Armature, linear motor, method for manufacturing an armature

Abstract

To provide a technique which can suppress deterioration of productivity of an armature while preventing a plurality of cores which are not connected to each other from detaching from the armature.SOLUTION: An armature 10 comprises: a plurality of cores 11 which are arranged linearly and are not continue with each other; a plurality of coils 12 wound on the plurality of cores 11, respectively; and a holding part 13 that holds the plurality of cores 11. Each core 11 includes members 11A, 11B divided into a plurality of parts in its axial direction. The member 11A, 11B includes an expansion part 112 at least part of which over hangs to the holding part 13 side in a contact part with the holding part 13.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an armature and the like.

Background Art

[0002] For example, a linear motor including an armature configured by arranging a plurality of bar-shaped cores (teeth) that are not connected to each other in the traveling direction and winding coils around each of the plurality of cores is known (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] In Patent Document 1, two stators are arranged to face each other, and an armature is arranged therebetween. The outer peripheral surfaces of both ends of a bar-shaped core (I-shaped armature teeth) protrude outward from the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate portion around which the coil is wound. Specifically, it has a shape that widens toward the end in a cross-sectional view.

[0004] According to such a configuration, the magnetic attractive force acting on the core of the armature from one stator (permanent magnet field magnet) and the magnetic attractive force acting on the core of the armature from the other stator (permanent magnet field magnet) can be nominally canceled out. Even if magnetic asymmetry occurs due to a shift in the position of the armature between the two stators and a magnetic attractive force toward either one of the two stators acts, the end on the opposite side of the core can be caught by other members of the armature, so that the core can be prevented from detaching from the armature.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] However, if the outer surfaces of both ends of the core facing the two stators (permanent magnet fields) protrude outward more than the outer surface of the middle part of the core, it becomes impossible to insert the core into the center of a manufactured coil. As a result, it becomes necessary to manufacture the coil by winding the conductor directly around the core, which may reduce the productivity of the armature.

[0007] Therefore, in light of the above issues, the objective is to provide a technology that can suppress a decrease in armature productivity while preventing multiple unconnected cores from detaching from the armature in a linear motor configured to sandwich the armature between two permanent magnet fields. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To achieve the above objective, in one embodiment of this disclosure, Multiple cores arranged in a straight line and discontinuous from one another, Multiple coils are wound around each of the aforementioned cores, It comprises a holding portion for holding the core, The aforementioned core has a divided core which is divided into multiple parts in the axial direction, The dividing surfaces of adjacent divided cores in the core in the axial direction overlap with the coil in the axial direction. The divided core has, at the contact portion with the holding portion, an overhang portion that protrudes toward the holding portion, The aforementioned protruding portion has an axial protrusion amount. one The holding portion bites into the center so that it becomes larger towards the center than at the edges. and provided in the axial direction within the range including the one end of the core , The armature is provided. In other embodiments of this disclosure, Multiple cores arranged in a straight line and discontinuous from one another, Multiple coils are wound around each of the aforementioned cores, It comprises a holding portion for holding the core, The aforementioned core has a divided core which is divided into multiple parts in the axial direction, The split surfaces of the split cores adjacent to each other in the axial direction in the core overlap the coil in the axial direction. The split core has a protruding portion that at least partially protrudes toward the holding portion at the contact portion with the holding portion. The protruding portion When viewed from the outside of one end of the core along the axial direction, has a portion where the protruding amount is smaller than the maximum exposed from the holding portion. An armature is provided.

[0009] Also, Furthermore In another embodiment, comprising the above-described armature, A linear motor is provided.

[0010] Also, in yet another embodiment, A method for manufacturing the above-described armature, Prepare a coil wound in advance so as to have a cavity in the center, By inserting the split core into the cavity from both sides of the pre-wound coil, a state where the coil is wound around the core is formed. A method for manufacturing an armature is provided.

Effect of the Invention

[0011] According to the above-described embodiment, for a linear motor configured to sandwich an armature with two permanent magnet fields, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the productivity of the armature while preventing a plurality of non-connected cores from detaching from the armature.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing an example of a linear motor. [Figure 2] It is a diagram showing a first example of the structure of an armature. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing the distribution of the magnetic permeability of the core near the gap surface in the armature according to the comparative example. [Figure 4]It is a diagram showing the distribution of the magnetic permeability of the core near the gap surface in the armature according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing a second example of the structure of the armature. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing a third example of the structure of the armature.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0014] [Overview of Linear Motor] First, referring to FIG. 1, an overview of the linear motor 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the linear motor 1 according to the present embodiment. Specifically, it is a cross-sectional view in the XZ plane when the linear motor 1 is viewed from the positive Y-axis direction.

[0016] The linear motor 1 may be incorporated, for example, into opening and closing mechanisms of various slide-type doors such as doors of railway vehicles and doors of station platforms. Further, the linear motor 1 may be mounted, for example, on a semiconductor manufacturing apparatus.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, the linear motor 1 includes an armature 10 and a field magnet 20.

[0018] The armature 10 is a mover. The armature 10 is arranged between the field magnet portions 20A and 20B of the field magnet 20 arranged so as to extend along the X-axis direction and is arranged so as to be sandwiched in the Z-axis direction. The armature 10 is supported, for example, by a support mechanism such as a slide rail or a linear guide in a manner movable in the X-axis direction. Further, the armature 10 may be allowed a predetermined movable range (so-called play) in the Z-axis direction by the support mechanism.

[0019] The armature 10 includes a plurality (in this example, three) of cores 11, a plurality (in this example, three) of coils 12, and a holding portion 13.

[0020] The core 11 functions as a magnetic path for the magnetic field generated by the armature current of the coil 12 and the magnetic field from the permanent magnet 21 of the field 20. The core 11 is made of a soft magnetic material such as electromagnetic steel sheet or powdered magnetic core.

[0021] The multiple (three) cores 11 are configured in a manner that is not connected (discontinuous) to one another. This allows for an increase in the space occupied by the coil 12 compared to when the multiple cores 11 are connected by a connecting member. Therefore, the thrust of the linear motor 1 can be relatively improved. Each of the multiple cores 11 is configured to extend in the Z-axis direction, that is, in the direction opposite to the field sections 20A and 20B, and is arranged in a line at approximately equal intervals in the direction of travel of the linear motor 1, that is, in the X-axis direction. The term "approximately" is intended to allow for manufacturing errors, etc., and will be used in the same sense hereafter.

[0022] Coil 12 generates thrust for the movable element (armature 10) through interaction with the magnetic fields generated from the field sections 20A and 20B when an armature current flows through it. Each of the three coils 12 is configured such that a wire is wound around each of the three cores 11. Three-phase AC power, for example, U-phase, V-phase, and W-phase, is supplied to the three coils 12A.

[0023] The holding portion 13 integrally holds multiple cores 11 and multiple coils 12. Specifically, the holding portion 13 is made of molded resin, and both ends of the multiple cores 11 in the axial direction (Z-axis direction) are held so as to be exposed from the holding portion 13.

[0024] The field 20 is a stator. The field 20 is provided so as to extend in the X-axis direction, and its dimension in the X-axis direction is defined to match the amount of movement of the armature 10, which is a movable element, in the X-axis direction.

[0025] The field 20 includes field sections 20A and 20B.

[0026] The field sections 20A and 20B are provided so as to extend substantially parallel to each other in the X-axis direction. A predetermined gap is provided between the field sections 20A and 20B in the Z-axis direction, and this gap is set to be somewhat larger than the Z-axis dimension of the armature 10. For example, the gap between the field sections 20A and 20B corresponds to the Z-axis dimension of the armature 10 plus the Z-axis movement amount of the armature 10's support mechanism (e.g., slide rail or linear guide) and a predetermined margin. As a result, the armature 10, as a movable element, can move in the X-axis direction without contacting the field sections 20A and 20B.

[0027] The field sections 20A and 20B are arranged to face each other in the positive and negative Z-axis directions, respectively, when viewed from the armature 10. Each of the field sections 20A and 20B generates magnetic flux that links with the multiple coils 12 of the armature 10.

[0028] The field sections 20A and 20B each include a plurality of permanent magnets 21 and a back yoke 22.

[0029] Multiple permanent magnets 21 are arranged in a line along the X-axis direction so as to face the armature 10 in the Z-axis direction. In this example, the multiple permanent magnets 21 are arranged in a line along the X-axis direction at equal intervals, with spacers 21s sandwiched between adjacent permanent magnets 21. For example, each of the multiple permanent magnets 21 is magnetized in the Z-axis direction facing the armature 10, and the magnetic poles on the faces facing the armature 10 are arranged to be different from those of other permanent magnets 21 adjacent to them in the X-axis direction. Alternatively, for example, the multiple permanent magnets 21 may be arranged in a Halbach arrangement along the X-axis direction so as to relatively strengthen the magnetic flux of the magnetic poles facing the armature 10. The multiple permanent magnets 21 are, for example, neodymium sintered magnets or ferrite magnets.

[0030] The field sections 20A and 20B are configured such that the magnetic specifications of their respective permanent magnets 21 (e.g., shape, dimensions, residual magnetic flux density, etc.) and their arrangement specifications (e.g., the arrangement of the permanent magnets 21 in the X-axis direction and the arrangement including the presence or absence of a Halbach arrangement, etc.) are substantially the same. As a result, the field sections 20A and 20B can generate substantially symmetrical magnetic fields in the space opposite each other in the Z-axis direction.

[0031] The back yoke 22 is positioned adjacent to the side of the permanent magnet 21 opposite to the side facing the armature 10 in the Z-axis direction. The back yoke 22 functions as a magnetic path between adjacent permanent magnets 21. The back yoke 22 is made of a soft magnetic material such as electromagnetic steel sheet or powdered magnetic core.

[0032] [First example of an armature] Next, with reference to Figures 2 to 4, a first example of the armature 10 according to this embodiment will be specifically described.

[0033] <Structure of an armature> Figure 2 shows a first example of the structure of the armature 10. Specifically, it is a cross-sectional view in the XZ plane of the linear motor 1 including the armature 10 according to this example, viewed from the positive Y-axis direction.

[0034] As shown in Figure 2, the core 11 includes an intermediate portion 111 and an overhanging portion 112.

[0035] The intermediate portion 111 is the part that the coil 12 surrounds (is wound around) in the Z-axis direction. The outer circumferential surface of the intermediate portion 111 is configured to be slightly smaller inward than the inner circumferential surface of the center of the coil 12.

[0036] The protruding portions 112 are provided at two locations in the Z-axis direction, between the intermediate portion 111 and each of the ends of the core 11, and are configured so that their outer circumferential surfaces protrude outward (towards the holding portion 13) than the intermediate portion 111. The entire outer circumferential surface of the protruding portion 112 in the circumferential direction around the axis of the core 11 (the dashed line in Figure 2) may protrude outward than the intermediate portion 111, or only a part of the outer circumferential surface may protrude outward than the intermediate portion 111. In this example, the protruding portions 112 are provided in the Z-axis direction, extending between the intermediate portion 111 and the ends of the core 11, and are configured so that their outer circumferential surfaces spread outward from the intermediate portion 111 towards the ends of the core 11. Therefore, at both ends of the protruding portion 112 in its axial direction (Z-axis direction), the points where the protrusion is greatest are exposed from the holding portion 13.

[0037] Furthermore, the core 11 has a dividing surface 11DS between two protruding portions 112 in the Z-axis direction and is composed of two members 11A and 11B.

[0038] The members 11A and 11B (an example of a divided core) are connected to each other, for example, by an adhesive applied to the divided surface 11DS.

[0039] <Manufacturing method for armature> The armature 10 is manufactured by following the steps (1) to (6) below.

[0040] (1) Preparation (manufacturing) of parts 11A and 11B A core 11 is manufactured (created) which is divided into multiple members 11A and 11B in the axial direction. For example, if the core 11 is made of electrical steel sheets, the members 11A and 11B are manufactured by laminating electrical steel sheets that have been pre-cut into shapes corresponding to members 11A and 11B and fixing the layers together. The layers of electrical steel sheets may be fixed together by welding, riveting, or by an adhesive coating that has been applied to the electrical steel sheets in advance.

[0041] (2) Preparation (manufacturing) of coil 12 A coil 12 having a central cavity is manufactured (created) by winding a wire around a manufacturing shaft member and, after completion, removing it from the shaft member. The shaft member may be, for example, a dedicated jig. Alternatively, the coil 12 may be formed to have a central cavity by winding it around a hollow member such as a bobbin.

[0042] (3) Assembly of core 11 and coil 12 Adhesive is applied to the surface of the tip portions of members 11A and 11B that correspond to the dividing surface 11DS. Then, the tip portions of members 11A and 11B on the dividing surface 11DS side are inserted from both sides of the central portion corresponding to the winding axis of the coil 12, thereby completing the assembly of the core 11 and coil 12, and the core 11 and coil 12 assembly is completed. At this time, the tip portions of members 11A and 11B come into contact with each other, and the adhesive connects members 11A and 11B as a single unit.

[0043] (4) Wiring of coil 12 Power lines related to coil 12 are connected. For example, connections are made between the lead wires of coil 12 and the power terminals, and between the lead wires of multiple coils 12.

[0044] (5) Resin mold of core 11 and coil 12 Multiple (in this example, three) assemblies of cores 11 and coils 12 included in the armature 10 are arranged in a predetermined configuration and then molded with resin. As a result, the armature 10 is completed in which the multiple cores 11 and multiple coils 12 are integrally held by the molded resin (holding part 13).

[0045] <Armature function> Figure 3 shows the distribution of magnetic permeability of the core 11c near the gap surface in the armature 10c of the comparative example. Specifically, Figure 3 includes Figure 3A, which shows the distribution of magnetic permeability of the core 11c near the gap surface in the X-axis direction in the armature 10c of the linear motor 1 of the comparative example, and Figure 3B, which shows the magnetic flux lines (see dotted lines in the figure) in the armature 10c of the comparative example. Figure 4 shows the distribution of magnetic permeability of the core 11 near the gap surface in the armature 10 of this embodiment (first example). Specifically, Figure 4 includes Figure 4A, which shows the distribution of magnetic permeability of the core 11 near the gap surface in the X-axis direction in the armature 10 of this embodiment (first example), and Figure 4B, which shows the magnetic flux lines (see dotted lines in the figure) of the armature 10 of this embodiment (first example).

[0046] In Figure 3 (Figure 3B), the same reference numerals are used for the components of the linear motor 1c in the comparative example that are the same as those in the linear motor 1 according to this embodiment.

[0047] As shown in Figure 3 (Figure 3B), the core 11c of the armature 10c in the comparative example differs from the core 11 in this embodiment in that it has substantially the same cross-section throughout the entire area between both ends in the Z-axis direction. Therefore, when a magnetic attractive force acts on the core 11c toward either one of the field sections 20A or 20B, the core 11c may detach from the armature 10c in a manner in which the core 11c moves away from the central part of the coil 12 and the holding part 13 in the positive or negative Z-axis direction.

[0048] In contrast, in the armature 10 according to this embodiment, even if a magnetic attractive force acts on the core 11 toward either the field section 20A or 20B, the protruding section 112 on the opposite side comes into contact with (gets caught on) the coil 12 or the holding section 13, restricting the movement of the core 11 in the Z-axis direction. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the detachment of the core 11, which is composed of integrally connected members 11A and 11B, from the armature 10.

[0049] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3 (Figure 3B), the core 11c of the armature 10c in the comparative example is composed of a single integrated part. Therefore, if an overhang 112 is adopted, as in the armature 10 of this embodiment, to suppress the detachment of the core 11c from the armature 10c, it becomes impossible to insert the core 11c from the tip into the central part corresponding to the winding axis of the manufactured coil 12. As a result, although the armature 10c in the comparative example can suppress the detachment of the core 11c from the armature 10c, it becomes necessary to manufacture the coil 12 in a manner in which the conductor is wound directly around the core 11c, which may reduce the productivity of the armature 10c.

[0050] In contrast, the armature 10 according to this embodiment is composed of members 11A and 11B that are divided in the Z-axis direction by a dividing surface 11DS between two protruding portions 112. Therefore, as described above, the core 11 and coil 12 can be assembled by inserting the ends of members 11A and 11B on the dividing surface 11DS side into the center of the manufactured coil 12 from both sides. Thus, it is possible to suppress the detachment of the core 11 from the armature 10 while suppressing a decrease in the productivity of the armature.

[0051] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3 (Figure 3B), the area of ​​the gap surfaces at both ends of the core 11c facing the field sections 20A and 20B is approximately the same as the cross-sectional area of ​​the XY plane in the intermediate part in the Z-axis direction surrounded by the coil 12.

[0052] In contrast, in the armature 10 according to this embodiment, the area of ​​the gap surfaces 11GS at both ends of the core 11 facing the field sections 20A and 20B is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the intermediate section 111 surrounded by the coil 12 in the XY plane. Therefore, as shown in Figures 3 (Figure 3B) and 4 (Figure 4B), in the armature 10 according to this embodiment, the magnetic flux generated from the permanent magnets 21 of the field sections 20A and 20B passes more easily through the gap surfaces 11GS to the core 11c compared to the armature 10c according to the comparative example. As a result, in the armature 10 according to this embodiment, the magnetic flux linked to the coil 12 is relatively larger compared to the armature 10c according to the comparative example, and the thrust (average thrust) of the linear motor 1 can be relatively increased.

[0053] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3 (Figure 3A), in the armature 10c of the comparative example, the permeability of the portion near the gap surface of the core 11c changes abruptly in the X-axis direction at the boundary between the gap surface of the core 11c and the holding portion 13. This is because the dimension of the gap surface of the core 11c in the X-axis direction is relatively small, and the distance between it and the gap surfaces of other adjacent cores 11c in the X-axis direction is relatively large. Therefore, in the linear motor 1c including the armature 10c of the comparative example, there is a possibility that thrust fluctuations will be relatively large.

[0054] In contrast, in the armature 10 according to this embodiment, the magnetic permeability of the portion of the core 11 near the gap surface 11GS changes smoothly in the X-axis direction, even at the boundary between the gap surface of the core 11c and the holding portion 13. This is because the dimension of the gap surface 11GS of the core 11 in the X-axis direction is relatively large, and the distance between it and the gap surfaces 11GS of other adjacent cores 11 in the X-axis direction is relatively small. Therefore, in the linear motor 1 including the armature 10 according to this embodiment, thrust fluctuations can be suppressed to a relatively small extent, and its reliability can be relatively increased.

[0055] [Second example of an armature] Next, with reference to Figure 5, a second example of the armature 10 according to this embodiment will be specifically described. The following description will focus on the differences from the first example described above, and explanations of the same or corresponding content as the first example may be simplified or omitted.

[0056] Figure 5 shows a second example of the structure of the armature 10. Specifically, it is a cross-sectional view in the XZ plane of the linear motor 1 including the armature 10 according to this example, viewed from the positive Y-axis direction.

[0057] As shown in Figure 5, the core 11 includes an intermediate portion 111, an overhang portion 112, and a non-overhang portion 113.

[0058] The protruding portions 112 are provided at two locations in the Z-axis direction, between the intermediate portion 111 and each of the ends of the core 11, similar to the first example described above. In this example, the protruding portions 112 are provided between the intermediate portion 111 and the non-protruding portion 113 in the Z-axis direction, and are configured so that their outer circumferential surface widens outward from the intermediate portion 111 side towards the non-protruding portion 113 side. Therefore, the protruding portions 112 are configured to bite into the holding portion 13 closer to the center than both ends of the core 11.

[0059] The non-protruding portion 113 is provided in the Z-axis direction between the protruding portion 112 and the end of the core 11. In this example, the non-protruding portion 113 is provided in the Z-axis direction in the range from the protruding portion 112 to the end of the core 11. The non-protruding portion 113 is configured so as not to protrude toward the holding portion 13 with respect to the intermediate portion 111, and so as to be recessed inward from the protruding portion 112. In this example, the non-protruding portion 113 has substantially the same outer surface as the intermediate portion 111 in the Z-axis direction. Therefore, the non-protruding portion 113 has a stepped surface (a straight line portion horizontal in the Z-axis direction in the figure) at the boundary with the protruding portion 112 in the Z-axis direction.

[0060] Furthermore, the core 11, as in the first example described above, has a dividing surface 11DS between two protruding portions 112 in the Z-axis direction and is composed of two members 11A and 11B.

[0061] Members 11A and 11B are connected to each other, for example, by an adhesive applied to the dividing surface 11DS.

[0062] Furthermore, the armature 10 in this example may be manufactured using the same procedure as in the first example described above.

[0063] Thus, in this example, the core 11 is provided with a non-protruding portion 113 in addition to the protruding portion 112.

[0064] As a result, even when a magnetic attractive force acts on members 11A and 11B in the positive or negative Z-axis direction, the protruding portion 112 or the non-protruding portion 113 will come into contact with (get caught on) the holding portion 13, restricting their movement. Therefore, even if, for example, a magnetic attractive force is generated on the core 11 toward either the field portions 20A or 20B, and for some reason the connection between members 11A and 11B is released, the armature 10 can suppress the detachment of the core 11 from the armature 10.

[0065] [Third example of an armature] Next, with reference to Figure 6, a third example of the armature 10 according to this embodiment will be described. The following description will focus on the differences from the first example and others described above, and explanations of the same or corresponding content as the first example and others may be simplified or omitted.

[0066] As shown in Figure 6, the core 11 includes an intermediate portion 111 and an overhanging portion 112, similar to the second example described above.

[0067] The protruding portions 112 are provided at two locations in the Z-axis direction, between the intermediate portion 111 and each of the ends of the core 11, as in the first example described above. The protruding portions 112 include protruding portions 112A and 112B.

[0068] The protruding portion 112A is provided between the intermediate portion 111 and the protruding portion 112B in the Z-axis direction, and is configured such that its outer circumferential surface widens outward from the intermediate portion 111 side toward the protruding portion 112B side.

[0069] The protruding portion 112B is provided between the protruding portion 112A and the end of the core 11 in the Z-axis direction. The protruding portion 112B is provided in the range extending from the protruding portion 112A to the end of the core 11 in the Z-axis direction. The protruding portion 112B is configured such that its outer circumferential surface retracts inward (narrows) from the protruding portion 112A toward the end of the core 11 in the Z-axis direction. Therefore, at both ends of the protruding portion 112 in its axial direction (Z-axis direction), the portion exposed from the holding portion 13 is smaller than the point of maximum protrusion (the boundary between protruding portions 112A and 112B).

[0070] Furthermore, the armature 10 in this example may be manufactured using the same procedure as in the first example described above.

[0071] Thus, in this example, the core 11 is provided with protruding portions 112A and 112B.

[0072] As a result, even when a magnetic attractive force acts on members 11A and 11B in the positive or negative Z-axis direction, the protruding portion 112A or protruding portion 112B comes into contact with (gets caught on) the holding portion 13, restricting their movement. Therefore, even if, for example, a magnetic attractive force is generated on the core 11 toward either the field portions 20A or 20B, and the connection between members 11A and 11B is released, the armature 10 can suppress the detachment of the core 11 from the armature 10.

[0073] Furthermore, in this example, the protruding portion 112B is configured such that the outer circumferential surface of the end of the core 11 protrudes outward more than the intermediate portion 111 in the Z-axis direction. This makes the area of ​​the gap surface 11GS larger than the cross-section (cross-section in the XY plane) of the intermediate portion 111. As a result, the magnetic flux generated from the permanent magnets 21 of the field portions 20A and 20B can more easily pass through the gap surface 11GS of the core 11, and the magnetic flux linked to the coil 12 can be relatively increased (see Figure 4B). Also, since the dimension of the gap surface 11GS of the core 11 in the X-axis direction is relatively larger, as described above, the fluctuation of the permeability near the gap surface of the armature 10 in the X-axis direction can be smoothed (see Figure 4A). Therefore, the armature 10 can suppress the detachment of the core 11 when the connection between members 11A and 11B is released, while improving the (average) thrust of the linear motor 1 and improving reliability due to the suppression of thrust fluctuations.

[0074] [Other embodiments] Next, other embodiments will be described.

[0075] The embodiments described above may be modified or altered as appropriate.

[0076] For example, in the embodiment described above, the number of cores 11 and coils 12 included in the armature 10 may be two or four or more.

[0077] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiments and their variations and modifications, the spacer 21s may be omitted.

[0078] Furthermore, for example, in the embodiments and variations thereof described above, the members 11A and 11B of the armature 10 according to the second and third examples described above may be held by the holding portion 13 without being connected to each other. As described above, even if a magnetic attractive force is generated toward either one of the field portions 20A and 20B while the members 11A and 11B are not connected to each other, detachment from the armature 10 is suppressed by the action of both the protruding portion 112 and the non-protruding portion 113 or the protruding portion 112A and the protruding portion 112B.

[0079] Furthermore, for example, in the above-described embodiments and their variations and modifications, the core 11 is configured to be separable into two members 11A and 11B, but the core 11 may be configured to be separable into three or more members, as long as at least one dividing surface 11DS exists between the two protruding portions 112.

[0080] Furthermore, for example, in the embodiments described above and their variations and modifications, the linear motor 1 may be configured such that the armature 10 is the stator and the field 20 is the movable element. In this case, the armature 10 is positioned to extend in the X-axis direction to match the range of movement of the field 20 as the movable element in the X-axis direction, and the field 20 may be supported by a support mechanism in such a manner that it surrounds the armature 10 on a plane perpendicular to the X-axis direction (i.e., the YZ plane).

[0081] Furthermore, in the embodiments and variations thereof described above, the movable element of the linear motor 1 may be configured to move along a curve rather than a straight line corresponding to the X-axis direction. In this case, for example, the field sections 20A and 20B, which are arranged to sandwich the armature 10, may have a substantially parallel curved shape when viewed from the Y-axis direction. In this case, "parallel" means a state in which two lines (including curves) maintain an equal distance from each other and do not intersect.

[0082] [Effect] Next, the operation of the linear motor 1 (armature 10) according to this embodiment will be described.

[0083] In this embodiment, the armature 10 comprises a plurality of unconnected (discontinuous) cores 11, a plurality of coils 12, and a holding portion 13. Specifically, the plurality of cores 11 are arranged in a linear fashion. More specifically, the plurality of cores 11 are configured to extend in the Z-axis direction and are arranged along the X-direction perpendicular to the Z-axis direction. The plurality of coils 12 are wound around each of the plurality of cores 11. The holding portion 13 holds the plurality of cores 11. The plurality of cores 11 have members 11A, 11B which are divided into a plurality in their axial direction (Z-axis direction), and at the contact portion with the holding portion 13, members 11A, 11B have overhangs 112 that protrude toward the holding portion 13, at least a portion of which is located therein. More specifically, each of the multiple cores 11 has an intermediate portion 111 around which the coil 12 is wound in the Z-axis direction, and an overhang portion 112 in the range between each of the two ends, in which the outer surface extends outward from the intermediate portion 111. The cores are also composed of multiple members 11A, 11B that are divided by a dividing surface 11DS provided between the two overhang portions 112 in the Z-axis direction.

[0084] As a result, in this embodiment, even if a magnetic attractive force acts on the core 11 toward either the field sections 20A or 20B, the protruding portion 112 on the opposite side of the core 11 abuts against the holding portion 13, thereby restricting the movement of the core 11 as a whole. Therefore, the armature 10 can suppress the detachment of the core 11. Furthermore, since the armature 10 is divided into members 11A and 11B at the dividing surface 11DS between the two protruding portions 112, workers can insert the members 11A and 11B into the center of the manufactured coil 12 from the dividing surface 11DS side while they are divided into members 11A and 11B. Therefore, for example, it is not necessary to assemble the core 11 and coil 12 by directly winding the conductor around the intermediate portion 111 of the core 11, and the armature 10 in this embodiment can suppress a decrease in productivity. Therefore, the armature 10 according to this embodiment can suppress a decrease in the productivity of the armature 10 while preventing the multiple cores 11, which are not connected to each other, from detaching from the armature 10.

[0085] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the protruding portion 112 is configured such that its outer circumferential surface protrudes outward from the intermediate portion 111 and the end portion. For example, the protruding portion 112 is configured to bite into the holding portion 13 closer to the center than from both ends in its axial direction (Z-axis direction). Alternatively, the protruding portion 112 may be configured such that portions with a protrusion amount less than the maximum are exposed from the holding portion 13.

[0086] As a result, even if a magnetic attractive force acts on the core 11 toward either one of the field sections 20A and 20B, the armature 10 can restrict the movement of the members 11A and 11B by having the protruding portion 112 contact the holding portion 13. Therefore, the armature 10 can suppress the detachment of the core 11 (members 11A and 11B) regardless of whether the members 11A and 11B are connected or not. Furthermore, since the armature 10 is divided into members 11A and 11B at the dividing surface 11DS between the two protruding portions 112, workers can insert the members 11A and 11B into the center of the manufactured coil 12 from the dividing surface 11DS side while they are divided into members 11A and 11B. Therefore, as described above, the armature 10 according to this embodiment can suppress a decrease in productivity. Thus, the armature 10 according to this embodiment can suppress a decrease in productivity of the armature 10 while preventing multiple unconnected cores 11 from detaching from the armature 10.

[0087] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the ends of the core 11 may be configured such that their outer circumferential surfaces protrude outward from the intermediate portion 111. For example, the protruding portion 112 may be configured so that the portion with the greatest protrusion is exposed from the holding portion 13. Alternatively, the portion with a protrusion less than the maximum may be configured to be exposed from the holding portion 13.

[0088] As a result, the armature 10 according to this embodiment can relatively increase the dimension in the X-axis direction of the gap surface 11GS at the end of the core 11, i.e., the gap surface 11GS facing the field sections 20A and 20B. Therefore, the armature 10 can efficiently pass the magnetic flux of the permanent magnets 21 of the field sections 20A and 20B through the core 11, thereby increasing the thrust of the linear motor 1. In addition, the distance between the armature 10 and other adjacent cores 11 in the X-axis direction near the gap surface 11GS of the core 11 becomes relatively shorter. Therefore, the armature 10 can smooth out the change in magnetic permeability in the X-axis direction near the gap surface between the armature 10 and the field sections 20A and 20B. Thus, the armature 10 can suppress changes in the thrust of the linear motor 1 and improve the reliability of the linear motor 1.

[0089] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the overhang portion 112 may be configured such that the point of maximum overhang is exposed from the holding portion 13, assuming that members 11A and 11B are connected to each other. Specifically, the overhang portion 112 may be provided in the Z-axis direction within a range including the end of the core 11, assuming that members 11A and 11B are connected to each other, and the outer circumferential surface may be configured to widen outward from the intermediate portion 111 toward the end of the core 11.

[0090] As a result, the armature 10 according to this embodiment can relatively increase the X-axis dimension of the gap surface 11GS at the end of the core 11, i.e., the gap surface 11GS facing the field sections 20A and 20B. Therefore, the armature 10 can increase the thrust of the linear motor 1, as described above, and can also suppress thrust fluctuations of the linear motor 1, thereby improving the reliability of the linear motor 1.

[0091] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the manufacturing process for the armature 10 includes a step in which a plurality of coils 12 are prepared in advance, each having a cavity in the center, and for each of the plurality of cores 11, members 11A and 11B, which are the divided parts of the core 11, are inserted from both sides of the coil 12 into the cavity in the center, thereby forming a state in which the coil 12 is wound around the core 11. In other words, the armature 10 is manufactured by an operator or the like inserting members corresponding to the separated ends of the plurality of members 11A and 11B into the cavity in the center from both sides of the coil 12 for each of the plurality of cores 11.

[0092] Furthermore, since the coil 12 has a cavity in the center, it may be formed by winding an electric wire around a hollow member such as a bobbin, as described above, or it may be formed by winding an electric wire around a dedicated jig and then removing the jig.

[0093] This allows workers to assemble the manufactured coil 12 onto the core 11, even if protrusions 112 are provided at both ends of the core 11 in the X-axis direction.

[0094] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the manufacturing process of the armature 10 may include a step of inserting members 11A and 11B into the central cavity from both sides of the coil 12 for each of the multiple cores 11, and then joining the members 11A and 11B together. In addition, a step of applying an adhesive such as solder to the joining surfaces of members 11A and 11B may be included beforehand.

[0095] This allows workers to integrally connect multiple members 11A and 11B as a core 11. By integrally connecting them, even if a magnetic attractive force acts on the core 11 toward either one of the field sections 20A or 20B, the protruding portion 112 at the opposite end of the core 11 abuts against the holding portion 13, thereby restricting the movement of the core 11, which is made up of multiple members 11A and 11B integrally connected. As a result, the armature 10 can suppress the detachment of the core 11.

[0096] Although embodiments have been described in detail above, this disclosure is not limited to these specific embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0097] 1 Linear motor 10 armature 11 cores 11A, 11B Components (Split Core) 11DS split plane 11GS Gap surface 12 coils 13 Holding part 20 Field 20A, 20B Field section 21 Permanent Magnets 21s spacer 22 Back Yoke 111 Middle section 112,112A,112B Overhang 113 Non-overhanging part

Claims

1. Multiple cores arranged in a straight line and discontinuous from one another, Multiple coils are wound around each of the aforementioned cores, It comprises a holding portion for holding the core, The aforementioned core has a divided core which is divided into multiple parts in the axial direction, The dividing surfaces of adjacent divided cores in the core in the axial direction overlap with the coil in the axial direction. The divided core has, at the contact portion with the holding portion, an overhang portion that protrudes toward the holding portion, The protruding portion bites into the holding portion such that the amount of protrusion is greater towards the center than at one end in the axial direction, and is provided in a range that includes the one end of the core in the axial direction. Armature.

2. Multiple cores arranged in a straight line and discontinuous from one another, Multiple coils are wound around each of the aforementioned cores, It comprises a holding portion for holding the core, The aforementioned core has a divided core which is divided into multiple parts in the axial direction, The dividing surfaces of adjacent divided cores in the core in the axial direction overlap with the coil in the axial direction. The divided core has, at the contact portion with the holding portion, an overhang portion that protrudes toward the holding portion, The protruding portion, when viewed from the outside of one end of the core along the axial direction, has a portion where the amount of protrusion is less than the maximum, which is exposed from the holding portion. Armature.

3. The armature comprises the armature described in claim 1 or 2. Linear motor.

4. A method for manufacturing an armature according to claim 1 or 2, Prepare a coil that has been pre-wound so that it has a cavity in the center, The divided core is inserted into the cavity from both sides of the pre-wound coil, thereby forming a state in which the coil is wound around the core. A method for manufacturing an armature.

5. After inserting the divided cores into the cavity from both sides of the pre-wound coil, the divided cores are joined together. The method for manufacturing an armature according to claim 4.

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