Proposal of a Transverse Type Z-θ Actuator

Abstract

　A 2-degree-of-freedom (2-DOF) linear-rotary (Z-θ) actuator can realize a linear motion (Z-axis) and rotary motion (θ-axis). It is expected that the positioning accuracy of a 2-DOF mechanism can be increased and the size and weight can be reduced. However, previous Z-θ actuators have many current phases or complicated structures. In this paper, a transverse type Z-θ actuator which is driven by 6 phase currents and has a simple structure is proposed. The operational principle is investigated by a magnetic field analysis using the 3-D finite element method.