Armature of linear motor and machine tool

Abstract

To improve productivity while achieving high output and high efficiency of a linear motor.SOLUTION: An armature of a linear motor according to an embodiment includes a core made of a magnetic material, and a plurality of coil units arranged on the core. The coil unit includes a coil having a first coil end (coil end) from which one end and the other end of the winding are drawn out and a second coil end (coil end) on a side opposite to the first coil end, an insulating sheet covering between the first coil end and the second coil end in the coil, an insulating first end cap assembled to cover the first coil end of the coil, and an insulating second end cap assembled to cover the second coil end. The plurality of coil units are connected in one direction by assembling at least one of the first end caps and the second end caps of the adjacent coil units.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a linear motor, and more particularly to the structure of an armature of a linear motor. [Background technology]

[0002] Machine tools and other various devices are equipped with a movement mechanism that moves a moving body to a desired position for processing or transportation. A linear motor is sometimes used as this movement mechanism. A linear motor has a stator that is fixed to the device body and a mover that can move along the stator. One of the stator and the mover is made up of an armature, and the other functions as a field magnet (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] In the linear motor described in Patent Document 1, the armature includes a core made of a magnetic material and multiple coils (three-phase coils) arranged in parallel with the core. The field magnet section includes field poles in which multiple permanent magnets are arranged. By supplying current to each of the U-phase, V-phase, and W-phase coils, an electromagnetic force generates thrust between the mover and stator, causing the mover to move on the stator. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7356624 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] To achieve high-output, high-efficiency motors, it is essential to achieve high-density coil windings. To achieve this, aligned windings are used. Conventional techniques maintain the coil's insulating performance by using an insulating mold or a resin bobbin around the magnetic core, or by overlapping and winding extremely thin insulating tape. Insulation methods using insulating molds or resin bobbins have the drawback of reducing the effective coil space due to moldability issues. Furthermore, winding extremely thin insulating tape around the core does not reduce the effective coil space, but the heavy workload of taping the coil reduces productivity. For example, to elaborate on the above-mentioned issues with linear motors, multiple coils must be arranged in close proximity in the order of U phase, V phase, and W phase, while remaining insulated from one another. For example, the straight portion of the coil may be wrapped in insulating paper, and the curved ends of the coil may be carefully wrapped with separate Kapton tape (insulating tape) with partial overlaps. In such cases, the number of steps required for assembling the linear motor increases, making it difficult to increase productivity and leaving room for improvement. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present invention is an armature for a linear motor, comprising a core and multiple coil units arranged in parallel with the core. The coil unit includes a coil having a first coil end from which one end and the other end of a winding are drawn out and a second coil end opposite the first coil end, an insulating sheet covering the coil between the first coil end and the second coil end, an insulating first end cap assembled to cover the first coil end, and an insulating second end cap assembled to cover the second coil end. The multiple coil units are connected in one direction by assembling at least one of the first end caps and the second end caps of adjacent coil units. The core may be made of a magnetic material, but is not limited to this.

[0007] Another aspect of the present invention is an armature for a linear motor. The armature includes a core made of a magnetic material, a plurality of coil units arranged in parallel in one direction on the core, insulating bus bar rails attached to the plurality of coil units so as to bridge the plurality of coil units arranged in one direction, and bus bars supported by the bus bar rails and connected to terminals of the coil units. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, the productivity of linear motors can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view illustrating an appearance of a linear motor according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the underside of the slider. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the molding resin is removed from the slider. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a core constituting an armature and its surrounding structure. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a coil unit. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an end cap. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an end cap. [Figure 8] 3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating the structure of rail pieces that form the bus bar rail. [Figure 9] 1A to 1C are diagrams illustrating an outline of a method for assembling a slider. [Figure 10] 1A to 1C are diagrams illustrating an outline of a method for assembling a slider. [Figure 11] 1A to 1C are diagrams illustrating an outline of a method for assembling a slider. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an insulating structure between coils. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an insulating structure between coils. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an insulating structure between bus bars. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a linear motor according to an embodiment. For ease of explanation, the following description will refer to the driving direction, width direction, and height direction of the linear motor as the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction, respectively. Furthermore, the positional relationship of each part may be expressed based on the illustrated state.

[0011] The linear motor 1 includes a magnet plate 10 that is fixed to an installation target such as a machine tool, and a slider 12 that moves along the magnet plate 10. The magnet plate 10 functions as a "stator," and the slider 12 functions as a "mover."

[0012] The magnet plate 10 includes a long base plate 14 and a plurality of magnets 16 (permanent magnets) arranged side by side on the base plate 14. The base plate 14 is made of a magnetic metal. The plurality of magnets 16 are arranged on the surface (upper surface) of the base plate 14 so that the north and south poles appear alternately in the longitudinal direction (X direction). The magnet plate 10 functions as a "field magnet portion."

[0013] The slider 12 is an "armature" obtained by arranging multiple coils in the longitudinal direction of a rectangular core 20 and molding them with resin (details will be described later). The surface of the slider 12 is covered with a resin layer 18. The slider 12 is installed so that its lower surface forms a small gap with the upper surface of the magnet plate 10. Each coil is positioned facing the magnet 16 of the magnet plate 10. When three-phase AC is applied to the multiple coils, electromagnetic forces (attraction and repulsion) act between the moving magnetic field generated in the coils and the magnetic field of the magnet plate 10. The X-direction component of this electromagnetic force becomes a thrust, moving the slider 12 in the X direction. The slider 12 slides along the multiple magnetic poles arranged in parallel on the surface of the magnet plate 10. The AC current is supplied to the slider 12 from a power source (not shown).

[0014] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing the underside of slider 12. Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing a state in which the molding resin has been removed from slider 12. Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing the core constituting the armature and its surrounding structure, as seen from the underside of the core.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 3, the core 20 is a magnetic body having a rectangular shape in a plan view and a predetermined thickness, and is made of, for example, laminated steel plates. As also shown in FIG. 4, the core 20 has a fitting portion 21 in which ridges and grooves extending in the width direction are alternately formed in the longitudinal direction. The fitting portion 21 includes teeth 22 as "ridges" and recessed fitting portions 23 as "grooves." That is, multiple rows of teeth 22 protrude from one surface (lower surface) of the core 20. The teeth 22 protrude in the thickness direction (Z direction) of the core 20 and extend in the width direction (Y direction). The multiple teeth 22 are provided at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction (X direction) of the core 20. Recessed fitting portions 23 are formed between adjacent teeth 22.

[0016] 3, a plurality of coil units 24 are arranged in parallel along the longitudinal direction of core 20. Coil unit 24 includes an oval coil 26, an end cap 28 (first end cap) provided at one end of coil 26, and an end cap 30 (second end cap) provided at the other end of coil 26. End caps 28 and 30 are made of insulating resin.

[0017] Coil 26 is configured by winding a wire in an oval shape. One end and the other end of the wire are pulled out to the end cap 28 side, which is one end side of coil 26, and connected to a bus bar, which will be described later. The linear portion, which is the main body of coil 26, is wrapped in an insulating sheet (described later), thereby ensuring insulation. Meanwhile, end caps 28, 30 are attached to both ends of coil 26, thereby ensuring insulation.

[0018] Each coil unit 24 is assembled to the core 20 in such a manner that the teeth 22 are inserted into the coils 26, i.e., the windings of the coils 26 are wound around the teeth 22. By assembling the end caps 30 of adjacent coil units 24 together, the multiple coil units 24 are connected in the longitudinal direction of the core 20. The straight portions of adjacent coils 26 are housed in the recessed fitting portions 23. The coils 26 are fitted into the core 20 so that the teeth 22 serve as iron cores.

[0019] By connecting the multiple coil units 24 in this manner, the multiple end caps 28 are aligned in one direction. An insulating bus bar rail 32 is attached so as to span the multiple end caps 28. The bus bar rail 32 is configured by connecting multiple rail pieces 33 provided for each coil unit 24 in the longitudinal direction. The rail pieces 33 have fitting portions in which longitudinally extending protrusions and grooves are formed alternately in the width direction, and the multiple bus bars are supported so as to fit into the multiple grooves (described in detail below). Note that the bus bar rail 32 is formed separately from the end caps 28; however, for example, the bus bar rail 32 may be provided on the end caps 28 by providing the bus bar rail 32 on the end caps 28 themselves.

[0020] The multiple bus bars include a first bus bar through which a U-phase current flows, a second bus bar through which a V-phase current flows, a third bus bar through which a W-phase current flows, and a fourth bus bar connected to a neutral point. Of the multiple coils 26, the U-phase coil is connected to the first bus bar, the V-phase coil is connected to the second bus bar, and the W-phase coil is connected to the third bus bar (described in detail below).

[0021] When the coil 26 is energized, the temperature of the slider 12 rises. For this reason, a cooling structure is provided to prevent the slider 12 from overheating. That is, as shown in FIG. 4, a cooling pipe 40 is provided on the other surface (upper surface) of the core 20.

[0022] A pipe 40 is attached to the upper surface of the core 20. The pipe 40 has a serpentine shape, and a folded portion of the serpentine shape is located near an end of the core 20 in the width direction.

[0023] The piping 40 has one end serving as a refrigerant inlet 44 and the other end serving as a refrigerant outlet 46, and is connected to a cooler (not shown). The refrigerant cooled by the cooler is introduced from the inlet 44 and exchanges heat with the slider 12 while flowing through the piping 40. The refrigerant is a cooling liquid such as water or coolant. The refrigerant warmed by the heat exchange is sent from the outlet 46 to the cooler and cooled again.

[0024] 5A and 5B are diagrams showing the configuration of the coil unit 24. Fig. 5A is a perspective view (assembly view), and Fig. 5B is an exploded perspective view. Coil unit 24 includes a coil 26, an end cap 28, and an end cap 30. A winding is wound around coil 26 so that the outer shape of coil 26 is oval or rectangular. One end and the other end of the winding are drawn out to one end (first coil end) of coil 26 and connected to terminals 50 and 52, respectively.

[0025] The pair of linear portions of the coil 26 are each covered with an insulating sheet 54 (insulating paper). The insulating paper has approximately the same length as the linear portions of the coil 26, and can easily cover the linear portions with a single turn. The end caps 28, 30 have a cap shape so that they can be fitted onto one end (first coil end) and the other end (second coil end) of the coil 26, respectively. The insulating sheet 54 covers the area between the one end and the other end of the coil 26. The end caps 28, 30 are attached to the coil 26 after the insulating sheet 54 has been attached to the coil 26.

[0026] Figure 6 shows the configuration of the end cap 28. Figure 6(A) is a perspective view, and Figure 6(B) is a plan view. Figure 6(C) is a perspective view showing the end cap 28 turned upside down. Figure 6(D) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in Figure 6(B), and Figure 6(E) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in Figure 6(B).

[0027] End cap 28 is obtained by injection molding of a resin material, and has a rectangular end face 60 (top end face), a front side face 62, a right side face 64, and a rear side face 66 that are erected on the periphery of end face 60 (FIGS. 6(A) to 6(C)). In other words, end cap 28 has a cap shape that is open downward and leftward.

[0028] The front side surface 62 has a bifurcated shape that fits along the front surface of one end of the coil 26 (see FIG. 3). Three communication holes 68 are arranged side by side in the upper half of the front side surface 62 for circulating the molding resin (FIGS. 6(A) and (D)). The rear side surface 66 has a stepped shape that forms a space behind the upper half. Three communication holes 70 (openings) are arranged side by side in the upper half of the rear side surface 66 for circulating the molding resin. The rear side surface 66 has a bifurcated shape that fits along the rear surface of one end of the coil 26 (FIGS. 6(C) and (E)). The right side surface 64 closes the right side surface of the end cap 28.

[0029] Four mounting holes 72 for assembling the rail pieces 33 are provided in the end face 60. A plurality of insertion holes 74a to 74d are provided on the left and right peripheral edges of the end face 60, through which the terminals 50, 52 of the coil 26 can be inserted, and three communication holes 76 are provided side by side on the rear peripheral edge of the end face 60 to allow the molding resin to flow.

[0030] Coil 26 has a different position where the other end of the winding is pulled out, i.e., a different connection position of terminal 52, for U-phase, V-phase, and W-phase, due to the connection relationship with the corresponding bus bar. In the example shown in Fig. 6(B), insertion holes 74a and 74b correspond to the U-phase coil, insertion holes 74a and 74c correspond to the V-phase coil, and insertion holes 74a and 74c correspond to the W-phase coil. When no distinction is made between insertion holes 74a to 74d, they will be referred to as "insertion holes 74."

[0031] 7A and 7B are diagrams illustrating the configuration of the end cap 30. Fig. 7A is a perspective view, and Fig. 7B is a perspective view illustrating the end cap 30 turned upside down. End cap 30 is obtained by injection molding of a resin material, and has a rectangular end face 80 (lower end face), and a front side face 82, a right side face 84, and a rear side face 86 that are erected on the periphery of end face 80. In other words, end cap 30 has a cap shape that is open on the top and left.

[0032] The front side surface 82 has a bifurcated shape that fits along the front surface of the other end of the coil 26 (see FIG. 3). Three communication holes 88 are provided side by side in the lower half of the front side surface 82 for circulating the molding resin (FIG. 7(A)). The rear side surface 86 of the end cap 30 does not have a stepped shape like the end cap 28. Three communication holes 90 are provided side by side in the lower half of the rear side surface 66 for circulating the molding resin. The rear side surface 86 has a bifurcated shape that fits along the rear surface of the other end of the coil 26 (FIG. 7(B)). The right side surface 84 closes the right side of the end cap 30.

[0033] A mating projection 96 that protrudes leftward is provided along the left edge of the end face 80, and a mating recess 98 that is complementary in shape to the mating projection 96 is provided along the right edge of the end face 80.

[0034] Figure 8 shows the structure of rail piece 33 that constitutes busbar rail 32. Figure 8(A) is a perspective view seen from the upper left, and Figure 8(B) is a perspective view seen from the upper right. Figure 8(C) is a perspective view showing rail piece 33 turned upside down.

[0035] The rail piece 33 has fitting portions 100 for fitting multiple bus bars. The fitting portions 100 have protrusions 102 and grooves 104 extending in the longitudinal direction of the bus bar rail 32, arranged alternately in the width direction (FIGS. 8(A) and 8(B)). Bus bars are respectively arranged in the multiple grooves 104. The bus bars are spaced apart from each other with the protrusions 102 sandwiched between them (described later).

[0036] Four protrusions 106 are provided on the underside of the rail piece 33. Each protrusion 106 has an embossed shape that is complementary to the mounting holes 72 of the end cap 28. By fitting the four protrusions 106 into the four mounting holes 72, the rail piece 33 is positioned and fixed to the end cap 28.

[0037] Furthermore, the rail piece 33 has an insertion hole 108 of the same shape at a position corresponding to the insertion hole 74 of the end cap 28, and a communication hole 110 of the same shape at a position corresponding to the communication hole 76. These insertion holes 108 and communication holes 110 are provided at the bottom of the groove portion 104. When the rail piece 33 is assembled to the end cap 28, the insertion hole 74 and the insertion hole 108 communicate with each other, and the communication hole 76 and the communication hole 110 communicate with each other.

[0038] A mating protrusion 105 is provided at one end of the rail piece 33 in the longitudinal direction (X direction), and a mating recess 107 having a shape complementary to the mating protrusion 105 is provided at the other end. Adjacent rail pieces 33 are detachably assembled by mating the mating protrusion 105 with the mating recess 107. The bus bar rail 32 is obtained by assembling multiple rail pieces 33 in this manner.

[0039] Next, a method for assembling the slider 12 will be described. 9 to 11 are diagrams showing an outline of the assembly method of the slider 12. Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing the assembly process of the armature as seen from one end side of the coil unit 24. Fig. 10 is an enlarged view of a portion corresponding to part C in Fig. 9. Fig. 11(A) is a view seen in the direction of arrow D in Fig. 9, and Fig. 11(B) is an enlarged view of part F in Fig. 11(A).

[0040] When assembling the slider 12, first, as shown in FIG. 5, an insulating sheet 54 is wrapped around the linear portion of the coil 26, and then the end caps 28 and 30 are attached to complete the coil unit 24.

[0041] Next, as shown in Fig. 9, the multiple coil units 24 are sequentially assembled to the core 20. At this time, as shown in Fig. 10, while the teeth 22 are inserted into the coils 26, the mating protrusions 96 of one of the adjacent end caps 30 are fitted into the mating recesses 98 of the other end cap 30. This allows the adjacent coil units 24 to be aligned, and the multiple coil units 24 can be connected while being aligned in the longitudinal direction of the core 20.

[0042] Next, as shown in Fig. 11(A), rail pieces 33 are attached to the end caps 28 of each coil unit 24 to form a long busbar rail 32. Busbars are attached to the busbar rail 32. That is, as shown in Fig. 11(B), a U-phase busbar 112 (first busbar), a V-phase busbar 114 (second busbar), a W-phase busbar 116 (third busbar), and a neutral busbar 118 (fourth busbar) are attached to the four grooves 104 of the busbar rail 32. Hooks 120 (supports) are provided in each groove 104 to support these busbars.

[0043] Of the multiple coils 26 arranged in parallel on core 20, terminals of the U-phase coil are connected to bus bars 112 and 118, terminals of the V-phase coil are connected to bus bars 114 and 118, and terminals of the W-phase coil are connected to bus bars 116 and 118. The bus bars are spaced apart from each other with protrusion 102 sandwiched between them.

[0044] Adjacent coil units 24 have their end caps 30 connected to each other (see FIGS. 12 and 13(B)).

[0045] The armature thus obtained is resin molded, thereby stably integrating the various parts of the slider 12 (see FIG. 2). On the surface of the slider 12, a resin layer 18 is formed from the molding resin.

[0046] Next, the insulating structure of the slider 12 will be described. 12 and 13 are diagrams showing the insulation structure between coils. FIG. 12 is a partially enlarged view showing the structure of the connection portion of adjacent coil units 24. FIG. 13(A) is an enlarged view of portion I in FIG. 12, and FIG. 13(B) is an enlarged view of portion J in FIG. 12. However, FIG. 12 shows the state without the resin layer. FIG. 13 shows a longitudinal cross section corresponding to FIG. 12.

[0047] 12, the straight portions of the coil 26 are covered with an insulating sheet 54. Therefore, the straight portions of adjacent coils 26 face each other with the sides covered with the insulating sheet 54, ensuring insulation. Meanwhile, end caps 28, 30 are provided on the curved portions at both ends of the coil 26, respectively. Therefore, insulation between the ends of adjacent coils 26 is also ensured.

[0048] 13(A), the right side surface 64 of one end cap 28 is interposed between two adjacent end caps 28. The right side surface 64 has a height sufficient to overlap with the insulating sheet 54. This ensures insulation between the one ends of adjacent coils 26.

[0049] 13(B), the right side surface 84 of one of the two adjacent end caps 30 is similarly interposed between the two adjacent end caps 30. The right side surface 84 has a height sufficient to overlap with the insulating sheet 54. This ensures insulation between the other ends of the adjacent coils 26.

[0050] Figure 14 shows an insulating structure between bus bars. Figure 14(A) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line HH in Figure 11(B). Figure 14(B) is an enlarged view of part K in Figure 14(A). As shown in Figures 14(A) and (B), multiple bus bars 112-118 are housed in multiple grooves 104 of the bus bar rail 32. Adjacent bus bars are separated by protrusions 102. The height of the protrusions 102 is set higher than the position of each bus bar relative to the bottom of the groove 104. This allows the spatial distance and creepage distance (insulation distance) between adjacent bus bars to be increased (see the two-dot chain line), ensuring insulation. Note that to ensure insulation, the bus bars may be conductors covered with an insulator, for example.

[0051] The armature of the linear motor has been described above based on the embodiment. In this embodiment, the coil unit 24 is constructed by attaching an insulating sheet 54 to the linear portion of the coil 26 and assembling end caps 28, 30 to enclose both ends (curved portions). In this way, a plurality of coil units 24 are assembled in the longitudinal direction of the core 20 while ensuring the individual insulation, thereby obtaining an armature.

[0052] In this case, by assembling the end caps 30 of adjacent coil units 24 together, the multiple coil units 24 can be connected while being aligned automatically. This eliminates the need for positioning when assembling the coil units 24. Furthermore, because the multiple coil units 24 are aligned with precision, it is easy to align the heights of the rail pieces 33 that make up the bus bar rail 32. After resin molding, some of the coil units 24 will not protrude from the resin layer. According to this embodiment, the ease of assembly of the armature is improved, and the productivity of linear motors can be improved.

[0053] Furthermore, because both one end and the other end of the winding are drawn out to one end of the coil 26, the wiring for power supply can be concentrated at one end. Specifically, an insulating bus bar rail 32 is assembled to bridge the multiple coil units 24, and a bus bar for each phase is assembled to the bus bar rail 32. The coils 26 of each phase are then connected to the corresponding bus bar, thereby achieving a wiring structure with a simple configuration. Furthermore, the bus bar rail 32 is configured by connecting multiple rail pieces 33 corresponding to each coil unit 24. This increases the degree of freedom in designing the armature, for example by allowing the length of the bus bar rail 32 to be adjusted depending on the number of coils 26 that make up the armature.

[0054] Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 13(A), the end cap 28 has a side wall (right side) on one side in the adjoining direction, and the other side is open. In other words, only one wall of the end cap 28 is interposed between adjacent coils 26. The same applies to the end cap 30, as shown in Fig. 13(B). This configuration allows adjacent coils 26 to be placed as close as possible to each other. This leads to space savings in the installation of the coil unit 24, and contributes to a more compact slider 12 (armature).

[0055] [Variations] In the above embodiment, the insulating sheet 54 covering the straight portion of the coil 26 is exemplified as insulating paper having approximately the same length as the straight portion of the coil 26. In a modified example, insulating tape of a predetermined width may be wrapped around the straight portion while partially overlapping it. Even with such a configuration, the winding process is easier than with curved portions. Insulation is ensured at the ends of the coil by assembling the end caps described above.

[0056] In the above embodiment, adjacent coil units 24 are connected by fitting together the end caps 30 of the end caps 28, 30 that make up the coil units 24 on the side opposite to the side from which the terminals 50, 52 are drawn. This makes the heights of the multiple coils 26 uniform. In a modified example, adjacent coil units 24 may be connected by fitting together the end caps 28 on the side from which the terminals 50, 52 are drawn. Alternatively, adjacent coil units 24 may be connected by fitting together both the end caps 28 and the end caps 30. However, considering processing errors, assembly errors, etc. of the end caps, fitting together only one of the end caps 28, 30 makes the assembly easier.

[0057] In the above embodiment, the adjacent end caps have a side wall on one side in the adjoining direction and an open side on the other side. In a modified example, side walls may be provided on both sides in the adjoining direction.

[0058] In the above embodiment, an example has been shown in which the slider 12, which is the mover, is the "armature" and the stator is the "field magnet part." In a modified example, the stator may be the "armature" and the mover may be the "field magnet part." In this case, the above-mentioned multiple coil units are assembled to the stator side.

[0059] In the above embodiment, the coil has an oval or rectangular outer shape in plan view. In a modified example, a coil having an elliptical, circular, polygonal or other outer shape may be used.

[0060] In the above embodiment, the bus bar rail 32 is divided into a plurality of rail pieces 33 corresponding to a plurality of coil units 24. In a modified example, rail pieces may be allocated so as to bridge a plurality of coil units (a portion of all coil units) that make up the armature. A single bus bar rail may be provided so as to bridge all of the coil units that make up the armature. In the above embodiment, the plurality of rail pieces 33 are detachable, but they may also be configured so as to be unable to be disassembled once assembled, for example, by being fixed by welding.

[0061] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and modifications, and the components can be modified without departing from the spirit of the invention. Various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining multiple components disclosed in the above-described embodiments and modifications. Furthermore, some components can be omitted from all the components shown in the above-described embodiments and modifications. [Explanation of symbols]

[0062] 1 linear motor, 10 magnet plate, 12 slider, 14 base plate, 16 magnet, 20 core, 22 teeth, 23 concave mating portion, 24 coil unit, 26 coil, 28 end cap, 30 end cap, 32 bus bar rail, 33 rail piece, 40 piping, 54 insulating sheet, 72 mounting hole, 96 mating convex portion, 98 mating concave portion, 100 mating portion, 102 protrusion portion, 104 groove portion, 112 bus bar, 114 bus bar, 116 bus bar, 118 bus bar.

Claims

1. An armature for a linear motor including a core and a plurality of coil units arranged in parallel with the core, The coil unit includes: a coil having a first coil end from which one end and the other end of the winding are drawn out, and a second coil end opposite to the first coil end; an insulating sheet covering a portion of the coil between the first coil end and the second coil end; an insulating first end cap assembled to cover the first coil end; an insulating second end cap assembled to cover the second coil end; Including, An armature for a linear motor, wherein the plurality of coil units are connected in one direction by assembling at least one of the first end caps and the second end caps of adjacent coil units together.

2. The coil has an oval or rectangular outer shape in a plan view, 2. The linear motor armature according to claim 1, wherein the heights of adjacent coils are made uniform by fitting at least one of the first end caps and the second end caps of adjacent coil units together.

3. 3. The linear motor armature according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of coil units are assembled so that the sides of adjacent coils covered with the insulating sheet face each other.

4. the first coil ends of adjacent coils are arranged to be spaced apart via a side wall provided on at least one of the adjacent first end caps; 4. The linear motor armature according to claim 3, wherein the second coil ends of adjacent coils are spaced apart via a side wall provided on at least one of the adjacent second end caps.

5. The core has ridges and grooves extending in the width direction and formed alternately in the longitudinal direction, 3. The linear motor armature according to claim 2, wherein the coil unit is fitted to the core so that the protrusions serve as an iron core.

6. an insulating bus bar rail that is assembled from the outside of the plurality of coil units or that is provided on the first end caps so as to bridge the plurality of first end caps that are arranged in one direction; a bus bar supported by the bus bar rail and connected to a terminal of the coil; The linear motor armature of claim 2 further comprising:

7. 7. The linear motor armature according to claim 6, wherein the bus bar rail is configured by removably assembling a plurality of rail pieces corresponding to the plurality of coil units.

8. the bus bar rail has a fitting portion in which longitudinally extending protrusions and grooves are alternately formed in a width direction, 7. The linear motor armature according to claim 6, wherein a plurality of bus bars are housed in separate grooves and separated from one another by the protrusions, thereby ensuring creepage distances and clearance distances.

9. 9. The linear motor armature according to claim 8, wherein the bus bar is a conductor covered with an insulator.

10. 10. The linear motor armature according to claim 1, wherein the armature is a mover that is slidable in said one direction along a plurality of magnetic poles arranged in parallel on the surface of the stator.

11. a core made of a magnetic material; a plurality of coil units arranged in parallel in one direction on the core; an insulating bus bar rail assembled to the plurality of coil units so as to bridge the plurality of coil units arranged in one direction; a bus bar supported by the bus bar rail and connected to a terminal of the coil unit; 1. A linear motor armature comprising:

12. A machine tool comprising the armature of the linear motor according to claim 1.

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