How to assemble a linear motor

Abstract

To provide a method for assembling a linear motor capable of easily assembling a movable element at a neutral position.SOLUTION: A linear motor 2 includes: a movable element 8 that is plate-shaped and has a plurality of permanent magnets 8B in the axial direction; a first armature unit 13 and a second armature unit 14 that are provided so as to face one side surface and the other side surface of the movable element 8, respectively; a base member 9 provided on one end side of the movable element 8; an end plate 10 provided on the other end side of the movable element 8; a first bearing 11 provided between an inner periphery of the base member 9 and the movable element 8; and a second bearing 12 provided between the inner periphery of the end plate 10 and the movable element 8. In the linear motor 2, after the movable element 8, the base member 9, the end plate 10, the first bearing 11, and the second bearing 12 are assembled, a first armature unit 13 is assembled on one side surface of the movable element 8, and the second armature unit 14 is assembled on the other side surface of the movable element 8.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method for assembling a linear motor used as a drive source for various mechanical devices such as a compressor. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a linear motor having a flat plate-shaped mover with a permanent magnet. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-136719 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When assembling the linear motor of Patent Document 1, for example, it is conceivable to assemble an armature with coils (iron cores) facing each other, and then insert a mover with a permanent magnet between these facing coils (iron cores). However, in this case, the permanent magnet of the mover is attracted to the coils (iron cores), making it difficult to maintain the mover in a neutral position.

[0005] To address this issue, it is possible to insert the mover into the armature with a spacer between the coil (iron core) and the permanent magnet, and then remove the spacer. It is also possible to insert the mover into the armature while supporting it with a jig. However, in either case, it is difficult to fix the mover in the neutral position, and the assembly process is tedious.

[0006] An object of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide a method for assembling a linear motor that can easily assemble a mover to a neutral position. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One embodiment of the present invention is a method for assembling a linear motor having a plate-shaped mover having a plurality of permanent magnets arranged in the axial direction, a first armature unit and a second armature unit arranged opposite one side and the other side of the mover, a first support member arranged on one end side of the mover, a second support member arranged on the other end side of the mover, a first bearing arranged between the inner periphery of the first support member and the mover, and a second bearing arranged between the inner periphery of the second support member and the mover, wherein after assembling the mover, the first support member, the second support member, the first bearing, and the second bearing, the first armature unit is assembled to one side of the mover, and the second armature unit is assembled to the other side of the mover. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the mover can be easily assembled in the neutral position. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the linear motor according to the embodiment together with the piston and cylinder of the compressor. [Figure 2] 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken in the same position as FIG. 1, showing the mover assembly before the armatures (first armature unit, second armature unit) are assembled. [Figure 3] 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken in the same position as FIG. 1, illustrating a state in which an armature (first armature unit, second armature unit) is being assembled to the mover assembly. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a mover assembly. [Figure 5] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which an armature (a first armature unit and a second armature unit) is assembled to a mover assembly. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a state in which one armature unit is assembled to the mover assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, a linear motor according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, taking as an example a case where the linear motor is configured as a drive source for a compressor.

[0011] A linear motor compressor is attached to the body of a vehicle as part of an air suspension system for a four-wheeled automobile, for example. In this case, the linear motor compressor can be used as an air compressor, for example, a compressor (normal compressor) that draws in and compresses atmospheric air, and / or a compressor (booster compressor) that draws in compressed air (compressed air) from a tank or the like and further compresses it.

[0012] In Fig. 1, a linear motor type compressor 1 includes a linear motor 2 as a drive source, and a compression section 5 having a cylinder 3 and a piston 4. In the following description, the piston 4 side (left side in Fig. 1) in the longitudinal direction of the compressor 1 (left-right direction in Fig. 1) is referred to as one end, and the linear motor 2 side (right side in Fig. 1) in the longitudinal direction of the compressor 1 is referred to as the other end.

[0013] The linear motor 2 is provided at the other end (right side in FIG. 1) of the compressor 1 as a drive source for the compressor 1. The linear motor 2 causes the mover 8 to reciprocate in the longitudinal direction (the X-axis direction, which is the left-right direction in FIG. 1) by passing a current through the coil 6B of the armature 6, thereby causing the piston 4 of the compression section 5 to reciprocate in the same direction. Note that in FIG. 1, the compression chamber 5A of the compression section 5 is open, but the opening 3A on one end side of the cylinder 3 is closed by a valve plate and a cylinder head, not shown.

[0014] The linear motor 2 is attached to, for example, the body (not shown) of a vehicle (automobile) together with the compression unit 5. The linear motor 2 is housed in a motor case (not shown). The linear motor 2 includes an armature 6, a mover 8, a base member 9 serving as a first support member, an end plate 10 serving as a second support member, a first bearing 11, and a second bearing 12.

[0015] The armature 6 serves as a stator and is provided between a base member 9 and an end plate 10. The armature 6 is composed of a plurality of cores 6A spaced apart in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the mover 8, and a plurality of coils 6B wound in a predetermined direction around each of the cores 6A. The cores 6A are also called core irons and are formed from, for example, a powder magnetic core, laminated electromagnetic steel sheets, or magnetic pieces.

[0016] In the embodiment, the armature 6 is configured by arranging two pairs of cores 6A and coils 6B facing each other across the mover 8, side by side in the length direction of the mover 8. That is, the pair of cores 6A and coils 6B is arranged facing each other in the thickness direction of the mover 8 (the Z-axis direction, which is the up-and-down direction in FIG. 1), which is a direction perpendicular to the length direction (X-axis direction) of the mover 8. The pair of cores 6A and coils 6B facing each other in the thickness direction (Z-axis direction) of the mover 8 are arranged in two sets side by side in the length direction (X-axis direction) of the mover.

[0017] As will be described later, the core 6A and the coil 6B adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction of the mover 8 can be held in an assembled state by the holding member 7. As a result, as shown in Figs. 3 and 6 described later, the armature 6 is made up of a first armature unit 13 provided opposite one side surface (for example, the lower side surface in Fig. 1) in the thickness direction (Z-axis direction) of the mover 8, and a second armature unit 14 provided opposite the other side surface (for example, the upper side surface in Fig. 1) in the thickness direction of the mover 8.

[0018] The mover 8 is disposed on the inner circumferential side of the armature 6. The mover 8 extends along the central axis of the linear motor 2. That is, the mover 8 is disposed inside the armature 6 along the central axis of the linear motor 2. The mover 8 is formed as a substantially rectangular flat plate extending with a predetermined plate thickness. The core 6A and coil 6B of the armature 6 are disposed so as to sandwich the mover 8 from both sides in the plate thickness direction. In other words, the mover 8 extends in a plane direction perpendicular to the central axis of the coil 6B, and the core 6A and coil 6B of the armature 6 face each other with the mover 8 in between.

[0019] The mover 8 is composed of a yoke 8A formed into a flat plate using a magnetic body (magnetic material), and a plurality of permanent magnets 8B formed into a flat plate and placed on the yoke 8A. As shown in Fig. 4, the permanent magnets 8B are formed as rectangular plates, and a total of two permanent magnets 8B are arranged spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the mover 8.

[0020] One end (left side in FIG. 1) of the mover 8 in the length direction is supported by a base member 9 via a first bearing 11. The other end (right side in FIG. 1) of the mover 8 is supported by an end plate 10 via a second bearing 12. In this case, as shown in FIG. 4, the mover 8 is provided with a pair of cylindrical portions 8C on both sides in the width direction of the yoke 8A, i.e., on both sides in the width direction of the mover 8 (the Y-axis direction, which is the front-to-back direction in FIG. 1), and these cylindrical portions 8C are supported by the end plate 10 via the second bearing 12.

[0021] The core 6A and coil 6B of the armature 6 are arranged on both sides of the mover 8 in the thickness direction (Z-axis direction). In other words, the yoke 8A and permanent magnet 8B of the mover 8 are arranged between the core 6A and coil 6B that face each other in the thickness direction (Z-axis direction) of the mover 8. The mover 8 reciprocates when a current is supplied to the coil 6B of the armature 6.

[0022] In this case, the surface of each core 6A of the armature 6 facing the mover 8 becomes a magnetic pole, and is excited when current is passed through each coil 6B. That is, magnetic attractive and repulsive forces are generated between each core 6A of the armature 6 and each permanent magnet 8B of the mover 8 when current is passed through each coil 6B of the armature 6. As a result, the flat-plate-shaped mover 8 is driven to repeatedly reciprocate within the armature 6 in the length direction (= the axial direction of the cylinder 3).

[0023] The base member 9 is configured as a substantially rectangular plate or block. A support hole 9A is provided in the center of the base member 9 to support the rod portion 8D, which is one end of the mover 8. A first bearing 11, which serves as a sliding bearing, is attached inside the support hole 9A. The first bearing 11 supports the one end (rod portion 8D) of the mover 8 relative to the base member 9 so that the mover 8 can move in the length direction (X-axis direction).

[0024] 4, the base member 9 is provided with two end plate fixing screw holes 9B at two positions spaced apart in the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the mover 8. End plate fixing bolts 15 for fixing end plates 10 to the base member 9 are screwed into the end plate fixing screw holes 9B. In addition, the base member 9 is provided with two armature fixing screw holes 9C at two positions spaced apart in the plate thickness direction (Z-axis direction) of the mover 8.

[0025] An armature fixing bolt 16 for fixing the armature 6 (first armature unit 13, second armature unit 14) to the base member 9 is screwed into the armature fixing screw hole 9C. Furthermore, a stopper 9D, which will be described later, is provided on the other side surface of the base member 9, i.e., the side surface facing the armature 6.

[0026] The end plate 10 is disposed at a distance from the base member 9 in the longitudinal direction of the mover 8. The end plate 10 includes a plate portion 10A formed as a substantially rectangular plate, and a pair of support portions 10B provided to protrude from the plate portion 10A in a direction away from the armature 6. An insertion hole 10C is provided in the center of the plate portion 10A, through which the yoke 8A of the mover 8 is inserted with a gap. The insertion hole 10C is formed as a rectangular through-hole extending in the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the mover 8 to allow movement of the mover 8.

[0027] Meanwhile, a pair of support portions 10B each protrude from the other side surface of the plate portion 10A, i.e., the surface opposite to the side surface facing the armature 6. The support portions 10B are arranged spaced apart in the width direction of the mover 8. A support hole 10D is provided in the support portion 10B, which supports the other end portion of the mover 8, more specifically, the cylindrical portion 8C of the mover 8. A second bearing 12, which serves as a sliding bearing, is attached within the support hole 10D. The second bearing 12 supports the other end portion (cylindrical portion 8C) of the mover 8 relative to the end plate 10 (support portion 10B), allowing movement in the length direction (X-axis direction) of the mover 8.

[0028] 4, two end-plate fixing insertion holes 10E are formed in the plate portion 10A of the end plate 10 at two positions spaced apart in the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the mover 8 and at positions sandwiching the support portion 10B in the plate thickness direction (Z-axis direction) of the mover 8. End-plate fixing insertion holes 10E are inserted into the end-plate fixing insertion holes 10E to fix the end plate 10 to the base member 9. Furthermore, the plate portion 10A is provided with an armature fixing screw hole 10F.

[0029] The armature fixing screw holes 10F are formed in two end faces of the four sides of the plate portion 10A that are spaced apart in the thickness direction (Z-axis direction) of the mover 8, i.e., two on each of the upper end face located on the upper side in the vertical direction in Figure 4 and the lower end face located on the lower side. Armature fixing bolts 16 for fixing the armature 6 (first armature unit 13, second armature unit 14) to the base member 9 are screwed into the armature fixing screw holes 10F.

[0030] The end plate 10 is fixed to the base member 9. In this case, the end plate 10 is fixed by an end plate fixing bolt 15 with a cylindrical support 17 sandwiched between the end plate 10 and the base member 9. With the support 17 positioned between the end plate 10 and the base member 9, the end plate fixing bolt 15 is inserted through the end plate fixing insertion hole 10E and the support 17, and is screwed into the end plate fixing screw hole 9B in the base member 9. In this way, the end plate 10 is attached to the base member 9 with a distance from the base member 9 equal to the length of the support 17.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 1, the compression unit 5 is provided, for example, between the linear motor 2 and an air dryer (not shown). The compression unit 5 includes a cylinder 3 and a piston 4. The compression unit 5 compresses outside air to generate compressed air (working gas) by driving the piston 4 based on the reciprocating motion of the mover 8 of the linear motor 2. The cylinder 3 is provided on one side of the base member 9, i.e., on the opposite side from the other side facing the armature 6. The cylinder 3 is formed in a cylindrical shape and is fixed to the base member 9.

[0032] A piston 4 is housed in the cylinder 3 so as to be able to reciprocate (slide). The piston 4 is inserted into the cylinder 3 so as to be able to reciprocate. The piston 4 defines (divides) a compression chamber 5A within the cylinder 3. The piston 4 is connected to one end of the mover 8 of the linear motor 2. As a result, the piston 4 is arranged along the axial direction of the linear motor 2, and moves reciprocally within the cylinder 3 in conjunction with the reciprocating movement of the mover 8.

[0033] The linear motor 2 and compressor 1 according to this embodiment have the above-described configuration, and their operation will now be described.

[0034] First, when current is supplied (energized) to the coil 6B of the armature 6 of the linear motor 2, the permanent magnet 8B of the mover 8 receives a thrust in the axial direction. At this time, magnetic attractive and repulsive forces are generated between each core 6A of the armature 6 and each permanent magnet 8B of the mover 8 due to the current being passed through each coil 6B of the armature 6, causing the flat-plate-shaped mover 8 to repeatedly reciprocate in the length direction (X-axis direction) within the armature 6.

[0035] The thrust generated by the reciprocating movement of the mover 8 is transmitted to the piston 4 in the compression section 5 (cylinder 3). The piston 4 repeatedly reciprocates in the axial direction within the cylinder 3, performing compression operation. That is, during the intake stroke in which the piston 4 moves toward the linear motor 2, the pressure in the compression chamber 5A decreases, and air (or compressed air) is sucked into the compression chamber 5A. Next, during the compression stroke in which the piston 4 moves toward the compression chamber 5A, the pressure in the compression chamber 5A increases, and compressed air is discharged from the compression chamber 5A. The compressed air discharged from the compression chamber 5A is dried, for example, by an air dryer (not shown), and then supplied to the air chamber of the vehicle's air suspension.

[0036] Now, consider assembling a linear motor such as that described in the aforementioned Patent Document 1, i.e., a linear motor having a flat-plate-shaped mover with permanent magnets. In this case, for example, it is conceivable to assemble an armature having a coil and a core iron facing each other, and then insert the mover having a permanent magnet between the facing coil and core iron. That is, it is conceivable to assemble an armature assembly by assembling the armature between a pair of support members, and then insert the mover inside this armature assembly (between the facing coil and core iron). However, in this case, the permanent magnet of the mover is attracted to the coil and core iron, making it difficult to maintain the mover in a neutral position.

[0037] To address this issue, it is possible to insert the mover into the armature with a spacer between the coil and core and the permanent magnet, and then remove the spacer. It is also possible to insert the mover into the armature while supporting it with a jig. However, in both cases, it is difficult to fix the mover in the neutral position, and the assembly process is tedious.

[0038] Therefore, in the embodiment, after assembling the base member 9, end plate 10, and mover 8, the armature 6 (first armature unit 13, second armature unit 14) is assembled to the mover assembly 18, which is an assembly of these components. This makes it possible to easily fix the mover 8 in the neutral position. This point will be described below.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 1, the linear motor 2 includes a mover 8, an armature 6, a base member 9 as a first support member, an end plate 10 as a second support member, a first bearing 11, and a second bearing 12. The mover 8 is plate-shaped and includes a plurality of permanent magnets 8B arranged in the axial direction. The armature 6 is disposed opposite the mover 8. The base member 9 is disposed at one end of the mover 8, i.e., at one end in the direction of the mover's movement. The end plate 10 is disposed at the other end of the mover 8, i.e., at the other end in the direction of the mover's movement. The first bearing 11 is disposed between the inner periphery of the base member 9 and the mover 8 (rod portion 8D). The second bearing 12 is disposed between the inner periphery of the end plate 10 (support portion 10B) and the mover 8 (cylindrical portion 8C).

[0040] Furthermore, the armature 6 is composed of a first armature unit 13 and a second armature unit 14 provided to face one side and the other side of the mover 8. In this case, the first armature unit 13 includes two sets of cores 6A and coils 6B adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction of the mover 8, and a holding member 7 that holds these two sets of cores 6A and coils 6B as an assembly. In other words, the first armature unit 13 is composed of an assembly in which the two sets of cores 6A and coils 6B are integrally assembled by the holding member 7. Similarly, the second armature unit 14 is also composed of an assembly in which the two sets of cores 6A and coils 6B are integrally assembled by the holding member 7.

[0041] The holding member 7 is formed, for example, as a frame that integrally holds a plurality of cores 6A and coils 6B. That is, the holding member 7 includes a pair of coil fixing portions 7A extending in the length direction (X-axis direction) of the mover 8, a first armature fixing portion 7B that connects the pair of coil fixing portions 7A on one side in the length direction (X-axis direction) of the mover 8, and a second armature fixing portion 7C that connects the pair of coil fixing portions 7A on the other side in the length direction (X-axis direction) of the mover 8. The plurality of cores 6A and coils 6B are fixed to the coil fixing portion 7A.

[0042] The first armature fixing portion 7B connects between one ends of the pair of coil fixing portions 7A. The first armature fixing portion 7B is provided with a first mounting portion 7B1 for mounting the holding member 7 to the base member 9. The first mounting portion 7B1 is provided with two bolt insertion holes 7B2 through which the armature fixing bolts 16 are inserted. The bolt insertion holes 7B2 are through holes extending in the length direction (X-axis direction) of the mover 8 and are provided at positions corresponding to the armature fixing screw holes 9C of the base member 9.

[0043] The second armature fixing portion 7C connects the other ends of the pair of coil fixing portions 7A. The second armature fixing portion 7C is provided with a second mounting portion 7C1 for mounting the holding member 7 to the end plate 10. The second mounting portion 7C1 protrudes toward the end plate 10 further than the coil 6B on the end plate 10 side. The second mounting portion 7C1 is provided with two bolt insertion holes 7C2 through which the armature fixing bolts 16 are inserted. The bolt insertion holes 7C2 are through holes extending in the plate thickness direction (Z-axis direction) of the mover 8 and are provided at positions corresponding to the armature fixing screw holes 10F in the end plate 10.

[0044] The holding member 7 is fixed to the base member 9 and the end plate 10. In this case, the armature fixing bolts 16 for fixing the holding member 7 to the base member 9 are inserted into the bolt insertion holes 7B2 of the first armature fixing portion 7B and screwed into the armature fixing screw holes 9C of the base member 9. The armature fixing bolts 16 for fixing the holding member 7 to the end plate 10 are inserted into the bolt insertion holes 7C2 of the second armature fixing portion 7C and screwed into the armature fixing screw holes 10F of the end plate 10. In this way, the holding member 7 can be attached to the base member 9 and the end plate 10 together with the multiple cores 6A and coils 6B.

[0045] The base member 9 is also formed with a stopper 9D as a restricting portion that restricts the first armature unit 13 or the second armature unit 14 from being attracted to the permanent magnet 8B of the mover 8. In this case, the base member 9 is provided with the stopper 9D located on one side of the mover 8 in the thickness direction (Z-axis direction) and restricts the first armature unit 13 from being attracted to the permanent magnet 8B of the mover 8. The base member 9 is also provided with the stopper 9D located on the other side of the mover 8 in the thickness direction (Z-axis direction) and restricts the second armature unit 14 from being attracted to the permanent magnet 8B of the mover 8. The stopper 9D is a positioning convex portion that protrudes from the base member 9 toward the holding member 7.

[0046] In contrast to this, the holding member 7 of the first armature unit 13 is provided with a positioning recess 7D that engages with the stopper 9D of the base member 9. In addition, the holding member 7 of the second armature unit 14 is also provided with a positioning recess 7D that engages with the stopper 9D of the base member 9.

[0047] Meanwhile, the end plate 10 also has end faces (upper and lower end faces provided with armature fixing screw holes 10F) that function as restrictors that restrict the first armature unit 13 or the second armature unit 14 from being attracted to the permanent magnet 8B of the mover 8. That is, the lower end face of the end plate 10 abuts against the upper surface of the second mounting portion 7C1 of the holding member 7, thereby restricting the first armature unit 13 located on one side of the mover 8 in the thickness direction (Z-axis direction) from being attracted to the permanent magnet 8B of the mover 8. The upper end face of the end plate 10 abuts against the lower surface of the second mounting portion 7C1 of the holding member 7, thereby restricting the second armature unit 14 located on the other side of the mover 8 in the thickness direction (Z-axis direction) from being attracted to the permanent magnet 8B of the mover 8. The second mounting portion 7C1 also functions as a positioning protrusion that protrudes from the holding member 7 toward the end plate 10.

[0048] The base member 9 is provided with stoppers 9D at positions facing the holding member 7 of the first armature unit 13 and at positions facing the holding member 7 of the second armature unit 14. One of the stoppers 9D engages with the positioning recess 7D of the first armature unit 13, thereby restricting the position of the first armature unit 13 with respect to the base member 9. That is, the engagement of one of the stoppers 9D of the base member 9 with the positioning recess 7D of the first armature fixing portion 7B of the first armature unit 13 allows the first armature unit 13, which is attracted to the permanent magnet 8B of the mover 8, to be positioned with an appropriate gap secured between it and the mover 8. Furthermore, the base member 9 and the first armature unit 13 can also be positioned in the axial direction (X-axis) and width direction (Y-axis).

[0049] The other stopper 9D engages with the positioning recess 7D of the second armature unit 14, thereby restricting the position of the second armature unit 14 with respect to the base member 9. That is, by engaging the other stopper 9D of the base member 9 with the positioning recess 7D of the first armature fixing portion 7B of the second armature unit 14, the second armature unit 14, which is attracted to the permanent magnet 8B of the mover 8, can be positioned while ensuring an appropriate gap between it and the mover 8. In addition, the base member 9 and the second armature unit 14 can also be positioned in the axial direction (X-axis direction) and width direction (Y-axis direction).

[0050] Furthermore, the lower end surface of the end plate 10 faces the second mounting portion 7C1 of the holding member 7 of the first armature unit 13, and the upper end surface of the end plate 10 faces the second mounting portion 7C1 of the holding member 7 of the second armature unit 14. The lower end surface of the end plate 10 abuts against the upper surface of the second mounting portion 7C1 of the first armature unit 13, thereby restricting the position of the first armature unit 13 relative to the end plate 10. In other words, the abutment between the lower end surface of the end plate 10 and the upper surface of the second mounting portion 7C1 of the first armature unit 13 allows the first armature unit 13, which is attracted to the permanent magnet 8B of the mover 8, to be positioned with an appropriate gap secured between it and the mover 8.

[0051] The upper end surface of the end plate 10 abuts against the lower surface of the second mounting portion 7C1 of the second armature unit 14, thereby regulating the position of the second armature unit 14 relative to the end plate 10. In other words, the abutment between the upper end surface of the end plate 10 and the lower surface of the second mounting portion 7C1 of the second armature unit 14 allows the second armature unit 13, which is attracted to the permanent magnet 8B of the mover 8, to be positioned with an appropriate gap secured between it and the mover 8.

[0052] Next, the assembly process (assembly procedure, assembly method) of the linear motor 2 will be described.

[0053] 2, 4, and 5, first, a mover 8, a base member 9 as a first support member, an end plate 10 as a second support member, a first bearing 11, and a second bearing 12 are assembled (first step). This results in a mover assembly 18 having the mover 8, base member 9, end plate 10, first bearing 11, and second bearing 12. In this case, prior to assembling the mover assembly 18, first, the first bearing 11 is assembled into the support hole 9A of the base member 9. Furthermore, the second bearing 12 is assembled into the support hole 10D of the support portion 10B of the end plate 10.

[0054] 4, the mover 8 and the support 17 are placed between the base member 9 to which the first bearing 11 is attached and the end plate 10 to which the second bearing 12 is attached. At this time, the support 17 is placed at a position corresponding to both the end plate fixing screw hole 9B in the base member 9 and the end plate fixing insertion hole 10E in the end plate 10.

[0055] Then, one end of the mover (rod portion 8D) is inserted into first bearing 11 of base member 9, and the other end of the mover (cylindrical portion 8C) is inserted into second bearing 12 of end plate 10. Furthermore, end plate fixing bolt 15 is inserted through end plate fixing insertion hole 10E of end plate 10 and support 17, and screwed into end plate fixing screw hole 9B of base member 9. In this way, mover assembly 18 shown in FIGS. 2 and 5 is assembled.

[0056] 3, 6, and 7, the first armature unit 13 and the second armature unit 14 are assembled to the mover assembly 18 (second process). That is, after the mover assembly 18 is assembled, the first armature unit 13 is assembled to one side of the mover 8, and the second armature unit 14 is assembled to the other side of the mover 8. In this case, the first armature unit 13 is inserted between the base member 9 and the end plate 10 of the mover assembly 18. At this time, the positioning recess 7D of the holding member 7 of the first armature unit 13 is engaged with the stopper 9D of the base member 9. This positions the first armature unit 13 relative to the base member 9 and the end plate 10.

[0057] In this state, the armature fixing bolt 16 is inserted through the bolt insertion hole 7B2 of the first armature fixing portion 7B and screwed into the armature fixing screw hole 9C of the base member 9. In addition, the armature fixing bolt 16 is inserted through the bolt insertion hole 7C2 of the second armature fixing portion 7C and screwed into the armature fixing screw hole 10F of the end plate 10. This completes the assembly of the first armature unit 13 with the mover assembly 18.

[0058] Next, the second armature unit 14 is inserted between the base member 9 and the end plate 10 of the mover assembly 18. At this time, the positioning recess 7D of the holding member 7 of the second armature unit 14 is engaged with the stopper 9D of the base member 9. This positions the second armature unit 14 relative to the base member 9 and the end plate 10.

[0059] In this state, the armature fixing bolt 16 is inserted through the bolt insertion hole 7B2 of the first armature fixing portion 7B and screwed into the armature fixing screw hole 9C of the base member 9. In addition, the armature fixing bolt 16 is inserted through the bolt insertion hole 7C2 of the second armature fixing portion 7C and screwed into the armature fixing screw hole 10F of the end plate 10. In this way, the second armature unit 14 is assembled to the mover assembly 18. In this manner, in the embodiment, the linear motor 2 is assembled by assembling the first armature unit 13 and the second armature unit 14 to the mover assembly 18.

[0060] Here, in this embodiment, first, the support pillar 17 is set up against the base member 9, and the rod portion 8D, which is one end of the mover 8, is inserted into the support hole 9A of the base member 9, and the support pillar 17 is sandwiched between the base member 9 and the end plate 10 and fixed with the end plate fixing bolt 15. At this time, since the bearings 11 and 12 are already assembled to the base member 9 and the end plate 10, respectively, it can be confirmed that the mover 8 moves smoothly in this state.

[0061] Next, the first armature unit 13 and the second armature unit 14, which form the coil assembly, are fixed to the base member 9 and the end plate 10. At this time, the positioning recesses 7D of the holding member 7 of the first armature unit 13 and the second armature unit 14 are engaged with the stoppers 9D of the base member 9. This allows the first armature unit 13 and the second armature unit 14 to be positioned relative to the base member 9 and the end plate 10. Note that the first armature unit 13 and the second armature unit 14 may be positioned using a jig without providing the positioning recesses 7D and the stoppers 9D.

[0062] According to this embodiment, the mover 8 can be easily assembled in the neutral position without being affected by the attractive force of the permanent magnet 8B of the mover 8. Furthermore, before assembling the first armature unit 13 and the second armature unit 14, it can be confirmed that the mover 8 can move smoothly without being affected by the attractive force of the permanent magnet 8B. Furthermore, a spacer (jig) for temporarily fixing the mover 8 in the neutral position can be eliminated.

[0063] As described above, according to this embodiment, after the mover 8, base member 9, end plate 10, first bearing 11, and second bearing 12 are assembled, the first armature unit 13 is assembled to one side of the mover 8, and the second armature unit 14 is assembled to the other side of the mover 8. Therefore, when assembling the mover 8 to the base member 9 and end plate 10, the mover 8 can be easily assembled to the neutral position without being affected by the attractive force of the permanent magnet 8B of the mover 8. In this case, a spacer or jig can be eliminated. This makes it possible to easily assemble the mover 8 to the neutral position. Moreover, because the mover 8 is assembled to the base member 9, end plate 10, first bearing 11, and second bearing 12 first, the operation of the bearings 11 and 12 can be checked before all assembly is completed, i.e., before assembling the first armature unit 13 and the second armature unit 14. This makes it possible to prevent the assembly from being completed with the bearings 11 and 12 in a malfunctioning state, thereby improving the assembly efficiency.

[0064] According to this embodiment, the base member 9 is formed with stoppers 9D that restrict the first armature unit 13 and the second armature unit 14 from being attracted to the permanent magnet 8B. Furthermore, the end plate 10 is formed with end surfaces (upper and lower end surfaces) that restrict the first armature unit 13 and the second armature unit 14 from being attracted to the permanent magnet 8B when the second mounting portion 7C1 of the first armature unit 13 abuts against the stoppers 9D. Therefore, when assembling the first armature unit 13 to the mover assembly 18 and when assembling the second armature unit 14 to the mover assembly 18, spacers or jigs for positioning the first armature unit 13 and the second armature unit 14 are not required. This allows the first armature unit 13 or the second armature unit 14 to be easily assembled.

[0065] In the embodiment, an example has been described in which a convex stopper 9D is provided on the base member 9, and a concave positioning recess 7D is provided on the holding member 7 of the armature units 13, 14. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, a concave stopper (restriction portion) may be provided on the base member (first support member), and a convex positioning portion (engagement portion, engaging convex portion) may be provided on the armature unit.

[0066] Furthermore, convex or concave stoppers (restriction portions) may be provided on both the base member (first support member) and the end plate (second support member). In this case, the first armature unit and the second armature unit may be provided with concave positioning portions (engagement portions, engaging recesses) corresponding to the convex stoppers (restriction portions), or convex positioning portions (engagement portions, engaging convex portions) corresponding to the concave stoppers (restriction portions). Furthermore, the stoppers (restriction portions) and positioning portions (engagement portions) are not limited to being concave or convex, and various positioning mechanisms (engagement mechanisms) for positioning can be used.

[0067] In the embodiment, a configuration has been described in which restricting portions (stopper 9D of base member 9, end surface of end plate 10) are formed on both base member 9 and end plate 10. However, this is not limiting, and for example, a restricting portion that restricts the first armature unit or the second armature unit from being attracted to the permanent magnet of the mover may be provided on one of the base member (first support member) and the end plate (second support member). Also, a restricting portion may not be provided on either the base member (first support member) or the end plate (second support member). When a restricting portion is not provided, the first armature unit or the second armature unit can be positioned relative to the base member (first support member) or the end plate (second support member) using, for example, a jig or the like.

[0068] In the embodiment, the piston 4 of the compression section 5 is an oscillating piston directly connected to one end (rod section 8D) of the mover 8 which serves as a piston rod. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the piston may be a normal piston connected to the piston rod via a piston pin.

[0069] In the embodiment, the compression unit 5 is described as being used as a compressor (normal compressor) that draws in and compresses atmospheric air. However, the invention is not limited to this, and the compression unit may be used as a compressor (booster compressor) that draws in compressed air (compressed air) from a tank or the like and further compresses it. Furthermore, the compressor may compress gases other than air.

[0070] In the embodiment, the compressor 1 is mounted on a vehicle. In this case, the compressor 1 may be applied to a closed-type air suspension system that can store compressed air in a tank. Alternatively, the compressor 1 may be applied to an open-type air suspension system that does not use a tank for storing compressed air (i.e., a system that exhausts compressed air to the outside).

[0071] In the embodiment, the compressor 1 is described as being mounted on a vehicle. However, the compressor is not limited to this, and can be mounted on various machines that require a compressor. That is, the compressor may be mounted on various machines other than a vehicle (for example, a refrigerator, a refrigeration machine, an air conditioner, etc.). The compressor may also be used as a standalone unit.

[0072] In the embodiment, an example has been described in which the central axis of the linear motor 2 and the central axis of the compression unit 5 are aligned. However, this is not limiting, and for example, the central axis of the linear motor may be offset from the central axis of the compression unit.

[0073] In the embodiment, the linear motor 2 is used as a drive source for a compressor. However, the linear motor is not limited to this and can be widely applied as a drive source for various mechanical devices other than compressors.

[0074] According to the embodiment described above, after assembling the mover, the first support member, the second support member, the first bearing, and the second bearing, the first armature unit is assembled to one side of the mover, and the second armature unit is assembled to the other side of the mover. Therefore, when assembling the mover to the first support member and the second support member, the mover can be easily assembled to the neutral position without being affected by the attractive force of the permanent magnet. In this case, a spacer or a jig may be unnecessary. This allows the mover to be easily assembled to the neutral position. Moreover, because the mover is assembled to the first support member, the second support member, the first bearing, and the second bearing first, it is also possible to check the operation of the bearings before completing all the assembly (i.e., before assembling the first armature unit and the second armature unit). This prevents the assembly from being completed with the bearings in a malfunctioning state, improving assembly efficiency.

[0075] According to the embodiment, a restricting portion that restricts the first armature unit or the second armature unit from being attracted to the permanent magnet is formed on one or both of the first support member and the second support member. This eliminates the need for spacers or jigs to position the first armature unit or the second armature unit when assembling the first armature unit or the second armature unit. This makes it easy to assemble the first armature unit or the second armature unit. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] 2: Linear motor, 6: Armature, 6B: Coil, 8: Mover, 8B: Permanent magnet, 9: Base member (first support member), 9D: Stopper (restriction portion), 10: End plate (second support member), 11: First bearing, 12: Second bearing, 13: First armature unit, 14: Second armature unit, 18: Mover assembly

Claims

1. a plate-shaped mover having a plurality of permanent magnets arranged in the axial direction; a first armature unit and a second armature unit provided opposite one side surface and the other side surface of the mover; a first support member provided on one end side of the mover; a second support member provided on the other end side of the mover; a first bearing provided between an inner periphery of the first support member and the mover; a second bearing provided between an inner periphery of the second support member and the movable element; A method for assembling a linear motor having After assembling the mover, the first support member, the second support member, the first bearing, and the second bearing, A linear motor assembling method comprising assembling the first armature unit to one side surface of the mover and assembling the second armature unit to the other side surface of the mover.

2. 2. A method for assembling a linear motor according to claim 1, wherein a restricting portion that restricts the first armature unit or the second armature unit from being attracted to the permanent magnet is formed on one or both of the first support member and the second support member.

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