor. In the linear motor, the first opposing surface 91 and the second opposing surface 92 are aligned in the radial direction RD. Furthermore, the first end surface 93 and the second end surface 94 are aligned in the axial direction AD. With this configuration, in the linear motor, leakage of magnetic flux MF from the second opposing surface 92 side of the magnet 90 to the outside of the motor 210 can be suppressed.

[0247] In addition, in a linear motor, the arrangement direction of the stator 230 and the mover 240 does not have to be the radial direction RD. For example, a configuration is also possible in which the stator 230 and the mover 240 are arranged in the Y direction, and the mover 240 moves in the X direction relative to the stator 230. In this configuration, if the depth direction of the stator 230 and the mover 240 is defined as the Z direction, the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction are perpendicular to each other. In this configuration, the Y direction corresponds to the first direction, and the X direction corresponds to the second direction. Furthermore, in this configuration, the stator 230 does not have to be formed in an annular shape. A plurality of stators 230 and movers 240 may be arranged in the X direction or the Z direction.

[0248] <Other embodiments> The disclosure of this specification is not limited to the exemplified embodiments. The disclosure encompasses the exemplified embodiments and modifications thereto by those skilled in the art. For example, the disclosure is not limited to the combinations of parts and elements shown in the embodiments, and can be implemented in various modifications. The disclosure can be implemented in various combinations. The disclosure can have additional parts that can be added to the embodiments. The disclosure encompasses the omission of parts and elements from the embodiments. The disclosure encompasses the substitution or combination of parts and elements between one embodiment and another embodiment. The disclosed technical scope is not limited to the description of the embodiments. The disclosed technical scope is defined by the claims, and should be interpreted as including all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0249] In each embodiment, the orientation of the orientation OR in the magnet 90 may be set in any manner as long as the second orientation component ORb is larger on the second opposing surface 92 side than on the first opposing surface 91 side and larger on the end surface 93, 94 side than on the vertical center portion 97 side. For example, the orientation OR may be set to be a gradually varying orientation in at least one of the multiple opposing parallel portions 98. Also, the orientation OR may be set to be a gradually varying orientation in at least one of the multiple end surface parallel portions 99. Furthermore, the orientation OR may be set in at least two stages in each of the first direction and the second direction. In addition, the gradually varying orientation may be adopted in at least one of the first direction and the second direction in the magnet 90.

[0250] In each embodiment, the magnitude of the orientations OR may not be the same for all orientations OR. For example, one of two orientations OR may be larger than the other orientation OR. In one orientation OR, both the first orientation component ORa and the second orientation component ORb may be larger than either the first orientation component ORa or the second orientation component ORb in the other orientation OR.

[0251] In each embodiment, the magnet 90 serving as the motor magnet may have any shape. For example, in the first embodiment, the first opposing surface 91 and the second opposing surface 92 do not have to extend in a direction perpendicular to the radial direction RD. The first opposing surface 91 and the second opposing surface 92 may be inclined with respect to the radial direction RD so as to face one side in the circumferential direction CD or one side in the axial direction AD. Furthermore, the first end surface 93 and the second end surface 94 do not have to extend in a direction perpendicular to the circumferential direction CD. For example, the first end surface 93 and the second end surface 94 may be inclined with respect to the circumferential direction CD so as to face one side in the radial direction RD or one side in the axial direction AD. Furthermore, the first side surface 95 and the second side surface 96 do not have to extend in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction AD.

[0252] In each embodiment, the rotor core 50 does not have to form a back core for the magnet 90. For example, the back core may be provided for the magnet 90 as a separate member from the rotor core 50. In this configuration, the rotor core 50 does not have to be made of a soft magnetic material. Also, a back core does not have to be provided for the magnet 90.

[0253] In each embodiment, motor magnets such as magnet 90 may be provided in the stator, rotor, or mover, regardless of the type of motor, as long as they are included in the field element of the motor.

[0254] In each embodiment, the first direction and the second direction do not have to be orthogonal as long as they intersect with each other. For example, in the first embodiment, the radial direction RD, which is the first direction, and the circumferential direction CD, which is the second direction, do not have to be orthogonal as long as they intersect with each other. In the sixteenth embodiment, the radial direction RD or the Y direction, which is the first direction, and the axial direction AD or the X direction, which is the second direction, do not have to be orthogonal as long as they intersect with each other.

[0255] In each embodiment, the magnetic powder and other materials contained in the motor magnet, such as magnet 90, can be appropriately selected as long as they satisfy the performance of the motor magnet. The motor magnet will have characteristics resulting from the combination of the selected magnetic powder and other materials. A motor magnet with such characteristics is used in a motor. Note that materials other than the magnetic powder do not necessarily need to be included in the motor magnet.

[0256] The magnetic powder may be a rare earth magnetic powder containing a rare earth as a component, or a rare earth-free magnetic powder containing no rare earth as a component. The magnetic powder may contain at least one type of rare earth magnetic powder. The magnetic powder may contain at least one type of rare earth-free magnetic powder. The magnetic powder may contain at least one type of rare earth magnetic powder and at least one type of rare earth-free magnetic powder.

[0257] If the motor magnet requires at least one of small size and light weight and ease of modification, then a finer particle size of the magnetic powder is preferable. The particle size of the magnetic powder can be either micro- or nano-scale. If ease of material procurement is required, then it is desirable that the magnetic powder has simple and abundant components and does not contain rare earth elements. If it is required to withstand use under harsh conditions, then it is desirable that the magnetic powder has high heat resistance, radiation resistance, etc.

[0258] Motor magnets containing magnetic powders with the above-mentioned properties, such as nanoscale, simple and abundant components, rare earth-free, high heat resistance, and radiation resistance, are expected to generally have the properties of such magnetic powders. Therefore, motor magnets containing such magnetic powders are expected to have properties such as small size and light weight, easy improvement, easy material procurement, high recycling efficiency, high heat resistance, and radiation resistance. Such motor magnets can be widely adopted in motors in general. At the same time, such motor magnets can also be adopted in motors in certain small-scale technical fields where these properties are required.

[0259] Of course, motor magnets are required to produce output appropriate for their intended use. The magnetic powder contained in the motor magnet can be selected based on the output required for the intended use. Magnets include ceramic magnets such as ferrite magnets, metal magnets such as rare earth magnets and ordered alloy magnets, and bonded magnets such as rubber magnets and plastic magnets. Ferrites include hexagonal ferrites such as barium ferrite and strontium ferrite, and spinel ferrites such as cobalt ferrite. Rare earths include the RT series such as Sm-Co, the RTB series such as Nd-Fe-B, and the RTN series such as Sm-Fe-N. Ordered alloys include L10-FePt, L10-FeNi, and τ-MnAl. Other metallic materials for metal magnets include spinodal decomposition systems such as alnico and Fe-Cr-Co, and Fe16N2. The "R" in the above text stands for rare earth, and includes Nd, Sm, and Dy. T stands for transition metal, and examples include Fe, Co, and Ni.

[0260] In each embodiment, the motor magnet, field element, and various devices in which the motor is installed are not particularly limited. In other words, the application of the motor employing the motor magnet is not particularly limited. The motor can be used for consumer, commercial, industrial, medical, and other purposes. For example, the motor can be used in mobility products that move people and objects, robotic products involved in the production and control of objects, and equipment that generates energy such as electricity. In addition, even if not specifically exemplified, the motor magnet can be widely and generally applied to any device that includes a motor.

[0261] Mobility products include cars for land transportation, aircraft for air transportation, ships for water transportation, submarines and submersibles for underwater transportation, and spacecraft for space travel.

[0262] These means of transportation on land, air, water, and space include manned and unmanned aircraft. Vehicles include manned and unmanned automobiles. Specifically for transporting goods, vehicles include manned and unmanned guided vehicles. Unmanned guided vehicles are sometimes called AGVs. AGV is an abbreviation for Automated Guided Vehicle. Aircraft include manned and unmanned aircraft. Unmanned aircraft are sometimes called UAVs. UAV is an abbreviation for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle. Specifically for transporting goods, ships include manned and unmanned ships. Submarines and submarines include manned and unmanned submersibles. Spacecraft include manned and unmanned spacecraft. Manned spacecraft are sometimes called spaceships.

[0263] The power sources of these vehicles, including manned and unmanned vehicles, include various types of energy, such as thermal energy, electrical energy, light energy, renewable energy, chemical energy, nuclear energy, etc. One or a combination of these various types of energy is used as the power source of the vehicle.

[0264] Robot products, when classified by use, include industrial robots, industrial robots, domestic robots, service robots, medical robots, educational robots, agricultural robots, exploration robots, and leisure robots.

[0265] An example of a facility that generates energy is a power plant, which produces electrical energy using energy sources such as oil, coal, natural gas, biomass, nuclear power, wind power, hydroelectric power, geothermal power, solar power, and chemical reactions.

[0266] In each embodiment, the motor provided with the motor magnet such as the magnet 90 does not have to be an AC motor. For example, the motor provided with the motor magnet may be a DC motor or a stepping motor.

[0267] (Disclosure of technical ideas) This specification discloses multiple technical ideas described in the following multiple clauses. Some clauses may be written in a multiple dependent form, with the subsequent clause referring to the preceding clause as an alternative. Furthermore, some clauses may be written in a multiple dependent form, referring to another multiple dependent clause. These multiple dependent clauses define multiple technical ideas.

[0268] (Technical thought 1) a first surface (91) and a second surface (92) aligned in a first direction (RD; AD; RD); a first end (93) and a second end (94) aligned in a second direction (CD; CD; AD) intersecting the first direction; a plurality of orientations (OR) distributed between the first surface and the second surface and between the first end and the second end; At least some of the plurality of orientations have a first orientation component (ORa) along the first direction and a second orientation component (ORb) along the second direction; the first orientation component is oriented from one of the first surface and the second surface to the other in the first direction, is smaller on the second surface side than on the first surface side in the first direction, and is smaller on the first end side and the second end side than on a central portion (97) between the first end side and the second end side in the second direction, the second orientation component is larger on the second surface side than on the first surface side in the first direction, and is larger on the first end side and the second end side than on the central portion side in the second direction, A motor magnet (90) in which the second orientation component is in an opposite direction between the central portion and the first end portion and between the central portion and the second end portion.

[0269] (Technical thought 2) The motor magnet according to Technical Idea 1, wherein the second orientation component gradually increases in the second direction from the center toward the first end and the second end.

[0270] (Technical Thought 3) The motor magnet according to Technical Idea 1 or 2, wherein the second orientation component gradually increases in the first direction from the first surface side toward the second surface side.

[0271] (Technical Thought 4) A motor component described in any one of technical ideas 1 to 3, wherein the first orientation component gradually becomes smaller in the second direction from the central portion side toward the first end side and the second end side, respectively.

[0272] (Technical Thought 5) The motor component according to any one of Technical Concepts 1 to 4, wherein the second orientation component gradually decreases in the first direction from the first surface side toward the second surface side.

[0273] (Technical Thought 6) A motor component (40; 140; 240) having a motor magnet (90), The motor magnet is a first surface (91) and a second surface (92) aligned in a first direction (RD; AD; RD); a first end (93) and a second end (94) aligned in a second direction (CD; CD; AD) intersecting the first direction; a plurality of orientations (OR) distributed between the first surface and the second surface and between the first end and the second end; At least some of the plurality of orientations have a first orientation component (ORa) along the first direction and a second orientation component (ORb) along the second direction; the first orientation component is oriented from one of the first surface and the second surface to the other in the first direction, is smaller on the second surface side than on the first surface side in the first direction, and is smaller on the first end side and the second end side than on a central portion (97) between the first end side and the second end side in the second direction, the second orientation component is larger on the second surface side than on the first surface side in the first direction, and is larger on the first end side and the second end side than on the central portion side in the second direction, The motor component, wherein the second orientation component is oriented in an opposite direction between the central portion and the first end portion and between the central portion and the second end portion.

[0274] (Technical Thought 7) The motor magnets include a first motor magnet (90S) having a plurality of orientations with the first orientation component directed from the first surface to the second surface in the first direction, and a second motor magnet (90N) having a plurality of orientations with the first orientation component directed from the second surface to the first surface in the first direction, The first motor magnet and the second motor magnet are each provided in plural, The motor component according to Technical Idea 6, wherein the first motor magnets and the second motor magnets are arranged alternately in the second direction.

[0275] (Technical Thought 8) A support portion (51) including a soft magnetic material, A motor component according to Technical Idea 7, wherein the second surface side of each of the first motor magnet and the second motor magnet faces the support portion, and the first motor magnet and the second motor magnet are each provided on the support portion.

[0276] (Technical Thought 9) an intervening portion (55) provided between the first motor magnet and the second motor magnet that are arranged adjacent to each other in the second direction, The motor component according to Technical Idea 8, wherein the interposed portion contains a soft magnetic material.

[0277] (Technical Thought 10) The motor component according to Technical Idea 9, wherein the support portion and the interposition portion are connected to each other.

[0278] (Technical Thought 11) a protrusion (57) provided on the central portion side of at least one of the first motor magnet and the second motor magnet, the protrusions include a soft magnetic material; The field element according to any one of Technical Ideas 7 to 9, wherein the protrusion is connected to the support.

[0279] (Technical Thought 12) An exciter (30; 130; 230) that is excited by current flow, a field element (40; 140; 240) having a motor magnet (90) and aligned with the exciter element in a first direction (RD; AD; RD); The motor magnet is a first surface (91) and a second surface (92) aligned in the first direction; a first end (93) and a second end (94) aligned in a second direction (CD; CD; AD) intersecting the first direction, The motor magnet is a first surface (91) and a second surface (92) aligned in the first direction; a first end (93) and a second end (94) aligned in the second direction; a plurality of orientations (OR) distributed between the first surface and the second surface and between the first end and the second end; At least some of the plurality of orientations have a first orientation component (ORa) along the first direction and a second orientation component (ORb) along the second direction; the first orientation component is oriented from one of the first surface and the second surface to the other in the first direction, is smaller on the second surface side than on the first surface side in the first direction, and is smaller on the first end side and the second end side than on a central portion (97) between the first end side and the second end side in the second direction, the second orientation component is larger on the second surface side than on the first surface side in the first direction, and is larger on the first end side and the second end side than on the central portion side in the second direction, A motor (10; 110; 210) is arranged such that the second orientation component is in the opposite direction between the central portion and the first end portion and between the central portion and the second end portion.

[0280] (Technical Thought 13) the first direction is a radial direction (RD) perpendicular to a rotation axis (12) on which the field element is provided, The motor according to Technical Idea 12, wherein the second direction is a circumferential direction (CD) around the rotation axis.

[0281] (Technical Thought 14) The first direction is an axial direction (AD) along a rotation axis (112) on which the field element is provided, The motor according to Technical Idea 12, wherein the second direction is a circumferential direction (CD) around the rotation axis.

[0282] (Technical Thought 15) The first direction is a direction (RD) perpendicular to the linear motion axis (212) on which the field element is provided, The motor according to Technical Idea 12, wherein the second direction is an axial direction (AD) along the linear motion axis. [Explanation of symbols]

[0283] 10...motor, 12...shaft as rotating shaft, 30...stator as exciter, 40...rotor as field element, 51...magnet support portion as support portion, 55...end rib as interposition portion, 56...central rib as protrusion portion, 90...magnet as motor magnet, 90N...N magnet as second motor magnet, 90S...S magnet as first motor magnet, 91...first opposing surface as first surface, 92...second opposing surface as second surface, 93...first end surface as first end, 9 4...second end surface as second end, 97...vertical center as center, 110...motor, 112...shaft as rotating shaft, 130...stator as exciter, 140...rotor as motor part and field element, 210...motor, 212...shaft as rotating shaft, 230...stator as exciter, 240...moving element as motor part and field element, OR...orientation, ORa...first orientation component, ORb...second orientation component, AD...axial direction, CD...circumferential direction, RD...radial direction.

Claims

1. A first surface (91) and a second surface (92) aligned in a first direction (RD; AD; RD), The first end (93) and the second end (94) are aligned in a second direction (CD;CD;AD) that intersects the first direction, A plurality of orientations (ORs) distributed between the first surface and the second surface, and between the first end and the second end, At least a portion of the plurality of orientations has a first orientation component (ORa) along the first direction and a second orientation component (ORb) along the second direction. The first orientation component extends in the first direction from one of the first surface and the second surface to the other, and is smaller on the second surface side than on the first surface side in the first direction, and smaller on the first end side and the second end side than on the central portion (97) side between the first end and the second end, respectively, in the second direction, and extends parallel to the first direction. The second orientation component is larger on the second surface side than on the first surface side in the first direction, and larger on the first end side and the second end side than on the central part side in the second direction, and extends parallel to the second direction. A motor magnet (90) in which the second orientation component is in the opposite direction between the central portion and the first end and between the central portion and the second end.

2. The motor magnet according to claim 1, wherein the second orientation component gradually increases in the second direction from the central portion towards the first end and the second end, respectively.

3. The motor magnet according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second orientation component gradually increases in the first direction from the first surface side to the second surface side.

4. The motor magnet according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first orientation component gradually decreases in the second direction from the central portion towards the first end and the second end, respectively.

5. The motor magnet according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first orientation component gradually decreases in the first direction from the first surface side to the second surface side.

6. A motor component (40; 140; 240) having a motor magnet (90), The motor magnet is A first surface (91) and a second surface (92) aligned in a first direction (RD; AD; RD), The first end (93) and the second end (94) are aligned in a second direction (CD;CD;AD) that intersects the first direction, A plurality of orientations (ORs) distributed between the first surface and the second surface, and between the first end and the second end, At least a portion of the plurality of orientations has a first orientation component (ORa) along the first direction and a second orientation component (ORb) along the second direction. The first orientation component extends in the first direction from one of the first surface and the second surface to the other, and is smaller on the second surface side than on the first surface side in the first direction, and smaller on the first end side and the second end side than on the central portion (97) side between the first end and the second end, respectively, in the second direction, and extends parallel to the first direction. The second orientation component is larger on the second surface side than on the first surface side in the first direction, and larger on the first end side and the second end side than on the central part side in the second direction, and extends parallel to the second direction. A motor component in which the second orientation component is in the opposite direction between the central portion and the first end and between the central portion and the second end.

7. The motor magnets include a first motor magnet (90S) having a plurality of orientations having a first orientation component directed from the first surface toward the second surface in the first direction, and a second motor magnet (90N) having a plurality of orientations having a first orientation component directed from the second surface toward the first surface in the first direction. The system has multiple first motor magnets and multiple second motor magnets, The motor component according to claim 6, wherein the first motor magnet and the second motor magnet are arranged alternately in the second direction.

8. It has a support portion (51) containing a soft magnetic material, The motor component according to claim 7, wherein the second surface side of the first motor magnet and the second motor magnet faces the support portion, and the first motor magnet and the second motor magnet are each provided on the support portion.

9. It has an intervening portion (55) provided between the first motor magnet and the second motor magnet which are adjacent to each other in the second direction, The motor component according to claim 8, wherein the intervening portion includes a soft magnetic material.

10. The motor component according to claim 9, wherein the support portion and the intervening portion are connected.

11. The first motor magnet and the second motor magnet have a projection (57) provided on the central side of at least one of them, The aforementioned protrusion contains a soft magnetic material, The motor component according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the projection is connected to the support portion.

12. The motor component according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the support portion is thinner than the motor magnet in the first direction.

13. Excitators (30; 130; 230) that are energized by the application of current, It has a motor magnet (90) and field elements (40; 140; 240) aligned with the exciter in a first direction (RD; AD; RD), The motor magnet is The first surface (91) and the second surface (92) are aligned in the first direction, The first end (93) and the second end (94) are aligned in a second direction (CD;CD;AD) intersecting the first direction, A plurality of orientations (ORs) distributed between the first surface and the second surface, and between the first end and the second end, At least a portion of the plurality of orientations has a first orientation component (ORa) along the first direction and a second orientation component (ORb) along the second direction. The first orientation component extends in the first direction from one of the first surface and the second surface to the other, and is smaller on the second surface side than on the first surface side in the first direction, and smaller on the first end side and the second end side than on the central portion (97) side between the first end and the second end, respectively, in the second direction, and extends parallel to the first direction. The second orientation component is larger on the second surface side than on the first surface side in the first direction, and larger on the first end side and the second end side than on the central part side in the second direction, and extends parallel to the second direction. A motor (10; 110; 210) in which the second orientation component is in the opposite direction between the central portion and the first end and between the central portion and the second end.

14. The first direction is the radial direction (RD) perpendicular to the rotation axis (12) on which the field magnet is provided. The motor according to claim 13, wherein the second direction is the circumferential direction (CD) around the rotation axis.

15. The first direction is the axial direction (AD) along the rotation axis (112) on which the field magnet is provided. The motor according to claim 13, wherein the second direction is the circumferential direction (CD) around the rotation axis.

16. The first direction is the direction (RD) perpendicular to the linear motion axis (212) on which the field magnet is provided. The motor according to claim 13, wherein the second direction is the axial direction (AD) along the linear motion axis.

17. Having a support portion (51) containing a soft magnetic material, The second surface side of the motor magnet faces the support portion, and the motor magnet is provided on the support portion. The motor according to any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the support portion is thinner than the motor magnet in the first direction.

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