초록 ▼

A path module for a linear motor, for use with a linear motor stage, includes switching sensors and encoder sensors. The switching sensors energize only those armature windings that are within the magnetic influence of the linear motor stage. The stage carries an encoder magnet having magnetic zones

A path module for a linear motor, for use with a linear motor stage, includes switching sensors and encoder sensors. The switching sensors energize only those armature windings that are within the magnetic influence of the linear motor stage. The stage carries an encoder magnet having magnetic zones of alternating polarity. The encoder magnet has a length D. An encoder sensor in one path module is separated from its nearest counterpart in an adjacent path module by no more than the distance D. In the preferred embodiment, each path module has three encoder sensors spaced D/2 apart, and the outer ones of the three encoder sensors are spaced D/4 from their mating ends, whereby, when adjacent path modules are assembled, closest encoder sensors in adjacent modules are spaced D/2 apart.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A linear motor comprising:a path;said path being a plurality of path modules assembled end to end;each of said path modules containing a plurality of armature windings therein;a stage movable on said path;said stage including a plurality of permanent magnets facing said a

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A linear motor comprising:a path;said path being a plurality of path modules assembled end to end;each of said path modules containing a plurality of armature windings therein;a stage movable on said path;said stage including a plurality of permanent magnets facing said armature windings;said armature windings being energizeable in a sequence effective to drive said stage on said path;a switching magnet movable with said stage;a plurality of magnetically actuated switching sensors, one per armature winding, spaced along said path at a spacing substantially equal to a spacing of said armature windings;a plurality of switches each controlled by one of said switching sensors for applying energy to its respective armature windings;said switching magnet controlling substantially all of said armature windings which are within a magnetic influence of permanent magnets on said stage; andmeans for electrically connecting power to all of said plurality of switches when said path modules are connected together, whereby all of said plurality of switches receive power, but only those switches controlled by switching sensors within said magnetic influence are turned on, and all other switches remain off, with their armature windings deenergized.