Linear transport system and method for manufacturing the same

Abstract

The linear conveying system (1) includes a base (5) of a conveying path module that constitutes a conveying path, a mover (3) that moves along the conveying path, a stator (6) provided on the base (5), a first position detection unit (7) provided on either the base (5) or the stator (6), and a second position detection unit (14) provided on the mover (3) and detecting the position of the mover (3) together with the first position detection unit (7). The first position detection unit (7) and the second position detection unit (14) are disposed with a first gap (11) in a first direction. The base (5) is provided with a first positioning unit (10) that restricts the movement of the first position detection unit (7) in a direction in which the first gap (11) narrows and allows the movement of the first position detection unit (7) in a direction in which the first gap (11) widens. The mover (3) is provided with a first adjustment mechanism capable of adjusting the position of the second position detection portion (14) in the first direction.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a linear transport system using a linear motor and a method for manufacturing the linear transport system. [Background technology]

[0002] A linear motor having a mover and a stator is used in the drive mechanism of a linear transport system that transports parts and other objects. A linear transport system is a system that moves a mover along a track defined by a guide rail or the like. When the linear transport system is equipped with a guide rail, the guide rail and the stator are held on a base. In a linear transport system, a magnetic field is generated by passing current through a coil in the stator, and this magnetic field generates a driving force that moves the mover, allowing the mover to move along the track.

[0003] A linear conveying system generally includes a first position detector and a second position detector for detecting the position of a mover. The first position detector is provided on a stator or a base, and the second position detector is provided on the mover. The first position detector and the second position detector are disposed with a gap therebetween. In a linear conveying system, the position of the mover is detected by the first position detector and the second position detector, and the mover is positioned with high accuracy, making it possible to process and assemble parts on a track.

[0004] In order to detect the position of the mover with high accuracy, it is necessary to appropriately adjust the gap between the first position detection unit and the second position detection unit. When a linear transport system has multiple movers and multiple stators, it is necessary to adjust the gap between the first position detection unit and the second position detection unit for each mover and each stator. Since such a gap adjustment operation requires a lot of labor and time, there is a demand for simplification of the gap adjustment operation.

[0005] Patent Document 1 describes a technique in which a low-friction film sheet is sandwiched between a first position detection unit and a second position detection unit to adjust the gap, and then the film sheet is pulled out from the gap. Specifically, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique in which a film sheet is inserted between the first position detection unit and the second position detection unit, the second position detection unit presses the film sheet against the first position detection unit to adjust the gap, and then the relative positions of the first position detection unit and the second position detection unit are fixed, and the film sheet is pulled out from the gap. Hereinafter, the first position detection unit and the second position detection unit may be referred to as the position detection unit without distinction. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] JP 2013-181757 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, in the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, since the film sheet sandwiched between the first position detection unit and the second position detection unit is pulled out, there is a problem that it is difficult to pull out the film sheet when the friction coefficient of the position detection unit is high, a foreign object is caught between the position detection unit and the film sheet, etc. Therefore, the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 has room for improvement in terms of simplifying the gap adjustment work.

[0008] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above, and has an object to provide a linear transport system that can simplify the gap adjustment work compared to conventional systems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the linear conveying system according to the present disclosure includes a base of a conveying path module that constitutes a conveying path, a mover that moves along the conveying path, a stator that is provided on the base and constitutes a linear motor together with the mover, a first position detection unit that is provided on either the base or the stator, and a second position detection unit that is provided on the mover and detects the position of the mover together with the first position detection unit. The first position detection unit and the second position detection unit are disposed with a first gap in a first direction. The base is provided with a first positioning unit that restricts the movement of the first position detection unit in a direction in which the first gap narrows and allows the movement of the first position detection unit in a direction in which the first gap widens. The mover is provided with a first adjustment mechanism that can adjust the position of the second position detection unit in the first direction. Effect of the Invention

[0010] The linear transport system according to the present disclosure has an effect of making the gap adjustment operation easier than ever before. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an entire linear transport system according to a first embodiment; [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a side view showing a linear transport system according to a first embodiment; [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a linear transport system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a mover of a linear transport system according to a first embodiment; [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a mover of the linear transport system according to the first embodiment, as viewed from the opposite side to that shown in FIG. [Figure 6] 4A to 4C are cross-sectional views for explaining a first positioning step, a temporary fixing step, a second positioning step, a first fixing step, a third positioning step, and a second fixing step of the manufacturing method for the linear transport system according to the first embodiment; [Figure 7]1 is a cross-sectional view for explaining a moving step and a removal step of the manufacturing method for the linear transport system according to the first embodiment; [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a linear transport system according to a first modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a linear transport system according to a second modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a linear transport system according to a third modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a mover, a first position detection unit, and a second position detection unit of a linear transport system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a mover, a first position detection unit, and a second position detection unit of a linear transport system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a mover, a first position detection unit, and a second position detection unit of the linear transport system according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a linear transport system according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a mover of a linear transport system according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a mover of a linear transport system according to a seventh embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing a mover of a linear transport system according to a seventh embodiment, seen from the opposite side to that of FIG. 16; [Figure 18] FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a manufacturing method of the linear transport system according to the eighth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A linear transport system and a manufacturing method for a linear transport system according to an embodiment will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0013] Embodiment 1 FIG. 1 is a plan view showing the entire linear conveying system 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a side view showing the linear conveying system 1 according to the first embodiment. The linear conveying system 1 is a system that conveys an article using a linear motor. An arrow T in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 indicates a conveying direction. The linear conveying system 1 includes a plurality of track modules 2 and a plurality of movers 3. Although not shown, the linear conveying system 1 includes a control device that controls the movement of the movers 3. A conveying line 4 is formed by connecting a plurality of track modules 2. The shape of the conveying line 4 shown in FIG. 1 is a track shape in which a linear track module 2 and a curved track module 2 are connected, but may be changed as appropriate. For example, the shape of the conveying line 4 may be a straight line in which linear track modules 2 are connected, or may be a branched line in which the conveying line 4 is branched into a plurality of lines on the way. Each of the plurality of movers 3 moves along the conveying line 4. That is, the conveying direction is a direction in which the movers 3 move along the conveying line 4. The track module 2 is an example of a conveying path module, and the conveying line 4 is an example of a conveying path.

[0014] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the linear conveyance system 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 shows a cross section perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the mover 3. In the following description, the direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. 3 is the X-axis direction, and two directions perpendicular to each other within the paper surface of FIG. 3 are the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction. In the following description, the + direction in the X-axis direction is the conveyance direction of the mover 3, and the Y-axis direction is the vertical direction. In the following description, the + direction in the Y-axis direction is the upward direction, and the - direction in the Y-axis direction is the downward direction. In the cross-sectional views from FIG. 3 onwards, only the mover 3 and the base 5 described later are cross-sectionally hatched.

[0015] Each track module 2 includes a base 5, a stator 6, a first position detection unit 7, and two guide rails 8,9.

[0016] The base 5 is a member that holds the stator 6, the first position detection unit 7, and the guide rails 8 and 9. The base 5 has a bottom 5a, a holding unit 5b, and two guide rail attachment units 5c and 5d. The bottom 5a extends in the Z-axis direction. The holding unit 5b extends upward in the Y-axis direction from an end of the bottom 5a in the Z-axis direction that faces the mover 3. The stator 6 is attached to the holding unit 5b. The first position detection unit 7 is attached to the holding unit 5b via the stator 6. The holding unit 5b has a base-side side surface 5e that faces the mover 3. A first positioning unit 10 is provided on the base-side side surface 5e. Details of the first positioning unit 10 will be described later.

[0017] One guide rail mounting portion 5c extends in the Z-axis direction from near the boundary between the base side surface 5e of the holding portion 5b and the bottom portion 5a toward the mover 3. The other guide rail mounting portion 5d extends in the Z-axis direction from the upper end portion of the holding portion 5b toward the mover 3. The guide rail mounting portion 5c and the guide rail mounting portion 5d are disposed at an interval from each other in the Y-axis direction. The guide rail mounting portion 5c and the guide rail mounting portion 5d are disposed in parallel.

[0018] The stator 6 is a member provided on the base 5 and constitutes a linear motor together with the mover 3. The stator 6 is disposed between the two guide rail mounting parts 5c, 5d with a gap therebetween. The stator 6 has a first stator side surface 6a facing the mover 3 and a second stator side surface 6b facing the opposite side to the mover 3. The stator 6 has a plurality of coils 6c arranged side by side in the X-axis direction. Each coil 6c is disposed on the first stator side surface 6a. The second stator side surface 6b is in contact with the base side surface 5e.

[0019] A part of the surface of the stator 6 facing the second position detection unit 14 described later is in contact with the first positioning unit 10. Hereinafter, in this embodiment, the surface of the stator 6 facing the second position detection unit 14 described later may be referred to as the bottom surface. A part of the bottom surface of the stator 6 near the boundary with the second stator side surface 6b is in contact with the first positioning unit 10.

[0020] The stator 6 has a motor driver (not shown). The motor driver has a board that controls the current flowing through each of the multiple coils 6c. In other words, the motor driver has a function of controlling the current through the coils 6c. The motor driver also has a function of communicating with the first position detection unit 7, communicating between adjacent motor drivers, and communicating with a higher-level control device. The motor driver may be integrated with the stator 6, the first position detection unit 7, and the guide rail 8 to form the track module 2, or may be provided independently of the track module 2.

[0021] The first position detection unit 7 is a member provided on the stator 6. The first position detection unit 7 is, for example, a substrate having a plurality of Hall elements. The first position detection unit 7 is provided on the lower surface of the stator 6. The first position detection unit 7 is disposed away from a portion of the lower surface of the stator 6 that contacts the first positioning unit 10 in the Z-axis direction.

[0022] One guide rail 8 is provided on one guide rail mounting portion 5c. The other guide rail 9 is provided on the other guide rail mounting portion 5d. The guide rail 8 is provided on the lower surface of the guide rail mounting portion 5c. The guide rail 9 is provided on the upper surface of the guide rail mounting portion 5d.

[0023] Each mover 3 includes a mover body 13, a second position detection unit 14, and a plurality of guide rollers 15, 16. The mover 3 moves along the guide rails 8, 9, thereby moving along the conveying path.

[0024] The mover body 13 has a magnet mounting portion 13a and two guide roller mounting portions 13b, 13c. In this embodiment, the magnet mounting portion 13a and the two guide roller mounting portions 13b, 13c are integrally formed. The magnet mounting portion 13a extends in the Y-axis direction. The magnet mounting portion 13a is disposed at a distance from the stator 6 and the base 5 in the Z-axis direction. The magnet mounting portion 13a has a first mover side surface 13d facing the stator 6 and a second mover side surface 13e facing the opposite side to the stator 6.

[0025] The mover body 13 has a motor magnet 3a. The motor magnet 3a is provided on the first mover side surface 13d. The motor magnet 3a is, for example, a plurality of permanent magnets. The motor magnet 3a is composed of a permanent magnet with an S pole and a permanent magnet with an N pole arranged alternately in the X-axis direction. The motor magnet 3a and the coil 6c are positioned in the same position in the Y-axis direction. That is, the motor magnet 3a and the coil 6c are arranged in positions facing each other. The motor magnet 3a is arranged in the Z-axis direction with a second gap 17 between it and the coil 6c. Hereinafter, the width direction of the second gap 17 is referred to as the coil gap direction G2. In other words, the second gap 17 is the distance between the motor magnet 3a and the coil 6c facing each other. The coil gap direction G2 is a direction along the distance between the motor magnet 3a and the coil 6c facing each other. In this embodiment, the coil gap direction G2 is the second direction and is parallel to the Z-axis direction. A magnetic field is generated by the current flowing through the coil 6c, and this magnetic field generates a driving force in the motor magnet 3a, causing the mover 3 to move.

[0026] The second position detector 14 is a member provided on the mover 3 and detects the position of the mover 3 together with the first position detector 7. The second position detector 14 is, for example, a scale magnet having a plurality of magnetic poles. The first position detector 7 and the second position detector 14 are positioned in the Z-axis direction in agreement. That is, the first position detector 7 and the second position detector 14 are disposed in positions facing each other. The first position detector 7 and the second position detector 14 are disposed in the Y-axis direction with a first gap 11 therebetween. Hereinafter, the width direction of the first gap 11 is referred to as the detector gap direction G1. In other words, the first gap 11 is the distance between the first position detector 7 and the second position detector 14 facing each other. The detector gap direction G1 is a direction along the distance between the first position detector 7 and the second position detector 14 facing each other. In this embodiment, the detector gap direction G1 is a first direction and a direction parallel to the Y-axis direction. In this embodiment, the detection unit gap direction G1 is perpendicular to the coil gap direction G2. The second position detection unit 14 is provided on the first mover side surface 13d. The second position detection unit 14 is disposed below the motor magnet 3a and spaced apart from the motor magnet 3a. The configurations of the first position detection unit 7 and the second position detection unit 14 are not limited to the illustrated example as long as they are capable of detecting the position of the mover 3. The method for detecting the position of the mover 3 may be, for example, a method using an optical system.

[0027] One guide roller mounting portion 13b extends in the Z-axis direction from the lower end of the magnet mounting portion 13a toward the base 5. One guide roller mounting portion 13b is disposed below the guide rail mounting portion 5c and spaced apart from the guide rail mounting portion 5c. The other guide roller mounting portion 13c extends in the Z-axis direction from the upper end of the magnet mounting portion 13a toward the base 5. The other guide roller mounting portion 13c is disposed above the guide rail mounting portion 5d and spaced apart from the guide rail mounting portion 5d. The guide roller mounting portion 13b and the guide roller mounting portion 13c are disposed at a distance from each other in the Y-axis direction. The guide roller mounting portion 13b and the guide roller mounting portion 13c are disposed in parallel.

[0028] The guide rollers 15, 16 and the guide rails 8, 9 are members for holding the mover 3 so that the mover 3 does not move in any direction other than the conveying direction. A plurality of guide roller shafts 13f extending in the Y-axis direction are provided on the upper surface of the guide roller attachment portion 13b. One guide roller 15 is provided on each guide roller shaft 13f, and rotates around the guide roller shaft 13f. Two guide rollers 15 make up a set. The guide rollers 15 in one set are spaced apart from each other in the Z-axis direction, and are arranged with the guide rail 8 between them.

[0029] A plurality of guide roller shafts 13g extending in the Y-axis direction are provided on the lower surface of the guide roller attachment portion 13c. One guide roller 16 is provided on each guide roller shaft 13g, and rotates around the guide roller shaft 13g. Two guide rollers 16 form a set. The guide rollers 16 in one set are spaced apart from each other in the Z-axis direction, with the guide rail 9 in between.

[0030] The guide rollers 15 and 16 are flat rollers in this embodiment, but are not particularly limited as long as they can hold the mover 3 so that the mover 3 does not move in directions other than the conveying direction. The guide rails 8 and 9 are flat guide rails in this embodiment, but are not particularly limited as long as they can hold the mover 3 so that the mover 3 does not move in directions other than the conveying direction. For example, the guide rollers 15 and 16 may be V-shaped V-rollers, and the grooves of the guide rails 8 and 9 into which the guide rollers 15 and 16 fit may be V-shaped. The linear conveying system 1 may be configured to hold the mover 3 by a means other than the guide rollers 15 and 16 and the guide rails 8 and 9.

[0031] Next, the first positioning portion 10 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

[0032] The base 5 is provided with a first positioning portion 10 for defining the positions of the stator 6 and the first position detection portion 7 in the detection portion gap direction G1 during the manufacture of the linear conveyance system 1. The first positioning portion 10 is a portion that restricts the movement of the first position detection portion 7 in the direction in which the first gap 11 narrows and allows the movement of the first position detection portion 7 in the direction in which the first gap 11 widens during the manufacture of the linear conveyance system 1. In this embodiment, the first positioning portion 10 is a step extending in the Z-axis direction. When the stator 6 is in contact with the first positioning portion 10, a space 12 is provided on the opposite side of the stator 6 to the second position detection portion 14 to allow the movement of the stator 6 in the direction in which the first gap 11 widens. The space 12 is formed between the upper surface of the stator 6 and the lower surface of the guide rail attachment portion 5d.

[0033] Next, the first adjustment mechanism 18 will be described with reference to Fig. 4 and Fig. 5. Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing the mover 3 of the linear transport system 1 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing the mover 3 of the linear transport system 1 according to the first embodiment, as seen from the opposite side to that of Fig. 4.

[0034] The mover 3 is provided with a first adjustment mechanism 18 capable of adjusting the position of the second position detection unit 14 in the detection unit gap direction G1. The first adjustment mechanism 18 moves the second position detection unit 14 in a direction in which the first gap 11 narrows and a direction in which the first gap 11 widens. The first adjustment mechanism 18 is provided on the magnet attachment unit 13a. In the mover 3 of this embodiment, the first adjustment mechanism 18 is configured by a long hole 18a whose length in the Y-axis direction is longer than that in the X-axis direction, and a fixing screw 18b. The long hole 18a penetrates the magnet attachment unit 13a in the Z-axis direction. The long hole 18a is a through hole that is longer in the Y-axis direction than in the X-axis direction. The second position detection unit 14 is formed with a screw hole 14a that communicates with the long hole 18a. The fixing screw 18b is inserted into the long hole 18a and the screw hole 14a. The second position detection unit 14 is fixed to the mover 3 by screwing the fixing screw 18b inserted into the long hole 18a into the screw hole 14a. The length dimension of the long hole 18a in the Y-axis direction is larger than the diameter of the fixing screw 18b. With this configuration, the fixing screw 18b inserted into the long hole 18a can be moved in the Y-axis direction. To adjust the position of the second position detection unit 14 in the Y-axis direction, the position of the fixing screw 18b inserted into the long hole 18a in the Y-axis direction can be changed, and the fixing screw 18b can be screwed into the screw hole 14a.

[0035] Next, a method for manufacturing the linear conveyance system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6 and Fig. 7. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view for explaining a first positioning step, a temporary fixing step, a second positioning step, a first fixing step, a third positioning step, and a second fixing step of the method for manufacturing the linear conveyance system 1 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view for explaining a moving step and a removing step of the method for manufacturing the linear conveyance system 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 6 and Fig. 7, the method for manufacturing the linear conveyance system 1 includes a first positioning step, a temporary fixing step, a second positioning step, a first fixing step, a moving step, a removing step, a third positioning step, and a second fixing step.

[0036] 6, the first positioning step is a step of positioning the first position detection unit 7 in the detection unit gap direction G1 by bringing the stator 6 into contact with the first positioning portion 10 and restricting the movement of the first position detection unit 7 in a direction in which the first gap 11 narrows. In the first positioning step, a part of the lower surface of the stator 6 is brought into contact with the step that is the first positioning portion 10. In the first positioning step, the positions of the stator 6 and the first position detection unit 7 in the detection unit gap direction G1 are determined.

[0037] The temporary fixing step is a step of fixing the stator 6 to the base 5. In the temporary fixing step, the stator 6 is fixed to the base 5 by a fixing screw (not shown) at the position of the stator 6 and the first position detection unit 7 determined in the first positioning step. By fixing the stator 6 to the base 5, the first position detection unit 7 attached to the stator 6 is also fixed to the base 5. The temporary fixing step may be omitted, but by fixing the stator 6 and the first position detection unit 7 to the base 5 by the temporary fixing step, it is possible to eliminate the risk that the stator 6 and the first position detection unit 7 will deviate from the positions determined in the first positioning step in each step of manufacturing the linear conveyance system 1, including the second positioning step described later, and each step can be smoothly performed.

[0038] The second positioning step is a step of positioning the second position detection unit 14 in the detection unit gap direction G1 by sandwiching the gap adjustment part 19 between the first position detection unit 7 and the second position detection unit 14. In the second positioning step, the second position detection unit 14 is moved toward the first position detection unit 7 and the second position detection unit 14 presses the gap adjustment part 19 against the first position detection unit 7, thereby determining the position of the second position detection unit 14 in the detection unit gap direction G1. The configuration of the gap adjustment part 19 is not particularly limited as long as the position of the second position detection unit 14 in the detection unit gap direction G1 can be determined by pressing the gap adjustment part 19 against the first position detection unit 7. The shape of the gap adjustment part 19 may be, for example, a sheet shape or a plate shape. The material of the gap adjustment part 19 may be, for example, a resin or a metal. The thickness of the gap adjustment part 19 in the detection portion gap direction G1 is the same as the desired width of the first gap 11.

[0039] The first fixing step is a step of fixing the second position detection unit 14 to the mover 3 in a state in which the gap adjustment part 19 is sandwiched between the first position detection unit 7 and the second position detection unit 14. In the first fixing step, the second position detection unit 14 is fixed to the mover 3 by screwing the fixing screw 18b inserted into the long hole 18a shown in Figs. 4 and 5 into the screw hole 14a.

[0040] 7, the moving step is a step of moving the first position detection unit 7 in a direction in which the first gap 11 becomes wider. In the moving step, a fixing screw (not shown) is loosened to enable the stator 6 to move relative to the base 5, and then the stator 6 provided with the first position detection unit 7 is moved in a direction in which the first gap 11 becomes wider. As a result, the width of the first gap 11 becomes larger than the thickness of the gap adjustment part 19, so that the gap adjustment part 19 can be easily removed from the first gap 11.

[0041] The removal step is a step of removing the gap adjustment part 19 from the first gap 11. In the removal step, the gap adjustment part 19 is removed from the first gap 11 by moving it in the X-axis direction that is perpendicular to the detection part gap direction G1.

[0042] 6, the third positioning step is a step of positioning the first position detection unit 7 in the detection unit gap direction G1 by bringing the stator 6 into contact with the first positioning portion 10 and restricting the movement of the first position detection unit 7 in a direction in which the first gap 11 narrows. In the third positioning step, a part of the lower surface of the stator 6 is brought into contact with the step that is the first positioning portion 10. In the third positioning step, the positions of the stator 6 and the first position detection unit 7 in the detection unit gap direction G1 are determined.

[0043] The second fixing process is a process of fixing the stator 6 to the base 5. In the second fixing process, the stator 6 is fixed to the base 5 by a fixing screw (not shown). By performing the above processes, the linear conveyance system 1 shown in FIG. 3 can be assembled and manufactured.

[0044] Next, the effects of the linear transport system 1 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0045] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 3, the base 5 is provided with a first positioning unit 10 that restricts the movement of the first position detection unit 7 in a direction in which the first gap 11 narrows and allows the movement of the first position detection unit 7 in a direction in which the first gap 11 widens. In addition, in this embodiment, as shown in Figs. 4 and 5, the mover 3 is provided with a first adjustment mechanism 18 that can adjust the position of the second position detection unit 14 in the detection unit gap direction G1. With these configurations, as shown in Fig. 6, the second position detection unit 14 presses the gap adjustment part 19 against the first position detection unit 7 to fix the second position detection unit 14 to the mover 3, and then, as shown in Fig. 7, the first position detection unit 7 can be moved in a direction in which the first gap 11 widens. Since the gap adjustment part 19 can be removed in a state where the width of the first gap 11 is greater than the thickness of the gap adjustment part 19, the gap adjustment part 19 can be removed more easily than when the gap adjustment part 19 is pulled out while it is sandwiched between the first position detection part 7 and the second position detection part 14. That is, in this embodiment, the gap adjustment part 19 does not rub against the first position detection part 7 and the second position detection part 14 when the gap adjustment part 19 is removed, so that the gap adjustment part 19 can be easily removed even when the friction coefficient of the position detection part is high. Furthermore, in this embodiment, even if a foreign object is caught between the gap adjustment part 19 and the first position detection part 7 and the second position detection part 14 when the gap adjustment part 19 is removed, there is no need to pull out the gap adjustment part 19 while it is sandwiched between the first position detection part 7 and the second position detection part 14, so that damage to the first position detection part 7 and the second position detection part 14 due to the foreign object can be prevented, and the gap adjustment part 19 can be easily removed. Therefore, in this embodiment, the adjustment of first gap 11 can be simplified as compared with the conventional technique.

[0046] 6, in this embodiment, the position of the first position detection unit 7 is uniquely determined by the first positioning unit 10, so even if the first position detection unit 7 is once moved and then re-fixed to the base 5, the positional deviation of the first position detection unit 7 before the movement and after re-fixing is suppressed. This makes it possible to suppress the deviation of the relative positions of the first position detection unit 7 and the second position detection unit 14 before the movement and after re-fixing, making it unnecessary to readjust the first gap 11.

[0047] 7, in this embodiment, the gap adjustment part 19 can be removed in a state in which the width of the first gap 11 is greater than the thickness of the gap adjustment part 19. Therefore, damage to the gap adjustment part 19, the first position detection part 7, and the second position detection part 14 can be prevented when removing the gap adjustment part 19.

[0048] 6, in this embodiment, the first position detection unit 7 and the second position detection unit 14 are positioned with reference to the first positioning unit 10. As a result, when replacing a broken stator 6 after assembling a plurality of track modules 2 and a plurality of movers 3, or when changing the path of the conveyor line 4, the work of adjusting the first gap 11 is not required, and it is sufficient to simply bring a new stator 6 into contact with the first positioning unit 10 and fix it to the base 5. Therefore, the time required for manufacturing the linear conveyor system 1 can be shortened.

[0049] 6 and 7, according to the manufacturing method of the linear conveyance system 1 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to assemble the first position detection unit 7 and the second position detection unit 14 to the linear conveyance system 1 without being affected by the tolerances of the guide rails 8 and 9, the guide rollers 15 and 16, the base 5, and the mover 3. This allows the manufacturing cost of the linear conveyance system 1 to be reduced.

[0050] 4 and 5, in this embodiment, the mover 3 is provided with a first adjustment mechanism 18 capable of adjusting the position of the second position detection unit 14 in the detection unit gap direction G1, which is the first direction. With this configuration, the second position detection unit 14 can be fixed to the mover 3 at a position where the gap adjustment part 19 is pressed against the first position detection unit 7 by the second position detection unit 14, as shown in FIG.

[0051] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the stator 6 has a coil 6c, and the mover 3 has a motor magnet 3a arranged with a second gap 17 in the coil gap direction G2 from the coil 6c. The detection unit gap direction G1 is perpendicular to the coil gap direction G2. With this configuration, the first gap 11 can be adjusted without affecting the second gap 17. That is, the first gap 11 can be adjusted independently of the second gap 17. This makes it possible to suppress the adjustment of the first gap 11 from affecting the thrust of the mover 3.

[0052] Next, a modification of the first embodiment will be described.

[0053] The first positioning unit 10 shown in FIG. 3 is not particularly limited as long as it has a structure that restricts the movement of the first position detection unit 7 in the direction in which the first gap 11 narrows and allows the movement of the first position detection unit 7 in the direction in which the first gap 11 widens. The first positioning unit 10 may have a structure shown in FIG. 8, for example. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a linear conveyance system 1 according to a first modified example of the first embodiment. The first positioning unit 10 shown in FIG. 8 is a pin attached to the base 5 and protruding from the base 5 toward the stator 6. The first positioning unit 10 is formed separately from the base 5. The first positioning unit 10 protrudes toward the stator 6 beyond the base side surface 5e. When the first positioning unit 10 is a pin, it is preferable that at least two pins are arranged side by side in the X-axis direction. The first positioning unit 10 may be a convex portion formed integrally with the base 5 and protruding from the base 5 toward the stator 6. The shape of the convex portion is not particularly limited. The shape of the convex portion may be, for example, a cylindrical shape or a square prism shape that is longer in the X-axis direction than in the Y-axis direction.

[0054] The first positioning unit 10 may have a structure shown in FIG. 9, for example. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a linear transport system 1 according to a second modification of the first embodiment. The first positioning unit 10 shown in FIG. 9 is composed of a protrusion 10a protruding from the stator 6 toward the base 5, and a hole 10b provided on the base 5 into which the protrusion 10a of the stator 6 fits. The shape of the protrusion 10a is not particularly limited. The shape of the protrusion 10a may be, for example, a cylindrical shape or a rectangular prism shape longer in the X-axis direction than in the Y-axis direction. Note that a pin may be used instead of the protrusion 10a. The shape of the hole 10b is appropriately changed according to the shape of the protrusion 10a or the pin.

[0055] In the above-described first embodiment, the detection unit gap direction G1 is perpendicular to the coil gap direction G2, but as shown in FIG. 10, the detection unit gap direction G1 may be parallel to the coil gap direction G2. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a linear conveyance system 1 according to a third modification of the first embodiment. A stator 6 is attached to one of the guide rail mounting parts 5c. A first position detection part 7 is attached to the guide rail mounting part 5c via the stator 6. A first positioning part 10 is provided on a surface of the guide rail mounting part 5c facing the stator 6 to define the positions of the stator 6 and the first position detection part 7 in the detection unit gap direction G1 during the manufacture of the linear conveyance system 1. In the guide rail mounting part 5c, a surface facing upward and facing the stator 6 is the upper surface in this modification. The first positioning unit 10 is a part that restricts movement of the first position detection unit 7 in a direction in which the first gap 11 narrows and allows movement of the first position detection unit 7 in a direction in which the first gap 11 widens during manufacturing of the linear conveyance system 1. In this modification, the first positioning unit 10 is a step extending in the Y-axis direction from the upper surface of the guide rail mounting unit 5c. The first positioning unit 10 is provided on the upper surface of one of the guide rail mounting units 5c.

[0056] The surface of the stator 6 facing the guide rail mounting portion 5c is in contact with the upper surface of the guide rail mounting portion 5c. In this modified example, the surface of the stator 6 facing the guide rail mounting portion 5c is the lower surface. A part of the stator 6 is in contact with the first positioning portion 10. More specifically, the first stator side surface 6a of the stator 6 near the boundary with the lower surface is in contact with the first positioning portion 10. When the stator 6 is in contact with the first positioning portion 10, a space 12 is provided on the opposite side of the stator 6 to the second position detection portion 14 to allow the stator 6 to move in a direction in which the first gap 11 becomes wider. The space 12 is formed between the second stator side surface 6b of the stator 6 and the base side surface 5e.

[0057] The first position detection unit 7 is provided on the first stator side surface 6a of the stator 6. The first position detection unit 7 is disposed away from a portion of the first stator side surface 6a that contacts the first positioning unit 10 in the Y-axis direction. The first position detection unit 7 is disposed above the first positioning unit 10 and away from the first positioning unit 10. In addition, the first position detection unit 7 is disposed below the coil 6c and away from the coil 6c.

[0058] The first position detection unit 7 and the second position detection unit 14 are positioned in the same position in the Y-axis direction. That is, the first position detection unit 7 and the second position detection unit 14 are arranged in positions facing each other. The first position detection unit 7 and the second position detection unit 14 are arranged with a first gap 11 in the Z-axis direction. The detection unit gap direction G1 is parallel to the Z-axis direction. The coil gap direction G2 is parallel to the Z-axis direction. That is, in this modification, the detection unit gap direction G1 is parallel to the coil gap direction G2.

[0059] In this modified example, as in the first embodiment, the adjustment of the first gap 11 can be simplified compared to the conventional method. Also, the time required for manufacturing the linear conveyance system 1 can be shortened, and the manufacturing cost of the linear conveyance system 1 can be reduced.

[0060] Embodiment 2 Next, a linear conveying system 1A according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 11. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the mover 3, the first position detection unit 7, and the second position detection unit 14 of the linear conveying system 1A according to the second embodiment. In this embodiment, the configuration of the first adjustment mechanism 18 is different from that of the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for parts that overlap with the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted. In FIG. 11, the first position detection unit 7 is illustrated by a dashed line, and cross-sectional hatching of some members is omitted.

[0061] The first adjustment mechanism 18 is composed of a through hole 18c, a housing member 18d, a first wedge part 18e, a second wedge part 18f, a first fixing screw 18g, an adjustment screw 18h, and a second fixing screw 18i. The first adjustment mechanism 18 moves the second position detection part 14 in a direction in which the first gap 11 narrows and in a direction in which the first gap 11 widens.

[0062] The through hole 18c is formed in the magnet attachment portion 13a. The through hole 18c is open to the second mover side surface 13e and includes an elongated hole 18j whose length in the Y-axis direction is longer than its length in the X-axis direction, and a plurality of insertion holes 18k penetrating from the bottom surface of the elongated hole 18j to the first mover side surface 13d. The head of the adjustment screw 18h and the head of the first fixing screw 18g are arranged in the elongated hole 18j. The plurality of insertion holes 18k are arranged at intervals from each other in the Y-axis direction. In this embodiment, the number of insertion holes 18k is two. The adjustment screw 18h is inserted into one of the insertion holes 18k, and the first fixing screw 18g is inserted into the other insertion hole 18k.

[0063] The housing member 18d is a member that houses the first wedge part 18e and the second wedge part 18f. The housing member 18d is open toward the first position detection unit 7. The housing member 18d has a bottom wall part 18m and a side wall part 18n. The bottom wall part 18m extends in the Z-axis direction from the magnet attachment part 13a toward the base 5 (not shown). The side wall part 18n extends in the Y-axis direction from the tip of the bottom wall part 18m toward the first position detection unit 7. The bottom wall part 18m is formed with a screw hole 18o that can communicate with one of the insertion holes 18k. A first fixing screw 18g is inserted into the screw hole 18o. The housing member 18d is fixed to the magnet mounting portion 13a by screwing a first fixing screw 18g into an insertion hole 18k of the magnet mounting portion 13a and a screw hole 18o of the housing member 18d. The first wedge part 18e, the second wedge part 18f, and the second position detection part 14 are stacked on the bottom wall part 18m of the housing member 18d. The first wedge part 18e, the second wedge part 18f, and the second position detection part 14 are arranged in this order from the side closest to the bottom wall part 18m of the housing member 18d. The first wedge part 18e and the second wedge part 18f are arranged between the magnet mounting portion 13a and the side wall part 18n.

[0064] The first wedge part 18e is disposed with a gap between the magnet mounting part 13a and the side wall part 18n in the Z-axis direction. The first wedge part 18e has a bottom surface 18p and a first inclined surface 18q. The bottom surface 18p extends in the Z-axis direction along the bottom wall part 18m. The first inclined surface 18q is oblique to the Y-axis direction. The first inclined surface 18q is inclined in a direction away from the first position detection part 7 as it moves from the movable element 3 toward the base 5. The first wedge part 18e is formed with a screw hole 18r that can communicate with one insertion hole 18k. An adjustment screw 18h is inserted into the screw hole 18r. By loosening the adjustment screw 18h, the first wedge part 18e moves in the + direction in the Z-axis direction. By tightening the adjustment screw 18h, the first wedge part 18e moves in the - direction in the Z-axis direction. The first wedge part 18e has a screw hole 18s that opens to the first inclined surface 18q. A second fixing screw 18i is inserted into the screw hole 18s.

[0065] The second wedge part 18f has a mounting surface 18t, an attachment surface 18u, and a second inclined surface 18v. The mounting surface 18t extends linearly in the Z-axis direction from the mover 3 toward the base 5. The second position detection unit 14 is installed on the mounting surface 18t. The attachment surface 18u is continuous with the end of the mounting surface 18t facing the base 5. The second inclined surface 18v is oblique to the Y-axis direction. The second inclined surface 18v is inclined in a direction away from the first position detection unit 7 as it moves from the mover 3 toward the base 5. The second inclined surface 18v is in surface contact with the first inclined surface 18q. The second inclined surface 18v is parallel to the first inclined surface 18q and the attachment surface 18u. The second wedge part 18f has a screw hole 18w that opens into the second inclined surface 18v. A second fixing screw 18i is inserted into the screw hole 18w. As the first wedge part 18e moves in the Z-axis direction, the second wedge part 18f moves in the Y-axis direction. Specifically, as the first wedge part 18e moves in the + direction in the Z-axis direction, the second wedge part 18f moves in the + direction in the Y-axis direction. As the first wedge part 18e moves in the - direction in the Z-axis direction, the second wedge part 18f moves in the - direction in the Y-axis direction.

[0066] The first fixing screw 18g is a member for fixing the housing member 18d to the magnet mounting portion 13a. The axial direction of the first fixing screw 18g coincides with the Z-axis direction. The adjustment screw 18h is a member for adjusting the position of the second position detection unit 14 installed on the second wedge part 18f in the Y-axis direction by moving the first wedge part 18e in the Z-axis direction. The axial direction of the adjustment screw 18h coincides with the Z-axis direction. The second fixing screw 18i is a member for fixing the first wedge part 18e and the second wedge part 18f so that they cannot move after the position of the second position detection unit 14 in the Y-axis direction is determined. The axial direction of the second fixing screw 18i is oblique to the Y-axis direction.

[0067] Next, the effects of the linear transport system 1A according to this embodiment will be described.

[0068] When the adjustment screw 18h inserted into the insertion hole 18k of the magnet attachment portion 13a and the screw hole 18r of the first wedge part 18e is loosened, the first inclined surface 18q slides on the second inclined surface 18v, and the first wedge part 18e moves in the + direction of the Z axis, that is, in the direction approaching the base 5. As the first wedge part 18e moves in the direction approaching the base 5, the first wedge part 18e gradually moves from the thin part of the second wedge part 18f to the thick part, and the second wedge part 18f moves in the + direction of the Y axis, that is, in the direction in which the first gap 11 narrows. As a result, the second position detection part 14 installed on the second wedge part 18f moves in the direction in which the first gap 11 narrows.

[0069] On the other hand, when the adjustment screw 18h inserted into the insertion hole 18k of the magnet attachment portion 13a and the screw hole 18r of the first wedge part 18e is tightened, the first inclined surface 18q slides on the second inclined surface 18v, and the first wedge part 18e moves in the negative direction of the Z axis, that is, in the direction away from the base 5. As the first wedge part 18e moves in the direction away from the base 5, the first wedge part 18e gradually moves from the thick part to the thin part of the second wedge part 18f, and the second wedge part 18f moves in the negative direction of the Y axis, that is, in the direction in which the first gap 11 becomes wider. As a result, the second position detection part 14 installed on the second wedge part 18f moves in the direction in which the first gap 11 becomes wider.

[0070] Then, after the position of the second position detection unit 14 in the Y-axis direction is determined by pressing a gap adjustment part 19 (not shown) against the first position detection unit 7 by the second position detection unit 14, a second fixing screw 18i is screwed into the screw hole 18w of the second wedge part 18f and the screw hole 18s of the first wedge part 18e. As a result, the first wedge part 18e and the second wedge part 18f are fixed so as to be immovable, and the second position detection unit 14 is fixed to the mover 3.

[0071] In this embodiment, the first adjustment mechanism 18 has a first wedge part 18e that moves in the Z-axis direction by turning the adjustment screw 18h, and a second wedge part 18f that moves in the Y-axis direction with the movement of the first wedge part 18e. With this configuration, the position of the second position detection unit 14 installed on the second wedge part 18f in the Y-axis direction, i.e., the position of the second position detection unit 14 in the detection unit gap direction G1, can be easily adjusted, so that the second position detection unit 14 can easily press the gap adjustment part 19 against the first position detection unit 7. Note that the first adjustment mechanism 18 is not limited to the example shown in the figure, and may have a structure in which a plurality of parts having an inclined surface obliquely intersecting the detection unit gap direction G1 are combined and the position of the second position detection unit 14 in the detection unit gap direction G1 can be adjusted by shifting the plurality of parts relative to each other. In this embodiment, the second position detection portion 14 and the second wedge part 18f are formed as separate bodies, but the second position detection portion 14 and the second wedge part 18f may be formed integrally.

[0072] Embodiment 3 Next, a linear conveying system 1B according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 12. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing the mover 3, the first position detector 7, and the second position detector 14 of the linear conveying system 1B according to the third embodiment. In this embodiment, the configuration of the first adjustment mechanism 18 is different from that of the first embodiment. In the third embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for parts that overlap with the first and second embodiments, and the description thereof will be omitted. In FIG. 12, the first position detector 7 is illustrated by a dashed line, and cross-sectional hatching of some members is omitted.

[0073] The first adjustment mechanism 18 is composed of a through hole 18c, a housing member 18d, a biasing member 18x, a first fixing screw 18g, and a second fixing screw 18y. The configurations of the through hole 18c, the housing member 18d, and the first fixing screw 18g are the same as those in the above-described embodiment 2. The first adjustment mechanism 18 moves the second position detection unit 14 in a direction in which the first gap 11 narrows and in a direction in which the first gap 11 widens.

[0074] The biasing member 18x and the second position detection unit 14 are housed in a housing member 18d. The biasing member 18x and the second position detection unit 14 are stacked on the bottom wall portion 18m of the housing member 18d. The biasing member 18x and the second position detection unit 14 are arranged in this order from the side closest to the bottom wall portion 18m of the housing member 18d. The biasing member 18x and the second position detection unit 14 are arranged between the magnet attachment portion 13a and the side wall portion 18n.

[0075] The biasing member 18x is a member provided between the bottom wall portion 18m and the second position detection portion 14, and biases the second position detection portion 14 in a direction in which the first gap 11 narrows. The biasing member 18x is expandable and contractible in the Y-axis direction, which is the detection portion gap direction G1. The biasing member 18x may be made of rubber or the like, but is a spring in this embodiment. The spring is, for example, a coil spring or a leaf spring.

[0076] A screw hole 14a that can communicate with the insertion hole 18k is formed in the second position detection portion 14. A second fixing screw 18y is inserted into the screw hole 14a.

[0077] The second fixing screw 18y is a member for fixing the position of the second position detection unit 14 in the Y-axis direction after the position of the second position detection unit 14 in the Y-axis direction has been determined. The second fixing screw 18y is detachable from the mover 3 and the second position detection unit 14. The position of the second fixing screw 18y can be changed between a fixed position where the second position detection unit 14 is fixed to the mover 3 so as to be immovable against the biasing force of the biasing member 18x, and a released position where the second position detection unit 14 is allowed to move due to the biasing force of the biasing member 18x. When the second fixing screw 18y is in the fixed position, the second fixing screw 18y is inserted into the insertion hole 18k of the mover 3 and the screw hole 14a of the second position detection unit 14, and the second position detection unit 14 is fixed to the mover 3 so as to be immovable. When the second fixing screw 18y is in the release position, the second fixing screw 18y is removed from at least the screw hole 14a of the second position detection unit 14, allowing movement of the second position detection unit 14. The axial direction of the second fixing screw 18y coincides with the Z-axis direction.

[0078] Next, the effects of the linear transport system 1B according to this embodiment will be described.

[0079] When the second fixing screw 18y inserted into the insertion hole 18k of the movable member 3 and the screw hole 14a of the second position detection unit 14 is loosened and the second fixing screw 18y is removed from at least the screw hole 14a of the second position detection unit 14, the biasing force of the biasing member 18x moves the second position detection unit 14 to the + side in the Y-axis direction, i.e., in the direction in which the first gap 11 narrows.

[0080] Then, after the position of the second position detection unit 14 in the Y-axis direction is determined by pressing the gap adjustment part 19 (not shown) against the first position detection unit 7 by the second position detection unit 14, the second fixing screw 18y is inserted into the insertion hole 18k of the mover 3 and the screw hole 14a of the second position detection unit 14. This fixes the second position detection unit 14 to be immovable to the mover 3. Note that although the length of the insertion hole 18k in the Y-axis direction and the diameter of the second fixing screw 18y are the same in FIG. 12, in reality, the length of the insertion hole 18k in the Y-axis direction is greater than the diameter of the second fixing screw 18y. In this manner, after adjusting the position of the second position detection unit 14 in the Y-axis direction, i.e., the position of the second position detection unit 14 in the detection unit gap direction G1, by expanding and contracting the biasing member 18x, the second fixing screw 18y can be securely inserted into the insertion hole 18k of the movable element 3 and the screw hole 14a of the second position detection unit 14, thereby fixing the second position detection unit 14 to the movable element 3 so that it cannot move.

[0081] In this embodiment, the first adjustment mechanism 18 has a biasing member 18x that biases the second position detection unit 14 in a direction in which the first gap 11 narrows, and a second fixing screw 18y that is detachable from the movable element 3 and the second position detection unit 14. The position of the second fixing screw 18y can be changed between a fixed position that fixes the second position detection unit 14 to be immovable on the movable element 3 against the biasing force of the biasing member 18x, and a released position that allows the second position detection unit 14 to move due to the biasing force of the biasing member 18x. With these configurations, the position of the second position detection unit 14 in the Y-axis direction, i.e., the position of the second position detection unit 14 in the detection unit gap direction G1, can be easily adjusted, and the gap adjustment part 19 (not shown) can be easily pressed against the first position detection unit 7 by the second position detection unit 14.

[0082] Embodiment 4 Next, a linear conveying system 1C according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 13. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing the mover 3, the first position detection unit 7, and the second position detection unit 14 of the linear conveying system 1C according to the fourth embodiment. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the magnet mounting unit 13a and the guide roller mounting units 13b and 13c are separate bodies. In the fourth embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for parts that overlap with the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted. In FIG. 13, the first position detection unit 7 is shown by a dashed line, and cross-sectional hatching of some members is omitted.

[0083] The magnet mounting portion 13a, the guide roller mounting portion 13b, and the guide roller mounting portion 13c are each formed as a separate body. A second position detection portion 14 is provided on the first mover side surface 13d of the magnet mounting portion 13a. Two through holes 13h, 13i are formed in the magnet mounting portion 13a. The two through holes 13h, 13i are arranged at an interval from each other in the Y-axis direction.

[0084] The through hole 13h opens to the second mover side surface 13e of the magnet mounting portion 13a and includes an elongated hole 13j whose length in the Y-axis direction is longer than its length in the X-axis direction, and an insertion hole 13k that penetrates from the bottom surface of the elongated hole 13j to the first mover side surface 13d of the magnet mounting portion 13a. The head of the fixing screw 20 is disposed in the elongated hole 13j. The fixing screw 20 is inserted into the insertion hole 13k.

[0085] The through hole 13i opens to the second mover side surface 13e of the magnet mounting portion 13a and includes an elongated hole 13m whose length in the Y-axis direction is longer than its length in the X-axis direction, and an insertion hole 13n that penetrates from the bottom surface of the elongated hole 13m to the first mover side surface 13d of the magnet mounting portion 13a. The head of the fixing screw 21 is disposed in the elongated hole 13m. The fixing screw 21 is inserted into the insertion hole 13n.

[0086] The guide roller mounting portion 13b on one side is formed with a screw hole 13o that can communicate with the insertion hole 13k. A fixing screw 20 is inserted into the screw hole 13o. The guide roller mounting portion 13c on the other side is formed with a screw hole 13p that can communicate with the insertion hole 13n. A fixing screw 21 is inserted into the screw hole 13p. In the mover 3 of this embodiment, the magnet mounting portion 13a, the guide roller mounting portions 13b and 13c, the through holes 13h and 13i, the screw holes 13o and 13p, and the fixing screws 20 and 21 constitute a first adjustment mechanism 18. The first adjustment mechanism 18 moves the second position detection portion 14 in a direction in which the first gap 11 narrows and in a direction in which the first gap 11 widens.

[0087] Next, the effects of the linear transport system 1C according to this embodiment will be described.

[0088] The fixing screws 20 inserted into the insertion holes 13k of the magnet mounting portion 13a and the screw holes 13o of the guide roller mounting portion 13b are loosened to remove the fixing screws 20 from at least the screw holes 13o of the guide roller mounting portion 13b, and the fixing screws 21 inserted into the insertion holes 13n of the magnet mounting portion 13a and the screw holes 13p of the guide roller mounting portion 13c are loosened to remove the fixing screws 21 from at least the screw holes 13p of the guide roller mounting portion 13c. Note that the fixing screws 20 and 21 do not necessarily need to be removed from the screw holes 13o and 13p, and it is sufficient that the magnet mounting portion 13a can be moved relative to the guide roller mounting portion 13b and the guide roller mounting portion 13c by loosening the fixing screws 20 and 21. In this way, the position of the magnet mounting portion 13a in the Y-axis direction relative to the guide roller mounting portions 13b, 13c can be changed, and the second position detection portion 14 provided on the magnet mounting portion 13a can be moved in the direction in which the first gap 11 becomes narrower or in the direction in which the first gap 11 becomes wider.

[0089] Then, after the position of the second position detection unit 14 in the Y-axis direction is determined by pressing the gap adjustment part 19 (not shown) against the first position detection unit 7 by the second position detection unit 14, the fixing screw 20 is inserted into the insertion hole 13k of the magnet mounting unit 13a and the screw hole 13o of the guide roller mounting unit 13b, and the fixing screw 21 is inserted into the insertion hole 13n of the magnet mounting unit 13a and the screw hole 13p of the guide roller mounting unit 13c. This makes it possible to fix the position of the second position detection unit 14 in the Y-axis direction. Note that in FIG. 13, the length of the insertion hole 13k in the Y-axis direction and the diameter of the fixing screw 20 are the same, but in reality, the length of the insertion hole 13k in the Y-axis direction is larger than the diameter of the fixing screw 20. Also, in FIG. 13, the length of the insertion hole 13n in the Y-axis direction and the diameter of the fixing screw 21 are the same, but in reality, the length of the insertion hole 13n in the Y-axis direction is larger than the diameter of the fixing screw 21. In this way, after adjusting the position of the second position detection unit 14 in the Y-axis direction, the fixing screw 20 can be securely inserted into the insertion hole 13k and the screw hole 13o, and the fixing screw 21 can be securely inserted into the insertion hole 13n and the screw hole 13p, thereby fixing the position of the second position detection unit 14 in the Y-axis direction.

[0090] In this embodiment, the first adjustment mechanism 18 has a fixing screw 20 that can be attached and detached to the magnet mounting portion 13a and the guide roller mounting portion 13b, and a fixing screw 21 that can be attached and detached to the magnet mounting portion 13a and the guide roller mounting portion 13c. The position of the fixing screw 20 can be changed between a fixing position that fixes the magnet mounting portion 13a to the guide roller mounting portion 13b so as to be immovable, and a release position that allows the magnet mounting portion 13a to move relative to the guide roller mounting portion 13b. In addition, the position of the fixing screw 21 can be changed between a fixing position that fixes the magnet mounting portion 13a to the guide roller mounting portion 13c so as to be immovable, and a release position that allows the magnet mounting portion 13a to move relative to the guide roller mounting portion 13c. With these configurations, the position of the second position detector 14 in the Y-axis direction, i.e., the position of the second position detector 14 in the detector gap direction G1, can be easily adjusted with the movement of the magnet mounting portion 13a relative to the guide roller mounting portion 13c, and the second position detector 14 can easily press the gap adjustment part 19 against the first position detector 7. Note that in this embodiment, the second position detector 14 is attached to the magnet mounting portion 13a, but it may be attached to a part other than the magnet mounting portion 13a. In other words, the attachment target of the second position detector 14 may be any part that moves so that the position of the second position detector 14 in the detector gap direction G1 can be adjusted.

[0091] Embodiment 5. Next, a linear conveying system 1D according to a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 14. Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing a linear conveying system 1D according to the fifth embodiment. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the first position detection unit 7 is in direct contact with the first positioning unit 10. In the fifth embodiment, parts that overlap with those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals and will not be described.

[0092] The first position detection unit 7 is directly attached to the base 5. The first position detection unit 7 is disposed below the stator 6 and away from the stator 6. The first position detection unit 7 has a first side surface 7a facing the mover 3 and a second side surface 7b facing the opposite side to the mover 3. The second side surface 7b is in contact with the base side surface 5e. A part of the surface of the first position detection unit 7 facing the second position detection unit 14 is in contact with the first positioning unit 10. Hereinafter, in this embodiment, the surface of the first position detection unit 7 facing the second position detection unit 14 may be referred to as the bottom surface. In this embodiment, the surface of the first position detection unit 7 opposite to the bottom surface may be referred to as the top surface. The bottom surface of the first position detection unit 7 near the boundary with the second side surface 7b is in contact with the first positioning unit 10. In a state in which the first position detection unit 7 is in contact with the first positioning unit 10, a space 12 is provided on the opposite side of the first position detection unit 7 to the second position detection unit 14, for allowing the first position detection unit 7 to move in a direction in which the first gap 11 becomes wider. The space 12 is formed between the upper surface of the first position detection unit 7 and the lower surface of the stator 6.

[0093] Next, a method for manufacturing the linear conveyance system 1D according to the present embodiment will be described. The method for manufacturing the linear conveyance system 1D includes a first positioning step, a temporary fixing step, a second positioning step, a first fixing step, a moving step, a removal step, a third positioning step, and a second fixing step.

[0094] The first positioning step is a step of positioning the first position detection unit 7 in the detection unit gap direction G1 by bringing the first position detection unit 7 into contact with the first positioning unit 10 and restricting the movement of the first position detection unit 7 in a direction in which the first gap 11 narrows. In the first positioning step, a part of the lower surface of the first position detection unit 7 is brought into contact with the step that is the first positioning unit 10. In the first positioning step, the position of the first position detection unit 7 in the detection unit gap direction G1 is determined.

[0095] The temporary fixing step is a step of fixing the first position detection unit 7 to the base 5. In the temporary fixing step, the first position detection unit 7 is fixed to the base 5 by a fixing screw (not shown). Although the temporary fixing step may be omitted, by fixing the first position detection unit 7 to the base 5 by the temporary fixing step, it is possible to eliminate the risk of the first position detection unit 7 being displaced from the position determined in the first positioning step in each step of manufacturing the linear conveyance system 1D, including the second positioning step described later, and each step can be smoothly carried out.

[0096] The second positioning step is the same as the second positioning step in the above-described embodiment 1. Moreover, the first fixing step is the same as the first fixing step in the above-described embodiment 1.

[0097] The moving step is a step of moving the first position detection unit 7 in a direction in which the first gap 11 becomes wider. In the moving step, the fixing screw (not shown) is loosened to enable the first position detection unit 7 to move relative to the base 5, and then the first position detection unit 7 is moved in a direction in which the first gap 11 becomes wider. As a result, the width of the first gap 11 becomes larger than the thickness of the gap adjustment part 19 (not shown), so that the gap adjustment part 19 can be easily removed from the first gap 11.

[0098] The removal step is a step of removing the gap adjustment part 19 from the first gap 11. In the removal step, the gap adjustment part 19 is removed from the first gap 11 by moving it in the X-axis direction that is perpendicular to the detection part gap direction G1.

[0099] The third positioning step is a step of positioning the first position detection unit 7 in the detection unit gap direction G1 by bringing the first position detection unit 7 into contact with the first positioning unit 10 and restricting the movement of the first position detection unit 7 in a direction in which the first gap 11 narrows. In the third positioning step, a part of the lower surface of the first position detection unit 7 is brought into contact with the step that is the first positioning unit 10. In the third positioning step, the position of the first position detection unit 7 in the detection unit gap direction G1 is determined.

[0100] The second fixing step is a step of fixing the first position detection unit 7 to the base 5. In the second fixing step, the first position detection unit 7 is fixed to the base 5 by a fixing screw (not shown). Subsequently, in the second fixing step, the stator 6 is fixed to the base 5 by a fixing screw (not shown). By carrying out the above steps, the linear conveyance system 1D shown in FIG. 14 can be assembled and manufactured. In addition, in order to move the first position detection unit 7 in a direction in which the first gap 11 becomes wider, it is preferable not to place the stator 6 between the base 5 and the mover 3 until the second fixing step is carried out. However, as long as it is possible to move the first position detection unit 7 in a direction in which the first gap 11 becomes wider by providing a space 12 between the first position detection unit 7 and the stator 6 as shown in FIG. 14, the timing of fixing the stator 6 to the base 5 is not particularly limited.

[0101] Next, the effects of the linear transport system 1D according to this embodiment will be described.

[0102] In this embodiment, the first position detection unit 7 is provided on the base 5 and is in direct contact with the first positioning unit 10, so that the first position detection unit 7 can be positioned with high precision relative to the first positioning unit 10 without being affected by the tolerances of the multiple stators 6.

[0103] Embodiment 6 Next, a linear conveyance system 1E according to a sixth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 15. Fig. 15 is a perspective view showing a mover 3 of a linear conveyance system 1E according to the sixth embodiment. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a conveyance direction positioning unit 22 is provided on the mover 3. In the sixth embodiment, parts that overlap with those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described.

[0104] The mover 3 is provided with a conveying direction positioning portion 22 that restricts movement of the second position detection portion 14 in the conveying direction of the mover 3. The conveying direction positioning portion 22 is provided on the first mover side surface 13d of the magnet mounting portion 13a. In this embodiment, the conveying direction positioning portion 22 is a convex portion that protrudes in the Z-axis direction from the first mover side surface 13d of the magnet mounting portion 13a toward the stator 6 (not shown). The conveying direction positioning portion 22 extends in the Y-axis direction. The conveying direction positioning portion 22 is located forward in the conveying direction relative to the second position detection portion 14 and the motor magnet 3a. The conveying direction positioning portion 22 is in contact with the side surface of the second position detection portion 14 on the forward side in the conveying direction and the side surface of the motor magnet 3a on the forward side in the conveying direction.

[0105] Next, the effects of the linear transport system 1E according to this embodiment will be described.

[0106] In this embodiment, the mover 3 is provided with a transport direction positioning unit 22 that restricts movement of the second position detection unit 14 in the transport direction of the mover 3, thereby making it possible to determine the position of the second position detection unit 14 in the transport direction. This makes it possible to prevent the second position detection unit 14 from shifting in position in the transport direction when replacing the second position detection unit 14, readjusting the position of the second position detection unit 14, or the like.

[0107] The conveying direction positioning unit 22 is not particularly limited as long as it has a structure that can regulate the movement of the second position detection unit 14 in the conveying direction of the movable element 3. The conveying direction positioning unit 22 may be, for example, a pin attached to the movable element 3 and protruding from the movable element 3 toward the stator 6. The pin is formed separately from the movable element 3. The pin protrudes toward the stator 6 beyond the first movable element side surface 13d. When the first positioning unit 10 is a pin, it is preferable that at least two pins are arranged side by side in the Y-axis direction. Also, for example, the conveying direction positioning unit 22 may be composed of a convex portion or a pin protruding from the second position detection unit 14 toward the movable element 3, and a hole provided on the movable element 3 into which the convex portion or the pin of the second position detection unit 14 fits. The shape of the convex portion is not particularly limited. The shape of the convex portion may be, for example, a cylindrical shape or a rectangular prism shape that is longer in the Y-axis direction than in the X-axis direction. The shape of the hole is appropriately changed according to the shape of the convex portion or the pin. In this embodiment, the conveying direction positioning unit 22 is in direct contact with the second position detection unit 14, but may be in indirect contact with the second position detection unit 14 via another component.

[0108] Embodiment 7 Next, a linear conveyance system 1F according to the seventh embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 16 and 17. Fig. 16 is a perspective view showing the mover 3 of the linear conveyance system 1F according to the seventh embodiment. Fig. 17 is a perspective view showing the mover 3 of the linear conveyance system 1F according to the seventh embodiment, as viewed from the opposite side to that shown in Fig. 16. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a second positioning unit 23 and a second adjustment mechanism 24 are provided on the mover 3. In the seventh embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for parts that overlap with those in the first embodiment, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0109] The mover 3 is provided with a second positioning portion 23. The second positioning portion 23 is provided on the first mover side surface 13d of the magnet attachment portion 13a. The second positioning portion 23 is a portion that restricts the movement of the second position detection portion 14 in a direction in which the first gap 11 (not shown) narrows, and allows the movement of the second position detection portion 14 in a direction in which the first gap 11 widens. The second positioning portion 23 is formed separately from the mover 3. In this embodiment, the second positioning portion 23 is attached to the first mover side surface 13d of the mover 3, and protrudes from the first mover side surface 13d toward the stator 6 (not shown).

[0110] The second positioning portion 23 extends in the X-axis direction. In this embodiment, the shape of the second positioning portion 23 is a rectangular prism that is longer in the X-axis direction than in the Y-axis direction, but may be changed as appropriate. The second positioning portion 23 is disposed above the second position detection portion 14. The lower surface of the second positioning portion 23 contacts a part of the upper surface of the second position detection portion 14. The position of the second positioning portion 23 when viewed along the Y-axis direction is in a position that does not overlap with the first position detection portion 7 so as not to interfere with the detection of the position of the mover 3 by the first position detection portion 7 and the second position detection portion 14 (not shown).

[0111] The mover 3 is provided with a second adjustment mechanism 24 capable of adjusting the Y-axis direction of the second positioning part 23, i.e., the position of the second positioning part 23 in the detection part gap direction G1. In the mover 3 of this embodiment, the second adjustment mechanism 24 is configured by the long hole 18a and the fixing screw 24a. As shown in FIG. 16, the second positioning part 23 is formed with a screw hole 23a communicating with the long hole 18a. The fixing screw 24a is inserted into the long hole 18a and the screw hole 23a. The second positioning part 23 is fixed to the mover 3 by screwing the fixing screw 24a inserted into the long hole 18a into the screw hole 23a. As shown in FIG. 17, the long hole 18a is also used as the first adjustment mechanism 18. The length dimension of the long hole 18a in the Y-axis direction is larger than the diameter of the fixing screw 24a. With this configuration, the fixing screw 24a inserted into the long hole 18a can be moved in the Y-axis direction. When adjusting the position of the second positioning portion 23 in the Y-axis direction, the position of the fixing screw 24a inserted into the long hole 18a in the Y-axis direction may be changed, and the fixing screw 24a may be screwed into the screw hole 23a.

[0112] Next, the effects of the linear transport system 1F according to this embodiment will be described.

[0113] In this embodiment, the movable element 3 is provided with a second positioning portion 23 that restricts the movement of the second position detection portion 14 in the direction in which the first gap 11 narrows and allows the movement of the second position detection portion 14 in the direction in which the first gap 11 widens. In addition, in this embodiment, the movable element 3 is provided with a second adjustment mechanism 24 that can adjust the position of the second positioning portion 23 in the detection portion gap direction G1. With these configurations, after determining the position of the second position detection portion 14 in the detection portion gap direction G1 and fixing the second position detection portion 14 to the movable element 3, the second positioning portion 23 can be disposed at a position that restricts the movement of the second position detection portion 14 in the direction in which the first gap 11 narrows. As a result, when replacing the second position detection portion 14, the position of the new second position detection portion 14 in the detection portion gap direction G1 can be determined by the second positioning portion 23, so that the operation of adjusting the first gap 11 is not required when replacing the second position detection portion 14.

[0114] The second positioning portion 23 is not particularly limited as long as it has a structure that restricts the movement of the second position detection portion 14 in the direction in which the first gap 11 narrows and allows the movement of the second position detection portion 14 in the direction in which the first gap 11 widens. The second positioning portion 23 may be, for example, a pin attached to the mover 3 and protruding from the mover 3 toward the stator 6. The pin is formed separately from the mover 3. The pin protrudes toward the stator 6 beyond the first mover side surface 13d. When the second positioning portion 23 is a pin, it is preferable that at least two pins are arranged side by side in the X-axis direction. Also, for example, the second positioning portion 23 may be composed of a protrusion or pin protruding from the second positioning portion 23 toward the mover 3 and a hole provided on the mover 3 into which the protrusion or pin of the second positioning portion 23 fits. The shape of the protrusion is not particularly limited. The shape of the protrusion may be, for example, a cylindrical shape or a square prism shape that is longer in the X-axis direction than in the Y-axis direction. The shape of the hole is appropriately changed according to the shape of the protrusion or the pin. In this embodiment, the second positioning part 23 is in direct contact with the second position detection part 14, but may be indirectly in contact with the second position detection part 14 via another part.

[0115] Embodiment 8 Next, a linear conveying system 1G according to an eighth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 18. Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional view for explaining a manufacturing method of a linear conveying system 1G according to the eighth embodiment. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the second position detection unit 14 is positioned using a jig 25. In the eighth embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for parts that overlap with the first embodiment, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0116] The manufacturing method of the linear conveying system 1G in this embodiment includes a first positioning step, a temporary fixing step, a second positioning step, a first fixing step, a moving step, a removal step, a third positioning step, and a second fixing step.

[0117] The first positioning step is a step of positioning the jig 25 in the detection gap direction G1 by contacting the first positioning portion 10 with the jig 25 corresponding to the shape of the stator 6, the first position detection portion 7, and the first gap 11, and restricting the movement of the jig 25 in the direction in which the first gap 11 narrows. In FIG. 18, the first gap 11 is illustrated by a dashed line. In the first positioning step, a part of the lower surface of the jig 25 is brought into contact with the step that is the first positioning portion 10. In the first positioning step, the position of the jig 25 in the detection gap direction G1 is determined. On the opposite side of the jig 25 to the second position detection portion 14, a space 12 is provided to allow the jig 25 to move in the direction in which the first gap 11 widens. The space 12 is formed between the upper surface of the jig 25 and the lower surface of the guide rail mounting portion 5d.

[0118] The temporary fixing step is a step of fixing the jig 25 to the base 5. In the temporary fixing step, the jig 25 is fixed to the base 5 by fixing screws (not shown). Although the temporary fixing step may be omitted, by fixing the jig 25 to the base 5 by the temporary fixing step, it is possible to eliminate the risk of the jig 25 being displaced from the position determined in the first positioning step in each step of manufacturing the linear conveyance system 1G, including the second positioning step described later, and each step can be smoothly performed.

[0119] The second positioning step is a step of positioning the second position detection unit 14 in the detection unit gap direction G1 by bringing the second position detection unit 14 into contact with the jig 25. In the second positioning step, the second position detection unit 14 is moved toward the jig 25 and pressed against the jig 25, thereby determining the position of the second position detection unit 14 in the detection unit gap direction G1. The second position detection unit 14 is pressed against a part of the lower surface of the jig 25.

[0120] The first fixing step is a step of fixing the second position detection unit 14 to the mover 3 in a state where the second position detection unit 14 is in contact with the jig 25. In the first fixing step, the second position detection unit 14 is fixed to the mover 3 in the same manner as in the first fixing step of the first embodiment.

[0121] The moving step is a step of moving the jig 25 in a direction in which the first gap 11 becomes wider. In the moving step, a fixing screw (not shown) is loosened to enable the jig 25 to move relative to the base 5, and then the jig 25 is moved in a direction in which the first gap 11 becomes wider. This moves the jig 25 away from the second position detection unit 14, so that the jig 25 can be easily removed from between the base 5 and the mover 3.

[0122] The removal step is a step of removing the jig 25 from between the base 5 and the movable element 3. In the removal step, the jig 25 is moved in the X-axis direction, which is a direction perpendicular to the detection unit gap direction G1, and removed from between the base 5 and the movable element 3.

[0123] The third positioning step is the same as the third positioning step in the first embodiment described above. The second fixing step is the same as the second fixing step in the first embodiment described above. By carrying out the above steps, the linear conveyance system 1G can be assembled and manufactured. Note that, when the first position detection unit 7 is brought into direct contact with the first positioning unit 10 as in the fifth embodiment described above, the third positioning step is the same as the third positioning step in the fifth embodiment described above, and the second fixing step is the same as the second fixing step in the fifth embodiment described above.

[0124] Next, the effects of the linear transport system 1G according to this embodiment will be described.

[0125] In this embodiment, by positioning the second position detection unit 14 using the jig 25, the second position detection unit 14 can be positioned with high accuracy without being affected by the tolerances of the multiple stators 6.

[0126] The configurations shown in the above embodiments are merely examples, and may be combined with other known technologies, or the embodiments may be combined with each other. Also, parts of the configurations may be omitted or modified without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0127] 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F, 1G Linear conveying system, 2 Track module, 3 Mover, 3a Motor magnet, 4 Conveying line, 5 Base, 5a Bottom, 5b Holding portion, 5c, 5d Guide rail mounting portion, 5e Base side surface, 6 Stator, 6a First stator side surface, 6b Second stator side surface, 6c Coil, 7 First position detection portion, 7a First side surface, 7b Second side surface, 8, 9 Guide rail, 10 First positioning portion, 10a Convex portion, 10b Hole, 11 First gap, 12 Space, 13 Mover body, 13a Magnet mounting portion, 13b, 13c Guide roller mounting portion, 13d First mover side surface, 13e Second mover side surface, 13f, 13g Guide roller shaft, 13h, 13i, 18c through hole, 13j, 13m, 18a, 18j long hole, 13k, 13n, 18k insertion hole, 13o, 13p, 14a, 18o, 18r, 18s, 18w, 23a screw hole, 14 second position detection unit, 15, 16 guide roller, 17 second gap, 18 first adjustment mechanism, 18b, 20, 21, 24a fixing screw, 18d housing member, 18e first wedge part, 18f second wedge part, 18g first fixing screw, 18h adjustment screw, 18i, 18y second fixing screw, 18m bottom wall portion, 18n side wall portion, 18p bottom surface, 18q first inclined surface, 18t placement surface, 18u mounting surface, 18v Second inclined surface, 18x biasing member, 19 gap adjustment part, 22 conveying direction positioning portion, 23 second positioning portion, 24 second adjustment mechanism, 25 jig, G1 detection portion gap direction, G2 coil gap direction.

Claims

1. A base of a transport path module that configures the transport path; A moveable element that moves along the transport path; a stator provided on the base and constituting a linear motor together with the mover; a first position detection unit provided on either the base or the stator; a second position detector provided on the mover and configured to detect a position of the mover together with the first position detector, the first position detection unit and the second position detection unit are arranged with a first gap therebetween in a first direction, a first positioning portion is provided on the base, the first position detection portion restricting movement of the first position detection portion in a direction in which the first gap narrows and allowing movement of the first position detection portion in a direction in which the first gap widens; A linear transport system, comprising: a first adjustment mechanism provided in the mover, the first adjustment mechanism being capable of adjusting a position of the second position detection portion in the first direction.

2. The stator has a coil. the mover has a permanent magnet disposed with a second gap in a second direction from the coil; 2. The linear transport system according to claim 1, wherein the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

3. 2. The linear transport system according to claim 1, wherein the mover is provided with a transport direction positioning portion that regulates movement of the second position detection portion in the transport direction of the mover.

4. A linear conveying system as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the movable member is provided with a second positioning portion that restricts movement of the second position detection portion in a direction in which the first gap narrows and allows movement of the second position detection portion in a direction in which the first gap widens.

5. a first position detection unit provided on one of the base and the stator; and a second position detection unit provided on the mover and detecting a position of the mover together with the first position detection unit, the first position detection unit and the second position detection unit being disposed with a first gap therebetween in a first direction, the base being provided with a first positioning unit that restricts movement of the first position detection unit in a direction in which the first gap becomes narrower and allows movement of the first position detection unit in a direction in which the first gap becomes wider, and the mover being provided with a first adjustment mechanism that adjusts a position of the second position detection unit in the first direction, a first positioning step of contacting the stator or the first position detection unit with the first positioning unit to restrict movement of the first position detection unit in a direction in which the first gap narrows, thereby positioning the first position detection unit in the first direction; a second positioning step of positioning the second position detection unit in the first direction by sandwiching a gap adjustment component between the first position detection unit and the second position detection unit; a first fixing step of fixing the second position detection unit to the movable element in a state in which the gap adjustment component is sandwiched between the first position detection unit and the second position detection unit; a moving step of moving the first position detection unit in a direction in which the first gap becomes wider; a removal step of removing the gap adjustment component from the first gap; A method for manufacturing a linear transport system, comprising:

6. a first position detection unit provided on one of the base and the stator; and a second position detection unit provided on the mover and detecting a position of the mover together with the first position detection unit, the first position detection unit and the second position detection unit being disposed with a first gap therebetween in a first direction, the base being provided with a first positioning unit that restricts movement of the first position detection unit in a direction in which the first gap becomes narrower and allows movement of the first position detection unit in a direction in which the first gap becomes wider, and the mover being provided with a first adjustment mechanism that adjusts a position of the second position detection unit in the first direction, a first positioning step of contacting the stator, the first position detection unit, and a jig corresponding to a shape of the first gap with the first positioning unit to restrict movement of the jig in a direction in which the first gap narrows, thereby positioning the jig in the first direction; a first fixing step of fixing the second position detection unit to the movable element in a state in which the second position detection unit is in contact with the jig; a moving step of moving the jig in a direction in which the first gap becomes wider; a removal step of removing the jig from between the base and the mover; A method for manufacturing a linear transport system, comprising:

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