Introduction of Applications and Main Types of Small Motors

The miniaturization of motors contributes to the miniaturization of the products in which they are used. Although motors play an important role in products, many people may not be familiar with the specific performance and detailed applications of small motors.

In this article, we will explain in detail the types of small motors and the advantages of small motors in each application.

Definition of Small Motors

Generally, among motors, those with outputs 100W or less are called "small motors,", and those with outputs 3W or less are sometimes called "micro motors.

In recent years, due to technological development, some motors have achieved higher output than 100W in a smaller size, and in some cases these motors are called "small motors," so the definition is not clear.

Applications of Small Motors

This section describes the applications of small motors and the advantages of using small motors in each application.

Service Robots

The first application of small motors is in the moving parts of service robots, which are used for various purposes, such as medical robots and cleaning robots.

Small motors are used in joints and rotating parts of robots.

Robots with multiple joints require the same number of motors as the number of joints. By using small motors for each joint, robots can be made more compact and lightweight.

Small motors are also used in industrial robots. For more information on structures of industrial robots and types of motors used, please refer to this article.

What Are Industrial Robots? Explanation of Main Types and Structures

Medical Equipment

Small motors are also being used in medical equipment applications.

For example, small motors can be used in the arms of surgical robots to enable delicate movements in areas that are difficult for doctors to reach. Also, dialysis machines and infusion pumps need to be miniaturized to reduce the time and effort required to transport them around the hospital, a problem that can be solved using a small motor.

Other applications include systems for adjusting the timing and volume of inhalation in respirator, and small motors are used in the rotating parts of handpieces for dental treatment and surgical power tools.

Air Conditioning Equipment

Small motors are used in air conditioning equipment for both residential and commercial use.

In general room air conditioners, small motors are used in moving parts such as compressors and fans. In the air conditioning systems of large facilities, duct for adjusting airflow is located in the celling, and small motors are also used in actuators that open and close these ducts in the event of a fire.

Because of their low cost and longevity, small motors are also useful for unmanned and infrequently maintained air conditioning equipment such as cell phone base stations.

Vacuum Cleaner

Small motors also play a role in the miniaturization of home appliances such as vacuum cleaners.

By using small motors with high rotational efficiency in the drive units of vacuum cleaners, it is possible to achieve both high output and ease of use. Small motors are also used in the wheels, rotating brushes, and suction mechanism of robot vacuum cleaners as well as stick and canister vacuum cleaners.

Sample of Each Motor

There are various types of small motors. Here are five typical types of motors.

▼Small Motor Comparison Table

◎：Low price 　〇：Relatively low price 　△：High price

DC Motors

A DC motor, also called a direct current motor, consist of a rotor made of coils and a stator made of magnets. When the commutator at the end of the coil comes into contact with the brushes in the stator, electricity flows, causing the motor to rotate.

Because the current flows in a constant direction and the structure is simple, a major feature of this motor is its stable rotation characteristics. Another advantage is that they are low-cost and easy to install.

On the other hand, a disadvantage is that the commutator wears out due to contact with the brushes, resulting in a relatively short longevity.

Brushless DC Motors

By using permanent magnets in the rotor, brushless DC motors overcome the disadvantages of DC motors by eliminating brushes and commutators. Brushless DC motors have longer longevity than DC motors and are quieter because electrical noises caused by brush friction are not generated. Sine a separate control circuit dedicated to the motor drive is prepared, the total cost is higher than that of a DC motor, but precise control is possible.

Stepper Motors

Stepper motors control the angle and speed of rotation by means of "pulse signals" that repeatedly turn the power on and off. They have the advantages of excellent position controllability and high torque at low speeds.

A dedicated control circuit is required for use.

Synchronous Motors

Unlike DC motors, synchronous motors are driven by alternating current. They are so called because they rotate synchronously with the power supply frequency.

They are specialized for low speeds and are suitable for maintaining a constant speed at low speeds because the rotation speed does not change even if the voltage changes.

Induction Motors

Like Synchronous motors, these motors rotate with alternating current. Its simple structure makes it easy to maintain and inexpensive.

Introduction of Mabuchi Motor’s Compact Brushless DC Motors

We have introduced five types of small motors. We would like to introduce a part of our product lineup of brushless DC motors, which are motors with longevity and high-speed rotation.

IS-94BZC

The IS-94BZC is a product of the "IS Series" with Hall IC and temperature sensor. It achieves a rated output of 250 W and an instantaneous maximum output of 410 W in a compact motor size.

It has a waterproof rating of IPX4 and can be used in a wide range of applications from consumer to industrial equipment such as power-assisted bicycles, autonomous robots, unmanned vehicles, power-assisted robots, etc.

IS-27NZA

The IS-27NZA is a product of the IS series that is specialized for use in medical equipment. It can be used for medical equipment that requires high precision an quietness, such as power tools for orthopedic surgery and high-speed drills for neurosurgery and otorhinolaryngology.

Autoclavable and geared units are available as options.

ID-659ZA

The ID-659ZA is a brushless DC motors specifically designed for vacuum cleaners. It has a built-in drive circuit that allows adjustment of the rotation speed, and it has a long battery life.

It is also available with burnout protection.

IR-94BZA

The IR-94BZA is a product of the "IR series" equipped with a resolver sensor. It achieves a rated output of 355 W and an instantaneous maximum output of 710 W in a compact motor size. Since it can run stably at low speeds, it is mainly used in driving parts of AGVs and AMRs that run inside warehouses and factories.

Also, like the IS series, it has a waterproof rating of IPX4, so it can be used in situations where water damage is expected.

Summary

In this article, small motors were explained.

•     Definition of Small Motors
•     Applications of Small Motors
•     Types of Small Motors

Utilizing small motors will lead to smaller and more convenient products. Since each type of small motor has different characteristics, it is necessary to select the right one for your application.

Mabuchi Motor offers a wide range of compact, lightweight, and highly efficient motors, including brushless DC motors, which are used in a variety of applications, including the service robots, medical equipment, air conditioning equipment, and vacuum cleaners introduced as applications.

In addition to our strength in stable supply, our staff members provide consistent support from motor selection to post-purchase follow-up, so even first-time customers can use our products with confidence.

If you are interested in our products, please feel free to contact us.

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