Transport System and Method for Controlling a Linear-Motor-Based Transport System

A transport system comprising:

• at least one linear motor including at least one stator having a plurality of coils;
• a controller which is configured to control the at least one stator;
• a transport rotor of the linear motor which, on at least one side, includes a plurality of magnets and a return element, at least two magnets having different magnetic polarities;
• wherein the controller is configured to control the stator such that a longitudinal force is exerted on the transport rotor in a longitudinal direction of the at least one linear motor to effect a linear movement of the transport rotor in the longitudinal direction;
• wherein the controller is further configured to control the at least one stator such that a transverse force which is perpendicular to the longitudinal force is exerted on the transport rotor such that a transverse movement of the transport rotor toward the plurality of coils or away from the plurality of coils is effected to realize a switch functionality;
• and
• wherein a field-varying current has a value of zero while the transverse movement of the transport rotor is being effected.

A method for controlling at least one linear motor for a transport system, the at least one linear motor including a stator having a plurality of coils, the linear motor including a transport rotor having a plurality of magnets on at least one side and a return element, and at least two magnets having different magnetic polarities, the method comprising:

• controlling, by the controller, the at least one stator such that a longitudinal force is exerted on the transport rotor in a longitudinal direction of the linear motor to effect a linear movement of the transport rotor in the longitudinal direction;
• and
• controlling, by the controller, the at least one stator such that a transverse force which is perpendicular to the longitudinal force is exerted on the transport rotor to realize a switch functionality such that a transverse movement of the transport rotor toward the plurality of coils or away from the plurality of coils is effected;
• wherein a field-varying current has a value of zero while the transverse movement of the transport rotor is being effected.