Linear transport system

A method for operating a linear transport system, the linear transport system comprising:

• a movable unit,
• a guide rail configured for guiding the movable unit, and
• a linear motor configured for driving the movable unit along the guide rail;
• wherein the linear motor comprises a stator and a rotor,
• wherein the stator comprises a plurality of motor modules arranged in a stationary manner along the guide rail, each comprising a plurality of drive coils,
• wherein the rotor is arranged on the movable unit and comprises a plurality of magnets, and
• wherein the guide rail is arranged on the motor modules;
• the linear transport system further comprising at least one switch, wherein the switch comprises:
• at least one static retraction element with a retraction motor module and a retraction rail element belonging to the guide rail,
• at least two static extension elements, each having an extension motor module and an extension rail element belonging to the guide rail, and
• an exchange device, wherein the exchange device comprises at least two exchange elements, each having an exchange motor module and an exchange rail element belonging to the guide rail;
• wherein, in a first position of the exchange device, the retraction element is connected to a first extension element via a first exchange element, and,
• in a second position of the exchange device, the retraction element is connected to a second extension element via a second exchange element,
• the method comprising steps of:
• determining a position of an exchange device of the linear transport system;
• selecting a control program based on the position of the exchange device;
• and
• logically switching drive coils of the linear transport system based on the position of eh exchange device.

A switch for a linear transport system, comprising:

• at least one static retraction element having a retraction motor module and a retraction rail element belonging to the guide rail,
• at least two static extension elements having in each case one extension motor module and in each case one extension rail element belonging to the guide rail, and
• an exchange device, wherein the exchange device comprises at least three exchange elements, each having an exchange motor module and a respective exchange rail element belonging to the guide rail;
• and
• at least one static retraction element with a retraction motor module and a retraction rail element belonging to the guide rail,
• at least two static extension elements, each having an extension motor module and an extension rail element belonging to the guide rail, and
• an exchange device;
• wherein in a first position of the exchange device the retraction element is connected to a first extension element via a first exchange element,
• wherein in a second position of the exchange device the retraction element is connected to a second extension element via a second exchange element, and
• wherein in a third position of the exchange device the retraction element is connected to a third extension element via a third exchange element.