Motor magnet, field element, and motor

Abstract

A motor magnet (600) provided on a rotor (400) disposed alongside a stator (500) in the radial direction RD comprises: a hard magnetic body (610) having a plurality of orientations (OR); and a soft magnetic body (620) provided on a stator-side outer surface (600b) of the hard magnetic body. Each orientation includes a radial orientation component (ORr) along the radial direction RD and a circumferential orientation component (ORc) along the circumferential direction CD. The entire projection of the soft magnetic body in a direction from the outer surface toward the inner surface (600a) in the radial direction is within the hard magnetic body. The length of the soft magnetic body in the axial direction AD is shorter than that of the hard magnetic body.

Description

Motor magnet, field pole, and motor CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2025-050295 filed on March 25, 2025, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The disclosure in the present specification relates to a motor magnet, a field pole, and a motor.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a rotating electric machine comprising: a rotor that rotates about a rotation axis; and a stator arranged radially with the rotor via a gap therebetween.

[0004] Japanese Patent No. 7358267

[0005] The rotor described in Patent Document 1 comprises an annular permanent magnet and a core piece embedded in the permanent magnet. Depending on the shape of the core piece in the direction along the rotation axis, there is a risk that magnetic flux is less likely to flow in the radial direction where the rotor and the stator are arranged on the end side of the core piece in the direction along the rotation axis. This may lead to a reduction in magnetic flux flowing between the rotor and the stator.

[0006] One object of the present disclosure is to provide a motor magnet, a field pole, and a motor that facilitate magnetic flux flow between a rotor and a stator.

[0007] The motor magnet of the disclosed aspect is a motor magnet provided in a field pole arranged with an exciter in a first direction, and comprises: a hard magnetic body having a plurality of orientations; and a soft magnetic body provided on the hard magnetic body, wherein at least a part of the plurality of orientations has a first orientation component along the first direction and a second orientation component along a second direction that intersects the first direction and is the direction in which one of the exciter and the field pole moves, wherein the soft magnetic body is provided on a first surface side of the hard magnetic body that is on the exciter side, all projections of the soft magnetic body in a direction from the first surface toward the second surface on the back side thereof in the first direction are located on the first surface side of the hard magnetic body, and the length of the soft magnetic body in a third direction intersecting both the first direction and the second direction is shorter than the length of the hard magnetic body in the third direction.

[0008] A field in a disclosed embodiment is a field aligned with an exciter in a first direction, comprising an extension magnet extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction and through which either the exciter or the field moves, the extension magnet having a plurality of motor magnets aligned in the second direction, the motor magnet comprising a hard magnetic material having a plurality of orientations, and a soft magnetic material provided on the hard magnetic material, at least a portion of the plurality of orientations having a first orientation component along the first direction and a second orientation component intersecting the first direction and along the second direction through which either the exciter or the field moves, the soft magnetic material is provided on the first surface side of the hard magnetic material on the exciter side, all projections of the soft magnetic material in the direction from the first surface toward the second surface on its reverse side in the first direction are on the first surface side of the hard magnetic material, and the length of the soft magnetic material in a third direction intersecting both the first and second directions is shorter than the length of the hard magnetic material in the third direction.

[0009] A motor in a disclosed embodiment comprises an exciter and a field element aligned in a first direction, the field element having an extension magnet extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction and through which one of the exciter and the field element moves, the extension magnet having a plurality of motor magnets aligned in the second direction, the motor magnet comprising a hard magnetic material having a plurality of orientations, and a soft magnetic material provided on the hard magnetic material, at least a portion of the plurality of orientations having a first orientation component along the first direction and a second orientation component intersecting the first direction and along the second direction through which either the exciter or the field element moves, the soft magnetic material is provided on the first surface side of the hard magnetic material on the exciter side, all projections of the soft magnetic material in the direction from the first surface toward the second surface on its reverse side in the first direction are on the first surface side of the hard magnetic material, and the length of the soft magnetic material in a third direction intersecting both the first and second directions is shorter than the length of the hard magnetic material in the third direction.

[0010] According to this, the magnetic flux emitted from the edge of the hard magnetic material in the third direction is more likely to be directed towards the soft magnetic material. As a result, the magnetic flux is more likely to flow in the first direction where the exciter and field are aligned. The reduction in the magnetic flux flowing between the field and exciter is suppressed. Magnetic flux is more likely to flow between the field and exciter.

[0011] In this configuration, one of the field and exciters forms the rotor, and the other forms the stator. Therefore, to rephrase the above effect, this disclosure suppresses the reduction of magnetic flux flowing between the rotor and stator. Magnetic flux flows more easily between the rotor and stator.

[0012] The reference numbers in parentheses above merely indicate the correspondence with the configurations described in the embodiments below, and do not limit the technical scope in any way.

[0013] This is a top view of the motor. This is a perspective view of the rotor. This is a schematic diagram showing three-dimensional polar coordinates. This is a cross-sectional view along the line IV-IV shown in Figure 2. This is a cross-sectional view along the line V-V shown in Figure 4. This is a cross-sectional view along the line VI-VI shown in Figure 4. This is an external view of the magnet. This is an internal view of the magnet. This is a cross-sectional view along the line IX-IX shown in Figure 7. This is a cross-sectional view along the line X-X shown in Figure 7. This is a cross-sectional view of the magnet. This is a cross-sectional view for explaining the reference plane and boundary angle. This is a perspective view of the rotor. This is a perspective view of the rotor. This is a perspective view of the rotor. This is a cross-sectional view of the magnet. This is a top view of the motor. This is a top view of the motor. This is a top view of the motor. This is an external view of the magnet. This is an internal view of the magnet. This is a cross-sectional view along the line XXIII-XXIII shown in Figure 22. This is a cross-sectional view along the line XXIV-XXIV shown in Figure 22. This is a partial perspective view of the motor. This is a partial perspective view of the motor. This is a top view of the magnet. This is a model diagram for explaining magnetic flux density. This is a model diagram for explaining magnetic flux density. This is a model diagram for explaining magnetic flux density. This is a cross-sectional view showing the opposing state of the magnet and stator. This is a graph showing the relationship between torque potential and length ratio. This is a schematic diagram showing the length change of a soft magnetic material. This is a graph showing the relationship between torque potential and length ratio. This is a cross-sectional view showing the opposing state of the magnet and stator. This is a graph showing the relationship between torque potential and length ratio. This is a schematic diagram showing the length change of a soft magnetic material. This is a graph showing the relationship between torque potential and length ratio. This is a model diagram showing the simulation results of magnetic flux density. This is a top view of the motor. This is a perspective view of the motor. This is a cross-sectional view of the motor. This is a top view of the motor. This is a cross-sectional view of the motor. This is a cross-sectional view of the motor. This is a perspective view of the magnet. This is a perspective view of the magnet. This is a cross-sectional view of the motor. This is a cross-sectional view of the magnet rotor. This is a cross-sectional view of the rotor. This is a cross-sectional view of the rotor. This is a cross-sectional view of the rotor. This is a cross-sectional view of the rotor.

[0014] The following describes several embodiments for implementing this disclosure with reference to the drawings. In later embodiments, parts corresponding to matters described in earlier embodiments may be given the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations may be omitted. If only a part of the configuration is described in each embodiment, the description of the earlier embodiment may be applied to the other parts of the configuration.

[0015] It is possible to combine parts that are explicitly shown to be combinable in each form. Furthermore, if there are no particular problems with the combination, it is also possible to partially combine multiple forms with each other, a form with a modified form, and multiple modified forms with each other, even if it is not explicitly shown that they can be combined.

[0016] <First Embodiment> <Motor> The motor 100 shown in Figure 1 has a magnet 600. This motor 100 can be applied to consumer, commercial, industrial, and medical products. The motor 100 can be applied to mobility products that move people or objects, robotic products involved in the production and control of goods, and equipment that generates energy such as electricity. In addition, the motor 100 can be applied to a wide range of general products without being specifically exemplified. The motor 100 functions as a power source for the applied product.

[0017] The motor 100 in this embodiment is a multi-phase AC motor. The motor 100 can perform both power generation and regeneration. The motor 100 can be used as a motor generator. However, the motor 100 does not necessarily have to be able to perform regeneration. The motor 100 may also be a DC motor or a stepping motor.

[0018] In the following, the three mutually orthogonal directions are referred to as axial AD, radial RD, and circumferential CD. Axial AD and radial RD are linear directions, while circumferential CD is the circumferential direction. AD stands for Axial Direction, RD for Radial Direction, and CD for Circumferential Direction. The circumferential direction can also be called the rotational direction. In this embodiment, radial RD corresponds to the first direction, circumferential CD to the second direction, and axial AD to the third direction.

[0019] Furthermore, the line that runs along the axial direction AD and passes through the center of the motor 100 is defined as the motor axis MA. MA is an abbreviation for Motor Axis. Unless otherwise specified, in the following, the direction that intersects and is perpendicular to this motor axis MA will be simply referred to as the radial direction RD. The direction around the motor axis MA will be simply referred to as the circumferential direction CD.

[0020] The motor 100 comprises a housing 200, a shaft 300, a rotor 400, and a stator 500. The housing 200 is made of a metal material. The housing 200 is cylindrical in shape. At least a portion of the shaft 300, the rotor 400, and the stator 500 are housed in the space enclosed by the inner wall surface of the housing 200.

[0021] The shaft 300 extends axially AD along the motor shaft MA. The shaft 300 is supported by bearing members such as bearings in the housing 200. The shaft 300 is rotatable relative to the housing 200. The shaft 300 is the rotation axis of the motor 100.

[0022] The rotor 400 is fixed to the shaft 300. The motor shaft MA passes through the center of the shaft 300 and the center of the rotor 400. The shaft 300 and rotor 400 rotate around the motor shaft MA as their center of rotation. The shaft 300 and rotor 400 rotate relative to the housing 200.

[0023] The stator 500 is fixed to the housing 200. The overall shape of the stator 500 is annular. The motor shaft MA passes through the space enclosed by the stator 500. The rotor 400 and shaft 300 are located in this space. The stator 500 is aligned with the rotor 400 in the radial direction RD, separated by a radial gap.

[0024] As shown above, the rotor 400 is located closer to the center of the motor 100 than the stator 500. The motor 100 in this embodiment is an inner rotor type radial motor. The motor 100 is also a brushless motor.

[0025] <Stator> The stator 500 is an exciter that is energized by the flow of current. The stator 500 can also be called an armature. The stator 500 has a stator core 510 and a stator coil 520. The stator coil 520 is provided on the stator core 510. The stator 500 is energized by the flow of current to this stator coil 520.

[0026] The stator core 510 is made of iron. The stator core 510 contains a soft magnetic material. Magnetic flux generated by the stator coil 520 and the magnet 600 passes through the stator core 510. A magnetic path (magnetic circuit), which is the path for the magnetic flux, is formed in the stator core 510.

[0027] The stator core 510 has a core support portion 530 and core teeth 540. The overall shape of the core support portion 530 is annular. The core support portion 530 is fixed to the housing 200 directly or indirectly. The outer circumferential surface of the core support portion 530 is located radially RD closer to the housing 200 than its inner circumferential surface. The core teeth 540 are connected to the inner circumferential surface of the core support portion 530.

[0028] The core teeth 540 extend radially RD from the inner circumferential surface of the core support portion 530 toward the motor shaft MA. Multiple core teeth 540 are arranged in the circumferential direction CD. The stator coil 520 is wound around these core teeth 540. The stator coil 520 is an electric wire.

[0029] <Rotor> The rotor 400 is a field element. The rotor 400 has a rotor core 410 and magnets 600. The magnets 600 are provided on the rotor core 410. Multiple magnets 600 are arranged in the circumferential direction CD. The magnetic field of the rotor 400 is formed by these multiple magnets 600.

[0030] The rotor core 410 is formed of a metallic material. At least a portion of the rotor core 410 contains a soft magnetic material.

[0031] The rotor core 410 has a shaft connecting portion 420, a connecting arm 430, and a magnet support portion 440. The shaft connecting portion 420 is fixed to the shaft 300. The connecting arm 430 connects the shaft connecting portion 420 and the magnet support portion 440. The magnet support portion 440 supports a plurality of magnets 600.

[0032] As shown in Figure 2, the shaft connecting portion 420 is cylindrical. The shaft 300 is inserted through a hole partitioned by the inner wall surface of this shaft connecting portion 420. In this inserted state, the shaft connecting portion 420 is fixed to the shaft 300. The rotor 400 is fixed to the shaft 300.

[0033] The connecting arm 430 extends from the shaft connecting portion 420 toward the magnet support portion 440. Multiple connecting arms 430 are arranged in the circumferential direction CD. The motor shaft MA is located on the extension of the radial direction RD of the multiple connecting arms 430. One end of the connecting arm 430 is connected to the outer circumferential surface of the shaft connecting portion 420. The other end of the connecting arm 430 is connected to the magnet support portion 440.

[0034] The overall shape of the magnet support section 440 is annular. The other ends of multiple connecting arms 430 are connected to the inner circumferential surface of this magnet support section 440. Multiple magnets 600 are provided on the outer circumferential surface of the magnet support section 440. The multiple magnets 600 are fixed to the magnet support section 440 by adhesive or the like.

[0035] The magnet support portion 440 is made of a soft magnetic material. Therefore, magnetic flux passes through the magnet support portion 440. A magnetic path is formed in the magnet support portion 440. The magnet support portion 440 is a back core. The magnet support portion 440 can also be called a yoke or yoke. Note that a magnetic path does not necessarily have to be formed in the magnet support portion 440.

[0036] The magnet 600 is a permanent magnet. Multiple magnets 600 arranged in the circumferential direction CD are connected by an adhesive or the like. These multiple magnets 600 constitute an extension magnet 700 that extends in the circumferential direction CD. The extension magnet 700 is ring-shaped in the circumferential direction CD. The extension magnet 700 is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the magnet support part 440. The extension magnet 700 and the magnet support part 440 are concentric.

[0037] <Magnetic Flux and Magnetic Path> As shown in Figure 1, the magnet 600 and the core teeth 540 face each other in the radial direction RD. The magnetic centers of the magnet 600 and the core teeth 540 are aligned in the radial direction RD in the axial direction AD. The length of the magnet 600 in the axial direction AD is longer than that of the core teeth 540. The core teeth 540 corresponds to the magnetic core.

[0038] When three-phase AC power is supplied to the stator coil 520, a magnetic flux is generated from the stator 500. The magnetic path is determined by the magnetic flux emitted from the stator 500, the magnetic flux emitted from the extension magnet 700 of the rotor 400, and the housing 200 and other components surrounding them.

[0039] The magnetic flux flows from the stator 500 towards the rotor 400, then reverses direction and flows back from the rotor 400 towards the stator 500. To explain it by reversing the subject, the magnetic flux flows from the rotor 400 towards the stator 500, then reverses direction and flows back from the stator 500 towards the rotor 400. On the stator 500 side, the magnetic flux passes through the core teeth 540 and the core support section 530. On the rotor 400 side, the magnetic flux passes through the extension magnet 700 and the magnet support section 440.

[0040] <Magnets> The following provides a detailed explanation of magnet 600. Magnet 600 includes magnetic material and other materials. Magnet 600 includes sintered magnets, bonded magnets, etc.

[0041] As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the magnet 600 has six faces. The magnet 600 has an arc shape extending in the circumferential direction CD. The magnet 600 has an inner surface 600a and an outer surface 600b spaced apart in the radial direction RD, an upper surface 600c and a lower surface 600d spaced apart in the axial direction AD, and a first side surface 600e and a second side surface 600f spaced apart in the circumferential direction CD.

[0042] The inner surface 600a and the outer surface 600b extend in the circumferential direction CD. These are arc-shaped curved surfaces, and are in a concentric relationship. The circumferential CD length of the inner surface 600a is shorter than that of the outer surface 600b. The separation distance in the radial direction RD between the inner surface 600a and the outer surface 600b is the same even if the measurement position differs in the direction perpendicular to the radial direction RD. However, a configuration may also be adopted in which the radial RD separation distance between the inner surface 600a and the outer surface 600b gradually increases from the upper surface 600c or the lower surface 600d toward the axial center portion 600cd side between the upper surface 600c and the lower surface 600d in the axial direction AD, for example. In a state where the magnet 600 is assembled to the motor 100, the inner surface 600a is located on the rotor core 410 side, and the outer surface 600b is located on the stator 500 side.

[0043] The upper surface 600c and the lower surface 600d extend in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction AD. The upper surface 600c and the lower surface 600d extend parallel to each other. The axial AD separation distance between the upper surface 600c and the lower surface 600d is the same even if the measurement position differs in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction AD. However, for example, the axial AD separation distance between the upper surface 600c and the lower surface 600d may increase or decrease as going from the inner surface 600a side toward the outer surface 600b side in the radial direction RD.

[0044] The first side surface 600e and the second side surface 600f extend in the radial direction RD. The extension line of the first side surface 600e and the extension line of the second side surface 600f intersect at the motor shaft MA. The circumferential CD separation distance between the first side surface 600e and the second side surface 600f increases as moving away from the motor shaft MA in the radial direction RD. The first side surface 600e and the second side surface 600f are connected via the inner surface 600a, the outer surface 600b, the upper surface 600c, and the lower surface 600d.

[0045] <Orientation> The magnet 600 has an orientation OR. The orientation OR is the easy magnetization direction of the magnetic material included in the magnet 600. The magnetic material contains magnetic powder. The distribution of the orientation OR is determined by the magnetic material. The orientation OR may also be referred to as magnet orientation. The magnet 600 may also be referred to as an anisotropic magnet.

[0046] In the drawings, arrows indicate representative orientations OR among the countless scattered orientations OR. When it is intended to show the overall distribution of orientations OR, a plurality of orientations OR are connected and indicated as a continuous line. This continuous line also represents a magnetic path within the magnet 600. In an actual magnet 600, there may be some deviation in the distribution of orientations OR due to manufacturing errors and the like. However, in the drawings, orientations OR are shown as being distributed as evenly as possible.

[0047] In the present embodiment, all the magnitudes of the plurality of scattered orientations OR in one magnet 600 are the same. Even among a plurality of magnets 600, the magnitude of orientation OR is constant. However, the magnitudes of orientations OR included in one magnet 600 may be different from each other. The magnitudes of orientations OR of a plurality of magnets 600 may be different from each other.

[0048] FIG. 3 shows three-dimensional polar coordinates for explaining orientation OR. The circumferential direction CD is the circular circumferential direction. However, in FIG. 3, the circumferential direction CD is indicated by a straight line as a tangential direction at the intersection of the radial direction RD passing through one measurement position of orientation OR and the axial direction AD. In other drawings, when a representative radial direction RD is indicated, the circumferential tangential direction orthogonal thereto is indicated as the circumferential direction CD.

[0049] Orientation OR can be decomposed into three orientation components: radial direction RD, circumferential direction CD, and axial direction AD. There is a radial orientation component ORr as the orientation component in the radial direction RD. There is a circumferential orientation component ORc as the orientation component in the circumferential direction CD. There is an axial orientation component ORa as the orientation component in the axial direction AD. When these three types of orientation components are combined, orientation OR is obtained. The magnitude and direction (angle) of orientation OR are determined by these three orientation components. In the present embodiment, the radial orientation component ORr corresponds to a first orientation component, the circumferential orientation component ORc corresponds to a second orientation component, and the axial orientation component ORa corresponds to a third orientation component.

[0050] The angle of orientation OR is represented by an azimuth angle φ and an elevation angle θ. The azimuth angle φ is an angle between the radial direction RD and orientation OR. The elevation angle θ is an angle between the axial direction AD and orientation OR.

[0051] When the radial direction RD and the orientation direction OR intersect, two types of angles are formed. The azimuth angle φ is the smaller of these two angles. The magnitude of the azimuth angle φ is 90° or less.

[0052] Similarly, when the axial direction AD and the orientation OR intersect, two types of angles are formed. The elevation angle θ is the smaller of these two angles. The magnitude of the elevation angle θ is 90° or less.

[0053] If the orientation OR has an elevation angle θ, the orientation OR is inclined from the radial direction RD towards the axial direction AD. In other words, the orientation OR is inclined from the axial direction AD towards the radial direction RD. If the orientation OR has an azimuth angle φ, the orientation OR is inclined from the radial direction RD towards the circumferential direction CD. In other words, the orientation OR is inclined from the circumferential direction CD towards the radial direction RD.

[0054] If the magnitude of the orientation OR is A, then the following relationship holds: ORr = Asinθcosφ, ORc = Asinθsinφ, ORa = Acosθ. As described above, in this embodiment, the magnitude of all orientation ORs is constant. Therefore, for example, if the magnitude of the axial orientation component ORa is constant, then if the radial orientation component ORr increases, the circumferential orientation component ORc decreases. Reversing the increase / decrease expression, if the radial orientation component ORr decreases, the circumferential orientation component ORc increases.

[0055] In Figure 2, the first reference line LR1 is shown as a dashed line representing one of the countless radial directions RD. The second reference line LR2 is shown as a dashed line representing one of the countless circumferential directions CD. The third reference line LR3 is shown as a dashed line representing one of the countless axial directions AD.

[0056] The first reference line LR1 passes through the motor shaft MA. The first reference line LR1 is normal to the inner surface 600a and outer surface 600b of the magnet 600. The second reference line LR2 is perpendicular to the first reference line LR1. The second reference line LR2 is tangent to the first reference line LR1 at the intersection in the circumferential direction CD. The second reference line LR2 is spaced radially RD away from the motor shaft MA and passes through the magnet 600. The third reference line LR3 is perpendicular to the first reference line LR1. The third reference line LR3 is spaced radially RD away from the motor shaft MA and passes through the magnet 600. The third reference line LR3 passes through the intersection of the first reference line LR1 and the second reference line LR2.

[0057] The azimuth angle φ of the orientation OR located at the intersection of the first reference line LR1 and the second reference line LR2 is the smaller of the two angles formed between the first reference line LR1 and the orientation OR. The elevation angle θ of the orientation OR located at the intersection of the first reference line LR1 and the third reference line LR3 is the smaller of the two angles formed between the third reference line LR3 and the orientation OR.

[0058] As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the orientation components of the multiple orientation ORs included in the magnet 600 of this embodiment are of two types: a radial orientation component ORr and a circumferential orientation component ORc. None of the multiple orientation ORs included in the magnet 600 have an axial orientation component ORa. However, at least some of the multiple orientation ORs included in the magnet 600 may have an axial orientation component ORa. Orientation ORs will be explained in detail later.

[0059] <N Magnets and S Magnets> As described above, the rotor 400 equipped with magnets 600 faces the stator 500. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the magnets 600 include N magnets 600N and S magnets 600S, whose orientation OR directions are opposite in the direction of opposition between the rotor 400 and the stator 500.

[0060] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the orientation OR of the N magnet 600N is toward the stator 500 and away from the motor shaft MA. The orientation OR of the S magnet 600S is away from the stator 500 and toward the motor shaft MA.

[0061] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the overall shape of the rotor 400 and stator 500 is an arc shape. However, for the sake of simplicity, they are shown as rectangular parallelepipeds in Figures 5 and 6. Similarly, in Figure 12, which will be discussed later, the magnet 600, which is actually an arc shape, is shown as a rectangular parallelepiped.

[0062] The direction of the radial orientation component ORr of the N magnet 600N is away from the motor shaft MA and towards the stator 500. The direction of the radial orientation component ORr of the S magnet 600S is away from the stator 500 and towards the motor shaft MA.

[0063] The orientation OR of the N magnet 600N is symmetrical in the circumferential direction CD of the magnet 600, with the axis of symmetry being the side center portion 600ef, which is at an intermediate position between the first side surface 600e and the second side surface 600f in the circumferential direction CD of the magnet 600. Therefore, the behavior of the orientation OR between the first side surface 600e and the side center portion 600ef of the N magnet 600N is equivalent to the behavior of the orientation OR between the side center portion 600ef and the second side surface 600f of the N magnet 600N. The direction of the circumferential orientation component ORc of the N magnet 600N is toward the side center portion 600ef of the N magnet 600N. In Figures 5 and 6, the side center portion 600ef is shown as a dashed line.

[0064] The orientation OR of the S magnet 600S is symmetrical in the circumferential direction CD with respect to the side center portion 600ef as the axis of symmetry. Therefore, the behavior of the orientation OR between the first side surface 600e and the side center portion 600ef of the S magnet 600S is equivalent to the behavior of the orientation OR between the side center portion 600ef and the second side surface 600f of the S magnet 600S. The direction of the circumferential orientation component ORc of the S magnet 600S is away from the side center portion 600ef of the S magnet 600S.

[0065] Furthermore, the rate of change of orientation OR between the first side surface 600e and the side center portion 600ef in the N magnet 600N is equivalent to the rate of change of orientation OR between the first side surface 600e and the side center portion 600ef in the S magnet 600S. The difference in the behavior of the orientation OR between the two is that the radial direction RD and the circumferential direction CD are in opposite directions.

[0066] Similarly, the rate of change of orientation OR between the side center portion 600ef and the second side surface 600f in the N magnet 600N is equivalent to the rate of change of orientation OR between the side center portion 600ef and the second side surface 600f in the S magnet 600S. The difference in the behavior of the orientation OR between the two is that the radial direction RD and the circumferential direction CD are in opposite directions.

[0067] <Extension Magnet> As described above, the extension magnet 700 has a plurality of magnets 600 arranged in the circumferential direction CD. The extension magnet 700 of this embodiment has 10 magnets 600. The extension magnet 700 has 5 N magnets 600N and 5 S magnets 600S. Two adjacent magnets 600 in the circumferential direction CD are an N magnet 600N and an S magnet 600S.

[0068] N magnets 600N and S magnets 600S are arranged alternately, one at a time, along the circumferential direction CD. Of the N magnets 600N and S magnets 600S that are adjacent to each other along the circumferential direction CD, the first side surface 600e of one magnet and the second side surface 600f of the other magnet are adjacent to each other. An adhesive is interposed between the first side surface 600e and the second side surface 600f. However, this adhesive is thin. Therefore, it can be said that the first side surface 600e and the second side surface 600f are substantially in contact along the circumferential direction CD.

[0069] Two N magnets 600N are aligned in the circumferential direction CD via one S magnet 600S. Two S magnets 600S are aligned in the circumferential direction CD via one N magnet 600N. To put it simply, two of either the N magnets 600N or the S magnets 600S are aligned in the circumferential direction CD via one of the other.

[0070] Of the N magnet 600N and S magnet 600S that are adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction CD, the first side surface 600e of one and the second side surface 600f of the other correspond to the first and second boundaries. The central part of the side 600ef corresponds to the midpoint between the first and second boundaries.

[0071] The extension magnet 700 has an extension inner surface 700a and an extension outer surface 700b that are spaced apart in the radial direction RD, and an extension upper surface 700c and an extension lower surface 700d that are spaced apart in the axial direction AD. The extension inner surface 700a, extension outer surface 700b, extension upper surface 700c, and extension lower surface 700d are annular in shape.

[0072] The extended inner surface 700a is formed by the inner surfaces 600a of multiple magnets 600 connected in a circumferential direction CD. The extended outer surface 700b is formed by the outer surfaces 600b of multiple magnets 600 connected in a circumferential direction CD. The extended upper surface 700c is formed flush with the upper surfaces 600c of multiple magnets 600. The extended lower surface 700d is formed flush with the lower surfaces 600d of multiple magnets 600. More precisely, the surface of the extended magnet 700 described above is formed not only by the surfaces of the multiple magnets 600, but also by adhesives and the like that connect the multiple magnets 600.

[0073] Both the extended inner surface 700a and the extended outer surface 700b are curved surfaces with an arc shape. They are concentric circles. The length of the circumferential CD is shorter for the extended inner surface 700a than for the extended outer surface 700b. The radial separation distance RD between the extended inner surface 700a and the extended outer surface 700b is the same even if the measurement position differs in the circumferential CD and axial AD. However, the radial separation distance RD between the extended inner surface 700a and the extended outer surface 700b can also be configured such that, for example, in the axial AD, the distance gradually increases towards the center between the extended upper surface 700c and the extended lower surface 700d, starting from the extended upper surface 700c or the extended lower surface 700d.

[0074] When the extension magnet 700 is assembled to the motor 100, the extension inner surface 700a is located on the rotor core 410 side, and the extension outer surface 700b is located on the stator 500 side. In this embodiment, the entire surface of the extension outer surface 700b faces the stator 500 in the radial direction RD.

[0075] The extension magnet 700 has a longer axial length AD than the core teeth 540. The magnetic center of the extension magnet 700 in the axial direction AD and the magnetic center of the stator 500 in the axial direction AD are aligned in the radial direction RD.

[0076] The extended upper surface 700c and the extended lower surface 700d extend in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction AD. The extended upper surface 700c and the extended lower surface 700d extend parallel to each other. The separation distance in the axial direction AD between the extended upper surface 700c and the extended lower surface 700d is the same even if the measurement position differs in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction AD. However, the separation distance in the axial direction AD between the extended upper surface 700c and the extended lower surface 700d may increase or decrease as you move from the extended inner surface 700a side to the extended outer surface 700b side in the radial direction RD.

[0077] The multiple magnets 600 constituting the extension magnet 700 extend in the axial direction A. In this embodiment, the multiple magnets 600 are not aligned in the axial direction A. However, a configuration in which the multiple magnets 600 are aligned in the axial direction A can also be adopted.

[0078] In this embodiment, the magnet 600 is the smallest component of the extension magnet 700. The extension magnet 700 is composed of multiple separate magnets 600. One magnet 600 constitutes one of the multiple magnetic poles included in the extension magnet 700. However, the configuration is not limited to this. The smallest component of the extension magnet 700 may be smaller or larger than the magnet 600 shown in this embodiment. For example, the smallest component may be half the size of the magnet 600, or twice the size. One magnetic pole of the extension magnet 700 may be composed of multiple magnets 600, or multiple magnetic poles may be composed of one magnet 600.

[0079] The extension magnet 700 may be manufactured from a single ring-shaped magnetic material, rather than being manufactured by connecting multiple magnets 600. In this configuration, the extension inner surface 700a is made up of the inner surface 600a of one magnet 600. The extension outer surface 700b is made up of the outer surface 600b of one magnet 600. The extension upper surface 700c is made up of the upper surface 600c of one magnet 600. The extension lower surface 700d is made up of the lower surface 600d of one magnet 600. The orientation OR of the multiple magnetic poles included in the extension magnet 700 is equivalent to the orientation OR of one magnet 600 described in this embodiment.

[0080] <Magnet> As shown in Figures 7 to 10, the magnet 600 has a hard magnetic material 610 and a soft magnetic material 620. The hard magnetic material 610 makes up the majority of the magnet 600, and the soft magnetic material 620 is a small part of the magnet 600. The magnet 600 corresponds to a motor magnet. In this embodiment, one of the hard magnetic material 610s among the multiple magnets 600 included in the extension magnet 700 corresponds to the magnetic region.

[0081] <Hard Magnetic Material> The hard magnetic material 610 has an arc shape extending in the circumferential direction CD, similar to the magnet 600, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, for example. The hard magnetic material 610 has six faces. The hard magnetic material 610 has five faces: the inner surface 600a, the upper surface 600c, the lower surface 600d, the first side surface 600e, and the second side surface 600f of the magnet 600 described above. The hard magnetic material 610 has most of the outer surface 600b described above. The remaining part of the outer surface 600b is covered by the soft magnetic material 620.

[0082] As shown in Figure 9, the radial distance RD between the inner surface 600a and the outer surface 600b of the hard magnetic material 610 is the first length L1. The first length L1 is also the radial distance RD of the magnet 600.

[0083] The distance between the upper surface 600c and the lower surface 600d of the hard magnetic material 610 in the axial direction AD is the second length L2. The second length L2 is also the length of the axial direction AD of the magnet 600.

[0084] As shown in Figure 10, the third length L3 is the distance between the first side surface 600e and the second side surface 600f of the hard magnetic material 610 in the circumferential direction CD. The third length L3 is also the length of the circumferential direction CD of the magnet 600. Note that the third length L3 differs between the inner surface 600a and the outer surface 600b. The third length L3 is longer on the outer surface 600b than on the inner surface 600a.

[0085] <Recess> As shown in Figures 9 and 10, a recess 611 is formed on the outer surface 600b side of the hard magnetic material 610, where the thickness between the inner surface 600a and the outer surface 600b is locally thinner. The recess 611 extends from the outer surface 600b to just before the inner surface 600a. The recess 611 opens from the inner surface 600a toward the outer surface 600b. The radial depth RD of the recess 611 is about half of the first length L1.

[0086] The recess 611 extends in the axial direction AD. In this embodiment, the recess 611 does not penetrate the upper surface 600c and the lower surface 600d. The recess 611 extends from the upper surface 600c side to just before the lower surface 600d. The recess 611 extends from the lower surface 600d side to just before the upper surface 600c. However, the recess 611 may extend to both the upper surface 600c and the lower surface 600d and open there.

[0087] In this embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the recess 611 perpendicular to the axial direction AD is substantially constant, except at both ends. However, the cross-sectional shape of the recess 611 perpendicular to the axial direction AD may be uniformly constant, including at the ends.

[0088] The center position of the axial AD of the recess 611 is the same as the center position of the axial AD of the hard magnetic material 610. The length of the axial AD of the recess 611 is longer than half of the second length L2 and shorter than the second length L2.

[0089] The position of the circumferential CD of the recess 611 is midway between the first side surface 600e and the second side surface 600f. The recess 611 is located in the central part 600ef of the hard magnetic material 610. The length of the circumferential CD of the recess 611 is shorter than half of the third length L3.

[0090] The recess 611 is demarcated by the wall surface 611a. As shown in Figures 5 and 10, the shape of the wall surface 611a in a plane perpendicular to the axial direction AD is a curved shape. However, the shape of the wall surface 611a may also include multiple straight lines with different extension directions. The shape of the wall surface 611a is not particularly limited.

[0091] <Soft Magnetic Material> The soft magnetic material 620 is composed of multiple metal plates or metal powders covered with an insulating film. The soft magnetic material 620 is composed of multiple electromagnetic steel plates stacked in the axial direction A and D. Alternatively, the soft magnetic material 620 is composed of a formed powder magnetic core.

[0092] The soft magnetic material 620 is provided on the hard magnetic material 610. The entire projection region (projection region) of the soft magnetic material 620 in the radial direction RD toward the hard magnetic material 610 is located on the hard magnetic material 610. In this embodiment, the soft magnetic material 620 is provided on the outer surface 600b side of the hard magnetic material 610. The soft magnetic material 620 is provided in the recess 611. The entire projection region (projection region) of the soft magnetic material 620 in the radial direction RD toward the recess 611 is located on the wall surface 611a. The first surface corresponds to the outer surface 600b. The second surface corresponds to the inner surface 600a.

[0093] Furthermore, the recess 611 does not necessarily have to be formed in the hard magnetic material 610. In this modified example, the soft magnetic material 620 is simply provided on the outer surface 600b of the hard magnetic material 610. As will be described in other embodiments, in the case of an outer rotor type motor, the soft magnetic material 620 is simply provided on the inner surface 600a of the hard magnetic material 610. In this configuration, the periphery of the soft magnetic material 620 may be covered by a fixing member to enhance the connection between the soft magnetic material 620 and the hard magnetic material 610.

[0094] The soft magnetic material 620 fills all the space in the recess 611. The shape of the soft magnetic material 620 is the same as the space partitioned by the wall surface 611a.

[0095] The soft magnetic material 620 has a first opposing surface 620a facing the hard magnetic material 610 and a second opposing surface 620b facing the stator 500. The first opposing surface 620a has a third opposing surface 620c aligned with the first opposing surface 620a in the radial direction RD, a fourth opposing surface 620d and a fifth opposing surface 620e aligned in the axial direction AD, and a sixth opposing surface 620f and a seventh opposing surface 620g aligned in the circumferential direction CD.

[0096] The second opposing surface 620b is further away from the motor shaft MA in the radial direction RD than the first opposing surface 620a. The second opposing surface 620b is further away from the motor shaft MA in the radial direction RD than the third opposing surface 620c.

[0097] The second opposing surface 620b constitutes a part of the outer surface 600b. The second opposing surface 620b, which is made of the soft magnetic material 620 on the outer surface 600b, and the surface made of the hard magnetic material 610 are flush with each other.

[0098] As shown in Figures 9 and 11, the radial length RD between the second opposing surface 620b and the third opposing surface 620c is the 11th length L11. The 11th length L11 is approximately half the length L1.

[0099] As shown in Figure 9, the fourth opposing surface 620d and the fifth opposing surface 620e face the wall surface 611a in the axial direction AD. The fourth opposing surface 620d is located on the upper surface 600c side in the axial direction AD than the fifth opposing surface 620e. The fifth opposing surface 620e is located on the lower surface 600d side in the axial direction AD than the fourth opposing surface 620d.

[0100] In the case where the recess 611 extends to the upper surface 600c and the lower surface 600d and opens there, the fourth opposing surface 620d and the fifth opposing surface 620e do not face the wall surface 611a in the axial direction AD. In this configuration, the fourth opposing surface 620d is not flush with the upper surface 600c of the hard magnetic material 610, but is separated from the upper surface 600c by a small amount in the axial direction AD. The fifth opposing surface 620e is not flush with the lower surface 600d of the hard magnetic material 610, but is separated from the lower surface 600d by a small amount in the axial direction AD. Here, "a small amount" may refer to a minute length equivalent to a manufacturing tolerance, or it may refer to a length greater than that.

[0101] The axial length AD between the fourth opposing surface 620d and the fifth opposing surface 620e is the 12th length L12. The 12th length L12 is longer than half of the 2nd length L2 and shorter than the 2nd length L2.

[0102] All axial positions AD of the soft magnetic material 620 are located between the upper surface 600c and the lower surface 600d of the hard magnetic material 610. The separation distance in axial direction AD between the fourth opposing surface 620d and the upper surface 600c of the soft magnetic material 620 is the first distance D1. The separation distance in axial direction AD between the fifth opposing surface 620e and the lower surface 600d is the second distance D2.

[0103] In this embodiment, the first distance D1 and the second distance D2 are equal. Therefore, the position of the geometric center GC in the axial direction AD of the soft magnetic material 620 and the position of the geometric center GC in the axial direction AD of the hard magnetic material 610 are equal. These two geometric centers GC are aligned in the radial direction RD.

[0104] Note that the first distance D1 and the second distance D2 do not have to be equal. In this case, the position of the geometric center GC in the axial direction AD of the soft magnetic material 620 and the position of the geometric center GC in the axial direction AD of the hard magnetic material 610 will not be equal. These two geometric centers GC will not be aligned in the radial direction RD.

[0105] The sixth opposing surface 620f and the seventh opposing surface 620g face the wall surface 611a in the circumferential direction CD. The sixth opposing surface 620f is located closer to the first side surface 600e in the circumferential direction CD than the seventh opposing surface 620g. The seventh opposing surface 620g is located closer to the second side surface 600f in the circumferential direction CD than the sixth opposing surface 620f.

[0106] As shown in Figure 10, the length of the circumferential CD between the sixth opposing surface 620f and the seventh opposing surface 620g is the 13th length L13. The 13th length L13 is shorter than half of the 3rd length L3.

[0107] <Shape of the soft magnetic material> For example, as shown in Figure 11, the first opposing surface 620a of the soft magnetic material 620 that faces the wall surface 611a is a curved surface. The first opposing surface 620a and the wall surface 611a are fixed together with an adhesive or the like.

[0108] The eleventh length L11 of the soft magnetic material 620 decreases as it moves away from the geometric center GC in the circumferential direction CD of the soft magnetic material 620 in the circumferential direction CD. The degree of change in the length of the eleventh length L11 may be continuous or discontinuous.

[0109] The 13th length L13 increases in the radial direction RD from the wall surface 611a towards the opening of the recess 611. In other words, the 13th length L13 increases in the radial direction RD from the third opposing surface 620c towards the second opposing surface 620b. The degree of change in the length of the 13th length L13 may be continuous or discontinuous.

[0110] Due to this length relationship, the cross-sectional area of ​​the soft magnetic material 620 in a plane perpendicular to the radial direction RD and along the circumferential direction CD increases in the radial direction RD from the wall surface 611a toward the opening of the recess 611. This cross-sectional area of ​​the soft magnetic material 620 increases in the radial direction RD from the third opposing surface 620c toward the second opposing surface 620b.

[0111] When describing the relationship between the length of the circumferential CD and the length of the radial RD, the 13th length L13 is shorter than the 11th length L11. Furthermore, the dimensional relationship L3 / 2 ≈ L1 - L11 holds true for the hard magnetic material 610 and the soft magnetic material 620. This indicates that the difference between the 1st length L1 and the 11th length L11 in the radial RD is approximately half the 3rd length L3 in the circumferential CD. Thus, the length relationship of the radial RD is related to the length of the circumferential CD. Note that the 3rd length L3 described in the dimensional relationship may be the separation distance between the first side surface 600e and the second side surface 600f on the outer surface 600b side, or the separation distance between the first side surface 600e and the second side surface 600f on the inner surface 600a side.

[0112] The symbol ≒ in the above dimensional relationships indicates that they are nearly equal. In English, it means "nearly equal." Nearly equal means that the difference between the left and right sides is smaller than the error value. This error value is, for example, smaller than a few percent or a dozen percent of the values ​​on the right or left side. The error value is determined by measurement error and manufacturing error.

[0113] <Orientation> As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the magnet 600 has a layer containing the soft magnetic material 620 and a layer not containing the soft magnetic material 620 in a cross section perpendicular to the axial direction AD. Figure 5 shows a cross section containing the soft magnetic material 620. Figure 6 shows a cross section not containing the soft magnetic material 620. Both of these layers contain a radial orientation component ORr and a circumferential orientation component ORc. However, the layer not containing the soft magnetic material 620 may contain only the circumferential orientation component ORc.

[0114] In the following, in a cross-section perpendicular to the axial direction AD, the layer containing the soft magnetic material 620 in the magnet 600 will be described as the first region 601. In a cross-section perpendicular to the axial direction AD, the layer not containing the soft magnetic material 620 in the magnet 600 will be described as the second region 602.

[0115] The orientation OR of the hard magnetic material 610 contained in the N magnet 600N is toward the side center portion 600ef in both the first region 601 and the second region 602. The orientation OR of the hard magnetic material 610 contained in the S magnet 600S is toward the side center portion 600ef in both the first region 601 and the second region 602.

[0116] In the first region 601, the orientation OR of the hard magnetic material 610 contained in the N magnet 600N is directed toward the soft magnetic material 620 of the N magnet 600N. The radial orientation component ORr of the N magnet 600N is directed toward the stator 500, and the circumferential orientation component ORc is directed toward the soft magnetic material 620. In the second region 602, the orientation OR is directed toward the outer surface 600b on the side center portion 600ef of the hard magnetic material 610.

[0117] In the first region 601, the orientation OR of the hard magnetic material 610 contained in the S magnet 600S is directed away from the soft magnetic material 620 of the S magnet 600S. The radial orientation component ORr of the S magnet 600S is directed away from the stator 500, and the circumferential orientation component ORc is directed away from the soft magnetic material 620. In the second region 602, the orientation OR is directed away from the outer surface 600b on the side center portion 600ef of the hard magnetic material 610.

[0118] In both the N magnet 600N and the S magnet 600S, as you move from the first side surface 600e or the second side surface 600f towards the side center 600ef, the absolute value of the radial orientation component ORr increases while the absolute value of the circumferential orientation component ORc decreases. As you move from the first side surface 600e or the second side surface 600f towards the side center 600ef, the azimuth angle φ increases.

[0119] In this embodiment, the radial orientation component ORr and the circumferential orientation component ORc of orientation OR aligned in the radial direction RD are equivalent. Similarly, the radial orientation component ORr and the circumferential orientation component ORc of orientation OR aligned in the axial direction AD are equivalent. However, the orientation components of orientation OR aligned in the radial direction RD may be different. The orientation components of orientation OR aligned in the axial direction AD may also be different.

[0120] As shown in Figure 5, in the first region 601, a magnetic path is formed from the soft magnetic material 620 of the S magnet 600S to the soft magnetic material 620 of the N magnet 600N. As shown in Figure 6, in the second region 602, a magnetic path is formed from the outer surface 600b on the side center 600ef of the S magnet 600S to the outer surface 600b on the side center 600ef of the N magnet 600N.

[0121] <Boundary Angle> When the rotor 400 and stator 500 are facing each other, the magnetic path is determined by the magnetic flux emitted from both. This magnetic path is not uniquely determined solely by the orientation OR of the magnet 600 provided on the rotor 400. However, the magnetic path within the magnet 600 strongly depends on the orientation OR of the magnet 600.

[0122] For example, the magnetic path at the boundary between the hard magnetic material 610 and the soft magnetic material 620 within the magnet 600 strongly depends on the orientation OR of the hard magnetic material 610 at that boundary. At that boundary, the angle of the magnetic flux entering the soft magnetic material 620 from the hard magnetic material 610 and the angle of the magnetic flux entering the hard magnetic material 610 from the soft magnetic material 620 strongly depends on the orientation OR of the hard magnetic material 610 at that boundary.

[0123] The angle of the magnetic flux input and output at the boundary is closely related to the determination of the magnetic flux density distribution within the soft magnetic material 620. The closer the angle is to perpendicular to the boundary, the more the uneven distribution of magnetic flux density within the soft magnetic material 620 is suppressed. Local magnetic saturation within the soft magnetic material 620 is suppressed. Conversely, the further the angle is from perpendicular, the more likely it is that uneven distribution of magnetic flux density will occur within the soft magnetic material 620. Local magnetic saturation within the soft magnetic material 620 is more likely to occur.

[0124] Figure 12 shows a reference plane SP, which is a flat surface perpendicular to the boundary between the hard magnetic material 610 and the soft magnetic material 620, and extending in the axial direction AD. The angle between this reference plane SP and the orientation OR on the boundary side of the hard magnetic material 610 with the soft magnetic material 620 is shown as the boundary angle γ. This boundary angle γ can be considered as the angle of the magnetic flux input and output at the boundary between the hard magnetic material 610 and the soft magnetic material 620.

[0125] From the viewpoint of suppressing local magnetic saturation, a boundary angle γ as close to 0° as possible is preferable. However, although the magnetic path within the magnet 600 strongly depends on the orientation OR of the magnet 600, this magnetic path is also slightly altered by the magnetic flux emitted from the stator 500. Furthermore, the angle also changes due to manufacturing tolerances. Taking these factors into consideration, the shape, size, and orientation OR of the hard magnetic material 610 and the soft magnetic material 620 are set so that the boundary angle γ is 20° or less. In this embodiment, the boundary angle γ is approximately 0°.

[0126] <Measurement of Orientation> The orientation of the OR can be measured by the following method. For example, the measurer takes out the magnet 600 contained in the motor 100 as the object to be measured. The measurer then measures the magnetic flux of the object to be measured and identifies the magnetic path by magnetic circuit analysis. Through such identification, the orientation of the OR can be estimated.

[0127] The operator may measure the orientation OR using electron backscatter diffraction. Electron backscatter diffraction can also be called EBSD. Electron backscatter diffraction is a method for measuring the crystal orientation of magnet 600. By electron backscatter diffraction, the direction of the easy magnetization axis (easy magnetization direction) can be quantitatively evaluated. That is, the direction of the orientation OR can be quantitatively evaluated. As shown above, the orientation OR can be measured by identifying the magnetic path by magnetic circuit analysis and quantitatively evaluating the direction of the easy magnetization axis by electron backscatter diffraction.

[0128] <Magnetic Flux Density and Area> If the magnetic flux passing through the soft magnetic material 620 increases, there is a risk that the soft magnetic material 620 will become magnetically saturated. To suppress this magnetic saturation, the magnet 600 satisfies the relationship between magnetic flux density and area: Br × S1 ≤ Bs × S2.

[0129] Br represents the remanent magnetic flux density of the hard magnetic material 610. This remanent magnetic flux density Br is the magnetic flux density emitted from the hard magnetic material 610 when the magnetic field is returned to zero after the hard magnetic material 610 has been magnetically saturated. Bs represents the saturation magnetic flux density of the soft magnetic material 620. This saturation magnetic flux density Bs is the minimum magnetic flux density required for the soft magnetic material 620 to become magnetically saturated.

[0130] The first area S1 represents the area of ​​the first opposing surface 620a. The second area S2 represents the area of ​​the second opposing surface 620b. The first area S1 is equal to the area of ​​the wall surface 611a that faces the first opposing surface 620a. The first area S1 is larger than the second area S2.

[0131] The left-hand side of the above-mentioned relationship between magnetic flux density and area, Br × S1, represents the amount of magnetic flux that can flow into or out of the first opposing surface 620a. The right-hand side, Bs × S2, represents the amount of magnetic flux that can be released from or into the second opposing surface 620b without magnetic saturation.

[0132] <Effects> As explained above, the soft magnetic material 620 is provided on the outer surface 600b side of the hard magnetic material 610. The soft magnetic material 620 has a shorter axial length AD than the hard magnetic material 610. The entire projection region of the soft magnetic material 620 along the radial direction RD is located on the hard magnetic material 610.

[0133] According to this, the magnetic flux emitted from the upper surface 600c and lower surface 600d of the hard magnetic material 610 is more likely to be directed toward the soft magnetic material 620. This magnetic flux is more likely to be directed toward the central part 600cd of the shaft of the hard magnetic material 610. As a result, the magnetic flux is more likely to be directed toward the stator 500.

[0134] Furthermore, the distance between the fourth opposing surfaces 620d of two adjacent soft magnetic materials 620 in the radial direction RD becomes longer. The distance between the fifth opposing surfaces 620e in the radial direction RD also becomes longer. As a result, the flow of magnetic flux only between two soft magnetic materials 620 aligned in the circumferential direction CD is suppressed. The formation of a magnetic path that passes through the two soft magnetic materials 620 only within the rotor 400 is suppressed.

[0135] As a result, a magnetic path is more easily formed between the rotor 400 and the stator 500. Magnetic flux flows more easily between the rotor 400 and the stator 500. Consequently, an improvement in torque can be expected.

[0136] As described above, the soft magnetic material 620 is provided on the outer surface 600b side of the hard magnetic material 610. Therefore, not only the magnetic flux on the outer surface 600b side of the hard magnetic material 610, but also the magnetic flux on the inner surface 600a side of the hard magnetic material 610 flows more easily toward the soft magnetic material 620. As a result, an improvement in torque can be expected.

[0137] Furthermore, it becomes more difficult for a magnetic path to form on the inner surface 600a side of the magnet 600. As a result, the magnetic flux passing through the magnet support portion 440 provided on the inner surface 600a side of the magnet 600 decreases. This makes it less likely for the magnet support portion 440 to become magnetically saturated. This increases the design flexibility of the magnet support portion 440.

[0138] For example, the length of the radial RD of the magnet support portion 440 can be shortened. The amount of soft magnetic material included in the magnet support portion 440 can be reduced. If no magnetic path is formed on the inner surface 600a side, or if it is negligibly small, a non-magnetic material lighter than soft magnetic material can be used as the constituent material of the magnet support portion 440. This makes it possible to lighten the rotor 400. This makes it possible to lighten the motor 100.

[0139] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the design flexibility of the magnet support section 440 is increased, making it easier to adjust the spacing between the rotor 400 and the stator 500 within the housing 200. This makes it easier to adjust the magnetic path formed between them, and thus easier to adjust the torque.

[0140] The second area S2, which is the area of ​​the second opposing surface 620b, is smaller than the first area S1, which is the area of ​​the first opposing surface 620a. Conversely, the first area S1 is larger than the second area S2.

[0141] Therefore, the magnetic flux density passing through the second opposing surface 620b is higher than the magnetic flux density passing through the first opposing surface 620a. Conversely, the magnetic flux density passing through the first opposing surface 620a is lower than the magnetic flux density passing through the second opposing surface 620b.

[0142] As a result, the magnetic flux density emitted from the second opposing surface 620b towards the stator 500 increases. This is expected to improve torque. In addition, the magnetic flux density emitted from the first opposing surface 620a to the hard magnetic material 610 decreases.

[0143] Due to the relative sizes of the first area S1 and the second area S2 described above, the magnetic flux density inside the soft magnetic material 620 tends to increase as the first opposing surface 620a approaches the second opposing surface 620b from the third opposing surface 620c side. For this reason, magnetic saturation is more likely to occur on the second opposing surface 620b side of the soft magnetic material 620.

[0144] In contrast, in this embodiment, the cross-sectional area of ​​the soft magnetic material 620 in a plane perpendicular to the radial direction RD and along the circumferential direction CD increases from the third opposing surface 620c toward the second opposing surface 620b. Due to this configuration, even if the magnetic flux density inside the soft magnetic material 620 tends to increase as it approaches the second opposing surface 620b from the third opposing surface 620c side, magnetic saturation of the soft magnetic material 620 is suppressed.

[0145] In particular, in the magnet 600 of this embodiment, the relationship between magnetic flux density and area, Br × S1 ≤ Bs × S2, holds true. As a result, the second opposing surface 620b of the soft magnetic material 620 is made to have a high magnetic flux. At the same time, magnetic saturation on the second opposing surface 620b of the soft magnetic material 620 is suppressed.

[0146] The difference between the first length L1 and the eleventh length L11 depends on half the length of the third length L3. According to this, the magnetic flux density passing through the second opposing surface 620b becomes large.

[0147] <Second Embodiment> This embodiment will be described primarily in terms of its differences from the first embodiment. In subsequent embodiments, the differences from the previously described embodiment will also be described primarily in terms of their differences. Configurations, operations, and effects that are not specifically described in other embodiments are the same as those in the previously described embodiment.

[0148] In the first embodiment, an example was shown in which the recess 611 does not penetrate the upper surface 600c and the lower surface 600d. In contrast, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 13, the recess 611 penetrates the upper surface 600c and the lower surface 600d. The recess 611 extends from the upper surface 600c to the lower surface 600d. The recess 611 extends from the lower surface 600d to the upper surface 600c. The recess 611 opens from the inner surface 600a toward the outer surface 600b, and also opens toward the upper surface 600c and the lower surface 600d.

[0149] In this embodiment, a portion of the recess 611 is filled with a soft magnetic material 620. The axial length AD of the soft magnetic material 620 is shorter than the axial length AD of the recess 611. All axial positions AD of the soft magnetic material 620 are located between the upper surface 600c and the lower surface 600d. As shown in Figure 13, there are distances between the upper surface 600c and the fourth opposing surface 620d, and between the lower surface 600d and the fifth opposing surface 620e. There are a first distance D1 and a second distance D2 as shown in Figure 9.

[0150] However, as shown in Figure 14, the first distance D1 and the second distance D2 can be as close to zero as possible, to the point where they are indistinguishable to the naked eye. Taking manufacturing tolerances into account, if we were to express these distances numerically, the minimum value of these distances is approximately 1% of the 12th length L12, which is the axial length AD of the soft magnetic material 620.

[0151] As shown in Figures 15 and 16, in addition to the soft magnetic material 620, a filler 612 may also be provided in the recess 611. The filler 612 has a first filler 613 and a second filler 614. The first filler 613 is provided on the upper surface 600c of the soft magnetic material 620. The second filler 614 is provided on the lower surface 600d of the soft magnetic material 620. The shape and size of the first filler 613 and the second filler 614 are identical.

[0152] The filling material 612 can be made of resin, soft magnetic resin, hard magnetic material, etc. When a hard magnetic material is used as the filling material 612, its orientation OR is in the direction toward the soft magnetic material 620 in the axial direction AD, as shown by the white arrow in Figure 16.

[0153] This prevents the magnetic flux passing through the hard magnetic material 610 and the soft magnetic material 620 from moving away from the magnet 600 in the axial direction AD. This suppression makes it easier for a magnetic path to be formed between the rotor 400 and the stator 500.

[0154] <Third Embodiment> In the first embodiment, an example was shown in which the orientation OR has a radial orientation component ORr and a circumferential orientation component ORc. In contrast, the orientation OR of this embodiment, as shown in Figure 17, has not only a radial orientation component ORr and a circumferential orientation component ORc, but also an axial orientation component ORa.

[0155] As shown in Figure 17, the orientation of the multiple orientations OR contained in the magnet 600 changes in the axial direction AD in a plane perpendicular to the circumferential direction CD. The orientation of the orientation OR on the upper surface 600c is directed from the upper surface 600c towards the axial center 600cd. The orientation of the orientation OR on the lower surface 600d is directed from the lower surface 600d towards the axial center 600cd.

[0156] Furthermore, the absolute value of the elevation angle θ of the orientation OR increases as you move from the upper surface 600c side towards the axis center 600cd side. The absolute value of the elevation angle θ of the orientation OR increases as you move from the lower surface 600d side towards the axis center 600cd side.

[0157] Therefore, the absolute value of the axial orientation component ORa is smaller on the axial center 600cd side than on the upper surface 600c side. The absolute value of the axial orientation component ORa gradually decreases as you move from the upper surface 600c side towards the axial center 600cd side.

[0158] Similarly, the absolute value of the axial orientation component ORA is smaller on the axial center 600cd side than on the lower surface 600d side. The absolute value of the axial orientation component ORA gradually decreases from the lower surface 600d side towards the axial center 600cd side.

[0159] Conversely, the absolute value of the composite component, which is a combination of the radially oriented component ORr and the circumferentially oriented component ORc, gradually increases as you move from the upper surface 600c towards the central part of the axis 600cd. The absolute value of the composite component gradually increases as you move from the lower surface 600d towards the central part of the axis 600cd. Note that the circumferentially oriented component ORc may be uniformly zero.

[0160] Specifically regarding the radial orientation component ORr, the absolute value of the radial orientation component ORr gradually increases as you move from the upper surface 600c side towards the axis center 600cd side. The absolute value of the radial orientation component ORr gradually increases as you move from the lower surface 600d side towards the axis center 600cd side.

[0161] To summarize the above configuration regarding orientation OR, and express it in different terms, the absolute value of the axial orientation component ORa increases as you move away from the geometric center GC of the soft magnetic material 620 along the axial direction AD. The absolute value of the composite component or radial orientation component ORr decreases as you move away from the geometric center GC of the soft magnetic material 620 along the axial direction AD.

[0162] With the configuration described above, the magnetic flux emitted from the hard magnetic material 610 is more likely to be directed toward the soft magnetic material 620. This magnetic flux is more likely to be directed toward the central part 600cd of the shaft of the hard magnetic material 610, and consequently, toward the stator 500.

[0163] <Fourth Embodiment> In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 18, the rotor 400 has a support portion 450 instead of a rotor core 410. The support portion 450 contains a non-magnetic material such as resin. The support portion 450 supports the extension magnet 700 and also serves to connect the extension magnet 700 to the shaft 300.

[0164] <Fifth Embodiment> In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 19, the extension magnet 700 is manufactured from a single annular magnetic material. In this configuration, the orientation OR of the multiple magnetic poles included in the extension magnet 700 is equivalent to the orientation OR of the single magnet 600 described above.

[0165] <Sixth Embodiment> In the first embodiment, an example was shown in which the motor 100 is an inner rotor type radial motor. In contrast, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 20, the motor 100 is an outer rotor type radial motor. Note that the housing 200 and shaft 300 are not shown in Figure 20.

[0166] As shown in Figure 20, the stator 500 is located closer to the center of the motor 100 than the rotor 400. The rotor 400 is further away from the motor shaft MA in the radial direction RD than the stator 500.

[0167] The rotor 400 has an annular shape. Multiple magnets 600 are provided on the inner circumferential surface of the magnet support portion 440. An annular extension magnet 700 is formed. The motor shaft MA passes through the space enclosed by the extension magnet 700. The stator 500 is provided in this space. The rotor 400 is aligned with the stator 500 in the radial direction RD across a radial gap.

[0168] The core support portion 530 is annular in shape. Core teeth 540 are connected to the outer circumferential surface of the core support portion 530. The core teeth 540 extend radially RD from the outer circumferential surface of the core support portion 530 toward the rotor 400. Multiple core teeth 540 are arranged in the circumferential direction CD. The stator coil 520 is wound around these multiple core teeth 540.

[0169] In this configuration, the inner surface 600a of the magnet 600 included in the rotor 400 is located closer to the stator 500 than its outer surface 600b. This magnet 600 is designed to form a magnetic path on the inner surface 600a side, while making it difficult for a magnetic path to form on the outer surface 600b side. In this embodiment, the relationship between the inner surface 600a and the outer surface 600b described above is reversed. The first surface corresponds to the inner surface 600a. The second surface corresponds to the outer surface 600b.

[0170] As shown in Figures 21 and 22, a recess 611 is formed on the inner surface 600a side of the hard magnetic material 610. As shown in Figures 23 and 24, the recess 611 extends from the inner surface 600a to just before the outer surface 600b, and opens from the outer surface 600b toward the inner surface 600a.

[0171] In this embodiment, the soft magnetic material 620 is provided on the inner surface 600a side of the hard magnetic material 610. The soft magnetic material 620 is provided in a recess 611 formed in the inner surface 600a. The entire projection area of ​​the soft magnetic material 620 in the radial direction RD toward the recess 611 is located on the wall surface 611a.

[0172] In this embodiment, the positional relationship in the radial direction RD between the first opposing surface 620a and the second opposing surface 620b described above is reversed. The first opposing surface 620a of the soft magnetic material 620, which faces the hard magnetic material 610, is located further from the motor shaft MA in the radial direction RD than the second opposing surface 620b, which faces the stator 500. The third opposing surface 620c, which is included in the first opposing surface 620a, is located further from the motor shaft MA in the radial direction RD than the second opposing surface 620b.

[0173] The second opposing surface 620b constitutes a part of the inner surface 600a. The second opposing surface 620b, which is made of the soft magnetic material 620 on the inner surface 600a, and the surface made of the hard magnetic material 610 are flush.

[0174] <Seventh Embodiment> <Simulation of Leakage Flux> An outer rotor type radial motor was set up and the simulation was performed using it. The model is shown in Figures 25 and 26. Figure 25 shows the magnet support part 440, magnet 600, stator coil 520, core support part 530, and core teeth 540. For the sake of analysis, the stator coil 520 is shown in a linear shape, but in reality it is wound around the core teeth 540. In Figure 26, the magnet support part 440 and stator coil 520 are omitted from Figure 25 for simplicity of notation.

[0175] In this simulation, the recess 611 opens to the upper surface 600c and the lower surface 600d. As shown in Figure 27, the recess 611 is V-shaped in a plane perpendicular to the axial direction AD. The maximum length of the circumferential CD of the recess 611 is one-third of the length of the circumferential CD on the inner surface 600a side of the hard magnetic material 610. The maximum length of the radial RD of the recess 611 is two-thirds of the length of the radial RD of the hard magnetic material 610.

[0176] The maximum length of the 13th length L13 of the soft magnetic material 620 is one-third of the 3rd length L3 on the inner surface 600a side of the hard magnetic material 610. The maximum length of the 11th length L11 of the soft magnetic material 620 is two-thirds of the 1st length L1 of the hard magnetic material 610.

[0177] In the simulation, the material of each component in the outer rotor type radial motor, the dimensions of each component, the orientation OR of the hard magnetic material 610, and the current flow rate of the stator coil 520 were kept constant. The orientation OR has a radial orientation component ORr and a circumferential orientation component ORc, but no axial orientation component ORa. The orientation OR is polarly anisotropic, directed toward the magnetic pole center. These were then varied for the soft magnetic material 620. The results are shown in Figures 28 to 30.

[0178] Figures 28 to 30 show the areas enclosed by dashed lines in Figure 26. In these figures, magnetic flux density is primarily represented in black.

[0179] In the simulation shown in Figure 28, all of the recesses 611 opening on the upper surface 600c and the lower surface 600d are filled with the soft magnetic material 620. Therefore, the axial length AD of the soft magnetic material 620 is the same as the axial length AD of the hard magnetic material 610.

[0180] In this configuration, as shown by the dashed line in Figure 28, the magnetic flux at the axial end AD of the magnet 600 is less likely to flow towards the stator 500. In this way, a magnetic path separate from the magnetic path passing through the stator 500 is formed, and magnetic flux leaks out. A portion of the magnetic flux no longer contributes to torque generation.

[0181] In the simulation shown in Figure 29, the magnet 600 does not have a soft magnetic material 620, but only a hard magnetic material 610. Even in this configuration, as shown by the dashed line in Figure 29, the magnetic flux at the axial end AD of the magnet 600 is less likely to flow towards the stator 500.

[0182] In the simulation shown in Figure 30, a portion of the edge of the soft magnetic material 620, which is shown with hatching in Figure 26, is removed. Therefore, the axial length AD of the soft magnetic material 620 is shorter than the axial length AD of the hard magnetic material 610. The twelfth length L12 is shorter than the second length L2. There are first distances D1 and second distances D2.

[0183] In this configuration, as shown by the dashed line in Figure 30, the magnetic flux at the axial end AD of the magnet 600 is suppressed from flowing towards the stator 500.

[0184] The simulations shown above show that when a soft magnetic material 620 is provided on a hard magnetic material 610, and the axial length AD of the soft magnetic material 620 is shorter than the axial length AD of the hard magnetic material 610, the generation of leakage magnetic flux is suppressed. It also shows that when the 12th length L12 is shorter than the 2nd length L2, the generation of leakage magnetic flux is suppressed.

[0185] <Axial Length of Soft Magnetic Material> Next, using the model shown in Figure 25, the optimal length of the soft magnetic material 620 was verified from the viewpoint of torque generation. The optimal length was verified by changing the relative length relationship of the axial AD between the stator 500 and the magnet 600, and the relative length relationship of the axial AD between the hard magnetic material 610 and the soft magnetic material 620, as shown below.

[0186] However, as shown in Figure 31, in this simulation, a recess 611 is formed in the hard magnetic material 610 in the same manner as in the first embodiment, and the soft magnetic material 620 is provided in this recess 611.

[0187] Figure 31 shows the stator 500 and magnet 600 facing each other in the radial direction RD, and the lengths of each component. The second length L2 is the axial length AD of the hard magnetic material 610. The twelfth length L12 is the axial length AD of the soft magnetic material 620. The core length LC is the axial length AD of the core teeth 540. The overhang length LOH is half the value obtained by subtracting the core length LC from the second length L2.

[0188] In Figure 31, the second length L2 is longer than the twelfth length L12. The core length LC is longer than the twelfth length L12.

[0189] The simulation considered three scenarios: the first, where the second length L2 is equal to the core length LC; the second, where the second length L2 is smaller and longer than the core length LC; and the third, where the second length L2 is larger and longer than the core length LC. In other words, the simulation considered three scenarios: the first, where the overhang length LOH is zero; the second, where the overhang length LOH is small and long; and the third, where the overhang length LOH is large and long. Under these three scenarios, the torque potential generated in the rotor 400 due to the interaction of magnetic flux generated from the rotor 400 and the stator 500 was measured by varying the twelfth length L12. The measurement results are shown in Figure 32.

[0190] The horizontal axis in Figure 32 represents the value obtained by dividing the 12th length L12 by the 2nd length L2. Therefore, a value of 1 indicates that the axial lengths AD of the soft magnetic material 620 and the hard magnetic material 610 are equal. A value lower than 1 indicates that the axial length AD of the soft magnetic material 620 is shorter than that of the hard magnetic material 610. In the following, the value obtained by dividing the 12th length L12 by the 2nd length L2 will be referred to as the length ratio.

[0191] The vertical axis in Figure 32 shows the torque potential. The torque potential value for a length ratio of 1 is normalized to 1.

[0192] In Figure 32, measurement data points are indicated by white circles, white squares, and white triangles. The white circles represent the first case where the second length L2 is equal to the core length LC and the overhang length LOH is zero. The approximation line for this case is shown as a solid line. The white squares represent the second case where the second length L2 is smaller and longer than the core length LC, and the overhang length LOH is small and long. The approximation line for this case is shown as a dashed line. The white triangles represent the third case where the second length L2 is larger and longer than the core length LC, and the overhang length LOH is large and long. The approximation line for this case is shown as a dashed line.

[0193] Note that "small and long" indicates that the second length L2 is 1.2 times the core length LC. In this case, the overhang length LOH is 0.1 times the core length LC. "Large and long" indicates that the second length L2 is 1.4 times the core length LC. In this case, the overhang length LOH is 0.2 times the core length LC.

[0194] As shown in Figure 32, when the length ratio is greater than 1, the torque potential is less than 1. However, when the soft magnetic material 620 begins to become shorter than the hard magnetic material 610, the torque potential exceeds 1. The torque potential reaches a peak value and then eventually falls below 1.

[0195] In the second and third cases, the torque potential is less likely to fall below 1 than in the first case. As a result, it can be seen that, for example, as shown in Figure 31, it is preferable for the second length L2 of the hard magnetic material 610 to be longer than the core length LC of the core teeth 540.

[0196] In the second case, the torque potential is greater than 1 even when the length ratio is 0.333. In the third case, the torque potential is greater than 1 even when the length ratio is 0.286. Considering the approximation line, it can be seen that the torque potential is greater than 1 when the length ratio is greater than 0.225 and less than 1.

[0197] As explained above, the simulation makes many assumptions. Therefore, the results shown in Figure 32 are not generally applicable to all types of electric motors. However, it is presumed that the trend is similar for many other types of electric motors. Generally, it is presumed that the hard magnetic material 610 should have a longer axial AD than the core teeth 540, and the soft magnetic material 620 should have a shorter axial AD than the hard magnetic material 610. It is presumed that the 12th length L12 should be longer than about half the 2nd length L2.

[0198] <Radial and Circumferential Lengths of Soft Magnetic Materials> Next, as shown in Figure 33, the relative length relationship in the radial direction RD between the hard magnetic material 610 and the soft magnetic material 620, and the relative length relationship in the circumferential direction CD between the hard magnetic material 610 and the soft magnetic material 620 were changed. Then, the torque potential fluctuations were verified by changing the relative length relationship in the axial direction AD between the hard magnetic material 610 and the soft magnetic material 620. In this verification, the overhang length LOH was set to 0.1 times the core length LC.

[0199] The simulation considered the following five scenarios.

[0200] (1) In the first assumption, the 11th length L11 was set to be two-thirds of the 1st length L1. At the same time, the 13th length L13 was set to be one-third of the 3rd length L3.

[0201] (2) In the second assumption, the 11th length L11 was set to half the length L1. At the same time, the 13th length L13 was set to one-third the length L3.

[0202] (3) In the third assumption, the 11th length L11 was set to 5 / 6 of the 1st length L1. At the same time, the 13th length L13 was set to 1 / 3 of the 3rd length L3.

[0203] (4) In the fourth assumption, the 11th length L11 was set to two-thirds of the 1st length L1. At the same time, the 13th length L13 was set to one-sixth of the 3rd length L3.

[0204] (5) In the fifth assumption, the 11th length L11 was set to two-thirds of the 1st length L1. At the same time, the 13th length L13 was set to half the 3rd length L3.

[0205] Under these five assumptions, the torque potential was measured by varying the 12th length L12. The measurement results are shown in Figure 34.

[0206] The horizontal axis in Figure 34 shows the length ratio. The vertical axis in Figure 34 shows the torque potential. The torque potential value for the case where the length ratio is 1 is normalized to 1.

[0207] In Figure 34, measurement data points are indicated by open circles, open squares, open triangles, open diamonds, and crosses. Open circles represent the first assumption, and their approximation line is shown as a solid line. Open squares represent the second assumption, and their approximation line is shown as a dashed line. Open triangles represent the third assumption, and their approximation line is shown as a dashed line. Open diamonds represent the fourth assumption, and their approximation line is shown as a dashed line. Open crosses represent the fifth assumption, and their approximation line is shown as a dotted line.

[0208] As shown in Figure 34, when the length ratio begins to be less than 1, the torque potential exceeds 1. The torque potential reaches a peak value and eventually falls below 1.

[0209] In the first, second, and third assumptions, the length of the circumferential CD is kept constant, while the 11th length L11, which is the length of the radial RD, is varied. As shown in Figure 34, the behavior of the torque potential is equivalent in these three assumptions. Therefore, it can be seen that the length of the radial RD of the soft magnetic material 620 does not contribute much to improving the torque potential.

[0210] The 11th length L11 is 1 / 2 times in the second assumption, 2 / 3 times in the first assumption, and 6 / 5 times in the fifth assumption. When the denominators are standardized, the 11th length L11 is 3 / 6 times in the second assumption, 4 / 6 times in the first assumption, and 5 / 6 times in the fifth assumption. Thus, the 11th length L11 increases by 1 / 6 times each time we move from the fourth assumption to the first assumption and then to the fifth assumption.

[0211] Although the increase is slight, as the eleventh length L11 increases, a tendency can be observed where the torque potential tends to fall below 1 as the length ratio decreases. Conversely, as the eleventh length L11 decreases, a tendency can be observed where the torque potential tends to fall less than 1 as the length ratio decreases. This is likely because the length of the soft magnetic material 620 in the radial direction RD does not contribute much to improving the torque potential, and an improvement in the torque potential is expected when the proportion of the hard magnetic material 610 in the magnet 600 is larger. This simulation shows that if the eleventh length L11 is 1 / 2 times or less of the first length L1, the torque potential is less likely to fall below 1.

[0212] In the first, fourth, and fifth assumptions, the radial length RD is kept constant, while the 13th length L13, which is the circumferential length CD, is varied. As shown in Figure 34, the rate of change of the torque potential differs in these three assumptions. Therefore, it can be seen that the length of the circumferential CD of the soft magnetic material 620 tends to contribute to improving the torque potential.

[0213] The 13th length L13 is 1 / 6 times in the 4th assumption, 1 / 3 times in the 1st assumption, and 1 / 2 times in the 5th assumption. When the denominators are standardized, the 13th length L13 is 1 / 6 times in the 4th assumption, 2 / 6 times in the 1st assumption, and 3 / 6 times in the 5th assumption. Thus, as we move from the 4th assumption to the 1st assumption and then to the 5th assumption, the 13th length L13 increases by 1, 2, and 3 times, respectively. Along with this increase, the torque potential is less likely to fall below 1. This is because the distance between the soft magnetic materials 620 contained in the magnets 600 arranged in the circumferential direction changes, and the ease with which magnetic paths are formed through these soft magnetic materials 620 changes. This change leads to a change in the magnetic path passing through the rotor 400 and the stator 500, which easily affects the torque potential. This simulation shows that when the 13th length L13 is longer than 1 / 3 times the 3rd length L3, the torque potential tends to be greater than 1.

[0214] Looking at it in more detail, in the first to third assumptions, the torque potential is greater than 1 even when the length ratio is 0.33. In the fifth assumption, the torque potential is greater than 1 even when the length ratio is 0.17. Considering the approximation line, it can be seen that the torque potential is greater than 1 when the length ratio is greater than 0.06 and less than 1.

[0215] <Eighth Embodiment> In the seventh embodiment, as shown in Figure 31, the simulation results were shown for the case where the recess 611 does not penetrate the upper surface 600c and the lower surface 600d. In contrast, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 35, the recess 611 penetrates the upper surface 600c and the lower surface 600d. Therefore, the soft magnetic material 620 does not face the hard magnetic material 610 in the axial direction AD.

[0216] The first opposing surface 620a of the soft magnetic material 620 has a third opposing surface 620c, a sixth opposing surface 620f, and a seventh opposing surface 620g that are aligned with the first opposing surface 620a in the radial direction RD, but does not have a fourth opposing surface 620d and a fifth opposing surface 620e.

[0217] The simulation results of this embodiment will be explained below with reference to Figures 36 to 38, but the assumed conditions are the same as those of the seventh embodiment. Therefore, a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0218] As shown in Figure 36, when the length ratio is greater than 1, the torque potential is less than 1. However, when the soft magnetic material 620 begins to become shorter than the hard magnetic material 610, the torque potential exceeds 1. The torque potential reaches a peak value and then eventually falls below 1.

[0219] In the second and third cases, the torque potential is less likely to fall below 1 than in the first case. As a result, in this embodiment as well, for example as shown in Figure 35, it is preferable that the second length L2 of the hard magnetic material 610 is longer than the core length LC of the core teeth 540.

[0220] In the first case, the torque potential is greater than 1 even when the length ratio is 0.880. In the second case, the torque potential is greater than 1 even when the length ratio is 0.833. In the third case, the torque potential is greater than 1 even when the length ratio is 0.714. Considering the approximation line, it can be seen that the torque potential is greater than 1 when the length ratio is greater than 0.690 and less than 1.

[0221] Because the simulation involves many assumptions, the results shown in Figure 36 are not generally applicable to all types of electric motors. However, it is presumed that the trend is similar for many other types of electric motors. Generally, it is presumed that the 12th length L12 should be longer than about 90% of the 2nd length L2, and shorter than the 2nd length.

[0222] In a seventh embodiment, similarly as shown in Figure 37, the relative length relationship in the radial direction RD between the hard magnetic material 610 and the soft magnetic material 620, and the relative length relationship in the circumferential direction CD between the hard magnetic material 610 and the soft magnetic material 620 were changed. The overhang length LOH was set to 0.1 times the core length LC, and the torque potential fluctuations were verified by changing the length ratio. The simulation results are shown in Figure 38.

[0223] As shown in Figure 38, when the length ratio begins to become less than 1, the torque potential exceeds 1 and reaches a peak value, and eventually falls below 1.

[0224] In the range where the torque potential is greater than 1, the behavior of the first to fifth assumptions is almost identical. Even when the length ratio is 0.83, the torque potential is greater than 1. Considering the approximation line, it can be seen that when the length ratio is greater than 0.77 and less than 1, the torque potential is greater than 1.

[0225] In the seventh and eighth embodiments, examples were shown in which the orientation OR has a radial orientation component ORr and a circumferential orientation component ORc. Naturally, even in these outer rotor type radial motor configurations, the orientation OR may also have an axial orientation component ORa. The simulation results for the case with such orientation components are shown in Figure 39.

[0226] In Figure 39, the orientation OR is indicated by a black arrow. As can be seen from this simulation result, the magnetic flux density actively flows into the soft magnetic material 620 of the N magnet 600N and actively flows out of the soft magnetic material 620 of the S magnet 600S. In this way, the magnetic flux density can be concentrated in the soft magnetic material 620. Therefore, if the axial orientation component ORa, as described in the third embodiment, is included in the orientation OR, for example, an improvement in torque potential can be expected.

[0227] <Ninth Embodiment> In the first embodiment, an example was shown in which the stator 500 is the exciter and the rotor 400 is the field element. In contrast, in this embodiment, the rotor 400 is the exciter and the stator 500 is the field element. As shown in Figure 40, the stator 500, not the rotor 400, has the magnet 600. The rotor 400 has a rotor coil 470 instead of the magnet 600. Note that the housing 200 is not shown in Figure 40.

[0228] The stator core 510 has a core support portion 530. The core support portion 530 contains a soft magnetic material. The core support portion 530 is annular in shape. Multiple magnets 600 are provided on the inner circumferential surface of the core support portion 530. The core support portion 530 performs the same function as the magnet support portion 440 described in the first embodiment. The core support portion 530 does not necessarily contain a soft magnetic material.

[0229] A ring-shaped extension magnet 700 is formed by multiple magnets 600. A rotor 400 is provided in the space enclosed by this extension magnet 700.

[0230] The rotor core 410 has a shaft connecting portion 420 and rotor teeth 460. The shaft connecting portion 420 is annular in shape. The rotor teeth 460 are connected to the outer circumferential surface of the shaft connecting portion 420. The rotor teeth 460 extend from the shaft connecting portion 420 toward the stator 500. The motor shaft MA is located on the extension of the radial direction RD of the rotor teeth 460. Multiple rotor teeth 460 are arranged in the circumferential direction CD. Rotor coils 470 are wound around these multiple rotor teeth 460. When current is supplied to these rotor coils 470, the rotor 400 is energized. The rotor teeth 460 correspond to the magnetic core.

[0231] As described above, the motor 100 of this embodiment is an inner rotor type radial motor. However, the motor 100 of this embodiment can also be used as an outer rotor type radial motor as described in the sixth to eighth embodiments.

[0232] <Tenth Embodiment> In the previous embodiments, an example was shown where the motor 100 is a radial motor. In contrast, in this embodiment, the motor 100 is an axial motor. The radial direction RD corresponds to the third direction, the circumferential direction CD to the second direction, and the axial direction AD to the first direction. The radial orientation component ORr corresponds to the third orientation component, the circumferential orientation component ORc to the second orientation component, and the axial orientation component ORa to the first orientation component.

[0233] The main difference between a radial motor and an axial motor lies in the direction in which the rotor 400 and stator 500 face each other. In a radial motor, the rotor 400 and stator 500 face each other in the radial direction RD. In contrast, in an axial motor, as shown in Figure 41, for example, the rotor 400 and stator 500 face each other in the axial direction AD.

[0234] Because of these significant differences, when applying the configuration of the radial motor described above to the configuration of the axial motor of this embodiment, the radial RD characteristics of the radial motor are applied to the axial AD characteristics of the axial motor.

[0235] To explain specifically in terms of orientation OR, the characteristics of the radial orientation component ORr of a radial motor can be applied to the characteristics of the axial orientation component ORa of an axial motor. The characteristics of the axial orientation component ORa of a radial motor can be applied to the characteristics of the radial orientation component ORr of an axial motor. However, the characteristics of the circumferential orientation component ORc are the same for both radial and axial motors.

[0236] The configuration of the motor 100 of this embodiment will be outlined below with reference to Figures 41 to 45. Figures 41 to 44 are diagrams illustrating the arrangement of the rotor 400 and stator 500 in an axial motor. For this reason, some components of the axial motor are omitted from the illustration in Figures 41 to 44.

[0237] As shown in Figure 42, the housing 200 has a bottom plate 210 and side walls 220. The bottom plate 210 is a thin plate shape with a thickness in the axial direction AD. The bottom plate 210 has an inner bottom surface and an outer bottom surface aligned in the axial direction AD. The side walls 220 stand upright from this inner bottom surface. The side walls 220 form an annular shape so as to surround the entire inner bottom surface of the bottom plate 210.

[0238] A portion of the shaft 300, the rotor 400, and the stator 500 are housed in the space enclosed by the bottom plate 210 and the side wall 220. Inside this housing 200, the rotor 400 and the stator 500 are aligned in the axial direction AD with an axial gap between them. The bottom plate 210 has a hole formed that penetrates the inner bottom surface and the outer bottom surface in the axial direction AD. The shaft 300 passes through this hole in the bottom plate 210.

[0239] The core support portion 530 of the stator core 510 has an overall disc shape. The core support portion 530 closes the opening of the housing 200, which is partitioned by the tip of the annular side wall 220.

[0240] The core support portion 530 has two main surfaces, a first main surface and a second main surface, aligned in the axial direction AD. A hole is formed in the core support portion 530 that penetrates these first and second main surfaces in the axial direction AD. The shaft 300 passes through this hole in the core support portion 530. The first main surface is located closer to the bottom plate 210 of the housing 200 in the axial direction AD than the second main surface. The core teeth 540 are connected to this first main surface.

[0241] The core teeth 540 extend axially AD from the core support portion 530 toward the bottom plate 210. Multiple core teeth 540 are arranged circumferentially CD around a hole formed in the core support portion 530. The stator coil 520 is wound around these multiple core teeth 540.

[0242] The overall shape of the shaft connecting portion 420 of the rotor core 410 is disc-shaped. The shaft connecting portion 420 has a support surface and a back surface aligned in the axial direction AD. A hole is formed in the shaft connecting portion 420 that penetrates these support surface and back surface in the axial direction AD. The shaft connecting portion 420 is fixed to the shaft 300 with the shaft 300 inserted through this hole.

[0243] With the rotor 400 housed in the housing 200, the back surface of the shaft connecting portion 420 is located closer to the bottom plate 210 of the housing 200 than the support surface. The support surface of the shaft connecting portion 420 is located closer to the stator 500 than the back surface. Multiple magnets 600 are provided on this support surface. In this embodiment, the shaft connecting portion 420 also serves the function of supporting the magnets 600.

[0244] Multiple magnets 600 are arranged in a ring shape in the circumferential direction CD so as to surround a hole formed in the shaft connecting portion 420. This constitutes an annular extension magnet 700. The extended upper surface 700c of this extension magnet 700 is located closer to the support surface of the shaft connecting portion 420 than the extended lower surface 700d. The extended lower surface 700d is located closer to the stator 500 than the extended upper surface 700c. The extension magnet 700 and the multiple core teeth 540 around which the stator coil 520 is wound are aligned in the axial direction AD.

[0245] As shown in Figures 43 to 45, a recess 611 is formed on the lower surface 600d side of the hard magnetic material 610. As shown in Figures 43 and 44, the recess 611 extends from the lower surface 600d to just before the upper surface 600c. The recess 611 extends in the radial direction RD. As shown in Figures 43 and 45, the recess 611 in this embodiment does not penetrate the inner surface 600a and the outer surface 600b. The length of the recess 611 in the circumferential direction CD increases in the radial direction RD from the inner surface 600a to the outer surface 600b. A soft magnetic material 620 is provided in this recess 611. The lower surface 600d corresponds to the first surface. The upper surface 600c corresponds to the second surface.

[0246] As shown in Figure 44, the multiple orientation ORs contained in one magnet 600 have a circumferential orientation component ORc. This orientation OR has an axial orientation component ORa instead of a radial orientation component ORr.

[0247] As shown in Figures 41 and 43, in this embodiment, the rotor 400 has four magnets 600 of equal size. N magnets 600N and S magnets 600S are arranged alternately in the circumferential direction CD. Therefore, magnets 600 with the same polarity are arranged in the radial direction RD. Two N magnets 600N are arranged in the radial direction RD. Two S magnets 600S are arranged in the radial direction RD. Depending on the number of magnets 600 that the rotor 400 has, magnets 600 with opposite polarity may be arranged in the radial direction RD. For example, if the rotor 400 has 10 magnets 600, N magnets 600N and S magnets 600S will be arranged in the radial direction RD.

[0248] The elevation angles θ of the orientation OR of the multiple magnets 600 arranged in the circumferential direction CD are twofold symmetric with respect to the shaft 300. That is, the elevation angles θ of the orientation OR of the extension magnet 700 are twofold symmetric with respect to the shaft 300.

[0249] All of the multiple orientations OR contained in one magnet 600 have a circumferential orientation component ORc and an axial orientation component ORa, but do not have a radial orientation component ORr.

[0250] As detailed in the first embodiment, the orientation OR can be varied in various ways in the axial motor of this embodiment as well. For example, the orientation OR may have a radial orientation component ORr.

[0251] Furthermore, an axial motor may have multiple rotors 400 and multiple stators 500. For example, motor 100 may have two rotors 400. A stator 500 may be provided between the two rotors 400. This configuration can also be called a double-rotor motor. Alternatively, motor 100 may have two stators 500. A rotor 400 may be provided between the two stators 500. This configuration can also be called a double-stator motor. In such configurations, where an axial motor has multiple rotors 400 and multiple stators 500, the rotational torque can be increased.

[0252] In this embodiment, an example was shown in which the stator 500 is the exciter and the rotor 400 is the field element in an axial motor. However, although not specifically shown, an axial motor can also be configured in which the rotor 400 is the exciter and the stator 500 is the field element.

[0253] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 45, the length of the circumferential CD of the recess 611 is shown to increase in the radial direction RD from the inner surface 600a to the outer surface 600b. However, as shown in Figures 46 and 47, for example, the length of the circumferential CD of the recess 611 may be constant in the radial direction RD.

[0254] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 45, an example is shown where the recess 611 does not penetrate the inner surface 600a and the outer surface 600b. However, as shown in Figure 47, the recess 611 may penetrate the inner surface 600a and the outer surface 600b. The soft magnetic material 620 is provided in a part of the recess 611, and the length of its radial direction RD is shorter than the separation distance between the inner surface 600a and the outer surface 600b.

[0255] <Eleventh Embodiment> In the previous embodiments, an example was shown in which the motor 100 rotates. In contrast, the motor 100 in this embodiment is a linear motor that moves in a straight line.

[0256] In the following, in order to explain this embodiment, a new lateral direction LD is defined in addition to the radial direction RD, circumferential direction CD, and axial direction AD. LD is an abbreviation for Lateral Direction. The lateral direction LD is a linear direction perpendicular to the radial direction RD and the axial direction AD.

[0257] The orientation component of orientation OR can be decomposed into three parts by using the newly defined transverse LD instead of the circumferential CD. As shown in Figure 3, orientation OR can be decomposed into three parts: the radial orientation component ORr, the axial orientation component ORa, and the transverse orientation component ORl along the transverse LD.

[0258] The radial direction RD corresponds to the first direction, the axial direction AD to the second direction, and the transverse direction LD to the third direction. The radial orientation component ORr corresponds to the first orientation component, the axial orientation component ORa to the second orientation component, and the transverse orientation component ORl to the third orientation component.

[0259] The main difference between a radial motor and a linear motor lies in the motion of the rotor 400. In a radial motor, the rotor 400 rotates in the circumferential direction CD. In contrast, in a linear motor, the rotor 400 moves linearly in the axial direction AD.

[0260] Because of these significant differences, when applying the configuration of a radial motor to the configuration of a linear motor in this embodiment, the circumferential CD characteristics of the radial motor are adapted to the axial AD characteristics of the linear motor.

[0261] To explain in detail regarding orientation OR, the characteristics of the circumferential orientation component ORc of a radial motor are applicable to the characteristics of the axial orientation component ORa of a linear motor. The characteristics of the axial orientation component ORa of a radial motor are applicable to the characteristics of the lateral orientation component ORl of a linear motor. However, the characteristics of the radial orientation component ORr are equivalent for both radial motors and linear motors. The configuration of the motor 100 of this embodiment will be outlined below.

[0262] As shown in Figure 48, the rotor 400 and stator 500 are aligned radially RD across a radial gap. The motor 100 has a linear motion axis 800 instead of a shaft 300. The rotor 400 is connected to this linear motion axis 800. The linear motion axis 800 is movable axially AD relative to the stator 500. In this embodiment, the radial direction RD is perpendicular to the axial direction AD and is the direction in which the rotor 400 and stator 500 are aligned. Therefore, the radial direction RD can also be described as the alignment direction.

[0263] The linear motion axis 800 is flat in a direction perpendicular to the radial direction RD. The extension direction of the linear motion axis 800 is the axial direction AD. The axial width direction of the linear motion axis 800 is the lateral direction LD. The linear motion axis 800 is longer in the lateral direction LD than in the radial direction RD.

[0264] The core support portion 530 of the stator core 510 extends in the axial direction AD. Core teeth 540 are connected to one surface of this core support portion 530 that extends in the axial direction AD. The core teeth 540 extend in the radial direction RD. Multiple core teeth 540 are arranged in the axial direction AD. Stator coils 520 are wound around these multiple core teeth 540.

[0265] The shaft connection portion 420 of the rotor core 410 extends in the axial direction AD. Multiple magnets 600 are provided on one surface of this shaft connection portion 420 that extends in the axial direction AD. The back side is connected to the linear motion shaft 800. The shaft connection portion 420 also functions as a support portion 450. The multiple magnets 600 and the core teeth 540 are aligned radially RD with a radial gap in between.

[0266] Alternatively, a configuration can be adopted in which the rotor core 410 is omitted and multiple magnets 600 are mounted on the linear motion axis 800.

[0267] The multiple magnets 600 are not arc-shaped, but rectangular parallelepipeds. These multiple magnets 600 are arranged in a straight line along the axial direction AD. The upper surface 600c of one of two magnets 600 aligned along the axial direction AD is adjacent to the lower surface 600d of the other magnet 600 along the axial direction AD.

[0268] In this embodiment, an extension magnet 700 is formed by connecting multiple magnets 600 in a straight line. The extension magnet 700 is linear in shape.

[0269] As shown in Figure 48, a recess 611 is formed on the outer surface 600b side of the hard magnetic material 610. The recess 611 extends in the lateral direction LD. In this embodiment, the recess 611 does not penetrate the first side surface 600e and the second side surface 600f. A soft magnetic material 620 is provided in this recess 611. The recess 611 may also penetrate the first side surface 600e and the second side surface 600f. In this configuration, the soft magnetic material 620 is provided in a part of the recess 611. The outer surface 600b corresponds to the first surface. The inner surface 600a corresponds to the second surface.

[0270] Multiple orientations OR contained in a single magnet 600 have an axial orientation component ORa. This orientation OR has a radial orientation component ORr instead of a transverse orientation component ORl.

[0271] As explained in detail in the previous embodiments for radial and axial motors, the orientation OR can be varied in various ways in the linear motor of this embodiment as well. For example, multiple orientation ORs may have a lateral orientation component ORl.

[0272] Furthermore, an example is shown in which the rotor 400 and stator 500 extend in the axial direction AD. In this configuration, the motor 100 may take on a cylindrical shape by further extending the rotor 400 and stator 500 in the circumferential direction CD around the axial direction AD. In this configuration, the rotor 400 is provided within the space enclosed by the stator 500. The rotor 400 moves in the axial direction AD within the space enclosed by the stator 500.

[0273] In this embodiment, an example was shown in which the stator 500 is the exciter and the rotor 400 is the field element in a linear motor. However, although not specifically shown, a linear motor can also be configured in which the rotor 400 is the exciter and the stator 500 is the field element.

[0274] <Twelfth Embodiment> The motor 100 of this embodiment is an inner rotor type radial motor, similar to the first embodiment. A recess 611 is formed on the outer surface 600b of the hard magnetic material 610, and a soft magnetic material 620 is provided in the recess 611.

[0275] The embodiment will be described below with reference to Figure 49. Originally, the magnet 600 is arc-shaped. However, for simplicity of representation, Figure 49 shows one magnet 600 as a rectangular prism. Similarly, in Figures 50 to 58, which will be described later, one magnet 600 is also shown as a rectangular prism. These configurations shown in Figures 50 to 58 are also inner-rotor type axial motors. Furthermore, the configurations shown in Figures 59 to 64 are also inner-rotor type axial motors.

[0276] As shown in Figure 49, in the hard magnetic material 610, the first length L1 in the radial direction RD is longer than the third length L3 in the circumferential direction CD. However, the first length L1 may be shorter than the third length L3 if the difference between the two is less than a predetermined value. This predetermined value is a few percent to several tens of percent of the length of the first length L1 or the third length L3.

[0277] As shown in Figure 49, in the soft magnetic material 620, the sixth opposing surface 620f and the seventh opposing surface 620g are curved so that they are separated from each other. The 13th length L13, which is the separation distance between the sixth opposing surface 620f and the seventh opposing surface 620g in the circumferential direction CD, increases in the radial direction RD from the wall surface 611a of the recess 611 toward the opening of the recess 611. The 13th length L13 increases in the radial direction RD from the third opposing surface 620c toward the second opposing surface 620b. Therefore, the 13th length L13 is different on the third opposing surface 620c side and the second opposing surface 620b side.

[0278] In this embodiment, the circumferential length relationship L133 / L132 < L132 / L131 holds true. Here, the 131st length L131 represents the 13th length L13 on the third opposing surface 620c side. The 132nd length L132 represents the 13th length L13 between the third opposing surface 620c and the second opposing surface 620b in the radial direction RD. The 133rd length L133 represents the 13th length L13 on the second opposing surface 620b side. Hereafter, the 131st length L131, the 132nd length L132, and the 133rd length L133 are used as needed.

[0279] In magnets 600 with a long first length L1, magnetic flux tends to concentrate on the third opposing surface 620c of the soft magnetic material 620. In contrast, when the above-described length relationship of circumferential CD is met, magnetic saturation on the third opposing surface 620c of the soft magnetic material 620 is suppressed.

[0280] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the rate of change of the 13th length L13 decreases in the radial direction RD from the wall surface 611a of the recess 611 toward the opening of the recess 611. The rate of change of the 13th length L13 decreases in the radial direction RD from the third opposing surface 620c toward the second opposing surface 620b.

[0281] According to this, magnetic saturation on the second opposing surface 620b of the soft magnetic material 620 is suppressed. At the same time, a high-density magnetic flux can easily pass through the second opposing surface 620b.

[0282] <13th Embodiment> In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 50, the first length L1 is shorter than the third length L3.

[0283] The separation distance between the third opposing surface 620c and the inner surface 600a is expressed as the length obtained by subtracting the 11th length L11 from the first length L1. This separation distance is longer than the 131st length L131 and shorter than the 133rd length L133.

[0284] As shown in Figure 50, the sixth opposing surface 620f and the seventh opposing surface 620g extend linearly. The rate of change of the 13th length L13, which is the separation distance between the sixth opposing surface 620f and the seventh opposing surface 620g in the circumferential direction CD, does not change in the radial direction RD from the wall surface 611a of the recess 611 toward the opening of the recess 611. The rate of change of the 13th length L13 does not change in the radial direction RD from the third opposing surface 620c toward the second opposing surface 620b. The rate of change of the 13th length L13 is constant.

[0285] <14th Embodiment> In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 51, the first length L1 is shorter than the third length L3. A configuration in which the difference between the two is greater than a predetermined value is preferred, and this predetermined value is a few percent to several tens of percent of the first length L1 or the third length L3.

[0286] However, since the magnet 600 has an arc shape, the third length L3 differs between the inner surface 600a and the outer surface 600b. The first length L1 may be longer than the third length L3 on the inner surface 600a and shorter than the third length L3 on the outer surface 600b.

[0287] The separation distance between the third opposing surface 620c and the inner surface 600a is longer than the 131st length L131 and shorter than the 133rd length L133.

[0288] As shown in Figure 51, in the soft magnetic material 620, the sixth opposing surface 620f and the seventh opposing surface 620g are curved so that they move closer to each other. The rate of change of the 13th length L13, which is the separation distance between the sixth opposing surface 620f and the seventh opposing surface 620g in the circumferential direction CD, increases in the radial direction RD from the wall surface 611a of the recess 611 toward the opening of the recess 611. The rate of change of the 13th length L13 increases in the radial direction RD from the third opposing surface 620c toward the second opposing surface 620b.

[0289] In magnets 600 with a short first length L1, magnetic flux is less likely to concentrate on the third opposing surface 620c of the soft magnetic material 620. In contrast, in this embodiment, the circumferential length relationship CD L133 / L132 > L132 / L131 is established. This suppresses magnetic saturation in the soft magnetic material 620. At the same time, it suppresses insufficient volume of the hard magnetic material 610.

[0290] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the rate of change of the 13th length L13 increases in the radial direction RD from the wall surface 611a of the recess 611 toward the opening of the recess 611. The rate of change of the 13th length L13 increases in the radial direction RD from the third opposing surface 620c toward the second opposing surface 620b.

[0291] According to this, magnetic saturation on the second opposing surface 620b of the soft magnetic material 620 is suppressed, and a high-density magnetic flux can easily pass through the second opposing surface 620b.

[0292] <15th Embodiment> In the first embodiment, an example was shown in which the relative size of the soft magnetic material 620 to the hard magnetic material 610 was as shown in Figure 12. In contrast, in this embodiment, the relative size of the soft magnetic material 620 to the hard magnetic material 610 is as shown in Figure 52. The relative size of the soft magnetic material 620 to the hard magnetic material 610 is smaller.

[0293] As shown in Figure 52, the soft magnetic material 620 has a shape that extends more in the circumferential direction CD than in the radial direction RD. The 13th length L13 on the second opposing surface 620b side is longer than the 11th length L11. The separation distance between the inner surface 600a and the third opposing surface 620c is longer than the 13th length L13.

[0294] <16th Embodiment> In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 53, the relative size of the soft magnetic material 620 to the hard magnetic material 610 is larger compared to the first embodiment.

[0295] The soft magnetic material 620 has a shape that extends more in the radial direction RD than in the circumferential direction CD. The 11th length L11 is longer than the 13th length L13 on the second opposing surface 620b side. The separation distance between the inner surface 600a and the third opposing surface 620c is shorter than the 13th length L13 on the second opposing surface 620b side. The separation distance between the inner surface 600a and the third opposing surface 620c is shorter than half of the 3rd length L3.

[0296] <17th Embodiment> In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 54, the 11th length L11 is shorter compared to the 15th embodiment.

[0297] The separation distance between the inner surface 600a and the third opposing surface 620c is longer than the 11th length L11 and the 13th length L13. The separation distance between the inner surface 600a and the third opposing surface 620c is greater than half of the third length L3.

[0298] <Eighteenth Embodiment> In the first embodiment, an example was shown in which the soft magnetic material 620 was provided in the recess 611. In contrast, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 55, the soft magnetic material 620 is provided in the recess 611, and a part of it protrudes radially RD from the recess 611. Hereinafter, the region of the soft magnetic material 620 provided in the recess 611 will be referred to as the first soft magnetic material 621, and the region protruding from the recess 611 will be referred to as the second soft magnetic material 622.

[0299] The first soft magnetic material 621 has a first opposing surface 620a, and the second soft magnetic material 622 has a second opposing surface 620b. The second soft magnetic material 622 protrudes from the outer surface 600b of the hard magnetic material 610 toward the stator 500. The second opposing surface 620b is separated from the outer surface 600b toward the stator 500. As a result, the radial gap is narrowed. An improvement in torque is expected.

[0300] <19th Embodiment> In the 18th embodiment, as shown in Figure 55, an example was shown in which the second opposing surface 620b is aligned with the circumferential direction CD. In contrast, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 56, the second opposing surface 620b is curved so as to be convex toward the stator 500 side.

[0301] <Twenty-th Embodiment> In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 57, the second soft magnetic material 622 extends further in the circumferential direction CD than the first soft magnetic material 621. The second soft magnetic material 622 extends in the circumferential direction CD from the first soft magnetic material 621 to both the first side surface 600e and the second side surface 600f. As a result, a portion of the outer surface 600b of the hard magnetic material 610 is covered by a portion of the second soft magnetic material 622.

[0302] <21st Embodiment> In the first embodiment, an example was shown in which the first area S1 of the first opposing surface 620a was larger than the second area S2 of the second opposing surface 620b. In contrast, in this embodiment, the second area S2 is greater than or equal to the first area S1.

[0303] As shown in Figure 58, in the soft magnetic material 620, the second opposing surface 620b is curved so as to be convex toward the stator 500, similar to the 19th embodiment. This increases the second area S2. Also, similar to the 13th embodiment, the sixth opposing surface 620f and the seventh opposing surface 620g extend linearly. This reduces the first area S1.

[0304] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the radial length RD between the first opposing surface 620a and the outer surface 600b of the soft magnetic material 620 is shortened. To avoid increasing the number of symbols, for convenience, in this embodiment this length is referred to as the 11th length L11. As shown in Figure 58, this 11th length L11 is shortened. This also reduces the first area S1. The length of this 11th length L11 is determined according to the amount of adhesive provided between the hard magnetic material 610 and the soft magnetic material 620. The length of the 11th length L11 is determined according to the adhesive strength between the hard magnetic material 610 and the soft magnetic material 620.

[0305] <22nd Embodiment> In the first embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, an example was shown in which the size and shape of the hard magnetic material 610 and the soft magnetic material 620 are uniform in the axial direction AD. In contrast, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 59, the size and shape of the hard magnetic material 610 and the soft magnetic material 620 vary in the axial direction AD.

[0306] The 13th length L13 varies in the axial direction AD. The 13th length L13 gradually increases from the 6th opposing surface 620f toward the geometric center GC in the axial direction AD of the soft magnetic material 620. The 13th length L13 gradually increases from the 7th opposing surface 620g toward the geometric center GC in the axial direction AD of the soft magnetic material 620.

[0307] <23rd Embodiment> In the first embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, an example was shown in which the hard magnetic material 610 and the soft magnetic material 620 extend along the axial direction AD. In contrast, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 60, the hard magnetic material 610 and the soft magnetic material 620 extend along a direction inclined with respect to the axial direction AD. The magnet 600 is skewed.

[0308] <24th Embodiment> In the first embodiment, an example was shown in which two magnets 600 adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction CD were adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction CD without any intervening material other than adhesive. In contrast, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 61, an intervening portion 630 is provided between two magnets 600 adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction CD, in addition to adhesive.

[0309] As shown in Figure 61, the rotor 400 has an intervening portion 630. The intervening portion 630, like the soft magnetic body 620, contains a soft magnetic material.

[0310] The intervening portion 630 is included in the extension magnet 700. The intervening portion 630 is provided between two magnets 600 that are adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction CD. Of the two magnets 600 adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction CD via the intervening portion 630, one is an N magnet 600N and the other is an S magnet 600S.

[0311] The intervening portion 630 extends in the radial direction RD and the axial direction AD. The intervening portion 630 is entirely opposite to the first side surface 600e of one of the two adjacent magnets 600 in the circumferential direction CD, and is entirely opposite to the second side surface 600f of the other magnet 600 in the circumferential direction CD.

[0312] The configuration described above allows for increased torque generation efficiency compared to a configuration where a non-magnetic material is placed between the two magnets 600.

[0313] <25th Embodiment> In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 62, a void 640 is formed in the hard magnetic material 610. The void 640 extends from the third opposing surface 620c of the soft magnetic material 620 toward the inner surface 600a. The void 640 opens into the inner surface 600a. The third opposing surface 620c faces the outer circumferential surface of the magnet support portion 440 in the radial direction RD.

[0314] <26th Embodiment> In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 63, a gap 640 is formed between the hard magnetic material 610 and the soft magnetic material 620. The gap 640 extends from the second opposing surface 620b of the soft magnetic material 620 toward the inner surface 600a. The gap 640 is open to the second opposing surface 620b and the inner surface 600a.

[0315] The void 640 described above may be formed only in the soft magnetic material 620. The void 640 may also be formed in at least one of the hard magnetic material 610 and the soft magnetic material 620.

[0316] <27th Embodiment> In the first embodiment, an example was shown in which the radial orientation component ORr and the circumferential orientation component ORc of orientation OR aligned in the radial direction RD are equivalent. In contrast, in this embodiment, the radial orientation component ORr and the circumferential orientation component ORc of orientation OR aligned in the radial direction RD are not equivalent.

[0317] As shown in Figure 64, similar to the first embodiment, in the hard magnetic material 610, the absolute value of the radial orientation component ORr increases and the absolute value of the circumferential orientation component ORc decreases as you move from the first side surface 600e or the second side surface 600f towards the side center portion 600ef.

[0318] In addition, in this embodiment, the absolute value of the radial orientation component ORr of the orientation OR on the inner surface 600a side is smaller than the absolute value of the circumferential orientation component ORc of the orientation OR on the outer surface 600b side. The absolute value of the circumferential orientation component ORc of the orientation OR on the inner surface 600a side is larger than the absolute value of the circumferential orientation component ORc of the orientation OR on the outer surface 600b side. As you move from the inner surface 600a side towards the outer surface 600b side, the absolute value of the radial orientation component ORr gradually increases, and the absolute value of the circumferential orientation component ORc gradually decreases.

[0319] <Other Embodiments> The disclosures of this specification are not limited to the exemplary embodiments. The disclosures encompass the exemplary embodiments and variations thereof by those skilled in the art. For example, the disclosures are not limited to the combinations of parts and elements shown in the embodiments, but can be implemented in various variations. The disclosures can be implemented in a variety of combinations. The disclosures may have additional parts that can be added to the embodiments. The disclosures encompass embodiments in which parts and elements have been omitted. The disclosures encompass substitutions or combinations of parts and elements between one embodiment and another. The scope of the disclosed technical field is not limited to the descriptions of the embodiments. The scope of the disclosed technical field is indicated by the claims and should be understood to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0320] <Magnet Materials> In the first embodiment, an example was shown in which the magnet 600 includes magnetic powder and other materials. These magnetic powder and other materials can be appropriately selected as long as they satisfy the performance requirements of the motor 100 to which they are applied. The magnet 600 will possess characteristics resulting from the combination of magnetic powder and other materials selected. A magnet 600 with such characteristics will be used in the motor 100. Note that the other materials other than magnetic powder do not necessarily have to be included in the magnet 600. If the motor 100 is a bonded magnet, the other materials other than magnetic powder may be resin materials, etc.

[0321] As the magnetic powder, rare earth magnetic powder containing rare earth elements and rare earth-free magnetic powder not containing rare earth elements can be used. The magnetic powder may contain at least one type of rare earth magnetic powder. The magnetic powder may contain at least one type of rare earth magnetic powder. The magnetic powder may contain at least one type of rare earth magnetic powder and at least one type of rare earth-free magnetic powder.

[0322] When the performance requirements for magnet 600 include miniaturization, weight reduction, and ease of modification, a finer particle size of magnetic powder is preferable. Microscale and nanoscale particle sizes can be used for the magnetic powder. Using such fine magnetic powder increases the design freedom of the orientation OR. When ease of material procurement and high recycling efficiency are required, it is desirable that the composition of the magnetic powder be simple and abundant, and that it does not contain rare earth elements. When it is required to withstand use under harsh conditions, it is desirable that the magnetic powder has high heat resistance and radiation resistance.

[0323] Motor magnets containing magnetic powders exhibiting the characteristics described above—nanoscale, simple and abundant composition, rare-earth-free, high heat resistance, and radiation resistance—are generally expected to possess the properties of such magnetic powders. Therefore, motor magnets containing such magnetic powders are expected to exhibit characteristics such as small size, light weight, ease of modification, easy material procurement, high recycling efficiency, high heat resistance, and radiation resistance. Such motor magnets can be widely used in motors in general. Furthermore, such motor magnets can also be used in motors in specific small-scale technological fields where their characteristics are required.

[0324] Of course, the magnet 600 used in the motor is required to have an output appropriate to its application. The magnetic powder contained in the magnet 600 can be a magnetic powder that is expected to produce an output appropriate to its application.

[0325] Common types of magnets that can be used in Magnet 600 include ceramic magnets such as ferrite magnets, metallic magnets such as rare earth magnets and ordered alloy magnets, and bonded magnets such as rubber magnets and plastic magnets.

[0326] Ferrites include hexagonal ferrites such as barium ferrite and strontium ferrite, and spinel ferrites such as cobalt ferrite. Rare earth elements include R-T systems such as Sm-Co, R-T-B systems such as Nd-Fe-B, and R-T-N systems such as Sm-Fe-N. Ordered alloys include L10-FePt, L10-FeNi, and τ-MnAl. Other metallic materials for metal magnets include Alnico, spinodal decomposition systems such as Fe-Cr-Co, and Fe16N2. Note that R stands for Rare earth, and includes Nd, Sm, Dy, etc. T stands for Transition metal, and includes Fe, Co, Ni, etc.

[0327] <Applications of the motor> At the beginning of the first embodiment, it was shown that the applications of the motor 100 are not particularly limited and that it can be applied to, for example, mobility products, robot products, and equipment that generates energy such as electricity.

[0328] These mobility products include cars as a means of land travel, aircraft as a means of air travel, ships as a means of water travel, submersibles and other vessels as a means of underwater travel, and spacecraft used for travel in outer space.

[0329] These means of transportation on land, air, water, and space include manned and unmanned aircraft. Vehicles include manned and unmanned vehicles. Specifically for the transport of goods, vehicles include manned and unmanned transport vehicles. Unmanned transport vehicles can also be called AGVs. AGV is an abbreviation for Automated Guided Vehicle. Aircraft include manned and unmanned aircraft. Unmanned aircraft can also be called UAVs. UAV is an abbreviation for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle. Specifically for the operation of goods, ships include manned and unmanned ships. Submarines and underwater vehicles include manned and unmanned underwater vehicles. Spacecraft include manned and unmanned spacecraft. Manned spacecraft can also be called spaceships.

[0330] The power sources for these means of transportation, including manned and unmanned aircraft, can include various energy sources such as thermal energy, electrical energy, light energy, renewable energy, chemical energy, and nuclear energy. The power sources for these means of transportation can utilize one or a combination of these various energy sources.

[0331] Robot products, categorized by application, include industrial robots, household robots, service robots, medical robots, educational robots, agricultural robots, exploration robots, and leisure robots.

[0332] One example of an energy-generating facility is a power plant. A power plant is a facility that generates electrical energy using energy sources such as oil, coal, natural gas, biomass, nuclear power, wind power, hydropower, geothermal energy, solar power, and chemical reactions.

[0333] <Disclosure of Technical Ideas> This specification discloses several technical ideas as described in the following paragraphs. Some paragraphs may be written in a multiple dependent form, where subsequent paragraphs optionally refer to preceding paragraphs. Furthermore, some paragraphs may be written in a multiple dependent form, where they refer to other multiple dependent forms. These paragraphs written in multiple dependent forms define several technical ideas.

[0334] <Technical Concept 1> A motor magnet provided on field elements (400, 500) aligned with exciters (500, 400) in a first direction (RD, AD), comprising: a hard magnetic material (610) having a plurality of orientations (OR); and a soft magnetic material (620) provided on the hard magnetic material, wherein at least a portion of the plurality of orientations has a first orientation component (ORr, ORA) along the first direction and a second orientation component (ORc, ORA) intersecting the first direction and along a second direction (CD, AD) in which either the exciters or the field elements move, and the soft magnetic material is provided on the first surface (600a, 600b, 600d) side of the hard magnetic material on the exciters side. A motor magnet in which all projections of the soft magnetic material in the direction from the first surface toward the second surface (600b, 600a, 600c) on its reverse side in the first direction are on the first surface side of the hard magnetic material, and the length of the third direction (AD, RD) intersecting both the first and second directions of the soft magnetic material is shorter than the length of the hard magnetic material in the third direction.

[0335] <Technical Concept 2> The motor magnet according to Technical Concept 1, wherein the magnetic region of the hard magnetic material includes the first orientation component toward the exciter and the second orientation component toward the soft magnetic material, or the first orientation component away from the exciter and the second orientation component away from the soft magnetic material, and the two boundaries located at the end side in the second direction are the first boundary (600e) and the second boundary (600f), and the soft magnetic material is located midway between the first boundary and the second boundary in the second direction.

[0336] <Technical Idea 3> The motor magnet according to Technical Idea 2, wherein the first region (601) located between the first boundary and the second boundary via the soft magnetic material in the second direction of the magnetic region has the first orientation component and the second orientation component, wherein the absolute value of the first orientation component increases and the absolute value of the second orientation component decreases as it approaches the soft magnetic material in the second direction, and the second region (602) located between the first boundary and the second boundary without the soft magnetic material in the second direction of the magnetic region has the second orientation component.

[0337] <Technical Idea 4> The motor magnet according to Technical Idea 3, wherein the hard magnetic material has a length in the third direction that is longer than the magnetic core (460, 540) included in the exciter.

[0338] <Technical Idea 5> The motor magnet according to Technical Idea 4, wherein the length of the soft magnetic material in the first direction is less than or equal to half the length between the first surface and the second surface in the first direction.

[0339] <Technical Idea 6> The motor magnet according to Technical Idea 4 or Technical Idea 5, wherein the length of the soft magnetic material in the second direction is one-third or more of the length between the first boundary and the second boundary in the second direction.

[0340] <Technical Idea 7> A motor magnet according to any one of Technical Ideas 1 to 6, wherein at least a portion of the plurality of orientations has a third orientation component (ORa, ORr) along the third direction, and in the third direction, the absolute value of the third orientation component increases as it moves away from the geometric center (GC) of the soft magnetic material in the third direction.

[0341] <Technical Idea 8> A motor magnet according to any one of Technical Ideas 1 to 7, wherein a recess (611) for providing the soft magnetic material is provided on the first surface side of the hard magnetic material.

[0342] <Technical Idea 9> The motor magnet according to Technical Idea 8, wherein the length of the soft magnetic material in the third direction is 0.17 times or more and less than 1.0 times the length of the hard magnetic material in the third direction.

[0343] <Technical Idea 10> The motor magnet according to Technical Idea 8, wherein the length of the soft magnetic material in the third direction is 0.71 times or more and less than 1.0 times the length of the hard magnetic material in the third direction.

[0344] <Technical Idea 11> A motor magnet according to any one of Technical Ideas 1 to 10, wherein the area of ​​the first opposing surface (620a) in the soft magnetic material that faces the hard magnetic material is greater than the area of ​​the second opposing surface (620b) in the soft magnetic material that faces the exciter.

[0345] <Technical Concept 12> The motor magnet according to technical concept 11, wherein the product of the remanent magnetic flux density of the hard magnetic material and the area of ​​the first opposing surface is less than or equal to the product of the saturation magnetic flux density of the soft magnetic material and the area of ​​the second opposing surface.

[0346] <Technical Idea 13> The motor magnet according to technical idea 8 or technical idea 9, wherein the length of the soft magnetic material in the second direction increases from the wall surface constituting the recess toward the opening of the recess in the first direction.

[0347] <Technical Concept 14> The motor magnet according to technical concept 13, wherein the rate of change of the length of the soft magnetic material in the second direction decreases in the first direction as it moves from the wall surface toward the opening of the recess.

[0348] <Technical Idea 15> The motor magnet according to technical idea 13, wherein the rate of change of the length of the soft magnetic material in the second direction increases in the first direction as it moves from the wall surface toward the opening of the recess.

[0349] <Technical Idea 16> The motor magnet according to any one of Technical Ideas 1 to 15, wherein the length obtained by the difference between the length of the hard magnetic material in the first direction and the length of the soft magnetic material in the first direction depends on half the length of the hard magnetic material in the second direction.

[0350] <Technical Idea 17> A motor magnet according to Technical Idea 3, wherein the orientation on the boundary side between the hard magnetic material and the soft magnetic material and the angle between the hard magnetic material and the reference plane (SP) which is perpendicular to the boundary and extends in the third direction is 20° or less.

[0351] <Technical Concept 18> A field magnet aligned with an exciter (500, 400) in a first direction (RD, AD), comprising an extension magnet (700) extending in a second direction (CD, AD) that intersects the first direction and through which either the exciter or the field magnet moves, the extension magnet having a plurality of motor magnets (600) aligned in the second direction, the motor magnet comprising a hard magnetic material (610) having a plurality of orientations (OR), and a soft magnetic material (620) provided on the hard magnetic material, at least a portion of the plurality of orientations having a first orientation component (ORr, ORA) along the first direction and a second orientation component (ORc, ORA) intersects the first direction and along the second direction (CD, AD) through which either the exciter or the field magnet moves, The soft magnetic material is provided on the first surface (600a, 600b, 600d) side of the hard magnetic material on the exciter side, and the entire projection of the soft magnetic material in the direction from the first surface toward the second surface (600b, 600a, 600c) on its reverse side in the first direction is on the first surface side of the hard magnetic material, and the length of the third direction (AD, RD) of the soft magnetic material intersecting both the first and second directions is shorter than the length of the hard magnetic material in the third direction.

[0352] <Technical Idea 19> The field magnet described in technical idea 18, wherein two motor magnets that are adjacent to each other in the second direction are in contact.

[0353] <Technical Idea 20> The field magnet according to technical idea 18, wherein an intervening portion (630) containing a soft magnetic material is provided between two motor magnets that are adjacent to each other in the second direction.

[0354] <Technical Concept 21> The device comprises exciters (500, 400) and field elements (400, 500) arranged in a first direction (RD, AD), the field elements include an extension magnet (700) that intersects the first direction and extends in a second direction (CD, AD) through which either the exciters or the field elements move, the extension magnet has a plurality of motor magnets (600) arranged in the second direction, the motor magnets include a hard magnetic material (610) having a plurality of orientations (OR), and a soft magnetic material (620) provided on the hard magnetic material, at least a portion of the plurality of orientations having a first orientation component (ORr, ORA) along the first direction and a second orientation component (ORc, ORA) that intersects the first direction and extends in a second direction (CD, AD) through which either the exciters or the field elements move A motor wherein the soft magnetic material is provided on the first surface (600a, 600b, 600d) side of the hard magnetic material on the exciter side, the entire projection of the soft magnetic material in the direction from the first surface toward the second surface (600b, 600a, 600c) on its reverse side in the first direction is on the first surface side of the hard magnetic material, and the length of the third direction (AD, RD) of the soft magnetic material intersecting both the first and second directions is shorter than the length of the hard magnetic material in the third direction.

[0355] <Technical Concept 22> The motor according to technical concept 21, wherein the first direction is the radial direction (RD) perpendicular to the rotation axis (300) on which either the exciter or the field element is provided, and the second direction is the circumferential direction (CD) around the rotation axis.

[0356] <Technical Concept 23> The motor according to technical concept 21, wherein the first direction is the axial direction (AD) along the rotation axis (300) on which either the exciter or the field element is provided, and the second direction is the circumferential direction (CD) around the rotation axis.

[0357] <Technical Concept 24> The motor according to technical concept 21, wherein the first direction is the radial direction (RD) perpendicular to the linear motion axis (800) on which either the exciter or the field element is provided, and the second direction is the axial direction (AD) along the linear motion axis.

Claims

1. A motor magnet provided on field elements (400, 500) aligned with exciters (500, 400) in a first direction (RD, AD), comprising: a hard magnetic material (610) having a plurality of orientations (OR); and a soft magnetic material (620) provided on the hard magnetic material, wherein at least a portion of the plurality of orientations has a first orientation component (ORr, ORA) along the first direction and a second orientation component (ORc, ORA) intersecting the first direction and along a second direction (CD, AD) in which either the exciters or the field elements move, and the soft magnetic material is provided on the first surface (600a, 600b, 600d) side of the hard magnetic material on the exciter side. A motor magnet in which all projections of the soft magnetic material in the direction from the first surface toward the second surface (600b, 600a, 600c) on its reverse side in the first direction are on the first surface side of the hard magnetic material, and the length of the third direction (AD, RD) intersecting both the first and second directions of the soft magnetic material is shorter than the length of the hard magnetic material in the third direction.

2. The motor magnet according to claim 1, wherein, in the magnetic region of the hard magnetic material which includes the first orientation component toward the exciter and the second orientation component toward the soft magnetic material, or the first orientation component away from the exciter and the second orientation component away from the soft magnetic material, two boundaries located at the end side in the second direction are defined as the first boundary (600e) and the second boundary (600f), and the soft magnetic material is located midway between the first boundary and the second boundary in the second direction.

3. The motor magnet according to claim 2, wherein the first region (601) located between the first boundary and the second boundary via the soft magnetic material in the second direction of the magnetic region has the first orientation component and the second orientation component, wherein the absolute value of the first orientation component increases and the absolute value of the second orientation component decreases as it approaches the soft magnetic material in the second direction, and the second region (602) located between the first boundary and the second boundary without the soft magnetic material in the second direction of the magnetic region has the second orientation component.

4. The motor magnet according to claim 3, wherein the length of the hard magnetic material in the third direction is longer than that of the magnetic core (460, 540) included in the exciter.

5. The motor magnet according to claim 4, wherein the length of the soft magnetic material in the first direction is less than or equal to half the length between the first surface and the second surface in the first direction.

6. The motor magnet according to claim 4, wherein the length of the soft magnetic material in the second direction is one-third or more of the length between the first boundary and the second boundary in the second direction.

7. The motor magnet according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the plurality of orientations have a third orientation component (ORa, ORr) along the third direction, and the absolute value of the third orientation component increases as it moves away from the geometric center (GC) of the soft magnetic material in the third direction.

8. The motor magnet according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a recess (611) for providing the soft magnetic material is provided on the first surface side of the hard magnetic material.

9. The motor magnet according to claim 8, wherein the length of the soft magnetic material in the third direction is 0.17 times or more and less than 1.0 times the length of the hard magnetic material in the third direction.

10. The motor magnet according to claim 8, wherein the length of the soft magnetic material in the third direction is 0.71 times or more and less than 1.0 times the length of the hard magnetic material in the third direction.

11. The motor magnet according to claim 1, wherein the area of ​​the first opposing surface (620a) in the soft magnetic material that faces the hard magnetic material is greater than the area of ​​the second opposing surface (620b) in the soft magnetic material that faces the exciter.

12. The motor magnet according to claim 11, wherein the product of the residual magnetic flux density of the hard magnetic material and the area of ​​the first opposing surface is less than or equal to the product of the saturation magnetic flux density of the soft magnetic material and the area of ​​the second opposing surface.

13. The motor magnet according to claim 8, wherein the length of the soft magnetic material in the second direction increases from the wall surface constituting the recess toward the opening of the recess in the first direction.

14. The motor magnet according to claim 13, wherein the rate of change of the length of the soft magnetic material in the second direction decreases in the first direction from the wall surface toward the opening of the recess.

15. The motor magnet according to claim 13, wherein the rate of change of the length of the soft magnetic material in the second direction increases in the first direction from the wall surface toward the opening of the recess.

16. The motor magnet according to claim 1, wherein the length obtained by the difference between the length of the hard magnetic material in the first direction and the length of the soft magnetic material in the first direction depends on half the length of the hard magnetic material in the second direction.

17. The motor magnet according to claim 3, wherein the orientation on the boundary side between the hard magnetic material and the soft magnetic material and the angle between the hard magnetic material and the reference plane (SP) which is perpendicular to the boundary and extends in the third direction is 20° or less.

18. A field magnet aligned with an exciter (500, 400) in a first direction (RD, AD), comprising an extension magnet (700) extending in a second direction (CD, AD) that intersects the first direction and through which either the exciter or the field magnet moves, wherein the extension magnet has a plurality of motor magnets (600) aligned in the second direction, and the motor magnet comprises a hard magnetic material (610) having a plurality of orientations (OR), and a soft magnetic material (620) provided on the hard magnetic material, wherein at least a portion of the plurality of orientations has a first orientation component (ORr, ORA) along the first direction, and a second orientation component (ORc, ORA) intersects the first direction and along the second direction (CD, AD) through which either the exciter or the field magnet moves, The soft magnetic material is provided on the first surface (600a, 600b, 600d) side of the hard magnetic material on the exciter side, and the entire projection of the soft magnetic material in the direction from the first surface toward the second surface (600b, 600a, 600c) on its reverse side in the first direction is on the first surface side of the hard magnetic material, and the length of the third direction (AD, RD) of the soft magnetic material intersecting both the first and second directions is shorter than the length of the hard magnetic material in the third direction.

19. The field magnet according to claim 18, wherein two motor magnets that are adjacent to each other in the second direction are in contact.

20. The field magnet according to claim 18, wherein an intervening portion (630) containing a soft magnetic material is provided between two motor magnets that are adjacent to each other in the second direction.

21. The device comprises exciters (500, 400) and field elements (400, 500) arranged in a first direction (RD, AD), the field elements include an extension magnet (700) that intersects the first direction and extends in a second direction (CD, AD) through which either the exciters or the field elements move, the extension magnet has a plurality of motor magnets (600) arranged in the second direction, the motor magnets include a hard magnetic material (610) having a plurality of orientations (OR), and a soft magnetic material (620) provided on the hard magnetic material, at least a portion of the plurality of orientations having a first orientation component (ORr, ORA) along the first direction and a second orientation component (ORc, ORA) that intersects the first direction and extends in a second direction (CD, AD) through which either the exciters or the field elements move, A motor wherein the soft magnetic material is provided on the first surface (600a, 600b, 600d) side of the hard magnetic material on the exciter side, the entire projection of the soft magnetic material in the direction from the first surface toward the second surface (600b, 600a, 600c) on its reverse side in the first direction is on the first surface side of the hard magnetic material, and the length of the third direction (AD, RD) of the soft magnetic material intersecting both the first and second directions is shorter than the length of the hard magnetic material in the third direction.

22. The motor according to claim 21, wherein the first direction is the radial direction (RD) perpendicular to the rotation axis (300) on which either the exciter or the field element is provided, and the second direction is the circumferential direction (CD) around the rotation axis.

23. The motor according to claim 21, wherein the first direction is the axial direction (AD) along the rotation axis (300) on which either the exciter or the field element is provided, and the second direction is the circumferential direction (CD) around the rotation axis.

24. The motor according to claim 21, wherein the first direction is the radial direction (RD) perpendicular to the linear motion axis (800) on which either the exciter or the field element is provided, and the second direction is the axial direction (AD) along the linear motion axis.

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