Variable magnetic flux magnet module and rotating electric machine

Abstract

To provide a variable flux magnet module that makes possible fine adjustment of a magnetic force of a magnet portion.SOLUTION: A variable flux magnet module includes a magnet portion, a first coil, and a second coil. The magnet portion includes a first variable flux magnet that intersects a virtual first face, a second variable flux magnet that intersects the first face, is arranged alongside the first variable flux magnet in a first direction heading parallel to the first face, and is arranged so as not to overlap the first variable flux magnet in a second direction heading parallel to the first face of the directions intersecting the first direction, and a first fixed magnet that is arranged to intersect the first surface and to be adjacent to both of the first variable flux magnet and the second variable flux magnet. The first coil is arranged such that a coil surface overlaps the first variable flux magnet in a third direction heading perpendicular to the first face. The second coil is arranged such that the coil surface overlaps the second variable flux magnet in the third direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a variable magnetic flux magnet module and a rotating electric machine. [Background technology]

[0002] Research and development is ongoing into technologies for improving the efficiency of rotating electrical machines.

[0003] In this regard, a rotating electric machine is known that includes a rotor and a stator having a variable flux magnet module including a variable flux magnet and a magnetizing coil made of a conductor wound around the side of the variable flux magnet (see Non-Patent Document 1). Here, a variable flux magnet is a magnet that can be demagnetized or inmagnetized by applying a magnetic field, and is sometimes called a variable magnet. In this specification, demagnetization means weakening the magnetic force, i.e., reducing the magnetic force. Also, in this specification, magnetization means strengthening the magnetic force, i.e., increasing the magnetic force. Also, in this specification, changing the magnetic force will be described as transmagnetization. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Non-Patent Document 1] Y. Yamada and K. Akatsu, "A new motor with stator magnet using the magnetization reversal technique", 2016 XXII International Conference on Electrical Machines (ICEM), Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In a rotating electric machine such as that described in Non-Patent Document 1, when the rotor rotation speed exceeds a predetermined threshold, a current is passed through the magnetizing coil of the variable flux magnet module provided in the rotating electric machine to demagnetize the variable flux magnets included in the magnet unit, thereby achieving field weakening. This improves the efficiency of the rotating electric machine. However, it is known that the magnetic force of the variable flux magnet in the variable flux magnet module can change significantly with even a slight difference in the magnitude of the current passed through the magnetizing coil. For this reason, it has sometimes been difficult to change the magnetic force of the magnet unit in three or more stages with the variable flux magnet module. In other words, it has sometimes been difficult to fine-tune the magnetic force of the magnet unit with the variable flux magnet module.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a variable magnetic flux magnet module and a rotating electric machine that are capable of fine-tuning the magnetic force of the magnet section. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure is a variable magnetic flux magnet module comprising a magnet section, a first coil, and a second coil, wherein the magnet section includes a first variable magnetic flux magnet that intersects with an imaginary first plane, a second variable magnetic flux magnet that intersects with the first plane and is aligned with the first variable magnetic flux magnet in a first direction parallel to the first plane, and is arranged so as not to overlap with the first variable magnetic flux magnet in a second direction that intersects with the first direction and is parallel to the first plane, and a first fixed magnet that intersects with the first plane and is arranged so as to be adjacent to both the first variable magnetic flux magnet and the second variable magnetic flux magnet, wherein the first coil is arranged so that its coil surface overlaps with the first variable magnetic flux magnet in a third direction perpendicular to the first plane, and the second coil is arranged so that its coil surface overlaps with the second variable magnetic flux magnet in the third direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present disclosure, the magnetic force of the magnet portion can be finely adjusted. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a rotating electrical machine control system 1. FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a variable magnetic flux magnet module VMM. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a side view showing a first modified example of the configuration of the variable magnetic flux magnet module VMM. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a second modified example of the configuration of the variable magnetic flux magnet module VMM. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a magnet section MG housed in a recess CC of a magnetic body MB together with 12 magnetizing coils C arranged in the magnet section MG. [Figure 6] 6 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which the magnet portion MG is taken out from the recess CC of the magnetic body MB shown in FIG. 5. FIG. [Figure 7] 10 is a diagram showing an example of a flow of processing in which the control device 20 controls the variable magnetic flux magnet module VMM. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a first modification of the flow of processing in which the control device 20 controls the variable magnetic flux magnet module VMM. [Figure 9] 10 is a timing chart showing an example of temporal changes in the magnitude of the current that the control device 20 applies to the variable magnetic flux magnet module VMM by repeating the processing of steps S230 to S240. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second modification of the flow of processing in which the control device 20 controls the variable magnetic flux magnet module VMM. [Figure 11] 10 is a timing chart showing an example of temporal changes in the magnitude of the current that the control device 20 applies to the variable magnetic flux magnet module VMM by repeating the processing of steps S330 to S340. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a third modification of the flow of processing in which the control device 20 controls the variable magnetic flux magnet module VMM. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] <Embodiment> Hereinafter, embodiments of the technology according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Herein, a coil in the embodiments refers to a conductor wound around at least one of a certain region and a certain object, and does not include a conductor as a lead wire connecting these conductors to another circuit. However, the coil may also be configured to include a conductor as a lead wire connecting the conductor wound around at least one of a certain region and a certain object to another circuit.

[0011] <Configuration of rotating electrical machine control system> The configuration of the rotating electrical machine control system 1 will be described below with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the rotating electrical machine control system 1.

[0012] The rotating electrical machine control system 1 includes a rotating electrical machine 10 and a control device 20.

[0013] The rotating electric machine 10 is a motor provided to rotate a rotating body in a device that changes the rotation speed of the rotating body in response to a control signal. Examples of such devices include, but are not limited to, motors that drive electric vehicles and motors that drive washing machines.

[0014] In the following, a case where the rotating electrical machine 10 is a three-phase brushless motor will be described as an example. Note that the rotating electrical machine 10 may be a motor of another type instead of a three-phase brushless motor.

[0015] The rotating electric machine 10 includes a rotor 11, a stator 12, and N variable magnetic flux magnet modules VMM. In FIG. 1 , to simplify the drawing, components of the rotating electric machine 10 other than the rotor 11 and the stator 12 (for example, various wirings, Hall sensors, etc.) are omitted. Here, the N variable magnetic flux magnet modules VMM are modules provided in at least one of the rotor 11 and the stator 12. Below, as an example, a case will be described in which the N variable magnetic flux magnet modules VMM are provided in the rotor 11. Note that the N variable magnetic flux magnet modules VMM may be provided in the stator 12 instead of the rotor 11, or may be provided in both the rotor 11 and the stator 12.

[0016] The rotor 11 is equipped with N variable flux magnet modules VMM. N may be any integer equal to or greater than 1. In the example shown in Fig. 1, the rotor 11 is equipped with six variable flux magnet modules VMM. In Fig. 1, these six variable flux magnet modules VMM are indicated by variable flux magnet module VMM-1 to variable flux magnet module VMM-6, respectively.

[0017] The variable flux magnet module VMM is a module equipped with a magnet section MG including a plurality of variable flux magnets. A variable flux magnet is a magnet that can be demagnetized or magnetized by applying a magnetic field. In the rotating electric machine control system 1, the variable flux magnets of the variable flux magnet module VMM are demagnetized to demagnetize the magnet section MG, thereby realizing field weakening of the rotating electric machine 10.

[0018] The stator 12 includes a plurality of electromagnets respectively associated with the U-phase, V-phase, and W-phase. In order to simplify the drawing, the reference numerals of these electromagnets are omitted from Fig. 1 .

[0019] The control device 20 controls the rotating electric machine 10. In this embodiment, the rotating electric machine 10 is a three-phase brushless motor as described above. Therefore, the control device 20 rotates the rotating electric machine 10 by PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control. That is, the control device 20 supplies PWM signals to a plurality of electromagnets (not shown) provided in the stator 12. Note that the control device 20 may be configured to be controlled by a device that is higher in rank than the control device 20. In this case, the rotating electric machine control system 1 may be configured to include such a higher-ranking device.

[0020] Furthermore, the control device 20 determines the rotation speed of the rotating electric machine 10 based on, for example, an output signal from a Hall sensor (not shown) provided in the rotating electric machine 10. Note that the control device 20 may be configured to determine the rotation speed using another method. Furthermore, the method for determining the rotation speed based on the output signal may be a known method or a method to be developed in the future. The control device 20 performs magnetization of the magnet portion MG of the variable magnetic flux magnet module VMM provided in the rotating electric machine 10 according to the determined rotation speed.

[0021] Here, it is known that in a variable flux magnet module X (for example, a conventional variable flux magnet module) different from the variable flux magnet module VMM, the magnetic force of the variable flux magnet included in the magnet unit provided in the variable flux magnet module X changes significantly due to slight differences in the magnitude of the current flowing through the magnetizing coil that generates the magnetic field applied to the magnet unit. For this reason, in the variable flux magnet module X, it can be difficult to change the magnetic force of the magnet unit in three or more stages. In other words, it can be difficult to fine-tune the magnetic force of the magnet unit in the variable flux magnet module X.

[0022] In contrast, the variable magnetic flux magnet module VMM can discretely change the magnetic force of the magnet unit MG in three or more stages. Therefore, the control device 20 can change the magnetic force of the magnet unit MG of the variable magnetic flux magnet module VMM included in the rotating electric machine 10 to a magnetic force corresponding to the specified rotation speed of the rotating electric machine 10. For example, when the rotation speed is a predetermined first rotation speed, the control device 20 sets the magnetic force of the magnet unit MG to a first magnetic force. That is, when the rotation speed is the first rotation speed and the magnetic force of the magnet unit MG is weaker than the first magnetic force, the control device 20 magnetizes the magnet unit MG. Furthermore, when the rotation speed is the first rotation speed and the magnetic force of the magnet unit MG is stronger than the first magnetic force, the control device 20 demagnetizes the magnet unit MG. Furthermore, when the rotation speed is the first rotation speed and the magnetic force of the magnet unit MG is the first magnetic force, the control device 20 does not change the magnetic force of the magnet unit MG. Furthermore, for example, when the rotation speed is a second rotation speed that is higher than the first rotation speed, the control device 20 sets the magnetic force of the magnet unit MG to a second magnetic force that is weaker than the first magnetic force. That is, when the rotation speed is the second rotation speed and the magnetic force of the magnet unit MG is weaker than the second magnetic force, the control device 20 magnetizes the magnet unit MG. Furthermore, when the rotation speed is the second rotation speed and the magnetic force of the magnet unit MG is stronger than the second magnetic force, the control device 20 demagnetizes the magnet unit MG. Furthermore, when the rotation speed is the second rotation speed and the magnetic force of the magnet unit MG is the second magnetic force, the control device 20 does not change the magnetic force of the magnet unit MG. Furthermore, for example, when the rotation speed is a third rotation speed that is higher than the second rotation speed, the control device 20 sets the magnetic force of the magnet unit MG to a third magnetic force that is weaker than the second magnetic force. That is, when the rotation speed is the third rotation speed and the magnetic force of the magnet part MG is weaker than the third magnetic force, the control device 20 magnetizes the magnet part MG. Also, when the rotation speed is the third rotation speed and the magnetic force of the magnet part MG is stronger than the third magnetic force, the control device 20 demagnetizes the magnet part MG. Also, when the rotation speed is the third rotation speed and the magnetic force of the magnet part MG is the third magnetic force, the control device 20 does not change the magnetic force of the magnet part MG.By such control, the control device 20 can realize a weakened field of the rotating electric machine 10 and improve the efficiency of the rotating electric machine 10. Note that the control device 20 may be configured to change the magnetic force of the magnet section MG in two discrete stages according to the rotation speed.

[0023] <Configuration of variable magnetic flux magnet module> The configuration of the variable magnetic flux magnet module VMM will be described below with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the variable magnetic flux magnet module VMM.

[0024] Here, the three-dimensional coordinate system TC is a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system that indicates directions in a drawing in which the three-dimensional coordinate system TC is drawn. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the X-axis in the three-dimensional coordinate system TC will be simply referred to as the X-axis. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the Y-axis in the three-dimensional coordinate system TC will be simply referred to as the Y-axis. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the Z-axis in the three-dimensional coordinate system TC will be simply referred to as the Z-axis.

[0025] The variable flux magnet module VMM includes a magnet section MG and a plurality of magnetizing coils C.

[0026] The magnet section MG includes a plurality of variable magnetic flux magnets that intersect with an imaginary first plane M1, and one or more fixed magnets that intersect with the first plane M1. Below, as an example, a case will be described in which the magnet section MG includes 12 variable magnetic flux magnets, variable magnetic flux magnet VM1 to variable magnetic flux magnet VM12, and 12 fixed magnets, fixed magnet FM1 to fixed magnet FM12. Therefore, in the example shown in Fig. 2, the magnet section MG includes each of these 12 variable magnetic flux magnets and these 12 fixed magnets.

[0027] Here, the first surface M1 is a virtual surface associated with the magnet portion MG. In the following, as an example, a case where the first surface M1 is a virtual surface perpendicular to the Z-axis will be described. In the following, as an example, a direction parallel to the first surface M1 will be referred to as the first direction, and a direction perpendicular to the first direction that is parallel to the first surface M1 will be referred to as the second direction. In the following, as an example, a case where the first direction coincides with the positive direction of the X-axis and the second direction coincides with the positive direction of the Y-axis will be described. In the following, for convenience of explanation, one of the two directions perpendicular to the first surface M1 will be referred to as the third direction, and the other of the two directions will be referred to as the fourth direction. In the following, as an example, a case where the third direction coincides with the positive direction of the Z-axis and the fourth direction coincides with the negative direction of the Z-axis will be described. The first direction may coincide with another direction instead of the positive direction of the X-axis. Therefore, instead of the positive direction of the Y axis, the second direction may also coincide with another direction perpendicular to the first direction that is parallel to the first surface M1. Furthermore, the second direction may not be perpendicular to the first direction but may be a direction that intersects with the first direction. Furthermore, instead of a plane perpendicular to the Z axis, the first surface M1 may be a plane perpendicular to another axis. Therefore, instead of a direction perpendicular to the Z axis, the third and fourth directions may be other directions perpendicular to the first surface M1.

[0028] Each of the 12 variable flux magnets is, for example, a flat, rectangular variable flux magnet. Note that the shape of some or all of the 12 variable flux magnets may be other shapes instead of a flat, rectangular shape. Also, each of the 12 variable flux magnets may be composed of multiple variable flux magnet segments, or may be composed of a single variable flux magnet segment. The following describes, as an example, a case where each of the 12 variable flux magnets has the same configuration. In this case, each of the 12 variable flux magnets has the same magnetic characteristics. Note that some or all of the 12 variable flux magnets may have different configurations. In this case, some or all of the 12 variable flux magnets may have different magnetic characteristics. In this embodiment, the magnetic characteristics of a variable flux magnet are represented by the magnitude of the magnetic field that must be applied to the variable flux magnet to change the magnetic force of the variable flux magnet to a desired magnetic force. Furthermore, when the magnetic properties of the 12 variable flux magnets are different from one another, the 12 variable flux magnets differ from one another in at least one parameter selected from the group consisting of shape, thickness in the third direction, density, material, etc. In other words, the magnetic properties of the 12 variable flux magnets can be adjusted by changing some or all of these parameters. Here, the 12 variable flux magnets include a first variable flux magnet and a second variable flux magnet that is arranged alongside the first variable flux magnet in the first direction and does not overlap with the first variable flux magnet in the second direction.

[0029] Furthermore, the 12 fixed magnets may be any permanent magnets whose magnetic force hardly changes when a magnetic field is applied. Each of the 12 fixed magnets may be, for example, a flat, rectangular magnet. The following describes, as an example, a case where each of the 12 fixed magnets has the same configuration. Note that each of the 12 fixed magnets may have a different configuration. Furthermore, each of the 12 fixed magnets may be composed of multiple fixed magnet pieces, or may be composed of a single fixed magnet piece. Here, the 12 fixed magnets include a first fixed magnet that intersects with the first surface M1 and is arranged adjacent to both the first variable magnetic flux magnet and the second variable magnetic flux magnet.

[0030] The arrangement of the 12 variable magnetic flux magnets and 12 fixed magnets shown in Fig. 2 is an example of an arrangement in which the 12 variable magnetic flux magnets include a first variable magnetic flux magnet and a second variable magnetic flux magnet, and the 12 fixed magnets include a first fixed magnet. In the example shown in Fig. 2, the 12 variable magnetic flux magnets and the 12 fixed magnets are arranged on the first surface M1 in a matrix of 6 rows and 4 columns, with the rows extending in the X-axis direction and the columns extending in the Y-axis direction, so that the variable magnetic flux magnets and the fixed magnets are positioned alternately. In other words, in this example, each of the 12 fixed magnets is arranged in the white area of ​​a virtual black and white checkerboard pattern arranged on the first surface M1, and the 12 variable magnetic flux magnets are arranged in the black area of ​​the checkerboard pattern. In this case, the four magnets, variable magnetic flux magnet VM1, variable magnetic flux magnet VM2, fixed magnet FM1, and fixed magnet FM2, are lined up in the positive direction of the X-axis on the first row of the first surface M1 in the order of fixed magnet FM1, variable magnetic flux magnet VM1, fixed magnet FM2, and variable magnetic flux magnet VM2. In addition, in this case, the four magnets, variable magnetic flux magnet VM3, variable magnetic flux magnet VM4, fixed magnet FM3, and fixed magnet FM4, are lined up in the positive direction of the X-axis on the second row of the first surface M1 in the order of variable magnetic flux magnet VM3, fixed magnet FM3, variable magnetic flux magnet VM4, and fixed magnet FM4. In addition, in this case, the four magnets, variable magnetic flux magnet VM5, variable magnetic flux magnet VM6, fixed magnet FM5, and fixed magnet FM6, are lined up in the positive direction of the X-axis on the third row of the first surface M1 in the order of fixed magnet FM5, variable magnetic flux magnet VM5, fixed magnet FM6, and variable magnetic flux magnet VM6. In this case, the four magnets, variable magnetic flux magnet VM7, variable magnetic flux magnet VM8, fixed magnet FM7, and fixed magnet FM8, are lined up in the positive direction of the X-axis on the fourth row of the first surface M1 in the order of variable magnetic flux magnet VM7, fixed magnet FM7, variable magnetic flux magnet VM8, and fixed magnet FM8. In this case, the four magnets, variable magnetic flux magnet VM9, variable magnetic flux magnet VM10, fixed magnet FM9, and fixed magnet FM10, are lined up in the positive direction of the X-axis on the fifth row of the first surface M1 in the order of fixed magnet FM9, variable magnetic flux magnet VM9, fixed magnet FM10, and variable magnetic flux magnet VM10.In this case, the four magnets, variable magnetic flux magnet VM11, variable magnetic flux magnet VM12, fixed magnet FM11, and fixed magnet FM12, are lined up in the positive direction of the X-axis on the sixth row of the first surface M1 in the following order: variable magnetic flux magnet VM11, fixed magnet FM11, variable magnetic flux magnet VM12, fixed magnet FM12. In order to avoid complicating the illustration in Fig. 2, reference numerals have been omitted for each of the variable magnetic flux magnet VM3 to variable magnetic flux magnet VM10 and each of the fixed magnets FM3 to FM10.

[0031] In the example shown in FIG. 2, for example, the variable magnetic flux magnet VM1 corresponds to the first variable magnetic flux magnet, and the variable magnetic flux magnet VM2 corresponds to the second variable magnetic flux magnet. The variable magnetic flux magnet VM1 and the variable magnetic flux magnet VM2 intersect with the first plane M1, are lined up toward the positive direction of the X-axis, and are arranged so as not to overlap with each other in the second direction. In this case, in this example, the fixed magnet FM2 corresponds to the first fixed magnet. The fixed magnet FM2 intersects with the first plane M1 and is arranged so as to be adjacent to both the variable magnetic flux magnet VM1, which is an example of a first variable magnetic flux magnet, and the variable magnetic flux magnet VM2, which is an example of a second variable magnetic flux magnet. Also, in this example, for example, the variable magnetic flux magnet VM3 corresponds to the first variable magnetic flux magnet, and the variable magnetic flux magnet VM4 corresponds to the second variable magnetic flux magnet. In this case, in this example, the fixed magnet FM3 corresponds to the first fixed magnet. Also, in this example, for example, the variable magnetic flux magnet VM5 corresponds to the first variable magnetic flux magnet, and the variable magnetic flux magnet VM6 corresponds to the second variable magnetic flux magnet. In this case, in this example, the fixed magnet FM6 corresponds to the first fixed magnet. Also, in this example, for example, the variable magnetic flux magnet VM7 corresponds to the first variable magnetic flux magnet, and the variable magnetic flux magnet VM8 corresponds to the second variable magnetic flux magnet. In this case, in this example, the fixed magnet FM7 corresponds to the first fixed magnet. Also, in this example, for example, the variable magnetic flux magnet VM9 corresponds to the first variable magnetic flux magnet, and the variable magnetic flux magnet VM10 corresponds to the second variable magnetic flux magnet. In this case, in this example, the fixed magnet FM10 corresponds to the first fixed magnet. Also, in this example, for example, the variable magnetic flux magnet VM11 corresponds to the first variable magnetic flux magnet, and the variable magnetic flux magnet VM12 corresponds to the second variable magnetic flux magnet. In this case, in this example, the fixed magnet FM11 corresponds to the first fixed magnet.

[0032] In the example shown in FIG. 2, the direction in which the straight line represented by the linear function Y=X in the first quadrant of the XY plane defined by the X-axis and Y-axis extends as the value of X increases can also be considered to be the first direction. In this case, for example, the variable magnetic flux magnet VM3 corresponds to the first variable magnetic flux magnet, and the variable magnetic flux magnet VM1 corresponds to the second variable magnetic flux magnet. The variable magnetic flux magnet VM1 and the variable magnetic flux magnet VM3 intersect with the first surface M1, are aligned toward that direction, and are arranged so as not to overlap each other in a direction perpendicular to that direction, which is parallel to the first surface M1. In this case, for example, the fixed magnet FM1 corresponds to the first fixed magnet. The fixed magnet FM1 intersects with the first surface M1 and is arranged so as to be adjacent to both the variable magnetic flux magnet VM3, which is an example of a first variable magnetic flux magnet, and the variable magnetic flux magnet VM1, which is an example of a second variable magnetic flux magnet.

[0033] In this way, by including magnets corresponding to the first variable magnetic flux magnet, second variable magnetic flux magnet, and first fixed magnet in the magnet section MG, the variable magnetic flux magnet module VMM can change the magnetic force of the magnet section MG in three or more stages by combining the magnetization of the first variable magnetic flux magnet and the magnetization of the second variable magnetic flux magnet. Furthermore, the variable magnetic flux magnet module VMM can adjust the range of change in the net magnetic force of the magnet section MG (range of magnetic force magnitude) by using which of the fixed magnets with different magnetic forces as the first fixed magnet (i.e., by the magnetic force magnitude of the fixed magnet used as the first fixed magnet). This makes it possible to manufacture variable magnetic flux magnet modules VMM according to the application.

[0034] Here, the magnet section MG may be configured not to include some or all of the ten variable magnetic flux magnets other than the two variable magnetic flux magnets corresponding to the first variable magnetic flux magnet and the second variable magnetic flux magnet. In this case, in the magnet section MG, the space between any two fixed magnets aligned in the first or second direction out of the eleven fixed magnets excluding the fixed magnet corresponding to the first fixed magnet is, for example, air. Also, the magnet section MG may be configured not to include some or all of the eleven fixed magnets excluding the fixed magnet corresponding to the first fixed magnet. In this case, in the magnet section MG, the space between any two variable magnetic flux magnets aligned in the first or second direction out of the ten variable magnetic flux magnets excluding the two variable magnetic flux magnets corresponding to the first variable magnetic flux magnet and the second variable magnetic flux magnet is, for example, air.

[0035] Each of the magnetized coils C generates a magnetic field that penetrates one of the 12 variable flux magnets when a current is passed through it. Each of the magnetized coils C may be any coil capable of generating such a magnetic field. The following describes, as an example, a case in which the magnet unit MG includes 12 magnetized coils C. The following also describes, as an example, a case in which each of the 12 magnetized coils C is a spiral coil having a coil surface that is substantially parallel to the first surface M1. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 2, the magnet unit MG includes 12 spiral coils as the 12 magnetized coils C. Here, the coil surface of the magnetized coil C is a virtual plane having a thickness that includes the conductor wound as the magnetized coil C and the opening of the magnetized coil C. For ease of explanation, each of the 12 magnetized coils C will be referred to as magnetized coil C-1 to magnetized coil C-12.

[0036] The twelve magnetization coils C include a first coil arranged so that its coil surface overlaps the first variable magnetic flux magnet in the third direction, and a second coil arranged so that its coil surface overlaps the second variable magnetic flux magnet in the third direction. The arrangement of the twelve magnetization coils C shown in Figure 2 is an example of an arrangement in which the twelve magnetization coils C include a first coil and a second coil.

[0037] In the example shown in FIG. 2 , for example, the ith magnetized coil Ci of the 12 magnetized coils C is arranged on the surface of the ith variable flux magnet VMi of the 12 variable flux magnets facing the third direction. That is, in this example, the coil surface of the ith magnetized coil Ci entirely overlaps with the variable flux magnet VMi in the third direction. The magnetized coil Ci generates a magnetic field that penetrates the variable flux magnet VMi. Here, i represents an integer between 1 and 12. The magnetized coil Ci may be in contact with the variable flux magnet VMi or may be spaced apart from the variable flux magnet VMi. When the magnetized coil Ci is in contact with the variable flux magnet VMi, the magnetized coil Ci is fixed to the variable flux magnet VMi with, for example, an adhesive or the like so as not to move. When the magnetized coil Ci is spaced apart from the variable flux magnet VMi, the magnetized coil Ci is fixed with, for example, various jigs or the like so as not to move relative to the variable flux magnet VMi.

[0038] In the example shown in Fig. 2, for example, magnetized coil C-1 corresponds to the first coil. The coil surface of magnetized coil C-1 overlaps in the third direction with variable flux magnet VM1, which is an example of a first variable flux magnet. In this case, magnetized coil C-2 corresponds to the second coil. The coil surface of magnetized coil C-2 overlaps in the third direction with variable flux magnet VM2, which is an example of a second variable flux magnet when variable flux magnet VM1 is an example of a first variable flux magnet.

[0039] When a current flows through the ith magnetization coil Ci of the 12 magnetization coils C, the magnetization coil Ci generates a magnetic field that penetrates the ith variable flux magnet VMi of the 12 variable flux magnets. In other words, in this case, a magnetic flux representing the magnetic field generated by the magnetization coil Ci penetrates the variable flux magnet VMi. Below, as an example, a case will be described in which the magnetic force of the variable flux magnet VMi increases when a magnetic field penetrates the variable flux magnet VMi in the positive direction of the Z axis, and the magnetic force of the variable flux magnet VMi decreases when a magnetic field penetrates the variable flux magnet VMi in the negative direction of the Z axis.

[0040] In addition, the coil surface of the ith magnetized coil Ci among the 12 magnetized coils C may overlap with the ith variable magnetic flux magnet VMi among the 12 variable magnetic flux magnets, as well as with at least one of the other variable magnetic flux magnets and the fixed magnets, in the third direction. In this case, a portion of the conductor wound as the magnetized coil Ci and a portion of the conductor wound as the magnetized coil Cj may overlap each other. That is, a portion of the conductor wound as the magnetized coil C corresponding to the first coil and a portion of the conductor wound as the magnetized coil C corresponding to the second coil may also overlap each other. In this case, at least a portion of the coil surface of one of the magnetized coil Ci and the jth magnetized coil Cj among the 12 magnetized coils C may overlap with a portion of the coil surface of the other of the magnetized coil Ci and the magnetized coil Cj. Here, j is an integer between 1 and 12 that is different from i. That is, at least a portion of the coil surface of one of the magnetized coil C corresponding to the first coil and the magnetized coil C corresponding to the second coil may overlap with a portion of the coil surface of the other of these two magnetized coils C.

[0041] As mentioned above, it is known that in the variable flux magnet module X, the magnetic force of the variable flux magnet changes significantly due to a slight difference in the current flowing through the magnetizing coil. For this reason, it can be difficult to change the magnetic force of the variable flux magnet to a desired magnetic force in the variable flux magnet module X. This means, for example, that it is not possible to gradually weaken the field in a rotating electric machine equipped with the variable flux magnet module X, and it can be difficult to further improve the efficiency of the rotating electric machine.

[0042] In contrast, in the variable flux magnet module VMM, the amount of change in the magnetic force of the magnet section MG can be adjusted by changing the number of magnetizing coils C that generate a magnetic field penetrating the first surface M1 in the positive direction of the Z axis, the number of magnetizing coils C that generate a magnetic field penetrating the first surface M1 in the negative direction of the Z axis, or the number of magnetizing coils C that do not generate a magnetic field. The variable flux magnet module VMM can control and adjust the number of magnetizing coils C that generate a magnetic field penetrating the first surface M1 in the positive direction of the Z axis, the number of magnetizing coils C that generate a magnetic field penetrating the first surface M1 in the negative direction of the Z axis, or the number of magnetizing coils C that do not generate a magnetic field. Therefore, the variable flux magnet module VMM can change the magnetic force of the magnet section MG in three or more stages. As a result, the variable flux magnet module VMM can fine-tune the magnetic force of the magnet section MG.

[0043] Furthermore, in the variable flux magnet module VMM, the fixed magnet corresponding to the first fixed magnet is adjacent to both the variable flux magnet corresponding to the first variable flux magnet and the variable flux magnet corresponding to the second variable flux magnet. Therefore, the magnetic field that magnetizes the variable flux magnet corresponding to the first variable flux magnet using the magnetization coil C corresponding to the first coil is less likely to be applied to the variable flux magnet corresponding to the second variable flux magnet. This occurs because the magnetic flux representing the magnetic field applied to the variable flux magnet corresponding to the first variable flux magnet tends to penetrate the fixed magnet corresponding to the first fixed magnet, which is a magnetic material, rather than air, which has a higher magnetic resistance than magnetic materials. For the same reason, the magnetic field that magnetizes the second variable flux magnet is less likely to be applied to the first variable flux magnet. Therefore, the variable flux magnet module VMM can prevent the control required for fine-tuning the magnetic force of the magnet unit MG from becoming complicated.

[0044] In the variable magnetic flux magnet module VMM shown in Fig. 2, the magnet section MG includes a plurality of variable magnetic flux magnets corresponding to the first variable magnetic flux magnets and the second variable magnetic flux magnets. The variable magnetic flux magnet module VMM also includes a plurality of magnetizing coils C corresponding to the first coils and the second coils. Therefore, the variable magnetic flux magnet module VMM can more reliably prevent the control required for fine adjustment of the magnetic force of the magnet section MG from becoming complicated, while making it possible to more precisely adjust the magnetic force of the magnet section MG.

[0045] <Variation 1 of the configuration of the variable magnetic flux magnet module> Below, a first modified example of the configuration of the variable magnetic flux magnet module VMM will be described with reference to Fig. 3. In this first modified example, the variable magnetic flux magnet module VMM is configured such that one or more magnetizing coils C are also arranged on the surface of the magnet section MG facing in the third direction. Fig. 3 is a side view showing the first modified example of the configuration of the variable magnetic flux magnet module VMM.

[0046] In the magnet section MG shown in FIG. 3, magnetized coils C are also arranged on the fourth direction side of each of the twelve variable flux magnets. For example, a magnetized coil C-21 is arranged as the magnetized coil C on the fourth direction side of the variable flux magnet VM1. Furthermore, for example, a magnetized coil C-22 is arranged as the magnetized coil C on the fourth direction side of the variable flux magnet VM2. That is, a magnetized coil C-2i is arranged as the magnetized coil C on the fourth direction side of the ith variable flux magnet VMi of the twelve variable flux magnets. In other words, the magnetized coils C-2i are arranged on the variable flux magnet VMi so that the coil surfaces of the magnetized coils C-2i overlap in the fourth direction. The magnetized coils C-2i may be in contact with the variable flux magnet VMi or may be spaced apart from the variable flux magnet VMi. When the magnetizing coil C-2i is in contact with the variable magnetic flux magnet VMi, the magnetizing coil C-2i is fixed to the variable magnetic flux magnet VMi with, for example, an adhesive or the like so as not to move. When the magnetizing coil C-2i is spaced apart from the variable magnetic flux magnet VMi, the magnetizing coil C-2i is fixed with, for example, various jigs or the like so as not to move relative to the variable magnetic flux magnet VMi. Here, in FIG. 3, the magnetizing coil C-22 is not visible because it is located behind the magnetizing coil C-21. Also, in FIG. 3, the magnetizing coil C-24 is not visible because it is located behind the magnetizing coil C-23. Also, in FIG. 3, the magnetizing coil C-26 is not visible because it is located behind the magnetizing coil C-25. Also, in FIG. 3, the magnetizing coil C-28 is not visible because it is located behind the magnetizing coil C-27. Also, in Figure 3, magnetizing coil C-210 is not visible because it is located behind magnetizing coil C-29, and magnetizing coil C-212 is not visible because it is located behind magnetizing coil C-211.

[0047] Here, in the variable flux magnet module VMM shown in FIG. 3, by passing a current through two magnetized coils C (for example, magnetized coil C-1 and magnetized coil C-21) that overlap in the third direction so that they generate magnetic fields in the same direction, it is possible to increase the amount of change in magnetic force of the variable flux magnet (variable flux magnet VM1 when the two magnetized coils C are magnetized coil C-1 and magnetized coil C-21) sandwiched between these two magnetized coils C. Note that in this variable flux magnet module VMM, the two magnetized coils C that overlap in the third direction may be made of a single conductor, or may be made of separate conductors. Also, the variable flux magnet module VMM may be configured without some of the magnetized coils C-21 to C-212. In this case, one or more magnetization coils C of the magnetization coils C-21 to C-212 included in the variable magnetic flux magnet module VMM may be configured to overlap with two or more variable magnetic flux magnets of the 12 variable magnetic flux magnets in the third direction.

[0048] <Modification 2 of the configuration of the variable magnetic flux magnet module> Below, a second modified example of the configuration of the variable magnetic flux magnet module VMM will be described with reference to Fig. 4. In this second modified example, the variable magnetic flux magnet module VMM includes a fixed magnet FMM in addition to a magnet section MG and twelve magnetizing coils C. Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing the second modified example of the configuration of the variable magnetic flux magnet module VMM.

[0049] The fixed magnet FMM may be any permanent magnet whose magnetic force does not change when a magnetic field is applied. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the fixed magnet FMM is a flat, rectangular magnet. The shape of the fixed magnet FMM may be other than a flat, rectangular shape. The fixed magnet FMM may also be composed of multiple fixed magnet pieces, or a single fixed magnet piece.

[0050] The fixed magnet FMM is arranged on the surface of the magnet section MG on the fourth direction side. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the fixed magnet FMM is arranged on this surface so as to overlap the entire magnet section MG in the third direction. Note that the fixed magnet FMM may also be arranged on this surface so as to overlap a portion of the magnet section MG in the third direction. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the fixed magnet FMM is in contact with the magnet section MG. Note that the fixed magnet FMM may also be spaced apart from the magnet section MG. In this case, the surface of the fixed magnet FMM on the third direction side may be parallel to the first surface M1 or may be non-parallel to the first surface M1.

[0051] In this way, by including the fixed magnet FMM in the variable flux magnet module VMM, the variable flux magnet module VMM can make the combined magnetic force of the magnet section MG and the magnetic force of the fixed magnet FMM the net magnetic force of the magnet section MG. As a result, the variable flux magnet module VMM can use the fixed magnet FMM to adjust the range over which the magnetic force of the magnet section MG can be changed (the range of the magnitude of the magnetic force).

[0052] <Variation 3 of the configuration of the variable magnetic flux magnet module> Hereinafter, a third modification of the configuration of the variable magnetic flux magnet module VMM will be described. In this third modification, the variable magnetic flux magnet module VMM includes a magnetic body MB in addition to a magnet section MG and 12 magnetizing coils C.

[0053] In this embodiment, the magnetic body MB is an unmagnetized magnetic body, such as ferrite. That is, in this embodiment, a distinction is made between an unmagnetized magnetic body and a magnetized magnetic body such as the fixed magnets FM1 to FM12 and the fixed magnet FMM. The magnetic body MB is a magnetic body that covers at least a portion of the surface of the magnet section MG. Hereinafter, as an example, a case will be described in which the magnetic body MB is a rectangular parallelepiped magnetic body having a recess CC that houses the magnet section MG together with 12 magnetized coils C arranged in the magnet section MG. The magnetic body MB may be composed of multiple magnetic body pieces or a single magnetic body piece. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the magnet section MG housed in the recess CC of the magnetic body MB together with 12 magnetized coils C arranged in the magnet section MG. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the magnet section MG being removed from the recess CC of the magnetic body MB shown in FIG. 5. Note that, in FIGS. 5 and 6, the 12 magnetized coils C are omitted to avoid cluttering the illustration. In addition, in Figs. 5 and 6, the magnet portion MG is depicted as a simple rectangular parallelepiped object in order to prevent the drawings from becoming too complicated.

[0054] As shown in Fig. 5, when the magnet section MG is covered with the magnetic material MB, almost no (or no) magnetic flux passes through the inside of the conductor wound as the magnetized coil C arranged in the magnet section MG. As a result, the variable magnetic flux magnet module VMM can suppress the generation of eddy currents inside the conductor wound as the magnetized coil C arranged in the magnet section MG. In other words, in this case, the variable magnetic flux magnet module VMM can reduce eddy current loss.

[0055] If the variable flux magnet module VMM further includes a fixed magnet FMM, the magnet section MG may be configured to be housed in the recess CC of the magnetic body MB together with the fixed magnet FMM, or may be configured to be housed in the magnetic body MB separately from the fixed magnet FMM. If the magnet section MG is housed in the magnetic body MB separately from the fixed magnet FMM, the magnetic body MB has a recess CC that houses the magnet section MG and a recess that houses the fixed magnet FMM.

[0056] <Process by which the control device controls the variable magnetic flux magnet module> Hereinafter, a process in which the control device 20 controls the variable magnetic flux magnet module VMM will be described with reference to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of a process in which the control device 20 controls the variable magnetic flux magnet module VMM. The variable magnetic flux magnet module VMM may be configured to include a control unit that executes at least a part of the process of the control device 20 described below. The variable magnetic flux magnet module VMM may also be configured integrally with the control device 20. In this case, the control device 20 functions as a control unit for the variable magnetic flux magnet module VMM. In addition, in this embodiment, a description of the process in which the control device 20 performs PWM control to rotate the rotating electric machine 10 will be omitted. Below, as an example, a case will be described in which the control device 20 starts rotating the rotating electric machine 10 at a timing before the process of step S110 shown in FIG. 7 is performed. Also, as an example, a case will be described in which information indicating the initial value of the magnetic force of the magnet unit MG of the variable magnetic flux magnet module VMM is stored as magnetic force information in a storage unit (not shown) of the control device 20. In the following, for simplicity of explanation, a case will be described in which the control device 20 changes the magnetic force of the magnet unit MG of the variable magnetic flux magnet module VMM to either a first magnetic force or a second magnetic force. Here, the second magnetic force is weaker than the first magnetic force. The control device 20, for example, repeatedly performs the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 7 until the rotation of the rotating electric machine 10 is stopped.

[0057] The control device 20 determines whether the rotation speed of the rotating electric machine 10 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value (step S110). Here, in step S110, the control device 20 acquires an output signal at a predetermined sampling period from, for example, a Hall sensor (not shown) provided in the rotating electric machine 10. When the output signal is acquired, the control device 20 identifies the rotation speed of the rotating electric machine 10 based on the acquired output signal. The method for identifying the rotation speed based on the output signal may be a known method or a method to be developed in the future.

[0058] If the control device 20 determines that the rotation speed of the rotating electric machine 10 is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold (step S110-YES), it identifies the current magnetic force of the magnet section MG based on the magnetic force information stored in the memory unit of the control device 20, and determines whether the identified magnetic force is the second magnetic force (step S120).

[0059] When the control device 20 determines that the magnetic force of the magnet portion MG is the second magnetic force (step S120-YES), the control device 20 proceeds to step S110 and determines again whether the rotation speed of the rotary electric machine 10 is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value.

[0060] On the other hand, if the control device 20 determines that the magnetic force of the magnet unit MG is not the second magnetic force (step S120-NO), it demagnetizes the magnet unit MG (step S130). At this time, the control device 20 passes current through each of the 12 magnetized coils C so that magnetic flux penetrates the coil surface of each of the 12 magnetized coils C in the negative direction of the Z axis. As a result, the control device 20 demagnetizes the magnet unit MG in step S130. The magnitude of the current passed by the control device 20 through each of the 12 magnetized coils C in step S130 is determined, for example, by prior simulation, theoretical calculation of electromagnetics, or repeated trial and error experiments so that the net magnetic force of the magnet unit MG becomes the second magnetic force, but may be determined by other methods. After the process of step S130, the control device 20 updates the magnetic force information stored in the storage unit of the control device 20 to magnetic force information indicating the second magnetic force. Then, the control device 20 proceeds to step S110, where it determines again whether the rotation speed of the rotating electrical machine 10 is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value.

[0061] On the other hand, if the control device 20 determines that the rotation speed of the rotating electric machine 10 is less than a predetermined threshold value (step S110-NO), it identifies the current magnetic force of the magnet section MG based on the magnetic force information stored in the memory unit of the control device 20, and determines whether the identified magnetic force is the first magnetic force (step S140).

[0062] When the control device 20 determines that the magnetic force of the magnet portion MG is the first magnetic force (step S140-YES), the control device 20 proceeds to step S110 and determines again whether the rotation speed of the rotating electrical machine 10 is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value.

[0063] On the other hand, if the control device 20 determines that the magnetic force of the magnet unit MG is not the first magnetic force (step S140-NO), it magnetizes the magnet unit MG (step S150). At this time, the control device 20 passes current through each of the 12 magnetized coils C so that magnetic flux penetrates the coil surface of each of the 12 magnetized coils C in the positive direction of the Z axis. As a result, the control device 20 magnetizes the magnet unit MG in step S150. The magnitude of the current passed by the control device 20 through each of the 12 magnetized coils C in step S150 is determined, for example, by prior simulation, theoretical calculation of electromagnetics, or repeated trial and error experiments so that the net magnetic force of the magnet unit MG becomes the first magnetic force, but may be determined by other methods. After the process of step S150, the control device 20 updates the magnetic force information stored in the storage unit of the control device 20 to magnetic force information indicating the first magnetic force. Then, the control device 20 proceeds to step S110, where it determines again whether the rotation speed of the rotating electrical machine 10 is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value.

[0064] In the processing of the flowchart shown in Figure 7, the control device 20 changes the magnetic force of the magnet section MG in two stages, but it is also possible to change the magnetic force of the magnet section MG in three or more stages, for example, by passing current through some of the 12 magnetization coils C.

[0065] As described above, the control device 20 causes current to flow through each of the 12 magnetization coils C included in the variable magnetic flux magnet module VMM in accordance with the rotation speed of the rotating electric machine 10, thereby varying the magnetization of the magnet section MG. This allows the control device 20 to change the magnetic force of the magnet section MG to a desired magnetic force. As a result, the control device 20 can achieve highly accurate field weakening of the rotating electric machine 10, thereby improving the efficiency of the rotating electric machine 10.

[0066] Note that in step S110, the control device 20 may be configured to compare, for example, the rotation speed of the rotating electric machine 10 with two thresholds: a certain threshold A1 and a threshold A2 that is smaller than threshold A1. In this case, for example, if the control device 20 determines that the rotation speed is equal to or greater than threshold A1, the process proceeds to step S120, and if the control device 20 determines that the rotation speed is less than threshold A2, the process proceeds to step S140. This allows the control device 20 to control the variable flux magnet module VMM in consideration of hysteresis.

[0067] <Modification 1 of the process in which the control device controls the variable magnetic flux magnet module> Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 8 , a first modification of the process in which the control device 20 controls the variable magnetic flux magnet module VMM will be described. In this first modification, the control device 20 passes current through each of the 12 magnetized coils C so that the times at which current flows through each of the 12 magnetized coils C do not overlap. This allows the control device 20 to reduce the maximum value of the current passed through the magnetized coils C when changing the magnetization of the magnet section MG. As a result, the control device 20 can reduce the size of the power supply connected to the control device 20. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a first modification of the process flow in which the control device 20 controls the variable magnetic flux magnet module VMM. Note that the variable magnetic flux magnet module VMM may be configured to include a control unit that executes at least some of the processes of the control device 20 described below. Furthermore, the variable magnetic flux magnet module VMM may be configured integrally with the control device 20. In this case, the control device 20 functions as a control unit for the variable magnetic flux magnet module VMM. As an example, a case in which the control device 20 starts rotating the rotating electric machine 10 before the process of step S210 shown in FIG. 8 is performed will be described below. In the following, as an example, a case will be described in which information indicating the initial value of the magnetic force of the magnet section MG of the variable magnetic flux magnet module VMM is stored as magnetic force information in a storage section (not shown) of the control device 20. In addition, in the following, to simplify the explanation, as an example, a case will be described in which the control device 20 changes the magnetic force of the magnet section MG of the variable magnetic flux magnet module VMM to either a first magnetic force or a second magnetic force. For example, the control device 20 repeatedly performs the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 8 until the rotation of the rotating electric machine 10 is stopped.

[0068] The control device 20 determines whether the rotation speed of the rotating electrical machine 10 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value (step S210). Here, the process of step S210 is the same as the process of step S110 shown in FIG. 7, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0069] If the control device 20 determines that the rotation speed of the rotating electric machine 10 is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold (step S210-YES), it identifies the current magnetic force of the magnet unit MG based on the magnetic force information stored in the memory unit of the control device 20, and determines whether the identified magnetic force is the second magnetic force (step S220).

[0070] When the control device 20 determines that the magnetic force of the magnet portion MG is the second magnetic force (step S220-YES), the control device 20 proceeds to step S210 and determines again whether the rotation speed of the rotary electric machine 10 is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value.

[0071] On the other hand, if the control device 20 determines that the magnetic force of the magnet section MG is not the second magnetic force (step S220-NO), it selects each of the 12 magnetized coils C provided in the variable magnetic flux magnet module VMM as a target coil, and repeats the process of step S240 for each selected target coil (step S230). Note that the order in which each of the 12 magnetized coils C is selected as a target coil may be random or may be a predetermined order. The predetermined order may be any order.

[0072] After the target coil is selected in step S230, the control device 20 passes a current through the selected target coil to demagnetize the target variable flux magnet (step S240). Here, the target variable flux magnet refers to a variable flux magnet among the 12 variable flux magnets that overlaps with the coil plane of the target coil in the third direction. In step S240, the control device 20 passes a current through the target coil so that the magnetic flux penetrates the coil plane of the target coil in the negative direction of the Z axis. As a result, the control device 20 demagnetizes the target variable flux magnet in step S240. Note that the magnitude of the current passed through the target coil by the control device 20 in step S240 is determined, for example, by prior simulation, theoretical calculation of electromagnetics, repeated trial and error through experiments, etc., so that the net magnetic force of the magnet unit MG becomes the second magnetic force when demagnetization of all 12 variable flux magnets is completed, but it may also be determined by other methods. After the process of step S240 is performed, the control device 20 proceeds to step S230 to select the next target coil. If there is no unselected magnetized coil C that can be selected as the next target coil in step S230, the control device 20 ends the repeated process of steps S230 to S240. Thereafter, the control device 20 updates the magnetic force information stored in the storage unit of the control device 20 to magnetic force information indicating the second magnetic force. Then, the control device 20 proceeds to step S210 to again determine whether the rotation speed of the rotating electric machine 10 is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value.

[0073] In this manner, by repeating steps S230 to S240, the control device 20 reduces the magnetic force of the magnet section MG from the first magnetic force to the second magnetic force. At this time, the control device 20 passes current through each of the 12 magnetized coils C so that the time during which current flows through each of the 12 magnetized coils C does not overlap. This allows the control device 20 to reduce the maximum value of the current passed through the magnetized coils C during the magnetization of the magnet section MG. This can be clearly understood by looking at FIG. 9. FIG. 9 is a timing chart showing an example of the temporal change in the magnitude of the current passed through the variable flux magnet module VMM by the control device 20 by repeating steps S230 to S240. The vertical axis of the graph shown in FIG. 9 represents the magnitude of the current. The horizontal axis of the graph represents the elapsed time. For example, in the repeated processing of steps S230 to S240 shown in FIG. 9, the time during which the control device 20 passes current through each target coil is, for example, 100 microseconds. That is, the width of each pulse on the graph is 100 microseconds. That is, each solid-line pulse on the graph indicates the magnitude of the current flowing through one of the 12 magnetized coils C. In this case, the control device 20 completes the flow of current through all 12 magnetized coils C within 1.2 milliseconds, completing the demagnetization of the magnet unit MG. At this time, the control device 20 flows current through each of the 12 magnetized coils C so that the times at which current flows through each of the 12 magnetized coils C do not overlap. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 9, the maximum value of the current that the control device 20 flows through the variable flux magnet module VMM is the magnitude indicated by I1 on the graph. Meanwhile, for example, in step S130 shown in FIG. 7, the control device 20 flows current through all of the 12 magnetized coils C during the period from time T1 to time T2. Therefore, in step S130, the maximum value of the current that the control device 20 passes through the variable flux magnet module VMM is indicated by the height of the dotted pulse, and is the magnitude indicated by I2 shown on the graph. Note that I2 is approximately 12 times I1. In other words, when the control device 20 performs the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 9, the control device 20 can reduce the maximum value of the current that passes through the magnetization coil C when changing the magnetism of the magnet section MG.As a result, in the rotating electrical machine control system 1, the power supply connected to the control device 20 can be made smaller.

[0074] On the other hand, if the control device 20 determines that the rotation speed of the rotating electric machine 10 is less than a predetermined threshold value (step S210-NO), it identifies the current magnetic force of the magnet section MG based on the magnetic force information stored in the memory unit of the control device 20, and determines whether the identified magnetic force is the first magnetic force (step S250).

[0075] When the control device 20 determines that the magnetic force of the magnet portion MG is the first magnetic force (step S250-YES), the control device 20 proceeds to step S210 and determines again whether the rotation speed of the rotary electric machine 10 is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value.

[0076] On the other hand, if the control device 20 determines that the magnetic force of the magnet section MG is not the first magnetic force (step S250-NO), it selects each of the 12 magnetized coils C provided in the variable magnetic flux magnet module VMM as a target coil, and repeats the process of step S270 for each selected target coil (step S260). Note that the order in which each of the 12 magnetized coils C is selected as a target coil may be random or may be a predetermined first order. The first order may be any order.

[0077] After the target coil is selected in step S260, the control device 20 passes a current through the selected target coil to magnetize the target variable flux magnet (step S270). In step S270, the control device 20 passes a current through the target coil so that the magnetic flux penetrates the coil plane of the target coil in the positive direction of the Z axis. As a result, the control device 20 magnetizes the target variable flux magnet in step S270. Note that the magnitude of the current passed by the control device 20 to the target coil in step S270 is determined, for example, by prior simulation, theoretical calculation of electromagnetics, repeated trial and error through experiments, etc., so that the net magnetic force of the magnet unit MG becomes the first magnetic force when magnetization of all 12 variable flux magnets is completed, but it may also be determined by other methods. After the processing of step S270, the control device 20 proceeds to step S260 to select the next target coil. If there is no unselected magnetized coil C that can be selected as the next target coil in step S260, the control device 20 ends the repeated processing of steps S260 to S270. Thereafter, the control device 20 updates the magnetic force information stored in the storage unit of the control device 20 to magnetic force information indicating the first magnetic force. Then, the control device 20 proceeds to step S210, where it again determines whether the rotation speed of the rotating electric machine 10 is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value.

[0078] In this way, by repeating steps S260 to S270, the control device 20 increases the magnetic force of the magnet section MG from the second magnetic force to the first magnetic force. At this time, the control device 20 passes current through each of the 12 magnetized coils C so that the times when current flows through each of the 12 magnetized coils C do not overlap. This allows the control device 20 to reduce the maximum value of the current passed through the magnetized coils C when changing the magnetization of the magnet section MG. As a result, in the rotating electric machine control system 1, the power supply connected to the control device 20 can be made smaller.

[0079] In the processing of the flowchart shown in Figure 8, the control device 20 changes the magnetic force of the magnet section MG in two stages, but it is also possible to change the magnetic force of the magnet section MG in three or more stages, for example, by passing current through some of the 12 magnetization coils C.

[0080] As described above, the control device 20 changes the magnetization of the magnet section MG by passing a current through each of the 12 magnetization coils C included in the variable magnetic flux magnet module VMM in accordance with the rotation speed of the rotating electric machine 10. In this case, the control device 20 passes a current through each of the 12 magnetization coils C so that the times at which current flows through each of the 12 magnetization coils C do not overlap. This allows the control device 20 to change the magnetic force of the magnet section MG to a desired magnetic force and also enables the power supply connected to the control device 20 to be made smaller.

[0081] <Modification 2 of the process in which the control device controls the variable magnetic flux magnet module> Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 10 , a second variation of the process in which the control device 20 controls the variable flux magnet module VMM will be described. In this second variation, the 12 magnetized coils C are classified into two or more groups. The control device 20 then passes a current through each of the two or more groups so that the currents do not overlap. In this embodiment, "passing a current through a group" refers to passing a current through one or more magnetized coils C classified into that group. By passing a current through the magnetized coils C at different times for each group, the control device 20 can solve problems caused by the arrangement of the 12 magnetized coils C on the first surface M1. Examples of such problems include the increase in additional vibrations that occur during the rotation of the rotating electric machine 10 due to the magnetization of the magnet section MG. For example, when classifying 12 magnetized coils C into two or more groups, the 12 magnetized coils C can be classified into the two or more groups so that current flows through each magnetized coil C in an order that prevents the additional vibration generated in the rotation of the rotating electric machine 10 from increasing when the magnetization of the magnet section MG is changed. In this case, the control device 20 can prevent the additional vibration generated in the rotation of the rotating electric machine 10 from increasing when the magnetization of the magnet section MG is changed. Note that such a classification method is determined, for example, by trial and error through prior experiments.

[0082] In the following, as an example, a case will be described in which 12 magnetized coils C are classified into four groups, group G1 to group G4. For example, group G1 includes three magnetized coils C: magnetized coil C-1, magnetized coil C-3, and magnetized coil C-5. For example, group G2 includes three magnetized coils C: magnetized coil C-2, magnetized coil C-4, and magnetized coil C-6. For example, group G3 includes three magnetized coils C: magnetized coil C-7, magnetized coil C-9, and magnetized coil C-11. For example, group G4 includes three magnetized coils C: magnetized coil C-8, magnetized coil C-10, and magnetized coil C-12.

[0083] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second modified example of the flow of processing in which the control device 20 controls the variable magnetic flux magnet module VMM. The variable magnetic flux magnet module VMM may be configured to include a control unit that executes at least a part of the processing of the control device 20 described below. The variable magnetic flux magnet module VMM may also be configured integrally with the control device 20. In this case, the control device 20 functions as a control unit for the variable magnetic flux magnet module VMM. The following describes, as an example, a case in which the control device 20 starts rotating the rotating electric machine 10 at a timing before the processing of step S310 shown in FIG. 10 is performed. The following also describes, as an example, a case in which information indicating the initial value of the magnetic force of the magnet unit MG of the variable magnetic flux magnet module VMM is stored as magnetic force information in a storage unit (not shown) of the control device 20. For simplicity of explanation, the following also describes, as an example, a case in which the control device 20 changes the magnetic force of the magnet unit MG of the variable magnetic flux magnet module VMM to either a first magnetic force or a second magnetic force. The control device 20 repeatedly performs the process of the flowchart shown in FIG. 10, for example, until the rotation of the rotating electrical machine 10 is stopped.

[0084] The control device 20 determines whether the rotation speed of the rotating electrical machine 10 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value (step S310). Here, the process of step S310 is the same as the process of step S110 shown in FIG. 7, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0085] If the control device 20 determines that the rotation speed of the rotating electric machine 10 is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold (step S310-YES), it identifies the current magnetic force of the magnet section MG based on the magnetic force information stored in the memory unit of the control device 20, and determines whether the identified magnetic force is the second magnetic force (step S320).

[0086] When the control device 20 determines that the magnetic force of the magnet portion MG is the second magnetic force (step S320-YES), the control device 20 proceeds to step S310 and determines again whether the rotation speed of the rotating electrical machine 10 is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value.

[0087] On the other hand, if the control device 20 determines that the magnetic force of the magnet unit MG is not the second magnetic force (step S320-NO), it selects one of the four groups as a target group and repeats the process of step S340 for each selected target group (step S330). Note that the order in which the four groups are selected one by one as a target group may be random or may be a predetermined order. The predetermined order may be any order.

[0088] After the target group is selected in step S330, the control device 20 applies a current to the target group to demagnetize the target variable flux magnet group (step S340). The target variable flux magnet group refers to three variable flux magnets that overlap in the third direction with the coil surfaces of the three magnetized coils C included in the target group among the 12 variable flux magnets. In step S340, the control device 20 applies a current to the target group so that the magnetic flux penetrates the coil surfaces of the three magnetized coils C included in the target group in the negative direction of the Z axis. This causes the control device 20 to demagnetize the target variable flux magnet group in step S340. Note that the magnitude of the current applied to the target group by the control device 20 in step S340 is determined, for example, by prior simulation, theoretical calculations in electromagnetics, repeated trial and error experiments, etc., so that the net magnetic force of the magnet section MG becomes the second magnetic force when demagnetization of all 12 variable flux magnets is complete, but it may also be determined by other methods. After the process of step S340 is performed, the control device 20 proceeds to step S330 to select the next target group. If there is no unselected group that can be selected as the next target group in step S330, the control device 20 ends the repeated process of steps S330 to S340. Then, the control device 20 proceeds to step S310 to again determine whether the rotation speed of the rotating electrical machine 10 is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value.

[0089] In this way, by repeating steps S330 to S340, the control device 20 reduces the magnetic force of the magnet section MG from the first magnetic force to the second magnetic force. At this time, the control device 20 passes current through each of the four groups so that the times at which current flows through the four groups do not overlap. This allows the control device 20 to change the magnetization of the magnet section MG while suppressing the increase in additional vibrations that occur in the rotation of the rotating electric machine 10 due to the change in magnetization of the magnet section MG. In other words, the control device 20 can solve the problem caused by the arrangement of the 12 magnetization coils C.

[0090] FIG. 11 is a timing chart showing an example of temporal changes in the magnitude of the current that the control device 20 applies to the variable flux magnet module VMM through the repeated processing of steps S330 to S340. The vertical axis of the graph shown in FIG. 11 represents the magnitude of the current. The horizontal axis of the graph represents elapsed time. For example, in the repeated processing of steps S330 to S340 shown in FIG. 10, the time that the control device 20 applies current to each target group is, for example, 100 microseconds. That is, the control device 20 completes the application of current to all 12 magnetized coils C and completes demagnetization of the magnet section MG within 400 microseconds. At this time, the control device 20 applies current to each of the four groups so that the times at which current flows through the four groups do not overlap. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 11, the maximum value of the current that the control device 20 applies to the variable flux magnet module VMM is the magnitude indicated by I3 on ​​the graph. Note that I3 is approximately three times the aforementioned I1. Timing T3 shown in FIG. 11 indicates, for example, an example of the timing when the control device 20 starts to pass current to group G1. Timing T4 shown in FIG. 11 indicates, for example, an example of the timing when the control device 20 finishes passing current to group G1. Timing T5 shown in FIG. 11 indicates, for example, an example of the timing when the control device 20 starts to pass current to group G2. Timing T6 shown in FIG. 11 indicates, for example, an example of the timing when the control device 20 finishes passing current to group G2. Timing T7 shown in FIG. 11 indicates, for example, an example of the timing when the control device 20 starts to pass current to group G3. Timing T8 shown in FIG. 11 indicates, for example, an example of the timing when the control device 20 finishes passing current to group G3. Timing T9 shown in FIG. 11 indicates, for example, an example of the timing when the control device 20 starts to pass current to group G4. Timing T10 shown in FIG. 11 indicates, for example, an example of the timing when the control device 20 finishes passing current to group G4.

[0091] On the other hand, if the control device 20 determines that the rotation speed of the rotating electric machine 10 is less than a predetermined threshold value (step S310-NO), it identifies the current magnetic force of the magnet section MG based on the magnetic force information stored in the memory unit of the control device 20, and determines whether the identified magnetic force is the first magnetic force (step S350).

[0092] When the control device 20 determines that the magnetic force of the magnet portion MG is the first magnetic force (step S350-YES), the control device 20 proceeds to step S310 and determines again whether the rotation speed of the rotary electric machine 10 is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value.

[0093] On the other hand, if the control device 20 determines that the magnetic force of the magnet unit MG is not the first magnetic force (step S350-NO), it selects one of the four groups as a target group and repeats the process of step S370 for each selected target group (step S360). Note that the order in which the four groups are selected one by one as a target group may be random or may be a predetermined order. The predetermined order may be any order.

[0094] After the target group is selected in step S360, the control device 20 passes a current through the target group to magnetize the target variable flux magnet group (step S370). In step S370, the control device 20 passes a current through the target group so that magnetic flux passes through the three variable flux magnets included in the target group in the positive direction of the Z axis. As a result, the control device 20 magnetizes the target variable flux magnet group in step S370. Note that the magnitude of the current passed by the control device 20 to the target group in step S370 is determined, for example, by prior simulation, theoretical calculation of electromagnetics, repeated trial and error through experiments, etc., so that the net magnetic force of the magnet section MG becomes the first magnetic force when magnetization of all 12 variable flux magnets is completed, but it may also be determined by other methods. After the processing of step S370, the control device 20 transitions to step S360 and selects the next target group. If there is no unselected group that can be selected as the next target group in step S360, the control device 20 ends the repeated processing of steps S360 to S370. Then, the control device 20 proceeds to step S310 and again determines whether the rotation speed of the rotating electrical machine 10 is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value.

[0095] In this way, by repeating steps S360 to S370, the control device 20 increases the magnetic force of the magnet section MG from the second magnetic force to the first magnetic force. At this time, the control device 20 passes current through each of the four groups so that the times at which current flows through the four groups do not overlap. This allows the control device 20 to change the magnetization of the magnet section MG while suppressing the increase in additional vibrations that occur in the rotation of the rotating electric machine 10 due to the change in magnetization of the magnet section MG. In other words, the control device 20 can solve the problem caused by the arrangement of the 12 magnetization coils C.

[0096] In the processing of the flowchart shown in Figure 10, the control device 20 changes the magnetic force of the magnet section MG in two stages, but it is also possible to change the magnetic force of the magnet section MG in three or more stages, for example, by passing current through some of the four groups.

[0097] As described above, the control device 20 passes current through each of the 12 magnetization coils C included in the variable magnetic flux magnet module VMM in accordance with the rotation speed of the rotating electric machine 10, thereby varying the magnetization of the magnet section MG. In this case, the control device 20 passes current through each of the four groups so that the times at which current flows through the four groups do not overlap. This allows the control device 20 to vary the magnetization of the magnet section MG while suppressing the increase in additional vibrations that occur in the rotation of the rotating electric machine 10 due to the variation in magnetization of the magnet section MG. In other words, the control device 20 can solve problems caused by the arrangement of the 12 magnetization coils C.

[0098] <Modification 3 of the process in which the control device controls the variable magnetic flux magnet module> Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 12 , a third variation of the process in which the control device 20 controls the variable flux magnet module VMM will be described. In this third variation, the control device 20 changes the magnetic force of the magnet section MG to one of three or more magnetic forces of different magnitudes depending on the rotation speed of the rotating electric machine 10. This allows the control device 20 to more precisely adjust the magnetic force of the magnet section MG. In this case, the storage unit of the control device 20 stores, for example, first correspondence information in which rotation speed range information is associated with magnetic force information indicating the magnetic force of the magnet section MG for each of three or more rotation speed range information. Here, the rotation speed range information refers to information indicating the range of the rotation speed of the rotating electric machine 10. In this case, the storage unit of the control device 20 also stores, for example, second correspondence information in which magnetic force information is associated with first identification information and second identification information for each of three or more magnetic force information. The first identification information refers to information including identification information for identifying one or more magnetized coils C through which a current is passed so as to generate a magnetic field penetrating the coil surface in the negative direction of the Z axis. The second identification information is information including identification information for identifying each of one or more magnetization coils C through which a current is passed so as to generate a magnetic field that penetrates the coil surface in the positive direction of the Z axis.

[0099] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a third modified example of the flow of processing by the control device 20 to control the variable magnetic flux magnet module VMM. The variable magnetic flux magnet module VMM may be configured to include a control unit that executes at least a part of the processing of the control device 20 described below. The variable magnetic flux magnet module VMM may also be configured integrally with the control device 20. In this case, the control device 20 functions as the control unit of the variable magnetic flux magnet module VMM. The following describes, as an example, a case in which the control device 20 starts rotating the rotating electric machine 10 at a timing before the processing of step S410 shown in FIG. 12 is performed. The following also describes, as an example, a case in which information indicating the initial value of the magnetic force of the magnet section MG of the variable magnetic flux magnet module VMM is stored as magnetic force information in a storage unit (not shown) of the control device 20. The control device 20, for example, repeatedly performs the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 12 until the rotation of the rotating electric machine 10 is stopped.

[0100] The control device 20 acquires an output signal at a predetermined sampling period from a Hall sensor (not shown) provided in the rotating electrical machine 10, and identifies the rotation speed of the rotating electrical machine 10 based on the acquired output signal (step S410). The method for identifying the rotation speed based on the output signal may be a known method or a method to be developed in the future.

[0101] Next, the control device 20 identifies rotation speed range information indicating a range including the rotation speed identified in step S410 from among the plurality of rotation speed range information included in the first correspondence information stored in the storage unit of the control device 20. Then, the control device 20 identifies the magnetic force indicated by the magnetic force information associated with the identified rotation speed range information as the target magnetic force that is the target for changing the magnetic force of the magnet unit MG (step S420).

[0102] Next, the control device 20 identifies magnetic force information indicating the target magnetic force identified in step S420 from the magnetic force information included in the second correspondence information stored in the storage unit of the control device 20. Then, the control device 20 identifies first identification information and second identification information associated with the identified magnetic force information. The control device 20 identifies one or more magnetized coils C identified by the identified first identification information as demagnetization use magnetized coils, and identifies one or more magnetized coils C identified by the identified second identification information as magnetization use magnetized coils for magnetization (step S430). In FIG. 12, the processing of step S430 is indicated by "identify magnetized coils to be used."

[0103] Next, the control device 20 demagnetizes those variable flux magnets that overlap in the third direction with the coil surfaces of the one or more demagnetization-use magnetized coils identified in step S430 among the 12 variable flux magnets, and magnetizes those variable flux magnets that overlap in the third direction with the coil surfaces of the one or more magnetization-use magnetized coils identified in step S430 among the 12 variable flux magnets (step S440). In FIG. 12, the processing of step S440 is indicated by "magnetization." By processing step S440, the control device 20 can change the magnetic force of the magnet unit MG to the target magnetic force. After processing step S440, the control device 20 transitions to step S410 and again determines the rotation speed of the rotating electric machine 10.

[0104] As described above, the control device 20 changes the magnetic force of the magnet section MG to one of three or more magnetic forces of different magnitudes depending on the rotation speed of the rotating electric machine 10. In this case, for example, when the control device 20 changes the magnetic force of the magnet section MG to a first magnetic force, it passes current through one or more magnetization coils C of the 12 magnetization coils C that are associated with the first magnetic force (i.e., at least one of one or more demagnetization use magnetization coils and one or more magnetization use magnetization coils), and when the control device 20 changes the magnetic force of the magnet section MG to a second magnetic force, it passes current through one or more magnetization coils C of the 12 magnetization coils C that are associated with the second magnetic force (i.e., at least one of one or more demagnetization use magnetization coils and one or more magnetization use magnetization coils). This allows the control device 20 to more precisely adjust the magnetic force of the variable magnetic flux magnet.

[0105] As described above, the variable magnetic flux magnet module according to the embodiment (variable magnetic flux magnet module VMM in the example described above) includes a magnet section (magnet section MG in the example described above), a first coil (for example, magnetizing coil C-1 in the example described above), and a second coil (for example, magnetizing coil C-2 in the example described above), and the magnet section includes a first variable magnetic flux magnet (for example, variable magnetic flux magnet VM1 in the example described above) that intersects with an imaginary first plane (for example, first plane M1 in the example described above), and a second coil that intersects with the first plane and is oriented in a first direction parallel to the first plane. The variable flux magnet module includes a second variable flux magnet (in the example described above, for example, variable flux magnet VM2) arranged side by side so as not to overlap the first variable flux magnet in a second direction parallel to the first plane among directions intersecting the first direction, and a first fixed magnet (in the example described above, for example, fixed magnet FM2) arranged intersecting the first plane and adjacent to both the first variable flux magnet and the second variable flux magnet, the first coil being arranged so that its coil surface overlaps the first variable flux magnet in a third direction orthogonal to the first plane, and the second coil being arranged so that its coil surface overlaps the second variable flux magnet in the third direction. This allows the variable flux magnet module to fine-tune the magnetic force of the magnet section.

[0106] Furthermore, in the variable magnetic flux magnet module, the magnet section may further include a second fixed magnet (in the example described above, for example, if an example of the first fixed magnet is fixed magnet FM1, then fixed magnet FM3) that intersects with the first surface, and the first fixed magnet and second fixed magnet may be positioned adjacent to both the first variable magnetic flux magnet and the second variable magnetic flux magnet, and may be arranged so as not to overlap each other in the first direction.

[0107] In addition, the variable magnetic flux magnet module may be configured such that the first coil is arranged in the third direction together with the first variable magnetic flux magnet so that the coil surface overlaps with a portion of the second variable magnetic flux magnet.

[0108] Furthermore, in the variable magnetic flux magnet module, a configuration may be used in which the second coil is arranged in the third direction together with the second variable magnetic flux magnet so that the coil surface overlaps with a portion of the first variable magnetic flux magnet.

[0109] In addition, in the variable magnetic flux magnet module, a configuration may be used in which either the first coil or the second coil is arranged in the third direction so that its coil surface overlaps with both the first variable magnetic flux magnet and the second variable magnetic flux magnet.

[0110] Furthermore, the variable magnetic flux magnet module may be configured such that a portion of the conductor wound as the first coil overlaps a portion of the conductor wound as the second coil in the third direction.

[0111] In addition, the variable magnetic flux magnet module may be configured such that at least a portion of the coil surface of one of the first coil and the second coil overlaps a portion of the coil surface of the other of the first coil and the second coil in the third direction.

[0112] Furthermore, the variable magnetic flux magnet module may further include a third coil (for example, magnetization coil C-21 in the example described above), the first coil and the second coil being positioned on the third direction side of the first surface, and the third coil being arranged so that its coil surface overlaps with at least one of the first variable magnetic flux magnet and the second variable magnetic flux magnet in the third direction, and being positioned on the fourth direction side opposite the third direction of the first surface.

[0113] Furthermore, the variable magnetic flux magnet module may be configured to further include a magnetic body (magnetic body MB in the example described above).

[0114] Furthermore, in the variable magnetic flux magnet module, the magnetic body may be configured to cover at least a portion of the surface of the magnet portion.

[0115] Furthermore, in the variable magnetic flux magnet module, a configuration may be used in which the magnetic body has a recess (recess CC in the example described above) that houses the magnet section together with the first coil and the second coil, and the magnet section is housed in the recess together with the first coil and the second coil.

[0116] Furthermore, in the variable flux magnet module, a configuration may be used in which the second direction is a direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0117] In addition, the variable magnetic flux magnet module may be configured to further include a control unit (in the example described above, a control device 20 configured integrally with the variable magnetic flux magnet module VMM) that passes current through each of the first coil and the second coil.

[0118] In addition, in the variable magnetic flux magnet module, the control unit may be configured to pass current through each of the first coil and the second coil so that the times when current flows through each of the first coil and the second coil do not overlap.

[0119] In addition, in the variable magnetic flux magnet module, when the control unit changes the magnetic force of the magnet unit to a target magnetic force, a configuration may be used in which the control unit passes a current through at least one of the first coil and the second coil according to the target magnetic force.

[0120] Furthermore, the variable magnetic flux magnet module has a magnet unit that includes a variable magnetic flux magnet, and can change the magnetic force of the magnet unit in three or more stages, allowing the variable magnetic flux magnet module to fine-tune the magnetic force of the magnet unit.

[0121] The above describes in detail an embodiment of the present disclosure with reference to the drawings, but the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and may be changed, replaced, deleted, etc. as long as it does not deviate from the gist of this disclosure.

[0122] Furthermore, a program for implementing the functions of any of the components of the above-described device may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium and then loaded into a computer system for execution. Here, the device in question is, for example, the control device 20. Note that the term "computer system" here includes hardware such as an operating system (OS) and peripheral devices. Furthermore, the term "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as flexible disks, optical magnetic disks, ROMs, and compact disks (CDs)-ROMs, as well as storage devices such as hard disks built into computer systems. Furthermore, the term "computer-readable recording medium" also includes devices that retain a program for a certain period of time, such as volatile memory within a computer system that acts as a server or client when the program is transmitted via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line.

[0123] The above program may be transmitted from a computer system storing the program in a storage device or the like to another computer system via a transmission medium or by transmission waves in the transmission medium. Here, the "transmission medium" that transmits the program refers to a medium that has the function of transmitting information, such as a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line. The program may also be a program for realizing some of the functions described above, or may be a so-called differential file or differential program that can realize the functions described above in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system. [Explanation of symbols]

[0124] 1... rotating electric machine control system, 10... rotating electric machine, 11... rotor, 12... stator, 20... control device, C, C-1 to C-12, C-21 to C212... magnetized coil, M1... first surface, MB... magnetic body, MG... magnet section, FM1 to FM12, FMM... fixed magnet, VM1 to VM12... variable flux magnet, VMM, VMM-1 to VMM-6... variable flux magnet module

Claims

1. A magnet portion; A first coil; A second coil; Equipped with The magnet portion is a first variable flux magnet intersecting the imaginary first plane; a second variable magnetic flux magnet arranged to be aligned with the first variable magnetic flux magnet in a first direction that intersects with the first surface and is parallel to the first surface, and not overlap with the first variable magnetic flux magnet in a second direction that intersects with the first direction and is parallel to the first surface; a first fixed magnet that intersects with the first plane and is disposed adjacent to both the first variable magnetic flux magnet and the second variable magnetic flux magnet; a second fixed magnet intersecting the first surface; Including, the first coil is disposed so that a coil surface overlaps the first variable flux magnet in a third direction orthogonal to the first surface, the second coil is disposed so that a coil surface overlaps the second variable magnetic flux magnet in the third direction, the first fixed magnet and the second fixed magnet are positioned adjacent to both the first variable magnetic flux magnet and the second variable magnetic flux magnet, and are arranged so as not to overlap with each other in the first direction. Variable flux magnet module.

2. the first coil is disposed so that a coil surface thereof overlaps with a part of the second variable magnetic flux magnet together with the first variable magnetic flux magnet in the third direction; The variable flux magnet module of claim 1 .

3. the second coil is disposed so that a coil surface thereof overlaps with a part of the first variable magnetic flux magnet together with the second variable magnetic flux magnet in the third direction; 3. The variable magnetic flux magnet module according to claim 1 or 2.

4. one of the first coil and the second coil is arranged so that a coil surface thereof overlaps with both the first variable magnetic flux magnet and the second variable magnetic flux magnet in the third direction; The variable flux magnet module according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. a portion of the conductor wound as the first coil overlaps with a portion of the conductor wound as the second coil in the third direction; 5. A variable flux magnet module according to claim 1.

6. At least a portion of a coil surface of one of the first coil and the second coil overlaps a portion of a coil surface of the other of the first coil and the second coil in the third direction. A variable flux magnet module according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. Further comprising a third coil; the first coil and the second coil are located on the third direction side of the first surface, the third coil is disposed so that a coil surface thereof overlaps with at least one of the first variable magnetic flux magnet and the second variable magnetic flux magnet in the third direction, and is positioned on a fourth direction side opposite to the third direction with respect to the first surface; 7. A variable flux magnet module according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. Further comprising a magnetic material, A variable flux magnet module according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The magnetic body covers at least a part of the surface of the magnet portion. The variable flux magnet module of claim 8 .

10. the magnetic body has a recess that accommodates the first coil, the second coil, and the magnet portion, The magnet portion is accommodated in the recess together with the first coil and the second coil.

10. The variable magnetic flux magnet module according to claim 8 or 9.

11. The second direction is a direction perpendicular to the first direction. A variable flux magnet module according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. Further comprising a control unit that applies a current to each of the first coil and the second coil. A variable flux magnet module according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. the control unit causes current to flow through each of the first coil and the second coil such that times when currents flow through the first coil and the second coil do not overlap.

13. The variable flux magnet module of claim 12.

14. When the control unit changes the magnetic force of the magnet unit to a target magnetic force, the control unit causes a current to flow through at least one of the first coil and the second coil in accordance with the target magnetic force.

14. The variable flux magnet module according to claim 12 or 13.

15. The magnetic force of the magnet part can be changed in three or more stages. A variable flux magnet module according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. 16. A variable flux magnet module according to claim 1, Rotating electric motor.

Images