Variable magnetic flux magnet module and rotating electric machine

Abstract

To provide a variable flux magnet module that makes possible fine adjustment of the magnetic force of a magnet portion.SOLUTION: A variable flux magnet module includes a magnet portion having a first face and a coil that generates a magnetic field penetrating the first face. The magnet portion includes a first magnet portion including a first variable flux magnet having an 11-th face and a second magnet portion including a second variable flux magnet having a 12-th face. The 11-th surface and the 12-th surface constitute at least a portion of the first face. The magnetic properties of the second magnet portion are different from the magnetic properties of the first magnet portion.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 that includes a magnet section that includes a variable flux magnet and a magnetization coil made of a conductor wound around the side of the magnet section (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 can finely adjust the magnetic force of the magnet section. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure is a variable flux magnet module comprising: a magnet section having a first surface; and a coil that generates a magnetic field that penetrates the first surface, wherein the magnet section includes a first magnet section including a first variable flux magnet having an eleventh surface; and a second magnet section including a second variable flux magnet having a twelfth surface, wherein the eleventh surface and the twelfth surface constitute at least a portion of the first surface; and wherein the magnetic properties of the second magnet section are different from the magnetic properties of the first magnet section. [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. 10 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a variable magnetic flux magnet module VMM. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the variable magnetic flux magnet module VMM shown in FIG. 2 as seen from another direction. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the magnetic properties of each of the four magnet parts included in the magnet part MG. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a first modified example of the configuration of the variable magnetic flux magnet module VMM. [Figure 6] 10 is a diagram showing another example of the magnetic properties of each of the four magnet parts included in the magnet part MG. FIG. [Figure 7] 10 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which a magnet portion MG is housed in a recess CC of a magnetic body MB together with a magnetizing coil C. FIG. [Figure 8] 8 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. 7. FIG. [Figure 9] 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. 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 variable flux magnets VM. The variable flux magnets VM are magnets that can be demagnetized or magnetized by applying a magnetic field. In the rotating electric machine control system 1, the variable flux magnets VM included in the magnet section MG 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. 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 and Fig. 3. Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the variable magnetic flux magnet module VMM. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the variable magnetic flux magnet module VMM shown in Fig. 2 when viewed from another direction.

[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 magnetic flux magnet module VMM includes a magnet section MG including a variable magnetic flux magnet VM, and a magnetizing coil C. In the example shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, the variable magnetic flux magnet module VMM includes one magnetizing coil C, but instead, it may be configured to include two or more magnetizing coils C.

[0026] The magnet part MG has a first surface M1. In the example shown in Figures 2 and 3, the first surface M1 is the surface of the magnet part MG on the positive side of the Z axis. However, the first surface M1 may be any surface of the magnet part MG other than the surface on the positive side of the Z axis.

[0027] The magnet section MG includes two or more magnet sections with different magnetic properties. In the example shown in Figures 2 and 3, the magnet section MG includes four magnet sections MG1 to MG4 with different magnetic properties. Note that some of these four magnet sections may have the same magnetic properties. The magnetic properties of these four magnet sections will be described later.

[0028] The magnet section MG1 includes at least a variable magnetic flux magnet VM1. The variable magnetic flux magnet VM1 is a variable magnetic flux magnet that constitutes a part of the variable magnetic flux magnet VM described above. The variable magnetic flux magnet VM1 is also a variable magnetic flux magnet that has an eleventh surface M11 that constitutes a part of the first surface M1. In the example shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the magnet section MG1 includes a fixed magnet FM1 in addition to the variable magnetic flux magnet VM1.

[0029] The variable magnetic flux magnet VM1 is a variable magnetic flux magnet with a flat, rectangular shape. Note that the shape of the variable magnetic flux magnet VM1 may be other shapes instead of a flat, rectangular shape. The variable magnetic flux magnet VM1 may be made up of multiple variable magnetic flux magnet pieces, or may be made up of a single variable magnetic flux magnet piece.

[0030] The fixed magnet FM1 may be any magnet as long as it is a permanent magnet whose magnetic force hardly changes when a magnetic field is applied. In the example shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the fixed magnet FM1 is a flat, rectangular magnet. In this example, the fixed magnet FM1 has a shape and size such that its outline matches (or nearly matches) the outline of the variable magnetic flux magnet VM1 in a direction perpendicular to the first surface M1, i.e., the Z-axis direction. Note that the fixed magnet FM1 may also be configured such that its outline does not match the outline of the variable magnetic flux magnet VM1 in this direction. The shape of the fixed magnet FM1 may also be other shapes instead of a flat, rectangular shape.

[0031] The fixed magnet FM1 is located on the opposite side of the first surface M1 with the variable magnetic flux magnet VM1 in between in a direction perpendicular to the first surface M1. In the example shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the variable magnetic flux magnet VM1 and the fixed magnet FM1 are in contact. That is, the fixed magnet FM1 is stacked with the variable magnetic flux magnet VM1 in a direction perpendicular to the first surface M1. Note that the fixed magnet FM1 may be spaced apart from the variable magnetic flux magnet VM1. In this case, the fixed magnet FM1 may be parallel to the variable magnetic flux magnet VM1 or may be non-parallel to the variable magnetic flux magnet VM1.

[0032] The magnet section MG2 includes at least a variable magnetic flux magnet VM2. The variable magnetic flux magnet VM2 is a variable magnetic flux magnet that constitutes a part of the variable magnetic flux magnet VM. The variable magnetic flux magnet VM2 is also a variable magnetic flux magnet that has a twelfth surface M12 that constitutes a part of the first surface M1. In the example shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the magnet section MG2 includes a fixed magnet FM2 in addition to the variable magnetic flux magnet VM2.

[0033] The variable magnetic flux magnet VM2 is a variable magnetic flux magnet with a flat, rectangular shape. Note that the shape of the variable magnetic flux magnet VM2 may be other shapes instead of a flat, rectangular shape. The variable magnetic flux magnet VM2 may be composed of multiple variable magnetic flux magnet pieces, or may be composed of a single variable magnetic flux magnet piece.

[0034] The fixed magnet FM2 may be any magnet as long as it is a permanent magnet whose magnetic force does not change when a magnetic field is applied. In the example shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the fixed magnet FM2 is a flat, rectangular magnet. In this example, the fixed magnet FM2 has a shape and size such that its outline matches (or nearly matches) the outline of the variable magnetic flux magnet VM2 in the direction perpendicular to the first surface M1, i.e., the Z-axis direction. Note that the fixed magnet FM2 may also be configured such that its outline does not match the outline of the variable magnetic flux magnet VM2 in this direction. The shape of the fixed magnet FM2 may also be other shapes instead of a flat, rectangular shape.

[0035] The fixed magnet FM2 is located on the opposite side of the variable magnetic flux magnet VM2 from the first surface M1 in a direction perpendicular to the first surface M1. In the example shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the fixed magnet FM2 is in contact with the variable magnetic flux magnet VM2. That is, the fixed magnet FM2 is stacked with the variable magnetic flux magnet VM2 in a direction perpendicular to the first surface M1. Note that the fixed magnet FM2 may be spaced apart from the variable magnetic flux magnet VM2. In this case, the fixed magnet FM2 may be parallel to the variable magnetic flux magnet VM2 or non-parallel to the variable magnetic flux magnet VM2.

[0036] The magnet section MG3 includes at least a variable magnetic flux magnet VM3. The variable magnetic flux magnet VM3 is a variable magnetic flux magnet that constitutes a part of the variable magnetic flux magnet VM. The variable magnetic flux magnet VM3 is also a variable magnetic flux magnet that has a thirteenth surface M13 that constitutes a part of the first surface M1. In the example shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the magnet section MG3 includes a fixed magnet FM3 in addition to the variable magnetic flux magnet VM3.

[0037] The variable magnetic flux magnet VM3 is a variable magnetic flux magnet with a flat, rectangular shape. Note that the shape of the variable magnetic flux magnet VM3 may be other shapes instead of a flat, rectangular shape. The variable magnetic flux magnet VM3 may be composed of multiple variable magnetic flux magnet pieces, or may be composed of a single variable magnetic flux magnet piece.

[0038] The fixed magnet FM3 may be any magnet as long as it is a permanent magnet whose magnetic force does not change when a magnetic field is applied. In the example shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the fixed magnet FM3 is a flat, rectangular magnet. In this example, the fixed magnet FM3 has a shape and size such that its outline matches (or nearly matches) the outline of the variable magnetic flux magnet VM3 in a direction perpendicular to the first surface M1, i.e., the Z-axis direction. Note that the fixed magnet FM3 may also be configured such that its outline does not match the outline of the variable magnetic flux magnet VM3 in this direction. The shape of the fixed magnet FM3 may also be other shapes instead of a flat, rectangular shape.

[0039] The fixed magnet FM3 is located on the opposite side of the variable magnetic flux magnet VM3 from the first surface M1 in a direction perpendicular to the first surface M1. In the example shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the fixed magnet FM3 is in contact with the variable magnetic flux magnet VM3. That is, the fixed magnet FM3 is stacked with the variable magnetic flux magnet VM3 in a direction perpendicular to the first surface M1. Note that the fixed magnet FM3 may be spaced apart from the variable magnetic flux magnet VM3. In this case, the fixed magnet FM3 may be parallel to the variable magnetic flux magnet VM3 or non-parallel to the variable magnetic flux magnet VM3.

[0040] The magnet section MG4 includes at least a variable magnetic flux magnet VM4. The variable magnetic flux magnet VM4 is a variable magnetic flux magnet that constitutes a part of the variable magnetic flux magnet VM. The variable magnetic flux magnet VM4 is also a variable magnetic flux magnet that has a fourteenth surface M14 that constitutes a part of the first surface M1. In the example shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the magnet section MG4 includes a fixed magnet FM4 as well as the variable magnetic flux magnet VM4.

[0041] The variable magnetic flux magnet VM4 is a variable magnetic flux magnet with a flat, rectangular shape. Note that the shape of the variable magnetic flux magnet VM4 may be other shapes instead of a flat, rectangular shape. The variable magnetic flux magnet VM4 may be composed of multiple variable magnetic flux magnet pieces, or may be composed of a single variable magnetic flux magnet piece.

[0042] The fixed magnet FM4 may be any magnet as long as it is a permanent magnet whose magnetic force does not change when a magnetic field is applied. In the example shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the fixed magnet FM4 is a flat, rectangular magnet. In this example, the fixed magnet FM4 has a shape and size such that its outline matches (or nearly matches) the outline of the variable magnetic flux magnet VM4 in the direction perpendicular to the first surface M1, i.e., the Z-axis direction. Note that the fixed magnet FM4 may also be configured such that its outline does not match the outline of the variable magnetic flux magnet VM4 in this direction. The shape of the fixed magnet FM4 may also be other shapes instead of a flat, rectangular shape.

[0043] The fixed magnet FM4 is located on the opposite side of the variable magnetic flux magnet VM4 from the first surface M1 in the direction perpendicular to the first surface M1. In the example shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the fixed magnet FM4 is in contact with the variable magnetic flux magnet VM4. That is, the fixed magnet FM4 is stacked with the variable magnetic flux magnet VM4 in the direction perpendicular to the first surface M1. Note that the fixed magnet FM4 may be spaced apart from the variable magnetic flux magnet VM4. In this case, the fixed magnet FM4 may be parallel to the variable magnetic flux magnet VM4 or non-parallel to the variable magnetic flux magnet VM4.

[0044] Here, some or all of the four variable flux magnets, variable flux magnet VM1 to variable flux magnet VM4, may be variable flux magnet segments that are integrally configured, or may be variable flux magnet segments that are configured separately from one another. In the example shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, all of these four variable flux magnets are integrally configured as the variable flux magnet VM. Therefore, in this example, these four variable flux magnets are individual variable flux magnet segments of the variable flux magnet VM that is virtually divided into four variable flux magnet segments. The magnetic properties of each of these four variable flux magnets are the same as each other. Note that the magnetic properties of each of these four variable flux magnets may be different from each other. In this case, the variable magnetic flux magnets VM may be configured, for example, as uneven rectangular variable magnetic flux magnets, which makes the magnetic properties of each of the four variable magnetic flux magnets different, or as variable magnetic flux magnets with non-uniform materials, densities, etc., which makes the magnetic properties of each of the four variable magnetic flux magnets different, or as other methods which make the magnetic properties of each of the four variable magnetic flux magnets different.

[0045] If some or all of the four variable flux magnets, variable flux magnet VM1 to variable flux magnet VM4, are configured separately from one another, the magnetic properties of two or more of these four variable flux magnets that are configured separately may be different from one another, or may be the same as one another. If the magnetic properties of the two or more variable flux magnets are different from one another, for example, at least one of the shape, thickness in a direction perpendicular to first surface M1, density, material, etc. of the two or more variable flux magnets will be different from one another. In other words, in the variable flux magnet module VMM, by making at least one of the shape, thickness, density, material, etc. of the two or more variable flux magnets different from one another, it is possible to make the magnetic properties of the two or more variable flux magnets different from one another.

[0046] In this embodiment, the magnetic characteristics of a certain variable flux magnet are represented by the magnitude of the magnetic field that must be applied to that variable flux magnet to change its magnetic force to a desired magnetic force. In contrast, in this embodiment, the magnetic characteristics of a certain fixed magnet are represented by the magnetic force of that fixed magnet. If a certain fixed magnet is stacked on top of a certain variable flux magnet so that a magnetic field can be continuously applied to that variable flux magnet, the magnetic characteristics of that variable flux magnet will change depending on the magnetic field continuously applied by the fixed magnet. Therefore, even if the magnetic characteristics of the four variable flux magnets VM1 to VM4 are the same, the magnetic characteristics of the magnet sections MG1 to MG4 can be made different by varying the magnetic characteristics of the four fixed magnets FM1 to FM4. In the example shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the magnetic characteristics of these four variable flux magnets were the same. Therefore, in this example, the magnetic characteristics of the four fixed magnets are different from each other. As a result, the magnetic characteristics of the four magnet sections are different from each other. The magnetic properties of each of the four magnet units are determined by the magnetic properties of the variable magnetic flux magnets and fixed magnets contained in each magnet unit. Therefore, the magnetic properties of a magnet unit are expressed by the magnitude of the magnetic field that must be applied to that magnet unit in order to change its magnetic force to the desired magnetic force.

[0047] If the magnetic properties of the four fixed magnets FM1 to FM4 are different from one another, then at least one of the shapes, thicknesses in the direction perpendicular to the first surface M1, densities, materials, etc. of these four fixed magnets will be different from one another. That is, in the variable magnetic flux magnet module VMM, by making at least one of the shapes, thicknesses, densities, materials, etc. of these four fixed magnets different from one another, it is possible to make the magnetic properties of the four fixed magnets different from one another.

[0048] Furthermore, in the variable magnetic flux magnet module VMM, some or all of the four fixed magnets, FM1 to FM4, may be replaced with variable magnetic flux magnets. This also makes it possible to make the magnetic properties of the four magnet sections, MG1 to MG4, different from one another in the variable magnetic flux magnet module VMM.

[0049] Furthermore, in the variable flux magnet module VMM, the magnet section MG1 may be configured to further include other variable flux magnets in addition to the variable flux magnet VM1 and the fixed magnet FM1. Furthermore, in the variable flux magnet module VMM, the magnet section MG2 may be configured to further include other variable flux magnets in addition to the variable flux magnet VM2 and the fixed magnet FM2. Furthermore, in the variable flux magnet module VMM, the magnet section MG3 may be configured to further include other variable flux magnets in addition to the variable flux magnet VM3 and the fixed magnet FM3. Furthermore, in the variable flux magnet module VMM, the magnet section MG4 may be configured to further include other variable flux magnets in addition to the variable flux magnet VM4 and the fixed magnet FM4. By realizing some or all of these, the magnetic properties of the four magnet sections, magnet sections MG1 to MG4, in the variable flux magnet module VMM can be made different from one another.

[0050] To briefly summarize magnet unit MG, each of the four magnet units in magnet unit MG includes at least one variable magnetic flux magnet and has magnetic properties that correspond to the magnets included, which are different from each other. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the magnetic properties of each of the four magnet units included in magnet unit MG. The horizontal axis of the graph shown in FIG. 4 represents the strength of the magnetic field applied to magnet unit MG. The vertical axis of the graph represents the strength of the magnetic force. The graph shown in FIG. 4 shows that the magnetic properties of magnet units MG1 to MG4 are different from each other. Furthermore, the magnetic properties of magnet units MG1 to MG4 are also different from the magnetic properties of magnet unit MG when magnet unit MG includes only variable magnetic flux magnet VM (i.e., only variable magnetic flux magnets VM1 to VM4), i.e., the magnetic properties of variable magnetic flux magnet VM.

[0051] Furthermore, the graph shown in FIG. 4 shows that the magnetic forces of the four magnet units MG4, MG3, MG2, and MG1 can be changed in stages in this order depending on the magnitude of the current flowing through the magnetized coil C, which generates the magnetic field applied to the magnet unit MG. For example, when a magnetic field having a strength indicated by H1 in FIG. 4 is applied to the magnet unit MG, the magnetic force of the magnet unit MG4 changes, but the magnetic forces of the magnet units MG1 to MG3 do not change. For example, when a magnetic field having a strength indicated by H2 in FIG. 4 is applied to the magnet unit MG, the magnetic forces of the magnet units MG3 and MG4 change, but the magnetic forces of the magnet units MG1 and MG2 do not change. This allows the variable flux magnet module VMM to change the net magnetic force of the magnet unit MG in three or more stages. Such a change in magnetic force of three or more stages is difficult to achieve with the variable flux magnet module X described above. Because the magnetic force can be changed in three or more stages, the variable flux magnet module VMM can achieve more precise field weakening of the rotating electric machine 10 and more reliably improve the efficiency of the rotating electric machine 10.

[0052] The magnetizing coil C may be any coil that can generate a magnetic field that penetrates the first surface M1. In the following, as an example, a case will be described in which the magnetizing coil C is a spiral coil having a coil surface that is parallel (or nearly parallel) to the first surface M1, excluding tilt due to bending, distortion, etc. Note that the magnetizing coil C may also be a spiral coil having a coil surface that is not parallel to the first surface M1, or may be a type of coil other than a spiral coil. Here, the coil surface of the magnetizing coil C is an imaginary plane having a thickness that includes the conductor wound as the magnetizing coil C and the opening that the magnetizing coil C has.

[0053] 2 and 3, the magnetization coil C is made of a conductor wound around the side surface of the magnet part MG. When the first surface M1 is the front, the side surface of the magnet part MG refers to the surface of the magnet part MG that faces the first surface M1 (in this example, the surface of the magnet part MG on the negative side of the Z axis) and the surface that connects the first surface (in this example, the surface of the magnet part MG that is perpendicular to the XY plane spanned by the X axis and the Y axis).

[0054] The magnetized coil C may be configured to be arranged on the first surface M1 so that its coil surface overlaps with all of the eleventh surface M11, the twelfth surface M12, the thirteenth surface M13, and the fourteenth surface M14 in a direction perpendicular to the first surface M1. In this case, the variable magnetic flux magnet module VMM may be configured to include a plurality of magnetized coils as the magnetized coil C. Some of these magnetized coils are arranged on the first surface M1 so that their coil surfaces overlap with the eleventh surface M11 in a direction perpendicular to the first surface M1. Other of these magnetized coils are arranged on the first surface M1 so that their coil surfaces overlap with the twelfth surface M12 in a direction perpendicular to the first surface M1. Still other of these magnetized coils are arranged on the first surface M1 so that their coil surfaces overlap with the thirteenth surface M13 in a direction perpendicular to the first surface M1. The remaining magnetization coils are arranged on the first plane M1 so that the coil planes overlap the fourteenth plane M14 in a direction perpendicular to the first plane M1.

[0055] In the variable flux magnet module VMM configured as described above, when a current flows through the magnetized coil C, the magnetized coil C generates a magnetic field that penetrates the first surface M1. In other words, in the variable flux magnet module VMM, in this case, the magnetic flux representing the magnetic field generated by the magnetized coil C penetrates the first surface M1. Below, as an example, a case will be described in which when a magnetic field penetrates the first surface M1 in the positive direction of the Z axis, the net magnetic force of the magnet section MG increases in accordance with the strength of the magnetic field that penetrates the first surface M1, and when a magnetic field penetrates the first surface M1 in the negative direction of the Z axis, the net magnetic force of the magnet section MG decreases in accordance with the strength of the magnetic field that penetrates the first surface M1.

[0056] <Variation 1 of the configuration of the variable magnetic flux magnet module> Hereinafter, a first modified example of the configuration of the variable magnetic flux magnet module VMM will be described with reference to FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the first modified example of the configuration of the variable magnetic flux magnet module VMM. In this first modified example, each of the four magnet sections, magnet sections MG1 to MG4, includes a variable magnetic flux magnet that is separate from one another, and does not include a fixed magnet. More specifically, in this modified example, magnet section MG1 includes a variable magnetic flux magnet VM1 that is separate from each of variable magnetic flux magnets VM2 to VM4, and does not include a fixed magnet FM1. Also, in this modified example, magnet section MG2 includes a variable magnetic flux magnet VM2 that is separate from each of variable magnetic flux magnet VM1, variable magnetic flux magnet VM3, and variable magnetic flux magnet VM4, and does not include a fixed magnet FM2. Also, in this modified example, magnet section MG3 includes a variable magnetic flux magnet VM3 that is separate from each of variable magnetic flux magnet VM1, variable magnetic flux magnet VM2, and variable magnetic flux magnet VM4, and does not include a fixed magnet FM3. In addition, in this modification 1, magnet section MG4 includes a variable magnetic flux magnet VM4 that is separate from each of the variable magnetic flux magnets VM1 to VM3, and does not include a fixed magnet FM3. In this modification 1, the variable magnetic flux magnets VM1 to VM4 have different magnetic properties. As a result, the magnetic properties of magnet sections MG1 to MG4 also differ from each other.

[0057] Here, Fig. 6 is a diagram showing another example of the magnetic properties of each of the four magnet sections included in magnet section MG. The horizontal axis of the graph shown in Fig. 6 represents the strength of the magnetic field applied to magnet section MG. The vertical axis of the graph represents the strength of the magnetic force. From the graph shown in Fig. 6, it can be seen that even in Modification 1 of the embodiment, the magnetic properties of magnet sections MG1 to MG4 are different from each other. Furthermore, from the graph, it can be seen that in Modification 1 of the embodiment, the ranges over which the magnetic force of magnet sections MG1 to MG4 changes (ranges of magnetic force magnitude) are different from each other.

[0058] Furthermore, the graph shown in FIG. 6 reveals that the magnetic forces of the four magnet units can be changed in stages in the order of magnet unit MG4, magnet unit MG3, magnet unit MG2, and magnet unit MG1, depending on the magnitude of the current flowing through the magnetized coil C, which generates the magnetic field applied to the magnet unit MG. For example, when a magnetic field having a strength indicated by H3 in FIG. 6 is applied to magnet unit MG, the magnetic force of magnet unit MG4 changes, but the magnetic forces of magnet units MG1 to MG3 do not change. For example, when a magnetic field having a strength indicated by H4 in FIG. 6 is applied to magnet unit MG, the magnetic forces of magnet units MG3 and MG4 change, but the magnetic forces of magnet units MG1 and MG2 do not change. In this case, the magnetic force of magnet unit MG3 is different from the magnetic force of magnet unit MG4. As a result, even in the first modification of the embodiment, the variable flux magnet module VMM can change the net magnetic force of the magnet unit MG in three or more stages. Because the magnetic force can be changed in three or more stages, the variable flux magnet module VMM can achieve more precise field weakening of the rotating electric machine 10 and more reliably improve the efficiency of the rotating electric machine 10.

[0059] <Modification 2 of the configuration of the variable magnetic flux magnet module> Hereinafter, a description will be given of Modification 2 of the configuration of the variable magnetic flux magnet module VMM. In Modification 2, the variable magnetic flux magnet module VMM includes a magnetic body MB in addition to a magnet section MG and a magnetized coil C.

[0060] 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 FM4. The magnetic body MB is a magnetic body that covers at least a portion of the surface of the magnet section MG. As an example, the following describes a case where the magnetic body MB is a rectangular parallelepiped magnetic body having a recess CC that houses the magnet section MG together with the magnetized coil C. Note that the magnetic body MB may be composed of multiple magnetic body pieces or a single magnetic body piece. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the magnet section MG housed together with the magnetized coil C in the recess CC of the magnetic body MB. FIG. 8 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. 7. However, in FIGS. 7 and 8, the magnet section MG is depicted as a simple rectangular parallelepiped object to avoid cluttering the drawings.

[0061] As shown in Fig. 7, when the magnet section MG is covered with the magnetic body MB, almost no (or no) magnetic flux passes through the inside of the conductor wound as the magnetized coil C. 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. That is, in this case, the variable magnetic flux magnet module VMM can reduce eddy current loss.

[0062] Note that when the variable flux magnet and the fixed magnet are spaced apart in the variable flux magnet module VMM (for example, when the variable flux magnet VM1 and the fixed magnet FM1 are spaced apart), the magnet section MG may be configured so that the spaced apart variable flux magnet and the fixed magnet are housed in separate recesses (for example, one of the two recesses is recess CC), or may be configured so that the spaced apart variable flux magnet and the fixed magnet are housed together in recess CC. When the spaced apart variable flux magnet and the fixed magnet are housed separately in the magnetic body MB, the magnetic body MB has recess CC and another recess other than recess CC.

[0063] <Process by which the control device controls the variable magnetic flux magnet module> Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 9 , a process in which the control device 20 controls the variable magnetic flux magnet module VMM will be described. FIG. 9 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. 9 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. For example, the control device 20 repeatedly performs the process of the flowchart shown in FIG. 9 until the rotation of the rotating electric machine 10 is stopped.

[0064] In the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 9 , the control device 20 changes the magnetic force of the variable magnetic flux magnet VM 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 change the magnetic force of the magnet section MG in three or more stages. 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 variable magnetic flux magnet VM for each of three or more pieces of rotation speed range information. Here, the rotation speed range information is information indicating the range of the rotation speed of the rotating electric machine 10. In addition, in this case, the storage unit of the control device 20 stores, for example, second correspondence information in which magnetic force information is associated with current information for each of three or more pieces of magnetic force information. The current information is information indicating the current flowing through the magnetized coil C (for example, a value indicating the direction of the current flowing through the magnetized coil C using a positive or negative sign and the magnitude of the current). Specifically, the current information associated with certain magnetic force information is information indicating the magnitude of the current to be passed through the magnetized coil C in order to change the magnetic force of the magnet section MG to the magnetic force indicated by the magnetic force information.

[0065] 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 S110). 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.

[0066] Next, the control device 20 identifies rotation speed range information that indicates a range including the rotation speed identified in step S110 from among the multiple pieces 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 variable magnetic flux magnet VM (step S120).

[0067] Next, the control device 20 identifies magnetic force information indicating the target magnetic force identified in step S120 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 the current indicated by the current information associated with the identified magnetic force information as the current to be passed through the magnetized coil C (step S130). For example, if the target magnetic force is the aforementioned third magnetic force, the control device 20 identifies the third current indicated by the current information associated with the magnetic force information indicating the third magnetic force as the current to be passed through the magnetized coil C. Also, for example, if the target magnetic force is the aforementioned second magnetic force, the control device 20 identifies the second current indicated by the current information associated with the magnetic force information indicating the second magnetic force as the current to be passed through the magnetized coil C. Also, for example, if the target magnetic force is the aforementioned first magnetic force, the control device 20 identifies the first current indicated by the current information associated with the magnetic force information indicating the first magnetic force as the current to be passed through the magnetized coil C.

[0068] Next, the control device 20 causes the current determined in step S130 to flow through the magnetized coil C to change the magnetization of the magnet section MG (step S140). By performing the process of step S140, the control device 20 can change the magnetic force of the magnet section MG to the target magnetic force. After performing the process of step S140, the control device 20 transitions to step S110 and determines the rotation speed of the rotating electric machine 10 again.

[0069] As described above, the control device 20 can change the magnetic force of the magnet portion MG between three or more stages of different magnitudes according to the rotation speed of the rotating electric machine 10. As a result, 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.

[0070] Note that some or all of the fixed magnets FM1 to FM4 described above may be configured as an integrated unit. In this case, some or all of the integrated fixed magnets FM1 to FM4 may be configured as fixed magnets having regions where the magnetic force varies continuously, or may be configured as regions where the magnetic force varies discretely. Furthermore, the first surface M1 described above may be a flat surface or may be a surface having projections and recesses. When the first surface M1 is a surface having projections and recesses, for example, some or all of the twelfth surface M12 of the variable magnetic flux magnet VM2, the thirteenth surface M13 of the variable magnetic flux magnet VM3, and the fourteenth surface M14 of the variable magnetic flux magnet VM4 may be surfaces that are parallel to the eleventh surface M11 of the variable magnetic flux magnet VM1 in a direction perpendicular to the first surface M1, and may not be included in a virtual plane that includes the eleventh surface M11.

[0071] As described above, the variable magnetic flux magnet module according to the embodiment (in the example described above, the variable magnetic flux magnet module VMM) comprises a magnet section (in the example described above, the magnet section MG) having a first surface (in the example described above, the first surface M1), and a coil (in the example described above, the magnetizing coil C) that generates a magnetic field that penetrates the first surface, the magnet section including a first magnet section (in the example described above, for example, the magnet section MG1) including a first variable magnetic flux magnet (in the example described above, for example, the variable magnetic flux magnet VM1) having an eleventh surface (in the example described above, for example, the eleventh surface M11), and a second magnet section (in the example described above, for example, the magnet section MG2) including a second variable magnetic flux magnet (in the example described above, for example, the variable magnetic flux magnet VM2) having a twelfth surface (in the example described above, for example, the twelfth surface M12), the eleventh surface and the twelfth surface constitute at least a part of the first surface, and the magnetic properties of the second magnet section differ from the magnetic properties of the first magnet section. This allows the variable magnetic flux magnet module to finely adjust the magnetic force of the magnet section.

[0072] Furthermore, in the variable magnetic flux magnet module, a configuration may be used in which the first magnet section includes a first fixed magnet (for example, fixed magnet FM1 in the example described above) together with the first variable magnetic flux magnet, and the first fixed magnet is located on the opposite side of the first surface, sandwiching the first variable magnetic flux magnet, in a direction perpendicular to the first surface.

[0073] Furthermore, in the variable magnetic flux magnet module, a configuration may be used in which the first magnet section includes a third variable magnetic flux magnet in addition to the first variable magnetic flux magnet, the third variable magnetic flux magnet is located on the opposite side of the first surface across the first variable magnetic flux magnet in a direction perpendicular to the first surface, and the magnetic properties of the third variable magnetic flux magnet are different from the magnetic properties of the first variable magnetic flux magnet.

[0074] Furthermore, in the variable magnetic flux magnet module, the second magnet section may include a second fixed magnet (for example, fixed magnet FM2 in the example described above) together with the second variable magnetic flux magnet, and the second fixed magnet may be located on the opposite side of the first surface across the second variable magnetic flux magnet in a direction perpendicular to the first surface.

[0075] Furthermore, in the variable magnetic flux magnet module, a configuration may be used in which the second magnet section includes a fourth variable magnetic flux magnet together with the second variable magnetic flux magnet, the fourth variable magnetic flux magnet is located on the opposite side of the first surface across the second variable magnetic flux magnet in a direction perpendicular to the first surface, and the magnetic properties of the fourth variable magnetic flux magnet are different from the magnetic properties of the second variable magnetic flux magnet.

[0076] Furthermore, in the variable magnetic flux magnet module, a configuration may be used in which the first magnet section includes a first fixed magnet together with a first variable magnetic flux magnet, the first fixed magnet being located on the opposite side of the first surface across the first variable magnetic flux magnet in a direction perpendicular to the first surface, the second magnet section includes a second fixed magnet together with a second variable magnetic flux magnet, the second fixed magnet being located on the opposite side of the first surface across the second variable magnetic flux magnet in a direction perpendicular to the first surface, and the magnetic properties of the second fixed magnet being different from the magnetic properties of the first fixed magnet.

[0077] Furthermore, in the variable magnetic flux magnet module, a configuration may be used in which the shape of the second fixed magnet is different from the shape of the first fixed magnet.

[0078] Furthermore, the variable magnetic flux magnet module may be configured such that the thickness of the second fixed magnet in the direction perpendicular to the first surface is different from the thickness of the first fixed magnet.

[0079] Furthermore, the variable flux magnet module may be configured such that the magnetic properties of the second variable flux magnet are different from the magnetic properties of the first variable flux magnet.

[0080] Furthermore, the variable flux magnet module may have a configuration in which the shape of the second variable flux magnet is different from the shape of the first variable flux magnet.

[0081] Furthermore, the variable magnetic flux magnet module may be configured such that the thickness of the second variable magnetic flux magnet is different from the thickness of the first variable magnetic flux magnet in a direction perpendicular to the first surface.

[0082] Furthermore, in the variable magnetic flux magnet module, a configuration may be used in which the coil is composed of a conductor wound to surround the side surface of the magnet portion, and the side surface of the magnet portion is, when the first surface is the front, the surface of the magnet portion that faces the first surface and the surface that connects the first surface.

[0083] Furthermore, in the variable magnetic flux magnet module, a configuration may be used in which the coil is arranged on the first surface so that the coil surface overlaps both the eleventh and twelfth surfaces in a direction perpendicular to the first surface.

[0084] The variable magnetic flux magnet module may also be configured to include a plurality of first coils as coils, some of which are arranged on the first surface so that the coil surfaces overlap with the 11th surface in a direction perpendicular to the first surface, and the remainder of the plurality of first coils are arranged on the first surface so that the coil surfaces overlap with the 12th surface in a direction perpendicular to the first surface.

[0085] Furthermore, the variable magnetic flux magnet module may be configured to further include a magnetic body (magnetic body MB in the example described above).

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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 portion together with the coil, and the magnet portion is housed in the recess together with the coil.

[0088] Furthermore, the variable magnetic flux magnet module may be configured to further include a control unit (in the example described above, the control device 20 configured integrally with the variable magnetic flux magnet module VMM) that applies current to the coil.

[0089] Furthermore, 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 a current corresponding to the target magnetic force flows through the coil.

[0090] The variable magnetic flux magnet module may also have a magnet unit including a variable magnetic flux magnet, and the magnetic force of the magnet unit may be changed in three or more stages. The variable magnetic flux magnet module may also have a configuration that allows fine adjustment of the magnetic force of the magnet unit.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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.

[0093] 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]

[0094] 1...Rotating electric machine control system, 10...Rotating electric machine, 11...Rotor, 12...Stator, 20...Control device, C...Magnetizing coil, M1...First surface, M11...Eleventh surface, M12...Twelfth surface, M13...Thirteenth surface, M14...Fourteenth surface, MB...Magnetic body, MG, MG1 to MG4...Magnet section, FM1 to FM4...Fixed magnet, VM, VM1 to VM4...Variable flux magnet, VMM, VMM-1 to VMM-6...Variable flux magnet module

Claims

1. a magnet portion having a first surface; a coil that generates a magnetic field that penetrates the first surface; Equipped with the magnet unit includes a plurality of variable flux magnets having surfaces that form the first surface, the plurality of variable magnetic flux magnets are arranged in a matrix, The magnetic properties of some or all of the plurality of variable magnetic flux magnets are different from each other. Variable flux magnet module.

2. the magnet unit includes a fixed magnet together with at least one of the plurality of variable flux magnets, the fixed magnet is located on the opposite side of the first surface with the plurality of variable magnetic flux magnets in between in a direction perpendicular to the first surface; The variable flux magnet module of claim 1 .

3. The magnet portion includes a plurality of the fixed magnets, The shapes of at least some of the plurality of fixed magnets are different from each other. The variable flux magnet module according to claim 2 .

4. In a direction perpendicular to the first surface, thicknesses of at least some of the plurality of fixed magnets are different from each other. The variable flux magnet module according to claim 3 .

5. The shapes of at least some of the plurality of variable magnetic flux magnets are different from each other. The variable flux magnet module of claim 1 .

6. the coil is made of a conductor wound around the side surface of the magnet portion, When the first surface is the front surface, the side surface of the magnet part is a surface that connects the first surface and a surface that faces the first surface among the surfaces of the magnet part. A variable flux magnet module according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. the coil is disposed on the first surface such that a coil surface overlaps with a surface of each of the plurality of variable magnetic flux magnets in a direction perpendicular to the first surface; 7. A variable flux magnet module according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The coil includes a plurality of first coils, some of the plurality of first coils are arranged on the first surface such that a coil surface overlaps with a surface of some of the plurality of variable magnetic flux magnets in a direction perpendicular to the first surface; the remaining of the plurality of first coils are arranged on the first surface such that their coil surfaces overlap with surfaces of the remaining of the plurality of variable magnetic flux magnets in a direction perpendicular to the first surface; A variable flux magnet module according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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

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

11. the magnetic body has a recess that accommodates the magnet portion together with the coil, The magnet portion is accommodated in the recess together with the coil.

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

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

13. When the control unit changes the magnetic force of the magnet unit to a target magnetic force, the control unit causes a current corresponding to the target magnetic force to flow through the coil.

13. The variable flux magnet module of claim 12.

14. A variable flux magnet module according to any one of claims 1 to 13, Rotating electric motor.

Images