Aspects of the invention provide a transport system powered by short block Linear Synchronous Motors (LSMs). The use of short blocks allows vehicles to move under precise control even when they are in close proximity to each other. The design allows the vehicles to be propelled and guided while negotiating sharp turns and negotiating merge and diverge switches. A coreless LSM can be used to create propulsive force without attractive force so as to allow a relatively high drag vehicle suspension, such as a vehicle sliding on a smooth surface.

Transport system powered by short block linear synchronous motors

The invention provides in some aspects a transport system comprising a guideway having a plurality of regions in which one or more vehicles are propelled, where each such vehicle includes a magnet. Disposed along each region are a plurality of propulsion coils, each comprising one or more turns that are disposed about a common axis, such that the respective common axes of the plurality of coils in that region are (i) substantially aligned with one another, and (ii) orthogonal to a direction in which the vehicles are to be propelled in that region. The plurality of coils of at least one such region are disposed on opposing sides of the magnets of vehicles being propelled along that region so as to exert a propulsive force of substance on those magnets. In at least one other region, the plurality of coils disposed on only a single side of the magnets of vehicles being propelled in that region exert a propulsive force of substance thereon—regardless of whether the plurality of coils in that region are disposed on a single or multiple (e.g., opposing sides) of those magnets.

Linear motor transport for packaging and other uses

Disclosed is a linear motor device provided with a movable member, a stator having coils, and a control system for powering selected coils among the coils in accordance with a position of the movable member. The control system powers only the minimum number of coils contributing to the generation of thrust in relation with the current position of the movable member.

Linear motor device, stage device, and exposure apparatus

A control system for a linear motor adapted to accurately supply a moving window of power to the stator coils. A plurality of individually switched stator coils run the length of a linear motor to move a rotor down the long axis of the stator. Accurate inductive-based position sensors continuously provide position data for the moving rotor. A processing unit calculates a proper time delay from a source voltage peak in order to apply power to the next stator coil in the moving direction of the rotor such that no DC offshoot/undershoot occurs. The linear motor control system optionally includes a failure prevention switching scheme in which pairs of individual stator coils on opposite sides of a double-sided stator are switched together.

Linear position sensing system and coil switching methods for closed-loop control of large linear induction motor systems

In a multicircuit control apparatus (10) including a mechanical main contact (125) and plural semiconductor switching devices such as triacs (13a, --, 13d) each connected in series to the main contact, the main contact is closed by a control circuit 15 prior turning-on of any of the semiconductor switching devices and is also opened by the control circuit 15 after completion of turning-off of all the semiconductor devices.

Multicircuit control apparatus and control method therefor

When the runner of a linear motor having a long stator which is divided into sections crosses from a first section to a second section, an inverter power supply, which was providing current to the first section via a first switching unit having a relay, is initially gated out. Then the main relay contact paths in the first switching unit are opened and main relay contact paths in a second switching unit for the second section are closed. Only then is the power supply gated in again.

Method for switching current to successive sections of the stator of a long linear motor

Bei einem Verfahren zur Umschaltung von aufeinanderfolgenden Speiseabschnitten (10,20,30,40) von Langstatormotoren, bei Versorgung uber Schutze (11, 21, 31, 41) aus einem Frequenzumrichter (1), ist vorgesehen, das beim Wechsel des Laufers vom ersten auf den zweiten Speiseabschnitt zunachst der Frequenzumrichter (1) ausgetastet wird, dann die Hauptkontakte (12) des Versorgungsschutzes (11) fur den ersten Speiseabschnitt (10) geoffnet und die Hauptkontakte (22) des Versorgungsschutzes (21) fur den zweiten Speiseabschnitt (20) geschlossen werden und dann erst wieder der Frequenzumrichter (1) eingetastet wird.

Verfahren zur stromlosen Umschaltung von Speiseabschnitten von Langstatormotoren bei Versorgung aus einem Frequenzumrichter

In a method for switching over successive feed segments (10,20,30,40) of long-stator motors supplied via contactors (11, 21, 31, 41) from a frequency converter (1), it is provided that when the rotor changes from the first to the second feed segment, first the frequency converter (1) is gated off, then the main contacts (12) of the supply contactor (11) for the first feed segment (10) are opened and the main contacts (22) of the supply contactor (21) for the second feed segment (20) are closed and only then the frequency converter (1) is gated on again. … …

Bernhard Dipl.-Ing. Nipper

Papers

Method for switching current to successive sections of the stator of a long linear motor

Verfahren zur stromlosen Umschaltung von Speiseabschnitten von Langstatormotoren bei Versorgung aus einem Frequenzumrichter

Method for electroless changeover switching of supply-segments of long stator motors supplied through a frequency converter