Electrostatic motor

Abstract

To improve manufacturing efficiency, reduce cost, improve durability, and reduce noise in an electrostatic motor.SOLUTION: In an electrostatic motor, in a state where movable-side brush electrodes 13, 33, 53, 72 of movable elements 10, 30, 50, 70 and fixed-side brush electrodes 21, 41, 61,81 of stators 20, 40, 60, 80 are in contact with each other so as to be electrically conductive, mover electrodes 14, 34, 54, 73 of a mover and stator electrodes 22, 42, 62, 82 of a stator are disposed with gaps G1, G2, G3, G4 therebetween so as to be capable of generating Coulombic force, the movable element is movable with respect to the stator by applying a high voltage of opposite potential to the fixed-side brush electrode and the stator electrode.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrostatic motor that is driven by utilizing Coulomb force to move a mover relative to a stator. [Background technology]

[0002] An electrostatic motor has a mover and a stator combined with the mover, and is driven to move the mover relative to the stator. The electrostatic motor is driven by generating a Coulomb force between the mover and the stator, and the Coulomb force is generated by the action between charges resulting from a corona discharge caused by application of a high voltage.

[0003] An example of such an electrostatic motor is the electrostatic motor described in Patent Document 1. The electrostatic motor in Patent Document 1 includes a high-voltage generator having one and the other output terminals, a rotor (movable member) supported rotatably around a central axis, one or more rotor electrodes arranged on the rotor, and one or more combinations of a charge injection electrode and a stator electrode as a configuration on the stator (fixed member) side. In this electrostatic motor, the tip of the charge injection electrode and the stator electrode are arranged at positions where they can face the rotor electrode during the movement of the rotor, a first gap is provided between the rotor electrode and the tip of the charge injection electrode when the rotor electrode faces the tip of the charge injection electrode, a second gap is provided between the rotor electrode and the stator electrode when the rotor electrode faces the stator electrode, the first gap is of a size that can generate a corona discharge and is smaller than the second gap, one output terminal of the high-voltage generator is configured to be able to inject a positive charge or a negative charge into the charge injection electrode, and the other output terminal of the high-voltage generator is configured to be able to inject a charge of the opposite polarity to the one output terminal into the stator electrode. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7223094 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the above-mentioned example of the electrostatic motor, it is necessary to maintain a first gap between the tips of the rotor electrode and the charge injection electrode so as to enable corona discharge. However, it is difficult to manufacture an electrostatic motor so as to maintain such a gap, which may lead to an increase in manufacturing costs. Therefore, the above-mentioned example of the electrostatic motor has room for improvement in terms of manufacturing efficiency and cost reduction.

[0006] In addition, there is concern that corona discharge may cause adverse effects such as dielectric breakdown. Therefore, the electrostatic motor has room for improvement in terms of durability. Furthermore, in the electrostatic motor, many people are uncomfortable with the sound generated during corona discharge, that is, the so-called corona discharge sound. Therefore, in the electrostatic motor, there is a need to reduce noise, including the corona discharge sound, in other words, to make the motor quieter.

[0007] In view of these circumstances, it is desirable to improve manufacturing efficiency, reduce costs, improve durability, and reduce noise in electrostatic motors. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above problem, an electrostatic motor according to a first aspect is an electrostatic motor including a mover, a stator combined with the mover, and a high-voltage application device having one side output terminal configured to be able to apply a voltage of a positive potential or a negative potential, and another side output terminal configured to be able to apply a voltage of an opposite potential to the one side output terminal, wherein the mover has a rotating body rotatable about a rotation axis, a brush shaft protruding from the rotating body along the rotation axis, a plurality of movable side brush electrodes arranged at intervals from each other in the rotation direction of the rotating body on an outer circumferential surface of the brush shaft, and a plurality of mover electrodes arranged at intervals from each other in the rotation direction on the rotating body and electrically connected to the plurality of movable side brush electrodes, respectively, the stator is configured to be able to come into contact with the plurality of movable side brush electrodes, and the brush shaft is configured to be able to contact the plurality of movable side brush electrodes, the high-voltage application device is configured to apply a high voltage so as to apply the Coulomb force between the plurality of movable electrodes and the stator electrode, and a fixed-side brush electrode extending along a track that intersects with the shaft, and a stator electrode that can face the plurality of movable electrodes with a gap therebetween and is arranged parallel to the fixed-side brush electrode, the gap being determined so that a Coulomb force can act between the plurality of movable electrodes and the stator electrode, each movable electrode being arranged so as to be separated from the stator electrode in the rotation direction when the movable-side brush electrode connected to this movable electrode is in contact with the fixed-side brush electrode, one output terminal of the high-voltage application device is connected to the fixed-side brush electrode and the other output terminal of the high-voltage application device is connected to the stator electrode, and the high-voltage application device is configured to apply a high voltage so as to apply the Coulomb force to enable the movable electrode to roll along the track.

[0009] In order to solve the above problem, an electrostatic motor according to a second aspect is an electrostatic motor including a mover, a stator combined with the mover, and a high-voltage application device having one side output terminal configured to be able to apply a voltage of positive or negative potential, and the other side output terminal configured to be able to apply a voltage of an opposite potential to the one side output terminal, wherein the mover has a rotating body that can rotate around a rotation axis, a brush shaft that protrudes from the rotating body along the rotation axis and is journaled so as to be rotatable together with the rotating body, a plurality of movable side brush electrodes arranged at intervals from each other in the rotation direction of the rotating body on the outer circumferential surface of the brush shaft, and a plurality of mover electrodes that are arranged at intervals from each other on the rotating body in the rotation direction and are each electrically connected to the plurality of movable side brush electrodes, and the stator is a movable brush electrode configured to be in contact with the plurality of movable brush electrodes, and a stator electrode configured to face the plurality of movable electrodes with a gap therebetween and arranged around the rotating body, the gap being determined so that a Coulomb force can act between the plurality of movable electrodes and the stator electrode, each movable electrode is arranged so that it is separated from the stator electrode in the direction of rotation when the movable brush electrode connected to this movable electrode is in contact with the fixed brush electrode, one output terminal of the high voltage application device is connected to the fixed brush electrode and the other output terminal of the high voltage application device is connected to the stator electrode, and the high voltage application device is configured to be able to apply a high voltage so that the Coulomb force can act to rotate the movable electrode in a fixed position.

[0010] In order to solve the above problems, an electrostatic motor according to a third aspect is an electrostatic motor including a mover, a stator combined with the mover, and a high-voltage application device having a first output terminal configured to be able to apply a voltage of a positive potential or a negative potential, and a second output terminal configured to be able to apply a voltage of an opposite potential to the first output terminal, wherein the mover has a wall body formed in an elongated shape, a plurality of moveable brush electrodes arranged at a bottom of the wall body at intervals from each other in the longitudinal direction of the wall body, and a plurality of mover electrodes arranged at a side of the wall body at intervals from each other in the longitudinal direction of the wall body and electrically connected to the plurality of moveable brush electrodes, the stator has a plurality of fixed brush electrodes capable of coming into contact with the plurality of moveable brush electrodes and arranged at intervals from each other along a predetermined track, and a plurality of stator electrodes capable of facing the plurality of mover electrodes with a gap therebetween and arranged at intervals from each other along the track, the gap is determined so that a Coulomb force can act between the multiple movable electrodes and the multiple stator electrodes, the multiple fixed brush electrodes and the multiple stator electrodes are arranged so that one of the multiple fixed brush electrodes and one of the multiple stator electrodes are alternately arranged along the track, each movable electrode is arranged so that when the movable brush electrode connected to this movable electrode is in contact with one of the multiple fixed brush electrodes, the movable electrode adjacent to this movable electrode at least partially faces one of the multiple stator electrodes between one of the multiple fixed brush electrodes and the fixed brush electrode adjacent thereto, one output terminal of the high voltage application device is connected to the multiple fixed brush electrodes and the other output terminal of the high voltage application device is connected to the multiple stator electrodes, and the high voltage application device is configured to be able to apply a high voltage so that the Coulomb force can act to enable the movable electrode to move linearly along the track. Effect of the Invention

[0011] According to the electrostatic motors according to the first to third aspects, it is possible to improve manufacturing efficiency, reduce costs, improve durability, and reduce noise. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view illustrating an electrostatic motor according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a view seen in the direction of arrow U in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a view seen from the arrow V in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a plan view illustrating an electrostatic motor according to the second embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a portion W in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a front view illustrating an electrostatic motor according to the third embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line YY in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a side view diagrammatically illustrating the electrostatic motor according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a plan view illustrating an electrostatic motor according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line ZZ in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] Electrostatic motors according to the first to fourth embodiments will be described below. First, the electrostatic motor according to each embodiment has a mover and a stator combined with the mover. Such an electrostatic motor is driven by moving the mover relative to the stator using Coulomb force. The Coulomb force is brought about by the action between charges obtained by applying a high voltage. The electrostatic motor according to each embodiment can also be called a brushed electrostatic motor.

[0014] The electrostatic motor according to each embodiment also has a high voltage application device that enables application of the high voltage. The high voltage application device has one output terminal and the other output terminal. The one output terminal is configured to enable application of a voltage of a positive potential or a negative potential. The other output terminal is configured to enable application of a voltage of an opposite potential to that of the one output terminal.

[0015] "First embodiment" The electrostatic motor according to the first embodiment will be described below.

[0016] "Outline of electrostatic motor" 1 to 3, the electrostatic motor according to this embodiment is generally configured as follows. The electrostatic motor has the mover 10 and the stator 20 as described above. In addition, in Figs. 2 and 3, the stator 20 is indicated by a virtual line (two-dot chain line). In the electrostatic motor according to this embodiment, the mover 10 can also be called a rotor, and the stator 20 can also be called a stator. This nomenclature is the same in the electrostatic motors according to the second and third embodiments described later. The electrostatic motor also has a high-voltage application device P having one output terminal q1 and the other output terminal q2 as described above.

[0017] The mover 10 has a rotor 11 that is rotatable around a rotation axis 10a. The mover 10 has a brush shaft 12 that protrudes from the rotor 11 along the rotation axis 10a. The brush shaft 12 is rotatable together with the rotor 11.

[0018] The mover 10 has a plurality of moveable brush electrodes 13 arranged at intervals from one another in the rotational direction of the rotor 11 on the outer circumferential surface 12a of the brush shaft 12. The mover 10 also has a plurality of mover electrodes 14 arranged at intervals from one another in the rotational direction on the rotor 11. The plurality of mover electrodes 14 are electrically connected to the plurality of moveable brush electrodes 13, respectively.

[0019] The stator 20 has a fixed-side brush electrode 21 configured to be able to come into contact with the multiple movable-side brush electrodes 13. The fixed-side brush electrode 21 extends along a trajectory R1 that intersects with the brush shaft 12. The stator 20 has a stator electrode 22 configured to be able to face the multiple movable electrodes 14 with a gap G1 therebetween. The stator electrode 22 is disposed so as to be approximately parallel to the fixed-side brush electrode 21.

[0020] The gap G1 is determined so that a Coulomb force can act between the multiple mover electrodes 14 and the stator electrode 22. Furthermore, each mover electrode 14 is disposed so as to be separated from the stator electrode 22 in the rotation direction when the mover brush electrode 13 connected to this mover electrode 14 is in contact with the fixed brush electrode 21.

[0021] Furthermore, one output terminal q1 of the high voltage application device P is connected to the fixed brush electrode 21. The other output terminal q2 of the high voltage application device P is connected to the stator electrode 22. The high voltage application device P is configured to be able to apply a high voltage so as to apply a Coulomb force to enable the mover 10 to roll along the track R1.

[0022] "Electrostatic motor details" 1 to 3, the electrostatic motor according to this embodiment can be configured in detail as follows. The track R1 of the stator 20 of the electrostatic motor can extend to include a straight portion. In this case, the mover 10 can roll while moving straight on the straight portion of the track R1. Although not particularly shown, the track of the stator can also extend to include a curved portion in addition to the straight portion. In this case, the mover can roll while bending on the curved portion of the track.

[0023] "Details of the mover" 1 to 3, the mover 10 can be configured in detail as follows. The mover 10 has an auxiliary shaft 15 that protrudes from the rotor 11 along the rotation axis 10a on the opposite side to the brush shaft 12. The auxiliary shaft 15 can also rotate together with the rotor 11.

[0024] The mover 10 has two guide rings 16 each protruding from the outer circumferential surface 15a of the auxiliary shaft 15 so as to form a ring shape. The two guide rings 16 are arranged at an interval in the direction of the rotation axis. The outer circumferential shape of each guide ring 16 is smaller than the outer circumferential shape of the rotor 11.

[0025] The rotating body 11 has one side surface 11a located on the protruding side of the brush shaft 12. The rotating body 11 has an outer peripheral surface 11b along its rotation direction. The rotating body 11 has the other side surface 11c located on the protruding side of the auxiliary shaft 15. The outer peripheral surface 11b of the rotating body 11 extends so as to connect the one and other side surfaces 11a, 11c.

[0026] The outer peripheral surface 11b of the rotor 11 is formed in a substantially circular shape along the rotation direction. Each of the one and other side surfaces 11a, 11c of the rotor 11 can be a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis 10a. In particular, each of the one and other side surfaces 11a, 11c of the rotor 11 is preferably a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis 10a when the mover electrode 14 is disposed thereon.

[0027] The brush shaft 12 and the auxiliary shaft 15 each extend along the rotation axis 10a so as to have a substantially circular cross section. The outer peripheral surfaces 12a, 15a of the brush shaft 12 and the auxiliary shaft 15 are each formed in a substantially circular shape along the direction of rotation. The outer peripheral shapes of the brush shaft 12 and the auxiliary shaft 15 are smaller than the outer peripheral shape of the rotor 11.

[0028] The number of movable brush electrodes 13 and the number of mover electrodes 14 are the same. The numbers of movable brush electrodes 13 and mover electrodes 14 are determined so as to apply Coulomb force to enable the mover 10 to roll along the track R1. In Figures 1 to 3, as an example, the mover 10 having eight movable brush electrodes 13 and eight mover electrodes 14 is shown. However, the numbers of movable brush electrodes and mover electrodes are not limited to this.

[0029] The intervals between the multiple movable brush electrodes 13 and the multiple mover electrodes 14 are determined so as to generate a Coulomb force that enables the mover 10 to roll along the track R1. The multiple movable brush electrodes 13 can be arranged at substantially equal intervals in the rotational direction. The multiple mover electrodes 14 can also be arranged at substantially equal intervals in the rotational direction.

[0030] The length in the rotational direction of the multiple movable brush electrodes 13 and the length in the rotational direction of the multiple mover electrodes 14 are determined so as to apply Coulomb force to enable the mover 10 to roll along the track R1. The lengths in the rotational direction of the multiple movable brush electrodes 13 can be made substantially equal. The lengths in the rotational direction of the multiple mover electrodes 14 can also be made substantially equal.

[0031] Each movable brush electrode 13 extends in a substantially straight line along the rotation axis 10a. The multiple movable brush electrodes 13 are preferably arranged so that their outer circumferential surfaces 13a are substantially flush with the outer circumferential surface 12a of the brush shaft 12. Each mover electrode 14 is arranged across one side surface 11a, the outer circumferential surface 11b, and the other side surface 11c of the rotor 11. However, each mover electrode may also be arranged across only one side surface and the outer circumferential surface of the rotor. Each mover electrode may also be arranged on only one side surface of the rotor.

[0032] "Details of the stator" 1 to 3, the stator 20 can be configured in detail as follows. The stator 20 also has an auxiliary rail 23 configured to be able to support the auxiliary shaft 15 of the mover 10. The auxiliary rail 23 also extends along the track R1. The auxiliary shaft 15 can roll on the upper end of the auxiliary rail 23. The brush shaft 12 can roll on the upper end of the fixed-side brush electrode 21.

[0033] The stator 20 has a guide rail 24 located between the two guide rings 16 of the mover 10 in the direction of the rotation axis. The guide rail 24 also extends along the track R1. The two guide rings 16 are movable along the guide rail 24. When the guide rail 24 comes into contact with either of the two guide rings 16 of the mover 10, the mover 10 is prevented from shifting in the direction of the rotation axis.

[0034] The stator electrode 22 has one side surface 22a, a bottom surface 22b, and an other side surface 22c that respectively face the one side surface 11a, the outer circumferential surface 11b, and the other side surface 11c of the rotor 11 of the mover 10. In particular, when a plurality of mover electrodes 14 are disposed across the one side surface 11a, the outer circumferential surface 11b, and the other side surface 11c of the rotor 11, it is preferable that the stator electrode 22 is configured to have such one side surface 22a, bottom surface 22b, and other side surface 22c.

[0035] However, when multiple mover electrodes are disposed across only one side surface and the outer circumferential surface of the rotor, the stator electrode can be configured to have one side surface and a bottom surface. When multiple mover electrodes are disposed on only one side surface of the rotor, the stator electrode can be configured to have only one side surface.

[0036] The stator electrode 22 is located between the fixed brush electrode 21 and the auxiliary rail 23 in the width direction of the electrostatic motor, which corresponds to the rotation axis direction. The guide rail 24 is located between the stator electrode 22 and the auxiliary rail 23 in the width direction.

[0037] The height position of the upper end of the fixed-side brush electrode 21 is substantially equal to the height position of the upper end of the auxiliary rail 23. The height position of the upper end of the stator electrode 22 is lower than the height position of the upper end of the fixed-side brush electrode 21. The height position of the upper end of the guide rail 24 can be lower than the height position of the upper end of the fixed-side brush electrode 21 and the height position of the upper end of the auxiliary rail 23.

[0038] "Physical properties of the mover and stator" The mover 10 and the stator 20 can be configured to have the following physical properties. The rotor 11 and brush shaft 12 of the mover 10 are configured to have insulating properties. On the other hand, the moveable brush electrode 13 and the mover electrode 14 of the mover 10 are configured to have conductivity. The fixed brush electrode 21 and the stator electrode 22 of the stator 20 are also configured to have conductivity.

[0039] For example, the movable brush electrode 13, the mover electrode 14, the fixed brush electrode 21, and the stator electrode 22 can be made of transparent electrodes. In this case, these electrodes can be formed by vapor deposition. For example, such transparent electrodes can be made of ITO (indium tin oxide) or the like. However, the components of the movable brush electrode and the mover electrode are not limited to transparent electrodes. For example, the movable brush electrode, the mover electrode, the fixed brush electrode, and the stator electrode can also be made of metal.

[0040] "Details of high voltage application device" Referring to FIG. 1, the high voltage application device P can be specifically configured as follows. The high voltage application device P is configured to generate a high voltage by deformation of a piezoelectric element. For example, such a high voltage application device P can generate a high voltage of 20000V (volts) to 50000V. The high voltage application device P is configured to apply a DC voltage.

[0041] However, the high voltage application device is not limited to a form using a piezoelectric element as long as it is configured to be able to apply a high voltage. For example, the high voltage application device may be configured to generate a high voltage using a general power source.

[0042] "Operation of electrostatic motor" The operation of the electrostatic motor according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 3. Here, the operation of the electrostatic motor will be described when one output terminal q1 of the high voltage application device P applies a voltage of positive potential and the other output terminal q2 applies a voltage of negative potential.

[0043] When one output terminal q1 applies a positive voltage to the fixed brush electrode 21, the movable brush electrode 13 in contact with the fixed brush electrode 21 is positively charged. Furthermore, the mover electrode 14 connected to the movable brush electrode 13 is also positively charged.

[0044] The positively charged movable brush electrode 13 repels the positively charged fixed brush electrode 21, and this repulsion rotates the mover 10 including the brush shaft 12 and rotor 11. Then, the positively charged mover electrode 14 moves as if attracted to the negatively charged stator electrode 22.

[0045] At the same time, when the other output terminal q2 applies a negative voltage to the stator electrode 22, the mover electrode 14 facing the stator electrode 22 is negatively charged. Furthermore, the mover brush electrode 13 connected to the mover electrode 14 is also negatively charged.

[0046] The negatively charged mover electrode 14 repels the stator electrode 22, which is also negatively charged, and this repulsion rotates the mover 10 including the brush shaft 12 and rotor 11. Then, the negatively charged mover brush electrode 13 moves as if attracted to the positively charged fixed brush electrode 21.

[0047] The multiple movable brush electrodes 13 and multiple mover electrodes 14 aligned in the direction of rotation are repeatedly charged in this manner, causing the mover 10 to roll relative to the stator 20 along a trajectory R1 that includes a straight portion.

[0048] As described above, according to the outline of the electrostatic motor according to this embodiment, the mover 10 includes a rotor 11 that is rotatable around a rotation axis 10a, a brush shaft 12 that protrudes from the rotor 11 along the rotation axis 10a, a plurality of movable brush electrodes 13 that are arranged at intervals from each other in the rotation direction of the rotor 11 on an outer circumferential surface 12a of the brush shaft 12, and a plurality of mover electrodes 14 that are arranged at intervals from each other in the rotation direction on the rotor 11 and are electrically connected to the plurality of movable brush electrodes 13, respectively. The stator 20 includes a fixed brush electrode 21 that is configured to be able to come into contact with the plurality of movable brush electrodes 13 and that extends along a track R1 that intersects with the brush shaft 12, and a gap G1 is provided between the fixed brush electrode 21 and the plurality of mover electrodes 14. The movable electrode 14 has a stator electrode 22 that is arranged so as to be parallel to the fixed brush electrode 21 and can face the movable electrode 14 while being movable relative to the fixed brush electrode 21, the gap G1 is determined so as to allow a Coulomb force to act between the multiple movable electrodes 14 and the stator electrode 22, each movable electrode 14 is arranged so as to be separated from the stator electrode 22 in the rotation direction when the movable brush electrode 13 connected to this movable electrode 14 is in contact with the fixed brush electrode 21, one output terminal q1 of the high voltage application device P is connected to the fixed brush electrode 21, and the other output terminal q2 of the high voltage application device P is connected to the stator electrode 22, and the high voltage application device P is configured to be able to apply a high voltage so as to apply a Coulomb force to cause the movable electrode 10 to roll along the track R1.

[0049] Therefore, in an electrostatic motor in which the mover 10 rolls relative to the stator 20, with any of the plurality of moveable brush electrodes 13 in contact with the fixed brush electrode 21, a high voltage can be applied stably from one output terminal q1 of the high voltage application device P to the plurality of moveable brush electrodes 13 in sequence via the fixed brush electrode 21 without causing corona discharge. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently prevent insulation breakdown and corona discharge noise caused by corona discharge, and as a result, it is possible to improve the durability of the electrostatic motor and reduce the noise generated by the electrostatic motor.

[0050] Furthermore, in the electrostatic motor, it is not necessary to maintain a gap for generating corona discharge. Therefore, it is possible to manufacture electrostatic motors without managing such a gap, and as a result, it is possible to improve the manufacturing efficiency of electrostatic motors. Furthermore, since it is possible to omit management of the gap, it is possible to reduce costs. Therefore, in the electrostatic motor according to this embodiment, it is possible to improve manufacturing efficiency, reduce costs, improve durability, and reduce noise.

[0051] According to the details of the electrostatic motor according to this embodiment, the track R1 extends to include a straight portion. Therefore, even in an electrostatic motor in which the mover 10 rolls relative to the stator 20 along the track R1 including a straight portion, it is possible to improve manufacturing efficiency, reduce costs, improve durability, and reduce noise, as described above.

[0052] "Second embodiment" The electrostatic motor according to the second embodiment will be described below.

[0053] "Outline of electrostatic motor" 4 to 6, the electrostatic motor according to this embodiment is generally configured as follows. First, the electrostatic motor according to this embodiment is generally similar to that of the first embodiment. Such an electrostatic motor has a mover 30 and a stator 40 similar to those of the electrostatic motor according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 6, the stator 40 is indicated by a virtual line (two-dot chain line). The electrostatic motor also has a high-voltage application device P similar to that of the first embodiment. The high-voltage application device P is similar to that of the first embodiment both in outline and in detail.

[0054] The mover 30 is rotatable about a rotation axis 30a. The mover 30 has a rotor 31, a brush shaft 32, a moveable brush electrode 33, and a mover electrode 34, which are generally similar to those of the electrostatic motor according to the first embodiment. The brush shaft 32 has an outer circumferential surface 32a. The stator 40 has a fixed brush electrode 41 and a stator electrode 42, which are generally similar to those of the electrostatic motor according to the first embodiment.

[0055] The fixed brush electrode 41 extends along a path R2 that intersects with the brush shaft 32. Furthermore, a gap G2 is formed between at least one of the multiple mover electrodes and the stator electrode .

[0056] "Electrostatic motor details" 4 to 6, the electrostatic motor according to this embodiment can be specifically configured as follows: In the electrostatic motor according to this embodiment, the orbit R2 extends so as to revolve in a substantially circular shape around the rotation axis S2.

[0057] The mover 30 has a support mechanism 35 to which the tip portion 32b of the brush shaft 32 is attached so as to enable the brush shaft 32 to rotate. Such a support mechanism 35 may have a bearing (not shown) for rotatably supporting the brush shaft 32. The support mechanism 35 supports the rotor 31 so as to enable the rotor 31 to rotate along a circular orbit R2 around the rotation axis S2. Such a support mechanism 35 may also have a bearing (not shown) for supporting the rotor 31.

[0058] "Details and physical properties of the mover and stator, and the operation of the electrostatic motor" 4 to 6, the details and physical properties of the mover 30 and the stator 40, and the operation of the electrostatic motor will be described below. In detail, the mover 30 can be configured as follows. In detail, the mover 30 is similar to the first embodiment, except that the above-mentioned auxiliary shaft and guide ring are not provided, and the mover electrode 34 is arranged on one side surface 31a of the rotor 31, and is not arranged on the outer circumferential surface 31b or the other side surface 31c of the rotor 31.

[0059] The mover may have a plurality of rotating assemblies each having a rotor, a brush shaft, a movable brush electrode, and a mover electrode. In this case, the plurality of rotating assemblies are arranged at intervals in the rotational direction of the orbit. Furthermore, the tip of the brush shaft of each rotor is attached to a journal mechanism so as to rotate the brush shaft.

[0060] The stator 40 can be configured in detail as follows. The stator 40 is similar to the first embodiment, except that the auxiliary rails and guide rails described above are not provided, and the stator electrode 42 has only one side surface 42a, and does not have the bottom surface and the other side surface described above.

[0061] The mover electrode may be disposed across only one side surface and the outer circumferential surface of the rotating body, in which case the stator electrode may have one side surface and a bottom surface that face the one side surface and the outer circumferential surface, respectively, of the rotating body. The mover electrode may be disposed across one side surface, the outer circumferential surface, and the other side surface of the rotating body, in which case the stator electrode may have one side surface, a bottom surface, and the other side surface that face the one side surface, the outer circumferential surface, and the other side surface, respectively, of the rotating body.

[0062] Next, the physical properties of the mover 30 and the stator 40 are similar to those of the first embodiment. Furthermore, the operation of the electrostatic motor is similar to that of the first embodiment, except that the mover 30 rolls along a substantially circular track R2 as described above, instead of the track R1 including a straight portion as in the first embodiment.

[0063] According to the outline of the electrostatic motor of this embodiment, the electrostatic motor can obtain the same effects as the outline of the electrostatic motor of the first embodiment. Furthermore, according to the details of the electrostatic motor of this embodiment, the orbit R2 extends so as to revolve in a circular shape around the orbital axis S2, the mover 30 has a support mechanism 35 to which the tip 32b of the brush shaft 32 is attached so as to rotate the brush shaft 32, and the support mechanism 35 supports the rotor 31 so as to revolve the rotor 31 along the circular orbit R2 around the orbital axis S2.

[0064] Therefore, in an electrostatic motor in which the movable element 30 rolls relative to the stator 40 along a circular track R2, similar to the electrostatic motor of the first embodiment, it is possible to improve manufacturing efficiency, reduce costs, improve durability, and reduce noise.

[0065] "Third embodiment" The electrostatic motor according to the third embodiment will be described below.

[0066] "Outline of electrostatic motor" 7 and 8, the electrostatic motor according to this embodiment is generally configured as follows. The electrostatic motor has the mover 50 and the stator 60 as described above. The electrostatic motor also has a high-voltage application device P similar to that of the first embodiment. The high-voltage application device P is similar to that of the first embodiment both in outline and in detail.

[0067] The mover 50 has a rotor 51 that is rotatable around a rotation axis 50a. The mover 50 has a brush shaft 52 that protrudes from the rotor 51 along the rotation axis 50a. The brush shaft 52 is supported so as to be rotatable together with the rotor 51.

[0068] The mover 50 has a plurality of moveable brush electrodes 53 arranged at intervals from one another in the rotational direction of the rotor 51 on the outer circumferential surface 52a of the brush shaft 52. The mover 50 has a plurality of mover electrodes 54 arranged at intervals from one another in the rotational direction of the rotor 51. The plurality of mover electrodes 54 are electrically connected to the plurality of moveable brush electrodes 53, respectively.

[0069] The stator 60 has a fixed-side brush electrode 61 configured to be able to come into contact with the multiple movable-side brush electrodes 53. The stator 60 has a stator electrode 62 configured to be able to face the multiple movable electrodes 54 with a gap G3 therebetween. The stator electrode 62 is disposed around the rotor 51. In Fig. 8, the stator electrode 62 is indicated by a virtual line (two-dot chain line).

[0070] The gap G3 is determined so that a Coulomb force can act between the multiple mover electrodes 54 and the stator electrode 62. Each mover electrode 54 is disposed so as to be separated from the stator electrode 62 in the rotation direction when the mover brush electrode 53 connected to this mover electrode 54 is in contact with the fixed brush electrode 61.

[0071] One output terminal q1 of the high voltage application device P is connected to the fixed brush electrode 61. The other output terminal q2 of the high voltage application device P is connected to the stator electrode 62. The high voltage application device P is configured to be capable of applying a high voltage so as to apply a Coulomb force to enable the mover 50 to rotate at a fixed position.

[0072] "Details of the mover" 7 and 8, the mover 50 can be specifically configured as follows. The mover 50 has an auxiliary shaft 55 that protrudes from the rotor 51 along the rotation axis 50a on the opposite side to the brush shaft 52. The auxiliary shaft 55 is also supported so as to be rotatable together with the rotor 51.

[0073] The rotor 51 has one side surface 51a located on the protruding side of the brush shaft 52. The rotor 51 has an outer peripheral surface 51b along the rotation direction. The rotor 51 has the other side surface 51c located on the protruding side of the auxiliary shaft 55. The outer peripheral surface 51b of the rotor 51 extends so as to connect the one and other side surfaces 51a, 51c.

[0074] An outer peripheral surface 51b of the rotor 51 is formed in a substantially circular shape along the direction of rotation. One and other side surfaces 51a, 51c of the rotor 51 may each be a flat surface substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis 50a.

[0075] The brush shaft 52 and the auxiliary shaft 55 each extend along the rotation axis 50a so as to have a substantially circular cross section. The outer peripheral surfaces 52a, 55a of the brush shaft 52 and the auxiliary shaft 55 each are formed in a substantially circular shape along the rotation direction. The outer peripheral shapes of the brush shaft 52 and the auxiliary shaft 55 are smaller than the outer peripheral shape of the rotor 51.

[0076] The number of the movable brush electrodes 53 and the number of the mover electrodes 54 are the same. The number of the movable brush electrodes 53 and the number of the mover electrodes 54 are determined so that a Coulomb force acts to enable the mover 50 to rotate at a fixed position. The multiple movable brush electrodes 53 can be arranged at substantially equal intervals in the rotation direction. The multiple mover electrodes 54 can also be arranged at substantially equal intervals in the rotation direction. In Figs. 7 and 8, as an example, a mover 50 having eight movable brush electrodes 53 and eight mover electrodes 54 is shown. However, the number of the movable brush electrodes and the number of the mover electrodes are not limited to this.

[0077] The intervals between the multiple movable brush electrodes 53 and the multiple mover electrodes 54 are determined so as to apply a Coulomb force to enable the mover 50 to rotate at a fixed position. The multiple movable brush electrodes 53 can be arranged at substantially equal intervals in the rotation direction. The multiple mover electrodes 54 can also be arranged at substantially equal intervals in the rotation direction.

[0078] The length in the rotational direction of the multiple movable brush electrodes 53 and the length in the rotational direction of the multiple mover electrodes 54 are determined so as to apply Coulomb force to enable the mover 50 to rotate in a fixed position. The lengths in the rotational direction of the multiple movable brush electrodes 53 can be made substantially equal. The lengths in the rotational direction of the multiple mover electrodes 54 can also be made substantially equal.

[0079] Each movable brush electrode 53 extends in a substantially straight line along the rotation axis 50a. The multiple movable brush electrodes 53 are preferably arranged such that their outer circumferential surfaces 53a are substantially flush with the outer circumferential surface 52a of the brush shaft 52. Each mover electrode 54 is arranged across one side surface 51a and the outer circumferential surface 51b of the rotor 51.

[0080] "Details of the stator" 7 and 8, the stator 60 can be configured in detail as follows. The fixed brush electrode 61 has a base end 61a electrically connected to one output terminal q1 of the high voltage application device P. The fixed brush electrode 61 has a main body 61b formed in an elongated shape so as to extend from the base end 61a. The fixed brush electrode 61 is arranged so that the main body 61b can come into contact with the multiple movable brush electrodes 53.

[0081] The stator electrode 62 has an opposing surface 62a capable of opposing the multiple mover electrodes 54. Furthermore, the opposing surface 62a can be disposed so as to face the outer circumferential surface 51b of the rotor 51. In Figs. 7 and 8, as an example, a stator 60 having one fixed-side brush electrode 61 and one stator electrode 62 is shown. However, the stator may have multiple fixed-side brush electrodes. Also, the stator may have multiple stator electrodes.

[0082] When the stator has a plurality of fixed brush electrodes, the intervals between the plurality of fixed brush electrodes can be determined so that a Coulomb force acts to rotate the mover in a fixed position. When the stator has a plurality of stator electrodes, the intervals between the plurality of stator electrodes and the length in the rotation direction can be determined so that a Coulomb force acts to rotate the mover in a fixed position.

[0083] "Physical properties of the mover and stator, and operation of electrostatic motors" 7 and 8, the physical properties of the mover 50 and the stator 60, and the operation of the electrostatic motor will be described. The mover 50 and the stator 60 can have the same physical properties as in the first embodiment. In addition, the operation of the electrostatic motor is similar to that of the first embodiment, except that the mover 50 rotates in a fixed position instead of rolling along a trajectory R1 that includes a straight portion as in the first embodiment.

[0084] As described above, according to the electrostatic motor of this embodiment, in an electrostatic motor in which the mover 50 rotates in a fixed position relative to the stator 60, it is possible to improve manufacturing efficiency, reduce costs, improve durability, and reduce noise, as with the electrostatic motor of the first embodiment.

[0085] "Fourth embodiment" The electrostatic motor according to the fourth embodiment will be described below.

[0086] "Outline of electrostatic motor" 9 to 11, the electrostatic motor according to this embodiment is generally configured as follows. As described above, the electrostatic motor has the mover 70 and the stator 80. The electrostatic motor also has a high-voltage application device P similar to that of the first embodiment. The high-voltage application device P is similar to that of the first embodiment both in outline and in detail.

[0087] The mover 70 has a wall 71 formed in an elongated shape. The mover 70 has a plurality of moveable brush electrodes 72 arranged at intervals from each other in the longitudinal direction of the wall 71 at a bottom 71a of the wall 71. The mover 70 has a plurality of mover electrodes 73 arranged at intervals from each other in the longitudinal direction of the wall 71 at a side 71b of the wall 71. The plurality of mover electrodes 73 are connected to the plurality of moveable brush electrodes 72, respectively.

[0088] The stator 80 has a plurality of fixed-side brush electrodes 81 arranged so as to be able to come into contact with the plurality of movable-side brush electrodes 72. The plurality of fixed-side brush electrodes 81 are arranged at intervals from one another along a predetermined track R4. The stator 80 has a plurality of stator electrodes 82 arranged so as to be able to face the plurality of movable electrodes 73 with a gap G4 therebetween. The plurality of stator electrodes 82 are arranged at intervals from one another along the track R4.

[0089] The gap G4 is determined so that a Coulomb force can act between the multiple mover electrodes 73 and the multiple stator electrodes 82. The multiple fixed-side brush electrodes 81 and the multiple stator electrodes 82 are arranged such that one of the multiple fixed-side brush electrodes 81 and one of the multiple stator electrodes 82 are alternately arranged along a track R4.

[0090] Each movable electrode 73 is positioned so that when the movable side brush electrode 72 connected to this movable electrode 73 is in contact with one of the multiple fixed side brush electrodes 81, the movable electrode 73 adjacent to this movable electrode 73 at least partially faces one of the multiple stator electrodes 82 between one of the multiple fixed side brush electrodes 81 and the adjacent fixed side brush electrode 81.

[0091] One output terminal q1 of the high voltage application device P is connected to a plurality of fixed-side brush electrodes 81. The other output terminal q2 of the high voltage application device P is connected to a plurality of stator electrodes 82. The high voltage application device P is configured to be capable of applying a high voltage so as to cause a Coulomb force to act so as to enable the mover 70 to move linearly along the track R4.

[0092] "Electrostatic motor details" 9 to 11, the electrostatic motor according to this embodiment can be configured in detail as follows. The track R4 of the stator 80 of the electrostatic motor can extend to include a straight portion. In this case, the mover 70 can roll while moving straight on the straight portion of the track R4. Although not particularly shown, the track of the stator can also extend to include a curved portion in addition to the straight portion. In this case, the mover can roll while bending on the curved portion of the track.

[0093] "Details of the mover" 9 to 11, the mover 70 can be configured in detail as follows. The mover 70 has a mover body 70a formed to extend along the track R4. This mover body 70a may have a plurality of walls 71. In FIGS. 9 to 11, as an example, the mover 70 including the mover body 70a having two walls 71 is shown. However, the mover body may be configured to have one or three or more walls.

[0094] When the mover body 70a has a plurality of walls 71, the mover body 70a has a connecting body 74 that connects adjacent walls 71 in the width direction of the electrostatic motor. The mover 70 has a connection electrode 75 disposed on the connecting body 74 so as to electrically connect the mover electrodes 73 of the adjacent walls 71. However, the mover may be configured not to have a connection electrode.

[0095] The intervals between the multiple movable brush electrodes 72 and the multiple mover electrodes 73 may be determined so as to apply a Coulomb force to enable the mover 70 to move linearly along the track R4. The intervals between adjacent movable brush electrodes 72 and the intervals between adjacent mover electrodes 73 may be substantially equal. The multiple movable brush electrodes 72 may be disposed at equal intervals. The multiple mover electrodes 73 may be disposed at equal intervals.

[0096] The longitudinal lengths of the multiple movable brush electrodes 72 and the multiple mover electrodes 73 may be determined so as to apply a Coulomb force to linearly move the mover 70 along the track R4. The longitudinal length of each movable brush electrode 72 and the longitudinal length of each mover electrode 73 may be substantially equal. The longitudinal lengths of the multiple movable brush electrodes 72 may be substantially equal. The longitudinal lengths of the multiple mover electrodes 73 may be substantially equal. Each movable brush electrode may be configured to have a roller. In this case, the stator is configured to move the mover along the track while the roller of each movable brush electrode is capable of contacting and rolling with each fixed brush electrode.

[0097] 9 to 11, as an example, a mover 70 having three mover brush electrodes 72 and three mover electrodes 73 is shown. However, the number of mover brush electrodes and the number of mover electrodes are not limited to this.

[0098] "Details of the stator" 9 to 11, the stator 80 can be configured in detail as follows. The stator 80 has a base rail 83 extending along the track R4. The base rail 83 is configured from one continuous element along the track R4. However, the base rail can also be configured from multiple elements divided along the track.

[0099] Each fixed brush electrode 81 may be configured as a roller. In this case, each fixed brush electrode 81 is rotatably attached to the base rail 83 so that the wall body 71 in contact with the fixed brush electrode 81 can be moved along the track R4. In particular, each fixed brush 81 may be attached to a side portion of the base rail 83 facing the wall body 71.

[0100] Each stator electrode 82 is attached to a base rail 83. In particular, each stator electrode 82 can be attached to a side portion of the base rail 83 facing the wall body 71. Each stator electrode 82 is located higher than each fixed-side brush electrode 81. Furthermore, the interval at which at least one fixed-side brush electrode 81 and at least one stator electrode 82 are alternately arranged may be determined so as to apply a Coulomb force to enable the mover 70 to move linearly along the track R4.

[0101] "Physical properties of the mover and stator" The mover 70 and the stator 80 can be configured to have the following physical properties: The mover body 70a of the mover 70 is configured to have insulating properties. The base rail 83 of the stator 80 is also configured to have insulating properties.

[0102] On the other hand, the movable brush electrode 72, the movable electrode 73, and the connection electrode 75 of the mover 70 are configured to have electrical conductivity. The fixed brush electrode 81 and the stator electrode 82 of the stator 80 are also configured to have electrical conductivity.

[0103] "Operation of electrostatic motor" 9 to 11, the operation of the electrostatic motor according to this embodiment will be described. Here, the operation of the electrostatic motor will be described when one output terminal q1 of the high voltage application device P applies a positive potential voltage and the other output terminal q2 applies a negative potential voltage.

[0104] When one output terminal q1 applies a positive voltage to the fixed brush electrode 81, the movable brush electrode 72 in contact with the fixed brush electrode 81 is positively charged. Furthermore, the mover electrode 73 connected to this movable brush electrode 72 is also positively charged.

[0105] The positively charged movable brush electrode 72 repels the positively charged fixed brush electrode 81, and this repulsion linearly moves the mover 70 including the mover body 70a. Then, the positively charged mover electrode 73 linearly moves as if attracted to the subsequent stator electrode 82, which is negatively charged.

[0106] At the same time, when the other output terminal q2 applies a negative voltage to the stator electrode 82, the mover electrode 73 facing the stator electrode 82 is negatively charged. Furthermore, the mover brush electrode 72 connected to this mover electrode 73 is also negatively charged.

[0107] The negatively charged mover electrode 73 repels the negatively charged stator electrode 82, and this repulsion linearly moves the mover 70 including the mover body 70a. Then, the negatively charged mover brush electrode 72 moves as if attracted to the subsequent fixed brush electrode 81, which is positively charged.

[0108] The multiple movable brush electrodes 72 and multiple mover electrodes 73 lined up along the trajectory R4 are repeatedly charged in this manner, causing the mover 70 to move linearly relative to the stator 80 along the trajectory R4, which includes a straight portion.

[0109] As described above, according to the electrostatic motor of this embodiment, in an electrostatic motor that moves the mover 70 linearly relative to the stator 80, it is possible to improve manufacturing efficiency, reduce costs, improve durability, and reduce noise, as with the electrostatic motor of the first embodiment.

[0110] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and the present invention can be modified and changed based on the technical concept thereof. [Explanation of symbols]

[0111] 10... mover, 10a... axis of rotation, 11... rotor, 12... brush shaft, 12a... outer circumferential surface, 13... moveable brush electrode, 14... mover electrode, 20... stator, 21... fixed brush electrode, 22... stator electrode, G1... gap, R1... raceway 30...mover, 30a...rotation axis, 31...rotating body, 32...brush shaft, 32a...outer surface, 32b...tip, 33...moveable brush electrode, 33a...outer surface, 34...mover electrode, 35...support mechanism, 40...stator, 41...fixed brush electrode, 42...stator electrode, G2...gap, R2...orbit, S2...circumferential axis 50...Mover, 50a...rotation axis, 51...rotating body, 52...brush shaft, 52a...outer periphery, 53...movable brush electrode, 54...mover electrode, 60...stator, 61...fixed brush electrode, 62...stator electrode, G3...gap 70... mover, 71... wall body, 72... moveable brush electrode, 73... mover electrode, 80... stator, 81... fixed brush electrode, 82... stator electrode, G4... gap, R4... track P: High voltage application device, q1: One side output terminal, q2: Other side output terminal

Claims

1. A movable element, a stator combined with the mover; a high voltage application device having a first output terminal configured to be capable of applying a voltage of a positive potential or a negative potential, and a second output terminal configured to be capable of applying a voltage of a potential opposite to that of the first output terminal; An electrostatic motor comprising: The mover is A rotor that is rotatable around a rotation axis; A brush shaft protruding from the rotor along a rotation axis; a plurality of movable brush electrodes arranged at intervals in a rotational direction of the rotor on an outer circumferential surface of the brush shaft; a plurality of movable electrode members disposed on the rotor at intervals in the rotational direction and electrically connected to the plurality of movable brush electrodes; having The stator, a fixed brush electrode configured to be able to come into contact with the plurality of movable brush electrodes and extending along a path intersecting the brush shaft; a stator electrode that is capable of facing the plurality of movable electrodes with a gap therebetween and that is arranged in parallel with the fixed brush electrode; having the gap is determined so as to allow a Coulomb force to act between the plurality of mover electrodes and the stator electrode; each of the movable electrodes is disposed so as to be spaced apart from the stator electrode in the rotation direction when the movable brush electrode connected to the movable electrode is in contact with the fixed brush electrode; One output terminal of the high voltage application device is connected to the fixed brush electrode, the other output terminal of the high voltage application device is connected to the stator electrode; an electrostatic motor, wherein the high voltage application device is configured to be able to apply a high voltage so as to cause the Coulomb force to act so as to enable the mover to roll along the track;

2. The electrostatic motor of claim 1 , wherein the track extends to include a straight portion.

3. The orbit extends so as to circle around an axis of rotation, the movable member has a shaft support mechanism to which a tip end of the brush shaft is attached so as to rotate the brush shaft, 2. The electrostatic motor according to claim 1, wherein the support mechanism supports the rotor so that the rotor can rotate along the circular orbit around the rotation axis.

4. A movable element, a stator combined with the mover; a high voltage application device having a first output terminal configured to be capable of applying a voltage of a positive potential or a negative potential, and a second output terminal configured to be capable of applying a voltage of a potential opposite to that of the first output terminal; An electrostatic motor comprising: The mover is A rotor that is rotatable around a rotation axis; A brush shaft protruding from the rotor along a rotation axis and journaled so as to be rotatable together with the rotor; a plurality of movable brush electrodes arranged at intervals in a rotational direction of the rotor on an outer circumferential surface of the brush shaft; a plurality of movable electrode members disposed on the rotor at intervals in the rotational direction and electrically connected to the plurality of movable brush electrodes; having The stator, a fixed brush electrode configured to be able to come into contact with the plurality of movable brush electrodes; a stator electrode that is capable of facing the plurality of mover electrodes with a gap therebetween and that is disposed around the rotor; having the gap is determined so as to allow a Coulomb force to act between the plurality of mover electrodes and the stator electrode; each of the movable electrodes is disposed so as to be spaced apart from the stator electrode in the rotation direction when the movable brush electrode connected to the movable electrode is in contact with the fixed brush electrode; One output terminal of the high voltage application device is connected to the fixed brush electrode, the other output terminal of the high voltage application device is connected to the stator electrode; an electrostatic motor, wherein the high voltage application device is configured to be able to apply a high voltage so as to cause the Coulomb force to act so as to rotate the movable element at a fixed position;

5. A movable element, a stator combined with the mover; a high voltage application device having a first output terminal configured to be capable of applying a voltage of a positive potential or a negative potential, and a second output terminal configured to be capable of applying a voltage of a potential opposite to that of the first output terminal; An electrostatic motor comprising: The mover is A wall body formed in an elongated shape; a plurality of movable brush electrodes arranged at intervals in the longitudinal direction of the wall body at the bottom of the wall body; a plurality of movable electrode members disposed at sides of the wall member in a longitudinal direction of the wall member at intervals from each other and electrically connected to the plurality of movable brush electrodes; having The stator, a plurality of fixed brush electrodes that are capable of coming into contact with the plurality of movable brush electrodes and that are arranged at intervals along a predetermined track; a plurality of stator electrodes that can face the plurality of mover electrodes with a gap therebetween and that are arranged at intervals along the track; having the gap is determined so that a Coulomb force can act between the plurality of mover electrodes and the plurality of stator electrodes; the plurality of fixed brush electrodes and the plurality of stator electrodes are arranged such that one of the plurality of fixed brush electrodes and one of the plurality of stator electrodes are alternately arranged along the track, each movable electrode is disposed such that, when the movable brush electrode connected to this movable electrode is in contact with one of the plurality of fixed brush electrodes, the movable electrode adjacent to this movable electrode at least partially faces one of the plurality of stator electrodes between one of the plurality of fixed brush electrodes and the fixed brush electrode adjacent thereto; One output terminal of the high voltage application device is connected to the plurality of fixed brush electrodes, the other output terminal of the high voltage application device is connected to the plurality of stator electrodes; the high voltage application device is configured to be able to apply a high voltage so as to cause the Coulomb force to act so as to enable the mover to move linearly along the track, an electrostatic motor.

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