Patent ID: 11201533

Abstract:
A planar positioning device having three degrees of freedom (X, Y, Rz) includes a static base having a flat bearing surface and a moveable stage. The stage is moveable over the bearing surface in an XY-plane. The moveable stage includes air bearings and is supported without contact by the bearing surface via said air bearings. The device includes a linear motor acting in the X-direction and a linear motor acting in the Y-direction, and at least one additional linear motor acting in the X-direction or in the Y-direction. Each of the linear motors includes a magnet assembly arranged on the moveable stage and a coil assembly arranged on the base. The base includes a slider track extending in the X-direction and a slider track extending in the Y-direction. The sliders each have a reluctance actuator arranged on it to cooperate with (ferro)magnetic material on the moveable stage.