Linear motor with a plurality of stages independently movable on the same path

摘要

A motor controller produces independent first and second drive power signals for independent application to first and second linear motor stages movable on the same path. Each armature winding in the path is connected to a first switch receiving the first drive power and to a second switch receiving the second drive power. A first switch control device associated with the first linear motor stage actuates the first switches in its vicinity, while leaving the remaining first switches unactuated. A second switch control device associated with the second linear motor stage actuates the second switches in its vicinity, while leaving the remaining second switches unactuated. Each linear motor stage has an encoder associated with it to inform the motor controller of its position and/or motion.