Patent ID: 7642678
Filing Date: 2010-01-05
Classification: B30B,H02K

Abstract:
1. A linear motor comprising: a plurality of cylindrical linear motors each having a shaft member comprising a permanent magnet and a coil unit through which the shaft member is movable relative to the coil unit, wherein the shaft member includes a first end and a second end opposite to the first end; a motor support that is able to support the coil units of the plurality of cylindrical linear motors arranged in parallel, a first coupling member coupling together the first ends of the shaft members of said plurality of cylindrical linear motors; a second coupling member coupling together the second ends of the shaft members of said plurality of cylindrical linear motors; and a guide mechanism located inside the arrangement of said cylindrical linear motors so that the number of guide mechanisms is smaller than that of the cylindrical linear motors, the guide mechanism guiding movement of the shaft members of said cylindrical linear motors, wherein each of the plurality of cylindrical linear motors includes the shaft member different from the shaft member of the other cylindrical linear motors, wherein the guide mechanism is located between the first coupling member and the second coupling member, and wherein the guide mechanism is located inside the arrangement of said cylindrical linear motors in a cross sectional view perpendicular to an axial direction of said cylindrical linear motors.