| Linear Motor |      -> 

| Tubular Linear Motor | Servo Controller | Applications | Overview |
| Linear Step(Pluse) Motor | coming soon
| Core/Coreless Linear Motor | coming soon

¡¡

¡¡

 

Tubular Linear Overview 

¡¡

Linear Motors LinMot P
LinMot P is a family of highly dynamic electro-magnetic direct drives. Acceleration rates of over 200 m/s2 make cyclic movement at several Hertz possible. The fully integrated position sensors and bearings as well as its solid construction make LinMot P a novel industrial motion control element. For the user, the linear motor consists of just two parts: the fixed stator and the moveable slider. These two parts are not connected by slip rings or by cables. In principal, since the LinMot P performs the linear stroke directly without the use of mechanical gears, belts or ball screws, there is no wear or mechanical play. Together with LinMot E servo controllers, LinMot P linear motors offer a modern mechatronic drive system. Novel machine constructions are made possible since, when using LinMot P linear motors, linear motion can be implemented decentrally on the basis of programmable single-function units. LinMot P linear motors are typically used in applications where fast setting, lifting and sliding movements are necessary, as found in mounting, packing, textile and handling machines . Alongside complex servo applications, LinMot P drives can be used as an alternative to conventional pneumatic cylinders. Independence of compressed air and easy positionability lead, depending on the application, to lower system and operational costs.
 
Construction
LinMot P linear motors consist of a slider and a stator. In the stator, the main parts of the motor, including windings, bearings and sensors for position detection and temperature monitoring, are integrated into a stable metal cylinder. All elements are moulded into the stator and are therefore optimally protected against damage and dirt. The slider consists of a stainless steel tube in which the magnets are fitted. The sliders have a drilled hole at each end with an inside thread for the attachment of loads. In operation, the slider is guided by slide bearings integrated in the stator. There are no electronic connections between stator and slider. Position detection is done on a contact-free basis using magnetic field sensors in the stator. The linear motors are delivered with a nine-pole cable with an appropriate connector for connection to LinMot E servo controllers.
   
Mode of operation
LinMot P linear motors are two-phase synchronous motors with permanent magnet-excitation, integrated bearings, position sensors and temperature monitoring. Linear motion is generated directly by electromechanical forces without any additional, wear-prone mechanical elements. Extremely dynamic movement processes can thus be implemented using LinMot P linear motors in the simplest possible way and without the use of additional components. In the same way as in rotating synchronous motors, permanent magnets are used in the slider (cf. rotor) and windings in the stator to create force. Due to their special construction and a different arrangement of the permanent magnets, the linear motion is produced directly by electro-mechanical forces (see illustrations a - c below).
   
Stroke / force characteristics
The maximum force offered by a LinMot P linear motor is determined by its construction and is dependent on the position of the slider in the stator. The maximum force curve is symmetric to the centre of the movement range, the so-called Zero Position ZP. If the distance between the end of the stator and the end of the slider is equal to the Zero Position ZP of the motor, the slider is at the centre of its movement range. The Zero Position ZP can be found in the data sheet of each linear motor and is different for each motor. In the SS (shortened stroke) range, the slider's drive magnets are wholely inside the active part of the stator. This provides optimum force generation and a constant maximum force over the whole SS- stroke range. The more the slider moves away from the SS-stroke range, the fewer of its magnets are in the active part of the stator. This means that the maximum and effective forces are reduced linearly as the end of the stroke range S is approached.
 
   
Further, the maximum force is dependent on the supply voltage. In the stroke - force diagram, the maximum force is shown for various supply voltages in dependence of slider position.
Tip: Choose operational ranges to be symmetrical to the Zero Point ZP of the motor, as the linear motor develops its greatest force in this area.
   
Stroke - Time diagram
The stroke-time diagram provides information on the minimum travelling times for a horizontal point-to-point motion in dependence of varying load mass. A sinusoidal motion is assumed. In the Position-Time diagram, all factors influencing particular linear motors such as motor reverse voltage, slider mass, or bearing friction are considered. The values shown in the diagram cover the time taken from the definition of a new positional set-point up to standstill at the target position. Should the travelling times read from the diagrams be at the limit for a particular application or too short, the actual performance should be ascertained by performing practical tests in agreement with the supplier. Only in this manner can all application-specific influencing factors (additional friction in bearings, thermal boundary conditions etc.) be taken into account. If a linear motor is to move a load mass 45 mm, the time taken between the definition of the set-point and standstill at the target position is, according to the example in the diagram, about 52 ms.
   
Limits of performance and thermal behaviour
The limit of performance of a linear motor is defined for short-time operation by the maximum force and maximum speed of the slider alone. In cyclic operation with sufficient standstill periods, these are the only factors that limit performance. As soon as a constant force is to be provided and / or standstill periods are not wanted, however, the continuous force of the linear motor is the criterion for defining limits of performance. The continuous force of a linear motor depends on the power dissipation and the maximum allowable operating temperature. This is itself basically dependent on ambient temperature and the cooling and mounting of the motor. The data sheets show the continuous force of linear motors fitted with a standard flange and without additional cooling. Using forced cooling of the linear motor with a ventilator the continuous force available can be doubled.
   
Behaviour when overloaded or jammed
One of the main advantages of LinMot P drives is that the motors are not subject to damage when jammed by foreign bodies etc. pre-determined breaking points or slip couplings are not necessary in such situations for the protection of sensitive cog wheels, gearboxes and axles. When jams or overload occur, LinMot?E servo controllers issue user-definable error signals, which can be used by the overlaid controller to initiate appropriate action. Similarly, thermal overload of the linear motors is detected and thus taken care of.
   
Mounting the linear motors
Linear motors are mounted by clamping over the largest possible surface in the stator's mounting zone. The size of the clamping surface, together with the heat-sink capability of the motor mounting has a direct influence on the loading capacity of the motor. Mounting flanges with the designation "PF01" which guarantee optimum mounting are available for all motor types.
 
Load connection
The sliders of the linear motors have at their ends boreholes with an inside thread for the attachment of loads. When attaching the load, only that end of the slider next to the load may be held by a spanner. Using a locating hole, the end of the slider can be connected to the load by clamping (see construction handbook). The stators of the linear motors are fitted with integrated slide bearings. These are primarily designed as bearings for the slider itself. The load must have external guides and thus it's own bearings. When attaching loads, constructional care must be taken to prevent over-defined bearings and to compensate for errors in parallelism (compensation coupling, precise alignment of motors and external guides). Lateral forces on the slider, which can occur when loads are improperly attached, lead to a reduction of the service life of the linear motors.
   
Power supply voltage
In the tables on the LinMot P drives, technical data is specified for various supply voltages. This information refers to the supply voltage of the LinMot E servo controllers. Basically, a higher supply voltage offers higher peak force and therefore a more dynamic operation of the drives. The maximum continuous force is, however, limited by power dissipation and is not dependent on supply voltage.

The LinMot P family of linear drives replace a large number of mechanical components.
   
Product lines and their designation
LinMot? P linear motors are available in four product lines P01-23x80, P01-23x120, P01-37x120 and P01-23x240. The different product lines are primarily distinguished by their different stroke ranges, maximum force and mechanical dimensions. The stators are identical in any particular product line.
The following example shows how the designation scheme works:
The P02 heavy-duty implementation has sliders whose surfaces are coated on a titanium basis exhibiting a microhardness of 2300 HV 0.05. Design and mechanical dimensions are identical with the P01 series.

The P02 series has the following advantages:

  • More resistant against dirt, especially when in contact with abrasive materials.
  • Generally longer service life under critical conditions.

    The use of the heavy-duty version is recommended when:
  • Drive servicing is difficult.
  • Working environment is dirty.
  •    
    Forced Cooling
    The continuous force of the linear motors is basically dependent on their cooling. The values for continuous force quoted in the data sheets can be substantially increased by forced cooling using a ventilator. If linear motors mounted with a standard flange are additionally cooled by a ventilator, they can be operated at double the continuous force in an air current of 2 m/s (see data sheets).
       
    Initialisation
    After the servo controllers are switched on, positional initialisation has to be acquired in the form of a homing run to find the zero position. The user can configure the initialisation. The following initialisation modi are available:
    Actual position:
    The actual position at the start of the initialisation procedure is taken as being the zero position, without moving the slider.
     
    Auto move out:
    The slider of the linear motor is moved out during initialisation until a stop is reached. This position is set as the zero position.
    Auto move in:
    The slider of the linear motor is moved inwards during initialisation until a stop is reached. This position is set as the zero position.
    Trig move in / trig move out
    The slider of the linear motor is moved in or out until the trigger signal of an external sensor goes from 0 to logical 1. The position reached at the positive transition of the trigger signal is taken as the zero point.
    Turn left / turn right
    The stepping motor turns to the right or to the left until the trigger signal of an external sensor goes from 0 to logical 1. The current position is taken as the zero point. After the initialisation is completed, it can be checked if the slider of the linear motor can be moved freely over the whole of the range of movement necessary. Initialisation faults or jammed sections lead automatically to the sending of appropriate error messages to the overlaid control system.
       
    Motors with Hollow Sliders
    Series P01-37x120 and P01-37x240 linear motors are also available with hollow sliders. These motors have a 6mm diameter concentric hole through the slider. In this way, constructions for handling machines using pneumatic or vacuum gripping devices can be realised in a minimum of space, whereby the linear motor's hollow slider is used for the air or vacuum supply.
    If electronic sensors or actors are moved together with the linear motor, their cables can be fed through the slider and connected to the electronics. Expensive and space-wasting constructions for cabling near to the moving parts can thus be avoided. The motors do not differ in their external dimensions from the standard types.


    The following linear motors are available with hollow sliders:

    Designation Part number
    P01-37x120/20x100-L 0150-1175
    P01-37x120/80x160-L 0150-1176
    P01-37x120/180x260-L 0150-1177
    P01-37x240/100x100-L 0150-1178
    P01-37x240/40x160-L 0150-1179
    P01-37x240/60x260-L 0150-1180

       
    Environmental Conditions
    The stable stator housing, which contains all electronic components, allows the linear motors to be used in raw environments. The magnetic measurement system for position detection guarantees reliable operation even in very dirty environments.
    LinMot linear motors are waterproof and can be even used under water if the appropriate connectors are used. Use in very moist environments, underwater use or use in contact with aggressive fluids or gasses should only take place after consultation with the supplier.

    Several stators on the same slider allow several independent linear motions in tight spaces.

    The sliders of long-stroke motors protrude on both sides of the stator, which is open at both ends.
       
    Use in Clean Rooms
    The certificate no. FM9805-3475 from the Fraunhofer Institute in Stuttgart attests the suitability of the motors for use in class 1 clean rooms for speeds of movement up to 0.45 m/s and class 10 for speeds of movement up to 1.2 m/s. Measurements were performed to US Fed. Standard 209E.
       
    Motor Selection Guide